President Ali commissions Guyana’s first privately owned eye hospital –says $1B modern facility aligns with national vision for a world-class health sector
Guyana, T&T in ongoing talks on possible supply of crude
–– Dominican Republic maintains interest in partnering on establishment of local refinery, Minister Bharrat Garbage trucks delivered to advance waste management in Region Five
THE Government of Guyana, on Friday, handed over nine (9) garbage compactor trucks to Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in Region Five, further strengthening solid waste management systems and improving service delivery across communities.
With this latest distribution, fifty-five (55) NDCs have now been equipped with garbage trucks, bringing the Government 78.6 per cent closer to achieving full coverage across all NDCs.
Delivering remarks on behalf of His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips emphasised that Guyana’s rapid development demands a more structured and forward-looking approach to waste management.
“A growing Guyana demands a better approach to
waste disposal,” he stated, noting that efforts are being made at the central, regional, and local government levels to ensure systems are in place to effectively manage waste.
Referencing the words of Martin Carter, the Prime Minister reminded that, “All are involved, all are consumed,” as he stressed that maintaining cleanliness and sanitation is a shared responsibility.
He further clarified that the Government is not removing responsibility from NDCs, municipalities, or local authorities, but rather strengthening systems to ensure they are properly supported.
“Wherever we are, we all have a very important role to play,” he said, adding that the focus extends beyond domestic waste to a broader, more comprehensive approach to solid waste management.
Minister of Local Gov-
ernment and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, highlighted the Government’s forward-thinking approach, noting that several models are currently being examined to recycle and reuse waste.
These efforts, she explained, aim to convert garbage into useful outputs such as energy and fertiliser, with plans to expand these systems nationwide beyond existing sites such as Haags Bosch.
“We want to make sure we leave a better Guyana for our children than what we have become accustomed to,” the Minister stated.
She further underscored the Government’s commitment to completing the nationwide rollout of garbage trucks.
“Before June, every NDC will have at least one garbage truck — for the first time,” she said.
Encouraging a shift in mindset, Minister Manickchand added that the current generation has a responsibility to create a better standard
of living for those to come.
“We have a duty to give our children what we did not have, to let them become accustomed to a new
and different Guyana,” she expressed, noting that
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GUYANA’S first privately-owned eye hospital – the Optique Eye Hospital by Optique Care Vision on New Market Street – was officially inaugurated by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Friday.
The $1 billion state-ofthe-art facility provides comprehensive ophthalmology services, including examinations, advanced diagnostics, and specialised surgeries. These encompass cataract, glaucoma, orbit and oculoplastic, corneal, pterygium, and vitreoretinal procedures.
Delivering the keynote address, President Ali described the billion-dollar investment as an opportunity that opens new possibilities for healthcare and the people of Guyana.
“This hospital expands
national capacity,” he said, adding: “It increases patient choice. It creates employment for doctors, nurses, technicians, administrators, and support staff. It encourages new technologies and professional training.”
Private healthcare, he explained, plays a strategic role by fostering competition, enhancing quality, and broadening patient options.
These developments are part of a larger national ambition: establishing Guyana as a hub for medical tourism, and creating a world-class healthcare sector by 2030.
This vision aims to attract patients from across the Caribbean, the diaspora, North America, and beyond, positioning Guyana as a destination for high-quality, affordable, and modern med-
ical services.
“We are here to promote quality healthcare,” the President assured the private
sector, adding, “We’re here to strengthen partnerships between public and private providers in delivering
healthcare services to our people.”
Chief Executive Officer Dhani Narine expressed gratitude to the government, his family, and private sector institutions for their substantial support in realising the facility.
Meanwhile, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony noted that Optique was among the first private healthcare providers to support the government’s Eye Testing and Spectacles Subsidy Programme, launched in 2024.
This programme offers vouchers for eye examinations and financial support for spectacles, marking a significant investment in preventative care.
The Guyana Office for Investment’s Chief Investment Officer Dr Peter Ramsaroop also addressed the gathering.
“It’s exciting to see the fact that our own Guyanese are delivering on the commitments of His Excellency,” he said, referencing the world-class health sector vision.
Also present were Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs Mohabir Anil Nandlall; Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency, and Implementation Zulfikar Ally; Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., and other dignitaries. (DPI)
Referring to the launch of Optique, he said, “I think this is going to be a significant contribution to the development of eye care in Guyana.”
–– as open day, job fair grows, exposes potential university applicants, job seekers to new opportunities
SCORES flocked the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen Campus on Friday for its largest open day and job fair, showcasing 180 academic programmes, clubs, various student-friendly organisations, and a new job-matching app.
In her remarks, Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin during the opening ceremony announced the availability of an app called ‘UG Recruits,’ which was created by a team at the university.
The app is available to all and matches job seekers with university students and alumni
Professor Mohamed-Martin described it as a digital, automated way of matching persons looking for a job with internships or opportunities in different industries.
She revealed that data received on Thursday show that in one day they had over 250 applicants on the site. The app was revamped on the basis of upgraded information provided by users.
Professor Mohamed-Martin recalled that just a few months ago, UG had hosted a ‘Capacitation Conclave’ event on the future of work, part of which was driven by two surveys: one conducted by UG, and the other by a local company.
Each survey had a different focus. One targeted the general workforce landscape in Guyana, while the other looked at how young people are thinking about work, and their education for work. This, she revealed, was a
Caribbean-wide survey.
Sharing insights into the surveys conducted, Professor Mohamed-Martin said the youth of today seem to have their heads on right with regard to how they perceive the future to be.
“They are saying that they are not seeing a future in which one job is going to be a life-long vocation. They’re saying to us that we are going to do what we need to do now. We are going to work, not to live, but work to finance what we want to do
in our lives at this moment,” she shared.
The professor stated that young people today do not want to be told what to do all the time. Instead, they want to be able to innovate and create.
She also noted that young people are assessing jobs that have huge requirements and are asking why the standards are so high for low-paying jobs or entry-level jobs.
According to the Professor, “We probably have to look at how we are creating
our job descriptions now, and to make sure that we don’t only say, you have to have excellence, which I think should be much more. But we say we are going to train you, and this is going to be a likely succession path for you; Because otherwise, they’re not staying with you.”
The vice-chancellor stated that it is an exciting time to be alive in Guyana, and in the world, but it is also a perilous time, where we all
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face many adversities.
“Businesses and young people are facing challenges that we’ve never seen before, unprecedented challenges. And so, we want you to remain close to us. We want to remain and work in synergy because these are complex problems and they’re evolving at a hyper-dynamic pace. So,
we have to respond much faster than we are used to responding,” Professor Mohamed-Martin related.
She shared that the synergy between industries, the university, and the government, as well as all other bodies is very important and used the opportunity to call on other stakeholders to partner with the institu-
tion for curriculum development, feedback, and to provide internship opportunities for students.
“Our country is full of opportunity. State-funded education is a brilliant, wonderful opportunity. You don’t know how long it’s going to last- so take the opportunity that you have now. Take it and run with
it,” she emphasised.
The Tain Campus in Berbice will have its open day and job fair from April 24, and Essequibians will have an opportunity to explore the university’s offerings on May 8 when the institution collaborates with the Essequibo Technical Institute.
many will soon see development in areas previously unimaginable.
Reinforcing the national vision, Prime Minister Phillips reiterated that effective waste management is critical to sustaining Guyana’s growth and ensuring improved quality of life for all citizens.
Also present at the
Some of the nine garbage compactor trucks delivered to NDCs in Region Five
handing over ceremony, were Regional Executive Officer, Sadiek Ishmael; Regional chairman, Recardo Phillips; Regional Vice Chairman, Kleon Lindsey, and Regional Liaison, Rion Peters.
To date, NDCs across multiple regions have benefitted from the initiative. In Region One, one (1) truck was delivered to Port Kaituma, while Region Two has received ten (10) trucks.
Region Three is now fully equipped, with fourteen (14) trucks distributed across its NDCs, including those previously delivered to Wakenaam and Leguan. Region Five has now received a to-
tal of ten (10) trucks, inclusive of the one (1) provided earlier this year. In Region Six, nineteen (19) trucks have been distributed, while Region Nine has received one (1).
Municipalities have also benefitted from the programme, with trucks delivered to Mabaruma, three (3) municipalities in Region Six, and one (1) in Region Nine. The Government of Guyana continues to advance its nationwide waste management programme, as part of its broader commitment to building cleaner, healthier communities and improving the quality of life for all Guyanese.
PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has noted that Guyana is moving to strengthen the country’s agricultural resilience in the face of the worsening global fertiliser crisis with a series of longterm initiatives aimed at reducing exposure to international supply disruptions.
The Head of State made this known while speaking during his programme, ‘Tea on the Terrace,’ during which he said the ongoing conflict linked to the Strait of Hormuz has triggered severe disruptions in global energy and fertiliser supply chains, pushing up prices and threatening food-production systems worldwide.
He noted that fertiliser markets have been hit hard
with sharp increases in global prices and reduced availability expected to impact crop yields across multiple regions.
Against this backdrop,
President Ali highlighted Guyana’s ongoing investments in energy infrastructure and agricultural inputs as part of a broader strategy to build resilience.
“The gas-to-energy project, investment in renewables such as solar and hydro… will provide incentive for agriculture, processing, value creation and investment,” the President said.
He further indicated that the government is actively exploring domestic production capacity for key inputs, including fertiliser, as part
of efforts to strengthen both national and regional food security.
“We are in serious discussion… to have a refinery here in Guyana for national
security and the fertiliser plant for national and regional security,” he stated.
To this end, he noted that discussions have been held with the President of the Dominican Republic and other stakeholders to develop a plan and further leverage the current global shocks as a learning curve.
“The entire world is reorienting its system as a result of what is taking place,” he emphasised.
According to the President, the development of the gas-to-energy project will be central to these plans, as it is expected to reduce energy costs and support downstream industries, including agriculture and manufacturing.
He stated that these initiatives are aimed at ensuring long-term stability rather than short-term relief, especially as global markets continue to experience volatility.
“We will have stable fertiliser, stable gas, stable industrial and manufacturing opportunities, because we manage and we’ll be able to manage the cost of our own power,” President Ali said.
Dr Ali further emphasised that the current global crisis has underscored the importance of building internal capacity, noting that countries must adapt to a rapidly shifting global economic environment marked by supply shocks, price volatility, and trade disruptions.
A 23-year-old woman was arrested on Wednesday after officers from the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) uncovered a quantity of cannabis, suspected ecstasy, and cannabis-infused liquid during an intelligence-led operation in Georgetown.
According to CANU, the operation was carried out on April 15, 2026, at a residence in the Meadow Brook Squatting Area, when ranks acted on information received. A search of the premises led to the discovery of several transparent zip-lock bags and a bulky parcel containing narcotics.
The substances seized
included 63.3 grams of cannabis, 1.82 grams of a rock-like substance suspected to be MDMA (ecstasy), and approximately 39.6 kilograms of a cannabis-infused liquid stored in two five-gallon buckets.
The suspect, identified as Keyola Daniels, of Meadow Brook Squatting Area, was arrested at the scene and escorted to CANU Headquarters along with the confiscated items.
Authorities have since confirmed that investigations are ongoing as they continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the discovery and potential distribution of the illicit substances.
IN a country where education is widely regarded as the most reliable pathway to opportunities, the renewed emphasis on Parent-Teachers Associations (PTAs) by Minister of Education Sonia Parag is both timely and necessary.
Her call for parents to be more involved in schools is not just administrative talk: it points to a long-standing problem in the education system that, if fixed, could greatly improve student outcomes all over Guyana.
For too long, the relationship between parents and schools has been mostly one of reacting.
Parents are only called in when there are problems, such as bad grades, trouble with discipline, or skipping school.
Teachers, on the other hand, often work without the steady help or insight that involved parents can give.
When they work well, PTAs fill this gap. They make education a shared duty instead of a one-sided duty.
Minister Parag’s claim that PTAs help make schools stronger and students smarter is based on both real-life experience and research from around the world.
In school systems all over the world, parents who are involved in their children’s education have been linked to better grades, better behaviour, and higher rates of graduation.
This collaborative model is not only helpful in Guyana, where problems such as student absenteeism, dropout rates, and uneven academic delivery still exist, it is also necessary.
The minister’s comments stand out because she says that many important issues are not being communicated through official channels.
Concerns that are never brought up with high-ranking education officials often only come up in group PTA meetings.
This indicates a communication bottleneck in the system, which PTAs are uniquely equipped to address.
These groups make problem solving more democratic by giving parents, teachers, and administrators a place to talk openly. This makes sure that worries are heard.
The minister’s ambitious plan to get PTAs involved in almost 1,000 schools across the country is just as important.
This project is very big, but it shows a strong commitment to getting people involved at the grassroots level.
The Ministry of Education is serious about decentralising its approach and listening directly to stakeholders by visiting schools in different parts of the country and, when necessary, sending the Chief Education Officer to do so.
But ambition has to go hand in hand with sustainability. PTA meetings can’t just be one-time talks that don’t lead to any action. For this project to work, there need to be clear ways to keep track of problems that come up, put solutions into action, and tell communities what happened.
This effort will either change things or just be a symbol, depending on how open and accountable it is.
A bigger change in culture is also needed. Parents need to do more than just go to meetings; they need to be involved in making the school better.
This includes helping with discussions about infrastructure, supporting academic projects, and helping kids learn at home.
Schools must also be willing to see
parents as partners in the learning process, not as outsiders.
Guyana’s education system is at a very important point right now. More money is going into it, the curriculum is changing, and more people are realising that it needs to get better as a whole.
Strengthening PTAs fits with these bigger goals because it focuses on one of the most important but often ignored parts of education: the connection between home and school.
If done right, this project could change the way schools work. Instead of being separate places, schools could become community centres where working together leads to success.
The message is clear: it’s not just the government’s or teachers’ job to make education better.
It needs parents, communities, and students to all be involved. The strength of an education system is not only in its rules, but also in the people it works with.
The ministry is putting PTAs at the centre of this effort because they believe that when parents and teachers work together, students will benefit the most.
–– chat group created to update stakeholders on progress of the project
By Indrawattie Natram
CONSULTATIONS have officially commenced for the construction of a new Suddie Primary School in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), with educators, parents and community leaders welcoming the long-awaited project and its special modern features.
The consultation was held on Friday, April 17, and marks the first phase of the project before it advances to the design stage. The consultation was spearheaded by the Ministry of Education and the Regional Democratic Council Region Two.
The engagement shared details of the project, gathered community feedback and addressed social and environmental concerns.
The proposed Suddie Primary School will be located at Onderneeming, close to the New Opportunity Corps, and will feature smart classrooms, modern recreational spaces, upgraded sanitation facilities, and improved en-
vironmental safeguards.
One of the major highlights of the proposed school is that it will be equipped with smart classrooms and built in accordance with the Ministry of Education’s new non-academic standards.
These standards focus on ensuring adequate space for recreation, storage, security, teaching areas and other facilities needed to create a modern learning environment.
Coordinator within the Ministry of Education managing the IDB-funded Support to Education Recovery Project, Patrick John, said the new school will be significantly different from the current facility.
“The school will look different. The ministry’s non-academic standards document outlines what is required for recreation, storage, security and teaching spaces,” John said.
He related that the new institution will also include proper garbage disposal, improved washrooms, adequate
storage areas, modern electrical systems and wider open spaces for physical education and other activities.
The project will be funded through a US$90 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank and forms part of a wider programme aimed at improving human capital through better educational facilities.
John said there are plans to construct six new schools in Regions One, Two, Four, Five and Six, while 19 schools will also be rehabilitated across Guyana.
Education officials said the location was selected because of overcrowding at the current school and the need to better serve surrounding communities. Although a 13acre plot was identified, only five acres will be used for the construction.
Headteacher Denis Ombrella expressed strong support for the project, while senior educator Venetia Obermuller highlighted the many challenges currently facing
the existing school.
Obermuller said the existing building is overcrowded, outdated and no longer able to properly accommodate students and staff.
“The building is cramped and outdated. There is too much noise and limited space,” the senior educator.
She related that the school currently has 12 classes, forcing the library to be used as an additional classroom.
The sick bay has been converted into a storage area, while the auditorium is too small to meet the school’s needs.
The washroom facilities are faulty, there is no proper garbage disposal system, and the electrical system is overloaded.
The school also lacks adequate space for physical education.
“The physical space does not cater for physical education. The new location will ease these challenges,” she added.
John assured those present that these shortcomings
are being addressed in the design of the new school.
Regional Education Officer Shondelle Hercules described the project as a long-awaited step towards providing a modern learning institution for the area.
She noted that Suddie Primary School currently has an enrolment of 245 students, comprising 127 boys and 118 girls, along with 35 teachers, 26 of whom are trained.
She said the project will not only benefit Suddie but the wider Region Two community.
Region Two Vice Chairman Humace Oodit stressed the importance of consultation and stakeholder involvement in the process.
“It is important that teachers, parents and all stakeholders are involved so they can take ownership and be proud of having a brand-new school coming to Suddie,” Oodit said.
Environmental considerations also formed a major part of the discussion. Project Director Khalid Alladin said that the project will follow the environmental and social standards of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
These include measures for pollution control, biodiversity protection, waste management and continued stakeholder engagement.
A WhatsApp group has also been created to keep residents updated on the progress of the project.
Parents and teachers attending the meeting warmly welcomed the plans and thanked the Ministry of Education for considering Region Two.
“We are so grateful for this project,” said Chairperson of the Suddie PTA, Amanda Jeffrey.
The consultation was attended by Regional Executive Officer Susan Saywack and Regional Engineer.
He noted that the current school site has become too limited for the growing population and that additional space and facilities are urgently needed.
I WROTE a column when President Trump was in his first term, which acknowledged what he had said about the mainstream media in the US.
Of course, the question remains as to if President Trump would have condemned the mainstream media if he was not at the receiving end. But he was right to point out how shameless their bias is when they want to get at someone or an organisation.
Our own international economist, Maurice Odle, in his autobiography, had this to say about the Western media: “The mainstream media (and the international distribution outlets such as Reuters and Associated Press) in the West, act not as watch dog but lap-dog. This is particularly the case in the USA, where there are no debates aired relating to USA foreign policy and, when a crisis or important development abroad occurs, the speakers invited to comment are invariably military, national security and other establishment figures, and academics and NGO figures are rarely ever invited.”
This is the Western media for you that we grew up with under colonialism. A picture was painted for us that we subliminally accepted that the Western media are the standard bearer in journalism. Nothing could be further from the truth. Before we move to news blackout on the damage Iran has inflicted on Israel (for God’s Sake, why Iran doesn’t finish the job), let’s look at two cases of murder that the Western painted as suicide.
John Barnett worked for 30 years at one of the world’s richest and powerful corporations, Boeing. Days before his death, Barnett was speaking publicly about safety standards at Boeing. Barnett actually accused Boeing of criminal neglect in production parts. He was found dead in his truck in the hotel compound where he checked in to testify against Boeing the next day. His death was ruled as a suicide and the American press simply ignored his case.
Then there was the death of Jeffery Epstein. He tried to kill himself in his jail cell and was put under 24 hours surveillance. One morning he was found hanging. The night before, his cell mate was removed and after his passing, the cameras were found not to be working. Suicide was the official verdict. Both Barnett and Epstein were murdered and we will never know how (we know why) because the “phenomenal courage” of the Western media that they instilled in us in the colonies to accept, suddenly vanished in the
deaths of Barnet and Epstein.
Now consider this. Two critics of a Prime Minister or a President in a country in the Global South are found dead and the official explanation is suicide. Immediately, the New York Times, Washington Post, Guardian, BBC, Daily Mail, and the entire school of Western media are on a plane to investigate the deaths. This is the Western media for you.
It has been five weeks since Israel and Iran have gone to war. Pick up any mainstream Western newspaper or watch any television news and there is an absolute news blackout of the damage Israel is enduring. And the damage has been extensive. What has happened in that war is that the military might of Israel has been found to be bogus. Israel’s military might lies in bombing Gaza and Lebanon where there are no armies to engage them. They simply fly over villages where civilians live and kill civilians by the thousands. Armed with their own self-deception, they think they could do the same to Iran. Israel, a mere 8,000 square miles with a mere eight million people, was given a rude awakening.
How do we know that Iran has beaten them badly? We cannot get that information from the Western media. We get it from podcasts that tell the true story of what is happening to Israel.
It is important to understand where this military invincibility of Israel came from. It came from over 60 years of reporting from the Western media.
The Western media hyped up the might of Israel and now we see that might lying in rubbles in Tel Aviv.
One final point about the subliminal effect of the Western media on people’s mind.
Did you ever read where any prime minister or president in any country referred to then elected head of Hungary, Victor Orban as a strong man? None ever did. That was the description the Western media gave him.
Orban just lost power in a national election and read what is being written about him, not by any prime minister or president in any country but by the Western media. They describe him as the fallen poster boy of President Putin.
This is the Western media for you.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.
THE University of Guyana (UG) has received an unprecedented surge in applications within three weeks of opening its application portal for the upcoming academic year, according to Registrar, Dr Nigel Gravesande.
He made this disclosure during the opening ceremony for the institution’s annual Open Day and Job Fair at the Turkeyen Campus on Friday.
Dr Gravesande stated that by the close of business on Thursday, there had been a total of 3,500 local applications, and 45 international ones, with interest in top areas such as engineering, management, education, the medical sciences, and law.
The local application numbers for locals covers
each administrative region.
“In Region Two, Three, Five, Six and 10, all recording triple-digit numbers. 162 in Region Two, 486 in Region Three, 159 in Region Five, Region Six 161, and 234 in Region 10…with Region Four arriving at four digits in terms of applications, with a whopping 1,614,” he said.
Dr Gravesande stated that as industries in Guyana rapidly evolve, UG as a state institution continuously models its delivery method to ensure that graduates remain employable and innovative.
“Key elements of this relationship I contend, include that which is happening in historic today involving the University of Guyana, an industry that is intended to
demonstrate an intentional anchoring that focuses among other things on this pathway,” he remarked. “The university has seen a need
structure curriculum, ensure programmes meet current and future market needs,” he added.
The University of Guyana, he said, acknowledges and reminds of the importance of strategic relationships between industry and training delivered at the institution. He opined that this is increasingly characterised as a symbiotic partnership, which is aimed at bridging the gap between academic theory and workplace practice.
for industries to help in identifying the skills gaps and to collaborate with us, particularly over the last five years of our history to re-
At the event, Dr Gravesande highlighted the industry standards that UG is incorporating and infusing into its curriculum. He said professionals from various industries quite often assist in making curriculum de -
cisions that can align with academic standards and real-world requirements.
Among the areas he mentioned was micro-prudential regulation, which the university’s academic board has formally endorsed in response to calls from industries in Guyana.
“So, the design and delivery of short-form industry-focused qualifications that help address immediate skill shortages is a seminal priority of our university. Ladies and gentlemen, there is no substitute, in my respectful opinion, for work-integrated learning, and UG has been leading in forging industry linkages that seek to inculcate this vision,” he expressed.
SENIOR Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, has noted that meetings with representatives of the World Bank Group have paved the way for new avenues of co-operation to build prosperity for Guyanese.
This was disclosed by the minister, who is currently attending the 2026 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group (WBG) in Washington, D.C., during which he met with World Bank Vice-President for Latin America and the Caribbean, Susana Cordeiro Guerra.
According to a state-
ment, Dr Singh noted that discussions highlighted the World Bank as a vital partner in Guyana’s ongoing national transformation, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to its long-standing relationship with the institution.
“The meeting also paved the way for discussions on new avenues of co-operation aimed at driving sustainable growth and prosperity for all Guyanese,” the statement added.
The meeting also opened the door for engagement on new avenues of collaboration aimed at advancing sustainable growth and improving the quality of life for citizens.
Also present at the
meeting were World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean, Lilia Burunciuc; World Bank
Compton Bourne; and Executive Director in the Caribbean Office of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Navita Ramroop.
The finance minister has previously indicated that Guyana’s relationship with the World Bank is not only strengthening but also evolving in scope, in keeping with the country’s rapid economic transformation.
of which focus on private sector development and risk mitigation.
According to Dr Singh, the private sector arm of the World Bank is already playing a more prominent role in Guyana in line with the country’s growing investment landscape, with the government encouraging even greater participation.
Group Resident Representative for Guyana, Diletta Doretti; Guyana’s Ambassador to Brazil Dr
At that time, he indicated that as the economy expands, engagement with the bank is shifting toward a broader suite of financial instruments and partnerships, including increased involvement from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), both
Looking ahead, Dr Singh indicated that Guyana intends to remain an active member of the World Bank Group, while also leveraging the evolving partnership to deliver improved infrastructure, better social services and high-quality employment opportunities for all Guyanese.
Anil Nandlall has noted that the government will be moving to strengthen enforcement of existing noise-nuisance laws with plans to expand the role of the Guyana Police Force in ensuring compliance.
He made this known while speaking on his weekly programme, ‘Issues in the News,’ during which he stated that while Guyana already has a comprehensive legal framework to address noise pollution, enforcement remains the primary challenge.
“In relation to noise nuisance, we have a comprehensive regulatory frame-
work in the Environmental Protection Act regulations that were enacted since 2000, 26 years ago. The problem here is enforcement,” Nandlall stated.
He noted that under the current system, enforcement largely falls under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which may lack the capacity to effectively manage the issue nationwide. As a result, the government intends to integrate these provisions into the broader criminal-law framework to allow for greater enforcement support.
“We will borrow from this regime and put it in
the law now in the ordinary criminal law, so that the police can also become part of the enforcement regime,” he said.
The Attorney General emphasised that the move does not introduce new penalties, but rather reinforces existing ones already outlined in the EPA regulations. These include fines ranging from $300,000 to $750,000, as well as the possibility of imprisonment for up to one year upon conviction.
“The EPA regulations specify the distance, the level in terms of decibels, and impose a fine… a person convicted is liable
to a fine of not less than $300,000 and no more than $750,000 and to imprisonment for one year,” he explained.
The Attorney General used the opportunity to emphasise that these penalties have been in place for more than two decades, but insufficient enforcement has limited their effectiveness.
“When we bring these penalties into the new regime, we are doing nothing new… the question is enforceability. So, we will have to work on enforcing these measures,” he added.
Against this backdrop, the Attorney General called for greater public responsibility, highlighting noise pollution and improper garbage disposal as major national concerns.
“Noise nuisance and garbage are major issues
Attorney General Anil Nandlall in our country… as decent, law-abiding, civil-minded citizens, we all live here. The environment is important. Public health is involved. Public sanitation is involved,” he said.
THE possibility of regional collaboration on oil refining has resurfaced, with Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat confirming that Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago are engaged in ongoing discussions regarding the potential reopening of a refinery in the twin-island republic.
Speaking during Wednesday’s edition of The Guyana Dialogue, the minister revealed that Trinidad and Tobago’s refinery, which has been shuttered for several years, is now being considered for revival, with interest from potential investors and preliminary engagement with Guyana on crude supply.
“The refinery has been closed for a number of years now. I think it’s about probably about four to five years now… the refinery has been closed,” Bharrat said.
He noted that Trinidad is actively exploring options to restart the facility, but emphasised that significant financial input would be required before any concrete steps can be taken.
“However, Trinidad is looking at opportunities to, or the possibility rather, to reopen that refinery, to put it back into operation. It requires some amount of investment, capital investment,” he said.
According to Bharrat, at least one international company has already conducted a technical assessment of the refinery to determine the scope of work needed for its reactivation.
“I think they would have had a few companies, one from Africa that I know about, that did technical assessment of the facility to determine what is needed to put it back into operation,” he disclosed.
Central to those discussions is the issue of feedstock, specifically whether Guyana would be in a position to supply crude oil to support the refinery’s operations if it is successfully brought back into operation.
“They too have been in talks with us, more in particular to guarantee the feedstock, that is the crude,” the minister said.
The 140,000-barrel-perday Pointe-à-Pierre refinery, formerly operated by state-owned Petrotrin, was closed in 2018 after becoming economically unviable.
By early 2026, Trinidad and Tobago had been exploring a potential partnership with Guyana to revive the facility, with efforts focused on securing a reliable crude-oil supply and restoring the idle plant, which has deteriorated after years out of operation.
Despite these engagements, Bharrat made it clear that both countries remain in the preliminary stages of dialogue, with no commitments made on either side.
“No decision yet by either Guyana or Trinidad. It is just at a stage where we are still in talks,” he stressed.
He further underscored that any firm agreement from Guyana would depend on Trinidad and Tobago first securing the necessary investment and completing the process of restoring the refinery to operational status.
“But of course, we cannot make a decision until Trinidad can put the refinery back into operation or have the investor investment to put the refinery back into operation. Only then we can make a firm decision that yes, we can supply them with crude or not,” Bharrat explained.
“But as it is now, there is no decision by Guyana or Trinidad. But yes, that was part of the discussion, or as part of the ongoing discussion rather, between the two countries,” he added.
The minister also addressed separate reports regarding potential refinery development in Guyana, particularly in relation to discussions involving the Dominican Republic.
Providing context, Bharrat pointed to a previous call by the Government of Guyana for expressions of interest (EoIs) to design, finance, build, and operate a small-scale local refinery.
“If you can recall, a few years ago, we had an EoI out for expression of interest to build, to design basically, design, build, finance, and to operate a 30,000-barrel refinery in Guyana,” he said.
That initiative attracted attention from several international players, including the Dominican Republic (DR), which has since reaffirmed its interest in partnering with Guyana.
“So, we had a number of companies and countries ex-
pressing an interest. One of those countries would have been the Dominican Republic. And they would have shown that they are serious about investment. They are serious about building a partnership between Guyana and the DR,” Bharrat noted.
He added that Dominican officials have recently reiterated their willingness to pursue such collaboration with the Government of Guyana.
“So, they would have indicated to President, Dr Irfaan Ali and the Government of Guyana that they are still interested in doing so,” he said.
Nevertheless, Bharrat cautioned that no decision has yet been taken on establishing a refinery within Guyana, as several critical infrastructural requirements must first be addressed.
“Again, we haven’t made a decision on building a refinery as yet. It’s still being examined,” he stated. Among the most significant challenges identified is the absence of a suitable deep-water port, which is essential for handling large oil tankers.
“In order to build a refinery in-country, it must be supported by a port, a deep-water port in particular. It is difficult right now to bring ships into Guyana, large ships, large vessels, mainly because of the draft for the depth of our river,” Bharrat said.
He acknowledged that while Guyana’s rivers were once believed to be sufficiently deep, recent assessments have highlighted their limitations.
“We always thought that the Demerara and Berbice rivers were deep. But today… we realise that that is one of the greatest hindrances that we are facing, the depth of our river,” he said.
“The most you can get is probably eight to nine metres. That is a high tide. And to bring in a tanker with a million barrels of crude, you would definitely need at least minimum 15 metres to get that in,” Bharrat added.
As a result, plans for a refinery in Guyana are being closely linked to broader infrastructural development, particularly in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
Moreover, the minister pointed to ongoing plans for the development of the Crab Island area in Berbice,
which has been identified as a strategic location for multiple large-scale projects.
He said the area has been identified for the development of a deep-water port, a refinery pending a final decision, and the landing site for a second gas pipeline.
Bharrat said that this integrated development approach would allow Guyana to maximise its offshore resources while creating a hub for industrial expansion.
He outlined plans for a significantly larger pipeline to Berbice that would
transport gas from offshore developments, enabling the expansion of industries such as data centres and a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility as part of the broader master plan for the Crab Island area.
The renewed push for a refinery has been further driven by instability in global energy markets, particularly due to conflicts in the Middle East that disrupted supply chains.
These disruptions have heightened concerns about energy security and price volatility.
GUYANA has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the rights and empowerment of persons living with disabilities, outlining an ambitious national agenda that includes job creation, expanded social support, and inclusive infrastructural development.
Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, made this disclosure on Friday while addressing the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Standing Committee on De-
mocracy and Human Rights preparatory debate.
The discussion focused on the resolution titled, “Inclusive Social Development for All: Parliamentary Strategies to Promote the Rights and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities,” held in Istanbul, Türkiye.
In his presentation, Minister McCoy said Guyana remains firmly aligned with its international obligations, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and
the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“Guyana reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the promotion, protection and full realisation of the rights of persons with disabilities,” the minister stated, adding that “disability inclusion is both a human-rights imperative and a prerequisite for inclusive, equitable and sustainable development.”
He pointed out that Guyana’s approach is underpinned by a strong legislative and institutional framework
anchored in the Persons with Disabilities Act 2010 and supported by constitutional guarantees of equality and non-discrimination.
According to Minister McCoy, this framework is implemented through the National Commission on Disability and reflects a comprehensive, rights-based approach to governance.
“This architecture reflects a rights-based, whole-of-government approach, grounded in dignity, autonomy and equality of opportunity,” he explained.
The minister highlighted that as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, Guyana is deliberately ensuring that economic gains are matched with social progress.
He noted a significant policy shift away from traditional welfare models towards empowerment and participation. “We are transitioning from a welfare-based paradigm to one centred on empowerment and participation,” the minister said.
Central to this strategy is a national employment target aimed at creating at least 5,000 jobs for persons with disabilities over the next five years. This, he said, will be supported by targeted investments in skills development, entrepreneurial financing, and the removal of structural barriers to employment.
To further drive inclusion, the government has operationalised the Centre for Equity, Opportunity and Innovation, which provides training and employment opportunities for persons living with disabilities, while plans are underway to establish similar business centres across the country.
“These initiatives are designed to facilitate economic independence and meaningful participation in national development,” he stated.
Minister McCoy also outlined sector-specific measures aimed at improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities. In housing, he said, priority is being given to this group in the allocation of house lots and homes, recognising the importance of secure living conditions.
In education, efforts are being made to strengthen in-
clusive systems through specialised programmes, dedicated facilities, and improved frameworks for Special Education Needs and Disabilities.
Guyana is also embedding accessibility into its national development agenda with a policy directive mandating that all new public infrastructures incorporate accessibility features.
“A clear policy directive now mandates the integration of accessibility features in all new public infrastructure, advancing universal design and ensuring that public spaces and services are inclusive by design, not by exception,” Minister McCoy added.
He further noted that persons with disabilities are being integrated into emerging sectors such as agriculture. Among the plans are targeted training and a model farm that will be managed by them.
“These efforts are aimed at fostering self-reliance, income generation and community participation,” the minister said.
At the same time, the government continues to strengthen its social-protection systems. Minister McCoy revealed that more than 27,000 individuals currently benefit from public assistance and direct financial transfers.
He added that for 2026, over $8 billion has been allocated to support citizens with permanent disabilities, alongside increases in monthly assistance.
“This reflects a deliberate effort to ensure that national growth translates into tangible benefits for vulnerable
populations,” he noted.
However, the minister stressed that meaningful inclusion requires more than policies and programmes, pointing to the need for active participation by persons with disabilities in decision-making processes.
“Inclusion cannot be achieved without participation. Persons with disabilities must be meaningfully represented in decision-making processes at all levels,” he asserted.
He called on parliaments to play a leadership role in advancing inclusion, not only through legislation but also through oversight, financing, accountability, and evidence-based policymaking.
“The shift required is from normative commitments to measurable, results-oriented implementation,” he said.
Concluding his address, the minister underscored the importance of inclusive development, warning that exclusion undermines national progress.
“Development that excludes is development that fails,” he declared.
He reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to working with international partners to advance policies that are actionable and responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities.
“Guyana remains firmly committed to advancing an inclusive society in which all citizens are empowered as rights-holders and active contributors to national progress,” the minister said.
THE Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) officially installed its new governing board on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, for a twoyear tenure set to expire in 2028.
During the ceremony, held at the college’s Con-
vention Centre, Hydar Ally, a former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, was appointed Chairman.
The members, sworn in by Director of the School Boards Secretariat, Volika Jaikishun, are Oma Ramdin; Marti De Souza; Mer-
rano Isaacs; Dr Michelle Semple McBean; Errol Watts; Chaitram Dhanesar; Dr Mark Lyte; Kosi John; Dr Sirpaul Jaikishun; Dr Tamash Budhoo; Usha Banson; and Coretta McDonald, alongside ex-officio members Principal Noella Joseph, Vice Prin-
cipal Tamsin Granville, and Chief Education Officer (CEO) Mohammed Saddam Hussain.
While the Minister of Education Sonia Parag was out of the jurisdiction on official duties, she extended her best wishes to the newly installed mem-
bers, charging them to function to the best of their abilities to further elevate the standing of the college.
Following the installation, Chairman Ally conducted an orientation session during which he emphasised that the board’s primary focus will be the enhancement of academic performance.
To support this objective, the board has pledged a commitment to institutional transparency and regular stakeholder engagement to inform its decision-making process throughout its term.
SCOTIABANK Guyana has been named Best Bank in Guyana for 2026 by Global Finance magazine, earning top honours in the publication’s 33rd Annual Best Bank Awards.
According to a press release from the bank, the recognition comes as part of a broader regional win for Scotiabank, which was also awarded Best Bank in the Caribbean, reflecting the strength of its performance and leadership across the region.
Global Finance said this year’s awards celebrate institutions that excel in finan cial performance, in novation, customer service and strategic execution, particu larly those that effec tively manage their balance sheets while investing in digital innovation and arti ficial intelligence to meet evolving client needs.
Country Manager of Scotiabank Guy ana, Nafeeza Gaffoor, said the award under scores the Bank’s fo cus on trust, stability and adaptability in Guyana’s fast‑chang ing and expanding economy, noting that it validates efforts to build a responsive institu tion that listens to customers and delivers secure, reliable and modern banking solutions.
She expressed gratitude to clients for their continued trust and partnership, and to employees for their commitment to helping individuals and businesses succeed.
The accolade follows a period of strong balance‑sheet growth for Scotiabank Guyana, with total assets rising by 37 per cent in 2025, alongside an improvement in Return on Equity from 16.8 per cent in 2023 to 20 per cent in 2025, supported by revenue growth, margin expansion and disciplined expense management.
The Bank has also stepped up investments in its digital platforms, including enhancements to the Scotia Caribbean App and Scotia Online, offering biometric sign‑in, digital onboarding, account personalisation and debit‑card lock and unlock features, while expanding self‑service options such as Intelligent Deposit Machines and alternative service channels to boost conve nience, transparency and efficiency.
Beyond its financial performance and digital upgrades, Scotiabank highlighted its social impact work in Guyana, pointing to initiatives in youth development, education, green entrepreneurship and financial literacy, and noted that the Group was similarly recognised as Best Bank 2026 in the Bahamas, Barbados and Turks & Caicos.
Participants in the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) Climate-Smart Agriculture programme continued their training recently with a full day of practical hands-on activities house facility and received instruction on climate-smart agricultural techniques. The session covered plant species selection, shade house systems, and soil types and textures, while also demonstrating proper cultivation methods for crops such as
PARTICIPANTS in the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) Climate- Smart Agriculture programme continued their training on Wednesday with a full day of practical, hands-on activities aimed at strengthening skills in food processing, preservation, and sustainable farming practices.
The session began at the Guyana School of Agriculture, where participants deepened their understanding
of food preservation and condiment production. As part of the experience, they sampled a range of freezedried products, including mango, pineapple, coconut, and tomato powder, demonstrating innovative approaches to extending shelf life and reducing food waste.
Training then shifted to the institution’s food processing lab, where participants were guided through the preparation of value-added products such as pep -
per sauce and green seasoning. Using ingredients they sourced themselves, the women were involved in every stage of production, from washing and cutting to measuring, blending, boiling, mixing, and bottling, gaining practical skills that can be translated into small-scale agro-processing businesses.
The final leg of the training took place at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute, where participants toured a shade
dragon fruit.
The WIIN initiative continues to focus on equipping women with the technical knowledge and entrepreneurial skills needed to enhance food security, generate income, and adopt sustainable agricultural practices.
Organisers say the programme is designed not only to build capacity but also to empower women to participate more actively in Guyana’s evolving agricultural sector through innovation and climate-resilient approaches.
EIGHTY-four persons with disabilities were honoured at a graduation ceremony held in Region Six on Friday following the successful completion of a specialised vocational training programme delivered by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady and the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) Vocational Skills Training Programme. The ceremony, which took place at the Empower
Guyana Building in Palmyra, Berbice, formed part of a broader initiative under the Centre for Equity, Opportunity and Innovation. The event, originally scheduled for March 27, 2026, proceeded with a celebratory atmosphere despite earlier
weather-related delays.
Delivering the feature address, BIT Chief Executive Officer Richard Maughn praised the graduates for their resilience and determination, noting that their journey reflected perseverance in the face of challenges. “The
weather delayed us, but it did not stop us,” he said, drawing a parallel to the obstacles the graduates overcame to reach this milestone. “Your presence here today is proof that no matter the difficulties, you continued, you showed up, and you completed.”
The graduates received training in a range of practical skill areas, including floral arrangement, painting, craft production, small electronics repair, food preparation, and pastry making. These disciplines are intended to equip participants with marketable skills that can lead to self-employment, financial independence, and greater participation in their communities.
Maughn emphasised that while technical training is critical, confidence remains the key factor in determining success. He encouraged graduates to believe in their abilities and pursue opportunities without hesitation.
“Too many people allow doubt and insecurity to hold them back, but today proves that you are capable, skilled, and ready,” he said, urging participants to focus on their strengths rather than perceived limitations.
He further advised graduates not to wait for ideal conditions or external validation
before taking the next step. “Start where you are, use what you have, and build as you go,” he encouraged.
The initiative reflects ongoing national efforts to promote inclusive development by empowering persons with disabilities through targeted training and support. The collaboration with the Office of the First Lady has been a key component in expanding access to such opportunities.
Among those in attendance was Mrs.Arya Ali, along with regional officials, stakeholders, and representatives from partner organisations, all of whom joined in recognising the achievements of the graduates.
Maughn commended the cohort for their discipline and commitment, describing the graduation not as an endpoint but the beginning of a new phase.
“Go forward with confidence, use your skills, create opportunities, and build a future that reflects your true potential,” he told the graduates.
The ceremony underscored the impact of collaborative efforts aimed at fostering equity, opportunity, and innovation, particularly for vulnerable groups seeking a pathway to empowerment and sustainable livelihoods.
GUYANA and the Kingdom of Morocco signed an Open Skies Air Services Agreement on April 16, 2026, aimed at promoting and facilitating the operation of air services between the two countries, as well as beyond to any third country.
The Agreement was signed by the Hon. Abdessamad Kayouh, Minister of Transport and Logistics with responsibilities for Aviation, and Lt. Col. (ret’d) Egbert Field, A.A., Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), on behalf of Guyana, at the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS),
being held in Marrakech, Morocco, from April 14–16, 2026.
In addition to standard provisions covering Grant of Traffic Rights, Designation and Authorisation, User Charges, Recognition of Certificates and Licenses, Customs Duties and Other Similar Charges, Tariffs, and Commercial Activities, among others, the Agreement presents a significant opportunity for airlines of both countries to expand their air connectivity and broaden the routes they serve.
The Agreement establishes the legal framework to open market access for airlines, with the aim of
enhancing competitive air transport services, boosting trade, and driving economic growth between the two nations. It is anticipated that the Agreement will stimulate airlines’ interest in considering Guyana as part of their international route networks. Currently, there are no direct flights between Guyana and the Kingdom of Morocco.
The Agreement complements the more than 50 Air Services Agreements Guyana has established with other ICAO States to develop air connectivity among States.
Guyana and the Kingdom of Morocco established diplomatic relations on December 14, 2012.
THE Small Business Bureau (SBB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has officially launched the Tertiary Entrepreneurship Award (TEA), a new initiative aimed at equipping young Guyanese with the skills, financing, and support needed to transform innovative ideas into viable businesses.
According to a press release, the programme will be rolled out across five tertiary institutions: the Government Technical Institute; the Guyana Industrial Training Centre; the Carnegie School of Home Economics; the Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Training Centre, and the Leonora Technical and Vocational Training Centre.
Approximately 120 students between the ages of 18 and 26 are expected to benefit from this initiative, which represents a strategic investment of $6 million in youth entrepreneurship development.
Participants will re -
ceive training in key areas including Marketing Fundamentals; Financial Management and Record Keeping; Business Proposal Writing, and Small Business Management. Upon completion of the training, participants will be required to undertake an assessment.
Those who are successful will receive a Certificate in Small Business Operations and will be given the opportunity to submit a business plan.
Submitted business plans will be evaluated, and the most viable proposals will be shortlisted. Shortlisted participants will then receive targeted training in business pitch development and presentation skills to prepare them for the next stage of the programme.
Following this, participants will present their business concepts before a panel of judges. The top 15 participants will each be awarded a grant of $400,000 to support the development and implementation of their busi -
nesses.
In addition to financial support, awardees will benefit from ongoing business advisory services, technical guidance, and monitoring support from the Small Business Bureau to strengthen business performance and ensure long-term sustainability.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Small Business Bureau, Simon Pollard, underscored the importance of investing in youth entrepreneurship.
“Youth entrepreneurship is critical to Guyana’s long-term economic growth and diversification. This initiative goes beyond financing. It is about equipping young people with practical skills, knowledge, and support systems required to build sustainable businesses. Through the Tertiary Entrepreneurship Award, we are creating opportunities for young innovators to contribute meaningfully to national development.”
Deputy Chief Education Officer (Technical),
Ministry of Education, Dr Ritesh Tularam, highlighted the importance of integrating entrepreneurship within the education system.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring that students are not only academically prepared, but also equipped with practical skills that enable them to create opportunities for themselves and others. By embedding entrepreneurship at the
tertiary level, we are fostering innovation, critical thinking, and self-reliance among our young people.”
The Tertiary Entrepreneurship Award is aligned with the government’s broader vision of promoting inclusive growth, economic diversification, and increased youth participation in the national economy.
By addressing common barriers such as limited access to finance and
entrepreneurial training, the programme aims to cultivate a new generation of innovative, business-ready entrepreneurs. Through this initiative, the Small Business Bureau said it continues to strengthen its commitment to building entrepreneurial capacity, fostering innovation, and supporting the development of sustainable small businesses across Guyana.
EMPIRE Medical Centre Laboratory is now the first laboratory in Linden to achieve certification by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) under the Laboratory Certification programme.
With this certification, the Lab now boasts conformance to the National Standard: GYS 170:2021General Requirements for the Operation of a Laboratory. Importantly, this achievement marks a major step towards improving quality and reliability in diagnostic services in Region 10.
The newly certified lab offers a wide range of laboratory testing in areas of obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, internal medicine, cardiology, and orthopaedics, among others.
Dr Allan Outridge, Chief Executive Officer and Medical Officer of the Laboratory, described the GNBS certification as a meaningful accomplishment for the facility. He noted that it represents not only compliance with the GYS 170 standard but a
“When COVID came, it literally opened many doors for us...We wanted to help as much as we could, as it was a crisis. So, we opened our doors to not only offer outpatient and cardiovascular services, but also to house COVID patients. Because of that, it has allowed us to become who we are today...” Dr Outridge explained.
He pointed out that the decision to pursue certification was driven by a desire to align with recognised standards while improving operational efficiency, accuracy and overall service quality.
strengthened commitment to excellence in laboratory operations and the delivery of reliable diagnostic services.
The Empire Medical Centre opened its doors on June 7, 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, to provide care for both COVID-19 patients and the wider community.
The CEO added, “When you are dealing with a vast clientele, including patients from the United States of America, Canada and the Caribbean, whose companies demand certain tests that must be done a certain way against international standards, certification becomes necessary...So, when the results are issued, there will be no questions.”
While the certification process presented several challenges, including the
IN a remarkable achievement, Guyana’s Cheddi Jagan International Airport has been recognised as the premier aviation hub in the Caribbean, ranked #1 for Overall Passenger Experience and Satisfaction.
Furthermore, the airport is also ranked second place for Overall Experience within the broader Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region, which encompasses 43 participating airports. It placed just behind a major airport in Mexico.
The recognition came from the Q1/ 2026 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) results. The ASQ is the aviation industry’s most respected passenger service and bench-marking programme. Managed by the Airports Council International (ACI), ASQ is entirely independent of any government or airport influence. It relies on a scientific methodology that collects data directly from passengers while they are at the terminal, evaluating over 50 specific touchpoints—including check-in efficiency, security wait
times, and restroom cleanliness.
Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, commended the management and staff of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation for this historic milestone.
“I want to personally commend the CEO of CJIA, Ramesh Ghir, his dedicated staff, and all industry stakeholders for their excellent work in achieving this ranking. This success is not an accident; it is a direct result of President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s mandate to drive radical efficiency across all government agencies.
“What makes this achievement significant is that we are a state-managed entity competing— and winning—against large-scale private and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) airports throughout the region. Our ability to rank just behind two major Mexican airports proves that Guyana is no longer just a participant in the regional market, we are a leader,” he said.
Minister Indar highlighted that the “efficiency
process” has been significantly bolstered by the synergy between infrastructure and technology. Key initiatives include:
Digital Integration: The implementation of electronic gates (e-gates), coupled with the rollout of the new National ID card, has streamlined passenger processing, drastically reducing wait times at immigration.
Expanding Infrastructure: To maintain this momentum and accommodate the fast-growing international passenger traffic, a new state-of-the-art terminal is currently under construction. This facility is specifically designed to enhance passenger comfort and ensure the airport can scale alongside Guyana’s rapid economic expansion.
Under the Irfaan Aliled administration, the airport has seen an explosion in global interest.
The number of airlines operating in the market has grown from five carriers to 16, opening new routes to Europe, North America, and South America. (News Room)
need for procedural adjustments and capacity building, Dr Outridge highlighted the positive experience of working with GNBS throughout the certification journey. He noted that the GNBS team provided all the necessary guidance through technical assistance and training to ensure the requirements were successfully met.
“It [certification process] was extremely difficult and lengthy, but the GNBS was there to guide us...The collective efforts are what brought us to this point today. The GNBS was not just there to inspect. They were there to educate, guide and support
us. The experience is what I’ll cherish for a lifetime...” the CEO highlighted.
Since implementing the GYS 170 Standard this year, the CEO underscored the notable improvements in the laboratory’s standard operating procedures, stronger quality control systems, improved workflow efficiency, enhanced record-keeping and more robust internal monitoring mechanisms. For patients and healthcare providers in Region 10, this achievement translates into greater trust in laboratory results, improved service reliability and enhanced healthcare outcomes. Look-
ing ahead, the laboratory will be exploring opportunities to expand its services and pursue additional certifications to further improve its standards.
Finally, the Laboratory’s CEO advocated that other laboratories should pursue GNBS certification, emphasising that adopting recognised standards is essential for ensuring quality, safety and consistency in healthcare services. Such efforts not only strengthen health institutions but also contribute to the overall development of the national healthcare system.
Construction is well underway on a modern primary
village of Cabrora, located in the Moruca sub-district
CONSTRUCTION is well underway on a modern primary school for the village of Cabrora, located in the Moruca sub-district, Region One (Barima-Waini), according to the Ministry of Education.
Once opened, the fa -
cility will accommodate 500 pupils, significantly alleviating overcrowding at the Santa Rosa Primary School.
The new institution will serve children from across the Lower Moruca catchment area, including the villages of Ko-Ko, Hura-
diah, Acquero and Cabrora. This project, the ministry said, underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring pupils in riverain and hinterland communities have access to world-class learning environments closer to home.
of Swan, along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, are set to benefit from the reconstruction of a key access road under the Rehabilitation/Construction of Swan Madawini First Entrance, project.
The initiative, valued at $84.2 Million will see the development of an 870-metre-long concrete roadway designed to significantly improve access and mobility for residents.
concerns are addressed,” the Minister stated.
The road had previously undergone construction but failed, with several defects emerging after completion. Residents raised concerns with the Ministry regarding the poor condition of the surface, citing challenges with daily access and usability, which prompted a detailed assessment of the issues.
Under the scope of works, the road will be reconstructed using six
The road had previously undergone construction but failed, with several defects emerging after completion
Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Madanlall Ramraj, during a visit to the community on Friday, met with residents to provide reassurance that the road will be fully redone. He emphasised Government’s people-centred approach, noting that the engagement was important to hear, firsthand, the concerns of residents and ensure that their needs are addressed through responsive action.
“Our government’s 2026 National Budget, themed ‘Putting People First,’ is not just a slogan. It is a guiding principle that shapes how we respond to the needs of citizens. We as a government are committed to ensuring that all projects not only meet the standard required but serve the people effectively. That is why I am here today, to listen, to engage, and to ensure your
Public Works continues to reaffirm its commitment to delivering quality, durable infrastructure, underscoring that investments must translate into meaningful improvements in the lives of citizens, in keeping with Government’s broader development agenda.
inches of structural reinforced concrete, incorporating BRC mesh and high-tension steel dowels, and completed with hard shoulders. Addressing concerns raised by residents about access during construction, Minister Ramraj assured that alternative arrangements will be put in place, guided by continued consultation, to minimise disruption and maintain connectivity.
“We do not want any Guyanese utilising roads that are not up to standard. When families, especially children, have to use these roads daily, for school, work, and essential activities, it is our responsibility to ensure they are safe and reliable. That is why we acted quickly, because this kind of intervention brings immediate relief to residents who depend on this road every single day,” he added.
The Ministry of
HEAD coach of the country’s Lady Jaguars, Omar Khan, says they are well prepared for their clash later today against their Jamaican counterparts.
speaking to the media ahead of the team’s clash in the CONCACAF Women’s Qualifier, the head coach said, ‘We are working hard; we have been training like twice a day, and going into the match on Saturday, I think we are preparing in a good way here in Jamaican conditions.’
He said the team was confident after a good showing in its last few outings.
‘After two wins last month, it’s boosted. Of
course, we know we are facing a good opponent, a bigger opponent, so that confidence combined with a challenge to perform well and keep that confidence high – we can’t wait to measure ourselves against a team like Jamaica’.
Khan said a win would be a vindication for the work they have been doing overtime.
“It would be a great reward for the programme that we are in. We are in phase 2 of the women’s programme, and we want to build a team that is in transition, with younger players coming through, and I think the federation is doing a great job since we started; we have a
great staff, we have a great team coming together, and all the players are available.”
Guyana opened their campaign in December against Nicaragua, losing 3-1 before picking up wins against Dominica (3-0) and Antigua (4-0).
Guyana is third in their group with 2 wins and 1 loss; Jamaica is leading the group after playing all three of their clashes unbeaten.
Nicaragua is also on 2 wins and a loss on 6 points with Guyana.
Omar Khan and team will need to produce a surprise victory or draw, with only the top two teams from group B advancing to the next round.
(ESPNCRICINFO) - A DISPLAY straight out of Gujarat Titans’ (GT) time-tested playbook - high-quality fast bowling to restrict the opposition, and a chase of a below-par target led by the silken Shubman Gill - ensured Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) remained winless six games into their IPL 2026 campaign.
KKR began the contest with a questionable selection - they left out Finn Allen, their highest-ceiling top-order option - and a questionable toss decision - they opted to bat when the home captain, Gill, expected dew to set in later in the evening. And for most of the 39.4 overs of the actual match, they were distinctly second-best.
There was only one brief period of KKR dominance, when they scored 52 in three overs (12th to 14th) as Cameron Green went on a boundary-hitting spree. Green’s 55-ball 79, however, was a strange and ultimately frustrating innings: he struggled for fluency early on, scoring 27 off his first 29 balls, and finished with a whimper, scoring just four off his last 11, a period in which KKR collapsed around him while starving him of strike: they went from 147 for 4 in the 15th over to 180 all out.
The conditions weren’t the flattest - Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada swung the new ball right through the powerplay, and all of GT’s quicks found a bit of seam movement - but this was, nonetheless, a below-par total.
This set up a chase made for GT’s top order. Gill picked off the boundaries surgically in the powerplay - he scored 34 off 15 in that phase - and slowed down when the
field spread. He slowed down dramatically, in fact - he only scored 52 off 35 outside the powerplay - but he could afford to because GT had knocked 71 runs off their target in the first six overs, with Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler contributing quick cameos.
The rest of the chase showed the question marks that still hang over this GT line-upthey continued to huff and puff even when the required rate was in the region of a run a ball, and eventually got home with just two balls remaining - and KKR would have ended the match wishing they had scored 20 runs more.
Every ball of Siraj’s first over was an outswinger, and while Tim Seifert - playing his first IPL game since 2022 - put away one that offered a little too much width, the others all asked questions, and one of them took out Ajinkya Rahane, the KKR captain, skewing one high in the air with the swing causing his bat to twist in his hands.
The second over was similar, with Seifert pulling Rabada for a six before the bowler struck back to remove the other batter. This time, the ball swung from a hard length, with extra bounce, and Angkrish Raghuvanshi nicked off in a Test-match manner.
GT stuck with their new-ball pair through the entire powerplay, and both bowlers kept asking questions with their accuracy and movement. There was one more wicket - Seifert slapping an innocuous ball from Rabada straight to point - and not many more runs. KKR’s 37 for 1 was the fifth-lowest six-over score of IPL 2026, and their second entry in the bottom five.
THE ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) is pleased to confirm the participation of the San Francisco Unicorns in the upcoming tournament, set to take place from July 23 to August 1 in Guyana.
The inclusion of the Unicorns, one of Major League Cricket’s leading franchises, underscores the tournament’s commitment to bringing together top teams from across the global cricket landscape. Their participation highlights the continued growth of franchise cricket in the United States and its increasing connection with established cricketing regions.
GSL Chairman, Sir Clive Lloyd, welcomed the team to the competition: “We are delighted to have the San Francisco Unicorns join the
ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League. Their inclusion reflects the growing global footprint of the game and the strength of franchise cricket in the United States. We look forward to seeing them compete and contribute to what promises to be an outstanding tournament.”
The San Francisco Unicorns launched in 2023 as one of six founding members of Major League Cricket, a ground-breaking T20 competition bringing some of world cricket’s biggest names to the USA and the Unicorns’ home stadium, the iconic Oakland Coliseum. Cricket Victoria, the governing body for the sport in the Australian state of Victoria, serves as the Unicorns’ high-performance partner.
The Unicorns, who have reached the Major League Cricket playoffs
in the past two seasons, will look to build on their strong domestic record as they take on some of the world’s leading franchise sides.
Unicorns’ CEO, David White, expressed the Californian team’s excitement at participating in GSL: “We’re thrilled to be part of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, and to become the first Major League Cricket side to play on the global stage.
“This tournament brings together some of the best franchise teams in the world, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for our players and fans to be part of a truly international competition. Guyana has a rich cricketing heritage and a passionate fan base, and we’re excited to experience that environment, while testing ourselves
THE landscape of football in Guyana is set for a radical overhaul following the conclusion of a landmark two-day summit in Georgetown on Thursday.
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF), in direct partnership with FIFA’s Global Football Development Division, has officially released the findings of the Amateur Football Environment Analysis (AFEA), a comprehensive report designed to serve as the blueprint for the sport’s growth through 2030.
The presentation, held at the National Racquet Centre, saw FIFA Regional Technical Consultants, David Abdul and Ian Greenwood, hand over the global analysis to GFF President Wayne Forde.
This gesture marks the culmination of two years of intensive data collection and field research, transitioning from raw statistics into a definitive set of actionable priorities for the nation.
The report offers an uncompromising look at the current state of the game, evaluating everything from governance and club structures to competition frameworks and participation pathways. Unlike previous development attempts, this roadmap is rooted in evidence-based insights, aimed at creating a sustainable ecosystem that reaches every region of the country.
Ian Greenwood emphasised that the analysis provides a “clear picture of the current reality on the ground.”
He noted that the next four years will focus on bridging the
gap between grassroots’ interest and professional structures, ensuring that management resources and educational programmes align with international standards.
The GFF has been presented with several non-negotiable calls to action to ensure the project’s success. At the forefront is the necessity to develop a robust organisational structure specifically for the amateur game.
This is paired with an ambitious mandate to implement season-round competition cycles for all age categories, ensuring that young players are no longer sidelined by long periods of inactivity.
Integration is also a major theme of the new strategy. The report explicitly calls for school football to be woven into the broader national football tapestry, alongside a push for elevated coaching standards through continuous professional development.
against top-class opposition.”
THE Queen’s College ground is set to be a hive of activity over the weekend as the Petra Organization stages their best of 16 matchups and quarter-final round at Thomas Lands.
Three Mile Secondary, after getting into the round of 16 as the best second-place side in group F, will first take on Lodge Secondary, who topped group H.
Furthermore, the GFF will look to modernise its administration by launching a comprehensive registration system to track participant growth and player retention more accurately.
President Wayne Forde hailed the partnership as a turning point for the federation, noting that both FIFA and the GFF are now “better positioned to make data-driven decisions.”
Forde expressed a commitment to transparency, confirming that the report will be shared with both internal and external stakeholders to foster a collaborative environment.
“These insights offer a practical roadmap for the sustainable growth of the game across Guyana,” Forde stated, adding that the ultimate goal is to ensure boys and girls nationwide benefit from an inclusive and structured environment.
Guyana is the latest stop in a broader regional push by FIFA.
East Ruimveldt, another top team after dominating group B will then clash with St Joseph High School, who scraped into the round of 16 after recording 1 win in their three outings in the group stage.
Ann’s Grove Secondary, who advanced as the best third place, is set to take on a strong New Amsterdam Secondary, who narrowly missed topping group G.
Group G winners Charlestown Secondary will then tackle Belladrum.
At 14 hours, the previously unbeaten Annandale Secondary will look to keep their winning streak against New Central High,
who have only recorded 1 loss in their 3 matches.
Top side hinterland side Santa Rosa who played flawlessly in a group stage Lock horns with Yarakabra Secondary, who have been a surprise package to finish second in group C behind West Ruimveldt.
A strong West Ruimveldt Secondary that has gone unbeaten will come up against powerhouse West Demerara Secondary.
The mighty defending champion Chase Academic Foundation, who have beaten teams by double-digit margins in an outstanding defense thus far will close out the day proceeding against Patentia Secondary, who have two wins on the trot.
The winners will then meet in the quarter-finals on Sunday for a place in the semifinals
The winning team will collect $300,000, with $200,000 for second and $100,000 for third, with all monies going toward a schools project along with medals and trophies.
GUYANA’s Archers at the South American Youth Games: Brandon Cummings and Ravish Singh have been eliminated. 14-year-old Cummings, competing in men’s recurve individual, advanced to the round of 8 after his win against Matias Caballero of Paraguay in the round of 16.
In the round of 8 he was eliminated by top regional archer, Gabriel Tonina of Argentina, 7-1.
Earlier in the competition in the general classification or ranking round he finished in 16th place to earn his place in the knockout stage. Ravish Singh, playing in the men’s compound individual round, earned a place in the knockout stage after finishing 15th overall He qualified for the round of 8, where he faced off with Colombia’s Juan Gonzalez, losing 142-105 to end his campaign.
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“We want to make sure that we uplift the sport and not just promote the sport. So this is one of the reasons why we opted to do a $10 million purse, which will be spread across all of the competitions. And that’s to make sure that everybody gets something back for all this hard work, energy, and money they put into the karts.” Meanwhile, several new sponsors have joined the two-day festival of speed.
“We are glad to have several new sponsors on board with us, and these are the guys who are taking up a class by themselves. So, over the weekend, we are going to hear classes like the BANKS DIH Briggs and Stratton Senior Light Class and the Jumbo Jet Auto Sales Honda GX200 Class, among others,” The spokesman added.
Apart from those two classes, the Briggs and Stratton Senior Heavy class will now carry Forrester’s Lumber and Building Complex as the sponsor, with the IAME X30 class now being called the S Triple J Construction class.
SVC Inc. has taken up title roles in the Briggs and Stratton Cadet class, with the Mohamed’s Excavating Construction Inc. supermoto cadet 250cc class on the cards
The J’s Supermarket Briggs and Stratton Female class is another which has gained title sponsorship with the Briggs and Stratton Juniors under the tutelage of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
AJM Enterprise will be the sponsor for the Briggs and Stratton Rookie Over 35 and Electric Scooter, along with the VALS Construction Open Time Attack and Banks DIH sponsoring the Briggs and Stratton Senior Light Class.
They come in partnership with KP Jagdeo General Contractors, SCI (Sawh’s Construction Inc.), Precision Service Centre, and Ramchand’s Autobody.
Gates open at 8 am with racing action set to begin at 10:00 am on Sunday. Children under 12 are free, with admission pegged at $3000 for adults. There are also VIP options for fans.
Berbice beat Demerara by seven wickets ...Sunday’s final set for Canje
By Sean Devers
Defending champions Demerara suffered their first defeat in the GCB U19 Inter County 50 overs tournament when they lost by seven wickets to Berbice on Thursday at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, in a prelude to Sunday’s Final set for the Rosehall Canje ground in Berbice.
Set a meagre 122 runs to win, Berbice raced to 123-3 in 22.2 overs with the left-handed Razam Koobeer hitting a delightful unbeaten 62 from 74 balls and decorated with eight fours and three sixes.
Koobeer, who deposited Arun Gainda over long-off for six to reach his fifty from 49 balls with seven fours and three sixes, shared in a 39-run first wicket with Shoaib Gaffor (3) before he was stumped by West Indies U-19 World Cup player Shamar Apple as Emmanuel Lewis made the breakthrough on the stroke of Lunch.
After the interval, a vocal gathering watched as Koobeer, whose half-century was only the second after Justin Dowlin’s 78 in Essequibo, dominated a 33-run partnership with Nathaniel Ramsammy. Ramsammy (3) suffered a brain fade and walked across his wicket and was LBW to Dave Mohabir, playing a nondescript shot. The batters were peppered with short balls, but the field was not set for this type of bowling, with the top edge hooks falling into empty spaces.
Adrian Hetymer hit his first ball over the bowler’s head for six, and followed it up with a gorgeous boundary before he was caught off Ravaldo Pereira at 74-2 to leave Berbice 107-3.
Romario Ramdeholl (11) and Koobeer saw their team into the final
to the delight of a group of vocal female Berbice supporters.
Earlier, the home team had opted to bat on two paced track and had an inauspicious start when Micah Amsterdam induced Kush Seegobin to hit a return catch to him in the first over without a run on the board.
The left-handed Apple was looking set for a big score with a couple of sixes in 16 before he edged a loose drive to the lively Arif Khan and was caught behind at 47-2.
Promising all-rounder Pameshwar Ram executed an imperious square cut that reached the ropes like a bullet before he was lbw to left-arm spinner Gilbert Griffith for 21 with two and six at 60-3.
Dhanesh Persaud scored a carefully constructed innings and added 46 with Mohabir (12) before Mohabir departed.
Persaud, who at times seemed in survival mode, was ninth out when he played a rare rash drive and was bowled at 120-9 after making 29 from 78 balls. The innings ended two runs later.
The batting in this tournament has exposed the lack of temperament, match awareness and proper shot selection from most of the batters, and this game was no different.
Man-of-the-Match Griffith captured 4-17 and was supported by Feaz Baksh, who had 3-13.
In the other match at Lusignan, Essequibo celebrated their first win when they beat the GBC X1 by eight runs in a game that went down to the wire. Essequibo, on the back of a 54-run second wicket stand between Romario Bholo (27) and Jathniel Nurse (20) and 31 extras, were dismissed in 35 overs for 142.
Darwin Joseph (13) and Elisha Ramdat (12) were the other batters to reach double figures.
Off-spinner Joshua Budram again impressed with his pace and flight to take 4-29 for the GCB’s X1, who collapsed from 82-2 in 7.2 overs to all out for 134 in 36 overs.
A well-played 47 with 11 boundaries from Yannick Newton was the only score of note.
Michael Newland jr and Reyad Ramnarine, with 12 each, were the other batters to double figures as Man-of-the-Match Shazim Mohamed (4-18) and Darwin Joseph (3-29) bowled Essequibo to their only win.
ALL roads will lead to the National Stadium in Providence for the next 48 hours as the country shifts its focus to the most lucrative karting event in the region, the Nitro Kart Klash 2026.
The brainchild of the Jumbo Jet events, the mega karting event, set for the National Stadium Parking lot, will see over $10M dollars in cash and prizes up for grabs across varying classes of karting and bike action.
“So far, we have more than 30 registered competitors across the various classes
for the event (up to lunch on Friday). That represents a huge number in this form of the sport, with more registering even as we speak, so the attraction is definitely there.
“With the prize structures revealed as well, which means that there is more than one cash-paying race per class, we have definitely seen a ramp-up in registrants over the last day,” A spokesman said.
“This has been a huge undertaking. I mean, we have been at it here for roughly three weeks. This is close to about 8,000
tyres. We did a whole set of infrastructural work. We did bleachers. We have a VIP section. We’re doing screens. We’re doing live on Speed Hive. We’re doing lives. We’re doing recaps. It’s a tremendous presentation that we’re putting on this weekend for the Nitro Kart Klash.”
Meanwhile, following the first few days of practice, the organisers have listened to the feedback of the competitors and have secured additional lighting for the facility.
“A few of the competitors complained
of a few dark patches on the track, and we were able to see them for ourselves. We are happy to say that we have procured 10 more lights that were placed at various parts of the track to help with visibility, not only for the drivers but also the fans.”
“We have been able to, with the help of some of the more seasoned racers, place the lights in positions where they can be of support to the competitors, marshals and fans without compromising the safety of anyone.” • Continues on Page 31
