Kaieteur News

vows to ‘finish with support from Trump

Surinamese given

support exploration activities the job’

Omai secures US$25.3M to at its gold project in Guyana

EPA kicks off 60-days comments period on Exxon’s 7th project without publishing environmental study

your conscience’ Guyana

recorded over of child abuse

4,000 cases last year

Soldiers told to ‘vote

triumphs in stiff competition to win first soca monarch title

- Kyra walks away with junior crown

…Guyana, others score

below 50 on global corruption index

Oil-rich nations struggle with corruption

Diana Chapman

Surinamesegivenoptionstoinvestinfirstoil project

St a a t s o l i e

Maatschappij

Suriname N.V, the state-ownedoilcompanyhas launchedanewbondtoraise at least US$250 million and EUR50milliontohelpfund thecountry’sparticipationin its first oil project, the GranMorguoffshoreoilfield inBlock58.

Theofficiallaunchofthe bond issuance took place on 31January2025.

The Staatsolie Bond

2025-2033, which is available in both US dollars andeuros,takeseffecton23 March 2025, and has an eight-yearterm.Theinterest rate is set at 7.75% for the US$bondand7.25%forthe EURbond.

Local investors can participate from as little as US$100 or EUR 100, a strategy that makes it accessibletoasmanypeople in Suriname as possible Staatsolie said for larger investors residing in Suriname, Curaçao, or Sint Maarten, a denomination of US$30,000isavailable.

The subscription period runs from February 3 to February 25, with allocation on 10 March. Payments can be made from March 10 to

March18. According to the Suriname oil company, “Subscribing is made very accessible and can be done online or at any bank in Suriname. The subscription form and all relevant details c a n b e f o u n d a t wwwstaatsolieobligatie co m. De Surinaamsche Bank

…locals can invest as little as US$100

company has also set aside cash reserves for the GranMorgu investment

Anotherkeyobjectiveofthis bondissuanceistorefinance the Staatsolie Bonds 20202025 and 2020-2027, which previously raised US$ 195 million to support the 20202 0 2 7 i n v e s t m e n t programme.”

The GranMorgu project will develop the Sapakara a n d K r a b d a g u o i l discoveries, on which a successful exploration and appraisal campaign was completedin2023.

The fields are located 150 km off the coast of Su

Managing Director Staatsolie, Annand Jagesar (right) and other Staatsolie officials

(DSB) is the lead arranger for this bond issuance. The bonds will be publicly tradable on the Dutch Caribbean Securities Exchange (DCSX) and the Suriname Stock Exchange (SSX).”

In its production-sharing contract with TotalEnergies, the operator of Block 58, it was agreed that Staatsolie

willtakeuptoa20%stakein the first-ever offshore oil field in Suriname, the GranMorgu.

The name “GranMorgu” meansboth“newdawn”and “Goliath grouper” in Sranan Tongo,thelocallanguage.

The total investment for the project is estimated at US$12 2 billion, with Staatsolie’sshareamounting toUS$2.4billion.

The Suriname oil company explained, “The proceeds from this bond issuance will help Staatsolie finance its portion, reducing theneedforbankloans.The

estimatedatover750million barrels.

First oil at the project is expected by 2028 TotalEnergies said in its Final Investment Decision (FID).

The project includes 220,000barrelsofoilperday Floating Production Storage andOffloading(FPSO)unit.

TotalEnergies is the operator of Block 58 with a 50%interest,alongsideAPA Corporation(50%).

Suriname’s oil deal includes a 6.25 % royalty; a profit split formula that allowsthecountrytobenefit from higher oil prices and a stabletaxrateof36%.

GUYANAVS SURINAME

Guyana’s oil deal has been compared to the newcomer in the past by Managing Director Staatsolie, Annand Jagesar, who highlighted the low returns Guyana accepted in its Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with ExxonMobil and partners This includes a measly 2% royalty, no taxes and 50% profit split after 75% is deducted by Exxon for costs.

Jagesarmadeitclearthat Suriname’s position is that “…everybodyhastosurvive inthispartnership.”

In the meantime, Guyana’sChiefPolicymaker for the oil and gas sector, Bharrat Jagdeo previously admitted that Suriname has better terms in their agreement than Guyana’s 2016agreement.

Jagdeo in laying blame ontheformeradministration for the 2016 oil deal noting thathisgovernmentfixedthe deal by addressing the nonfiscaltermssothatGuyanese can benefit more from the sector

“Wesoughttofixthisby getting more benefits from the contract through the LocalContentLaw,theGasto-Energyprojectsothatwe

Continued on page 9

EPA kicks off 60-days comments period on Exxon’s 7th project without publishing environmental study

TheEnvironmental

P r o t e c t i o n Agency(EPA)on Sunday announced the commencementofa60-days comments period on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) it said was submitted by the developer,

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) for a

s e v e n t h p r o j e c t , Hammerhead.

Although the comments period legally commenced on February 16, 2025, accordingtoaNotice by the regulator, the documents whichthepublicisexpected to submit comments on, were not made available on

the EPA’s website on Sunday

InitsNoticepublishedin Kaieteur News,theregulator said, “In accordance with Section 11(10) of the Environmental Protection Act,Cap.20:05(asamended in 2005) Laws of Guyana, members of the public have sixty(60)daysfromthedate of publication of this Notice (February 16, 2025), to review said EIA/EIS and makewrittensubmissionsto the Environmental

Map showing the location of the Hammerhead project offshore Guyana

Protection Agency as they considerappropriate.”

Comments should be addressed to the Executive Director, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street,Sophia,Georgetown.

ABOUT HAMMERHEAD

In the Project Summary

submitted by Exxon to the EPA,thecompanyexplained thattheprojectisexpectedto add 120,000 to 180,000 barrels of oil per day production capacity The Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel will be capable of storing approximately 1.4 to

Hess extends support for Guyana-Mount Sinai national healthcare initiative

Global energy company, Hess Corporationhasextendeditssupportforthe Government of Guyana’s national healthcare initiative, which is being implemented collaboratively with the MountSinaiHealthSystem.

President,Dr MohamedIrfaanAlimade the announcement during the sod turning ceremony for the $11.4 billion, new West Demerara Hospital at Vreed-en-Hoop last Friday Laterthisyear,Guyanawithsupport from Mount Sinai, will begin work to establish a modern oncology centre, which according to President Ali, will become operationalby2027.

“We’re not only looking at diagnostics but building facilities for treatment,” the headofstateunderscored.

In 2022, the Minister of Health, Dr FrankAnthonyonbehalfofthegovernment, enteredintoanagreementwithMountSinai and Hess Corporation, to improve the qualityofandaccesstohealthcareforallof thenation’speople.

Under this programme, the government willreceivetoptierassistanceindeveloping high quality primary care, specialised services in cardiology and oncology, and improvements to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. This work will be funded jointly by Hess Corporation and the GuyaneseGovernment.

The partnership is bearing fruit, as PresidentAlirevealedthatdiscussionshave

beeninitiatedwithMountSinai,todevelopa moduletobuildGuyana’srehabilitationcare centresacrossthecountry

“Becausemanytimesbedsareoccupied in hospitals, space is occupied whereby the patients does not necessarily need to be in that hospital but require rehabilitative care... So, we are not sleeping, we are addressing health care in a holistic way,” hehighlighted.

Under this partnership too, the governmentisworkingtodevelopelectronic medical records (EMR) for Guyana’s healthcare system. The goal is to improve patientcareandsafety,andtomakeiteasier for patients to access their health information.

MinisterAnthonyhadnotedthatthefirst phaseofthisprojectwillbeimplementedat the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and will gradually expandtootherinstitutions.

Hess Corporation is a leading global independentenergycompanyengagedinthe explorationand productionof crudeoiland naturalgas.Thecompanyisrecognizedasan industryleaderinenvironmental,socialand governance performance and disclosure Hess extended its support for another three years Meanwhile, Mount Sinai Health System is one of the largest academic medicalsystemsintheNewYorkmetroarea, with years of expertise in the healthcare sector (DPI)

approximately 160 km from Georgetown. Current plans include drilling via drill ships to produce oil using approximately 14 to 30 production and injection wells.

Productionisexpectedto begin in 2029 subject to the

approvals and operate for at least20years.

HAMMERHEAD LAWSUIT

In December 2024, Kaieteur News reportedthat two citizens filed legal action against the EPA for failingtoensuretheimpacts f

development is properly assessed

w, MelindaJanki,TimPrudhoe,

2millionbarrelsofoil.

Third-party oil tankers will be scheduled to offload the oil from the FPSO, making the oil available for export to the international market.

Hammerhead is located in the south-central portion of the Stabroek Block,

Following the filing of that legal EPAon January 9, 2025 announced that it amended the Terms and Scope for the seventh oil project. It said the Terms and Scope(T&S)wasupdatedto specifically include Scope 3 emissions, following further feedbackfromstakeholders. K a i e t e u r N e w s understandsthatthematteris stillbeforetheCourt.

representing the plaintiffs, Wintress Morris and Joy Marcus. In a statement, the citizens explained that the EPA issued a Terms of Reference (TOR) for the H a m m e r h e a d Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which does not take into account theimpactofgreenhousegas pollution from burning the associated oil and gas from theproposeddevelopment. AccordingtoMorrisand Marcus, their lawyer, Melinda Janki had written several letters to the Executive Director of the Agency, Kemraj Parsram, remindinghimthattheTOR for the Hammerhead EIA must identify, describe and evaluate the direct and indirecteffectsoftheproject. T h e y n o t e d t h e i r disappointment that the Executive Director ignored theirlawyer’slettersanddid not correct the terms of referencefortheEIA.

Hammerhead

KaieteurNews

PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS

Tel:225-8465,225-8491. Fax:225-8473,226-8210

EDITORIAL

The Corruption Report

Last week anti-corruption watchdog,

TransparencyInternationaldelivereditsannual reportoncorruptionacrosstheworld.

This report provides a good insight into the individual countries’ fight against the scourge and also highlights someofthemainissuesaffectingthem.Thereportamong other things stated that the state of Guyana has been capturedbytheeconomicandpoliticalelites,whichfosters misappropriation of resources, illicit enrichment and environmental crimes. The report also indicated that Guyana has lost ground in the fight against corruption movingfrom40pointslastyearto39thisyear,rankingit92 outof180countriesontheCorruptionPerceptionIndex.

‘In Guyana, state capture by economic and political elites fosters misappropriation of resources, illicit enrichmentandanenvironmentalcrime,”theTransparency International report said. It added: “Although the country has created anti-corruption institutions and laws, transparencyandlawenforcementisverylow,andattacks ondissentingvoices,activistsandjournalistsincreasingly common,”thebodystatedinitsreport.

PresidentIrfaanAliwasoutoftheblocksearly,sparing notimetodenouncethereport.Indismissingthefindings thatlawenforcementagainstcorruptionisweakinGuyana, Ali said: “Well, I don’t know that enforcement is low I knowwehavethebestenforcementintheregion.”Further, hepushedbackagainstinternationalbodyfindingsarguing that there is no transparency in how the report itself is compiled He said, “You see, the problem with TransparencyInternationalandtheperceptionindicatorsis thatthereareanumberofproblems.One,whoisitthatthey interview,theyhavetogoin-depth.”Thenhewentfurther, saying“there’saseriouspoliticalbiasforthese…wehave to bring accountability to these indicators because when they come here, if you are interviewing someone with a bias,ifyou’reinterviewingsomeonewithapoliticalmotive orapoliticalagenda,whatdoyouexpecttoget?”hestated.

DespitethePresident’sassertions,formanyGuyanese, thisassessmentbytheorganisationisnotsurprising.

There is corruption in high and low places in this government.WearenearingthefifthyearofthePPP/Cin government, which has provided a reality check in this regard for Guyanese. Despite the promises made by the PPP/C during the 2020 elections campaign, not much has beendonetochangethemindsofGuyanesethattheyarea betterbunchthantheAPNU/AFC.

The same old malady that afflicted it during the 23 yearsitwasingovernmentpriorto2015continuestofester Corruptioninhighandlowplacescannotbeseparatedfrom the PPP/C and the recent revelations by the United States Government, which sanctioned one of the party’s young high flyers confirmed what everyone had been talking aboutforyears.

One of the distinctive elements of this publication’s dailyoutputovertheyearshasbeentherelentlessfocusof corruptioninGuyana.

This has incurred the wrath of more than one government. Over the years, national leaders have never ceased in their efforts to disagree with allegations and reports of massive corruption. Leadership disagreement has been vicious, with little energy spared to go after corruptplayersandthecostlypracticesthathaveresulted. Like a cancer, corruption has infiltrated and then spread acrossGuyana,sickeningtheentiresociety

The ordinary Guyanese has a strong perception that corruption is strangling this country, but little else. US officials and local organisations and other international bodies have warned in nuanced diplomatic language that there is a dire need for serious work to be initiated to address the damage of widespread corruption, which is evidentintheTIreport. TherealityinGuyanaisthatthere have been almost zero charges laid and prosecutions followingforglaringbreachesofthelawwhenthefriends andagentsofthePPP/CGovernmentareinvolved.

We must remain relentless in our endeavours to enlighten our citizens

DEAREDITOR

Regarding the issue of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali attending the inauguration of the Lord

Badrinaath Ashram, Spring Garden,Region2,andwhich

criticisms and derogatory comments by some in society,Iwishtoremindthat Guyana is a secular country

encompassing culture, religionandethnicity

That said, President Ali was not elected through an Islamic slate or from any Religiouslist.

AsHead-of-State,hehas every right, once requested, to participate in public

otherwise, that is in keeping withhisoffice.

While Guyana is not without challenges, both historically and current, generally, it is known for its

enviable sense of religious tolerance. This is glaringly evident in the public participation of all ethnic groups in national religious festivals like Easter, Phagwah, Diwali, Eid and Christmas.

This has been the bedrock of the tolerance we have seen over time and which has been fully incorporated within our institutions of learning as seenthroughparticipationin “CultureDay”andeventsfor the observances of national religiousholidays.

Similarly, this is further demonstrated in many work places across the country, both Public and Private Sectors, where a sense of prideisimbuedtoparticipate and reflect on each other’s culture,ofwhichreligionisa majorcomponent.

Our Heads of State have been steadfast in their participation in such events.

President Ali’s predecessor,

President David Granger, a d e v o u t C h r i s t i a n , participatedintheplayingof Phagwah and had members of the Hindu community engaged in Chowtal singing andhostedaDiwaliUtsavat StateHousewhileinOffice. Those are mere examples fromaplethorawhichspace wouldbeaconstraintforme tolist.

I believe that the participation of these officials in such events not only demonstrates our c o u n t r y ’s s e c u l a r characteristic exemplified especially by the Head-ofState, but promotes appreciation for other religions. This is invaluable to fostering our enviable sense of tolerance as aptly reflected in our national motto; “One People, One Nation,OneDestiny.”

This is built upon by President Ali’s One Guyana initiativetostrengthenbonds of brotherhood and

Ethnicity, corruption and

DEAREDITOR

‘What is to be feared is not so much the immorality of the great as the fact that immorality may lead to greatness. In a democracy, privatecitizensseeamanof their own rank in life who rises from that obscure position in a few years to riches and power; the spectacle excites their surprise and envy, and they are led to inquire how a person who was yesterday their equal today is their ruler. To attribute his rise to his talents or his virtues is unpleasant,foritistacitlyto acknowledge that they are themselves less virtuous or less talented than he was. They are therefore led, and often rightly, to impute his success mainly to some of his vices; and an odious connection is thus formed between the ideas of turpitude and power, unworthiness and success, utility and dishonour ’ (Alexis de Tocqueville (1835) ‘Democracy in America,’ Vol. 1, Vintage, NewYork).

This kind of ‘odious connection’iswidespreadin G u y a n a a s i s d e

Tocqueville’s other observation that ‘There is corruption on the part of the candidate who pays for the votes of the voter’

Generally, today corruption is considered a major cause of underdevelopment and autocratic governance, and

Guyana’s historical problematical ethnic political environment providesfertilegroundforit to flourish Two large minority ethnic groups and their political parties now dominate the political scene and no constitutional or other reform efforts have thus far succeeded in devising a political system that adequately reconciles majority rule and minority rights. There exists a stultifying winner-takes-all governance arrangement and the most marginal, usually manufactured, majoritarian victory results in unilateral autocratic ethnicrule.

T r a n s p a r e n c y International (IT) defines corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, and it is to be found in both the public and private sectors. As in Guyana, the abuseofpublicpowerisnot necessarily only for one’s private benefit but may also be for the benefit of one’s party, class, race, friends, family,etc.

For some time, corruption has been consideredoneofthebiggest threats to humanity because it distorts economic growth, lowers foreign direct investment, and decreases productivity at the level of the firm due to inefficient allocationsofcontracts.Itis said to also lead to the reduction of voluntary

sisterhood and the furtherance of tolerance and harmony. This, I believe, is what Heads of State are expected to do within the contextoutline. It is therefore most unfortunatethatsomewould view President Ali’s participation in the inauguration of the Lord Shiva Statue in Region 2, through a myopic and partisan lens. Rather than accentuating its positives and using it as another opportunity to foster tolerance and peace, regrettably, their position is counterproductive to such effortsfromallinvolved.

We must therefore remain relentless in our endeavours to enlighten our citizens on these issues, an enlightenmentwhichisvital for better understanding and which leads to appreciation andtolerance.

Regards NeazSubhan

governance’

contributions, increase inequality, facilitate brain d r a i n a n d c r e a t e inefficiencies in the sports sector As noted by de Tocqueville, research now indicates that corruption undermines a community’s public perception, triggers an atrophy of general and political trust, provides an incubator for general crime, dilutes societal norms and values, and distorts both competition and innovation.

(The Nature of Corruption:

An Interdisciplinary Perspective. Eugen Dimant & Thorben Schulte published online by CambridgeUniversityPress, 2019).

T r a n s p a r e n c y International’s Corruption Perceptions Index 2024 reinforces the above scenario by arguing that ‘Corruption is an evolving global threat that does far more than undermine development – it is a key cause of declining democracy, instability and humanrightsviolations.The international community and every nation must make tacklingcorruptionatopand long-term priority This is crucial to pushing back againstauthoritarianismand securingapeaceful,freeand sustainableworld.’ Usingassociatedindices, the 2024 Index downgraded and severely criticised Guyana’s performance. ‘In 2012 Guyana was only

awarded 28 of the available 100 points and was still below 30 points when the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) lost government in 2015 By the time the APNU+AFC coalition was removed from government in2020,Guyanapositionon the Index was improved to 41 points only to again join the downward trajectory under the incoming PPP government: gaining 39 pointsin2024.Guyananow ranks92outof180countries but as was pointed out ‘A country’srankisitsposition relativetotheothercountries in the index. Ranks can changemerelyifthenumber of countries included in the index changes. The rank is thereforenotasimportantas the score in terms of indicating the level of corruptioninthatcountry.’ Furthermore, facilitating the odious connection identifiedbydeTocqueville, the 2024 Report observed that ‘In Guyana (39) state captured by economic and political elites has led to resource misappropriation, illicit enrichment and environmental crimes ’ Interestingly, the report indicated that ‘[A]lthough thecountryhascreatedanticorruption institutions and laws, transparency and law enforcement are very low, and attacks on dissenting voices, activists and journalistsincreasingly (Continuedonpage06)

Opinion Polling on Party Support Explained Transforming Guyana into AWorld-Class Economy

DEAREDITOR

,

Routinely, over the last several decades this writer presented on media the viewsofthepubliconissues that fall within ‘the political’ This included support for political parties andratingsofgovernmentas wellaspoliticiansandviews onvariedissues.Theprocess of obtaining the data ( q u a l i t a t i v e a n d quantitative) for preelection is called political survey or opinion polling, anditistheprimarywaythat ‘one’ (including politicians and government) can obtain information (data) on what the public think about government, parties, and politicians and what it wants The person who conducts the poll is called a pollster InIndia,theprocess iscalled‘psephology’.

A survey can be commissioned for a private ‘entity’ or for the public (done for the public interest andfindingsreleasedviathe media with numbers and or qualitative description) Politicians (especially in developedcountries)tendto use the data to tailor their election campaign or adopt legislation accordingly to theviewsofthepublic.

In third world, as in Guyana, if politicians don’t likethefindings,theyattack it directly or through paid agents.Americanpoliticians (and those in developed countries) run their campaigns based on polling data and generally don’t abusepollsters.

There are two types of polling — ‘straw’ which may not be reflective of the views of the entire population and ‘scientific’ which is largely accurate as per the experience of pollstersandsocialscientists over the last seventy-five years.Theformerisdoneby asking anyone (a large number of people) for their viewswhilethelatterisdone by asking a representative group of the public for their views through a method called random sampling

The former is not taken seriously while politicians dependonthelattertomake decisions on their political future or to conduct campaign Once done properly, the technique of random sampling will producefindingsofasurvey that is representative of the population on any question asked.Differentsocietyuses a different method of random sampling (how the person to be interviewed is chosen) and of polling (in person interviewing,

telephone, internet, etc )

This writer never utilized strawpolling.

The scientific random s a m p l e m u s t b e representative of class, age, education, race, religion, and other demographic factors It can be done throughaspokespersonfora family or an individual; American pollsters use the individual Through scientific method, determinedbythepollster,a sampleofafewhundredcan be accepted as representing the views of hundreds of thousands or hundreds of millions depending on the nature of the society In USA,forexample,asample of between four hundred to fifteenhundred,afractionof one percent, is used to represent a voting populationof250million.In India,afewthousandisused for a voting population of overabillion.

In Guyana, a few hundreds is sufficient to reflect the views of all. Detractors (idiots) said one needs to interview 20% of thepopulation.

Afractionofapercentas a representative sample is goodinGuyana.

There are hardly any known degree programs in polling, but almost every (American) university that has a graduate (doctoral degree) programme in political science (or sociology) has required courses in statistics under which polling is taught or studied. Some universities havepollinginstitutes.

This writer along with Baytoram Ramharack and KesterAlvesstudiedpolling at NYU Department of Pol Sci. This writer also took coursesinstatisticsatCCNY

(Economics) and CUNY

D o c t o r a l C e n t e r (Sociology), studying how polls are conducted and doingrequiredfieldworkto masterthetechnique.

It was Dr Ramharack who pioneered opinion polling in Guyana around 1990, ably supported by Ravi Dev, Vassan Raracha, Rennie Ramracha, myself (Vishnu Bisram) and a few others, all of us being political activists clamoring for FFE Social science surveys and research were conducted in Guyana long before then, but scientific polling on political and electoral matters were first started by Ramharack’s Turkeyen Research and Polling Institute (TRPI) This institute did multiple surveys.

The findings of surveys publishedinmediabyTRPI were brutally attacked and belittled by those who did not think the poll accurately presented support for the partiestheysupported.

ThethenoppositionPPP found the polls credible and cited them in calling for the holding of free and fair elections.

There were also other detractors who never did surveys,nottillthisday One critic at UG who claimed that since he was not consulted, lambasted the pollsters and pronounced thatthefindingsofthepolls were contrived He questioned whether surveys were actually done since he was not interviewed. TRPI becamedysfunctionalaftera few years and surveys discontinued. Meanwhile, a group of educators out of USA founded NACTA, conceived by Vassan Ramracha, that conducted

hundreds of surveys in Guyana, Trinidad, Grenada, Tobago, Antigua, St. Lucia, St Kitts, and elsewhere duringthe1990stillthisday

Both TRPI and NACTA were largely self-funded with occasional grants from sponsors who like the work of the pollsters and who don’t have political axe to grind Polls were also commissioned by media houseslikeSNandNGOs.

Sampling is like an ‘odds’ or lottery game; a person may or may not be selected to be interviewed. Theoddsofbeingselectedis verylow Criticswhoarenot interviewed and who may have scores to settle may make a claim that a survey was not conducted. It is a regularcriticismbyacouple of discredited individuals in Guyanaandinathirdworld society with a handful of critics of a low, third world mentality

Scholars and the more educated, as in the USA, thinkdifferently Noneofthe critics would actually do a survey to compare their findings with those they castigated, abused and denigrated. Social scientists found that all surveys done around the same time revealed similar findings. All polls conducted in the 2024 American election cycle, and for previous elections, published similar findings. So if critics and detractors in Guyana did surveys, one can do comparisons and make informed determinations on whether a survey was conducted or whether pollsters have hidden agendas.

Critics had asked for namesandcontactfor

(Continuedonpage06)

DEAREDITOR

The DNC will soon be publishing the policy proposals it will be offering Guyanese for the upcoming 2025 General Elections ThesealongwiththeDNC’s Contract with Guyana will be available for download f r o m t o m o r r o w (www.dncgy.com). The Democratic

NationalCongressintendsto s e t t h e s t a g e f o r transforming Guyana into a strong, powerful trading nation in our first ten years. Withthisinmind,weintend here to set the stage so that everyoneisonthesamepage and understands the environment into which our economy will be unfolding. We have already asserted that the DNC reject completely racism in all its forms since in theory with much support from our own experience, racist ideas and policies produce suboptimal outcomes. This occurs because racism is a bias which often eliminates the best person for a job or contract, injecting instead persons and business

contractors lacking qualifications and/or experience needed to executethejoborcontractto required standards The benefitsofthisweshouldbe

quitefamiliar Guyanese will also need to inculcate into their culture, their upbringing, that life is a cycle of three stages:Thefirst25-30years being dedicated to studying/learning, the second stage to 30 to 45/50 years being where persons embark on an extended internship for working and learning everything there is to know about their chosen field career, and especially developing a potential customer base, virtually essential for the third phase. This latter stage is where with all the knowledge and experience acquired brings them to the frontier of their field, where they can with networking establish a businessthatwouldbemore likely to succeed because of developed networks as well as the customer base earlier referred to. While this is generally the course for p e r s o n s p u r s u i n g k

ve careers, the general idea is for Guyanese to scrap the idea of working until retirement to get a pension (we can see the unfortunate experiences of many workers in both the private and public sector doing so). Instead,theirsecondary (Continuedonpage06)

Oil-rich nations struggle with corruption

…Guyana, others score below 50 on global corruption index

Se v e r a l o i l -

producingnations, including Guyana, have scored below 50 in TransparencyInternational’s 2024CorruptionPerceptions Index(CPI).

The CPI ranks countries on a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean), assessing public sector

corruption based on expert and business surveys. It is a perception-based index that aggregates views from 13 sources, provided by 12 institutions deemed appropriatebyTransparency International. Thelatestrankingsshow thatmanycurrentandformer oil-producing nations

remain in the lower half of the index. Countries with substantialoilreserves,such asIraq(26),Venezuela(10), Nigeria (26), Mexico (26), Russia (22), and Libya (13), recorded some of the lowest scores.

Venezuela, which holds theworld’slargestprovenoil reserves, received a score of

Opinion Polling on Party Support...

Frompage05 peopleinterviewedforpolls.

Surveys are highly confidential;apollsternever betray confidentiality especially in a third world society where people are routinely victimized for freedomofspeech.

AUG academic was known to reveal time, place, name of individual who revealed confidential information

Survey findings don’t have to actually reflect actual outcomes as the former are not ordained by God. But they do offer guides of the public’s views (support) of issues and politicians and parties or projected outcome of an election.

People were also known to change their views after speaking with interviewers.

This writer, as a person of integrity, never betrayed confidentiality Critics are free to conduct polls and reportfindings.

Findingsaredynamictillthe momentofvoting.Currently (recently), several polls are being (were) conducted in Guyana.

Allthepollsshouldhave similar findings that would revealPPPaheadinthe2025 elections.

Datawillbepresentedin forthcoming write ups on surveys conducted by this writerforNACTA.

Yourstruly, Dr Vishnu Bisram (PhDs)

Transforming Guyana into a World-Class...

Frompage05 school curriculum should instillinthemtheknowledge andcreativityofstartingand runningabusiness.

Starting a business generally requires the prospective business owner to become knowledgeable about prevailing laws, rules and regulations which govern the operations of whichever business venture is being undertaken. These include regulations governinglocation,typeand nature of raw materials, employee qualifications, compensation and safety, accountingandtaxation,and maintenance of the environment to avoid degradation and/or harm to employees, customers and communities in which the businesshasitsoperations.

More persons getting involved in business brings with it challenges arising from competition. Persons seeking a quick start/hustle into some business venture oftenfindthemselveswitha lot of competition, since quick hustles can often also be easily undertaken by just about anyone, inclusive of your neighbour(s). It is thereforeprobablynotavery good idea to open a supermarket, start selling puriandcurrywitheggballs, etc., if your neighbour or persons where you want to sell are already doing so. The idea behind starting a successful business is to do something for which you

may have a talent, or which other persons will find extremely difficult getting startedwith. Alwaysbeware of competition and give yourself time to be creative, to think of ways to either i m p r o v e y o u r product(s)/service(s),orfind

other more lucrative ventures. Becoming a successful businessperson

requires intellectual dynamism, creativity, always looking for avenues

t o i m p r o v e o r discover/invent other

worthwhile business opportunities.

The ultimate goal for businesspersons is financial security Thisisbestsecured by creating as many businesses as possible to achieve a diverse stream of revenues,whichwillalways yield income for the owner even if one or two ventures are overrun by competition orfailforsomeotherreason.

Expanding into the globalmarketplace.

Persons running household businesses such as food shops or engaged in commerce (buying and selling) usually find themselves confined to successes in the local market.

Persons engaged in manufacturing and services on the other hand usually have the option to establish

themselves abroad, sometimes very quickly, by setting up a website and advertising in the particular

markets/countries in which they want to establish themselves. As in the local market however, operating in foreign markets formally requires business owners to learn and understand the regulations of foreign markets,guidedofcourseby the nature of intervention in thesemarkets.

The Democratic

NationalCongressconsiders itimportantforGuyaneseto understand that they can shape their interaction in society by deciding to become a business operator, versus an employee However, success requires dedication,mentalcreativity and the ability to overcome challenges which may come inmanyforms.

Finally, higher welfare, increased economic wealth as a nation derives from internationaltradewhereour objective as a nation should be to mobilize all our resources, human/labour, financial, capital, land and entrepreneurial, towards producing not only to fulfill our domestic demands, but also to export as much as possible to a virtually insatiable global market With this as our shared vision, mission, we as individuals, as a nation, can andwillfindmuchbenefitin working together to achieve our goal of unleashing our potential, of bringing Guyanaintothe21stcentury Yoursfaithfully, CraigSylvester.

10, placing it among the worst-ranked nations

Transparency International noted that the country faces widespread crime and humanrightsabuses.

In South America, Colombia, another key oil producer scored 39 Transparency International stated, “Weak institutions and lack of transparency allowcriminalorganizations to control wide swathes of the region, where they exploit natural resources with no care for the consequences.” Brazil, the largestoilproducerinSouth America scored 34. Peru, a large oil producer in Latin

America scored 31, as well as Papua New Guinea, a modest oil producer located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. In the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago, a historic oil producer, scored 41 Guyana, which has emerged as a major oil producer,receivedascoreof 39. KaieteurNewsreported that Guyana’s CPI score fell slightly from 40 points in 2023 to 39 in 2024, placing the country at 92 out of 180 nations. ThestateofGuyanahas been captured by the economicandpoliticalelites h e r e , f o s t e r i n g misappropriation of

resources, illicit enrichment and environmental crimes, the global coalition against corruption- Transparency Internationalsaid.

“InGuyana,statecapture by economic and political e l i t e s

e r s misapp

p

iation of resources, illicit enrichment and an environmental crime,” the Transparency International report said. It added: “Although the country has created anticorruption institutions and laws, transparency and law enforcement are very low, and attacks on dissenting voices,activistsand (Continuedonpage16)

Ethnicity, corruption and governance’...

Frompage04 common (KN: Feb 13, 2025). It also referenced ‘Insight Crime’to the effect that ‘Despite constitutional g u a r a n t e e s o f a n independent judiciary, the judiciaryhasbeenadversely affected by the ethnically based political divisions in the country Since 1980, both the PPPand PNC have used their mandates to pack the courts, and the judiciary has difficulty serving as an effective check on the executiveorthelegislature.’

On passing, after the publication of the 2012 Corruption Perception Index, the Kaieteur News headlined Guyana as the most corrupt country in the E n g l i s h - s p e a k i n g Caribbean:asituationthatit was in since its first inclusion in the Index in about 2005. The PPP began q u a r r e l l i n g a b o u t perceptions not being empirical and has not stopped since: ‘President t a k e s i s s u e w i t h

T r a n s p a r e n c y International’s findings on Guyana,’(SN: 14/02/2024). This is even though the Index has become most authoritative and a 2006

World Bank paper, ‘Measuring Corruption: Myths and Realities,’ debunk half a dozen PPP-

type myths and concluded that ‘Over the past decade measuring corruption has become an ever-growing empiricalfield!’

Importantly, the 2024 Index noted that being able to hold government accountable is essential to the fight against corruption and while what the report observed is important, it focused on only one aspect of the problem in Guyana and is based essentially on classanalysis.

In Guyana, the political and business elites and their a s s o c i a t e s a r e overwhelminglyofthesame ethnicity and are complicit inusingthestatetoestablish political/ethnic dominance. Therefore, a simple class analysis is as inappropriate as is the winner-takes-all Westminster type system that facilitates its rule. In otherwords,fornearlythree decades,anethnicparty-the PPP - has been using the profligate discretionary powers of the Westminstertype political arrangements totransferpowerandwealth toitsethnicassociates.

In a homogeneous society, a class analysis would leave substantial scope for holding government accountable as significant public opinion usually shifts from issue to

issue, but even then, other social divisions must be considered This was a central concern of the constitutional drafters since the Americans invented the written constitution nearly 250yearsago.Asoneofthe drafters, James Madison, noted ‘[T]hese worries have influencedinadecisiveway thedesignofthechecksand balancesthathavebeenbuilt i n t h e A m e r i c a n constitution, and that try to secure exactly this delicate balance between the establishment of a democracy, that is a system thatadvancesthewillofthe majority,theabilitytoforma strong government that will beabletotakedecisionsand, last but definitely not least, protect the rights of the various minorities’ (file:///C:/Users/henry/Dow nloads/ssrn-1018827.pdf). There is no or very little such shift of public opinion t o p r o p e r l y h o l d governments accountable in ethnically largely bicommunal society such as Guyanawherethetwomajor parties are substantial minorities. The question then is how to create a governance mechanism that preventsthecurrentabuseof minorityrights.

Sincerely Dr HenryJeffrey

‘GDFreadytodefendGuyana againstanythreats’ - Chief of-Staff

The Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier OmarKhanhasgivenassurancetoPresident IrfaanAli, that the Guyana Defence Force is ready and set to defend the country against any threats both within and around its borders.

SpeakingattheopeningCeremonyofthe Annual Officer’s Conference last Thursday, Khan said, “We have to remain vigilant and militantinthefaceofallandanythreatsand we must be ready to deter and resist any threat.”

He added, “Commander-in-Chief, I can assure you, we the men and women in uniform of the Guyana Defence Force have remained vigilant and will continue to do so...”

HesaidhewaspleasedofthePresident’s clear vision, his leadership and the fact the GDF can be proud of its operational posture to execute their defence mandate to defy, deteranddefend.

“It is envisaged, challenges for our country’s national defence and development will continue, and would therefore demand our constant attention, and then, amidst all these challenges, the constant and unscrupulous claim to our territory from an increasinglyunstableneighbourcontinuesto presentaclearandpresentdangertoocloseto

ERC Investigating remarks made by David Hinds

TChief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan

home,”hestressed.

He told the audience that the conference would have deliberated on issues to assist them in continuing the journey of understanding the environment, known and unknown variables “the shapers and the movers and our role to maintain a safe and secureGuyana.”

Further praising the president’s leadership, Brigadier Khan highlighted that “ourjourneyofreorienting,reorganizingand resourcing have already begun in the most tangible of ways. It started with our defence budgetaryallocationswithus,steadyincrease since2020,whichhasnowamountedtoover 315%.”

(ERC) has said that it has taken note of several negative remarks made by Working People’s Alliance (WPA) member, Dr. David Hinds on his online show aired on Monday, February 10,2025.

In a statement, the Commission noted that it is currently scrutinizing and investigating the statements made, which are believed to have “the potential to sow division and disrupt social harmony.”

The ERC said it remains steadfast in its mandate to promote harmony and respect among all ethnic groups in Guyana In a

remains committed to fostering a society where mutualrespectprevails,”the ERCsaid.

“We fought for the right of political parties to recruit in any community I will fight to protect and preserve thoserightstillthedayIdie. Butwedidnotdieandgoto jail for the right of political partiestouseStateresources to buy votes. I will fight against such practice till the dayIdie.”

He noted that while his criticsarepreoccupiedbyhis descriptive words, but they ignorehismessage.

“I chose to use folk language. The words used areborrowedfromthetitleof a calypso sung by Trinidadian Calypsonian CroCro.”

Guyanese, Venezuelan couple arrested for firearm, ammunition

, the Commission has initiated a review of the statements made during the broadcast and is diligently assessing theirimpact.

possession of unlicensed

On Saturday, the police released a statement that a 48-year-old Guyanese businesswoman Latchmin Ramotar, and her 41-yearold Venezuelan husband William Rivero, both of Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo, (EBE) were arrested by police ranks of Regional Division #3 after they were found in possession of an unlicensed 9mmpistolandsixmatching roundsofammunition.

Reportedly, they were acting on information receivedandateamofranks headed by an Assistant Superintendent, visited the couple’s Vergenoegen, EBE home, on Saturday, where theymetRamotar

One of the ranks informed the woman of the reason for their visit and she consented to a search of the premises.

Duringthesearch,which was conducted in the presence of Ramotar and Rivero,theranksdiscovered abulkyplasticbagontopofa wardrobeinabedroom.

“The bag, when opened intheirpresencecontaineda 9mm pistol with six matching9mmrounds.Both Ramotar and Rivero were told of the offence committed and cautioned,”

TheCommissionassures thepublicthatitistakingthis matter seriously Once the investigation is concluded, theERCwillmakepublicits findings and any actions deemed necessary to uphold the principles of fairness, unity, and respect. At the interim, the ERC urges all Guyanese, particularly public figures and content creators, to exercise responsibility in their communication especially on public platforms to ensure that discussions remain constructive and do not contribute to racial discord.

“The Commission

Meanwhile, Dr Hinds in alettertotheeditordefended his remarks. He noted while his words should be attributed to him, it is being usedtotaintthelegacyofthe WPA,Dr WalterRodney “My sin lies in my couragetoraiseintheopena dangerous development whereby the ruling party is using some of its new converts to go into selective communities to solicit the votes of poor people in exchange for government andStateresources,”

Dr Hinds said He described such action as “vote buying,” a practice which he said that is not permittedbytheconstitution orbystatutesandfliesinthe face of democratic engagement.

Dr Hinds noted that as part of the Walter Rodney cadre of Freedom Fighters, “we fought for the right of Guyanese to join any political party of their choice.”

He continued “Where is Walter Rodney in all this? Well,fiftyyearsago,Rodney addressed a similar phenomenon. He also used folklanguage.Iaminnoway comparing myself to the greatman.”

“Butfortheeducationof thePPPleadersandthewider society,IquotefromRodney inhisownwordsfromoneof his books titled, People’s Power, No Dictator,” Dr Hindsadded.

“For a small nation,” he noted“Guyanahasproduced a discouragingly large number of lackeys and stooges who hide in the shadow of the “Comrade Leader.”

Henotedthat“Guyanese constantly complain of “squarepegsinroundholes.”

He said, “The square pegsarethemisfitsandsoup drinkers who flourish becauseeachoneisprepared tobehismaster’svoice.This is a double tragedy in this situation.”

Guyana to establish state-owned forensic interview unit for child abuse cases - Min. Persaud

policesaid. Aware she was under caution, the woman replied saying:“Officer,Igaveaboy anounceofgoldandhegave me the gun until he repay me”. Rivero however denied havinganyknowledgeofthe

firearmortheammunition.

Subsequently both were arrested and escorted to the Leonora Police Station, along with the firearm and ammunition.

They both remain in custody pending further investigations.

Thegovernmentisexploringthecreation of a state-owned forensic interview unit to investigate cases of child abuse while providing a safe environment for victims to sharetheirexperiences.

The initiative was announced by Minister of Human Services and Social Security,Dr VindhyaPersaudduringapress conference hosted by the National Communications Network (NCN) on Saturday “Oneofthemajorthingsweare working on this year in the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) project is setting up our own forensic interview unit, a state-owned forensic interviewunit,”sherevealed.

The minister further stated that several officers have been sent to undergo preliminary training in India. Additionally, the ministry is also equipping the Hope and Justice Centre in Region Three with the necessary tools to conduct forensic interviews.

The Hope and Justice Centre is the first of its kind and has a ‘one-stop’ model that allows victims access to a range of services including counselling, legal recourse, and medicaltreatment.

Moreover, the minister noted that forensicinterviewsforcasesofsexualabuse are currently being conducted through the ChildAdvocacyCentresinpartnershipwith ChildLinkandBlossomInc.

She noted that these centres have received substantial government support, with Blossom Inc. set to receive over $10 millionthisyear Intotal,thegovernmenthas provided more than $130 million to both agencies Currently, Child Advocacy Centres operate in all regions. In addition, Minister Persaud noted that the child advocacy protocols have been reviewed to identifygapsinthesystemandimprovehow casesarehandled.

(DPI)

WPA member, David Hinds

Omaisecures$25.3Mtosupportexploration activitiesatitsgoldprojectinGuyana

Ca n a d i a n company, Omai GoldMinesCorp has raised $25 3 million through a private placement deal to fund its gold e x p l o r a t i o n a n d developmentprojects.

In January, Omai launched its 2025 drilling programme, building on the success of its 2024 exploration efforts at one of its mining deposits in Guyana.

Omai said that it aims to deliver an updated Mineral ResourceEstimate(MRE)by thesecondquarteroftheyear and a revised Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA)bythethirdquarterof 2025. In a statement, the company disclosed that the funds will go toward gold exploration, development, andgeneralexpenses

Omai holds a 100% interest in the gold project, which encompasses two gold deposits: the shearhosted Wenot Deposit and the adjacent intrusivehosted Gilt Creek Deposit. The Wenot deposit could produce1.84millionounces of gold over 13 years. In 2024,thecompanyunveiled an enhanced Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) foritsgoldprojectlocatedin Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) Guyana and has plans to update its 2 million

ounces gold estimate, this year Omai previously produced 37 million ounces between1993and2005from theminebutshutdownwhen goldpricesweremuchlower As a Brownfield’s project, Omaibenefitsfromgoodroad access and a wealth of historical data that provides knowledgeofthegeologyand gold mineralization on the property,aswellasmetallurgy, historical process recoveries and many other relevant miningparameters. The company’s 2024 drilling programme achieved record-breaking results, including an exceptional interceptof448g/tgoldover 570m in hole 24ODD-092 –which is the best in Omai’s history Elaine Ellingham, PresidentandChiefExecutive Officer (CEO), had said, “Wenot continues to deliver verystrongdrillresultsandin particular we are encouraged by the continuity of mineralization and increasing grades with very impressive widths at depth We believe thesewillsupportourgoalof furtherexpandingtheWenot resource.” “In addition to

our goal of expanding the proposed Wenot open pit in this upcoming PEA, we are also working to include the second deposit at Omai, the Gilt Creek intrusion-hosted deposit that could significantly expand the mine plan. The Gilt Creek deposit would be an

scenario with this deposit starting at a depth of only 300m below surface. The Company’s first drill hole into Gilt C

k was completed in December (1,148m), and assay results are expected in a few weeks,”Ellinghamadded. Currently, there are several other Canadian mining companies involved in Guyana’s mining industry, particularly gold mining. ReunionGoldnow G Mining Ventures, newlyformed Canadian mining company Greenheart Gold Corporation and G2 Goldfields Inc. are in the e x p l o r a t i o n a n d developmentphase,theyare expected to start gold production by the end of 2026or2027.

DEM BOYS SEH

Boycott de Universal Health Voucher!

Dem boys seh dis Universal Health Voucher ting gat more holes dan a fisherman’snet.Y’allhear ‘bout dis G$5B giveaway to private healthcare institutionsunderdefancy name of giving citizens more options? Dem boys seh dis is just a fancy way fuh say de government a throwwemoneyatprivate pockets while de public hospitalsstilllooklikedey stuckindeStoneAge.

Dem boys seh dis voucher system is like giving yuh a coupon fuh a five-star meal while yuh kitchengatratsrunningall over Instead ah fixing de kitchen—orindiscase,de public healthcare system—dey telling yuh, “Here,goeatout.”

But wait nah, who reallybenefitingfromdis?

De private institutions dem, who gon cash in big time while de public

hospitals continue to crumble.Demboyssehdis isnotuniversalhealthcare; dis is universal health “scare”.

Dem boys seh if yuh

serious ‘bout not supporting misuse ah public funds, yuh cyan be part ah dis madness Collecting dat voucher is like helping de thief carry yuh own TV out ah yuh house. Dem boys seh de same G$5B coulda been usedfuhupgradedepublic hospitals, buy new equipment, and train more staff. But nah, dey rather hand it over to private institutions who gon charge yuh fuh de same tests yuh coulda get fuh free if de public system wasuptoscratch.

Dem boys seh dis is a classic case ah “tekkin’ money from Peter to pay Paul,” except Paul is a private healthcare mogul

New PAHO guide aims to improve early detection and survival rates of childhood cancer in Caribbean

Ontheoccasionof

tional C h i l d h o o d Cancer Day, observed every February 15, the Pan A m e r i c a n H e a l t h Organization (PAHO) has launched a new interactive guide aimed at improving the early diagnosis of childhood cancer, one of the leading causes of death among children and adolescentsinLatinAmerica andtheCaribbean.

“Earlydetectionnotonly increasesthechancesofcure but also significantly improves the quality of life for both patients and their families,” said Dr Mauricio Maza, PAHO’s regional cancer advisor “With this new tool, we aim to equip healthcare teams with the necessary tools to act quickly and effectively,” he added Each year, an estimated 30,000 children and adolescents in Latin America and the Caribbean

are diagnosed with cancer, and nearly 10,000 lose their livestothedisease.Whilein high-incomecountriesinthe Americas,morethan80%of children with cancer are cured,intherest,thesurvival rateaveragesonly55%.

The new guide is part of the Global Childhood Cancer Initiative, which seekstoreducedisparitiesin cancer survival rates by helping save more lives through early detection

Developed by PAHO in collaboration with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,theLatinAmerican Society of Pediatric Oncology (SLAOP), the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP), and a group of 130 regional experts, the material provides a practical framework for healthcare professionals to identify the signs and symptoms of cancerinitsearlystages.

With a comprehensive

approach, the guide covers everything from initial assessment to symptom classification, providing specific actions to follow based on the severity of the case In this regard, the guide classifiescareintothreelevels ofurgency:Red(Immediate): For children with severe symptoms,immediatereferral to a hospital with pediatric emergency services is recommended Yellow (Priority): For less urgent but still critical cases, patients shouldbereferredwithin48to 72 hours Green (Scheduled): For cases that require further diagnostic studies, which can bescheduled.

“The implementation of this guide will not only optimize diagnostic times butalsohelpreducethelongterm complications associated with delayed treatments,” emphasized Dr Liliana Vásquez Ponce, PAHO’stechnicalofficerfor (Continuedonpage16)

Surinamese given options to invest...

Frompage2

can claim other non-fiscal benefits from the contract and we have had Exxon agree with thatfromthetimewegotintooffice,butthis is great and I am happy for Suriname, very happyforthemtheyhaveworkedveryhardat this,”hereasoned.

It should be noted that Guyana does not have a stake in the massive petroleum productionactivitiesongoingoffshoreinthe Stabroek Block. ExxonMobil has increased its daily production capacity to almost 700,000 barrels at the three projects - Liza One,LizaTwoandPayara.

who already gat plenty money Dem boys seh de government a try sweet talk we wid dis voucher ting, but we ain’t stupid. We know a Trojan Horse whenweseeone.Disain’t ‘bout giving we more options; dis ‘bout giving private institutions more profits.

So, dem boys seh, boycott de voucher! Don’t

be a party to dis misallocationahfunds.Let de government know we want real investment in public healthcare, not no band-aid solution dat only benefits de private sector Dem boys seh if we stand together, we mek sure dis G$5B don’t end up in de wrongpockets.Lookatde bigger picture. Fuh you and me is only a $10,000 benefit but to dem private hospitals is a G$5B transfer Talkhalf!Leffhalf!

Guyana’s leaders have refused to implement a ring-fencing provision which would have allowed the country to receive higher profits today, since the cost of these three developments have already been

recovered by Exxon. Since February 2024, President of EMGL, Alistair Routledge revealed that Exxon had already recovered some US$19B in expenses. It should be noted that the three oil projects currently producing oil, the Liza One, Liza Two, and Payaraprojectscollectivelycarryapricetag of about US$19B. This means that the country could have been receiving higher profits this year from the three projects; however, in the absence of ring-fencing, Exxonwillusetherevenuetoinvestinother developments and even fund its exploration programme. Essentially,ring-fencingmeans that profits from one project must cover the expensesforthatinitiative.Intheabsenceof suchaprovision,acompanyisallowedtouse profitsfromoneprojecttocoverthecostsof another.

H@RD TRUTHS

Guyana opposition parties

It was Appollo 13 Astronaut, Jack Swigert, who said those famous words, “Ah, Houston, we’vehadaproblemhere…” That ancient space history from 1970 had a happy ending. Fifty-five years later, over here in Georgetown, I have my own troubles “Guyana, we’ve a problem.” Or, more accurately, “Fellow Guyanese, there is a big problem brewing ” There is nothing past in Guyana’s problem; it is in front of Guyanese, gets bigger and bigger. It involves the opposition. Yeah, the opposition: everhearofthem? Seeanythingof them lately? Feel any connection to them in any spiritual way? Or now what is in opposition to the people?

ThePPPGovernmentisthebest gift that an opposition could want. ThePPPGovernmentissodecayed that it makes a month-old corpse look like a runway supermodel. The PPP Government is so nasty, tricky, and dirty that it makes the GermansandRussiansofacentury agoseemlikeangelsandholymen. Citizens are angry at the government. More people distrust leaders And where is the opposition that overflows with energy, bristles with vigor?

Guyanese desperately need an opposition that is wide awake, on

the move, taking no prisoners. WhenanyGuyaneseseewhatIfail to discern, please send an email. This is the time when Guyana’s oppositionshouldbeatthetopofits game, an irrepressible force, a tower of power Where is it? The PPPGovernmentanditssupporters rejoiceovertheirstrokeoffortune; opposition supporters shrink from whattheysee,hidefromwhatthey fearisontheway

The opposition has been presented with opportunities almost weekly to push the PPP Government into a tight corner, cutoffitsescaperoutes,stuffitinto a sock. Guyanese are still waiting thatkindofoppositiontoshowup.

Oneweekit’sshadylanddealings; another day, it’s a mystery US$2 billion gas-to-energy project. The blueprint justifying its existence exists in one man’s head, or his imagination. The opposition has made some polite noises for the record, and then everything settles back into humdrum routines

Billions are drawn from the people’soilsafetydepositbox,with no accounting, and the opposition did its bit and then went back and had a sit What the PPP Government has been doing is the equivalent of declaring war on Guyanese. The opposition waves its white flag. It looks off-white

nowadays: overuse Little opposition research is needed, no deepdigging,notwiththewaythat the government conducts the people’sbusiness,chaperonestheir money Onebig,dirtyopenbook,it is. Justreadanewspaper

With the opposition seemingly preoccupied with internal mechanics, more disgruntled Guyanese are asking out aloud what is it that they have for a political opposition. A combined bloc of Guyanese troubled to the point of being incensed at what is being dealt out by those with the power? A group outraged at the effects on Guyanese, with the vulnerable and hopeful bludgeoned? Is the opposition, in singlefileorcollectively,genuinely committed to change in this country? Or, is it merely going through the motions, putting on a pretense of energy and vibrancy? Where is its potency, is what is on the lips of increasing number of disillusioned Guyanese? One of the more baffling developments relatestothepassivepostureofthe opposition; passive as in being overly pleased with itself, fooling itselfthatitismakingadifference. Is it a catalyst for much-needed change or, nothing but a stealth componentofthestatusquo,partof thecharadethatpassesforpolitical

insightsandpoliticalpressures?

Guyanese are looking for that focalpoint,arallyingcauseandcry, ofwhichtherearemany Rampant government corruption. Crippling cost-of-living environment

Seething rage over haves and have nots. Authoritarianismprostituting asdemocracy

These have always been, and rema

flashpointsforauthenticopposition parties everywhere. Few are the self-respecting opposition parties that are frozen in place when there is suc

ce of circumstances, what is present and dominant in today’s soulless and principle-less Guyana. When the world is awash with visible and voluble public agitations, Guyanese exemplify placidness, withtheoppositioninthevanguard. In rich, advanced countries, when citizens believe that they are marginalized,areangry,theyshow itpublicly

Guyana must be an oasis of satisfied people. In most poor, divided, and backward places that oil showed up, it has taught its shareholder hosts a harsh, jarring story It is the resource curse, one of a different variety: its politics.

Stakeholders are superior to nationalshareholders.

Oil politics, along with

wheeler-dealer traditions, have forever been a part of its history

DistressedGuyaneseareconvinced thatthegovernmenthastwo-timed themwithoilmanagement.

No less unhappily, they weigh how much the opposition could be into double-dealing them with it. Government leaders are thrilled to be completely abject before now entrenched oil companies. Quick aside: America just eased its foreign bribery standards. Based onthisstandard,theconcernamong Guyanese is whether the twotiming government has solid company in a likeminded opposition. Object and end up beingareject. Itisthepoignancyofoilthathas its own biblical version of sheep and goats. Meaning, winners and losers. In the bitter Guyana world of have and have nots, the oppositionmustshapeup,standup, and step up. Whether it has the time, the authentic drive, and is up tothechallengeathand,well,thatis acuriousstory:partfragments,part fickle.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

BLUNT BLUNT

Corruption at work

The Transparency International anti-corruption report hit the nail on its head when it comes to Guyana.

The report stated what we have been saying at this paper for years. The political elite in the PPP/C Government collaborate with the business elite to rape and rob this country, with a common ingredient surging through both elite groups: unbelievable levels of corruption.

The political and business elite own corruption and have it under lock and key The political elite has the power of control over the people’s purse and the decisions related to its uses. The business elite has the money and reach to influence how the political decisions are made and who benefits, which means its members.

When tendering and procuring are a maze of contradictions and violations, with covering following, that is corruption. When the specifics of oil money withdrawals cannot be disclosed, and citizens are targeted and vilified because they press for transparency that is corruption involving billions of US dollars. When the US$2B Wales gas-to-energy project is blanketed in secrecy, then that is an indication that corruption is at work.

Soldiers told to ‘vote your conscience’

…as President urges them to be on stand by for any unrest during elections

President Irfaan Ali told officers and other ranks of the GuyanaDefenceForce(GDF)thattheirdutyistothenation, its security and the preservation of law and order, not to any politicalinterests.

Heunderscoredthat2025isanelectionyearandtheGDF “stands ready to fulfill its constitutional duty to support civilianlawenforcementinmaintainingpeaceandorderand importantly, in sustaining democracy forever in this country Elections are a fundamental pillar of our democracy, and we must ensure that the process unfolds the environment free fromintimidation,violenceordisruption.”

President Ali said though unrest or anything that is contrary to the rule of law is not anticipated, he urged the military to be vigilant against any attempt at unsettling internal order “Therefore, the GDF will be on standby and prepared to act if necessary so as to uphold stability and protectthedemocraticstance,”thepresidentsaid.

Hemadeitclearthatthey“arenotaskinganyonetotakea partisanstand.WeaskeverydayforthemembersoftheJoint Services to take a professional and national stand. Every member of the Force has a right to vote according to the dictatesoftheirconscience,andaslongasI’mcommander-inchief, the right will be respected.The professionalism of the militarywillbealwaysupheld.”“Ourdutyistothenationto its security and the preservation of law and order, not to any politicalinterests.Guyana’sdemocracydependsonfree,fair and peaceful elections, and we will ensure that no force internalorexternaldisruptsthewillofthepeople.”

He charged the officers of the GDF to boost strategic partnerships in this year as it is necessary to strengthen the defencepostureandoperationaleffectivenessoftheForce.“I entrust you with forging closer ties with friendly militaries engaging in joint training exercises and acquiring modern equipment through military cooperation agreement,” President Ali said. Back in January, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) reportedly expressed concerns over tacticsgearedtowardsstokingviolenceandinstabilityduring theupcomingGeneralandRegionalElections,VicePresident, (VC)BharratJagdeotoldarecentnewsconference.

The VP who is also the General Secretary of the ruling People’sProgressivePartyCivic(PPP/C)saidthathehadmet with members of the PSC to reassure them of government’s commitment to stability during the elections. “…I had an engagementasGeneralSecretaryofthePPPwiththePrivate SectorCommissionanditsaffiliatesandtheywantedtospeak tomeabouttheupcomingelections.Theywantedtheparty’s perspective on some of the issues in the public domain,” he disclosed.“ItwasagoodmeetingandIcommendthePrivate Sector Commission and its membership for being so interested in the transparency for the upcoming elections,” addedtheVP

According to him, the group mainly expressed concerns aboutinstabilityduringtheelections.“Thereisafearthatthe divisiverhetoricwillcausedivisivenessaswegetclosetothe elections… They expressed concerns about instability and howthatinstabilitycouldaffecttheirwellbeingandthepeople whoworkwiththembutIpointedoutthattheyshouldhaveno concernaboutthePPPstokinganyinstabilityoranyviolence aroundtheseelections,wehaveatrackrecordtoshowthatour entire history that we have always been a calming influence around people even when they have been tested and their patience tried; that we have always stood for peace, stability and respect for free and fair elections and the dignity of our people.” To this end, Jagdeo assured citizens that the governmentisgoingtoaddresstheissueofsecurityrobustly. Hesaidthatthegovernmentwillnotsitidlybyandallowthe Oppositiontocausecitizenstobeintimidatedtosuppresstheir votes.

Officers of the Guyana Defence Force during their annual conference last week

Diana Chapman triumphs in stiff competition to win first soca monarch title

In an electrifying Soca Monarch 2025 competition held on Saturday nightattheLindenBusParkinRegion 10, Diana Chapman emerged victorious, winning her first Soca Monarchtitleinherhometown.

Alongside her, Kyra captured the crown for the Junior Soca Monarch, marking a significant achievement for bothartistes.

Chapman made history by becoming the second female artiste in 15yearstowintheprestigioustitle.Her

winning song, “My Home,” a heartfelt tribute to Guyana, left a lasting impact on the crowd. Speaking with Kaieteur News, Chapman expressed her gratitude, saying, “It is a beautiful feelingtobeabletowinSocaMonarch inmyhometown.Lindenhassupported meinpreparationsforthecompetition, and I also want to thank the business community in Linden and all the sponsorshipIhavereceived.”

Her performancewas nothing short of mesmerizing, energizing the

audience with her vocals, vibrant costumes,props,andtalenteddancers.

The performance, themed around jaguars-thecountry’snationalanimalwas a celebration of the nation’s rich culture.Chapmanexplained,“Thesong isacelebrationofGuyana,sotheentire performance was built around celebrating our nation and our national animal,whichgaveitalittlekick.Itwas really giving a great presentation with awesomestorytelling.”Kyra,whoalso

Continued on page 17

Winner of Junior Soca Monarch 2025; Kyra (Credit: News Room Facebook)

Scenes from Soca Monarch 2025. (Credit PotSalt media)

Scenes from Soca Monarch 2025. (Credit PotSalt media)

- Kyra walks away with junior crown

Campbellville Health Centre relocated to Duncan Street from Monday

The operations of the Campbellville Health Centre will now be relocated to Duncan Street, Campbellville effective from Monday, February 17, 2025, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation(GPHC)disclosed.

InaFacebookpost,thehospital said, “The Campbellville Health Centre is relocating! Please be advisedthateffective17thFebruary 2025, all services previously offeredattheCampbellvilleHealth CentrewillnowbeavailableatLot 56 and 58 Area, Duncan Street, Campbellville.”

The health centre is being relocated to facilitate the constructionofabrand-newfacility atitsexistinglocation.

It was reported that following the national bidding process, the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) awarded BM Property Investments Inc. a $831,811,890 contract to buildthenewhealthcentre.

BM Property Investments was among 14 contractors who applied fortheGeorgetownPublicHospital Corporation (GPHC) project in October2024.

The decision to have a new health centre constructed is to enhance the infrastructure to

introduce more services for patients,thustakingoffsomeofthe loadfromtheGPHC.

In the past, GPHC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Robbie Rambarran told Kaieteur NewsthatthecurrentCampbellville Health Centre building is very old andhasseveraldefects.

“It is a very old building and whathashappenedovertheyears,is thatpieceswereaddedonandsoit’s veryold,it’sleaking,whenitrains, it floods, there is no proper logical flow for patient care because there werepiecesofthingsthatwerebuilt all around so there is no proper logicalflowforpatientcareandthe processing of patients,” he explained.

He said too that the current facility is very small and cannot meet the current demand of the number of patients who go there. Rambarran disclosed that GPHC intends to introduce additional services at the Health Centre including but not limited to x-rays. He said the new building will be equippedwithanasthmaticbay “

Questioned on the location for thenewfacility,Mr Rambarranhad disclosedthatitwillbeatthesame location and cover the area where the Campbellville Post Office is situated. “So next door, there is a

postofficesotheplanistobuildone big two-storey building; we will incorporate the post office in the building as well and therefore, we will get additional space,” he mentioned noting that the post officeandhealthcentrewilloperate separately

Notably, the CEO revealed that the operation of the Kitty Health Centre will be merged with the Campbellville Health Centre after theconstructioniscompleted.

H

observations for the transition were done over a two-year period and they found that the Kitty

CampbellvilleHealthCentresince itisinthesamecatchmentarea

According to the CEO, when theconstructionbegins,thecurrent operations at the Campbellville HealthCentrewillberelocatedtoa temporary building which the hospitaltenderedfor

The contract for the ‘Rental of Building space for the relocation of the Campbellville Health Centre’wasawardedtoRamchand Auto Spares to the tune of $57,600,000

Further, the construction on the newhealthcentreisscheduledtobe completedin12months.

WANTED

Kitchen Assistant needed Tel: 676-5534 / 709-8131 Famous Flavour Restaurant.

Job openings: Truck drivers, project manager & Civil engineers. To apply send application via Whatsapp : 638-5303 / 608-2114.

Porters needed at Rabbies

Snackette 266 Thomas & New Market St. Call : 6488279.

1- Excavator Operator, 2 Concrete Mixer Truck Driver. Contact : 652-0251 / 632-9929 / 655-3880.

Experienced male cooks and camp attendants wanted for mining operation. Call : 688-6575.

Experienced Utility operators ( excavator, bulldozer, ADT) and mechanic wanted for mining operation. Call : 688-6575.

One nanny / Housekeeper Time 8:00 AM to 4 :30 PM located Republic Park, East Bank Demerara. Age 30-45 years. Contact : 6264884

FOR SALE

For Sale 6 used American made Dental chairs excellent condition contact Mr Vino on 661-3030 or 6268918

One Nissan Double cab pickup, fully off road setup ; -5 Million Negotiable. Call: 626-8919 / 661-3030.

FOR RENT

Prime business area at Affiance, Essequibo Coast for rent bottom flat- Office 600 sq ft, industrial 1400 sq ft. Call: 670-2554.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

One Unregistered Nissan X-Trail 2016 model, Mode Premiere. Call : 649-0956.

1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, spoiler, crash, low mileage PTT Series (first owner). Call: 649-0956.

Police Complaint Authority

complaints in 2024

The Police Com plaints Authority (PCA) received 127 complaints in 2024, according to information from the 2025 Budget document. Of these, 54 cases were closed, while 32 complaints were rejected.

The PCA is tasked with responding to complaints and supervising investigations into serious crimes allegedly committed by members of the Police Force.

Its strategies include assessing complaints, oversee-

VACANCY

Maid to clean for East Bank area. Call: 615-9132.

Female cleaner for Eccles office. Call : 615-9132 / 645-8443.

One clerk for TSI Eccles office English 1, Maths 2. Call : 615-9132 or email application to techserigy@yahoo.com

Male / female needed to work in the Interior, ages 18 years and older. Call: 699-8486.

Male / female needed to work in supermarket in the Interior, ages 18 years and older. Call: 674-9999.

Live-in Domestic needed, Must know to cook & Bake. Attractive salary offered. Call: 699-8486.

General Domestic , cook , iron, clean house ECT. Apply Keyfood Mc Doom village next to the post office . 3day work

One driver to make purchases in Georgetown. Contact : 701-4000.

Desk staff, Handyman/ Licensed driver 21-45 years old, Receptionist, Supervisor, Room attendant. 233 South Road Lacytown. 225-0198.

Vacancy exists for Porter, Driver, Cashier Apply 16 Vlissengen Rd., Newtown Kitty Email: humanresource.survival@gmail.com

Vacancy exists for one nanny to work in New Haven Bel Air, Must have experience. Call : 690-5434 / 624-1473

One night Watchman needed. Call: 731-2125.

SERVICES

Need a grocery shopper, ship chandler or visa application preparer: USA, Canada, UK ETA? 626-7040.

Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. Call: 619-0007, 6295526.

ing investigations, and submitting reports to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) before criminal proceedings are initiated.

The budget document outlines that in 2024, the Authority made 41 recommendations for pending investigations. Additionally, 34 recommendations were sent to the Commissioner of Police for

…54 closed, 32 rejected

investigation and necessary actions. Notably, it was also disclosed that the Authority also forwarded six recommendations to the Chairman of the Police Service Commission for further investigation and necessary actions. No recommendations were sent to the DPP for legal advice in 2024.

For 2025, the PCA has set higher targets, expecting to

handle 240 complaints. It aims to close 235 cases and reject 170. Recommendations for pending investigations are projected to decrease to 20, while recommendations to the Commissioner of Police are expected to rise to 60. The Authority also plans to increase recommendations to the Chairman of the Police Service Commission to eight

and send five recommendations to the DPP for legal advice.

The PCA’s impact includes ensuring that complaints are investigated and that written reports are submitted to the Commissioner of Police and the DPP to facilitate the initiation of criminal proceedings where necessary.

High sodium intake contributes to chronic disease burden in the Caribbean

A new report from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reveals that sodium/salt consumption levels in the Caribbean are twice as high as recommended, contributing to the development of cardiovascular diseases and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The report underscores the urgency of implementing strategies such as mandatory sodium content reduction in foods, front-ofpackage warning labeling, and the regulation of marketing for high-sodium products.

The report, Dietary Sodium in Caribbean Populations, summarizes available data on sodium consumption in the Caribbean over the past 10 years. The review focuses on dietary sodium/ salt intake studies, urinary sodium excretion, and sodium content in packaged foods. The findings indicate a high sodium/salt intake, nearly double the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended 2 grams of sodium (5 g of salt) per day, which could increase the burden of chronic diseases in the region.

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death in the Americas. Evidence shows that excessive sodium consumption is a key risk factor for developing hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, emphasizing the importance of reducing sodium intake among the population.

WHO Member States have set a global target to reduce sodium/salt consumption by 30% by 2025, which is essential to achieving a 25% reduction in premature mortality from NCDs. “Excessive sodium consumption is a public health challenge that requires urgent and coordinated responses. Evidence shows that reducing sodium intake in the population can prevent cardiovascular diseases and other NCDs, improving people’s quality of life and reducing pressure on health systems,” said Dr. Anselm Hennis, Director of the Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health at PAHO.

In many countries, approximately three-quarters of the so-

dium consumed comes from processed and ultra-processed foods, including bread, cereals, processed meats, and cheese. In Barbados, ultra-processed foods account for 40.5% of daily caloric intake.

Meanwhile, in Trinidad and Tobago, an analysis of 1,239 processed and ultraprocessed products found that many food categories— such as sauces, dressings, and fish and seafood products—exceed the sodium thresholds established by the PAHO Nutrient Profile Model. Urinary sodium excretion, a key indicator of sodium intake, also confirms this trend. In Barbados, a study of AfroCaribbean adults found an average sodium excretion of 2,656 mg/day, with 68% of participants exceeding WHO recommendations. A regional study in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia found

that sodium excretion levels suggested that 75% of the population consumed between 3 and 6 g/day of sodium. Additionally, these results were directly associated with a higher risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, particularly when sodium intake exceeded 5 g/day. Despite progress in sodium reduction policies in the region, implementation remains uneven. A 2021 PAHO mapping found that out of 34 surveyed countries, 24 (70%) had NCD reduction policies that included a recommendation to lower sodium/salt intake in line with WHO guidelines. However, only six had comprehensive national strategies. Strengthening sodium/ salt reduction strategies, particularly those targeting the food industry, is essential. Among the most effective measures are the mandatory

implementation of front-ofpackage warning labels on high-sodium products, regulation of ultra-processed food marketing to children and reformulation of processed and ultra-processed foods to reduce their sodium content. Additionally, promoting nutritional education through social marketing is key to raising awareness about the risks of high sodium consumption and encouraging healthy eating habits.

PAHO/WHO has developed various tools to support Member States in their efforts to reduce dietary sodium intake in the Americas, including The SHAKE Technical Package for Salt Reduction. SHAKE the Salt Habit, as well as the Updated PAHO Regional Sodium Reduction Targets, A Tool to Tackle the Burden of Diet-related Noncommunicable Diseases.

Oil-rich nations struggle with corruption...

From page 06 journalists increasingly common,” the body stated in its report. Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer scored 26, while Angola (32) and Libya (13) remained at the lower end of the index. Iraq (26), Iran (30), and Azerbaijan (21) also ranked among the lowest-scoring oilproducing nations. Russia, a major global energy player, scored 22. Other oil producing countries include China, Ghana, Kuwait and Senegal all

scored below 50 for corruption. It should be noted that while these scores reflect perceptions of corruption, they do not necessarily indicate corruption within the country’s oil and gas industry itself.

Transparency International recommended, “To effectively combat the climate crisis, we must place corruption at the centre of the global debate. Governments, international organisations and businesses must prioritize the

integration of robust anti-corruption measures into climate finance, policies and projects. Transparency and accountability are essential to ensuring resources are protected, policies deliver on their objectives, and projects reach the communities that need them most.

Addressing corruption head-on will rebuild societies’ trust in climate initiatives and drive progress toward a sustainable world.”

New PAHO guide aims to improve early detection...

From page 09 childhood cancer. The guide also includes information on the most prevalent childhood cancers in the region, such as acute leukemias, central nervous system tumors, lymphomas, Wilms tumor, and retinoblastoma, detailing the symptoms, clinical history, physical exams, and necessary complementary studies for each type. Additionally, it provides support tools, such as a glossary of medical terms and educational resources, to ensure healthcare professionals have the knowledge needed to implement best practices for early diagnosis. It also includes key public

health indicators that will serve as benchmarks for health ministries and hospital directors, facilitating the monitoring and evaluation of childhood cancer early detection programs.

Virtual course on early diagnosis of childhood cancer

In addition to the guide, PAHO offers a free course on its Virtual Public Health Campus, designed to provide more in-depth training on the early diagnosis of childhood cancer. The course is specifically aimed at doctors and other healthcare workers, with the goal of strengthening their abilities to detect signs and symptoms in the earliest stages. This course covers key aspects such as risk factors, initial management, and interpretation of complementary exams, all from a primary care perspective. PAHO is also working through its Strategic Fund to expand access to essential cancer treatments, including pediatric formulations. In collaboration with key partners such as WHO, St. Jude, and UNICEF, the region is progressing toward the global goal of increasing childhood cancer survival rates to at least 60% by 2030, with the aim of saving one million lives among children and adolescents worldwide.

25,573roundsofammomissingfromRegiment

( T R I N I D A D

E X P R E S S )APPROXIMATELY 25,573 rounds of 5.56 ammunition in reserve for the Trinidad andTobagoRegiment(TTR) were discovered missing earlier this month during a physical examination at the CumutoBarracks.

The ammo was removed from the Cumuto Barracks bunker and relocated to a nearby structure of the Barracks compound sometime in 2022. The Sunday Express sent questions to National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds via WhatsApp between Wednesday and Friday last week about the missing ammunition at the Cumuto Barracks, but he failedtorespond.

Senior army intelligence officers who decided to revealthisdevelopmenttold the Sunday Express last week that the missing ammunition recently prompted Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Air ViceMarshall Darryl Daniel to order a thorough audit of all munitions at army facilities aroundthecountry

The audit was expected to have started yesterday (Saturday), and a board of enquiry into the missing ammunition is scheduled to be convened tomorrow (Monday) The Defence Force’s Intelligence Operation Unit has been taskedwithinvestigatingthe missing ammunition at the

CumutoBarracks.

The Sunday Express forwarded questions regardingthemissingammo toDanielviaWhatsAppand the Defence Force C o m m u n i c a t i o n s

DepartmentlastWednesday, but received no response up toyesterday

In a private WhatsApp chatgroupamongnumerous senior officers, one officer said that “no stone will be leftunturnedinthismatter”, and added that they should do their best to ensure this matter does not reach the media as the investigation proceeds.However,asenior army officer confirmed on Thursday evening that the missingammunitionwas“an active and serious investigation.”

Several senior army intelligence officers who spoke with the Sunday Express and provided imagesforthestorysaidthe ammunition was removed from the underground bunkerin2022andplacedin a room of a building about 100metresaway “At times, these specialised locations (bunkers) require either maintenance or upgrades Thismeansthatifnecessary, the ammunition stored, as well as live explosives and pyrotechnic explosives, would have to be relocated temporarily Aswiththecase at Cumuto Barracks, due to an issue with the location leaking, the reserve

ammunition and other stuff were temporarily removed,” a senior officer explained, speakingontheconditionof strictanonymity

Another senior army officer familiar with the incident told the Sunday Express that water had begun to seep into the bunker, and several of the reserved ammunition that had been stored in metallic boxes and cardboard boxes got wet. “So in some cases, the metallic boxes with the 5.56 ammunition would havestartedtorustandwater also started to seep in. This wasalsohappeningwiththe 9mm ammunition that was stored in cardboard boxes that became wet and waterlogged The bunker was built with concrete and then it’s covered with dirt and grass, and over a period oftimewhenrainfellandthe water went through the dirt, it seeped into the bunker through cracks in the concrete,”saidtheofficial.

“Usually,onepersonwill haveakeyforthebunkerand that would be the

Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM), and the team that is responsible for the reserve ammunition/explosives in thebunkerwillbetheammo techs.Thesereservedrounds arenoteasilyaccessibleand only a few have authority to go where these rounds are andaccessit.Sointhiscase, they would have overseen the removal of the ammunition/explosives

from the bunker to the next building Usually, young soldiers would be called to perform the task of moving the items,” the senior army officer said. A senior army insider indicated that in additiontoallocatedrounds, rounds are used for daily rotational duty. “These roundsmustbecheckedand accounted for every single day at each camp, and are stored in a different location,”hesaid. WastheCDSmisled?

But how come such a significant number of reserved 5.56 ammunition wasdiscoveredmissingonly aftersuchalongperiod?“In October last year, Col JP Roachford took over the CumutoBarracks,anditwas he who ordered a physical check into the reserved roundsinearlyFebruaryand realisedonlythenthatitwas notphysicallyaccountedfor, despite what the books

would have shown. Several members of the battalion werelateralertedtothis.

“Officially, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, attempts were made to search the premises and members’ personalspacesinanattempt to find anything that could point to the direction of the missing ammunition, but it turned up empty-handed. A temporary measure was put inplacewheretherestofthe reserve ammunition is stored,” a senior army intelligenceofficersaid.

Theofficeraddedthatthe new site where the reserve ammunitionwashousedwas guardedbyasentryandrotatedinthreeeight-hourshifts.

“Nobodycouldsaywhenthe rounds went missing because it was only realised now, and as I said, it could havebeenyearsago;sowas aproperauditdone?Wasthe CDS, when he said back in 2023thatallarmsandammo

were accounted for by the TTDF, was he misled in some way?” questioned a senior army intelligence officer familiar with this latestinvestigation. Accountabilityand procurement Over the last few years, shell casings marked with “TTR” and “TTPS” were found at shooting and murder scenes raising questions about the accountability and procurement of the T&T Police Service and Regiment’s arms and ammunition.Danielhadtold a Parliament Joint Select Committee on National Security in early 2023 that all arms and ammunition were accounted for by the TTDF He added then that any investigation by the TTPS into “TTR” or “TTDF” spent shells found atcrimesceneswouldreveal whatmayhavegoneawry

Diana Chapman triumphs in stiff competition...

Frompage14

matched Chapman’s energy, impressed the crowed with her captivating performance of “When Party Ova,” was crowned the Junior Soca Monarch Her silver costume, synchronized

dance moves, and

connection with the audiencestoodout.

Kyra shared her excitement with Kaieteur News, saying, “I am really happy because I have been judgedfairly Ireallyworked hard and put a lot of effort intothissong.”

Reflecting on her nerves before taking the stage, she said, “I was nervous at first, but I went there confident becauseIbelievedinmyself. I knew I would have won.”

Aswinningthemonarchwas her first step, this young artiste plans to create more soca music. She stated that she will be returning to defendhercrownnextyear

TheCompetitionSetup

Thenightbeganwiththe Junior Soca Monarch competition, featuring eight contestants: Justine Hammer, Lanci, Kyra, Sohype, Simeon Raywaram, Alpha,TonioGY,andTrikki. Despite being juniors, the competitors delivered energetic performances that hypedupthecrowd.Simeon Raywaram secured second place, while So-hype took third.

Tonio GY, a newcomer from Sophia, Georgetown, was recognized as the

Newcomer

followed, with an array of talented artistes taking the stage, including Scarlett, Karizzma, Ishmell Griffith, Vintage, Original Lyrics, Michcorup, Chevez, Gabyluv, Lil Saint, Zea the Superstar, Diana Chapman, Short Boss, Vinel Hinds, Omaiah Hall, and O.K.C. The excitement continued late into the night as the crowd cheered on their favouriteperformers.

O.K.C,arisingstarfrom Linden finished in second place. His performance, full of confidence and energy, had the audience chanting hisname.

Though emotional after not securing the top spot, O.K.C. expressed gratitude to his supporters, saying, “Wedidn’tgetthecrown,but wegotthecrowd. Theemotionswerebased on me going up there and performing Being numbered in that chosen fieldissomethingmajor Iamgoingtokeeptrying, and you will be seeing O.K.C’s face every year as long as I am able,” he told KaieteurNews

Setting his performance was a unique skit which intrigued the crowed and theywaitedforhispresence. Dressed in white and gold theme,theLindenperformer was seen visibly confident and energetic during his performance.

Omaiah Hall took third place,impressingthejudges and audience alike with her uniqueperformance.

Her song “Breakaway” was accompanied by a dramatic entrance in a box, symbolizing freedom as she broke out of it and danced across the stage with synchronized backup dancers.

Although not achieving the title, Omaiah remains optimistic, stating, “This is mysecondappearanceinthe competition,andIamproud ofmyteam.

This is not the last of Omaiah Hall. I will be seen throughout2025.” Chavez and Vintage tied forfourthplace,withChavez

also being recognized as the Best Newcomer of the competition.

SpecialMentions

The Kunjaz Band received praise for their exceptional instrumental music,whichkepttheenergy high throughout the event. Another notable moment occurred when Uptop, a visuallyimpairedperformer, proposed to his girlfriend of four years at the end of his performance, adding a personal touch to the evening.

The Soca Monarch competitioninGuyanawasa true display of the country’s culture, heritage, and unity, perfectly aligning with the spirit of the Mashramani celebration.

Underground storage: The location of the Cumuto Barracks bunker where ammunition is stored.

Netanyahu vows to ‘finish the job’ against Iran with support from Trump

(CNN) - Israel’s Prime

Minister Benjamin

Netanyahu vowed on Sunday to “finish the job” againstIranwiththesupport of US President Donald Trump.

Netanyahuwasspeaking alongside US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is visiting Israel in his first official trip to the region sinceassumingtherole.

“Overthelast16months, Israel has dealt a mighty blow to Iran’s terror axis. Under the strong leadership ofPresidentTrump…Ihave nodoubtthatwecanandwill finish the job,” Netanyahu said. Rubio said that there “could never be a nuclear Iran.”

“It’s important to constantlypointthatwhether we talk about Hamas or we talkaboutHezbollah,wetalk about violence in the West Bank, or we talk about destabilization in Syria, or we talk about any of these issues the militias in Iraq, they all have behind them one common theme – Iran,” Rubioadded.

“ T h a t m u s t b e addressed,”headded.

US intelligence agencies recently warned both the B i d e n a n d Tr u m p administrations that Israel

will likely attempt to strike facilities key to Iran’s nuclear program this year, accordingtosourcesfamiliar with the assessments Israel’s willingness to use militaryforcerunscounterto President Donald Trump’s current desire for a peace deal with Tehran, and the recent US intelligence cautions that major strikes onIraniannuclearsitescould increase the risk of a wider war breaking out in the MiddleEast.

Overall,Israelisalsostill pursuingthebroadergoalof

Ukrainians

causing regime change in Iran, one of the recent US intelligence reports says TheIsraelileadersaidhehas a common strategy with Trump on Gaza and its future, vowing to open the “gatesofhell”ifallhostages arenotreleased.

Trump this month proposed the US taking ownership of Gaza and moving Palestinians out of the devastated strip permanently, triggering a storm of protest. “It may have shocked and surprised many,” Rubio said in

are fearful any

reference to the plan, “but what cannot continue is the same cycle where we repeat overandoveragainandwind upintheexactsameplace.”

Heavybombsshipment Rubio’s trip coincided with the US sending a shipmentofheavybombsto Israel.

Themunitionsweresent afterTrump’sadministration last month lifted a hold on the deliveries, Israel’s Ministry of Defense said Sunday

Israel’s defense minister IsraelKatzsaidtheshipment

of MK-84 munitions “represents a significant asset for the Air Force and theIDFandservesasfurther evidence of the strong alliance between Israel and the United States,” in a statement from his ministry KatzthankedTrumpandthe US administration for their “unwaveringsupport.”

T h e n e w

administration’s release of the heavy bomb shipments rolled back one of the few Biden-era policies meant to exert leverage on Israel during its war in Gaza

Former President Joe Biden hadrestrictedthedeliveryof the 2,000-pound bombs out of concern they could be used indiscriminately by Israel’s military in densely populated areas of Gaza. Despite causing tensions between Biden and Netanyahu,themovedidnot portend any major changes inthewar

Nor did it significantly improve Biden’s standing among critics of the war, whoarguedforsignificantly tighter restrictions on American arms sales to Israel.

RubiolandedinTelAviv on Saturday night, where he was greeted by Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on the first leg of his triptotheregion.

He met with Netanyahu at his office in Jerusalem Sunday morning. It comes a day after three Israeli hostages were released by Hamas as part of a USmediated ceasefire agreement, although the fragile nature of the truce was underlined again SundaywhenHamassaidan Israeli strike killed three police officers in Gaza, in what it called a “serious violation ” Before his meeting with Netanyahu, Secretary Rubio attended mass at the historic Church of the Holy Sepulchre, according to a State Departmentofficial.

The head of Gaza’s Government Media Office SalamaMaroofcriticizedthe US decision to send the heavy bombs. “Instead of sending food, medicine, water,orshelterandbuilding materialstothevictimsinthe Gaza Strip, even with a humanitarian motive, the United States of America, the first democracy in the world and a pioneer of humanrights,asitdescribes itself, supports the criminal occupation army with 1,800 heavy MK bombs,” Maroof said.

Trump-brokered ceasefire

will be full of concessions and false

( C N N ) - I r y n a

Danilovich disappeared while returning from work in April 2022. It would be two weeks before Russian authorities admitted she was in their custody The human rights activist and nurse was detained in the R u s s i a n - o c c u p i e d Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea, accused of illegal possession of explosives and sentenced to seven years in prison. In her trial, Danilovichtestifiedthatshe was tortured during her detention.

She has since been deported to a notoriously cruelwomen’spenalcolony in Zelenokumsk, southern Russia. She suffers from constant headaches and her

health continues to deteriorate – yet she is not

allowed to sit or lie down duringtheday,accordingto human rights monitoring groupZmina.

Ukraine has always called its areas under R u s s i a n c o n t r o l

“temporarily occupied territories,” insisting it will eventually regain control over them. But that hope is being crushed now This week,USPresidentDonald Trump suggested it was “unlikely” Ukraine would get back much of its occupied land in the peace negotiations he intends to holdwithRussianPresident V l a d i m i r P u t i n Danilovich’scase–andshe is just one of thousands Kyiv says are detained in Russia – shows what is at stakeforUkraine. Trump’scommentcame

after he held a 90-minute phone call with Putin on Wednesday, and it sparked panic across the country, where few believe Putin would negotiate in good faith. Yuliya Kazdobina, a foreign policy expert at Ukrainian Prism, a think tank, said she doesn’t believe the Russian leader wants peace. “We already had so many years of negotiations with the Russian side,” she said Russia has a history of striking and violating agreements with Ukraine going back decades In 1994, Ukraine agreed to giveupitsnuclearweapons in exchange for guarantees from the United States, United Kingdom and Russia that they would respect Ukraine’s

sovereignty and territorial integrity In 2015, after illegally annexing Crimea and sparking the conflict in eastern Ukraine, Moscow signed a ceasefire agreement only to then repeatedly violate it and then launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine seven years later “We know that Russia is very duplicitous, and they can play nice, but when it comes to actually making concessions and makingpeace,theynever… make any concessions,” KazdobinatoldCNN.

TheviewfromKyiv Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to the TrumpPutin call by saying his country would not accept a peace deal struck between the US and Russia without

promises

Kyiv’sinvolvement. “Asan independent country we simply cannot accept any agreementswithoutus AndI articulate this very clearly to our partners We will not accept any bilateral negotiations on Ukraine without us,” Zelensky said, adding that the fact that Trump spoke to Putin first was “not pleasant” And Ukrainians seem to agree withtheirleader Speakingto CNN in Kyiv, student Nazar Voloshenkosaidthatanytalks that could lead to Ukraine losingfurtherterritorywould bedisastrousforthecountry

“Wemaybeleftwithout the currently temporarily occupied territories, withoutpartsoftheKherson region,Zaporizhzhiaregion and the long-suffering Crimea,”hesaid.“Wemust take back what is rightfully ours ” Russian forces currently occupy nearly 20% of Ukraine’s territory, up from the roughly 7% it controlledbeforelaunching its unprovoked full-scale invasion nearly three years ago According to Ukrainian officials, some 6 million people, including 1 million children, live under Russianoccupation,inwhat the United Nations has describedasa“bleakhuman rightssituation.”

Fears of history repeatingitself Crimea has been under Russian control since Moscow illegally annexed it in 2014 Since then, Russiahasimposedabrutal and repressive regime, stomping out any sign of opposition.

Region Four NDCs to get excavators

As part of the government’s e f f o r t s t o empower local government authorities across the

country, Agriculture

Minister Zulfikar Mustapha handed over four mini-

excavators to four Neighbourhood Democratic Councils(NDCs)ontheEast Coast of Demerara (Region Four). The machines, each valuedatapproximately$14 million,willbeusedtocarry out drainage works in the residential communities within their respective catchmentareas.

MinisterMustaphawhile addressing residents and farmers at the handing over ceremonywhichwasheldat theMinistryofAgriculture’s Complex at La Bonne Intention on Saturday, said all seventeen NDCs in Region Four will soon have accesstoanexcavatorthanks to the Government of Guyana, representing a total investmentofapproximately $238million.

He told residents that as part of the government’s vision to develop a comprehensive drainage system across the country,

the Ministry of Agriculture through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), has a critical role to play when it comestoprovidingdrainage and irrigation in both cultivation and residential communities.

“We are developing a comprehensive drainage systemthatcanwithstandone of the problems we are currentlyfacinginthispartof the world – climate change

Over the last few years, Guyana, like many other countries in the region, has be

unseasonal weather patterns

Theexistingdrainagesystem in our country was designed to drain approximately oneand-a-half inches of water in twenty-four hours If funds are not allocated to improve the existing system, we will continuously encounter seriousdifficulties Ifwewant to fully restore our status as the breadbasket of the Caribbean, we have to invest anddevelopacomprehensive drainage system,” he explained.

Prior to today’s activity, Minister Mustapha had said thatH.E.PresidentDr Irfaan

- Mustapha says $238M to be spent

Ali and Vice President Dr B

instructed that resources be allocated to empower local governmentauthoritiestobe abletomaintainthedrainage systems within their communities.

Minister Mustapha also said that the government is actively working to develop a drainage system that is needed to effectively drain vulnerable areas in this countryontime.“Following the 2005 floods, the PPP/C government started to develop the system that is needed to effectively drain vulnerable areas in this

country in a timely manner That’s why we constructed the high-level canal at Hope which we refer to as the Hope Canal. When we built that canal, a lot of persons, specifically the Opposition, hadalotofnegativethingsto say Welivedtoseethatvery samestructureplayingavery critical role in 2021 when Guyanaexperiencedanother major flood; the most devastating flood in our country’s history. Every otherpartofthecountrywas severely affected, except for the East Coast of Demerara and Georgetown. We are now constructing similar

structures in Regions Six, Five, and Two. These are mega projects that require large-scale investments. An investmentinthissectorisan investment in this country’s infrastructure,”henoted. He also said while the machines are being handed over to the NDCs, they will be managed and maintained bytheNationalDrainageand IrrigationAuthority (NDIA) as the NDCs may not have the capacity to finance the upkeepofthemachines.The NDCs that benefited from today’s handing over were Cane Grove NDC, Unity/Vereeniging NDC,

NDC, and Beterverwagting/Triumph NDC. Each NDC will now have to develop a work plan to guide the maintenance of theinternaldrainagesystems in their communities, while the NDIA will focus on maintainingmaincanalsand other major drainage and irrigationinfrastructure. Minister Mustapha said beforetheendoftheyear,all localgovernmentauthorities in Guyana will have a miniexcavator to execute works to upgrade internal drainage systems in the communities. (DPI)

Guyana recorded over 4,000 cases of child abuse last year

Guyana recorded 4,032 cases of child abuse in 2024, according to data from the 2025Budgetdocument. In2024,88children affected by abuse were reunited with their biological families, while 217 children were placed in alternative care, including foster homesandsafeinstitutions.

Notably, it was disclosed that a total of 6,038 vulnerable families received psychosocialservicessuchascounselingand training. The Adoption Board approved 38 adoptions, and 118 custody evaluation reportsweresubmittedtotheFamilyCourt.

The Child Care and Protection programme aims to provide for children whosebasicneedsareunmetandtoprevent, reduce, and address abuse and neglect through intervention and support programmes. The programme’s strategies include rehabilitative services for affected families, emergency response systems for

victims, placement of abused children in alternative care, and monitoring child care institutions to ensure compliance with standards Additionally,effortsarebeingmade to raise awareness and encourage community involvementincombatingchildabuse. For2025,thegovernmentaimstoreduce reported child abuse cases to 4,000. The number of children reunified with their biological families is projected to be 80, while190childrenareexpectedtobeplaced in alternative care. The compliance rate of licensed daycare facilities is targeted to increasefrom79%to100%.Thegovernment alsoplanstoprovidepsychosocialservicesto 6,200 vulnerable families and approve 50 adoptions.Additionally, the number of early childhoodcaregiversregisteredisexpectedto rise from 971 to 1,021, and the number of daycarefacilitiesissettoincreasefrom346to 396.

Some of the excavators which were handed over to the NDCs

The Child Care and Protection Agency

Briton John wins L.F.S Burnham Memorial Cycle Road Race

Th e h i g h l y

anticipated L.F.S

B u r n h a m MemorialCycleRoadRace, sponsored by the Burnham Foundation,sawBritonJohn once again showing his dominance, finishing on top of the podium yesterday in theOpencategory

The We Stand United Cycle Club cyclist was

followed closely by Jamaul John in second place and AaronNewtoninthird,with veteranridersRobinPersaud

and Paul DeNobrega roundingoutthetopfive.

From the very start, the competitionwasfierce,with riders battling strong headwinds and tactical breakaways shaping the race. In the Open category,

Briton John showcased his superior conditioning and race awareness, timing his attacksperfectlytopickupa decisivewin.

Veteran cyclist Robin Persaud showed his consistency across multiple categories, claiming the top spotinboththeMasters40+ andMasters50+races.

RisingstarAlexNewton

also made a strong

statement, winning the Juniors category while adding a sprint prize to his name.

Aaron Newton, Marlon Williams and Phillip Clarke eachpickedupasprintprize.

FullResults

OpenCategory

1st–BritonJohn

2nd–JamaulJohn

3rd–AaronNewton

4th–RobinPersaud

5th–PaulDeNobrega

Masters40+

1st–RobinPersaud

2nd–AlexMendes

3rd–RalphWilliams

Monday February 17, 2025

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

You'll find that things are slipping nicely into place for you today, Aries Your persuasivemannerandgentle nudges are just enough to get peoplewhereyouwantthem.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

When faced with ten entrees onthemenu,itmightbehard for you to choose just one. Feelfreetoordertwoormore, Ta u r u s D o n ' t l e t indecisiveness slow you down.Atthesametime.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Your dreams won't come true unless you believe in and act onthem,Gemini.Nooneelse is going to do it for you. Unless you have a fairy godmother, you need to take mattersintoyourownhands.

CANCER(June21–July22)

If people hassle you or give you a hard time about your appearance today, pay them nomind,Cancer Youhavethe righttoliveyourlifeanyway youwantto.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Reachforthepotofgoldatthe end of the rainbow, Leo. It's closerthanyouthink.Indeed, your dreams are completely within your reach, and there are huge forces at work helping you achieve your goals.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Today is your day to dream and dream big, Virgo. Think aboutwhatitisthatyouwant most out of life. Aim your arrow to the stars and pull back your bow as far as possible. There's no limit to howfaryoucango.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Expand your mind to its furthest reaches today, Libra. T

's an incredible opportunity opening up for you in which you can make great strides in a creative realm.Followthemusic.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

Your mind may seem rather cloudy today, Scorpio, but don't let this hinder you. In fact, you'll find that you can use this feeling of fantasy to your advantage. Try to bring moremagicintoyourlife.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Today is an excellent day for you,oneinwhichyou'llfinda great deal of strength in your emotions, Sagittarius Trust that your instincts are serving youwell.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Things might get a bit confusing for you today, Capricorn. Don't feel like you needtomakesenseofitall.In fact, this task may be impossible. Just be yourself. Let your creative nature shine through.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb.

18)Mixyourrealitywithabit of fantasy today, Aquarius. Allowyourfeettocomeoffthe ground for a little while. Give yourselfarest.Takesometime to meditate and clear your mindofyourdailyworries.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Let yourself go into high creative mode and drift into a whole other world, Pisces. Escape your present reality and explore your fantasies through any sort of artistic endeavor Dreamasbigasyour mindallows.

4th–PhillipClarke Juniors

1st–AlexNewton

2nd–AlexanderLeung

3rd–AdjaniCutting

Masters50+

1st–RobinPersaud

2nd–PhillipClarke

3rd–MarkSpencer

Resilient Talibans survives North East to win first Mashramani Street Football Championship title

Taliban survived a t h r i l l i n g challenge from NorthEastSaturdaynightin the seventh Mashramani

S t r e e t F o o t b a l l Championship to win yet another title 4-3 on penalty kicksattheNationalParkin

a festive atmosphere that underscored an aweome experience.

T h e d e c o r a n d environment really depicted an exceptional effort from the organisers befitting a championshipfootballgame in the Mashramani season.

In a concerted effort to address ongoing challenges within the Guyanese swimming community, the Ministry of Culture, Youth andSport,incollaborationwiththeNational Sports Commission (NSC), has extended an invitation to all swim clubs and their membersforapivotalmeetingtodayat5:30 pm,attheNationalAquaticCentre.

The Guyana Amateur Swimming Association(GASA)hasbeenunderscrutiny due to administrative and operational concerns.

In May 2024, both the NSC and the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) announcedthecessationoffinancialsupport to GASA, citing irregularities in the association’smanagement.

The decision by the NSC and GOAwas further solidified in September 2024 when the NSC revoked GASA’s core-sport status, intensifying the call for comprehensive reformswithintheassociation.

In response to these developments, PanAm Aquatics, the governing body for

NorthEastandTalibanwent toetotoeinbothregularand extra time to extend the game to penalty shootout to decideawinner

NorthEastsenttheplace into a frenzy early in the game when Lennox ‘Tyga’ Cort scored in the 7th

minute.

Their fans literally went ballistic, running around the barricaded court Calvin Moore then gave the fans enough to conclude that North East was headed home with the title when he finished

a classic strike in the 11th minute

H

Talibans quieted the North East fans in the 18th minute before national player

Nicholas McArthur, who scored in each of his games in the tournament, found the back of the net in the 25th minute to equalise with 15 minutes leftinregulationtime

Both teams failed to add to their scores in both regular and extra time, ensuring that the penalty route would decide the 2025 Mashramani Street FootballChampion

In true championship fashion, Taliban snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with a 4-3 win on penalty kicks It was their second 4-3 win from the penalty mark on the night Taliban defined theirgritandresistancein the semi-final against the experienced Goal is Money to get to the Final after a scoreless regular andextratimeperiod

North East had a more convincingroutetothefinal, beating defending champions,StabroekBallers 3-1 in their semi-final Jamaal Czier and Moore scored in the 19th minute while Moore found the net

again in the 29th minute for North East. Gerry Burnette scoredinthe11thminutefor Stabroek Ballers, who was relegated to the Third Place Playoff against Goal is Money

Andrew Murray Jr scored in the 25th to give Goal is Money the third placeawardof$200,000and trophy Taliban pocketed $500,000 and trophy while North East went home with $300,000. Stabroek Ballers got $100, 000 for placing fourth. Carl Griffith got the Most Valubale Player (MVP) award of $50,000 compliments of J’s Chill Spot in Bent Street and trophy Sports Management Inc. expressed gratitude to all those who made the event possible in any way, especially the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Magnum Tonic Wine, Lucozade, MVP Sports, ENet, Corum Group, Starr PartyRentals,FiresideGrill, Cevons, TCL Guyana Inc., Trophy Stall, J’s Chill Spot, Nigel Hinds Financial Services, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Clifton Hicken, Sleep Inn International Hotel, Secure Innovations and Concepts, T r o y M e n d o n c a , Christopher Mathias and TheMedia.

aquatic sports in theAmericas, conducted a thoroughassessmentofGASA’soperations.

Their report, submitted in late 2024, outlined several recommendations aimed at enhancing transparency, governance, and inclusivitywithintheassociation.

Key among these suggestions was the restructuring of GASA’s executive committee and the implementation of standardized protocols for athlete developmentandcompetitionmanagement.

Theupcomingmeetingsignifiesacrucial step towards unifying the swimming fraternity in Guyana, where by engaging directly with clubs and stakeholders, the Ministry and NSC aim to foster a collaborative environment conducive to the sport’s growth and the well-being of its athletes.

Allaffiliatedclubsandtheirmembersare strongly encouraged to attend this meeting, as collective input and active participation are essential in shaping the future of swimminginGuyana.

Ansa McAl Trading Limited’s Senior Brands Manager, Kenisha Wills (second, left)and organiser, Edison Jefford (left) hand over the Championship Trophy and $500,000 cash prize to Taliban Saturday night at the National Park.

Eden Gardens to host IPL 2025 final on May 25

(Cricinfo) - Eden Gardens,thehomegroundof IPL 2024 champions Kolkata Knight Riders, will host both the tournament opener of IPL 2025 on March 22 and the final on May 25. It will also host Qualifier2onMay23.

This will be the first final in Kolkata in a decade,withEdenGardens having previously hosted the 2013 and 2015 title matches

TheothertwoplayoffsQualifier 1 on May 20 and theEliminatoronMay21will be played in Hyderabad, home of 2024

runners-up Sunrisers Hyderabad

IPL 2025 will feature 74 matches spread over 65 days with 12 double-

headers The tournament opener will pit KKR against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in an evening match That will be followed by double-header Sunday (March 23) with SRH hosting Rajasthan Royals followed by the IPL’s most celebrated rivalry, with Chennai Super Kings hosting Mumbai Indians in a clash between two five-times champions.

Royals, Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants and GujaratTitanswillplaythree afternoon matches each, while the other seven teams will play two day matches each. Last year’s afternoon matches had started at 3.30 pmIST

There are 13 venues

listed in the schedule: the primary home bases of each of the 10 teams along with with Guwahati (Royals’ second home venue), Visakhapatnam (Capitals’ second home venue) and Dharamsala (Punjab’s second home venue). While Guwahati and Vizag will hosttwomatcheseach,three matches will be played in Dharamsala. While Punjab have usually played two games per season at the picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, the IPL has scheduled an extra game at the venue this season, with Capitals, Mumbai and LSG listed as Punjab’s opponents

These three matches will be played from May 4 to 11, which means Punjab aretheonlyteamtohavea stretch of three back-to-

While several teams will be busy playing back-toback matches with breaks of one or two days, no team will be on the road for three consecutive awaymatches

As has been the case in every season since the IPL expanded to ten teams in 2022, the teams have been split into two groups, with KKR, RCB, Royals, CSK and Punjab in one group andSRH,Capitals,Titans, Mumbai and LSG in the other

Teams will meet the other teams in their group and one team in the other group - determined by seeding - twice, and the other four teams in the oppositegrouponce CSK and Mumbai, for instance, will meet twice

despite not being part of thesamegroup

After their March 23 contest, these two teams will meet again on April 20, again on a Sunday evening, with Mumbai hosting Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium Four teams - RCB, Mumbai, Punjab and LSG - will all play their opening match away, and only play their respective first home matchesinApril RCB, who scripted a miraculous return to form to make the playoffs last year with six consecutive wins after winning just one of their first eight matches, will end their league season with a sustained spell of home games: four of their last six matches will be at the MChinnaswamyStadium.

Kolkata Knight Riders secured their third Indian Premier League title in 2024

Pouderoyen FC kicks off U13 tournament with NSC’s support

of Sport,

Wi t h t h e backingofthe N a t i o n a l Sports Commission (NSC), Pouderoyen Football Club officially launched its Under-13 football tournament yesterday at the West Demerara Secondary School.

The tournament, according to the organisers, is an important step in

grassroots football development in the West Demerara area and will

feature Pouderoyen FC, Wales, BelleWest FC, Jetty, EaglesFC,andUitvlugtFC.

The opening day saw Pouderoyen FC dismissing Jetty 7-0, while Belle West FC had a comfortable 3-0 victoryoverWales.

Beforekick-off,Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle commendedPouderoyenFC for its commitment to d e v e l o p i n g y o u n g footballers.

HereaffirmedtheNSC’s dedication to youth

development, highlighting that such initiatives are crucial for the long-term growth of football in Guyana. “TheNSCbelieves youthdevelopmentispivotal to sports in Guyana, and we are keen on supporting initiatives like the Pouderoyen Football Club U13 tournament,” Ninvalle stated. He also encouraged the young players to approach the game with fairness and discipline, underlining the importance

Part of the action between Bell West and Jetty in the Pouderoyen FC U13 tournament.

of sportsmanship and personal growth through football. “Play fair, play in the spirit of the game, and enjoy the sport. We look forward to seeing your development in the years to come,”headded.

Organizersnotedthatthe tournament will provide an exciting and developmental experienceforyoungplayers in the West Demerara area, giving them a platform to showcase their talent and sharpentheirskills.

UpcomingFixtures

February22,2025

Eagles vs Uitvlugt –10:00AM

Belle West vs Jetty –11:00AM

Pouderoyen vs Wales –12:00PM

March2,2025

JettyvsUitvlugt–10:00 AM

Eagles vs Wales – 11:00 AM

Pouderoyen vs Belle West–12:00PM

March9,2025

Wales vs Jetty – 10:00 AM

Eagles vs Belle West –11:00AM

Pouderoyen vs Uitvlugt –12:00PM

March16,2025

Uitvlugt vs Belle West –10:00AM

Eagles vs Pouderoyen –11:00AM

March23,2025

Eagles vs Jetty – 10:00 AM

Uitvlugt vs Wales –11:00AM

WPL: Dottin’s explosive finish secures Gujarat Giants’ first win

Chasing 144 for victory, Gujarat Giants had a shaky start, losing Beth Mooney for a duck and Dayalan Hemalatha for zero, leaving themstrugglingat2-2inside twoovers.

However, captain

Ashleigh Gardner led the recoverywithapowerful52 off 32 balls, striking five foursandthreesixestoshift the momentum in Gujarat’s favor Gardner’s dismissal at 86-4inthe12thoverleftthe game delicately balanced, but Dottin ensured there would be no collapse. The WestIndiesstartookcharge, hammering three fours and two sixes at a scorching strikerateof183.33,steering Gujarathomewithtwoovers tospare.

Shefoundanablepartner

inHarleenDeol,whoplayed a composed 34 off 30 balls, helping to stabilize the innings.

Their unbeaten 58-run partnershipextinguishedUP Warriorz’s hopes as Gujarat reached144/4in18overs.

Before dominating with the bat, Dottin made an impactwiththeball,taking2 for34inherfour-overspell. ShestruckearlytotrapKiran Navgire lbw for 15, before dismissing Uma Chetry for 24, ensuring Gujarat kept a firmgriponthegame.

Her contributions were backed by Priya Mishra’s impressive 3-25 and Gardner’s 2-39, which helped restrict UP Warriorz to 143/9 in their 20 overs.

Captain Deepti Sharma led the scoring with 39, while Alana King’s unbeaten 19

provided a late push, but it wasn’t enough to challenge Gujarat’schase.

This victory marks an important turnaround for Gujarat Giants, who struggled in their season opener against RCB

Women With Dottin proving to be a match-winner with both bat and ball, Gujarat now has a formidable allrounder capable of changing games in an instant

Her performance reaffirmed why she is regardedasoneofthemost dangerous players in women’s T20 cricket, and Gujarat will be looking for moreofthesamefromtheir West Indian star as they aim for further success in thetournament

Deandra Dottin

Director

Steve Ninvalle, kicking off the Pouderoyen FC U13 tournament

2025 West Indies Championship… Harpy Eagles lead ahead of fourth round

Tevin Imlach has recorded Harpy Eagles’ highest individual score of the season

Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) sits at the top of the points table ahead of the fourth round of the 2025 West Indies Championship. After three rounds, Guyana hasamassed57.6pointswith twowinsandadrawintheir campaign as defending champions.

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force (TTRF) is locked in second with 55 4 points from two wins and a draw while

L e e w a r d I s l a n d s Hurricanes (LIH) are on 50 8 points in third and also have two wins and a draw.

In fourth is Barbados Pride (BP) on 50 points and they have two wins and a loss while Jamaica Scorpions (JS) is the only other team in the 8team tournament with a win but have two losses for a combined total of 33 2 points

Windward Islands Volcanoes (WIV) – 16 8

p o i n t s , C o m b i n e d Campuses and Colleges (CCC) – 15 2 points and West Indies Academy (WIA) – 12 8 points make up the bottom of

1 7 , Ve e r a s a m m y

Permaul (GHE) is third with 16, Joshua Bishop (WIA) occupies fourth

the table and all have two losses and draw to their tallies

Meanwhile, the fourth round of the tournament is scheduled for March 5 – 8 asHarpyEaglesengagethe Scorpions, Pride takes on CCC, WIA opposes TTRF and WIV goes head-toheadwithLIH

In the individual performances bracket, J a s o n M o h a m m e d (TTRF) leads the Most Runs list with 483, while Jonathan Drakes (BP) is second with 373 points, John Campbell (JS) is third with 299, Kraigg Brathwaite (BP) is fourth with 290 and Cephas Cooper round out thetopfivewith263 Brathwaite has also posted the highest individual score of the season with 212 while Mohammed recorded an unbeaten 204, Joshua Da Silva (TTRF) – 152, Campbell–126andTevin Imlach (GHE) – 126* are theothertopscorers Khary Pierre (TTRF) leads the Most Wickets list with a whopping 26, Rahkeem Cornwall (LIH) is second with

with 14 and Yannic Cariah (TTRF) has 13 in fifth Pierre’s26-wickethaul

also features the Best Bowling Figures of the season with 8 – 27, Tamarie Redwood (JS)

bagged 7-72, Bishop had 7-85, Chaim Holder (BP) pocketed 6-70 while Permaulclaimed6-75.

Briton John wins L.F.S Burnham Memorial Cycle Road Race

Top finishers in this year’s L.F.S Burnham Memorial Cycle Road Race

Sports

Pouderoyen FC kicks off U13 tournament with NSC’s support NSC’s

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, with some of the participating teams in the Pouderoyen FC U13 tournament