Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 03-01-2026

SATURDAY 3rd January, 2026

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUSIVE

No. 108032

Natural Resources Ministry, GGMC to go after miners with no 2025 gold declarations

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- directive given to identify, prosecute, remove all illegal foreign miners - mandatory local bank accounts, record updates now required as part of efforts to tighten mining sector

President Dr. Irfaan Ali, during a meeting on Friday, issued directives to the leadership of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), including that immediate action must be taken to ensure that all gold miners fully comply with their obligations to declare all gold produced in 2025, the deregistration of all registered dredges with no declaration, and all foreign miners operating illegally in Guyana must be identified for prosecution and expulsion (Photo: President Dr. Irfaan Ali/Facebook)

On Friday morning, President Dr. Irfaan Ali met with regional and other officials to reinforce timely government service delivery, greater efficiency, and implementation levels. The President outlined his expectations of service delivery in every region. He was joined by Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation Zukfikar Ally; Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand; and Minister within the Ministry Pauline Sukhai (Photo: President Dr. Irfaan Ali/Facebook)

Budget 2026 will include Guyana now has President Ali GRA uncovers policies, programmes immense acclaim as massive fraud pledges faster that reflect President principled, constructive involving land title delivery employees, Ali’s exciting, global partner - says several communities, inspiring vision - President Ali says as country Azruddin beneficiaries to receive legal concludes successful tenure on UN documents this year security council - Finance Minister says Mohamed SEE PAGE

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Career diplomat Sir Ronald Sanders appointed as UG’s 14th Chancellor

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, January 3, 2026

Guyana now has immense acclaim as principled, constructive global partner - President Ali says as country concludes successful tenure on UN security council

By Naomi Parris HIGHLIGHTING no‑ table achievements, President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday hailed Guy‑ ana’s just‑concluded two‑year tenure on the United Nations Security Council as a resound‑ ing success, noting that the country now enjoys “immense acclaim” as a principled and con‑ structive global part‑ ner.

Guyana served as an elected member of the Council from January 1, 2024, under the overar‑ ching theme, “Partnering for Peace and Prosper‑ ity.”

During this period, the Council grappled

with a series of grave in‑ ternational crises, includ‑ ing the war in Ukraine, the conflict in Gaza, vi‑ olence in Sudan, intensi‑ fied repression of wom‑ en’s rights by the Taliban in Afghanistan, and the protracted conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Council also addressed severe humanitarian and po‑ litical emergencies in Haiti, Syria, Yemen and Myanmar, as well as re‑ newed tensions between India and Pakistan, and between Cambodia and Thailand in 2025.

“Guyana’s tenure and the council coincided with a period of profound global and regional up‑ heaval, major crises,” the

President said during a live broadcast.

“During his tenure on the Security Coun‑ cil, Guyana pursued an active and collaborative approach, working close‑ ly with elected members and regional partners to advance inclusive, principle and pragmatic responses to international peace and security chal‑ lenges,” he added.

The country held the presidency of the Secu‑ rity Council in February 2024 and again in June 2025, using these op‑ portunities to spotlight issues of particular con‑ cern to small states and developing countries.

Two signature debates focused on the impact of

President Ali makes a statement on the conclusion of Guyana’s two-year tenure as an elected (non-permanent) member of the United Nations Security Council

climate change and food insecurity on internation‑ al peace and security, and on poverty, underdevel‑ opment and their conflict implications.

Throughout its ten‑ ure, Guyana champi‑ oned several key the‑ matic agendas, including women, peace and secu‑ rity; climate, peace, and security; youth, peace, and security; and chil‑ dren and armed conflict.

Working closely with Switzerland and Slove‑ nia, Guyana served as an informal co‑focal point on conflict‑induced food insecurity, pushing the Council to pay greater attention to hunger in war affected regions.

Under the A3+ mech‑ anism, Guyana collab‑ orated with African members of the Coun‑ cil – including Algeria, Mozambique, Sierra Le‑ one and later Somalia to co‑author resolutions, presidential statements and press statements on situations such as Sudan, Libya, Benin and even closer to its own shores the border controversy with Venezuela.

Guyana also worked with the 10 elected members to press for ceasefires and expand‑ ed humanitarian access

in Gaza, co‑sponsoring several resolutions on the crisis.

One of the standout achievements of the term was a landmark reso‑ lution on youth, peace, and security, co‑authored with Sierra Leone and unanimously adopted on December 12, 2025.

The resolution calls for stronger mainstreaming of youth across the peace and security agenda and urges enhanced youth participation and lead‑ ership in peace process‑ es, conflict prevention, peacebuilding, recovery and reconstruction at all levels.

Guyana additional‑ ly chaired the Securi‑ ty Council’s sanctions committee on Haiti and served as vice‑chair of the committees on Af‑ ghanistan and the Cen‑ tral African Republic, while contributing to the work of other subsidiary bodies. It helped to orga‑ nise and lead high‑level briefings, open debates, and expert engagements, including a Council mis‑ sion to Colombia in Feb‑ ruary 2024 and an infor‑ mal expert field mission to Chad in December 2025. Guyana also con‑ vened the annual open debate on children and

armed conflict. “ We c o l l a b o r a t e d with civil society organi‑ sations to facilitate brief‑ ings for council mem‑ bers, enhancing under‑ standing on the ground realities in several con‑ flict affected situation,” he said.

Over the two years, the Security Council ad‑ opted 90 resolutions, 15 presidential statements, 77 press statements and 21 notes by the Pres‑ ident, all negotiated among members.

“Throughout this time, Guyana was widely regarded as a principled and constructive actor, formally committed to multilateralism, United Nations Charter and the rule of international law.

Guyana's service and the Security Council has brought immense ac‑ claim and enhanced the country's standing on the global stage,” the Presi‑ dent said.

President Ali further credited the success of Guyana’s tenure to the “outstanding support and tireless efforts” of the Ministry of Foreign Af‑ fairs and International Co-operation, the Perma‑ nent Mission of Guyana to the United Nations, and a wide network of international partners whose cooperation and goodwill strengthened Guyana’s work on the Council.

“All of Guyana can take great pride in this collective achievement.

Guyana takes this op‑ portunity to reform his commitment to the shared pursuit of peace, security and prosperity thriving together with partners across regions, hemispheres and the global community to build a more just, in‑ clusive and harmonious world,” he added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, January 3, 2026

President Ali pledges faster land title delivery - says several communities, beneficiaries to receive legal documents this year

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has vowed to accelerate the regularisation of land and distribution of titles across Guyana noting that the relevant agencies are in the process of completing long-awaited ownership documents for several communities across the country.

Addressing a small group of residents from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) at State House on New Year’s Day President Ali praised the Ministry of Housing and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), led

by Minister Colin Croal and Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Vanessa Benn, for what he described as “aggressive, hard work” to deliver land titles nationwide.

He noted that many communities had waited decades for ownership, with some residents facing nearly forty

years of uncertainty over their titles.

The President acknowledged that delays had been caused by a mix of administrative and legal issues, as well as disputes over ownership, boundary lines and fences. He said the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government is now focused on resolving these challenges so families can secure their ownership.

“This is a process we are going to continue…in different communities, to have the regularisation process and the ownership of land in areas that for decades we've been trying to compete and for various reasons, we have not been able to come to those areas because of different challenges, some administrative, some legal, some created by yourselves in terms of ownership, boundary line, fence line.”

President Ali recalled the

regularisation of the Greenwich Park, Region Three area which began in 2009, but said work was disrupted between 2015 and 2020 when there was “a break in all development across our country”.

When the PPP/C government returned to office in 2020, new squatting and additional households had thrown earlier surveys and plans “in disarray”, forcing a restart of much of the technical work.

He outlined an ambitious list of communities now being targeted for completion in 2026, including Stewarville, Leonora, Den Amstel, Hague, Windsor Forest, Ankerville and Wales in Region Three along with Mon Repos, Plasiance and Vigilance on the East Coast of Demerara, among others. He cautioned that new migrant inflows into some areas were posing a “threat

Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Vanessa Benn engages residents of Region Three who received their land titles at State House on New Year’s Day. President Dr. Irfaan Ali also met with them to the process”, but insisted that with collective effort and discipline, the government would deliver.

Meanwhile, Minister Benn told residents that the current exercise was part of a wider, continuous national programme rather than a oneoff political gesture.

She reported that in Region Three alone, from 2020 to the end of 2025, thousands

of titles had been processed, with 872 certificates of title distributed between January and November last year, and over 2,000 titles completed in 2025.

She highlighted that many communities had been waiting for titles for almost four decades, Meanwhile Minister Benn emphasised that the team’s presence on New

Year’s Day was a clear signal of the administration’s commitment to service.

She expressed hope that beneficiaries would “smile a little broader” as they received their titles and extended warm greetings for 2026 and the years ahead as the ministry looks to fulfill its mandate.

Natural Resources Ministry, GGMC to go after miners with no 2025 gold declarations - directive given to identify, prosecute, remove all illegal foreign miners

President Ali meeting with the leadership of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) at State House on Friday (Photos: President Irfaan Ali/Facebook) PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday urged all gold miners to make the full declaration of gold produced in 2025, adding that registered dredges with no declaration will be deregistered, while illegal foreign miners must be identified for prosecution and expulsion.

These issues were raised by the President during a meeting with the leadership of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission

(GGMC) at State House.

“During the meeting, the President directed that immediate action be taken to ensure that all gold miners fully comply with their obligations to declare all gold produced in 2025.

“Further, all registered dredges with no declaration will be deregistered, and all foreign miners operating illegally in Guyana must be identified for prosecution and expulsion. It was also noted that some Brazilian miners operating in Guyana have had very low or no decla-

rations. These miners have 24 hours to comply fully with the laws of Guyana and the requirement to declare to the Guyana Gold Board,” a post on the President’s Facebook page said.

Additionally, it was stated that the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association and the Ministry of Natural Resources will be working together to ensure that all miners in every category operating in Guyana are registered with the ministry, and further, that they all have a

local bank account.

Meanwhile, GGDMA President Ronaldo Alphonso said he is urging the mining public to be compliant and to sell their gold to legitimate sources to sustain the mining sector for generations to come.

“It is our responsibility as miners to ensure the sustainability of the industry. We need to make it compliant, and we need to declare gold. Make 2026 the year of compliance and declaration,” Alphonso said according to the

post.

Last month, President Ali had said that his government would pursue and shut down delinquent operators who continue to exploit state incentives while failing to declare their gold.

According to the Ministry of Finance’s midyear report, gold declaration is up by 10.9 per cent this year, but Dr Ali stressed that this remains below the government’s expectations.

He had emphasised then that miners who prof-

it from the sector have a legal responsibility to accurately declare their gold, reminding them that this duty is “not by choice, but by law.”

The President added that the government intends to overhaul systems that have enabled chronic under-declaration and illegal exports, stating that the state must stop facilitating “those kinds of people.”

One gold smuggler alone stole more than $190 billion from the Guyanese economy, he had disclosed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, January 3, 2026

Budget 2026 will include policies, programmes that reflect President Ali’s exciting, inspiring vision - Finance Minister says

SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh has said that President Dr. Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) will be presenting Budget 2026 from the standpoint of a framework that has already been laid out in the PPP/C’s 2025 Manifesto.

He made this disclosure during a recent interview with the National Communications Network (NCN).

According to a press release, he noted that this framework defines already what the priorities are, following the method the gov-

ernment used prior to crafting the Manifesto through listening to the people of Guyana and consultations held.

Alluding to President Ali’s recent address to the nation, in which he outlined his vision for the country, Dr. Singh described the vision as exciting and inspiring, noting that the new Budget will reflect this vision in more detail.

“The President’s vision was for economic transformation, modernisation of social services, for the empowerment of the Guyanese people, for the deployment of technology and the digital agenda, and for creating and

building a Guyana that is a truly modern country and one in which we can live comfortably, in which we can live and work and earn and save and invest and retire comfortably, and in which services are accessed in an efficient manner, and that was done in a very comprehensive manner,” Minister Singh was quoted as stating.

Shifting his focus to the upcoming Budget 2026 presentation in the National Assembly, Dr. Singh then explained that “the budget goes into more detail, because it is the basis on which those plans are translated into actual projects and programs that will be implemented. So, we have certainly started work within the context of a very clear policy framework and work is moving apace and we look forward to concluding

budget 2026 and taking it to Parliament so that we can start its implementation and get on with the business of delivery to the people”.

According to the release, Dr. Singh also reminded that the 2025 Manifesto, through which the Budget will be crafted, will include a num-

MINISTER of Public Works Juan Edghill has outlined major plans to improve connectivity between Regions Eight and Nine, noting that the initiative will significantly reduce the impact of limited access to services in hinterland communities.

During a live video address, Minister Edghill said

the government’s focus is not only on improving infrastructure in the coastland but also on ensuring equitable access to essential services across the country.

“While we improve what is happening in the coastland, we are also working to ensure that our doctors, our nurses, government services, could get to every region in

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh

ber of initiatives suggested by citizens, many of whom called in and messaged, and these will be considered as the government continues to examine the country’s macroeconomic position.

“Our policy priorities as a government are reflective of the priorities and preferences of the people whom we serve.

Now, in some sense, the heavy lifting in relation to the budget has already been done even before we started the term of office,” the Senior Minister pointed out, adding that government spent much time crafting a Manifesto and listening to the people of the country as he reminded that on successive occasions, government engaged with the public and with stakeholders.

“You would recall that in preparing our Manifesto, we threw it open to the na-

tion. We said, send us your suggestions. We published WhatsApp numbers and email addresses so that suggestions could be made, and many such suggestions were made, and many of those suggestions found themselves into the final Manifesto,” he added.

President Irfaan Ali in his most recent address to the nation, posited that citizens will continue to witness rapid, large-scale transformation, driven by an ambitious five-year manifesto plan which will include continued diversification of the economy and the upgrading and build out of infrastructure. He also outlined many other plans that will allow for a high-quality life for all citizens as the country.

a safe and accessible environment,” the minister said.

He explained that a major component of the plan involves improved physical

price, but by the time it gets to Monkey Mountain because of the cost of transportation, the price is sometimes multiplied four or five times.

Minister Edghill noted that Region Eight, in particular, stands to benefit from expanded road infrastructure capable of accommodating larger vehicles, which would allow goods to be transported more efficiently.

“So, Region Eight will experience greater development. Historically and traditionally, from the Ministry of Public Works, we have engaged the communities of Region Eight. The community contracts to maintain their roads and to improve their roads, but those roads are mainly for ATVs and small vehicles, maybe pickups, but now we want to be able to expand that road, to take the trucks, so that in the economy of scales, we be able to bring the price down,” he explained.

According to the minister, improved roads will lower transportation costs, reduce vehicle wear and tear, and shorten travel times, with direct benefits for residents.

He added that improved connectivity would help preserve livelihoods and expand opportunities for hinterland residents.

“So rather than people buying flour at an exorbitant price, the price of flour can come down because it becomes easier and cheaper to get it in, their livelihood is preserved.

They have more opportunities,” he emphasised.

Better connectivity to bring easier access to services in Regions Eight, Nine - Minister Edghill says

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill links between Regions Eight and Nine, including new air and road infrastructure.

“So, there's a major plan for the connecting of Region Eight to Region Nine.

Karasabai airstrip will be constructed. We have just moved in that direction. So just like Aishalton, we’re moving to Karasabai, upgrading that airstrip, and then we have to build all 29 bridges between Karasabai to Monkey Mountain, and then getting that road pushed all the way down to Paramakatoi, connecting all of the villages,” the minister stated.

He highlighted how poor connectivity directly affects the cost of living in hinterland areas, particularly due to transportation costs.

Against this backdrop, he used the example of a bag of cement, which would be one

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, January 3, 2026

Mandatory local bank accounts, record updates now required - as GGMC takes steps to tighten mining sector

IN an effort to tighten its grip on the mining sector, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) on Friday said that all miners and stakeholders will now be required to have a local bank account and must visit its office to update their personal records.

The announcements were made in two separate press releases hours after President Dr. Irfaan Ali met with the leadership of the commission and the Ministry of Natural Resources.

During that engagement, President Ali gave several directives including

that immediate action must be taken to ensure that all gold miners fully comply with their obligations to declare all gold produced in 2025, the deregistration of all registered dredges with no declarations and the identification, prosecution and expulsion of all illegal foreign miners.

The commission stated that by January 31, 2026, all miners and stakeholders, including traders, are required to present themselves at the commission’s office for the purpose of updating their personal records.

“Such records include, but are not limited

to, mailing address, electronic mail address(es), telephone contact number(s), and banking details.

“The obligation to ensure that this information is accurate and current rests solely with the licence or permit holder.

“All updates must be completed no later than 31 January 2026.

Non-compliance with this requirement shall result in the suspension of the relevant licence(s) and/or permit(s),” the press release said.

In a second press release, the commission said that it hereby gives notice that, pursuant to

its regulatory and supervisory authority, all miners and stakeholders are required to maintain a local bank account as a mandatory condition for the processing, access, and/or renewal of permits and licences.

“All persons who have not previously submitted their banking information to the Commission are hereby required to do so on or before 31 January 2026.

“Any person who is not currently the holder of a bank account is required to take immediate steps to regularise this matter,” the commission said adding that

in furtherance of this requirement, the Ministry of Natural Resources shall collaborate with the banking sector to facilitate outreach exercises in Mahdia, Puruni, and Matthew’s Ridge, during which authorised representatives of banking institutions will assist with the establishment of

personal bank accounts.

A further notice shall be issued advising of the dates and times of such outreach activities.

Non-compliance with this requirement will affect the processing, issuance, or renewal of licences and/or permits, the commission warned.

UG now offering Associate Degree in Pre-Medical Sciences EDUCATION Minister Sonia Parag on Friday announced the launch of the Associate Degree in Pre-Medical Sciences at the University of Guyana, which targets persons who are interested in pursuing studies in medicine but do not have the requisite entry requirements.

This came following consultations between Minister Parag, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin, and the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony.

In making the announcement on her Facebook page, Minister Parag

said for years, students interested in pursuing medicine who did not qualify for direct entry were required to spend an additional one or two years in the biology, chemistry, or related science programmes that were not specifically tailored to medical training.

“This new Pre-Medi-

cal Sciences programme addresses that gap by providing a structured, purpose-built pathway into medicine and other health-related fields.

“Importantly, this programme will be delivered in various regions across Guyana, expanding access and ensuring that more

students, regardless of location, can benefit,” the minister said before using the social media platform to encourage eligible students to take full advantage of this opportunity and apply.

According to her, the programme provides a strong academic foundation for students seek-

ing entry into medicine, dentistry, and other allied health fields. It is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and discipline required to succeed at the highest levels of medical training, while expanding opportunities locally and regionally.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, January 3, 2026

Progress, prudence and expectation

PRESIDENT Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s New Year’s Address to the Nation sought to situate Guyana at a defining moment in its modern history, one marked by economic momentum, democratic affirmation and heightened national responsibility.

Speaking against a backdrop of global uncertainty and ongoing tensions over Guyana’s territorial integrity, the President framed 2026 not simply as another calendar year, but as a test of whether recent gains can be translated into durable improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens.

In a wide-ranging address, President Ali pointed to 2025 as a year in which Guyana advanced despite external pressures, including the persistent controversy surrounding the Essequibo

region.

He argued that economic growth over the past year was not abstract or statistical, but visible in expanded schools, upgraded hospitals, improved water access, increased incomes and a decline in serious crime.

“These are not statistics or slogans,” the President said, describing them as the “lived experience of a country on the move.”

Central to his remarks was the assertion that Guyana has moved beyond being described as a nation of unrealised potential.

Instead, he suggested, the country is now defining itself by execution—turning opportunity into infrastructure, services and income support. The opening of the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, referenced as a symbol of national trans-

formation, was cited as emblematic of a more connected and accessible Guyana.

The President also highlighted the 2025 general and regional elections as a critical democratic milestone, noting that the outcome reaffirmed Guyana’s democratic resilience and delivered a renewed mandate for inclusive growth and national unity.

In his view, the electoral process provided legitimacy to the government’s policy direction and a signal of political stability to both citizens and international partners.

Looking ahead to 2026, President Ali emphasised that the government’s focus will shift from growth alone to how that growth is experienced.

Plans outlined include the rollout of a national digital backbone to modernise

public services, a national electronic identification system to simplify access to government programmes, and further decentralisation of services to communities.

Measures aimed at increasing disposable income—through higher wages, direct support and tax relief—were also highlighted, alongside accelerated housing development and expanded community infrastructure.

The address devoted particular attention to youth development, with the President describing young people as central to Guyana’s future rather than peripheral beneficiaries of progress.

He pledged continued investment in education, skills training, entrepreneurship, culture and sport, framing productivity not as an obligation but as a pathway to

dignity and independence.

“In building your future, you are building Guyana’s future,” he said.

At the same time, the President acknowledged that optimism must be tempered by caution.

He warned that geopolitical instability and regional tensions require Guyana to remain vigilant, prepared and united.

Commitments were reiterated to strengthen the Disciplined Services, enhance border security and pursue peace through diplomacy and adherence to international law. “It is because we are prepared that we move forward with confidence, not fear,” he noted.

President Ali struck a unifying tone, calling on Guyanese to choose co-operation over division and purpose over cynicism. He

pledged to govern with integrity, fairness and compassion, and to ensure that development reaches every region and community.

The address sets out an ambitious vision, one that assumes continuity of economic growth, effective public administration and sustained social cohesion.

As 2026 unfolds, the challenge will be less about articulating national confidence and more about ensuring that promised reforms, services and safeguards are delivered consistently and equitably.

For a country navigating rapid change, the year ahead will test whether progress can be deepened without leaving segments of society behind, and whether unity can be maintained amid rising expectations.

Caribbean who endorsed the government of Dr Ali, but Ms Trotz has never asked even one of them to do an article in ITD. Here are some more words from that New Year editorial of SN: “Because speaking up carries the risk of losing a job, labelled as anti-government, or being quietly pushed to the margins.”

Look who is talking! The sound of silence also applies to SN. People are afraid to criticise SN because their views will not be published.

They know what will happen.

It happened to Dr Randy Persaud, Pan-Africanist Gerald Perreira and others. Let’s use SN’s own words: “They risk being quietly pushed to the margins.”

This columnist that has

no working relationship with the state in general or the ruling party in general, yet is described as a PPP lap dog by the Editor-in-Chief of SN, Mr Anand Persaud. Imagine how he feels about people who are attached to the government and support Dr Ali. What word has he reserved for them?

The second item I want to look at in days to come is a review of the latest book by former UG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith. Titled, “Oil and climate change in Guyana’s Wet Neighbourhood.” This is more of an anti-government rant rather than plausible scholarly material.

The third item I will pronounce on is a reply to Ravi Dev who described the ad-

vent of Azruddin Mohamed as the arrival of populism in Guyana. I do not accept that theoretical formula. Populism, though applicable to certain Latin American countries, is more of a process that can be found in industrialised capitalism in Western countries.

My reflections of 2025 begin tomorrow in which I look at the highest point and follow that up with an analysis of 2025’s lowest point the next day.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

Guyana 2025: Looking back

THIS is the part of my media career where I am most uncomfortable. It is a requirement of any columnist to look back at his/her country and the world as the old year passes into history. Why I am discomforted is the time it takes and other pressing landscapes have to wait.

In Guyana in 2025, the horizon was littered with as many roses as thorns.

In Guyana, in 2025, some incredibly negative things happened and some accomplishments were present that it will take up space to dwell on. Other exigent things have to wait. But whether the writer likes it or not, the review is part of the work of a columnist. People who read you each day of the year want you to reflect on the year gone by.

I have made up my mind; I am not going to do it continuously. I will intersperse it with other topics whose curiosities arouse my intense interests. I have three subjects I want to pursue urgently and the year in review will come

in the way.

One is an ugly expression of hypocrisy in a year-end edition of “In The Diaspora” (ITD) in the Stabroek News (SN) written by someone named Romain Khan. ITD is edited by the well-known claimant of Mulatto/Creole politics in Guyana, Alissa Trotz.

What I find unbelievable over the past 10 years is that Ms Trotz said her ITD programme is specifically designed to serve the interests of Guyana’s diaspora.

There are about a million Guyanese in the diaspora and over the past 10 years not one person in Guyana’s diaspora has published a letter to Ms Trotz and said; “not in my name.” One hopes that after they have read the miasmic hypocrisy of Mr Khan, they would ask Ms Trotz to explain her competence in editing the ITD. As we mentioned SN, it is interesting to know that the very first editorial of that paper for 2026 carried these words: “We must leave

behind the culture of silence.

Too many people see what is wrong but say nothing.” How ironic. SN is writing that about people who are silent about what the government does, but did not mention that people are silent over what the private media have become.

People are silent on the descent into the gutter by the newspaper proudly founded

by David DeCaires, but look what it has become today.

Since Dr Ali became President in August 2020, there has not been one editorial of SN that even delivered a half-baked commentary that favoured Dr Ali’s government. From 2020, the daily editorials of SN have never printed even one word of praise for the Ali government. And people have been silent over this journalistic caricature since 2020.

People have been silent the past 10 years on the ugly bias of Alissa Trotz. You can find hundreds of Guyanese academics spread over Europe, North America and the

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, January 3, 2026

GRA uncovers massive fraud involving employees, Azruddin Mohamed

THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has uncovered what it has described as a coordinated internal conspiracy involving several of its employees and US-sanctioned businessman and leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political party, Azruddin Mohamed.

The conspiracy involves the unlawful transfer of motor vehicles in breach of anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.

In a statement issued on Friday, the revenue authority confirmed that it is actively investigating multiple employees who are suspected of aiding and abetting Mohamed in the transfer of several vehicles between November 27 and December 5, 2025.

The transactions allegedly violated both the statutory procedures governing motor vehicle transfers and Guyana’s AML framework.

According to the GRA, an internal review of its records revealed a troubling pattern. The same employees were reportedly responsible for conducting off-premises examinations of the vehicles, lodging and

approving transfer documents, and handling the dispatch and receipt of payments to finalise the transactions.

Investigators also found that many of the transferees listed similar residential addresses in Republic Park, Atlantic Gardens, and Hill Top, Timehri, along the East Bank Demerara.

So far, the authority has identified at least eleven such transfers, including a number of high-value luxury vehicles.

The GRA made it clear that it intends to pursue the matter aggressively. “All participants in these illegal activities will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” the authority stated, adding that arrests are expected shortly. Investigations are ongoing, and international partners have already been informed of the developments.

As part of its enforcement push, the revenue authority has also appealed to the public to assist by reporting any illicit or unlawful activities.

Members of the public can contact the GRA on telephone number 2276060, extensions 3201, 3204, 3205, 3206, 3211, 3212, or 3408.

The agency assured that all information will be treated with strict confidentiality and noted that

informants may be rewarded in accordance with the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01.

WIN’s leader and U.S.-sanctioned businessman, Azruddin Mohamed

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, January 3, 2026

‘You are our finest representation of patriots’ - President Ali commends GDF ranks involved in hurricane rebuilding efforts in Jamaica

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed forces, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, speaks to GDF ranks sent to Jamaica as part of hurricane rebuilding efforts during a virtual meeting on New Year’s Day

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has hailed Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ranks deployed to Jamaica as the country’s “finest representation of patriots”, praising their discipline, professionalism and sacrifice as they assist with hurricane rebuilding efforts.

Addressing the contingent during a virtual engagement on New Year’s Day, President Ali said there was “no better way to start a new year” than by spending time with the men and women serving overseas.

“I can’t think of a better way to start a new year than to be with our finest representation of patriots,” he told the ranks via a zoom call.

The Head of State extended New Year’s greetings to the troops and their families, noting that although they are far from home, they remained firmly in the hearts of the Government and people of

Guyana.

President Ali said he had spoken with the Prime Minister of Jamaica and other Jamaican leaders, all of whom have commended the Guyanese contingent for their conduct on the mission.

“Their assessment of your work, your discipline, your commitment, is one that gives us national pride,” he reported “I want to thank you for the type of leadership, the type of discipline and the culture of brotherhood and the culture of hard work, hard work that you took with you to Jamaica.”

He added: “Your commitment, discipline, and professionalism reflect the highest standards of the GDF and our nation.”

The President stressed that the troops formed an integral part of the GDF’s contribution to regional security and co-operation, describing their deployment as a demonstration of the profession-

alism and regionalism that now characterize both the Force and the Government of Guyana.

“Continue to keep the banner of the Guyana Defence Force flying high,” he urged, assuring them, “Know that we are with you in spirit and heart.

President Ali along with several other Caribbean community (CARICOM) leaders had visited the island back in November following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

Melissa was an extremely powerful and catastrophic tropical cyclone in the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

It became the thirdmost intense Atlantic hurricane on record and was the most intense at landfall on the island.

Melissa rapidly intensified to a Category 5 hurricane, making landfall near New Hope in Westmoreland Parish, where severe damages were reported.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, January 3, 2026

SBB trained 3,234 entrepreneurs, facilitated $280M in loans in 2025

- eyes bigger targets for this year, plans to roll out new Youthpreneur, tertiary awards to empower young entrepreneurs

By Shaniya Harding THE Small Business Bureau (SBB) has exceeded a number of its 2025 targets, training over 3,200 small businesses and disbursing $280 million in loans, including support for persons with disabilities.

As 2026 begins, the SBB is setting its sights higher, aiming to ramp up its loan distribution and expand practical, hands-on training programmes for youth and emerging entrepreneurs.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Chief Executive Officer of the SBB, Mohamed Ibrahim, highlighted that one of the bureau’s major focuses for 2025 was capacity building. An original goal of training 3,000 Guyanese was set early last year; however, as 2026 begins, the bureau has surpassed that goal, with more than 3,200 entrepreneurs receiving capacity-building training across a wide range of business and financial management areas.

“Our main milestone was a target of training 3,000 small businesses, and we have achieved and surpassed that target. In 2025, we were able to train 3,234 small businesses. These are in a variety of training programmes, which include our Small Business Management programme, our Financial Management and Recordkeeping programme, our Marketing training programme, as well as Digital Readiness and our Online Marketplace,” he stated.

The bureau has also made strides in loan distribution, with more than 60 loans worth over $280 million. Ibrahim noted about 50 per cent of

a focus on youth-led businesses. As Ibrahim explained, these programmes target students leaving high school as well as those in tertiary institutions. “We have two new programmes coming up in 2026, our Youthpreneur and our Tertiary Education Award. The Youthpreneur recognises that many students are leaving school, some going to university, some entering the workforce. We want to train them on the basics of running a small Chief Executive Officer of the Small Business Bureau (SBB) Mohamed Ibrahim

these loans were given to persons with disabilities.

“We did 64 loans at the value of $280 million. We also have a disability loans programme where people with any type of disability, with a letter from the Ministry of Human Services, can access a loan of up to $500,000 interest-free and collateral-free. That was 32 loans from the disability programme and 32 regular loans.

This is a milestone we plan to surpass,” he said adding, “One of the good things about this year, we did quite a few small loans compared to just the bigger ones. We hope to surpass that this year.

The government is also doing the Small Business Development Bank, so we are waiting to see how that unfolds.”

While the bureau currently offers programmes focused on financial literacy, digital marketing, and product development, its 2026 focus is on making these programmes more hands-on and practical.

“Our 2026 focus is on re-energising our training programmes to be more practical,” he

shared. “For example, our financial management and record-keeping programme. Instead of having participants just sit in a classroom, we are actually having them develop a cash book personalised for themselves, create a ledger personalised for themselves.

So, when they leave, they have something tangible to take away, and not just information.”

Moreover, the bureau is spearheading entirely new initiatives with

business, including taxation, compiling records, and small business operations,” he said.

“The Tertiary Education Award is for students in tertiary institutions, universities, and technical schools. Many of them are doing business training and want to start a business but don’t have practical financing. This award allows them to come up with a business plan, and we will give them a grant to help start or co-start that business.”

Moving forward, Ibrahim expressed that the bureau would continue its work in training through community-led initiatives, ensuring that small businesses across Guyana receive the support needed to thrive.

With ambitious goals for 2026, the SBB aims to continue its work as a key driver of entrepreneurship, youth development, and financial empowerment in Guyana’s growing business landscape.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, January 3, 2026

GO-Invest gets ISO 9001 recertification

THE Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) on Friday announced its successful recertification under the internationally recognised ISO 9001 Quality Management Standard.

First certified in 2022, the agency has consistently upheld rigorous quality management practices, and this renewal reaffirms its status as a world-class investment promotion agency committed to transparency, efficiency, and excellence in service delivery, a press release said.

“His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has set a high standard for how government must serve its people. With ISO 9001 recertification, GO-Invest is

proving that we are serious about systems, standards, and service. Investors can trust Guyana,” Peter Ramsaroop, the Chief Investment Officer and the agency’s head was quoted as saying.

The release added that the recertification milestone will be formally recognised at a ceremony to be held at a later date featuring government leaders, members of the business community, media houses, and international partners.

The event will showcase major improvements, including reduced processing times for investor services, enhanced transparency and digitisation of internal workflows, the Interactive Digital Invest-

ment Assistant (IDIA) already tested and now being deployed as an AI-driven, real-time guidance platform supporting investor inquiries and engagement and the implementation of a modern Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to streamline communication and investor onboarding.

With this renewed certification, GO-Invest reinforces its commitment to international best practices and delivering top-tier service standards that build investor confidence and strengthen Guyana’s positioning as a trusted and competitive destination for global investment, the statement added.

Boy, 17, among three charged over Canje robbery-murder of Chinese businessman

THREE persons, including a 17-year-old boy, on Friday appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court charged in connection with the brutal murder of Chinese national and businessman, Chen Yongping, which occurred at Cumberland Village, East Canje, Berbice.

Appearing alongside the teen before Magistrate Michelle Mathias were 29-year-old Fort Ordinance Housing Scheme, East Canje residents Peter Baker and Colwin Morris.

They were jointly charged with the capital offence of murder and were not required to plead.

It is alleged that on December 22, 2025, during the course or furtherance of a robbery at Lot 21 Cumberland Village, the trio murdered 61-year-old Chen Yongping.

All three were remanded to prison, and the matter was transferred to the Reliance Magistrate’s Court for January 14, 2026. Baker and Morris were represented by Attorney-at-law Chandra Sohan.

Police investigations revealed that in the early hours of December 22, 2025, at about 03:00 hours, Chen Yongping and another Chinese national, 32-year-old Chen Dongrong both businessmen residing at the same address, left their home to conduct business at

Murder accused Colwin Morris (left) and Peter Baker following their court appearance on Friday the Port Mourant Market, Corentyne.

Upon returning around 05:00 hours, the men were allegedly confronted by two identifiable males armed with knives, who robbed them of cash and mobile phones. Chen Yongping was reportedly robbed of an iPhone 12 Pro Max valued at $322,000 and an undetermined sum of cash, while Chen Dongrong lost $150,000 in cash and an iPhone 12 Pro Max valued at $342,000.

During the attack, both victims sustained multiple injuries, including stab wounds, and were rushed to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where Chen Yongping succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical treatment. Chen Dongrong, who suffered a fractured skull, was ad-

mitted to hospital and was later discharged.

As investigations intensified, police arrested the three suspects on December 29, 2025. They were cautioned and interviewed, during which investigators reported that admissions were allegedly made.

A post-mortem examination was conducted on December 24, 2025, between 09:00 hours and 09:30 hours at Bailey’s Funeral Home by Government Pathologist Dr. V. Brijmohan. The body was identified by the deceased’s wife, Wu Xiao Fen, in the presence of police ranks. The cause of death was determined to be shock and haemorrhage due to three stab wounds.

Following the examination, the body was released to relatives for burial.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, January 3, 2026

More judges, faster trials - DPP reports sharp improvement in criminal case disposal for 2025

The High Court in Demerara THE Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has reported a marked improvement in the pace and volume of criminal case disposal in Guyana’s High Courts for 2025, attributing the gains largely to an expanded judicial complement and more efficient assize sittings across the three counties.

According to the DPP’s Year in Review for 2025, a total of 310 cases were disposed of during the year. Of these, 200 matters received substantive attention in the High Courts of Demerara, Berbice and Essequibo, while 110 cases were discontinued through the entry of nolle prosequi.

A breakdown of the assize sittings shows that the Demerara Assizes continued to shoulder the heaviest caseload, accounting for 130 of the 200 High Court matters.

The Berbice Assizes heard 26 cases, while 44 were dealt with at the Essequibo Assizes.

The nature of the cases prosecuted highlights the serious criminal landscape confronting the courts. Murder charges dominated the docket, with 100 cases listed for that offence alone.

There were also 16 matters involving manslaughter, 59 sexual offence cases, and 19 charges for attempted murder. In addition, the High Courts dealt with one case

each for conspiracy to commit murder, accessory after the fact to murder, felonious wounding, and wounding with intent. From these proceedings, the courts recorded a range of outcomes.

There were 29 convictions following trials, alongside 94 guilty pleas, a figure that suggests a significant number of accused opted to admit culpability rather than contest the charges.

Jury trials resulted in 39 not guilty verdicts, while 44 formal verdicts of not guilty were also recorded.

The year also saw two hung juries and one aborted trial.

In total, 218 accused persons had their matters heard in the High Courts during 2025.

Beyond concluded trials, the DPP’s Office also reported heavy activity at the pre-trial stage. During the year, 228 committal documents were received, with 158 originating from Demerara, and 35 each from Berbice and Essequibo. These committals form the pipeline for indictable matters entering the High Court system.

Of the depositions reviewed, 190 were indicted, signalling that the DPP found sufficient evidence to proceed to trial in the majority of cases.

However, charges in 19 matters were discontinued due to insufficient evidence to support an indictment, underscoring the prosecutorial obligation to pursue only cases that meet the required legal threshold.

Twelve matters remain under active consideration, while four were remitted to the Magistrates’ Courts for additional evidence to be taken before a final decision could be made.

The scale of prosecutorial oversight extended well beyond indictable matters.

The DPP’s Office also proffered legal advice in 4,060 police files received from the Guyana Police Force during 2025. A key development underpinning the year’s improved performance was the appointment of 10 new puisne judges in 2024. As a result, four judges were able to sit simultaneously in the Demerara High Court Assizes throughout 2025.

The DPP’s Office reported that this increase in judicial capacity led to “a great improvement in the number of criminal cases disposed of in the High Courts in Guyana,” with a corresponding reduction in the longstanding backlog of matters.

Importantly, the impact was not only quantitative but procedural. With more judges available, cases were heard in a “relatively speedier manner than before,” aligning more closely with the principles set out in the Needham Point Declaration, which emphasises the right to a fair trial within a reasonable time. The DPP noted that this translated into accused persons waiting less time for their cases to be heard.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, January 3, 2026

GCCI boosts support for women entrepreneurs

- new training, consortiums, Caribbean export opportunities aim to expand growth for small businesses

By Shaniya Harding WOMEN in agro-processing are receiving stronger support as the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) ramps up programmes to help them grow their businesses.

With targeted training, and guidance on marketing, branding, and packaging, the chamber is helping women entrepreneurs expand their reach. Moreover, consortiums and initiatives to export Guyanese goods to Trinidad, Barbados, and beyond are creating

new opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, GCCI President Kathy Smith said that while the chamber worked to develop its Micro and Women Entrepreneurship Learning Centre, the next step is to foster real business growth and sustainability through capacity-building. Highlighting the centre’s launch in 2025 and the next steps for 2026, Smith added, “It was good to see our micro and women centre actually came into fruition, so that we could start

Kathy Smith, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI)

working with the women because it is a centre that is going to target women in agro-processing.”

Smith highlighted that 50 women-led small businesses will be targeted, with the GCCI focused on helping the entrepreneurs learn about marketing, branding, packaging, and labelling, as well as how they can take their products into regional and international markets.

“We targeted about 50 women, women-owned businesses. We want to enhance their productivity, resilience, and market-readiness in terms of agro-processing,” she said, adding, “The plan is to strengthen their agriculture value chain. Also, we want to promote their client-resilience and value-added production. We really want to get them into a space where they feel confident that they can compete with other businesses around the region, and even internationally.”

Smith described the centre and the opportunities offered as being more than just training. It will also foster a collaborative group of small entrepreneurs learning from each other, with the chamber providing support in areas of export readiness, compliance, and financial literacy. However, work does not stop at trainings, said Smith.

Highlighting phase two of the centre, she added, “The centre now has a phase two of it. Which is a collaboration to get the exports into Trinidad and Barbados; we want to get our members very structured, so that they can ensure that they have the right amount of supplies in hand, they have an understanding of the documentation needed for exporting.”

Further highlighting the chamber’s push for

small and medium-sized businesses on the international stage, Smith stated that the chamber has already helped Guyanese businesses gain regional exposure, a milestone she describes as a key achievement.

“Through an initiative by President Ali, our members, particularly small and medium-sized manufacturers and producers, would now get to ship or export their products to Trinidad and Tobago, which also is a collaboration with Ansa McAL to ensure that small manufacturers and producers can have access to Ansa McAL supermarkets and so on around Trinidad and Barbados,” she said.

“We saw the growth of our economy, and we are happy that it is not just opportunities for large businesses only.”

Moreover, the chamber is continuing its work on building business communities and consortiums, with seven consortiums already being targeted. “Consortiums, one of the things the government has been talking a lot about, partnership and consortia building for local businesses. GCCI has started. We are targeting around seven consortiums where members will be able to pool their resources,” Smith said.

“We are at a place now where we would have sent out an expression of interest to our members; they have sent in their names to say, well, this is the sector that they want to be in.”

With these initiatives, the GCCI aims to create a stronger, more connected network of small businesses, ensuring women entrepreneurs and other small-business owners are equipped to compete both regionally and internationally.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, January 3, 2026

New digital timelines to end guesswork, delays in local content certification

A MAJOR overhaul of Guyana’s local content certification process is set to take effect in January 2026, with the introduction of clear, digitised timelines aimed at ending uncertainty for businesses seeking approval to operate in the oil and gas sector.

Director of the Local Content Secretariat (LCS), Attorney-at-law Michael Monroe, outlined the reforms during a wide-ranging interview on the ‘Energy Perspectives’ podcast, describing the move as a critical step in modernising public services and strengthening confidence in the local content framework.

Monroe said the new system responds directly to longstanding complaints about delays. Under the revised process, the Secretariat has recalibrated its online portal so that applicants are guided step-by-step based on the type of business they operate.

According to Monroe, the use of technology is central to improving efficiency, especially as applications continue to increase.

“There is a voluminous number of persons seeking certification and it’s still a core team that’s processing these applications,” he explained. “So as the numbers balloon, obviously they will be oversubscribed… and that redounded to the lagging time in some instances.”

The new structure introduces defined timelines once all required documentation is submitted through the portal.

Sole proprietors can expect a response within five business days for new applications and three business days for renewals.

Companies that are 100 per cent Guyanese-owned will receive responses within 15 business days for new applications and 10 business days for renewals, while companies with foreign shareholding can expect timelines of 21 business days for new applications and 15 business days for renewals.

“Unless and until you submit that documentation, the application would not be considered submitted,” Monroe stressed. “Once you submit, that’s when time starts to run.”

He said the portal will prevent incomplete submissions, a recurring issue under the old system. “Previously,

we had a list… where persons, for whatever reasons, would present segments of those requirements,” he noted, adding that this often led to prolonged back-and-forth.

The new system, he said, removes that problem by clearly demarcating what is required before an application can move forward.

Monroe described the timelines as ambitious but necessary. “We have a team, that while, we discount in numbers, we make it up in heart,” he said, adding that the Secretariat does not want to become “part of the problem” in a system where local content certification has become essential for suppliers to get paid.

Beyond certification timelines, Monroe also provided insight into planned amendments to the Local Content Act, informed by four years of data collected from contractors’ annual procurement plans. He said the Secretariat now has clear evidence that local capacity exists beyond the areas currently listed in the Act. “We’re not pulling anything out of thin air. It’s heavy science. It’s data-driven,” Monroe said, revealing that as many as 20 additional areas could be added to the first schedule of the Act. He explained that companies are already spending in these areas and that many of the suppliers are locally certified.

The proposed expansions, however, will be approached cautiously. “We don’t want to do it in a way that disrupts the supply chain of the company,” he said, noting that policymakers will ultimately decide how many new areas to include after reviewing the data and the broader macroeconomic picture.

A central issue expected to feature prominently in the amendments is the problem of “fronting,” where Guyanese nationals are presented as owners of companies that are effectively controlled by foreign interests.

“We have a situation where you would find Guyanese ostensibly presenting themselves as the owners of companies when, in fact, they don’t own the companies,” Monroe said. He described this practice as running “counter to the legislative intent and spirit of the

Local Content Act.” Monroe said his legal background has been critical in identifying and addressing these loopholes. Among the options being examined are additional conditions for qualifying as a local company and alternative pathways that balance equity ownership with local investment and skills transfer.

“We still achieve the core objective of the Act, which is to promote local content… to

ensure that they’re not just mere bystanders in our petroleum story,” he said, while acknowledging the need to be realistic about labour shortages and operational challenges.

Monroe said momentum is building, with a policy dossier already in draft form and amendments expected to gain traction in 2026. He said stakeholder consultations will follow once policymakers give the green light.

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Director of the Local Content Secretariat (LCS), Attorney Michael Monroe

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, January 3, 2026

Self-improvement workshop slated for Sunday

AS the new year starts, Awinash Haniff, a selfless mentor and guide, will be hosting and facilitating a workshop targetting students and young professionals.

The workshop titled, “Explore Being a Super Human”, is slated for tomorrow from 10:00 hours to noon at the Guyana Red Cross Society, Barrack Street Georgetown.

Anyone who wants their 2026 to feel different, lighter, clearer and more aligned is welcome to attend.

Speaking to this publication, Haniff explained that the workshop is a practical one, aimed at helping attendees to move through distractions and sharpen their focus, gain mental clarity to ultimately make stronger decisions, build simple systems that keep them performing at their best, and, to use their mind more efficiently in work, study, and everyday life.

Haniff added that for many of us, when entering a new year, we are highly motivated to do better or

improve on a specific area that we were not good in in the previous year, but after a while, this motivation to improve leaves and we return to the way we were the year before with no steps taken to do better.

“I have occupied myself in life, mostly focusing on how I can better myself, become a better person every time. And over the years, I have gathered a lot of insights, I have experimented, I have learned a lot, and bringing all together is what I

usually do to share with people. Once I learn something, I would love to share it with other people so other people can benefit from it as well. So that is how the idea has come to do a workshop in here,” Haniff revealed.

For more than a decade, Haniff has been sharing his insights and guiding others through the challenges of life. Fuelled by relentless curiosity, she started conducting workshops on topics close to his heart. These included inner alignment, self-confi-

Awinash Haniff dence, public speaking, time management, being human, GROW20, exploring the heart and life’s purpose.

These sessions have reportedly touched the lives of more than a thousand persons from neighbourhood schools to university campuses.

This workshop, he said, is for persons who may have been feeling distracted, overwhelmed or simply not operating at their full potential.

For two hours, attendees will gain tools and insights that will help with mental clarity to perform better.

To reserve a spot to attend the free event, persons can visit: https:// w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / events/1555180822190164 or click the link https:// forms.gle/Nj9MnB7oyPuwdFBA7

Repeat offender gets four years after guilty plea to break and enter at Anna Regina

A MAN with a history of break-ins has been sentenced to four years in prison after admitting to another offence before the court.

On December 31, 2025, Carlton Patterson appeared at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court, where he pleaded guilty to the offence of break and enter and larceny. He was sentenced to 48 months’ imprisonment

by Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir.

The particulars of the offence stated that between November 20 and November 22, 2025, at Lot 11 Jones Town, Lima, Essequibo Coast, Patterson broke into the store-

room of Mohammed Ijad Azeem and stole eight buckets of paint valued at $60,000.

The court was also informed that Patterson has two other matters pending. In one, it is alleged that he broke and entered the dwelling house of Devina Khan and stole property valued at $3,291,000. In the other, he is accused of breaking into the home of Farahnaz Mohamed and stealing items valued at $90,000.

Patterson has previously been charged on numerous occasions for similar offences. He is scheduled to make his next court appearance on February 4, 2026.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, January 3, 2026

President attends first Jummah at Eccles Sunnatul Jamaat

President Dr. Irfaan Ali during Friday’s visit to the Eccles Sunnatul Jamaat for the year’s first Jummah. Later, he enjoyed lunch with the congregation (OP photos)

Thousands of x-rays, CT scans, 218 surgeries done at new Lima Regional Hospital

MINISTER of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, has underscored the critical role of the Lima Regional Hospital in transforming healthcare delivery for residents of Region Two, describing the new health facility as a major pillar in bringing quality and affordable medical services closer to the people.

Dr Anthony made these remarks during a recent visit to the hospital. He was accompanied by Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Madanlall Ramraj; Regional Health Officer, Dr Ranjeev Singh; Regional Chairman, Devin Mohan and Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Omesh Sasenaryan.

According to the health minister, the hospital has significantly reduced the need for residents to travel

stated. “Patients can recover closer to home, supported by their families, which plays a vital role in the healing process.”

Dr Anthony commended the doctors, nurses, and support staff for their dedication and professionalism, which he said continue to ensure efficient and compas-

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony and other officials during the visit to the Lima Regional Hospital emergencies.

“Lima Hospital is more than just a building; it is a lifeline for thousands of families across Region Two,” Dr Anthony said.

“The level of services being provided here clear-

The CT Scan machine at the new Lima Regional Hospital long distances, particularly to Georgetown, to access essential diagnostic and surgical services. This, he noted, has resulted in substantial savings for patients while ensuring faster medical attention, especially during

ly demonstrates our commitment to strengthening healthcare at the regional level.”

Highlighting the hospital’s expanded diagnostic capacity, Dr Anthony revealed that the Lima Re-

gional Hospital conducted 1,446 ultrasounds, 177 CT scans, 2,107 X-rays, and 38 echocardiograms during the period under review.

He emphasised that if residents were required to seek these services privately, they would have spent millions of dollars out of pocket.

“These are services that cost a significant amount of money in the private sector,” the minister noted.

“Having them available right here at Lima Hospital eases the financial burden on families, while ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment.”

The minister also pointed to the hospital’s growing surgical services, noting that 218 surgeries were successfully performed up to December 15, 2025. He explained that many of these procedures would have previously required referrals to Georgetown, placing additional emotional and financial strain on patients and their relatives.

“The fact that we can now safely perform hundreds of surgeries right here in Region Two is a major achievement,” Dr Anthony

sionate service delivery. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to further investments in equipment, infrastructure and human resources to expand services at the facility.

In conclusion, the health minister said Lima Hospital stands as clear evidence of the

government’s vision to decentralise healthcare.

“Our goal is simple,” he said. “No matter where you live in Guyana, you should have access to reliable, modern, and quality healthcare—and Lima Hospital is making that promise a reality for the people of Region Two.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, January 3, 2026

President Ali welcomes appointment of Sir Ronald Sanders as UG’s 14th Chancellor

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has welcomed the identification and subsequent appointment of Sir Ronald Sanders as the newest Chancellor of the University of Guyana, describing his selection as one that aligns strongly with the institution’s aspirations for academic excellence and

international recognition.

In a statement released by the Head of State on Friday, President Ali noted that the appointment process is grounded in law, explaining that “the University of Guyana Act, Section Nine, provides that the Chancellor of the University of Guyana shall be elected by the Uni-

versity’s Council.”

The office became vacant following the completion of the tenure of Professor John Edward Greene. President Ali expressed the government’s gratitude for Greene’s contribution, stating, “On behalf of the Government of Guyana, I extend sincere appreciation to Professor Greene for his dedi-

cated service to the university and for his valued contribution to its development and standing.”

President Ali said he was pleased that the University Council has identified Sir Ronald for the role, highlighting his extensive academic, diplomatic, and public service record. “Sir Ronald brings to

Sir Ronald Sanders this role an exceptional record of scholarship, public service, and international engagement that aligns closely with the university’s aspirations for academic excellence and global visibility,” the President said.

Born in Guyana, Sir Ronald’s academic credentials were outlined in the statement, with President Ali noting that he is “a former Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford” and holds “a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Sussex.”

Additionally, Sir Ronald has received significant honorary recognition, including an Honorary Doctor of Letters by the University of the West Indies and an Honorary Doctor of Laws by the University of Guyana.

His academic and research career has also included senior fellowships at leading international institutions.

According to the statement, Sir Ronald has served as “Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London, and as Senior Fellow at Massey College, University of Toronto.” He also played a key role in shaping institutional policy within the Commonwealth framework, having been “Rapporteur of a Special Committee appointed by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of London on the future of the Commonwealth Institute.”

President Ali further underscored Sir Ronald’s international stature, noting that he was “an elected member of the Executive Board of UNESCO,” a role that reflects his standing within global multilateral institutions.

The President placed particular emphasis on Sir Ronald’s diplomatic career, describing him as “among the Caribbean’s most accomplished diplomats.” He currently serves as Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organisation of American States and has held an unprecedented three terms as President of its

Permanent Council.

According to President Ali, this blend of diplomacy and scholarship positions Sir Ronald well to support the University of Guyana’s evolving role. “His experience in multilateral diplomacy, scholarship on small states, and sustained engagement with leading global policy institutions reflect a depth of intellect, credibility, and international respect that would further enhance the academic stature and global reach of the University of Guyana,” the statement said.

The President also linked the prospective appointment to Guyana’s broader development agenda, particularly investments in education and skills development. “At a moment of major investment in human capital, his leadership would strengthen the university’s role at the heart of Guyana’s emerging knowledge economy,” President Ali stated.

Concluding the statement, President Ali reaffirmed the government’s support for the decision of the University Council, saying, “The Government of Guyana welcomes the appointment of Sir Ronald Saunders as Chancellor of the University of Guyana.”

Meanwhile, the university subsequently announced Sir Ronald’s official appointment, noting that this came following Friday’s formal assent of the University Council. The university in a statement said this appointment marked a historic milestone for the university as it welcomed a diplomat of international stature to lead its highest governing body.

The statement said that as Chancellor, he will act as a vital link between the institution, the government, and the international community.

“Sir Ronald will be a major asset not only to the University of Guyana, but to the country as a whole, as we move forward with the modernisation and transformation of our economy and society,” the statement said, after providing a detailed list of his credentials and emphasising the respect he has massed globally.

The statement added that the Honourable Minister of Education Sonia Parag, as well as Pro-Chancellor Professor Randolph Persaud, Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, and the UG Council, wish to express profound satisfaction with the appointment, and to also welcome the new Chancellor on behalf of the Senior Administration of the University of Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, January 3, 2026

Guyanese producers no longer limited by geography, outdated system

- Agriculture Minister emphasises, says deliberate, strategic policies opening up new markets, opportunities

By Trina Williams NEW transportation links, modern drainage and irrigation networks, and upgraded farm-to-market roads are positioning local farmers to gain access to new regional markets, better prices, and faster movement of goods, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha has stated.

While highlighting the government’s intensified push to transform the agricultural sector into an export-driven regional leader, the minister during a recent address said that the massive growth taking place in the sector is not “accidental,” but is a result of “deliberate” policies and “decisive” investments.

“Our government has made it clear, if you are serious about transforming agriculture, then we must transform the infrastructure that supports it.

That is exactly what we are doing,” he said.

After assuming office in 2020, under President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s prudent leadership, Guyana’s agricultural sector has recorded stellar performances and when the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) concluded its first term in office, there were measurable results in numerous sub-sectors, along with expanded support to farmers.

According to Minister Mustapha, the new avenues opened up by the government has led to the redefining of the supply chain and opportunities for farmers that never existed before.

With strengthened links to Guyana’s mainland neighbours and enhanced marine and air connectivity in the Caribbean, the minister said: “Guyanese producers will no longer be limited by geography or outdated systems. They will have direct access to regional markets, better prices, faster movement of goods.”

The agricultural sector’s budget grew from $13 billion in 2020 to $104 billion in 2025, as the government worked to position Guyana as the regional food-producing capital, whilst simultaneously revolutionising the sector and empowering farmers.

The transformation is about the people, the minister said, explaining that the government is expanding robust training and innovation programmes to ensure that women and young people are not just

included, but are leading the next generation of agro-businesses.

Looking back at some of the government’s achievements, the minister pointed out that in 2025 alone, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) executed one of the largest programmes of work than at any point in Guyana’s history.

Minister Mustapha also spoke to the modernised infrastructure including farm-tomarket roads, constructing and repairing bridges from Hamilton Court to Yarrowkabra and improved pump stations from Canal Number One to New Amsterdam.

Given the evident benchmarks of transformation, the minister said: “We are creating the enabling environment that say [sic] to you that your livelihood matters, your production matters, and your future matters. We are ensuring that no farmer is cut off by a broken road, no communities crippled by flooding, and no producers left behind as Guyana rises.

“This is how we'll build a modern agriculture economy, by putting the infrastructure in place; by backing our farmers with great investment; by ensuring that the prosperity of this country reaches every village, every region, every family.”

He then turned his attention to President Ali’s decisive steps towards modernising Guyana’s public sector and economy.

These are not mere bureaucratic targets, they are foundational steps in transforming the way Guyana operates and according to Minister Mustapha, the digital transformation in agriculture is not optional, it is essential.

By March 2026, farmers will be able to access timely information, weather updates, extended support and educational tools, all of which will empower them to make better decisions and reduce risks, the minister said, noting that the agricultural information system launched by the Ministry of Agriculture in 2024 is building a comprehensive digital database of farmers.

At the same time, the NDIA, together with the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) is developing a digital platform to monitor exclusives and drainage pumps across the country, a

step towards modernising the management of water levels and protection of farmland, the minister disclosed.

He went on to say: “The evidence of our progress is undeniable, and the trajectory of our success is clear as His Excellency President, Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali has reminded us that this is a moment of unprecedented opportunity [sic] for Guyana.

We have moved past the era of bare potential to an era of proven performance.

“We are building a Guyana that is most competitive, most sustainable and most innovative agriculture destination in the world. Guyana is changing…” the minister

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha said, adding: “Let it be remembered that we didn't just dream of food security.

We build the infrastructure,

the industries and the innovation to guarantee it for a generation to come. Together with your trust and your

hard work, we will continue to turn promise into progress and vision into reality, [for] every Guyanese can benefit.

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Kayla King returns home after successful - urges women to be participation in Miss Cosmo 2025 confident, pursue pageantry

By Faith Greene

EXUDING confidence, beauty, and charm, Miss Cosmo Guyana 2025 Kayla King returned home after successfully representing her country on the international stage.

Miss Cosmo is a new international beauty pageant and festival in Vietnam and was first held in Ho Chi Minh

City (HCMC) in 2024. Miss Cosmo was established with the aim to realise the aspirations of global women.

Last year, under the theme: Rising Dragon, inspired by the dragon, a symbol of strength, authority, and prosperity, the 2025 Miss Cosmo unveiled a new vision, a platform where women shine on stage but assert their prowess and influence in a

new era.

Guyana’s representative on this stage was Kayla King, a passionate 23-year-old who hails from Parika in Region Three. She has a diploma in psychology and has intentions of furthering her studies in that field.

King already sees herself becoming a successful psychologist who helps Guyanese to take more control of mental

health, a disregarded topic she feels is rampant locally, and hopes to be more than a pageant girl, but a mentor helping others to excel in that area.

As someone who was diagnosed with autism, King said her experiences in pageantry have provided her with the ability to command a room when she speaks, or speaking publicly in general.

Noting that this is an area

Miss Cosmo Guyana 2025 Kayla King she struggled with before pursuing pageantry, she shared that it is something she does a lot better now.

King has been participating in pageants consecutively since 2021. The Miss Cosmo pageant is one that she followed, supporting the first Miss Cosmo Guyana (2024) Misha Caleb.

“Through just trying to support her, I think I really saw the value in the Miss Cosmo organisation's production, their mission, and what they stood for. I had an inkling, or more of an epiphany, telling me that this is something that I should do. It's something that I wanted to be a part of.

I just did not know it was going to be this soon,” King expressed.

Determined to prove to herself and to others that she is more than capable of winning, she competed and was crowned Miss Cosmo Guyana 2025, an opportunity she described as one of the greatest honours of her life. She was proud to represent Guyana on the international stage.

The Miss Cosmo Guyana winner said she is passionate about pageantry and is very patriotic. A full circle moment for her was when many told her that her representation taught them about Guyana, she said before describing pageantry as a tourism product that allows delegates to represent their homeland.

“I was probably called Kayla King once or twice for the entire three-week duration. I was always referred to as Guyana or Miss Guyana, and I think that is such an amazing thing and a great honour to carry an entire country and our culture on your back,” she expressed.

She went on to say, “I

think the Guyanese people did a phenomenal job at being supportive, showing me that I am supported, but with such support comes a lot of pressure, and me, I'm just one person. So, knowing that there are so many people who are depending on me to represent them on the international stage, I think for me that created, in some cases, a lot of self-doubt, a lot of worry, but at the end of the day, it is that same support from the Guyanese people that also allowed me to take a step back and have a little bit more faith in my abilities and what essentially allowed me to perform to the best of my abilities.”

Apart from modeling and her desire to step into the field of psychology, King owns a project management and marketing business called Bluemoon Management. The daily operations of this include content creation and social media management.

Bluemoon is also a modeling agency, which provides promotional work for different companies, and it additionally focuses on campaign creation.

King while speaking with this publication encouraged young women to be confident and pursue pageantry.

“Pageantry for a long time had been made for the purpose of women being seen as attractive or graceful in the eye of the male gaze, but I think that today we've been able to turn that around so much. Pageantry is now something that transforms the lives of women and gives them a platform to show that they're more than just a pretty face. They're also women of substance who have so much to offer society,” King said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, January 3, 2026

Yarrowkabra Food Hub will transform Guyana’s agricultural sector - Minister Mustapha says

GUYANA’S push to bolster food security will be anchored by the soon-to-be-completed Yarrowkabra Food Hub, which will scale up storage and processing and reduce post-harvest losses for local producers, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has stated.

During a recent address, the minister said that Guyana is being positioned as a regional food-producing hub and the Yarrowkabra food hub is central to this vision, as it will aid in improving quality and the standards of regional and international markets.

The food hub is expected to serve as a key facility for storage, processing, and distribution, providing a central location to support Guyana’s expanding agricultural output, while boosting trade within the region.

The government of Guyana last January signed a Memoran dum of Understanding (MoU) with renowned United States (U.S.)based company Blumberg Grain and Logistics.

The agreement was inked at the Ministry of Agriculture’s main boardroom on Regent Street and paved the way for the establishment of the state-of-theart regional food hub at Yarrowkabra, along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

The Yarrowkabra Food Hub, once completed, is expected to significantly boost Guyana’s export capabilities, reduce post-harvest losses to as low as five per cent and provide new manufacturing and processing facilities. It is also expected to serve as the base from which Guyana can strengthen trade across CARICOM and South America, while laying the foundation for entry into U.S. and other international

markets.

The commencement of phase one of the project took place in 2023, accompanied by an investment totalling $187 million. This project aligns with Guyana’s and the Caribbean Community’s CARICOM target of addressing food insecurities.

“Our ambition is bold and achievable.

Guyana will be the largest agro- processing economy in the region.

The food hub is not just a facility. It is a launchpad for this transformation,” Minister Mustapha stated.

The minister also noted that the government has invested in a cassava-processing facility at Parika, which will support more than 200 farmers by purchasing fresh cassava and producing over three tonnes of cassava flour per day. This facility will become operational in early 2026 and will help promote a healthier and locally produced alternative to imported flour.

Over the past month, he said there has been engagements with ANSA McAL and Massy Stores to create new opportunities for Guyanese products to reach supermarket shelves across multiple Caribbean destinations.

“These partnerships open doors, but it is now up to our agro-processors to seize these opportunities and scale up production,” he stated.

With the government steadfast on converting Guyana into a leader in value-added food production and producers requiring access to capital, Minister Mustapha said this is where the Guyana Development Bank stands as a critical pillar of this transformation.

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) will be able to access up to $10 million in zero-collateral loans through this bank,

which is expected to become fully operational before the end of the first quarter of 2026 and will receive an initial injection of US$200 million from the government.

“This is the missing link in the value-added, chain-affordable financing that empowers our people to produce,

innovate more and earn more,” the minister stated.

Additionally, to accelerate this transformation, the government has extended to agriculture and agro-processing, the same fiscal space traditionally reserved for health and education, Minister Mustapha said.

He first pointed to

the removal of corporate tax within agriculture, along with the implementation of unprecedented incentives that cover a number of elements from primary production to manufacturing, packaging and distribution, and fertiliser.

Beyond tax relief, the government went a

step further by directly supporting producers with the provision of free fertilisers, planting materials, and shade houses.

These initiatives were all designed to make farming more viable and to ensure a steady, affordable food supply for our growing population.

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