Opinion

Shaquawn Gill challenges AFC Leader Nigel Hughes' claim of 1200 Afro-Guyanese disappearances, citing a Stabroek News investigation listing 420 deaths. Gill urges transparency and condemns attacks on Nikhil Sankar for questioning the numbers. He calls for clarity to prevent misleading the public and to honor the victims' memories.

Jermaine Figueira discusses the implications of Article 32.3 on Guyana's sovereignty, particularly in relation to the 2016 Petroleum Agreement. He questions the enforceability of stabilization clauses that protect foreign investors' economic benefits against legal changes, emphasizing the need to balance these with national sovereignty and constitutional principles.

Jonathan Subrian critiques Sherwin Downer's letter accusing PPP of colluding with PNC on the 2016 oil contract. Subrian argues that Downer's claims are based on speculative excerpts from Raphael Trotman's book and stresses the need for credible evidence. He urges UWP to provide factual information to gain legitimacy.

Joel Bhagwandin critiques Dr. Vincent Adams's tenure at the EPA, arguing that permits issued under his leadership were inferior to those by his successor, Kemraj Parsram. Bhagwandin highlights specific clauses absent in Adams's permits, suggesting improvements in environmental safety and regulatory compliance under Parsram.

Dr. Tara Singh argues that corruption in Guyana is deeply rooted in a subculture originating from colonial times. Despite tough laws and measures, corruption persists. Singh suggests stronger enforcement, including 'sting' operations and an independent Inspector General, to effectively combat corruption. Political leaders must address the issue without exploiting racial tensions.

Mervyn Williams, a political activist, discusses the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy, emphasizing the need for unity and support for Indigenous communities. He urges the government to revive effective border policies, enhance communication, and engage in diplomatic efforts to protect territorial integrity and Indigenous rights against Venezuelan aggression.

Kit Nascimento criticizes Stabroek News for advocating renegotiation of the 2016 Exxon PSA, arguing it would harm Guyana's economy. He defends President Ali's stance, highlighting current economic benefits and the risks of forcing renegotiation. Nascimento emphasizes respecting contracts to maintain investor confidence and warns against oversimplifying complex market dynamics.

Dr. Steve Surujbally commends Jimmy Carter for his post-presidential efforts, particularly his role in ensuring fair elections in Guyana and his advocacy against materialism and political extremism. Carter's work with the Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity is highlighted as exemplary citizen activism.

Krishna Nand Prasad congratulates Saraswati Vidya Niketan for receiving India's Pravasi Bharatiya Samman 2025 for community service. He reflects on his positive experience teaching there, highlighting the school's values-oriented curricula and community service initiatives, such as blood drive programs, which contributed to his spiritual growth.

The author reports an incident of verbal abuse and physical aggression by a young man at Eccles Public Road after declining to purchase a beverage. The man struck the vehicle, threw ice, and made racially charged threats. The author urges action to prevent such behavior, particularly towards women or specific ethnic groups.

Annette Ferguson criticizes the Guyanese government's handling of a $100K cash grant distribution, highlighting issues of corruption, inefficiency, and lack of transparency. She questions the discrepancy in cheque distribution and urges the government to account for the remaining funds. Ferguson calls for transparency and accountability in the process.

Jonathan Subrian supports Amanda Walton-Desir's call for Guyana's Speaker, Mr. Manzoor Nadir, to allow the use of 'corruption' in Parliament. He discusses various causes of corruption, such as poverty, greed, and poor governance, urging Mr. Nadir to reconsider the ban and investigate the complexities of the term.

Lincoln Lewis criticizes the Guyanese government's inadequate response to Venezuelan President Maduro's claims over Essequibo. He urges a unified national strategy involving the ICJ and public awareness to counter Venezuela's aggression. Lewis calls for President Ali to prioritize national unity and abandon divisive politics to safeguard Guyana's sovereignty.