Belvedere carpenter charged with murder of labourer during drinking spree
Hire car driver fined for abandoning passenger en route
Iwokrama among 24 recognised by FAO for driving progress on forests
Carbon credit sales for 2025 to hit US$200M by year end Jury empanelled for Experiment
In the first half of 2025, credit to the local Private Sector grew by 7.7 per cent to some $485.4 billion, according to Guyana’s MidYear Report for this year.
The report was presented to the National Assembly on Monday by Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance Dr Ashni Singh.
According to the report, credit to business enterprises operating in the services, manufacturing, and agriculture sectors increased by 4.9 per cent, 12.4 per cent, and 1.1 per cent to $165.6 billion, $48.7 billion, and $31.9 billion, respectively.
Growth in the services sector resulted largely from credit to other services and telecommunications growing by 5.7 per cent and 24.7 per cent, respectively. Moreover, the report noted that expansion in the manufacturing sector was supported primarily by lending for other manufacturing and other construction and that engineering increased by 76.9 per cent and 8.9 per cent, respectively.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Finance Ministry pointed out that this increase in credit to the Private Sector shows that the Guyana Government’s policy of fostering a climate for investment over the last years continues to bear fruit.
“Since returning to office in 2020, one of the policies
of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is fostering a climate for investment so that the Private Sector, inclusive of both large and small businesses, would thrive, thereby allowing for
more job creation and opportunities for citizens as well as supporting growth in the non-oil sectors and the economy as a whole,” the missive detailed.
It went on to note too that the local banking and finan-
cial sectors have also been undergoing major transformation as well.
Confidence in Guyana’s economy
Only last week, Citibank – a leading global financial institution – announced that it will be establishing a representative office in Guyana. The Ministry said this announcement was a clear indication that global financial institutions now also have confidence in the country’s economy and are willing to partner with the Government to invest and be part of Guyana’s continuing growth and development.
In a statement on Friday last, the United States (US)based multinational financial services company attributed its decision to set up an office in Guyana to the country’s exponential economic growth and pointed to its increasingly attractive investment climate.
These developments, according to the Ministry, are also a direct result of the strong leadership of President Dr Irfaan Ali in positioning Guyana as a premier and stable destination for international investment and further underscore the PPP/C’s Government’s efforts to engage with the global community and build a resilient, modern, and diversified economy.
Meanwhile, in addition
to credit to business enterprises, credit to households also rose by 7.3 per cent to $51.8 billion in the first six months of this year, with notable growth of 20.3 per cent observed in lending for motor cars.
Moreover, real estate mortgages expanded by 11.4 per cent to $173.5 billion, driven by increases in mortgages granted for private dwellings and industrial and commercial properties.
The PPP/C Government has already indicated its intention to remain on the path of fostering a climate for investment as the economy continues to thrive.
Its 2025 Manifesto states that as part of Financial Literacy and Inclusion, the administration will, over the next five years, implement a comprehensive National Financial Literacy and Financial Inclusion Strategy aimed at deepening understanding of basic financial and investment concepts, banking and financial services and widening participation in the formal financial system; and work with commercial banks to expand banking services to those who are currently unbanked by improving the ease with which persons can open a bank account, apply for a loan and process transactions, all online – something that is already being rolled out.
Additionally, the Government committed to promoting the use of agent banking networks to facilitate easy access to banking services in smaller, more remote, and hard-to-reach communities, especially in the hinterland, which are currently unserved or underserved by the banking system; and also promoting the use of digital payment systems and financial technology solutions, including digital banking and mobile wallets, to improve the ease of access to financial services nationwide, bring more people into the formal financial system, and reduce cash dependency across the economy.
Meanwhile, also in keeping with another of its 2025 Manifesto commitments to establish a development bank to provide microcredit loans to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), President Ali, in early October, assured that the establishment of this development bank is moving forward. As part of the commitment, the Government will also be providing training and support to build capacity amongst the Private Sector, especially SMEs, so that they can prepare credible business plans and successful loan applications to help them to graduate to the formal financial system.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, November 6 –16:35h–18:05h and Friday, November 7 – 05:30h–07:00h.
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
Early morning sunshine followed by thundery showers with occasional sunny spells are expected throughout the day. Rain will continue into the evening, gradually easing to cloudy skies overnight. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.
Winds: South Easterly to East North-Easterly between 1.34 metres and 3.12 metres.
High Tide: 16:52h reaching a maximum height of 2.94 metres.
Low Tide: 10:26h and 22:55h reaching minimum heights of 0.46 metre and 0.26 metre.
– says Guyana has solutions for fair systems to be implemented
President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday travelled to Belém, Brazil, for the United Nations (UN) annual climate meeting –COP30 (Conference of the Parties), where he is expected to present solutions to world leaders that would foster global energy transition.
As an oil-producing nation, Guyana has long maintained a position that development and environmental protection are not opposing goals but are twin pillars of a new model for prosperity.
This was recently reiterated by President Dr Irfaan Ali, who pointed out on Tuesday evening that the global transition away from fossil fuels must be guided by science, economic reality, and fairness.
“Even in a net-zero world, oil and gas will still play a role. The question is not whether the world uses them, but who produces them under what condition. Guyana is determined to be a part of the solution. We are one of the lowest emission oil producers in the world, and ours is the kind of oil that should power the remainder of the fossil fuel era,” he contended.
According to the Guyanese leader, while in Brazil, “I will call for sensible policies to drive the global energy transition – policies informed by science, fairness, and inclusion.”
He pointed out that for too long the COP Forum has been a battle of extremism between two forces – something which he declares needs to change. He said it is now time for practical and real solutions to be the debate, and not extreme positions by any group.
To this end, President Ali outlined that Guyana has already demonstrated to the world it has not only developed innovative ideas but ones that work to bolster the country’s environmental stewardship and plans to present these initiatives, like the sale of carbon credits to COP, as a solution to mitigate climate change.
“We believe in solutions, and we are taking a number of solutions on financing, on tropical forests, and on biodiversity. We're taking those solutions to COP,” he declared. “The developing world has outlined many instru-
ments that can lead to a fair system, and we believe as a country that this COP, and every COP ahead of us, must address the system. And we have to create a system that is fair.”
“The solutions are all there. The system must now include those solutions, and we will be actively pursuing this in Belém. Because of our record, we can speak with clarity. Because of our record, we can speak with integrity. Because of our record, we can speak with conviction. Because of our record, we can speak about success,” Ali contended.
COP30 is slated to be held in Brazil from November 10 to 21, 2025. Set for the city of Belém, in the Brazilian State of Pará, this will be the first time the global climate change summit is held in the Amazon region, the world’s largest tropical rainforest –part of which runs through Guyana.
With a tropical forest that takes up 86 per cent of its landmass, Guyana has the second-highest percentage of forest cover on earth and one of the lowest deforestation rates. The forest stores 19.5 gigatonnes of carbon and sequesters more than 153 million tonnes annually.
But with many developing countries still experiencing energy insecurity and energy poverty, President Ali had previously pointed out that a world without fossil fuel cannot happen by 2050 – an objective set out in the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero.
Guyana’s climate change policies are largely driven by its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 – a sustainable development framework that integrates economic growth with environmental preservation, focusing on fossil fuel use, climate finance, and valuing tropical forests, among other priorities.
Already, Guyana has been earning millions of (US) dollars from initiatives like the sale of its ART-TREES certified carbon credits – a model which President Ali says is one of the finest forest models that the world can follow.
In fact, Guyana is now co-chairing the Forest and Climate Leaders Partnership (FCLP) alongside the United Kingdom (UK), bringing together nearly 40 countries commit-
ted to halting and reversing forest loss by 2030.
Earlier this year, the Partnership came to Guyana for its first all-member meeting in this part of the world, where the members studied Guyana's model and shared lessons on financing governance and results. Through the FCLP, Guyana has worked with Brazil to advance the Forest Finance Roadmap, which sets out how to close the forest finance gap through a full menu of mechanisms such as jurisdictional carbon credits, result-based payments, concessional public finance, and innovative private investment.
“When we speak about solutions, that is what we are talking about. We have long advocated for a menu of options, and now we travel to Belém; the roadmap has brought our approach to the global level,” he posited.
While at COP30, President Ali is also expected to continue his mission to put biodiversity preservation and conservation on the global table. Back in July, Guyana successfully hosted the inaugural Global Biodiversity Summit and will be presenting the outcomes from that summit to COP30.
To date, 14 countries have joined as founding members of the Global Biodiversity Alliance and agreed on a concrete action plan. The Alliance Secretariat will be based in Georgetown, where the first meeting of the founding members will be hosted next year.
Editor: Tusika Martin
News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761
Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707
Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown
Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com
The issue of women and their role in development has always been a topic of interest, not only in Guyana, but in countries around the world. The debates have centred around the challenges women face in getting access to the same opportunities as men and, in a general sense, programmes and policies that could be implemented to ensure their economic and social advancement.
Women, over the years, have made tremendous progress, not only in terms of their own advancement but also by playing key roles in the development of their own communities and, by extension, allowing other women opportunities to develop themselves. However, many challenges remain, and these must be tackled to ensure that women have access to the opportunities and resources needed to allow them to lead more productive and fulfilling lives.
We believe that when women are allowed to develop their full potential, it is not only women who gain, but the entire society. Women make enormous contributions to economies, whether in businesses, on farms, as entrepreneurs or employees, or by doing unpaid care work at home.
According to the United Nations, investing in women’s economic empowerment sets a direct path towards gender equality, poverty eradication, and inclusive economic growth.
Here, in Guyana, women have made tremendous progress at every level of society, and women enjoy rights equal to what their male counterparts enjoy. This country deserves commendation for the advances it has made in ensuring that, in addition to women being protected under the law, they are also given relevant opportunities for their personal and professional advancement.
However, there is still a long way to go before we can safely say that women have access to the resources and opportunities they need to fully develop themselves. For example, our single-parent mothers have, over the years, found it very difficult to make ends meet. Many of them have found themselves in a position where they work from month to month, and there seems to be no end to the financial hardships they experience.
In some cases, they lack the necessary skills and qualifications required to get suitable, well-paid jobs so that they can earn enough to provide for themselves and their children.
For some, who would like to venture out into establishing their own small businesses, etc., the strict criteria set by banks and other lending institutions make it difficult to access the necessary loans. There are a few institutions which give grants and other forms of support, but that is on a limited scale, and most of them are Georgetown-based, making it a bit difficult for rural women to easily access.
There is also the issue of the high level of domestic violence affecting countless families, with women being at the receiving end of the violence most times. There were numerous dialogues, with the involvement of the relevant stakeholders, to tackle the issue, but the number of cases of women being abused or killed is going up.
Policymakers should revisit the issue and come up with practical solutions to address this scourge in a holistic manner, with greater focus being placed on the root causes of the problem.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also worsened the situation, as it continues to have serious socio-economic repercussions on the lives of women. Worldwide, as a consequence of the partial lockdown, significant sections of the female working population were unemployed or received reduced pay, and those included single parents.
The economic and social advancement of all women, including those in hinterland and rural communities, should remain a priority.
for the next phase of the project
Why the anger with Billie Eilish?
Because it’s against the rules to say what we all know about billionaires
By Zoe Williams
What exactly happened with Billie Eilish at the Wall Street Journal Magazine Innovator Awards last week? Look it up, and you have a perfect thumbnail of the modern information environment, its highs and lows. You can find out the exact words used by the event host, Stephen Colbert, as he introduced her and announced that the 23-yearold singer was giving away $11.5m (£8.8m) to fight food poverty and the climate crisis. You can find out the exact words she used after she took the stage. “We’re in a time right now where the world is really, really bad and really dark, and people need empathy and help more than kind of ever, especially in our country,” she said. You can also get straight to the controversial bit. “Love you all, but there’s a few people in here that have a lot more money than me. If you’re a billionaire, why are you a billionaire? No hate, but yeah, give your money away, shorties.”
You can get an instant
read on Mark Zuckerberg’s reaction, at least if you believe the New York Post –he was there while his wife, Priscilla Chan, received an award, and he signalled his displeasure by reportedly refusing to clap. You can do a deep dive on what Eilish meant by “shortie” (was it a catcall, an endearment or a simple statement of the fact that Zuckerberg is 5 ft 7 in and, by sheer coincidence, so is Jeff Bezos?). And you’ll find plenty of global backlash, so familiar and predictable that it feels almost naive to question its assumptions. “As Gen Z are wont to do,” one Sky News Australia presenter said, “she seems to be a bit of a socialist, despite the fact that she has millions and millions of dollars in the bank.” He segues straight to Zohran Mamdani, the new mayor of New York City, noting that his biggest support is from “high-income earners”.
These are the basic rules if you want to critique the billionaire class: you cannot be wealthy yourself; if you’re in politics, you cannot be supported, even at the ballot box, by anyone wealthy.
These strictures are rigid but not quantified; there is no “poor enough” you can be to get a pass. You could be on the minimum wage but still be too educated or from too middle-class a family. You could give 100% of your money away, but if you said something and the world listened, you would still have the privilege of a platform.
There are myriad contradictions and blind spots (for example, you remain working class “made good”, however much money you have, so long as you are using that identity in support of wealth), but don’t let those divert us from the fundamental question: if the rules state that the only position from which you can legitimately challenge a business oligarch is abject poverty, were the rules, in fact, written by a billionaire?
A certain discursive paralysis sets in when we are all talking constantly about billionaire behaviour, billion-seeking business models, billionaire agendas, and billionaire networks but remain too shy to ask whether billionaires should exist at all. There is pretty broad
agreement, not limited to Generation Z or the socialist republic of New York, that this minuscule wealth class undermines democracy in myriad ways, that they mostly erode workplace rights and drive down wages, that the pharaohs of tech are algorithmically mushing our brains, that their philanthropy is often sleight of hand, and that they don’t want to fix the climate crisis – indeed, they are actively looking forward to the apocalypse with a side order of civil war, because it means there will be fewer of us. But we rigorously avoid the logical conclusion: that maybe having a billion dollars in the first place is innately bad. And now Eilish has casually slammed it on the table. I thought vast-spectrum political interventions by young female singers had hit their peak with Charli XCX remapping the territory of womanhood to include chaos, hedonism and sexual agency rather than Pilates, order and cuteness. But Brat was just the beginning. (The Guardian) (Zoe Williams is a Guardian columnist)
Under the Revised Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, Guyana is expected to bring in some US$200 million from the sale of the country’s highly accredited and certified carbon credits by the end of this year.
President Dr Irfaan Ali made this announcement on Tuesday while addressing the first meeting of the LCDS 2030 MultiStakeholder Steering Committee (MSSC) at the Office of the President in Georgetown.
Crafted since 2009 by then President Bharrat Jagdeo, the LCDS was revised under the last Aliled Administration and reintroduced in 2022.
Building from the 2009 Guyana-Norway Agreement, which saw Guyana earning US$227 million for the period 2009 to 2015, Guyana went on to launch various initiatives over the last three years that saw the country earning millions of dollars, especially from the sale of its carbon credits, which have been certified by the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) TREES mechanism.
“By the end of this year, we expect total revenues from carbon credit sales for the year to near US$200 million, which will mean that in the three years since we worked together to finalise the LCDS 2030, Guyana will have received around US$400 million. No other country in the world has achieved these successes,” the Guyanese Head of State declared.
The Guyana Government is expected to report on all revenues received for 2025 early next year.
With a tropical forest that takes up 86 per cent
of its landmass, Guyana has the second-highest percentage of forest cover on earth and one of the lowest deforestation rates. The forest stores 19.5 gigatonnes of carbon and sequesters more than 153 million tonnes annually.
Carbon credits
Back in 2022, Guyana was issued with 33.4 million tonnes of ARTcertified carbon credits – the first jurisdictional-scale programme in the world.
In December 2022, the country entered into a historic US$750 million mul-
ti-year deal with United States energy major Hess Corporation for the sale of the high-quality carbon credits until 2030, starting with retrospective credits that fill the revenue gap for 2016 to 2020.
Then in 2024, Guyana was issued 7.14 million carbon credits dating back to 2021, marking the first time carbon credits have been issued that can be used by airlines in an effort to meet their carbon emission targets for the 20242026 period in the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) market
– the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)’s global emissions reduction programme.
Using the country’s certified carbon credits, President Ali disclosed that, “In the past year, we have sold credits to Apple and to 20 airlines through our partnership with IATA (International Air Transport Association), demonstrating the integrity and credibility of Guyana's system to the most demanding buyers in the world.”
The Guyana Government has been investing the monies earned from the carbon credit sales into the country’s LCDS priorities, with a portion of these revenues –a guaranteed 15 per cent, but 20 per cent in practice – going directly into some 240 Amerindian and Hinterland communities for various economic development projects.
According to the Guyanese leader, “We will progress the next phase of carbon credit sales, ensuring that revenues continue to deliver results for the people of Guyana.”
Nevertheless, during Tuesday’s MSSC meeting, President Ali pointed out that the LCDS is a national partnership that connects “our forests, our economy, and our future.” He emphasised that the strategy is not just a Government plan but a people-driven pathway for inclusive growth, integrating forest protection, renewable energy, and community development. To this end, he reminded the committee that the LCDS has evolved into a framework that integrates environmental protection and economic expansion.
“Every development plan we pursue has the LCDS and the ideals of the LCDS built into those plans… Thousands of local projects are already improving livelihoods, creating jobs, and driving innovation,” the Head of State noted.
The President stressed that the LCDS is fully embedded in national policy and emphasised that development and environmental protection are not opposing goals but rather are the “twin pillars of a new model for prosperity.”
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025
The unit of temperature is the degree
It is written as a small circle above the number: 25o = 25 degrees.
Customary degrees are measured on the Fahrenheit scale. However, in Guyana, for temperature we normally use the metric scale of degrees Celsius.
Exercise: Convert
To convert from one scale to the other you use the following formulas:
To make it clear which scale you are using, you must add the letter F for Fahrenheit or the letter C for Celsius. 25o C = 25 degrees Celsius.
On the Celsius scale, the freezing point of water is 0o C.
The boiling point of water is 100o C.
On the Fahrenheit scale, the freezing point of water is 32o F.
The boiling point of water is 212o F.
The cardinal directions can be found and used on all types of maps too. They are used on maps showing the entire world, a single country, a state, city, or one part of a small town. Review the map below and using a compass rose, answer each of the questions.
1. Which direction would you travel from the school to the park?
2. Which direction would you travel from Joe's Market to Longwood Forest?
3. Which direction would you travel from the Corner Deli to Beth's Salon?
4. Which direction would you travel from Yellow Alley to the Jagged River?
In the map above, Go-Go Gas is east of Joe's Market. ABC Elementary School is south of Longwood Forest. Yellow Alley is north of Orange Alley. Beth's Salon is west of the Corner Deli. In addition, Red Street runs north to south or south to north,
and Green Street runs east to west or west to east.
One way to remember the cardinal directions is by using the first letter of each word to form short sentences. Examples: Never Eat Sugar Water; Nice, Easy, Slow, Water. Can you think of a new one?
Remember , when you are outside, locate the sunrise, it is in the east. If you are facing the sunrise, north will be to your left, south will be to your right, and west is behind you.
Practice using the cardinal directions while riding in a car or on the bus. Also, notice the street signs using the four cardinal directionsnorth, east, south, and west.
By Edna St VincEnt Millay
The railroad track is miles away, And the day is loud with voices speaking, Yet there isn't a train goes by all day But I hear its whistle shrieking.
All night there isn't a train goes by, Though the night is still for sleep and dreaming, But I see its cinders red on the sky, And hear its engine steaming.
My heart is warm with the friends I make, And better friends I'll not be knowing; Yet there isn't a train I wouldn't take, No matter where it's going. part 2
If you left your home and could travel in only one direction, which cardinal direction would you choose? Why did you choose that direction?
Write a story that includes the line (or is inspired by) the phrase “Look what the cat dragged in”.
President Dr Irfaan has assured Guyanese that he will soon be making announcements regarding cash transfers to citizens, including targeted interventions for vulnerable groups, before the end of this year.
“Let me be very clear… I'm going to announce before the end of the year a series of measures, not only looking at cash grants but also looking at the total empowerment of every Guyanese, whether you're someone living with a disability, elderly, a child, a woman, a small business owner, or a farmer – you name it, every category,” the Head of
Guyana Government has already been working along with stakeholders in the local financial sector, including commercial banks, to remove the hassle and archaic systems as it relates to banking transactions, including opening new bank accounts.
“You have seen the improvement. You can now open your account online [with] very minimal requirements for accounts below one million dollars and so on. So, there's no excuse. We want every Guyanese to own their own bank account so that this digital transfer would be easy and efficient and, of course, transparent,”
State announced during an interview on Wednesday in Brazil, ahead of COP30 next week.
According to President Ali, however, this comprehensive slew of measures will not only run into the new year but also into the Government’s cycle over the next five years.
He pointed out that this move is part of a big mechanism that is geared at supporting wealth creation, supporting productivity and supporting vulnerable groups.
But even as he assured Guyanese of a cash grant announcement, President Ali explained that these measures will tie into the digitising efforts that his Government has been undertaking over the last few years.
In fact, he noted that to ensure these cash pay-outs are done in a systemic way, the Guyanese leader is urging Guyanese to ensure they open a bank account. The
the Head of State noted.
The Guyanese leader noted that the Government will be putting the mechanism in place and finalising the system of delivery, as he implored Guyanese to similarly do the same and ensure their bank accounts are in order so that the cash pay-outs can be seamlessly done.
Banking
Only last week, it was announced that from November 1, persons will be able to open bank accounts online at four major local commercial banks.
This feature is currently available at Demerara Bank Limited (DBL), the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), Republic Bank Guyana Limited, and Scotiabank. Other local banks are expected to introduce similar mechanisms next year.
Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, made the
announcement of this new online feature at an event last Thursday evening. He disclosed that the Governor of the Bank of Guyana (BoG), Dr Gobind Ganga, recently issued the guidelines to further simplify the arrangements for opening bank accounts locally.
Over the years, the Guyana Government has been collaborating with local banks to modernise operations, expand access, and align Guyana’s financial system with its growing global stature.
In an invited comment, the Governor of the Central Bank expressed that this is a significant development in the local banking sector.
“This is part of our effort to ensure there is financial inclusion… [and] to make it easier for people to get into the banking system. Once they are able to do that, then they’ll be able to uplift themselves and have access to financial services like loans, deposits or whatever else they would need… and make it more efficient for them to transact business and [allows for] the ease of transacting business,” Dr Ganga told the Guyana Times last week.
Previously, President Dr Irfaan Ali had revealed that the Government will implement measures to encourage more citizens to open bank accounts, noting that “we have to be able in the shortest time frame to ensure every Guyanese has a bank account”.
Moreover, the Head of State had also announced, in the past, plans to amend the Financial Institutions Act to improve the overall banking sector in Guyana.
In fact, in keeping with the Government’s push towards digital transformation, the Head of State had engaged stakeholders from the financial sector back in September to discuss modernising the local banking industry.
According to a brief statement from his office, “… Discussions focused on modernising the banking sector
to address ongoing concerns faced by citizens and on plans to ensure commercial banks keep pace with the Government in implementing digital transformation.”
During a subsequent meeting on September 30, President Ali announced a slew of measures aimed at strengthening Guyana’s financial system, with a specific focus on financial and banking services and the foreign currency market.
The Head of State outlined nine key measures to guide commercial banks in maintaining the stability of Guyana’s financial sector. The implementation of these nine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is designed to tighten foreign exchange controls, improve transparency, and prevent abuse of the system, espe-
cially in the context of rising demand and capital flight.
At that meeting, the representatives of the various local commercial banks expressed their support for
these measures, which they acknowledged will ease some of the difficulties they currently face, especially as it relates to foreign currency transactions.
The long-awaited Experiment, Bath, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) murder trial began this week at the Berbice High Court, where a 12-member jury has been empanelled to hear evidence in the case involving the brutal killing of 47-yearold taxi driver Mohamed Haniff of Experiment, Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice.
The three accused, Royston Dowden, called “Sakie” and “Killa”, Devon McAlmont, and Ivan Lindu, are charged with the capital offence of murder. They are accused of fatally attacking Haniff during what Police described as a home invasion and robbery in 2020.
On Monday, the jury was sworn in before the trial, Justice Sandel Kissoon at the Berbice Assizes, marking the start of proceedings
that will determine the fate of the three men.
State Prosecutor and Attorney-at-Law Cicela Corbin is presenting the state’s case, which includes testimony from 22 witnesses, among them 13 Police officers.
Corbin is expected to outline the state’s case and present the facts to the jury when the trial resumes on Thursday. The accused are being represented separately: Attorney at Law Kevin Morgan for Dowden, Attorney at Law Chandra Sohan for McAlmont, and Attorney at Law Horatio Edmonson for Lindu.
It had been reported that the murder of Haniff occurred on Friday, September 11, 2020, at his Experiment, Bath, home.
Police had stated that Haniff, a taxi driver who had recently returned to
Guyana from St Martin, was attacked late that night by a group of masked men armed with knives, cutlasses, and a metal bar.
A Police release back then stated that the men demanded money, and when Haniff refused, they brutally beat him with the metal bar and chopped him on the head, leaving him dead at the scene. The Police had also reported that his wife, who was reportedly present during the ordeal, sat silently and watched as the attackers assaulted her husband.
Subsequently, four men were arrested and appeared before Magistrate Robindranauth Singh at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court, charged jointly with murder and remanded to prison.
The fourth person, Sarju Matadin, was a 56-year-old
cash crop farmer at the time. Matadin was subsequently released after the Magistrate found insufficient evidence to proceed against him. The remaining three were committed to stand trial in the High Court.
Police had also claimed that one of the accused later reportedly confessed to the crime, providing investigators with a detailed account of how the group planned to rob Haniff and what transpired when the victim resisted.
The trial, now before the Berbice High Court, is expected to continue today when the prosecution is expected to begin presenting its evidence and witness testimonies. The jury will hear from Police investigators, eyewitnesses, and other individuals connected to the case before delivering their verdict on the accused men’s guilt or innocence.
If convicted, the trio faces the death penalty or life imprisonment.
A32-year-old carpenter and mason has been charged with the murder of Imran “Shut Pon Shoulder” Kadir, the Belvedere labourer who was found beaten to death in his yard on Sunday morning. Emanuel Ramsammy, also known as “Joel”, of King Street, Belvedere,
Corentyne, appeared before Magistrate Michelle Matthias at the Reliance Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which alleges that between November 1 and 2, 2025, he murdered Kadir. Ramsammy, who was unrepresented, stood qui-
etly in the dock as the charge was read to him. The matter has since been transferred to the Albion Magistrate’s Court, where it will come up again on November 18.
Police Prosecutor Sergeant Garfield Edwards informed the court that the filing is not yet complete
and requested two weeks to have it finalised.
The accused was remanded to prison pending the continuation of the proceedings.
Kadir, a 56-year-old labourer, was found lying motionless in his yard at Belvedere, Corentyne, on the morning of November 2. Police investigations revealed that he and the accused were reportedly consuming alcohol together when an argument ensued, leading to the fatal beating.
A bloodstained piece of wood believed to be the murder weapon was recovered near the scene. Ramsammy was subsequently arrested by ranks from the Albion Police Station.
The killing had sent shock waves through the quiet Belvedere community, with residents describing both men as familiar drinking companions.
Well…well…well – imagine that THREE of the seven individuals who were charged yesterday as terrorists for the heinous and cold-blooded bombing of the midtown gas station that snuffed out a young life and wounded four others are described as “Guyanese”!! You coulda knocked over your (stunned) Eyewitness with a feather!! Guyanese joining Venezuelans to kill fellow Guyanese – to send a political message to the Government?? Are they “Guyanese Guyanese” or Guyanese who had resided in Venezuela?? Where are we headed??
Well, it looks like – unfortunately – we’re joining that growing terrorism wave sweeping the world. Used to be when powerful groups in a country had a beef – or wanted some resource – from others in another country, they’d exert their influence on their Governments to go to war!! Like Hitler supporting the German industrialists who wanted to cut their competitors in the West down to size. But nowadays the tail is wagging the dog – and groups with gripes are attacking states by going after their citizens –which is the very definition of “terrorism”!!
Bombings have become their trademark modus operandi – since the Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) they use literally give the biggest bang for the buck!! While we may have become used to the image of the Islamic suicide bombers concealing their IEDs under their flowing and voluminous robes and taking down the “infidels” who’ve invaded their lands – we’ve also seen them using the same tactic in the infidels’ countries!! But even before then, hadn’t the American youths who disagreed with the war in Vietnam used bombs to deliver their message?
Similarly, we got domestic terrorists like Fineman and his gang – who went after both civilians and police to make a point to the PPP Government. And now we’ve experienced foreign terrorists who may be acting on their own or as agents of the Venezuelan Government to warn off our Government from supporting the US in its fight against Venezuelan and Columbian narco-traffickers – with whom they’re connected!!
So we return to the Guyanese terrorists. We know –through confessions – that the main bomber is a member of a Sindicato gang (Organisation R), which – through their connections to gold miners who they extort – would have access to explosives, initiators and switches for IEDs. We’ve heard of some Guyanese from Reg 1 going over to Venezuela’s Mining Arc to prospect for gold – and they were not only shaken down but actually killed by Sindicatos. Could some of them have joined the gangs under an “if you can’t beat ‘em, you join ‘em” philosophy?
These are questions that demand answers since if the answer’s “yes”, it means we gotta scrutinise our returning Guyanese just as closely as Venezuelan refugees!!
Welcome to the (not so brave) new world!!
…on NYC upset
With practically every Guyanese having a relative in the Big Apple, your Eyewitness is sure we all know that 34-year-old Zohran Mamdani won the NYC mayoralty against Andrew Cuomo. The latter had to run as an Independent after his primary defeat!! While being a sex offender didn’t help, being a past NY Governor and part of the Democratic Establishment couldn’t save him from Mamdani’s onslaught!! Thus, the latter becomes the first person of South Asian descent and the first Muslim to lead the city.
Surprisingly, even though NYC’s branded as “liberal” state, Mamdani actually ran as a “socialist” – at a time when Republicans under Trump had derided even liberals as “communists”!! Mamdani focused on trade unionism, housing for poor New Yorkers, as well as expanding social services like universal childcare. Most controversial was his declaration that billionaires shouldn’t exist and he would tax the rich!!
It ain’t surprising that Republican Trump had backed Cuomo – and promised to slash the US$10B federal funding to NYC!!
…on just desserts
Some wags are saying that the death of George Bush’s VP Dick “Darth Vader" Cheney at the age of 84 just proves the truth of the saying, “Only the good die young”!! But not your Eyewitness!!
Four Venezuelans and three Guyanese who were slapped with terrorism-related charges were on Wednesday remanded to prison.
Apparent mastermind, Venezuelan national Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday alongside three co-defendants, Venezuelans Alexander Bettancourt and Johnny Boodram, and Guyanese Krystal LaCruz.
Poedemo’s charge stated that he, with intent to threaten the security and sovereignty of Guyana or to strike terror among its people, used an explosive device at the Mobil Fuel Station at Regent and King Streets, Georgetown, resulting in the death of a six-year-old girl.
His three accomplices were charged with aiding, abetting, and assisting in the deadly attack.
None of the four were required to enter pleas for the indictable offences, and all were remanded to prison until November 12.
Meanwhile, in a separate hearing held virtually before Magistrate Alisha George in Court Six, three other defendants, Guyanese Wayne Correia, 44, a farmer and part-time mechanic from Pomeroon; Ramesh Pramdeo, 51, a taxi driver; and Venezuelan Jennifer Rodriguez, 33, were charged in connection with the bombing.
They were also charged with aiding, abetting, and assisting Poedemo in the deadly attack.
On advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions, Correia, Pramdeo and Rodriguez were charged separately in the magisterial districts where their alleged offences were committed and were remanded until November 24.
Investigators allege that Poedemo, who reportedly entered Guyana illegally on the morning of the attack, orchestrated a highly coordinated operation involving both Venezuelan and Guyanese nationals. Police claim that between 11:00h
and noon on the day of the bombing, Poedemo and his accomplices conducted surveillance at the fuel station to prepare for the attack. Later in the day, he allegedly attempted to conceal an explosive device in a garbage bin near the gas cylinder storage area. When stopped by an employee, he placed the device nearby and fled moments before the explosion. CCTV footage and digital evidence, including photos of the explosive and clothing believed to have been worn during the attack, were recovered from a house in Vergenoegen, Region Three (Essequibo Island – West Demerara), where Poedemo was later arrested.
Investigators allege that Bettancourt crossed into Guyana with Poedemo and assisted in carrying out parts of the plan, while Boodram, a 27-year-old taxi driver, transported some of the suspects to the gas station hours before the explosion in what authorities believe was a surveillance exercise.
Boodram’s attorney, Mikel Puran, told the court that his client had no knowledge of any planned act of terror and was simply fulfilling a routine taxi hire arranged by LaCruz, a frequent customer.
LaCruz, who reportedly shared an intimate relationship with Poedemo, is accused of coordinating the group’s movements, facilitating their travel, and assisting with planning logistics leading up to the attack.
According to investigators, Correia contacted Pramdeo to trans-
port LaCruz and another Venezuelan from Parika to a hotel in Meten-Meer-Zorg. Pramdeo allegedly accepted payment in cash, believed to be the proceeds of raw gold worth over $600,000, and later drove Bettancourt and Poedemo to meet LaCruz. Rodriguez is accused of assisting in coordinating the group’s movements and communications before the attack.
Wednesday’s hearings took place under extraordinary security measures at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Armed officers patrolled the compound on foot and in vehicles, restricting public access, while the accused were escorted under tight guard.
The defendants arrived in three separate vehicles, two carrying the men and one carrying the women. The female suspects were handcuffed together, while the men were shackled.
The attack has provoked national outrage and condemnation from the highest levels of Government. President Dr Irfaan Ali described the bombing as “a vile assault on Guyana”, vowing that justice would be carried out to the fullest extent of the law. Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond reiterated the Government’s determination to hold those responsible accountable, emphasising that the administration intends to seek the death penalty for anyone convicted under Guyana’s AntiTerrorism Act.
The blast claimed the life of a six-year-old, Soraya Bourne, and has left the nation in shock, with authorities describing it as a deliberate and meticulously planned act of terror, with the investigation ongoing.
Police are tracing cross-border movements, financial transactions, and potential networks that may have facilitated the attack.
The incident has also raised public concern about border security and criminal activity linked to regional instability. As the accused await their upcoming court appearances later this month, the tragic death of the young girl continues to resonate deeply across Georgetown and beyond.
– $2.7B support for rice farmers; fisherfolk to see $150,000 subsidy
Guyana’s Government will soon be rolling out a slew of measures targeting major agriculture players, especially rice farmers and fisherfolk, as part of efforts to support productivity.
President Dr Irfaan Ali made this announcement on Wednesday during an interview in Brazil, where he travelled to earlier in the day, ahead of next week’s COP30.
Among the measures the Guyanese leader announced is a $150,000 subsidy to local fisherfolk.
“We're going to give $150,000 to every fisherfolk out there to help them as an incentive [and] a subsidy from the Government,” the Head of State noted.
Moreover, the Guyana Government is also looking at removing taxes on key
fishing inputs like the seine material, capital equipment, and fuel, the president disclosed.
This latest initiative builds on a series of Government interventions in the fisheries sector over the last few years. In 2022, over $1.1 billion in cash grants were paid out to more than 7500 fisherfolk across Guyana. Additionally, the Government has also been upgrading landing and processing facilities, providing training, and promoting sustainable and climate-resilient fishing practices.
Agriculture is a major anchor of Guyana’s non-oil economy and continues to perform well. This was reflected in the 2025 Mid-Year Report, where the Finance Ministry revealed that the agriculture, fishing, and for-
estry sector grew by nine per cent in the first half of the year.
But despite growth in marine fish production and aquaculture output, lower output of marine shrimp resulted in the fishing subsector contracting by an estimated 1.9 per cent during the reporting period.
With respect to marine production, it was noted that fish output grew by 16.1 per cent when compared with the first half of 2024, reaching 11,404 tonnes at the end of June this year. Marine shrimp production, however, fell by 42.4 per cent to 5520 tonnes on account of lower production of industrial seabob shrimp and prawns, which fell by 87 per cent and 58.6 per cent, respectively.
According to the ministry, the lower-than-antici-
pated production of shrimp is the result of low fleet activity, compounded by low catch rates. In light of this, the report stated that the outlook for this subsector has been revised and is now estimated to grow by 2.1 per cent at year-end.
Similarly, the Finance Ministry reported that the rice industry grew by an estimated 13.9 per cent in the first half of this year amid a global decline in rice prices.
According to President Ali, his Government has continuously supported rice farmers over the last five years and will continue to do so. In fact, he announced during Wednesday’s interview an injection of a whopping $2.7 billion into the rice industry for the second crop this year.
In the first crop, the Guyana Government provided a subsidy to rice farmers of a minimum of $300 per bag of paddy to help cushion the impact of falling
prices on the global market – an injection of almost $1.9 million.
Apart from this, a rice farmer with an average 15acre field also benefited from more than $400,000 in Government support for fertiliser, transportation and agrochemicals.
“As I said a few months ago, we will examine the prevailing condition, and we will take necessary steps to intervene… We will produce in this second crop more than nine million bags of paddy… And at a minimum, I can say to you now that we’re going to give, like we did in the first crop, another $300 per bag subsidy. That will be an injection of more than $2.7 billion to our rice farmers, and that is outside of the help [of $400,000]… that they will get for every 15-acre plot when you calculate it,” the President declared.
The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) reported, according to the 2025 Mid-Year Report,
a production of 410,194 tonnes of rice equivalent in the first six months of this year, compared with 362,030 tonnes in the first half of 2024.
On account of favourable weather conditions, the yield achieved for the first crop of 2025 was 6.6 tonnes per hectare, aligned with what was achieved in the first crop of last year.
The production target for the full year remains 804,000 tonnes of rice equivalent, with a growth target of 12.4 per cent, buttressed by continued support to farmers and renewed efforts to secure new and more attractive markets.
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration has played a major role in strengthening the rice industry, resulting in an impressive output of more than 725,000 tonnes in 2024. In addition, a $2 billion investment was also made in 2025 to subsidise fertilisers for thousands of farmers across the country.
The Government of Guyana on Wednesday in a press statement rapped what it called attempts by some sections of the media to sensationalise selected parts of the Auditor General (AG)’s report that was released on Monday, November 3, 2025.
The statement re-
minded that the PPP/C Government reintroduced AG reports from 1993 and has consistently worked with the AG to ensure that these reports are completed and presented to the National Assembly on or before the statutory deadline.
Prior to the PPP/C assuming office in 1992, the
PNC had failed to present the AG reports for 10 years, from 1982 to 1992, denying citizens the opportunity to know how their tax dollars were spent, it added.
Recognising that the AG’s report is a vital instrument of transparency, accountability, and public trust, successive PPP/C Governments have con-
ABrazilian national has been arrested in the Iwokrama Protected Area as authorities continue targeted operations to stem illegal gold mining in the highly sensitive forest reserve.
The arrest was made on November 1, during a joint enforcement operation involving the Iwokrama International Centre, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Guyana Police Force and Iwokrama Rangers.
The suspect has been identified as Flaviano Teixiera-Costa. During the operation, several other miners escaped into the forest. However, passports and other personal documents recovered at the site indicated that at least four other Brazilian
nationals have been participating in the illegal mining activity. They have been named as Jailson Ferreira Lima, Iago Silva Alves, Jose Antonio Rodrigues Dos Santos, and Jose Do Santos Silvino.
According to Iwokrama, Silvino was previously apprehended during a separate operation in the protected area on October 8.
Investigators believe the men entered Guyana under the guise of tourism before travelling into the rainforest with the intention of conducting illegal gold mining.
The Iwokrama International Centre has reiterated that mining is strictly prohibited within the protected area under the Iwokrama Act of 1996. The organisation emphasised that illegal mining threatens ecological systems, affects the livelihoods of local communities and undermines national forest management efforts.
The Centre indicated that it will publish the identities and photographs of individuals found engaging in illegal mining in the reserve.
Iwokrama also highlighted that enforcement activities are being carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Protected Areas Commission, and the Environmental Protection Agency, among others. The organisation says collaboration remains key to curbing illegal operations in
The Guyana Police Force is investigating an incident that occurred on Wednesday, November 5, at about 16:00h, in the Puruni River, Middle Mazaruni, where an aluminium boat reportedly capsized and sank while en route from Surie Mouth Backdam to Puruni Landing.
Preliminary information indicates that the vessel, which was carrying four occupants, encountered mechanical difficulties and subsequently became unbalanced,
resulting in it capsizing. Two of the individuals on board managed to swim to safety. However, Patrice Grimmond and Evis Robin (ages and addresses unknown at this time) have been reported missing following the incident.
A team of Police ranks has since been deployed to the area to carry out investigations and assist in ongoing search and recovery efforts. Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
the region.
The Iwokrama forest spans over 371,000 hectares and is considered one of Guyana’s most important environmental assets, supporting research, conservation and sustainable development initiatives.
sistently provided the AG and his staff with all the support necessary to fulfil their statutory mandate, the statement said.
In this regard, the accounting officers have not only responded to queries from the AG but have also taken concrete steps to improve accountability and transparency by implementing the recommendations in his report. Between 2022 and 2024, the implementation rate of recommendations has been the highest in over a decade. In the 2024 AG Report, for example, the Government has implemented (either fully or partially) more than 80 per cent of the recommendations made in the previous year’s report.
The statement also noted that the govt has also strengthened its system
to prevent overpayments and has recovered these funds. Over the past three years, all contractor overpayments have been fully recovered – an unprecedented achievement, it emphasised.
The brief went on to state that because of the implementation of the recommendations in the audit report, the number and severity of breaches have also reduced markedly. More importantly, these efforts demonstrate this Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in public financial management, as well as to the rule of law.
“Another notable achievement, which was reported by the auditor in his 2024 report but conveniently ignored by some media houses, is that the
total number of audit opinions issued during the period September 2024 to August 2025 amounted to 254, which is unprecedented, and covered various agencies, including public enterprises, statutory bodies, trade unions, foreign-funded projects, municipalities, neighbourhood democratic councils, and constitutional agencies,” it pointed out.
According to the statement, responsible reporting will provide context when referencing the findings of the AG’s Report. Any objective assessment would therefore acknowledge the substantial progress that has been made. Instead, it contended, “We have seen selective reporting by some sections of the media intended to create mischief.”
United States (US)sanctioned businessmen Nazar Mohamed and his son, Azruddin Mohamed, principals of Mohamed’s Enterprise, are facing a series of tax-related charges filed by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
The total alleged under-reporting by Nazar and Azruddin is approximately GY$32.69 billion.
The charges, initiated by GRA’s CommissionerGeneral Godfrey Statia, allege that the duo understated billions of dollars in taxable income from gold exports between 2020 and 2024.
According to multiple summonses issued in October 2025, the GRA alleges that Nazar Mohamed made incorrect tax returns over five consecutive years, contrary to Section 110(1) (a) of the Income Tax Act,
Chapter 81:01.
The complaints state that Nazar significantly understated his tax liabilities in relation to gold exports filed between 2020 and 2024. For the 2020 tax year, Nazar is accused of declaring a liability of GY$63.2 million, allegedly understating his taxable income by GY$4.86 billion.
In 2021, his tax liability was allegedly understated by GY$4.94 billion. The following year, 2022, saw an even larger discrepancy, with an alleged understatement of GY$7.03 billion.
In 2023, the figure remained substantial at GY$6.96 billion, while in 2024, he is said to have understated his liability by a further GY$5.33 billion.
Nazar allegedly under-reported his taxable income from gold exports by approximately GY$29.12 billion between 2020 and 2024. Separate but similar charges
were also filed against Azruddin Mohamed, who is accused of under-reporting taxable income for the years 2020 to 2023.
The complaints allege that Azruddin understated his taxable liabilities in connection with gold export activities in the following
amounts: GY$540,255,303 in 2020; GY$549,179,282 in 2021; GY$781,294,136 in 2022; and GY$1,738,834,069 in 2023.
Azruddin allegedly understated his taxable income from gold exports by around GY$3.61 billion between 2020 and 2023.
Each of these charges alleges that the businessman made an incorrect return by understating income which he was required to declare to the Revenue Authority.
Both Nazar and Azruddin have been summoned to appear before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts today at 09:00h. to answer the charges.
The offences, if proven, fall under provisions of the Income Tax Act that criminalise false or misleading tax returns. Convictions could result in heavy fines, repayment of taxes owed, and potential imprisonment.
The GRA filed the series of complaints after what is believed to have been a detailed audit into the gold export records of Mohamed’s Enterprise.
Guyana ranks eighth regionally and 31st worldwide on the Global Gender Gap Index, marking its place as a country that continues to steadily advance towards full gender equality – underscoring Guyana’s commitment to empowering women and girls.
Owing to extensive Government investments and strategically crafted policies and programmes,
Guyana has made this significant achievement that reflects greater women’s participation in the workforce, home ownership, and entrepreneurship.
At the opening of the National Conference on the Implementation of the Beijing Declaration and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda on Wednesday at the Royal International Hotel in Georgetown, Minister of Human Services and
Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud recalled the historic 1995 Beijing Conference that saw 30,000 activists from 189 countries who possessed the bold energy to declare that women’s rights are human rights. She emphasised that the legacy of the movement continues to shape public policy internationally and at home – pointing to the establishment of the Women and Gender Equality
Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud
Commission, Guyana’s Gender-Based Violence Framework, and policies designed to eradicate violence against women and girls.
“In our own country, the economic status of women received heavy investments, women’s education, empowerment and a move to ensure that more women are in our formal economy… We have seen that recognised through us moving upwards 80 spots on the Global Gender Index.”
Highlighting key legislative milestones, the Minister pointed to the Family Violence Act 2024, which replaced previous laws to create a stronger legal framework to protect survivors, and ongoing efforts to amend the Sexual Offences Act to include a Sex Offenders Registry, noting that Guyana is among 193 countries implementing legislation, policies and action plans as it relates to women.
Sixty per cent of Government-distributed housing lands are owned by
women, while over 90,000 women have been trained through the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN), empowering them with skills and financial independence.
Minister Persaud acknowledged the role of men in advancing gender equality, announcing the expansion of the Bridging the Gap Policy and the creation of men’s safe spaces and centres across communities to foster positive masculinity and shared responsibility.
Commending partnerships with the United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), and civil society through initiatives like the Spotlight Programme, Dr Persaud said these collaborations have modernised Guyana’s response to gender-based violence, introducing tools such as the 914 Hotline, iReport App, and Hope and Justice Centres, offering integrated survivor support.
Adding to the discussion, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira reflected on Guyana’s longstanding advocacy for women’s empowerment and equality.
She noted that Guyana’s political landscape has evolved significantly, with women now serving in key positions across Government and public institutions.
“I am very proud of the young women I have seen in Guyana today: young women in business, young women who are church leaders, the women who are Judges and Magistrates, women in Government, and women in civil society,” the Minister
stated. According to Minister Teixeira, Guyana ranks 31st globally out of 148 countries in the World Economic Forum Gender Gap Report in 2025. In 2024, Guyana was ranked at 35. She credited this to the extensive investments and work being done in education, health, economic participation and social services.
The Minister noted that, according to the World Economic Forum’s Gender and Equality Report, Guyana ranked number one in Latin America for women who own land and property.
Minister Teixeira made it clear that gender equality is not only a moral or social goal but a demographic imperative essential to sustainable national development.
Meanwhile, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack said there ought to be a study and a multisectoral approach to addressing violence. She noted that while women are moving ahead, they are still victims.
Ali-Hack stressed the importance of educating both adults and children on the subject of violence, noting that schools’ curriculum must be revised to foster that understanding among children of the negative impacts and consequences of sexual and physical violence.
UN Resident Coordinator Jean Kamau and Counsellor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Li Hanqing, also attended the conference. (DPI)
The Institute of Private Enterprise Development Limited (IPED) has launched a yearlong celebration to mark its 40th anniversary, commemorating four decades of empowering Guyanese entrepreneurs, transforming lives, and advancing national development.
The celebration comes under the theme “A Legacy of Empowerment: 40 Years of Promoting Entrepreneurship, Transforming Lives, and Supporting National Development.”
The launch, held in Georgetown, represents a major milestone for the institution, which has evolved from a modest initiative into one of Guyana’s most respected and impactful development organisations. IPED was founded on the vision of the late Dr Yesu Persaud, one of Guyana’s most distinguished business pioneers, who believed that Guyanese could shape their own economic destiny through entrepreneurship.
At a time when the na-
tional economy was defined by cooperative socialism, and private enterprise faced significant barriers, Dr Persaud recognised the urgent need for an organisation that would revive confidence in local enterprise and reignite the spirit of innovation. His vision laid the foundation for a national institution that continues to promote self-reliance, enterprise, and empowerment across Guyana.
Originally established in 1985 as the Institute of Small Enterprise Development (ISED) and formally incorporated in 1986, IPED received early recognition from the Government of Guyana. The late President Hugh Desmond Hoyte declared it an “Institution of National Worth”, acknowledging its vital role in rebuilding Guyana’s economic and social landscape.
From its inception, IPED’s progress has been supported by a strong network of local and international partners, including the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), the
Foundation for International Training (FIT) of Canada, and a number of private sector contributors such as Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Seagrams (UK), Booker Sugar Company, Texaco (WI) Ltd, West Indian Trading (Canada), W Breitenstein of Holland, and the Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC). Further support from institutions such as PL480 (USAID), the InterAmerican Development
Bank (IDB), and the European Investment Bank (EIB) later helped strengthen IPED’s sustainability and reach.
What began in 1986 with just one employee, Jeff Adiken, managing all aspects of operations, has now grown into a robust national network employing over 100 professionals across 14 branches countrywide. Today, IPED stands as one of the most geographically inclusive and influential development organisations in Guyana, with an enduring presence in every region.
Over the past 39 years, IPED has disbursed more than 150,000 loans, helping thousands of Guyanese, particularly women, youth, and individuals from underserved communities, to start and grow their businesses. Beyond providing financial support, the organisation also delivers mentorship and business development services, fuelling innovation, job creation, and long-term sustainability in small and medium enterprises.
To commemorate its 40th
year, IPED has unveiled a line-up of activities to celebrate its legacy and inspire new generations of entrepreneurs.
These include a tribute to the late Dr Yesu Persaud, held on October 18, 2025, at the World Trade Centre in Guyana; a National Business Pitch Competition for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs, with entries open until December 15, 2025; and an art competition titled “The Spirit of Enterprise”, inviting artists to depict themes of empowerment and entrepreneurship, with a submission deadline of January 15, 2026.
The anniversary calendar will continue in 2026 with a mini exposition showcasing IPED’s clients, partners, and innovators, followed by a two-day micro conference in April, which will bring together local and international experts to explore the future of entrepreneurship and small business development in Guyana.
As IPED steps into its fifth decade, the organisation reaffirmed its mission to
“help people help themselves through enterprise development.” According to the institution, the anniversary is not only a celebration of its history but also a renewed commitment to shaping the future – nurturing new generations of Guyanese entrepreneurs, advancing innovation, and deepening IPED’s role in national transformation.
Under the leadership of Komal Samaroo, Chairman of the IPED Board of Directors, and a dedicated Board whose members volunteer their expertise, along with a committed management team and staff, IPED continues to uphold its founding principles of integrity, service, and empowerment.
Over the past four decades, IPED’s work has left a lasting impact on Guyana’s private sector and national development, symbolising the enduring legacy of its founder, Dr Persaud, whose belief in the transformative power of entrepreneurship continues to inspire the organisation’s mission today.
On Tuesday, Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency, and Implementation Zulfikar Ally partnered with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) to launch the Ministry’s online SkillsConnect Application that is geared towards connecting service providers and tradesmen to clients. The launch was held in the
GCCI’s boardroom and attended by members of the Chamber both in person and online.
Among the challenges faced by the private sector is a shortage of skilled labour, as well as unskilled labour, as a result of the unprecedented growth in the construction sector.
President of the GCCI, Kathy Smith, declared the platform a game-changer. She noted the challenges
experienced locally by both businesses and citizens in accessing services – particularly those related to the construction sector. “It is a privilege to partner with the Government of Guyana to ensure that the information for this platform gets out there,” she stated to the attendees.
Meanwhile, as he provided an overview of the app, Minister Ally reflected on the importance of custom-
er service evolving to international standards and implementing best practices.
“The aim of SkillsConnect is to have small businesses on a platform showcasing the services that they have and to have Guyanese going on that platform requesting those services... We are launching this app to connect everyone together. We want to connect Guyanese to other Guyanese who have skills and services to
offer,” he stated.
Minister Ally assured users that the platform is safe and under the supervision of the National Data Management Authority. Furthermore, he noted that additional systems will be put in place, such as requiring users to register using their national identification cards, and will be subject to reviews and ratings by both service providers and clients.
The Minister underscored the importance of advancing efficiency and ease of doing business in the country, saying, “As Guyana progresses, as we move from a middle-income to a high-income country, our attitudes and service to the people must also change – but more importantly, businesses have to reform the way they think and the way they deliver service.”
Guyana has achieved a significant milestone in international aviation safety, earning an exceptional score of 80.12 per cent in the recent International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Aviation Security Audit –far surpassing the global average of 72 per cent and exceeding ICAO’s global aspirational goal of 75 per cent set for 2033.
The results, released following the audit conducted from August 25 to September 3, 2025, reflect a remarkable improvement from Guyana’s previous score of 62.90 per cent in 2016, with an impressive increase of 17.22 per cent.
The audit was carried out under ICAO’s Universal Security Audit Programme Continuous Monitoring Approach, which assesses states’ ability to effectively safeguard international aviation against unlawful interference.
The comprehensive review measured Guyana’s compliance with the Convention on International Civil Aviation, focusing on
Annex Nine (Facilitation) and Annex 17 (Security –Safeguarding International Civil Aviation Against Acts of Unlawful Interference). During the process, a team of four ICAO experts evaluated the country’s aviation system through 494 protocol questions, examining eight critical areas of aviation security.
These areas included aviation security legislation; aviation security programmes and regulations;
state appropriate authority for aviation security and its responsibilities; personnel qualifications and training; provision of technical guidance, tools, and security-critical information; certification and approval obligations; quality control obligations; and resolution of security concerns.
The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) credited the achievement to the collective effort and strong leadership guid-
ing the country’s aviation sector. The Authority extended its gratitude to His Excellency, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, for his visionary leadership in steering Guyana’s aviation industry toward world-class standards. Special thanks were also given to Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, for his strategic guidance and pivotal role in audit preparation, and to Minister of Public Works,
Bishop Juan Edghill, for his consistent support throughout the process.
The GCAA also acknowledged the dedication of its Aviation Security team, who worked tirelessly to ensure compliance and readiness ahead of the audit, as well as the invaluable contributions of support staff across various agencies.
In addition, the Authority recognised the crucial assistance of the Cheddi Jagan International
Airport (CJIA) team, the Guyana Police Force’s Immigration Department, and the Guyana Revenue Authority’s Customs Department for their integral roles in the audit’s success.
According to the GCAA, this outstanding result underscores Guyana’s growing reputation as a regional leader in aviation safety and security. Officials noted that the achievement strengthens the country’s credibility within the global aviation community and enhances the confidence of international travellers and stakeholders.
“The collective commitment of all involved has made an indelible impact on this success, reinforcing Guyana’s commitment to the safety and security of the travelling public,” the GCAA said in a statement.
With this audit outcome, Guyana has now positioned itself among the top-performing countries in aviation security, reflecting years of focused reform and investment in compliance, training, and oversight.
The Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development was among 24 nominees honoured by the Forestry Division of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) at the FAO Global Technical Recognition ceremony, held at FAO headquarters in Rome on October 15.
The Iwokrama Centre was recognised by the organisation for sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation and practices.
According to the FAO, as part of the celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of FAO, the ceremony paid tribute to best practices and innovative approaches from around the world that are driving progress in global food security, sustainable development, and agrifood systems transformation across six technical areas.
In the area of sustain-
able forest production and protection, which, the FAO noted, called for nominations across four historical periods and ten themes, the Iwokrama International Centre was among more than 340 nominations from nearly 100 countries.
The Centre was among the final 24 chosen to be recognised for their exemplary achievements in advancing sustainable forest
production and protection to promote “the FAO’s Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.”
This year’s ceremony highlighted how cross-border, cross-sector and cross-generational collaboration remains essential to achieving global sustainability objectives, the FAO stated, noting too that the
event underscored its enduring leadership in connecting science, policy and practice.
From its founding in 1945, the FAO has been at the forefront of global efforts to promote sustainable forest management, renewable resource use, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation.
Forests currently cover some 31 per cent of the
world’s land area, providing billions of people with food, income and shelter, while hosting up to 80 per cent of terrestrial biodiversity.
The Iwokrama International Centre (IIC) is a not-for-profit organisation that was established in 1996 to manage the Iwokrama forest, a 371,000-hectare rainforest reserve. With a joint man-
date from the Government of Guyana and the Commonwealth Secretariat and governed by an international board of trustees, the IIC is managed by a professional team of around 70 permanent staff in Georgetown and the Iwokrama River Lodge and Research Centre at Kurupukari.
For more information on the nominees and Iwokrama, visit fao. org or the Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development Facebook page.
Along with the FAO’s Forestry Division’s recipients, recognition was also given to exemplary initiatives in sustainable livestock transformation; South-South and Triangular Cooperation; land, soil and water resource management; sustainable aquatic food systems; and sustainable plant production and protection.
ACorentyne hire car driver was on Tuesday fined $30,000 after being found guilty of two traffic offences, including failing to take a passenger to the agreed destination, in what the presiding Magistrate described as a clear breach of the Motor Vehicle and Traffic Act.
Hemwattie Bishun, a hire car operator of AA Springlands, Corriverton, appeared before Magistrate Michelle Matthias at the Albion Magistrate’s Court, charged with failing to carry a passenger to the agreed destination under Section 85:1 of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act and disorderly conduct of a driver.
The incident occurred on August 12, when Bishun, while operating hire car HD 7680, picked up a passenger in New Amsterdam. She agreed to take him to Number 65 Village, Corentyne. However, during
the journey, Bishun reportedly received a telephone call. She then told her passenger that she would not be proceeding beyond Rose Hall Town, as she had to return to New Amsterdam to collect two other passengers who were paying for the entire car.
The passenger told the court that he reminded the driver that it was an offence not to take a passenger to the agreed destination and that he had no obligation to pay her if she refused to complete the trip. He further testified that upon reaching Rose Hall Town, the driver ordered him out of her car and verbally abused him.
In her defence, Bishun told the court that she was unaware that refusing to complete an agreed-upon trip was an offence, and her vehicle had no mechanical issues on that day.
Magistrate Matthias found that the vehicle was
Fined: Hemwattie Bishun
in good working condition and ruled that the driver was legally obligated to complete the journey as promised. Bishun was instructed to accept the fine of $15,000 for each of the two offences, or spend 100 days in prison.
Bishun was sternly warned to inform her fellow hire car operators that abandoning passengers before reaching the agreed destination is an offence.
High Court Judge Justice Gino Persaud, on Friday, dismissed the Guyana Trades Union Congress’ application which requested the Court to declare s. 46 of the Police Act, Cap. 16:01, and s. 2(2) of the Trade Union Recognition Act, Cap. 98:07, unconstitutional.
The applicant argued that these provisions, which prohibit members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) from associating with and belonging to a trade union, violate their fundamental rights guaranteed by Article 147(1) of the Constitution. Article 147(1) guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of assembly and association and to form or belong to trade unions or other organisations for the protection of their interests.
Justice Persaud agreed with the Attorney General’s submissions, ruling that these restrictions, provided for by Article 147(4)(a) of the Constitution, are lawful and constitutional. He held that limitations on the fundamental rights of Police officers to associate with and to belong to a trade union are justified, as they are necessary for defence, public safety and public order.
In his ruling, the Judge stated, “In the present proceedings, the State has convincingly demonstrated that
permitting officers to engage in industrial action or labour dispute would form a grave and tangible threat that would affect the effective functioning of the apparatus and machinery of the State […] a prohibition is not only reasonable but necessary in a democratic society for the preservation of public order, national defence and public safety. The State’s submissions underscore that Police officers occupy a critical and non-substitutable role of upholding the rule of law, protecting life and property and maintaining societal stability. Their participation in industrial actions could severely undermine public confidence, disrupt essential services and endanger the very fabric of our constitutional democracy.”
The Judge also noted that
ALinden man who deliberately set fire to his family’s home, killing his sister and niece in a horrifying blaze, has been found guilty following the presentation of chilling evidence, eyewitness accounts, and a detailed confession to investigators.
Uhalisi Moore, formerly of Lot 112 Silvertown Second Street, Wismar, Linden, was convicted for the August 2023 double homicide that claimed the lives of his sister, Cheryl Moore, and his niece, Eukeila Adams.
The matter was prosecuted by State Counsels Christopher Belfield, Simran Gajraj, and Geneva Wills, who detailed the sequence of events that unfolded on the tragic night.
At the time of the incident, Moore resided in the Silvertown home with several relatives, including the two victims.
According to testimony presented in court, around 22:00h. on August 14, 2023, Phillip Moore, the father of Eukeila and brother of Cheryl, was awakened by an unusual noise and the strong smell of kerosene.
When Phillip left his bedroom to investigate, he
saw Uhalisi standing in the house, wielding a cutlass. The convict reportedly swung the weapon toward Phillip, forcing him to retreat to safety. Moments later, he felt heat rising through the wooden floor.
When Phillip opened his door again, flames were already visible inside the building. He struck at Uhalisi before rushing to help the others escape. Family members fled the burning structure by leaping from the veranda, but Cheryl and Eukeila were unable to get out in time.
The blaze consumed the house within minutes. By the time firefighters arrived around 00:30h, the two-storey wooden home had been completely destroyed. Fire officials managed to extinguish the flames and later recovered the bodies of Cheryl and Eukeila from the debris.
Their remains were taken to the Linden Hospital Complex, where investigators confirmed that the fire had been maliciously set.
The following day, August 15, 2023, during a video-recorded interview at the Wismar Police Station, Uhalisi admitted to deliberately starting the fire.
He told investigators that he had not eaten for two days and felt ignored by family members living in the house. He said that “something started rising up in his head” and told him to act.
In his statement, he confessed to throwing a bottle containing kerosene or gasoline onto chairs located on the lower flat of the home before setting it alight.
A post-mortem examination, conducted on August 16, 2023, by pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh, determined that both Cheryl Moore and Eukeila Adams died as a result of severe burns. The examination also revealed the presence of soot in the victims’ bronchial passages, confirming that they were alive when the fire began. The case was heard before Chief Justice (ag) Navindra Singh, who presided over the proceedings that outlined the tragic details of the case.
Investigators described the crime as a devastating act of violence rooted in anger, frustration, and neglect, leading to one of the most shocking family tragedies to occur in Linden in recent years.
Police officers’ fundamental rights to associate with and belong to trade unions are not circumvented since, under s. 43 of the Police Act, members of the force have access to benefits and representation through the Police Association, which performs functions similar to those of a trade union.
Additionally, the applicant sought a declaration that the state had failed to pay salaries, benefits and other emoluments to certain officers of the GPF who were allegedly promoted on June 28, 2021. However, the applicant failed to establish that any such promotion was effected on that date. The applicant further failed to produce any evidence demonstrating its legal authority to act on behalf of those officers.
Minister of Education (MoE) Sonia Parag, on Tuesday, met with Ganesh Singh, head of the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD), to discuss the continuation and potential expansion of the Remedial Education programme for persons with special needs.
The programme was initiated as a necessary progression for persons with disabilities who were previously unable to complete their formal schooling. In fact, the first cohort saw seven students move on to sit for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examination, fully funded by the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Education.
Minister Parag stated that the programme is a critical component of a wider Government push for inclusivity across all sectors and areas of life in Guyana. “As you know, the Government is committed to ensuring that all regions are equipped with Special Education Needs (SEN) centres,” Minister Parag
reminded, noting that major improvements in this regard can be expected over the next five years.
Meanwhile, Singh lauded the success of the initiative so far, emphasising the transformative impact it has had on past participants.
Parika vendors engaging with Government officials
Vendors plying their trade along the roadside and on the Parika Waterfront, who were allotted legal spots at various market tarmacs, are being encouraged to move into their designated areas.
Others who have yet to be allocated spaces were encouraged to register to be part of the modernised market system.
This effort follows a Government campaign to promote road safety, support vendors’ livelihoods and advance infrastructure development.
Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Pauline Sukhai, on Wednesday, met with the Parika vendors to address their concerns regarding this initiative and discuss next steps for relocation.
The Minister was
joined by representatives of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, and other relevant stakeholders.
To ensure a smooth process, the Minister outlined plans to work with vendors to ensure everyone benefits from safe and structured vending spaces. Items previously removed owing to illegal vending were securely stored at the RDC facility at Crane and could be retrieved following the necessary procedures.
During the engagement, Minister Sukhai said she is happy that most vendors have already begun setting up their stalls and encouraged others to do the same.
“I met with the head of the market committee and the chairman of
this region, and actions were taken to try and normalise that shift. He’s advised that most vending on the roadside has been approved and has found an allocation within the tarmac. I must say, for those who started putting up their stalls, that is what we need. You need to act on your own opportunities,” the Minister said.
Stressing the importance of legal vending, Minister Sukhai stated that major infrastructure works are underway to transform the current Parika Stelling into a state-of-the-art port facility that will benefit the local industry and vendors alike.
The Minister encouraged vendors to play their part in securing economic opportunities that are being created for them through the allocation of spaces in various markets.
The continuation and potential expansion of the remedial programme will ensure that more persons with physical, hearing, vision, and mild intellectual disabilities are given the knowledge and skills to gain meaningful employment, pursue higher education, and access the many opportunities provided by the Government of Guyana.
Also part of the meeting were Chief Education Officer Mr Saddam Hussain; Assistant Chief Education Officer for Special Education Needs and Disabilities, Dr Keon Cheong; and Programme Officer of the GCOPD, Ms Shannon Forsythe.
Opposition most inexperienced group since independence – AG Nandlall
Guyana’s 13th Parliament convened on Monday, bringing with it a striking contrast between a Government majority and what many are describing as the most inexperienced opposition in the nation’s history.
Following the recent elections, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) secured a majority with 36 seats in the National Assembly, while the opposition, split between newcomer We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), and Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), secured the remaining 29 seats.
The composition of the opposition benches has drawn widespread scrutiny, even from the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, who was sworn in as Member of Parliament (MP) on Monday.
During his weekly “Issues in the News” programme, the AG said that the majority of opposition Parliamentarians are woefully inexperienced in both politics and Parliamentary procedure.
“What I can tell you is that it is the most inexperienced… this country has ever had in the National Assembly since independence,” Nandlall asserted.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall
The AG mentioned that despite this fact, it “will not affect our performance in the Government” and will “enhance our performance.”
The immaturity of opposition members was amplified when members of the WIN political party accused the PPP/C of hindering the swearing-in of the Leader of the Opposition during the 13th Parliament.
AG Nandlall clarified that it is a long-standing Parliamentary tradition that all Members of Parliament first take their oath of office before the speaker convenes a separate session for the opposition to elect its leader.
In fact, according to
Article 184 (1) and (4) of the Constitution of Guyana, the Leader of the Opposition is elected by and from among the non-Governmental members of the National Assembly by a show of hands at a meeting chaired by the Speaker. After the person is elected, the speaker informs the President, who, in turn, appoints the elected person as Leader of the Opposition.
“That’s not new; that has long been our practice, and based upon what I am reading, there is also a lack of knowledge in relation to how it is done and who does it,” he said.
AG Nandlall scolded WIN’s leader, Azruddin Mohamed, for accusing the ruling Administration of electoral fraud without providing even an iota of evidence to support his claim.
These remarks, Nandlall stated, reflect a troubling mentality that is unfit for national leadership, describing such claims as an “indictment on Guyana” and a cause for public alarm.
“It’s nothing to laugh about,” he cautioned, before adding, “It’s a time for introspection; it’s a time for soberness.”
The PPP/C achieved a commanding victory in the 2025 elections, triumphing over its rival political party by an impressive margin of 133,423 votes.
A44-year-old bus driver of Hopetown Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB), was on Tuesday remanded to prison after being charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.
Eulet Mars appeared at the Blairmont Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on November 2, he was found with 164.7 pounds of ganja in his possession.
Mars’ lawyer, Dexter Smart, requested bail, stating that his client has no
prior offences and is the sole provider of his family. Smart also submitted that his client was hired for transportation purposes and was not aware of the items he was transporting.
However, Police Prosecutor Sergeant Garfield Edwards objected, stating Mars was the only occupant of the minibus and should have known what he was carrying.
Magistrate Michelle Matthias refused bail, citing the serious nature of the offence and the large amount of cannabis involved.
The case has been transferred to the Weldaad Magistrates Court for November 28. It was reported that on the day in question, Mars was driving a minibus when he was intercepted by police at Foulis Public Road, West Coast Berbice.
A search of the vehicle uncovered several bulky bags containing leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis. The suspected narcotics were weighed in the presence of the driver and amounted to 164.7 pounds.
The Ministry of Education, through the Management Information Systems Unit (MISU), has delivered and installed 16 smart boards at Harmony Secondary School as part of the ongoing effort to integrate technology into classroom instruction.
Teaching and learning using this innovative technology have commenced immediately, allowing teachers and students to engage in more interactive, dynamic, and visually enriched lessons.
Smart Boards are designed to enhance lesson delivery by combining traditional teaching with digital tools. They allow teachers to display multimedia content, annotate lessons in real time, access online resources instantly, and facilitate collaborative learning
experiences.
They are considered to promote active student participation and engagement while supporting differentiated instruction through visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic learning.
In addition, the technology enables teachers to integrate videos, images, and interactive exercises seamlessly and encourages real-time feedback and collaboration in the classroom.
The initiative underscores the Ministry’s commitment to advancing education through technology and ensuring that every learner benefits from a modern, inclusive, and interactive classroom environment.
Shayandra Goorudat, called “Ragin”, a 30-year-old fisherman of Lot 92A Gopie Street, Buxton, East
Coast Demerara, who was charged for inflicting grievous bodily harm, appeared at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Scarce, where the charge was read to him and he pleaded guilty.
As such, he was remanded to the Lusignan Prison until November 19, 2025, for sentencing.
The offence, which occurred on November 2, 2025, at Annandale, East Coast Demerara, was committed against 56-year-old Pooran Chand.
The United Kingdom (UK) will not contribute to a flagship fund for the world’s remaining tropical forests, in a bitter blow to the Brazilian hosts on the eve of the COP30 climate summit.
Keir Starmer flew to Belém, at the mouth of the Amazon, on Wednesday to join the summit of world leaders hosted by Brazil’s president, Lula da Silva.
The key announcement for Brazil at the leaders’ summit on Thursday, which is taking place a few days before the start of the main COP30 United Nations (UN) climate summit, will be the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF).
This fund aims to raise $125bn for Governments and local communities that protect existing forests, such as the Amazon and the Congo basin. Lula hopes to raise $25bn from public sources, mainly developed countries attending COP30, with the rest to come from the private sector and financial markets.
But he has had difficulty persuading cash-strapped Governments, many of which are already cutting their aid budgets, to provide money. Under Joe Biden, the United States (US) was seen as a possible contributor, but with Donald Trump as president, that will not happen.
The UK’s decision will be a major let down, as Britain has previously played a big role in stopping deforestation. “The Brazilians are fuming,” one source told the Guardian.
However, the Guardian
understands Downing Street may consider contributing directly to the fund in the future. The TFFF is regarded as being at too early a stage at present, and there are concerns about how it will work in practice. The UK has contributed to the structure financially underpinning the fund but not directly to the fund itself, despite Brazil urging it to do so for months.
Norway is likely to hold firm to its commitment to the TFFF, but the Guardian understands that the German Government may also be wavering.
The UK’s decision will embarrass Prince William, who is in Brazil to present the Earthshot Prize, for which the TFFF is nominated.
Zac Goldsmith, the Conservative peer and climate Minister under Boris Johnson, who led UK efforts on deforestation at the COP26 summit in 2021 in Glasgow, told the Guardian the UK was making a mistake. “The UK helped design the fund, having catapulted forests to the top of the agenda when we hosted COP. But this Government seems only interested in one-dimensional carbon accounting and has just walked away,” he said.
Goldsmith believes TFFF is the best way to preserve threatened forests worldwide. “At last there’s a plan on the table to save the world’s remaining tropical forests, on which we all ultimately depend. It doesn’t require grants or aid. It is a fund, with the first tranche provided as an investment
by Governments, and the remainder – the vast majority – by the private sector,” he said.
“The fund will last in perpetuity and will provide returns to investors as well as annual income to those forest countries that protect their forests. At a time of reduced availability of funds and increased decimation of the great forest basins, this is as close as you get to winwin.”
He accused the UK Government of trying to persuade Germany not to invest, which the UK denies.
Green groups criticised the decision. Tanya Steele, the chief executive of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) UK, said, “Failing to invest in the TFFF at this stage is a missed opportunity for the UK Government. The TFFF is an innovative new finance mechanism that will quadruple the amount of money available to keep the world’s forests standing and ultimately underpin our food security at a time when rising food prices are hitting UK shoppers.”
She added, “It is telling – and concerning – that the UK, as one of the world’s richest countries, has not announced an investment to match those from less wealthy countries. We urge the Prime Minister to reconsider and invest in the TFFF after COP30.”
Zoe Quiroz Cullen, director of climate and nature linkages at the conservation organisation Fauna & Flora, said, “Helping Brazil to shape the TFFF but then leaving others to
front the initial cash at its launch is an abandonment of leadership by the UK Government, while others, including the global south, step up.
“The irony and injustice in this should not be lost. We need all of the tools we can get to tackle the dual climate and nature loss crises, and the TFFF offers an
additional way of channelling finance to protect the lungs of our planet, while promising a financial return on investment.” (The Guardian)
– cruise industry rallies behind Jamaica with over US$3M in hurricane relief
Communities in Jamaica affected by Hurricane Melissa will receive targeted support from the British-built Offshore Patrol Vessel, BHMS Trent, which sailed to Falmouth, Trelawny, on Tuesday, November 4, with specialist personnel and equipment.
HMS Trent carried a 75-strong crew, including specialist engineers who were deployed ashore to provide technical expertise in support of recovery efforts. Their work will focus on infrastructure assessments and emergency repairs, in coordination with Jamaican authorities.
“I’m proud of our British Armed Forces for the important role they play in disaster relief missions. Our Royal Navy and British Army personnel will support their civilian colleagues with specialist engineering expertise to assist local recovery efforts – as Britain steps up to support those in need,” said John Healey, United Kingdom (UK) Defence Secretary.
Minister for the Caribbean Chris Elmore said, “UK Government teams have been working around the clock to get relief supplies to those hardest hit by the hurricane, and the Royal Navy’s HMS Trent has arrived to assist with local recovery efforts. British personnel are on board to help restore vital infrastructure for communities affected by the storm, supporting those most in need.”
The deployment comes after the UK announced a wider package of sup-
port to Jamaica, including over 3000 shelter kits and over 1500 solar-powered lanterns to help those whose homes have been damaged and those without power. A specialist Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Rapid Deployment Team is also in Jamaica to provide consular assistance to affected British nationals.
The UK Government has also announced £7.5 million in emergency funding to support the region’s immediate humanitarian needs. This funding is enabling the delivery of relief items and UK humanitarian and technical experts who are in the region to assist with the coordination and delivery of aid.
Meanwhile, several of the world’s leading cruise companies have announced financial pledges totalling more than US$3 million in support of Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa relief efforts.
Following a home invasion near her residence that left a family of seven severely traumatised, Prime Minister (PM) Kamla Persad-Bissessar reaffirmed that the “Stand Your Ground” legislation will be brought to Parliament before the end of 2025, saying her Government must work harder to ensure citizens feel safer.
Persad-Bissessar told Guardian Media that while murders and other serious crimes have decreased, some citizens may still not feel secure.
“We need to clamp
down on home invasions, vehicle thefts and robberies. While the statistics show an actual decline, citizens are not sensing or feeling a decrease in fear. This is because of the years of trauma from violent crime and murders. We have to work harder to improve on the gains made thus far,” the PM said.
During her inaugural address to the nation after being sworn in as PM in May, she pledged a safer Trinidad and Tobago within six months.
She told Guardian Media today, “This is
Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group and Disney Cruise Line have each committed US$1 million in financial assistance. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) has pledged up to US$100,000, with additional matched contributions from employees and passengers.
On the ground, Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas, Carnival’s Horizon and other vessels have transformed into mobile relief hubs, offloading pallets of bottled water, medical supplies and other essential items.
The shipments are being packaged for immediate distribution, with local partners leading coordinated efforts to reach Jamaica’s most severely affected areas.
This collaboration has been described as a testament to the strong and enduring bonds between the cruise industry and Jamaica. (Excerpts from Jamaica Observer)
The United States (US) has killed two persons in another strike on a vessel in the Pacific, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth said, bringing the number of people killed in US attacks on boats in the Caribbean and Pacific since early September to at least 67.
In a post on social media late on Tuesday, Hegseth alleged that the latest vessel attacked was involved in “illicit narcotics smuggling”, though legal experts have said that such attacks amount to extrajudicial killings, even if those targeted are suspected of drug trafficking.
Describing the vessel as “transiting along a known narco-trafficking route and carrying narcotics”, Hegseth said US forces attacked it in “international waters in the Eastern Pacific” on the orders of US President Donald Trump.
Hegseth did not provide any evidence of drug trafficking, while a short aerial video of the attack showed
what appeared to be a vessel stationary in the water before being hit by a missile and exploding in smoke and flames.
The US military blanked out the video so that the vessel’s occupants could not be seen.
“We will find and terminate EVERY vessel with the intention of trafficking drugs to America to poison our citizens. Protecting the
homeland is our TOP priority,” Hegseth said in a post on X alongside the video. US military strikes since early September have now targeted at least 17 vessels – 16 boats and a semi-submersible – but the Trump Administration has yet to make public any evidence that its targets were smuggling narcotics or posed any threat to the US. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
The Tobago arm of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce is calling MovieTowne’s pending closure another stark reminder of the island’s struggling economy.
Chamber chairman Curtis Williams described the move as unsurprising but deeply troubling, reflecting the wider slowdown gripping Tobago’s private sector.
“Reading the news about MovieTowne being closed, it really just confirms what we’ve been seeing for some time,” Williams told the Guardian Media. “MovieTowne owner Derek Chin had indicated last year that business wasn’t doing well and that he might have to make a decision to close. Now we’re
MovieTowne owner Derek Chin
seeing it happen, and it shows clearly what’s going on in the space in Tobago.”
Williams said businesses across the island have been “very sluggish”, noting that consumer spend-
ing has tightened considerably, forcing many operators to scale down or shut their doors entirely. He said it was critical that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissear, who visited the island yesterday, meet directly with members of the business community to understand the depth of the challenges. “It’s important that she and her Cabinet hear directly from those on the ground,” Williams said. “The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) alone can’t paint the full picture. Businesses need to explain what’s really happening.”
Chin confirmed that the venture never managed to gain sustainable traction despite years of effort.
(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
why I am bringing the stand your ground laws and legislation to make legal firearms more accessible. This will empower citizens and give them a fighting chance as a last line of defence against home invasions and robberies.”
Earlier this week, Attorney General John Jeremie confirmed that the “Stand Your Ground” legislation, officially titled the Home Invasion (Self-Defence and Defence of Property) Bill, 2025, will be brought to Parliament before the end of the year. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) dismissed the appeal by the Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS) and agreed with the Court of Appeal of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (Saint Lucia) that payments by BNS Saint Lucia to related foreign associates were subject to withholding tax. The case arose from the imposition of withholding tax under the Income Tax Act of Saint
Lucia on payments made by BNS Saint Lucia to its Canadian head office and regional subsidiaries for support services. Justice EboeOsuji (with President Anderson and Justices Barrow, Jamadar, and Ononaiwu concurring) addressed the second issue and held that interest expenses incurred by BNS in its banking operations were properly classified as “cost of sales”.
He reasoned that the banking sector involves the sale of financial ser -
vices and that interest paid on customer deposits is a direct cost of generating income. Drawing on accounting literature, industry practice, and comparative jurisprudence, the decision emphasised that “cost of sales” is not limited to the sale of goods but includes the cost of services in modern commercial contexts. The Court dismissed the appeal and awarded costs to the Respondent in the sum of EC$58,061. (Excerpt from Antigua News Room)
Oil prices fell more than one per cent on Wednesday, settling at two-week lows on pressure from concerns of a possible global oil glut, but data showing signs of strong US demand for fuel limited losses.
Brent crude futures closed 92 cents, or 1.43 per cent, lower at US$63.52 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude settled 96 cents, or 1.59 per cent, lower at US$59.60.
Oil prices fell following US Government data that showed an increase in crude inventories last week.
"A rebound in imports and subdued refining activity amid seasonal maintenance has encouraged a build to US crude inventories," said Kpler lead Americas oil analyst Matt Smith.
US crude stocks rose by 5.2 million barrels to 421.2 million barrels last week, the Energy Information Administration said, compared with analysts' expectations for a 603,000-barrel rise.
However, signs of stronger-than-expected gasoline demand limited oil price losses. Gasoline inventories fell by 4.7 million barrels last week to 206 million barrels. Analysts had expected a 1.1 million-barrel draw.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's budget plan, unveiled on Tuesday, signalled that Canada could scrap a cap on oil and gas emissions, fuelling concerns over a potential supply glut.
"Canada could ditch their controversial oil and gas emissions strategy and unleash more oil," said Phil Flynn, senior market analyst with Price Futures Group.
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allied producers, a group known as OPEC+, agreed on Sunday to increase output by 137,000 barrels a day in December. It decided to pause further increases in the first quarter of 2026. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Ukraine has resumed gas imports from a pipeline that runs across the Balkan Peninsula to Greece to keep its heating and electric systems running through the winter after widespread damage from intensified Russian attacks.
Russia intensified strikes on Ukraine's gas sector in October, depriving Ukraine of at least half of its own gas production, forcing it to import an additional 4 billion cubic metres of gas to compensate for the decline.
Data from the Ukrainian gas transit operator showed on Wednesday that Ukraine will receive 1.1 million cubic metres (mcm) of gas from the Transbalkan route on Wednesday, after the import of 0.78 mcm on Tuesday. The route links Ukraine to LNG terminals in Greece, via Moldova, Romania and Bulgaria.
Ukrainian energy consultancy ExPro said last month that Greek DEPA Commercial, D.Trading –a subsidiary of Ukraine's largest private energy firm, DTEK – and Swiss Axpo
Trading had booked capacity to import gas from Greece to Ukraine with a daily amount of 0.6 million cubic metres.
Ukraine also imports about 23 mcm of gas daily, including nearly 10 mcm from Hungary, about 8 mcm from Poland and about 5 mcm from Slovakia.
The pipeline was not in demand due to the high cost of gas transit across the four countries and via Ukraine. However, tariff reductions by Moldovan and Romanian operators had helped boost the booking of capacities in November, ExPro said. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Hamas has handed over to the Red Cross a coffin containing what it says is the body of another deceased hostage, the Israeli military has said.
The remains have been transferred to Israeli forces, who will take them to the National Centre of Foreign Medicine in Tel Aviv for identification.
On Tuesday, the remains of Israeli-American soldier Itay Chen, 19, were returned.
Staff Sgt Chen was serving as a soldier in the IDF's seventh Brigade when Hamas-led gunmen attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
The IDF said he was killed inside a tank during a battle in Kibbutz Nir Oz and that his body was taken to Gaza as a hostage by Hamas.
Under the first phase of the US-brokered ceasefire deal with Israel, which started nearly a month ago, Hamas agreed to return all 20 living and 28 dead
Israeli and foreign hostages it was holding within 72 hours.
Israel has accused Hamas of deliberately delaying the recovery of the dead hostages' bodies, while Hamas has insisted it is struggling to find them under rubble.
If the latest remains are confirmed as those of a dead hostage, it will mean six others are still in Gaza – including Israelis and foreign nationals.
All the remaining living Israeli hostages were released on October 13, in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1718 detainees from Gaza. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Disgraced former King of Spain’s memoir details “enormous respect” for Franco
Amemoir by Spain’s disgraced former King Juan Carlos chronicles his anointment as heir to the dictator Francisco Franco, his role in saving democracy from a coup attempt in 1981, and his grief at the death of his younger brother when the two were “playing” with a pistol as teenagers.
Referring to his role in defending Spain’s transition to democracy in the face of the 1981 attempted coup led by Lieutenant-General Antonio Tejero, he wrote, “I gave freedom to the Spanish people by establishing democracy, but I was never able to enjoy that freedom for myself.
“Now that my son has turned his back on me out
The memoir, titled Reconciliation, details how the former King feels abandoned and misunderstood by his son and heir, King Felipe VI
of duty, now that those who call themselves my friends have turned their backs on me, I realise that I have nev-
er been free.”
The former King was born in exile in Italy in 1938 during the Spanish Civil
War. He was summoned at age 10 to Spain by Franco, who trained him to be his successor.
“I respected him enormously and appreciated his intelligence and political sense,” Juan Carlos said of Franco. In the 500-page book, published in French on Wednesday and in Spanish next month, he recalls sitting beside Franco as the ailing dictator lay dying in his hospital bed.
“He took my hand and said, as if it was his last breath, ‘Your Highness, I ask you just one thing: keep the country united,’” Juan Carlos recalled.
He was crowned King two days after Franco’s death in 1975. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
The Prince of Wales has followed in his mother's footsteps with a visit to the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro.Prince William stood in the same spot that Diana, Princess of Wales, was photographed in 34 years ago.
He is on the third day of his fiveday visit to Brazil, where he will be presenting the Earthshot Prize, the annual award from the charity he set up. The star-studded event was held in Rio's Museum of Tomorrow yesterday evening, where Kylie Minogue and Shawn Mendes per-
formed as five projects win £1m.
The prince is also scheduled to give a speech at COP30, the UN's annual climate meeting.
On a picture-perfect day, the future King stood alone in a moment
of reflection as he took in the views of Rio de Janeiro from the top of Mount Corcovado, where Christ the Redeemer stands.
The iconic and imposing statue is one of the largest Art Deco sculptures in the world, standing at 30 metres tall and reaching 28 metres wide with its outstretched arms. It has become a symbol of hope and resilience and is said to protect the people of Rio. Princess Diana posed in the same spot in April 1991 during her six-day tour of Brazil with the now King Charles III. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Residents of the cen-
tral Philippines have slowly begun cleanup efforts after powerful Typhoon Kalmaegi swept through the region, killing at least 85 people and leaving dozens missing.
Scenes of widespread destruction emerged in the hard-hit province of Cebu on Wednesday as the storm
receded, revealing ravaged homes, overturned vehicles and streets blocked with piles of debris.
Among the 85 deaths were six military personnel whose helicopter crashed in Agusan del Sur on the island of Mindanao during a humanitarian mission. The country’s disaster agency also reported 75 people
missing and 17 injured.
In Cebu City, Marlon Enriquez, 58, was trying to salvage what was left of his family’s belongings as he scraped off the thick mud coating his house.
“This was the first time that has happened to us,” he told the Reuters news agency. “I’ve been living here for almost 16 years, and it was
the first time I’ve experienced flooding [like this].”
Another resident, 53-year-old Reynaldo Vergara, said his small shop in the city of Mandaue, also in Cebu province, had been lost when a nearby river overflowed.
“Around four or five in the morning, the water was so strong that you couldn’t
even step outside,” he told the AFP news agency. “Nothing like this has ever happened. The water was raging.”
The storm hit as Cebu province was still recovering from a 6.9-magnitude earthquake last month that killed dozens of people and displaced thousands. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Negotiating contracts and dealing with authority figures, government agencies and institutions are all favored. Investments and financial gains are prevalent, but so is excessive behavior and taking on too much.
Negotiations look promising. Don't be afraid to ask for what you want. Trust your instincts, stick to the facts and give your best performance. Don't make unrealistic promises; the truth will pay off.
Change is bound to excite you. Don't give away too much when you can easily get what you want if you play to win. Challenge the unknown, but be ready to adapt when necessary.
Be creative, think outside the box and look for high-volume outlets for what you can offer. Don't fold under pressure. Know your worth, and accept nothing less. Proceed with confidence.
Participation is key today. What you see, experience and learn will point you in an inviting direction. It's time to shed what's no longer propelling you forward and replace it with something new and exciting.
Be careful not to share too much personal information. Time is on your side, and the wisdom you gain will enhance your ability to make wise choices. Haste makes waste, while patience paves the way.
Leave your cards at home. Temptation to spend on things you don't need will lead to regret. Focus on communicating, learning and updating your skills. Offer perfection.
You'll hold your own and do your best if you trust and believe in yourself. Opportunities will flourish if you are straightforward and engage in open communication with people who need your services.
Focus on home improvements, comfort and convenience. Channeling your energy into something constructive will be uplifting and, over time, lucrative.
Harness your power by networking, socializing and gaining insight into the latest trends in your field of expertise. Choose your destination carefully, and protect yourself against illness or injury.
Don't rush; account for every move, transaction and detail to ensure no one takes advantage of you. You can't buy love, but you can earn it through your actions.
Listen, and, when in doubt, don't be afraid to say no. You have plenty to gain if you are cognizant of the facts and what's unfolding. Question offers that are too good to be true.
Following a massive haul last weekend at the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) Race of Champions, Group Two champion Shan Seejatan placed the glory at the feet of his team.
The multiple-time Group Two champion, who also participated in two other classes, was not shy about the hard work put in by his team over the weeks leading up to the event.
Vitz Cup
“I, of course, have to thank Balram (Ramdeo) and his team for putting together the Toyota Vitz (for the Vitz Cup). I think the work that went into that car to get it where it was on race day was amazing.”
He picked up two wins and one second-place finish in the class, including some dicing with long-time rival Rameez Mohamed.
“I have to say that I enjoyed the Vitz Cup for this weekend. There was a lot of close racing in that class and I can safely say that we for sure had to work hard for those wins. Again, I can’t thank the team enough because of the work they put in.”
Sports Tuner
“Sports Tuner started off badly for us as we had a DNF [Did Not Finish] in the first race when we had a ‘touchup’ with one of the guys in one of the corners, which resulted in the tyre coming off the rim and forcing us to retire from that one.
"Race two I came back strongly against a stacked field and managed to clock the fastest time of that race, albeit I finished second, but I was still happy with that.
"The final race of that class was where I got that all-elusive win in the class and that felt good consider-
ing where we had started the day.”
Group Two
Seejatan was not shy about thanking his group’s two chief mechanics either, with the Honda Civic being the “car to beat” in that class.
“Again, we knew that coming into this weekend, we would have a target on our backs and a lot of guys would be gunning for us so we couldn’t afford to get it wrong. And that’s where Brian [Ten-Pow] and his team came in.”
“We were able to ensure that we bettered our lap record from earlier this year by close to half a second which shows that we found improvements in the car. To do that on a weekend where we were also trying to remain consistent isn’t easy,” he added.
Seejatan’s 1:23.937 unofficially replaces the 1:24.681
The Brazil–Guyana racing connection continues to grow stronger, thanks to Slingerz Racing Stable, owned by Javed Ali, one of Guyana’s most successful racehorse owners.
Ali has tapped into Brazil’s deep pool of thoroughbred talent, pairing it with the expertise of trainer Lenio Roberto Vieira, whose influence has already left an indelible mark on Guyanese racing, especially behind the success of Olympic Kremlin, the 2024 Guyana Cup and President’s Cup winner.
Now firmly established at the Gávea Racetrack in Rio de Janeiro, Slingerz Racing Stable’s colours have become increasingly familiar in the winner’s circle.
That trend continued on Monday night, when Ali’s Olympic National stormed to victory in the Much Better Classic (Listed – 1900m, dirt), contested as the second race of the card.
Breaking sharply from the gates, Olympic National immediately seized the lead and dictated the pace, stretching the field as they rounded the backstretch.
When the race entered the home straight, the chest-
nut colt never took his foot off the gas, maintaining a relentless gallop to the wire.
Under a confident and well-judged ride by Leandro Henrique, the son of Camelot Kitten out of Olympic Havana (by Dubai Dust) – bred by Haras Regina – cruised home an effortless six lengths clear of his rivals.
Trainer Vieira has been instrumental in blending Brazilian professionalism with Guyanese racing ambition, a partnership that has elevated both regions’ profiles.
Vieira, who was “discovered” by Slingerz Racing
Stable, continues to deliver standout results for the team both in Guyana and now on Brazilian soil.
An elated Ali celebrated the victory with his team, calling it a milestone moment for Slingerz Racing Stable.
He expressed optimism about pursuing group-level victories in Brazil in the near future. Beyond Olympic National, Ali’s growing stable features other promising classic contenders, including Galo White, Ravi Da Loga and Navy of War, as he continues to build an international operation grounded in excellence.
“…there are other guys I need to thank; Rajiv Rajaram, my tuner for the cars, was able to root out some key issues leading into the weekend that could have been disastrous; and the other guys – Ravi, Stefan, Anthony, Bomber, all of them put their heads together and made sure that we came out on top at the end of the day and I owe it to those guys.”
Seejatan picked up two wins from two races on the day, as the third race in the class was cancelled due to fading light. His sponsors last weekend were Special Auto the Filter Shop, Top Power Racing, Transpacific Motor Spares and Blue Spring Water.
Enduring greatness: Guyana’s finest reflect on yet another Brava Open crown
The 2025 Brava Guyana Open came to a memorable close as two of Guyana’s golfing icons, Avinash Persaud and Christine Sukhram, reflected on their continued dominance and the deeper meaning behind their latest triumphs at the nation’s most prestigious golf tournament.
Both champions, who have become synonymous with excellence at the Lusignan Golf Club, spoke passionately about faith, perseverance, and the lasting impact they hope to leave on the sport and its future players.
“It’s incredible. It’s just amazing,” said Sukhram, smiling as she spoke to reporters. “I started off not so well yesterday, but I just kept going. I had faith and hope that better days were ahead. To win here at my home club, in my country, I’m so proud of myself and grateful for the support around me. The club
has supported me tremendously, and I’m happy to be here celebrating this victory.”
Sukhram, who began playing golf at age six under the guidance of her late father, reflected on the emotional significance of the moment. “He was my mentor and coach. I know he would have been proud. My mom keeps me motivated, she always tells me to go out, have fun, and play my normal game. This tournament means a lot because it’s our national championship, and I hope to be a role model to young girls who can one day stand here as I am and achieve even greater things.”
Persaud, who also continued his record-setting form, shared gratitude for his sponsors and reflected on the challenges of the tournament. “I’d like to thank my sponsor, Crown Builders and Logistics, for believing in me and their continued support,”
Persaud said. “After coming off a strong performance in Suriname two weeks ago, I really wanted to bring my best to this event. The competition was intense –players from Suriname and Canada pushed hard, but I was determined to fight back after being five shots behind on the first day.” Persaud also took the opportunity to call for greater investment in local golf. “Golf is an individual sport, and while team sports often receive more attention, we need corporate support for events like this. The talent is here; we just need the resources to help it grow.”
Their victories, marked not just by skill but by enduring passion, once again underscored the strength of Guyana’s golf legacy. As the sun set over the Lusignan Golf Club, both Persaud and Sukhram stood as living symbols of excellence, resilience, and national pride.
Quick Matthew Forde provided a spark in his return from injury before West Indies overcame a late whirlwind from skipper Mitchell Santner to defeat New Zealand in the T20 International (T20I) series opener. West Indies did eventually clinch the lowest total successfully defended at Eden Park in a T20I, but they were made to work hard after Santner clubbed 55 not out from 28 balls to almost power New Zealand to an incredible victory.
Romario Shepherd, however, held his nerve with the ball in the final over to ensure West Indies drew first blood in the five-match series. Roston Chase produced a fine display of spin bowling on a small ground, picking up 3 for 26 to go with the hand he played in West Indies' two biggest partnerships earlier in the day. He was named Player of the Match.
Having been restrict ed in good batting condi tions less than a week af ter clean-sweeping a T20I series in Bangladesh, West Indies appeared set for a tough start to a tour that comprises all three formats. But Forde was menacing in his return from a shoulder injury as the West Indies tore through a meek New Zealand batting effort. It was a disappointing start for New Zealand in their first match since the retire ment of Kane Williamson from T20I cricket.
It was a major turn around after the West Indies' batting order had earlier struggled on a surface with much more bounce than in Bangladesh.
Captain Shai Hope overcame a slow start in the pow er play to top score with 53 off 39 balls to lead West Indies' recovery from 43 for 3.
This series is seen as important prepara tion for the short-hand ed teams as they build to wards a T20 World Cup that is just three months away. Meanwhile, there was an old-school feel to the game with DRS not in place due to technical issues.
Forde hadn't played any competitive cricket since July, but showed no signs of rust in a brilliant opening burst. He bowled beautiful ly with the new ball, espe cially from around the wick et, to trouble Devon Conway with deadly swing.
warded when he cleanbowled Conway with an in swinger that hit the top of the off stump. He continued to be all over New Zealand's top order, finishing with 1 for 9 off his first three overs – marked by 14 dot balls – in the power play. But his per formance was soured slight ly after conceding 23 runs to a rampaging Santner in the 18th over.
Santner's near miraculous heist
After a horrific col lapse of 7 for 37 from 70 for 2 in the 10th over, New Zealand appeared set for a crushing defeat at 107 for 9 in the 17th. But Santner turned the chase on its head by smashing sev en boundaries and
It got him going, as he started to clatter the smaller boundaries and brought up his half-century in style by clubbing Zakary Foulkes for six over long-off. But Hope was clean bowled on the next delivery, undone by Foulkes' variation as he missed an attempted swipe over the leg West Indies' innings never truly got rolling, but it did receive a lift from Rovman Powell, who smashed a couple of huge sixes after being dropped twice
Forde was finally re
He
With just about a week before its doors open to several Caribbean countries, works at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) are moving apace in order to ready the facility for the FIBA Women's Caribbean Championship, slated to be hosted from November 12 to November 16.
One of the main projects to be completed at CASH was the floors, which have been redone.
In addition to that project, Minister within the Sport Ministry, Steven Jacobs shared an update on how internal works have been going at the facility.
Minister Jacobs informed, “So, the Sports Hall is actually coming along very nicely. The painting of the court, making sure that the backboard, ring and so forth are in place, making sure that the washroom is serviced and also, like Minister Charles Ramson
spoke about, in terms of having the parking facility, that’ll be ready.
“A technical space for the persons who’ll be here from FIBA, so everything is in place basically. We’re working very, very hard. One of the things that we want to make sure is that all the facilities here are ready for these major tournaments, and just like we said earlier, we want to make sure that Guyana is a sporting destination, and for that to
uyana’s four-member team at the Senior Caribbean Regional Badminton Confederation (CAREBACO) Championships ended an eventful competition with two silver and two bronze medals.
Male national champion Akili Haynes by way of advancing to the semi-finals of the Men’s Singles event, earned himself a bronze medal, while he teamed up with female national champion Priyanna Ramdhani for an accolade of the same value in the mixed doubles division.
In the women’s singles final, Ramdhani faced off with Amara Urquhart of Jamaica. The first set went the way of Ramdhani 21-14, but the second set was cut short at 11-13 (in Ramdhani’s favour) as the Guyanese was forced to re-
However, Ramdhani did one better on Tuesday as she advanced to the finals of two events, the women’s singles and the women’s doubles alongside Trinidad and Tobago’s Chequeda De Boulet.
tire hurt, owing to a knee injury she suffered during the game.
The knee injury went on to affect Ramdhani’s campaign in the women’s doubles, as Trinidad and Tobago’s Nekeisha Blake and Barbados’ Sabrina Scott earned the gold medal by way of a walkover.
happen, the facilities need to be in order,” the cricketer-turned-politician added.
On the other hand, Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr divulged that the external work will see the expansion of the parking lot, thus resulting in a Hadfield Street entrance to the venue.
“You’ll see that the entire back has been cleared out; you’re going to get an entirely new parking lot in about two weeks’ time. You should be able to go back there and see a massive transformation at the back, which was once a swamp. But now you have a huge parking lot there,” Ramson Jr said in an update to media operatives.
Highlighting how massive the parking lot will become, Ramson Jr revealed that several other sports will now be able to utilise the outdoor facility.
He explained, “That will
be used, not just for the big events for parking, but we want to use that also for a number of other sport activities. For example, Netball Association came to meet with us just recently, and one of the things we made a commitment to was they’re going to have a home at the back there, because they wanted to have a place they can come and start playing consistently.”
“It’s so big now that you’ll see a lot of night games being played there: futsal, tape ball cricket, outdoor basketball, maybe even some tennis. That fact that it’s so big, there’re a lot of uses for the facility now,” he added.
Further, Ramson Jr noted that a similar undertaking will be executed at the Racquet Centre on Woolford Avenue.
The Sport Minister further divulged, “That’s just
moving in the direction of everything that you’re doing, 'cause you’ll see that happening as well to the Racquet Centre, as we move toward the completion of that now too, at the end of the year.”
“The Hall is being painted right now; there is a multipurpose flooring that is being put in with the same company that’s installing the synthetic material currently at the New Amsterdam stadium. So, we’re on the verge of completing that project too, as well as the parking lot being built there.”
The Bahamas, Jamaica, Suriname, and the Virgin Islands will compete alongside hosts Guyana in the Caribbean Championship, vying for three spots at the 2026 CentroBasket competition.Igente necature consenda dolupta dolupit qu
The West Indies pulled off a seven-run win against New Zealand in the first of five T20 Internationals, earning their first regulation win on New Zealand soil in 12 matches – their last victory came in a Super Over back in 2008.
Roston Chase was awarded Player of the Match for his 28 runs and three wickets as West Indies defended their total of 164-6 from 20 overs. The Black Caps were restricted to 157-9 in 20 overs.
Chase said the team spoke about how important it is to register a win early in the series. Captain Shai Hope also explained that communication is key in critical moments while defending a target.
“It was coming off good tonight.
I was getting a bit of spin and a bit of bounce, so I just tried to use that to my well-being. We learned from what the New Zealand bowlers did, it was very difficult.”
“They hit the wicket hard and took pace off as well, so we just tried to emulate that and it worked out for us. It gives us a lot of confidence to start the series well with a win, and tonight something that we really spoke about is also to celebrate Jason Holder's birthday. We wanted to give him a birthday gift, so the guys really went out there and fought hard
and we won.”
Chase added Meanwhile, Captain Hope said he initially went too hard during his half-century.
“Personally, I probably went a bit too hard – expecting a 200-plus total – but that’s on me. We’ll reassess and look to be more clinical next time. Big thanks to the crowd and happy birthday again to Jason from all of us. We’ll rest up and go again tomorrow,” Hope said.
The West Indies Captain, said: “Communication is key, especially in those crucial moments. Everyone was clear about their roles and executed well. Credit to the bowlers – they stuck to the plan and delivered under pressure. [On their total] Definitely. We were a few runs short, but seeing how the surface played for both sides, it evened out in the end.”
The second T20I between New Zealand and the West Indies bowls off today, Thursday, November 6, at 14:15h Eastern Caribbean time.
Following the signing of the protocol agreement for the 2025 Inter-Guiana Games (IGG) by officials of Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana yesterday, it has been confirmed that six disciplines will be contested at this year’s event, scheduled for December 5–7.
Basketball, futsal, chess, volleyball, swimming, and track and field will see competition among student-athletes from the three participating nations.
With the exception of futsal, all disciplines will feature both male and female athletes between the ages of 14 and 18. In total, 137 athletes will compete at this year’s IGG.
According to Anielkumar Ghisaisoobe, President of Suriname’s School Sports Federation, the body representing Guyana’s Dutchspeaking neighbour at protocol meetings, preparations are well underway for the event.
On the side-lines of his meeting with Guyana’s Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, at the National Sports Commission (NSC) on Middle Street, Georgetown, Ghisaisoobe expressed excitement about the upcoming Games, noting his satisfaction with Guyana’s level of organisation.
He highlighted the strong bond shared by the three Guianas, adding that the IGG provides “a great learning experience for the
children participating. The whole experience is a learning process for them, and for us, that is very important.”
A venue inspection was conducted at the National Gymnasium, the National Track and Field Centre, the National Aquatic Centre, and the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, as Ghisaisoobe praised the condition of the facilities.
He remarked on the upgrades since the last Games held in Guyana, “It’s not just comfortable – it’s awesome. I see all the upgrades done since three years ago when we were here for the IGG. Everything is now upscale, including the hotels, so I know all the athletes and delegations will have a great experience.”
Meanwhile, Ninvalle reaffirmed Guyana’s readiness to host the event. Guyana’s Director of Sport pointed out, “I’m happy that we can stage this year’s IGG at a very high level. Everyone was pleased with what we have to offer, and now it’s time to focus on having a competitive Games.”
The Director of Sport added that the NSC will collaborate with the various national federations to ensure that all systems are in place to prepare athletes to defend home soil. First held in 1967, the Inter-Guiana Games remain one of the region’s longest-running youth sporting exchanges, aimed at fostering unity, cooperation, and mutual understanding among the young athletes of the Guianas.
“Massive