Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 12-11-2025

Guyana seals new energy deal

President, Dr Irfaan Ali, joined by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh; Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat; and Minister of the Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally, met with senior representatives of TotalEnergies, QatarEnergy, and PETRONAS following the signing of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) for Shallow-Water Block S4 at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown. Earlier, Minister Bharrat signed the landmark agreement with the consortium’s representatives during an official ceremony at the Pegasus Corporate Suites, marking a new chapter in Guyana’s offshore energy development.

Ali

Guyana seals new energy deal with US$15M signing bonus

GUYANA has officially sealed a new Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with a consortium comprising TotalEnergies, QatarEnergy, and PETRONAS for the exploration of Shallow-Water Block S4, marking another major milestone in the nation’s energy evolution.

The signing, which took place on Tuesday at the Pegasus Corporate Suites, comes with a US$15 million signing bonus, a figure that surpasses the previous US$10 million ceiling for shallow-water blocks. The funds will be deposited directly into the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) within 15 days.

“This US$15 million for the exploration of the shallow-water block will be paid directly into the Natural Resource Fund. It is gazetted for everyone to see, and the Minister of Finance has an obligation to submit quarterly inflows to the National Assembly,” Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat confirmed during the ceremony.

The agreement represents the first to be executed under Guyana’s updated legislative framework, introduced following the country’s inaugural oil block auction in 2022.

It also marks PETRONAS’ entry into Guyana’s side of the basin, shared with Suriname, and the return of TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy, which had previously exited the Orinduik Block in 2024.

Under the consortium structure, TotalEnergies serves as operator with a 40 per cent stake, while QatarEnergy holds 35 per cent and PETRONAS 25 per cent. The S4 block covers approximately

1,788 square kilometres, located between 50 and 100 kilometres off Guyana’s coast in water depths ranging from 30 to 100 metres.

These terms differ from the Stabroek Block Petroleum Sharing Agreement (PSA).

The new PSA introduces modernised fiscal terms—a 10 per cent roy-

alty rate, a 10 per cent corporate tax, and a reduced cost recovery ceiling, while profit sharing remains an even 50/50 split between the government and contractors.

Bharrat described the arrangement as “a winwin for Guyana and our partners,” adding that it reflects the government’s transparent, sustainable,

and investor-friendly framework.

“Guyana is one of the few countries in the world that has actually moved from a Local Content Policy to a Local Content Legislation defying the odds of many when they said that legislation will close down the oil and gas sector in Guyana and will not at-

tract the big players….,” Bharrat asserted.

CONSORTIUM

COMMITS TO RAPID EXPLORATION

Representing TotalEnergies, Daniel Larrañaga, Vice President of Exploration for the Americas, expressed confidence in the project’s potential and said the

consortium intends to move swiftly into exploration.

“Exploration is about perseverance, it is about technical excellence, it is about strategic partnership, and we have all those elements here today in S4. We have had some experiences as non-operators in the Guyana basin since about 10 years,” he added. Larrañaga noted too that the consortium considers the contract terms fair and standard and is pleased with both the fiscal and non-fiscal terms.

While speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the signing, he said exploration activities will be conducted in keeping with Guyana’s regulatory requirements and international best practices for environmental protection and resource management. He noted that seismic data acquisition will take about a year, with the entire exploration period lasting about five years and keeping with the country’s local content laws, the consortium, he asserted, will work with local contractors.

With an estimated 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent already confirmed in the Stabroek Block, Guyana’s offshore basin continues to command international attention as one of the world’s fastest-growing super basins. Minister Bharrat underscored that this latest deal demonstrates continued global confidence in Guyana’s governance of its hydrocarbon sector and its ability to attract top-tier investors while maintaining environmental integrity and equitable benefit-sharing.

Daniel Larrañaga, TotalEnergies’ Vice President of Exploration for the Americas and Guyana’s Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat (centre), along with representatives of Petronas and QatarEnergy

‘We are not just building for Guyana; we are

building for regional prosperity’

— President Ali

— highlights massive industrial, economic expansion taking shape among Berbice, Roraima

—as Guyana, Brazil look to build greater regional connection

By Naomi Parris

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed that Guyana’s rapid industrial and infrastructural expansion is strategically positioning the nation as a central player in South America’s emerging regional integration plan.

Delivering the feature address at the Berbice Development Summit Agenda held at the Kingston Marriott on Tuesday, President Ali said that the coastal regions of Mahaica-Berbice (Region Five) and East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six) are being transformed into major economic hubs, underpinning Guyana’s rise as a gateway for continental trade and investment.

“This summit is not a talk shop. It is not another meeting. It is a movement

forward. It is building momentum. It’s rallying every stakeholder it’s building partnership. It’s expanding network, and it’s creating the foundational pillars for development. When we talk about the development opportunities ahead of us, we have to also understand the regional context of these opportunities,” the President noted.

“We are looking at the infrastructure integration plan for South America. And if you look carefully at that plan, Guyana is really the centrepiece of that infrastructure plan.”

STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE PUSH

Among the flagship projects driving this transformation are the establishment of a

deep-water port, the new high-span Berbice River Bridge, and the Corentyne River Bridge, which will link Guyana and Suriname. Currently, the two countries are connected by a ferry service, but the President said the new bridge will drastically enhance cross-border movement and commerce.

Additionally, several four-lane highways are planned to connect the coastal and hinterland regions, including the construction of a municipal airport at Rose Hall, aimed at strengthening logistics and mobility within Berbice and beyond.

“This infrastructure plan that I’ve outlined here, we are pursuing to have it all completed within five years and it will get done,” President Ali assured.

With Berbice and Brazil’s Roraima region identified as key growth corridors, the Head of State said Guyana is intensifying

efforts to collaborate with its southern neighbour to expand trade, infrastructure and industrial capacity.

“We want to ensure

that our investment leads to Guyana becoming the world’s hottest destination for agro-processing and food production. We want to create the most competitive destination for investment and innovation,” President Ali declared.

He added that Guyana’s development agenda is grounded in regional prosperity, not insular nationalism.

“We are not a Guyana only concerned about Guyanese. We are a Guyana deeply rooted in regional prosperity. Whatever we do must lead to regional integration and expansion of an economic zone that positions us at the centre of coming together,” he said.

According to the government’s 2025 PPP/C Manifesto, Berbice is being earmarked as a future industrial capital, leveraging its strategic location and natural gas reserves.

Plans are in motion to attract private investment in oil refining, alumina processing, fertiliser production, and petrochemical manufacturing.

Supporting this vision, the government will construct a second natural gas pipeline in Berbice — mirroring ExxonMobil’s pipeline from the Liza field to Wales, West Bank Demerara. That project currently fuels the Gas-to-Energy initiative, supplying up to 125 million standard cubic feet of gas daily for domestic power generation and natural gas liquids (NGLs) extraction.

The upcoming Berbice pipeline will similarly anchor the development of a new industrial park, signalling what President Ali described as “the next phase of Guyana’s regional economic expansion.”

President Dr Irfaan Ali while addressing the Berbice Development Summit Agenda, which was held at the Kingston Marriott on Tuesday morning.

First consultation opens under Georgetown rescue plan to rebuild city drainage

IN keeping with the government’s ambitious plan to rescue the city of Georgetown, the first public consultation under the Georgetown Drainage Improvement Project commenced on Monday.

Government and Regional Development, the Central Housing and Planning Authority, the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, and the Georgetown Mayor & City Council are working together.

aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the ongoing works and ensuring that the initiative aligns with the needs of the residents of Georgetown.

Lionel Wordsworth, Chairman of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, presented a comprehensive digital plan that featured a mapped

The consultations will continue across all constituencies throughout the week as part of the government’s broader commitment to rescuing Georgetown and transforming it into a thriving, vibrant and flood-free city. [DPI]

Residents and community leaders of C onstituency One at the public consultation meeting

The plan to rehabilitate the city’s ageing drainage system has adopted a strategic and multi-agency approach, targeting some of the critical areas prone to flooding due to infrastructure deterioration.

Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, outlined the roles of each national stakeholder on the team in advancing this bold plan, an initiative of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali.

“The formulation of this multi-agency team was intended to conduct a rapid assessment of Georgetown’s drainage systems, and the objective is to review all the existing studies to develop a comprehensive drainage plan,” the Minister explained.

The Ministry of Housing, the Ministry of Local

overview of the city’s current drainage systems.

He highlighted key areas identified for rehabilitation and new pumping infrastructure that open avenues for the possible development of elevated parking spaces.

This interactive session brought together residents and community leaders from Constituency One, which covers Kingston, Eve Leary, Alberttown, Queenstown, North Cummingsburg, and South Cummingsburg. Participants shared suggestions and concerns

Chairman of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, Lionel Wordsworth, explains the detailed plan for the Georgetown Drainage Improvement Project. [DPI Photos]

Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, along with other members of the multi-agency team, at the consultation

Embracing Efficiency

PRESIDENT, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s recent remarks at the launch of the Electronic Planning and Development Single Window system serve as both a warning and a wake-up call to the public sector.

His message was clear: The era of paper-based bureaucracy and institutional resistance to change must end.

For too long, inefficiency has plagued Guyana’s public service, frustrating citizens and investors alike.

The new Single Window system, introduced through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), offers a decisive break from the past. By consolidating approvals for land development and building permits from multiple agencies into one online platform, it represents a major stride toward transparency, efficiency, and accountability.

Yet, despite extensive training and repeated sensitisation sessions, President Ali lamented that “there is resistance.”

This reluctance from within the very institutions meant to serve the public undermines the country’s broader vision for modern governance. It is a reminder that technology alone cannot drive progress, people must be willing to adopt it.

The President’s firm two-month deadline for full compliance sends a strong signal that the government will not tolerate inertia.

As he noted, those unwilling to embrace digital transformation may need to “explore other priorities.”

It is a tough stance, but a necessary one. Bureaucratic delays cost not only time and money—they erode public confidence and stunt national development.

The Single Window system is more

than just an administrative upgrade; it is part of a wider reform agenda aimed at creating a responsive, service-oriented state.

Through complementary initiatives such as the Coursera upskilling programme for public servants and digital tools for farmers, the administration is laying the groundwork for a fully digital public service ecosystem.

Resistance to this shift cannot be excused as discomfort with change. Every progressive society faces moments when the old ways must yield to innovation. Just as Guyana is moving toward renewable energy and expanding infrastructure, so too must its governance model evolve.

President Ali’s words: “You may be upset with me today, but ten or fifteen years from now…you’ll say, God bless

him”, reflect both the urgency and the vision behind this transformation. The benefits of such reform may not be immediate, but they will be lasting.

The public sector must recognise that the Single Window system is not a threat, it is a tool for empowerment. By reducing red tape, curbing corruption, and improving turnaround times, it will enhance public trust and attract investment.

The onus now lies on every public servant to play their part in realising this promise.

Guyana cannot afford to let digital opportunity slip through the cracks of bureaucratic resistance.

The nation’s development demands a modern state, and that begins with a modern mindset.

Why granting the extradition is in Guyana’s best interest

Dear Editor,

BY now, the case pertaining to the requested extradition of the Mohameds has captured and held the attention of the public. That is as it should be. The matter raises a broader question that all Guyanese should consider: in what ways, and to what extent, should a modern, rules -based democracy balance its commitment to due process at home against its treaty obligations abroad?

The answers to those questions, rooted in law and in our national interest, lead to a conclusion: we should honour this request, once the courts have determined that the legal tests are met and that human-rights conditions are in place.

The extradition process is not a political favour. It is a legal mechanism defined by statute, treaty, and judicial oversight.

When Guyana responds to valid requests, we send a message that treaties are not toothless and that our courts are reliable partners in the fight against transnational crime. That matters. It strengthens Guyana’s hand when we seek co-operation—from financial intelligence to fugitive recovery. Reciprocity only works if both sides keep their commitments.

On the other hand, baseless denials only invite the opposite conclusion: that Guyana is an attractive and safe destination for any-

one with the means to buy a plane ticket in the hope of outrunning a warrant. For an economy in search of diversified investment and closer security co-operation, credibility in the justice sector is a strategic asset.

Granting extradition also helps keep communities safe. It ensures that serious allegations will be adjudicated where the evidence, victims, and investigative records are situated. If the requesting state can show a prima facie case, and if the offences charged satisfy dual-criminality tests, allowing the accused to escape prosecution and punishment in that jurisdiction seriously weakens accountability. Granting extradition in those circumstances, by contrast, sends a strong signal: Guyana does not offer safe haven to fugitives of any surname, status, or social connection.

The extradition process is an evidentiary and legal one, not a political one. Guyana’s judges will decide whether the request satisfies statutory requirements, including dual criminality, the sufficiency of evidence, speciality (prosecution limited to the extradited charges) and the exclusion of political offences.

Defence counsel may object to the record, test assurances on human-rights conditions, and raise procedural or substantive challenges. The adversarial process does not

need repair—it is precisely how the system protects against error or abuse. Extradition, it should be added, does not presume guilt. It merely enables a trial in the proper forum. The Mohameds, like all defendants, are entitled to the presumption of innocence until a jury or judge has decided otherwise.

Robust legal co-operation has many positive spillovers. It steadies bilateral relations, reduces friction in regional security-sector work, and reassures partners that Guyana is squarely aligned with international anti-corruption, narcotics, fraud and financial crimes norms. Investors and development partners take note of these indicators. A state that is seen to be principled and predictable in rule-of-law matters reduces perceived risk, especially as Guyana manages rapid growth and looks to diversify its economy.

Crime knows no borders, but neither should accountability. The extradition process respects the interests of victims by allowing for prosecutions to take place where the harm is alleged to have occurred, and where the evidence and witnesses are concentrated. It also protects the integrity of our own system by avoiding the strain and distortion that occur when domestic courts are forced to adjudicate foreign-centred cases with incomplete records. Speciality, too, ensures no “mission creep”: the requesting

state may prosecute only the offences for which extradition was granted.

Bias or political motive: Claims that the charges are the result of political bias or malice can be tested in court. If the case has the scent of retaliation, then extradition should be denied. But if the requesting state makes out its prima facie case and the courts are satisfied, then testing the evidence is a matter for the trial court with jurisdiction over the alleged conduct.

The challenge with extradition decisions is that they are difficult precisely because they matter.

They sit at the crossroads of justice, sovereignty, and human dignity. In the case of the Mohameds, the national interest points to a conclusion: we should honour a valid request, once it has cleared the courts, and with appropriate safeguards in place.

That choice would uphold Guyana’s commitments, bolster its credibility, and reinforce a principle as old as the law itself: that accountability should follow the evidence, wherever it leads.

Note: The Mohameds, like all accused persons, are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sincerely, Philip Inshanally

Terrence Campbell is in trouble

IN another column, I will examine what two of Terrence Campbell’s APNU comrades – David Hinds and Tacuma Ogunseye - had to say about the impossibility of African Guyanese becoming businesspeople.

For this column, I want to point out to Campbell what Hinds said on his podcast two days ago about race. Readers may recall that I offered a response to Campbell in my column of Friday, September 26, 2025, titled, “The Hinds/Campbell showdown in APNU.”

Here is what I wrote back then: “Campbell said on a podcast that he intends to campaign in PPP constituencies and he cited Babu John and Port Mourant. Two questions arise. Who is he going to take with him on these campaigns and will Hinds be there with him? Secondly, when the Indian people ask Campbell about Hinds’ constant talk about this race and that race, what is going to be the reaction of Campbell?”

Here is what Hinds uttered three days ago in a discussion with Tacuma Ogunseye, in which every Guyanese must see these men as belonging to the deep, deep past of Guyana, but more of that later. Hinds yelled out that when people say WPA and APNU are dying and will not survive, they actually mean that they do not want African Guyanese to survive.

Here is an explicit, unambiguous, lucid and unmistakable identification of WPA and APNU with African Guyanese only. What Hinds did was that he made WPA and APNU synonymous with African Guyanese. Hinds

erased the political content of WPA and APNU and replaced it with race. Now, people may want to see the WPA vanish forever because of several factors that may have to do with its role in government. They may not have in mind anything to do with race.

People may want to see the PNC disappear because of the terrible injustice it meted out to Guyanese in general and not one particular race. And that it feels that the PNC has come and gone and when they think like that, race is not on their mind. But Hinds injected the factor of race into people’s thoughts when they say that WPA and APNU are dying. It simply means WPA and APNU are African parties and to wish that they go away is to wish African Guyanese to go away.

First, WPA is not dying but dead. Aubrey Norton committed political treason when he left talented PNC stalwarts and gave Hinds a parliamentary seat. For every vote that Hinds brought into the PNC in the 2025 general elections, Christopher Jones, Ubraj Narine, Sherwin Holder, Mervin Williams and Annette Ferguson brought in 1000 more.

Norton took Hinds, who belonged to an entity that died a long time ago, yet gave him a seat in the House. No Guyanese who wants the WPA to die has any thought about African Guyanese because they know that the WPA has no African support and no one in Guyana, except the has-been leader of the PNC, Aubrey Norton, believes that the WPA speaks for African Guyanese.

The issue Campbell should take up with Hinds is if he believes that APNU is an African outfit. If Campbell agrees, then Campbell

cannot keep his promise to the nation and campaign in Babu John and Port Mourant. People are going to chase him with a huge exclamation that they will pelt him with. It goes like this – if your party is an African organisation, then why do you want Indian support? You are not a multi-racial party, so go and meet villagers who are Africans. This is a logical explanation that will come from the heart and soul of any citizen. If your party is a self-proclaimed White, supremacist outfit, why do you want to talk to people in an African or Indian village? They are going to reject you at the psychic level, with the possibility that they will be hostile to you.

If Campbell says no, APNU is multiracial, then he pits himself against Hinds and Campbell has to be naïve to think that if he

describes APNU as multi-racial, Hinds will not confront him and he will be more naïve to think that will be the end of the story between him and Hinds.

I did say at the beginning of this analysis that I will do a second column on what Hinds and Ogunseye had to say about the African temperament towards business, which will put Campbell in an ideological tailspin. Campbell can go in two directions –side with Hinds, deepen the racial rhetoric about the PNC’s ontology or recognise reality and live in the new world of Guyana and the new future of Guyana.

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.

GCCI to equip MSMEs for expansion at 2025 Business Development Forum

— Forum to focus on financing, diversification, and export readiness

AS Guyana continues to experience rapid economic expansion, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) is strengthening its push to position micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to fully capitalise on the nation’s evolving opportunities.

The chamber will host its flagship Business Development Forum (BDF) from November 13–14, 2025, at the Pegasus Suites & Corporate Centre, under the theme, “Empowering Businesses for a Resilient Future.”

Participants will also benefit from expert presentations, networking sessions, and practical guidance designed to help MSMEs build resilience and tap into growth sectors beyond oil and gas.

GCCI President Kathy Smith said the forum forms part of the chamber’s ongoing commitment to help local businesses transition from survival to sustainable growth.

“The Business Development Forum is about preparation,” Smith stated. “With the government’s

The two-day event will bring together business leaders, policymakers, and development partners for discussions focused on finance, sustainability, diversification, local market penetration, and export readiness.

GCCI President Kathy Smith

financing, business development, and market compliance, a feature Smith said is intended to make the forum more results-driven and actionable.

“Too often, small businesses attend events but leave without next steps. This forum will be different,” she explained. “We’re curating sessions that point directly to funding sources, business tools, and export pathways that MSMEs can act on.”

“Our MSMEs are the heart of Guyana’s private sector — they employ people, drive innovation, and sustain communities,” she said. “As the economy continues to grow, the GCCI is focused on ensuring that these businesses are not just spectators, but active participants in Guyana’s success story.”

focus on diversifying the economy, investment into infrastructure, as well as the thriving energy sector; this is the time for businesses to position themselves, understand where the opportunities lie, and plan how to invest wisely.”

Support desks will also be available during the event to provide oneon-one consultations on

According to Smith, the initiative forms part of the GCCI’s broader mission to strengthen private-sector capacity and ensure that local enterprises are ready to compete regionally and globally.

The Business Development Forum 2025 is expected to attract participants from across Guyana’s business landscape and provide a platform for networking, knowledge exchange and collaboration among enterprises preparing for the opportunities of 2026 and beyond.

Guyana covering legal fees in U.S extradition case is keeping with treaty obligations

— Attorney General cites international practice, cites previous cases

ATTORNEY GENERAL

and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, has defended the Government of Guyana’s decision to fund the legal fees of foreign attorneys-at-law representing the State in the ongoing extradition proceedings against prominent gold dealers, Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed.

Explaining the rationale, Nandlall clarified that extradition cases are guided by international law, particularly the principles of comity and reci-

procity, which dictate how states co-operate in such matters.

He noted that in this case, the request for extradition originated from the United States government, and therefore, the prosecution team in Guyana is acting on behalf of the United States government.

“In extradition proceedings, the request comes from a foreign state — in this case, the United States government. The lawyers who are prosecuting this request are representing the interest of the

United States government. Under international extradition law and practice, the country to whom the request is made discharges the obligation of providing legal representation, obviously with the approval of the U.S. authorities,” Nandlall explained on Monday.

The Attorney General emphasised that the Government of Guyana agreed to bear the cost of the legal team as part of its obligations under these international arrangements.

He added that in order

to avoid any perception of political interference, lawyers from outside Guyana were engaged, a decision made with the approval of U.S. authorities.

“To insulate the process from allegations of political interference, lawyers from outside of Guyana were brought in with the approval of the U.S. government. And yes, the Government of Guyana has to pay for that. Anybody can challenge me — call around the Caribbean or anywhere else — and find out if that is not the usual practice,” Nandlall asserted.

Citing regional exam-

ples, Nandlall pointed to similar practices in Trinidad and Tobago, where British King’s Counsel are often retained to prosecute extradition and other high-profile cases, with the costs borne by the State.

“That happens all across the globe,” he stated.

To illustrate the principle of reciprocity in action, Nandlall pointed to the extradition of Marcus Bisram from the United States to Guyana, where he faced a murder charge.

“Guyana requested Bisram from the United States to stand trial for murder in Guyana.

The U.S. government provided legal services, paid for those services, and then sent Bisram back here.

That is the reciprocal responsibility and arrangement. That’s what reciprocity means — you do for me, and I do for you,” Nandlall explained.

He rejected claims that Portugal-based Guyanese attorney Glenn Hanoman was included on the U.S.’s legal team due to alleged ties with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic

OFAC-sanctioned Nazar Mohamed and his son Azruddin (Delano William photo)

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC

King’s Counsel

Terrence Williams

Attorney-at-Law

Herbert McKenzie Attorney-at-Law

Celine Deidrick

Guyana covering legal fees in U.S extradition ...

(PPP/C).

The Attorney General also refuted the Mohameds’ claims of political persecution, contending that they have launched a “disinformation campaign” in an attempt to oppose the extradition request.

Supporting documents from the Ministry of Home Affairs confirm that the Government approved payment of US$62,558.78 to Jamaican King’s Counsel Terrence Williams for his role in the case of The Guyana Police Force vs. Nazar Mohamed and Azruddin Mohamed for the month of October 2025.

According to a memorandum from the Ministry’s Finance Officer to the Permanent Secretary, the Guyana Police Force had consulted with the Attorney General’s Chambers, which advised the Force to retain a team of experienced attorneys to handle the extradition matter.

Following this consultation, Williams, along with Jamaican attorneys Herbert McKenzie and Celine Deidrick, were engaged to represent the State.

The document, bearing the approval stamp and signature of Permanent Secretary Andre Ally, stated that payment would be made via wire transfer through the Bank of Guyana to Williams’ account. It also noted that the selected attorneys had extensive experience handling similar extradition matters across the region.

The U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Affairs Manual (7 FAM 1618) clearly establishes that “most extradition treaties require the costs of extradition proceedings (other than translation of documents and costs associated with the transfer of the fugitive) to be borne by the requested country.”

In the ongoing case, Guyana is the ‘requested state,’ and the United States is the ‘requesting state.’

As the requested state, Guyana is legally responsible for the costs associated with the local court proceedings, a position consistent with international law and the United Kingdom–United States

Extradition Treaty, which Guyana inherited upon independence in 1966.

On the morning of October 31, both father and son were taken into custody in Georgetown in connection with the extradition request from the U.S.

During their initial court appearance before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman on October 31, the men were each granted bail in the sum of $150,000.

Conditions of their bail required them to surrender their passports and report weekly to the Ruimveldt Police Station, measures intended to ensure their availability for ongoing legal proceedings.

When the case was called again on Monday, the prosecution disclosed key documents such as a diplomatic note, authenticated declarations from the U.S. Secretary of State, and executed warrants of arrest for both men.

The proceedings have been adjourned to November 24, when the matter will be called for report and further disclosure, as the court moves toward deciding whether sufficient grounds exist to proceed with extradition.

The father and son have been hit with an 11-count indictment in the U.S. Florida Southern District Court. The pair face 10 counts jointly, while Azruddin is charged with an additional count related to the importation of a 2020 Lamborghini Roadster SVJ into Guyana.

Court documents allege that Azruddin and his father conspired to commit wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, aiding and abetting and customs-related violations connected to an alleged US$50 million gold export and tax evasion scheme.

The indictment was issued by a grand jury in October.

According to the filings, Nazar owns 90 per cent of Mohamed’s Enterprise, with Azruddin holding the remaining 10 per cent. The two face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the most serious charge.

In June 2024, the U.S.

Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Nazar and Azruddin for engaging in gold smuggling and public corruption, including the alleged defrauding of the Guyanese government of over US$50 million in unpaid duty taxes.

Mae Thomas, the former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Labour, was also sanctioned for allegedly accepting bribes in exchange for facilitating the awarding of government contracts to the Mohameds.

U.S. authorities are believed to have launched their investigation into the Mohameds in the mid2010s, supported by intelligence sharing and law enforcement co-operation between Guyana and the United States that dates back to around 2016–2017.

The probe involved several U.S. agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Azruddin is also the leader of We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political party and a member of parliament.

Government in major push to unlock Berbice full potential – Min Singh

THE government is undertaking a series of interlinked pockets of investments in Berbice to unlock the region as the logistical backbone for industrialisation and energy distribution in Guyana.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, underscored this point during a roundtable discussion on day one of the Berbice Development Summit at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown.

and gas sector unfolding at the mouth of the Demerara River, the government is now positioning the Berbice region as the next epicentre of developments to support the burgeoning petroleum industry.

With massive developments supporting the oil

“There’s a vast range of various interlinked pockets

of investment in transport infrastructure, energy infrastructure, social infrastructure, et cetera, that we’re currently very aggressively rolling,” Minister Singh told the gathering of local and international investors, technical experts, and global industrial leaders.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, participates in the roundtable discussions as part of the Berbice Development Summit

Central to the government’s plan is the development of the modern deep-water port that will harness Guyana’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.

By establishing this port, Guyana and Northern Brazil can become the leading country and region in transport and logistics.

Social investments include massive housing projects, the development of new hospitals, a modern stadium and the transformation of the Rose Hall aerodrome into a municipal airport.

Important to this, too, is the upskilling of the human-resource pool that will drive this ambitious transformation.

Dr Singh highlighted the Guyana Technical Training College Inc (GTTCI) and the first-ever world-class Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute (HTTI) located in Port Mourant, Region Six.

“They’re already training people there and including delivering training that two or three years ago, (we would have had to have flown people to Canada to get,” he said, before stating that, “People are now staying right here in Guyana and getting that training in Port Mourant.”

On the other hand, the Ministry of the Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, in collaboration with the various ministries, is moving swiftly

to digitise all services in keeping with the 2025 manifesto.

On Monday, the ministry launched its new Public Service Upskilling Platform that will prepare the public workforce for this new era of governance.

“We’re currently working on a series of measures and apps, for example,” Minister of the Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally, who also participated in the discussions, said.

“If you want to make an appointment with any government agency, for example, very soon, you can go on your phone, you can go on an app, and you can make an appointment, and you can come for your appointment,” the minister added.

Through digitisation, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic government aims to modernise governance, reduce red tape, improve customer satisfaction and remove human bias.

“We’re working with the private sector, for example, to also bring the private sector along…in the digitisation process,” Minister Ally pointed out.

The Berbice Development Summit will be held over the next three days as the government remains committed to pursuing projects that will benefit the people. [DPI]

89 Patient Care Assistants graduate from GPHC training programme

89 Patient Care Assistants (PCAs) from Batches 19 and 20 graduated on Tuesday from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s (GPHC) training programme during a ceremony held at the National Cultural Centre.

The event was attended by the Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony; GPHC’s Chief Executive Officer, Robbie Rambarran; and other officials, family members, and well-wishers.

According to a report from the ministry, Minister Anthony, while delivering the feature address congratulated the graduates and commended their commitment to serving

CEO, Robbie Rambarran, congratulated the graduates and urged them to uphold the values of care, integrity, and accountability. He reminded them that the success of Guyana’s health system depends heavily on the attitude and performance of its human resources.

“Healthcare is not just a job it’s an obligation,” Rambarran said. “You are often the first and last person a patient sees during their hospital stay. Show empathy and treat every patient as you would want your own family to be treated.”

Rambarran also highlighted the government’s ongoing investments in healthcare

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, presents the Valedictorian Trophy to Michelle Boyer in recognition of her outstanding performance during the Patient Care Assistant training programme

patients with professionalism and compassion.

He reminded the new PCAs that healthcare is a calling requiring discipline, punctuality, and empathy.

“If you’re not at your post when a patient needs help, it could cost that person their life. Healthcare is not like any other job—patients depend on your presence and compassion. You may be starting as Patient Care Assistants, but this is just the first step.

“With discipline and dedication, you can progress to become a Nursing Assistant, Registered Nurse, or even a doctor. We will continue to provide opportunities for you to develop, but you must be willing to learn and grow,” he said.

Dr Anthony also emphasised the importance of attitude and empathy in healthcare delivery, noting that most patient complaints stem from poor interpersonal care rather than medical errors.

“You can have the best education, but if you lack empathy and respect for patients, you will fail in this profession,” he said.

Meanwhile, GPHC’s

journey. I plan to continue by doing the Nursing Assistant Programme,” she noted.

The Ministry of Health and GPHC continue to train and upskill healthcare workers as part of Guyana’s broader effort to strengthen the quality of patient care and build a resilient, people-centred health system.

facilities, equipment, and training, but noted that the true strength of the system lies in its people.

“No matter how much infrastructure we build or how modern our equipment becomes, none of it will matter if our staff do not provide quality care. The human connection kindness, patience, empathy is irreplaceable,” he said.

Meanwhile, Michelle Boyer, a graduate from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), shared that the journey was not an easy one but deeply rewarding.

“The experience was challenging, having to travel from Linden to Georgetown and back daily while caring for my family, but it all paid off.

I’m glad I made it, and I’ll be taking it one step at a time. My next goal is to enrol in the Nursing Assistant Programme,” she said.

Shonel Sampson, from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) also expressed pride in her achievement.

“My experience was challenging, especially having to look after my family while working, but it was a great

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, along with GPHC CEO, Robbie Rambarran, lecturers, and the newly appointed Patient Care Assistants at the graduation ceremony

Guyana eyes glass-manufacturing boom using high-quality sand

—President Ali says Wales Industrial Zone to anchor major new industries

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has announced that Guyana could soon become home to a major glass manufacturing industry, capitalising on the country’s high-quality sand to produce glass products for international markets, including the automobile sector.

Speaking at the Berbice Development Summit Agenda held at the Kingston Marriott on Tuesday, the President said the initiative

forms part of the government’s industrial diversification strategy, which aims to leverage the nation’s natural resources beyond oil and gas.

The proposed glass factory will be located within the Wales Industrial Zone, which is being developed as a dynamic industrial hub anchored by the Gas-to-Energy project. The zone will host a range of facilities including a fertiliser plant (ammonia/ urea), data centres, glass factories, and manufacturing facilities.

“This is not only about the gas—it’s about the other natural resources we have that are integrated into the value chain,” the President told investors, local private sector leaders, and stakeholders.

“We are historically known for providing the finest beaches around the region with Guyanese sand, but now we want to add value to that commodity, use the gas, and create a whole new industry and hub right here in Guyana.”

Dr Ali emphasised that the government intends to prioritise local participation, inviting Guyanese investors and members of the diaspora to take part in the upcoming development opportunities.

“Importantly, for the fertiliser plant and the gas bonding and logistics plan, we are first opening up this opportunity to every Guyanese here

and in the diaspora to invest,” the President said.

President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Ramsay Ali, had previously said the country’s flagship gas-to-energy project could springboard the establishment of a glass bottle factory and a recycling plant.

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) had carried out a feasibility assessment on the viability of building a glass bottle plant in Guyana, according to the President of the GMSA.

Guyana used to have a glass bottle factory years ago. A considerable demand for glass bottles has been generated by two large beverage companies, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and Banks DIH Limited, as well as other manufacturers and agro-processors.

Ramsay had outlined a vision where the glass bottle factory could be integrated with a comprehensive solid waste recycling plan.

This initiative would involve collecting and processing recyclable materials, thereby reducing waste and promoting a sustainable environment.

He said that years ago, the high cost and unreliability of electricity made the establishment of such a plant impractical since the plant “has to keep running” once it is started.

President Dr Irfaan Ali

GPHC orthopaedic team exceeds surgical target with 28 joint replacements in three days

136 successful procedures completed in 2025 as hospital expands specialist capacity

THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has recorded another major milestone in its drive to reduce the backlog of patients awaiting orthopaedic surgery, completing 28 joint replacement operations in just three days — surpassing its target for the latest phase of its national surgical initiative.

Between Friday, November 7, and Sunday, November 9, 2025, GPHC’s Orthopaedic Department, led by Dr. Kaaleshwar Ramcharran, successfully performed 18 knee and 10 hip replacements, providing

life-changing treatment to 22 female and six male patients.

The accomplishment brings the total number of joint replacement surgeries completed at GPHC this year to 136, all conducted by Guyanese medical specialists — a testament to the hospital’s growing technical capacity and its commitment to delivering advanced surgical care locally.

These operations, which can cost up to GYD $2.5 million in the private sector, were performed free of charge at the public institution. Patients benefitted from a comprehensive team effort involving

orthopaedic surgeons, anaesthetists, physiotherapists, nurses, and theatre staff.

“This initiative is not just about meeting numbers; it’s about transforming lives,” Dr. Ramcharran said, noting that many patients had endured years of chronic pain and limited mobility before receiving surgery.

All 28 patients from last weekend’s exercise have since been discharged and are continuing their recovery at home under the supervision of GPHC’s post-operative care unit.

Hospital management commended the Ortho -

paedic Team for their “exceptional dedication, teamwork, and compassion,” acknowledging that their work has brought significant relief to dozens of Guyanese families.

The hospital’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining these high-impact surgical interventions and further reducing the waiting list for joint replacements — part of a broader national strategy to enhance access to specialist healthcare and strengthen Guyana’s public medical system.

GPHC’s Orthopaedic Team has now completed 136 joint replacement surgeries for 2025, all performed by Guyanese specialists, showcasing the hospital’s expanding expertise and commitment to advanced local care

Gov’t to use ‘rehab’ approach to counter bullying

THE government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, is launching a new initiative to prevent bullying and encourage positive values among students in Guyana by promoting rehabilitation to combat the negative impact of bullying in schools and communities.

Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, underscored her ministry’s commitment to addressing bullying as an educational

and public security concern.

Speaking on the sidelines of the national anti-bullying consultation hosted by the Ministry of Education on Saturday, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Minister Walrond stressed the need for a holistic, rehabilitative approach to juvenile offenders.

“Where a child feels unsafe in school, it’s a public security issue and we will treat it as such…

We also acknowledge that most of the perpetrators are juveniles at a tender age,” the minister stated and added that the interventions will, as far as possible, be rehabilitative in nature.

She explained that while her ministry prioritises programmes and measures that steer young offenders away from punitive outcomes, certain severe cases may still require stronger legal action.

“We try as much as

possible to try different programmes and measures apart from incarceration or charges, but some cases are so aggravated that that is what you may have to do,” Minister Walrond said.

The consultation, which brought together educators, policymakers, and stakeholders, reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring every child learns in a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment.

It will also aim to equip educators with the tools to identify and respond effectively to bullying.

As part of this national effort, Moral and

Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, speaking at the national anti-bullying consultation on Saturday

Civic Education will soon be introduced within the school curriculum. [DPI]

Regional officials trained to boost efficiency through Single Window System

— Initiative aims to streamline planning and development approvals nationwide

MORE local authority representatives from Regions One, Two, Seven, Eight and Nine are now better equipped to deliver faster and more transparent public services following a capacity-building session on the Single Window Planning and Development System, held at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel.

The training forms part of the government’s wider effort to modernise and digitise the national planning and development application process, ensuring efficiency, accountability and citizen-friendly service delivery.

The system is designed to cut bureaucracy, reduce processing delays, and foster transparency across government agencies and local authorities.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, underscored that the new digital platform aligns with the government’s commitment to seamless, paperless transactions.

“We have the policies in place, and they must work,” the minister stated.

“Your role is an important one. The system is intended

The Single Window System is a centralised online platform that allows for the submission, review, approval, and monitoring of planning and development applications through a single access point.

Participants from Regions One, Two, Seven, Eight and Nine engage in hands-on training to familiarise themselves with the Single Window Planning and Development System — part of the government’s national effort to modernise and streamline planning and development approvals across Guyana.

point. The

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Vanessa Benn

Local Gov’t Ministry partners with vendors to keep Stabroek Market clean

—Manickchand says collaboration, not punishment, will drive change

Development,

Manickchand,

THE Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development has launched a renewed push to clean up one of the capital’s busiest commercial zones, hosting a “Going Forward” engagement with vendors at the Stabroek Market Square on Monday evening.

The initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to promote civic responsibility, modernise waste management, and revitalise Georgetown’s historic public spaces.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, told vendors that the Stabroek Market is far more than a trading hub, it’s a national landmark that embodies Guyana’s

resilience and identity.

“Stabroek Market is not only a commercial hub; it’s a living symbol of our culture, history, and resilience. The vendors who earn their livelihood here are a vital part of this city, and your cooperation is key to keeping this space thriving and healthy,” the Ministry said in a release.

As part of the new initiative, garbage bins have been installed every 40 feet around the market square, extending from Brickdam Street to the Stabroek Stelling, along

Lombard and Water Streets and around the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.

Collection will be carried out twice daily—between 1:00PM and 3:00PM, and again between 4:00AM and 6:00AM—to align with the peak hours of market activity.

“WE’RE DOING THIS TOGETHER”

Minister Manickchand stressed that the

See page 18

Regional officials trained to boost ...

services is crucial, and any delay simply holds up the business of citizens.

We must take ownership of this process.”

Minister Croal further emphasised that both the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) must work collaboratively to ensure greater efficiency and accountability.

He also noted that the Ministry of Local Government will play a facilitative role in coordinating the rollout of the system across administrative bodies.

Chief Development Planner at the CH&PA, Gremene Stewart, highlighted the platform’s user-friendly features and its practical advantages for local governance.

“This system offers ease of use and a more streamlined way of handling applications,” she said. “We are here to help you understand how it works and to listen to your suggestions, so we can enhance it where necessary.”

Participants were guided through workflows for both residential and non-residential applications, including the procedures for single-family housing developments.

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Vanessa Benn, reinforced the government’s focus on technology-driven public service transformation, echoing sentiments recently expressed by President, Dr Irfaan Ali at the launch of the Public Service Upskilling Platform.

“Those who are elected, appointed, or employed to serve must be responsive and diligent,” Minister Benn said. “The system cannot work effectively if we do not work as a team. We must ensure challenges are addressed, and that we preserve professionalism and integrity in the execution of our duties.”

She reminded local officials that they are the frontline link between government and citizens, and must ensure timely, efficient delivery of services to build public trust.

The session concluded with a renewed commitment from regional representatives to champion the use of the Single Window System within their respective jurisdictions.

Similar training sessions have already been completed for officials in Regions Three, Four, Five, and Six, as the ministry continues its phased national rollout of the platform.

Minister of Local Government and Regional

Priya

smiles as she assists a Stabroek Market vendor in disposing of waste at one of the newly installed garbage bins around the market square on Monday evening

Region Two RDC extends support to grieving family of drowned toddler

THE Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Two, on Tuesday, extended support to the family of Devon Rayon Dwarkar, the one-yearold toddler who tragically lost his life in an accidental drowning at Queenstown.

According to reports, Devon’s body was discovered in a trench on Monday evening. It is understood that his mother was asleep at the time of the incident.

Regional Chairman, Devin Mohan, accompanied by Deputy Regional Executive Officer Omesh Sasenaryan and other key RDC officials, visited the grieving family at their home to offer condolences, comfort, and reassurance.

During the visit, the team listened attentively to the child’s mother, Bernice Dwarkar, acknowledging her immense pain and loss.

Chairman Mohan as -

sured the family that the RDC and wider community would stand with them throughout this difficult time.

“This is more than governance; it is about being part of the community and showing that we care,” Chairman Mohan said. “We stand with the Dwarkar family, and we will do all we can to help them through this heartbreaking period.”

The RDC has pledged to provide practical support to the family, including assistance with immediate needs and continued engagement to ensure their well-being in the weeks ahead.

Both parents expressed deep gratitude for the visit and the outpouring of concern.

The mother, visibly distraught, said she remains traumatised by the loss but is thankful for the community’s compassion and the RDC’s support.

Regional Chairman, Devin Mohan, accompanied by Deputy Regional Executive Officer Omesh Sasenaryan and other key RDC officials during the visit to the grieving family

Devon Rayon Dwarkar, the one-year-old toddler who tragically lost his life in an accidental drowning at Queenstown

Local Gov’t Ministry partners ...

of

engaging a vendor government’s approach is one of partnership, not punishment.

“We’ve put bins all across this square—every 40 feet, you have a bin,” she explained. “We were told they’d be stolen, but I said no, because of my faith in the vendors. These bins are making your work home clean. So twice a day, we’ll have porters and trucks come through to collect them.”

She added, “At this point, we will not bring enforcement. We will talk to our brothers and sisters using this square. We’re going to work with each other to change the bad habits we’ve come to know—the bad habits of littering.”

Manickchand reiterated that the initiative reflects a broader vision of empowerment.

“Let us go first and show this country how we can cooperate once we have the facilities to keep Guyana clean,” she said. “I promise you that in me you have a friend, and

in this government, you have a Cabinet that wants to see you thrive—make sales, build your homes, buy assets. We want your businesses to do well, and this is a beginning.”

The event, held in a spirit of open dialogue, saw vendors welcoming the effort and expressing gratitude for being includ-

ed in shaping improvements to their workspace.

The engagement was attended by Permanent Secretary, Miguel ChooKang; Deputy Permanent Secretary (Administration), Dr. Josh Kanhai; Mayor of Georgetown, Alfred Mentore; councillors and technical officers from the Ministry.

The Ministry is urging all vendors and market users to make use of the new waste bins and to adopt proper disposal habits. Officials emphasised that keeping the area clean benefits everyone, by improving livelihoods, enhancing public health, and elevating the national image of Georgetown.

Minister

Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand,

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, along with Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore, councillors, and officials from the Ministry, engage vendors and residents during the ‘Going Forward’ meeting

Parliamentary Affairs Ministry hosts anti- corruption roundtable

THE Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, on Tuesday, hosted its Anti-Corruption Roundtable aimed at strengthening integrity systems and building resilient public and private institutions to fight against corruption.

The event, which was held at the Pegasus Suites

and Corporate Centre, saw the gathering of several private sector bodies and senior government officials and examined the implementation of recommendations from the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption periodic reviews.

Delivering the feature address at the opening session of the one-day engagement, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, stated that over the years Guyana has made enormous strides in its administrative and legal infrastructure, which has strengthened anti-corruption.

Most recently, she stated that the government’s digitisation efforts in various sectors and fields are all important to anti-corruption.

A lot of these efforts, she said while using the single-window system as an example, allow for transparency, access to services in a timely and efficient way and reduce the opportunities for corruption.

However, prior to this, she noted that many years ago Guyana had made significant changes to its legislation, which saw improvements in the role of constitutional bodies

and oversight and accountability.

“The issue of oversight and ensuring that we are able to reduce opportunities [for corruption] is important and I think we’ve come a long way; we have much more to go,” she said.

Meanwhile, President of the Private Sector Commission, Gerry Gouveia Jr, stated that initiatives like the roundtable are a testament to how, when the government and private sector unite, they can achieve progress in moving the country forward and, by extension, advance the region.

“This anti-corruption framework that we’re discussing in this second roundtable, including the private sector, is not only important just for a feelgood topic, but more so, it increases our business competitiveness in the region and internationally,” he added.

The roundtable was built on a similar session, which was held last year with private sector organisations as well.

It also looked at the measures that the private sector can employ to combat corruption and for the organisations and government to collectively find solutions to strengthen the laws and economy.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira (Delano Williams photos)

A section of the gathering at the anti-corruption roundtable on Tuesday

Vendor arrested with cannabis during Kuru Kururu operation

A 29-year-old vendor is currently in police custody following the discovery of a quantity of suspected cannabis during an intelligence-led operation conducted on Monday, November 10, 2025, at Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

According to a police release, ranks acting on intelligence visited a shop in the area where they made contact with the vendor, who resides within the same community.

A search conducted on the premises led to the discovery of a black plastic bag containing several small transparent zip-lock packets with leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis.

The narcotic, which weighed 102.6 grammes, was measured in the suspect’s presence and subsequently lodged as evidence.

The suspect was arrested and remains in custody as investigations continue.

The suspected cannabis seized during the operation

Linden housewife in custody for killing reputed husband during argument

POLICE are investigating the alleged murder of 30-year-old Kevin Alexander, a carpenter of Block 22, Wismar, Linden, who was fatally stabbed during an argument at his home on Monday, November 10, 2025.

According to preliminary police reports, Alexander and his 28-year-old girlfriend, a housewife of the same address, on the day in question around 21:45hrs were engaged in a heated argument when the woman allegedly stabbed him once to the left side of his abdomen.

DEAD Kevin Alexander

Relatives and public-spirited citizens rushed to assist the injured man and transported him to the Linden Hospital Complex, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty.

The suspect was arrested shortly after the incident and remains in police custody as investigations continue.

Alexander’s body is currently at the Gjetsco Funeral Parlour, awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Guyana on track to produce 820,000 tonnes of rice, targets one million

FOR the first time in history, Guyana is on track to produce 820,000 metric tonnes of rice, marking a major achievement

in the country’s agricultural sector.

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha announced this during an

engagement with residents and farmers in Region Six on Saturday.

“This is a very important industry; we not only

have to maintain it, but we have to expand it. Our objective in the coming years from now is to produce a million tonnes of

rice, so we want Guyana to be one of the main food-producing countries in the region,” Minister Mustapha said.

In the last five years, production figures have steadily increased due to various government investments in high-yielding varieties, subsidies and infrastructure, with 2024’s annual rice production meeting a record-breaking 725,282 metric tonnes.

The first crop of 2025 has already surpassed half of the target, recording a total of 413,239 metric tonnes, setting Guyana on a strong path to achieving its annual goal.

Several key initiatives have been implemented that are driving this success, all aimed at reducing production costs and improving farmers’ livelihoods.

Additionally, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has introduced a new payment system that enables the agency to make direct payments to farmers at a rate of $300 per bag.

This ensures greater transparency and accountability in faster transactions, resulting in fair compensation for rice farmers.

To combat the infestation of paddy bugs, the GRBD conducted a series of interventions, including field spraying to minimise harmful effects on crops. Plans are also underway to establish a dedicated

Among these measures, adequate resources are being provided to farmers to help boost yields, including increased fertiliser allocation. Farmers can now receive an entire bag per acre, rather than half a bag.

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, at the engagement meeting with farmers of Region Six.

Guyana on track to produce 820,000 tonnes ...

interest-free bank to support investments in technology, expansion of farmlands and modernised equipment to assist with the production process.

President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali also announced that soon, farmers will also be able to benefit from a tool that provides them access to real-time information while in the fields.

“Within four months, the farmers must be able to use the tool we’ve been investing in to access education in the field, to access real-time information in the field, to access weather in the fields, to access extension support in the field and to access technology in the field.”

These interventions, along with the government’s drive to strengthen the agricultural sector, will position the country to not only meet its long-term production goals, but also enhance food security and create more opportunities for farmers across Guyana. [DPI]

GRDB seed paddy in properly labelled bags.

GRDB spraying the rice fields to protect crops against paddy bugs

Bara Cara’s own Kerron Caesar returns home as village medex

HOME is where the heart is for Kerron Caesar, the newest medex of Bara Cara Village, deep along the Canje River in Region Six (East Berbice–Corentyne).

Caesar recently returned home to take up his post at the Bara Cara Health Centre, marking a proud moment not only for him but for the entire community.

The young health professional, full of enthusiasm, is now the only medex in his family and just the second person from the village to reach that level.

“The village showed up for me. They were there with me in spirit because that’s how we are in Bara Cara, the people will support you no matter what, and I’m very thankful for it and for them,” he shared with the Guyana Chronicle.

Bara Cara is believed to be Guyana’s only Maroon village, tracing its ancestry to the descendants of those who fought in the 1763 Berbice Slave Rebellion.

The community, located about 50 to 75 miles upriver from New Amsterdam, is only accessible by boat and has a population of roughly 200 people who rely mainly on farming and logging.

The village is sometimes referred to as New Ground Village or Wel te Vreeden.

It is home to a school, health centre, guesthouse, and church, and is renowned for its strong communal spirit.

A JOURNEY OF PERSEVERANCE

Caesar credited medex Benn of the Ministry of Health for encouraging him to apply for the four-year Medex programme.

Once accepted, he left his comfort zone and relocated to the city, residing at the West Demerara Regional Hospital dormitory in Best Village, West Coast Demerara. He described his four years of studying, away from home as being a bit challenging but he managed to overcome that hurdle by self-motivation to achieve his goal of becoming a medex.

Now back home, Caesar oversees the Bara Cara Health Centre, which has a team comprising one midwife, one community health worker, and 19 part-time employees.

The return of a resident medex is a major boost for the isolated community. For nearly a decade, the village had been without a full-time medical practitioner since the passing of former local medex, Carl Amsterdam, around eight to ten years ago.

Caesar’s responsibilities will include managing chronic diseases, providing emergency response, and delivering general healthcare to villagers. Although a doctor occasionally visits, the absence of consistent medical attention had long been a challenge for residents. Caesar, who comes from a small but close-knit family, said he hopes to further his education and eventually become a doctor, but for now, his focus remains on serving his people.

Medex Kerron Caesar

Bara Cara Health Centre, Canje River, Berbice

Labour Ministry launches probe into workplace fatality at Good Hope

THE Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning has launched an investigation into a workplace accident that claimed the life of 48-yearold security guard Kevin Browne on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Good Hope, East Coast Demerara.

According to the Ministry, preliminary information indicates that Browne fell from the roof of a building while on the job. The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department is currently conducting a detailed investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and extended sympathy to the bereaved family.

“The Ministry extends its deepest condolences to the relatives and friends of the deceased,” the release stated.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safe and compliant workplaces across Guyana, noting that all employers and contractors have a legal and moral duty to maintain strict safety standards to prevent such tragedies.

Further updates on the investigation are expected as officials continue to gather evidence and statements from witnesses.

According to police reports, on the day in question, Browne, who served as the Chief Security Officer of Sheriff Security, had transported workers to the INFAB building, located on the southern side of the Good Hope Public Road, earlier that morning.

Around midday, workers at the site noticed that portions of the building’s ceiling showed signs of water damage. Browne reportedly went onto the roof to inspect the affected area. During the inspection, he stepped onto a weakened section that collapsed, causing him to fall several feet onto the concrete surface below.

Workers immediately rushed to his aid and transported him to the Enmore Regional Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.

A 52-year-old friend of the deceased later reported the incident to the police station.

Dead: Kevin Browne

GPF Officers Cricket Team supports Boyce

THE Guyana Police Force Officers Cricket Team yesterday proudly presented cricket gears to 15-year-old up and coming cricketer, Keon Boyce, in recognition of his potential and love for the sport.

The gear was presented to the young cricketer by captain of the Officers Cricket Team, Deputy Com-

missioner ‘Administration’, Mr Ravindradat Budhram in his office at Eve Leary, along with Superintendent Ronald Alli, vice-captain of the Officers Cricket Team.

A student of Valmiki College, the young and enthusiastic fast bowler, is the son of Woman Superintendent Fredella Boyce, and his achievement highlights the positive

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel:225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Chris Gayle-85* (Lauderhill, 2012) (2) Glen Phillips-108 (Mount Maunganui, 2020)

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Answers in tomorrow’s issue

influence of discipline, dedication, and family support in youth development.

15-year-old Boyce, who began his journey at the Police Sports Club, now represents the Malteenoes Sports Club as a youth player.

During the presentation, Deputy Commissioner Budhram advised the young crick-

eter to remain focused on his education while pursuing his sporting dreams.

The presentation forms part of the GPF Officers Cricket Team’s ongoing efforts to support youth development and foster young sporting talents within the Police Force and throughout the communities of Guyana.

EDFA extends condolences on passing of Western Lions FC player

THE East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) has extended condolences to the the Mahaicony Western Lions Club and the family, friends, and teammates of Colwin Sealey. Sealey who perished in an accident at the weekend was remembered by the EDFA as not only a talented player but also a dedicated sportsman whose passion and spirit left a lasting mark on all who knew him.

His contribution to the game and his team will be remembered with great respect and admiration.

“During this time of sorrow, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in the cherished memories of Colwin and strength in the support of those around you. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” an EDFA statement read.

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Blairmont CC Doomsday Cricket Tournament…

Brilliant Sinclair leads RHT Namilco Thunderbolt to championship

TWO magnificent innings from West Indies player Kevin Sinclair spearheaded the powerful Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt Flour team to championship honours in the Blairmont Cricket Club Doomsday One Day tournament.

Despite poor weather in the morning sessions, a good-sized crowd was treated to cricket of a high standard at the Blairmont Ground as Sinclair tore into the opposition bowlers with total disregard, hitting several huge sixes and delightful fours.

Seven teams participated in the day’s tournament.

They were RHT Thunderbolt Flour, Albion, Young Warriors, Tucber Park, Blairmont, West Berbice and Cotton Tree.

In the first round, West Berbice edged Cotton Tree by four runs, Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt defeated arch-rivals Young Warriors by eight wickets while hard hitting allrounders Damon Vantull and Leon Swammy led Tucber Park to a seven-wicket victory over the Gudakesh Motie-led Albion Community Centre

Cricket Club.

The two semi-finals were contested between Blairmont and West Berbice while RHT Namilco Thunderbolt Flour clashed with a strong Tucber Park Cricket Club.

Tucber Park was off to a flying start with Vantull being his usual destructive self but his dismissal by left arm spinner Keith Simpson was the key turning point.

Tucber Park was restricted to 53 for 8 off their reduced quota of five overs.

Vantull fell for a top score of 20 and left arm pacer Javed Karim then claimed a helmet trick removing four wickets in four balls as Tucber Park collapsed. Karim ended with 4 for 5 from one over.

In reply, RHT lost Jonathan Rampersaud (6) and Javed Karim to be at 16 for 2 in the second over. Sinclair who was left out the Guyana Super 50 team then took 29 runs from the helpless Jamin La Fleur as RHT Namilco Thunderbolt romped home to victory with an over to spare.

Sinclair was unbeaten on 42 and skipper Clinton Pestano was on 3 not out.

West Berbice defeated host Blairmont by 20 runs in

FIBA Caribbean...

Women’s Championship.

Leading the charge for Guyana is Spain-based professional Joy Adams, who has been named team captain.

Adams, a forward for Lointek

Gernika Bizkaia in Spain’s top-tier women’s league, Liga Femenina Endesa, brings international experience and a strong leadership presence to the national lineup.

She is joined by fellow overseas professionals Anaya Clemons and Ruth Adams, both of whom have competed in Europe.

The roster also includes the talented Ramlall sisters—Amisha, Arshia, and Ashna—along with locally based players Jamaicy Ogle, Kean Andrews, Keisha Copperfield, Rehacia Romain, Breann Ritchie, and Junelly Paddy.

Following their opening clash

the second semi-finals.

Due to fading light, the organisers were forced to reduce the final to two overs per side.

RHT Namilco Thunderbolt won the toss and elected to bat with Sinclair hitting

From page 35

with The Bahamas tonight, Guyana will meet the Virgin Islands on November 13, face Suriname on November 15, and close out the tournament with a highly anticipated matchup against Jamaica on November 16 at 8:30 pm.

Ahead of their opening game, the national team met with Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, who urged the players to represent the nation with pride and passion.

Jacobs reaffirmed the Government’s support for both the team and the championship, expressing confidence that the local women will make the country proud.

Basketball fans are expected to turn out in full force at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall as Guyana looks to make a strong statement on home soil in the region’s premier women’s basketball competition.

the first three balls of spinner Andrew Dutchin for huge sixes while Pestano also struck Vivek Lalsa for three fours in the second over as RHT reached 45 for 1 from their two overs.

In response, West Berbice were restricted to 25 for 3 to lose by 22 runs.

President of the Blairmont CC, Shabeer Baksh expressed gratitude to the teams for playing in the well-organised tournament, despite the early morning showers. Kevin Sinclair was named player of the tournament and Man of the final.

The championship honour was the 131st one for the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club since its formation in 1990.

The winning Namilco Thunderbolt Flour team

GDF 60th anniversary 7s tournament…

Police Falcons edge GDF

THE Police Falcons edged host the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) rugby squad when the soldiers held their 60th anniversary 7s tournament on Sunday at the National Park Rugby Play Field.

The round robin 7s competition saw each team playing each other once with the top two teams playing the finals and the bottom 2 teams playing the third-place match-up.

The final saw Flacons narrowly getting past GDF Rugby Squad 15-14 to collect the 600,000 first-place prize.

Police, going into the final unbeaten, started hot with Owen Adonis scoring a try in the 14 minutes game.

Police winger Lionel Holder scored the second try before his teammate Oneal Charles added the third.

Police were unable to score the conversion on any of their tries going into the break, up 15-0.

The second half saw a resurgent GDF squad getting their first try, compliments of Agboola Silverthorn who also scored the conversion to make it a 15-7 game.

GDF’s Yannick Williams then scored the soliders’ second try to make it 15-12, which Silverton again converted to make it a one-point game 15-14.

However, time was not on the soldiers’ side forcing them to settle for second

place.

The GDF ‘A’ team clinched the third-place game and $300,000 after beating Panthers 10-5, with both of

their tries coming from Lurex Stewart.

Panthers Rashaan Dathorne-Howell scored their lone try. The tournament

was also used to help select the team for the country’s participation at the upcoming Rugby Americas North 7s tournament

he nears selection of the national team.

Mangal, Deo cop titles at Banks Beer Cup Golf Tournament 2025

THE Lusignan Golf Club came alive on Sunday, November 9, 2025, as it hosted the highly anticipated Banks Beer Cup Golf Tour-

nament, attracting 52 passionate golfers from across the country. Despite persistent rain that forced play to be reduced

to nine holes, the event was filled with excitement, determination, and camaraderie on the greens. Mike Mangal emerged as

the overall champion, capturing the Banks Beer Cup 2025 title with an impressive gross score of 35, handicap 8, and net 31. His steady form and

resilience through the wet conditions earned him top honours for the day.

Feroze Barkat followed closely in second place with a gross of 36, handicap 8, and net 32, while Raj Misir took third with gross 45, handicap 22, and net 34.

In the ladies division, Joaan Deo produced a consistent round to secure first place, carding a gross of 48, handicap 15, and net 41. Among the seniors, Mark Lashley led the pack with a gross of 47, handicap 26, and net 34.

Special prizes were also presented to Richard Haniff for capturing the Longest Driver, Jaipaul Suknanan who earned Nearest to the Pin (NTP) honours, and Mike Mangal who copped Best Gross Score of the tournament with 35.

Following the day’s play, Banks DIH Communications Executive Sonya Forrester congratulated the winners and reaffirmed the compa-

ny’s commitment to supporting local sport.

“We know that Banks DIH is no stranger to sponsoring sports and sports events.

Our whole aim is about bringing people together. And today, of course, we saw a lot of that excitement as we played on the field and when we came together.

So once again, we are always happy and passionate to support organisations such as these, and as we participated here today, we trust that this work will continue, that your club will continue to thrive and become better and bigger,” Forrester said.

Despite the shortened format, the day ended in high spirits as players and spectators celebrated yet another successful collaboration between Banks DIH and the Lusignan Golf Club, strengthening the company’s tradition of promoting sportsmanship and unity in Guyana.

National Head coach Steven Lewis also arrived in the country to witness the games as

Police Falcons after capturing GDF 60th Anniversary 7s tournament

The winners row

Islamic Solidarity Games...

Edghill slams her way to quarter finals spot

GUYANESE Olympian

Chelsea Edghill on Tuesday battled her way into the quarter finals after two bruising contests in Saudi Arabia as the Islamic Solidary games continued.

Edghill won her round of 16 singles clash against Judith Nangonzi from Uganda to advance to the quarter-finals.

It was a ding-dong affair as the Guyanese star went down in the opening sets 11-8 and 11-9.

She roared back in the next three sets 11-9, 11-9 and 14-12 to make it 3-2.

Judith, won the sixth set 11-9 to make it 3-3 before Edghill battled hard to clinch the 7th set 11-8.

Before that, she claimed her round of 32 singles match up with Maldives Aishath Nazim in a tough contest 4-3.

Edghill won the first set 13-11 but lost the next two sets 11-6 and 11-6, before winning the fourth 11-3 but lost the fifth 12-10.

The Guyanese Olympian would go onto to win the next two sets 11-9 and 11-9 to advance to the round of 16.

She will be in quarter final action later today.

When Jasmine Billingy took to the table, she lost her singles round of 32 contest against Turkiye’s Ece Harac 11-2, 11-4, 11-3 and 11-7.

Meanwhile, Elishaba

Johnson started his singles campaign with a 4-0 sets win over El Hacen Salem from Mauritania in the round of 64.

Johnson would claim the win 11-4, 11-3, 11-1 and 11-3 for a clean sweep of his singles clash.

In the round of 32 he came up against Iran’s Seyedaminhossein Hodaei losing in straight sets 11-2, 11-5, 11-7 and 11-4 bow out.

Shemar Britton loss his round of 32 clash against Saudi Arabia’s Ali Alkhadrawi 4-0.

The country’s top ranked player was blown away as he was beaten 116, 11-6, 11-5 and 11-6.

Islamic Solidarity Games...

…Guyana to face The Bahamas

FIBA Caribbean Championship bounces off today

The 2025 FIBA Women’s Caribbean Championships officially bounce off today at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, marking the tournament’s long-awaited return to Guyana for the first time since 1994.

Making a comeback after

a two-year break, the regional championship opens with Jamaica facing Suriname at 4:30 pm, followed by the home side, Guyana, taking on The Bahamas in the feature game at 8:30 pm. The week-long tournament runs daily from 4:30

p.m. through November 16 and will see five countries— Guyana, The Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Suriname, and Jamaica—compete in a single round-robin format. The top three teams will advance to the 2026 Centrobasket

TURN TO PAGE 33

Tyrrell bows out at 50 metres backstroke semifinal

achieved his best performance in the pool at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to earn a place in the 50 metres backstroke semifinals.

Tyrrell, competing in his pet event, had to settle for 7th place after producing an average swim with a time of 28.06 seconds.

The time was not good enough for a place in the finals with the top 8 advancing as it placed the swimmer 15th overall.

Earlier, Tyrrell who recently switched allegiance from Trinidad and Tobago to Guyana finished fifth in heat 2 of the 50 metres backstroke. He finished in 27.97 seconds to advance to the semifinals a time just shy of his personal best of 26.87 seconds. His time saw him finishing 15th overall of 21 swimmers.

Over the weekend, Tyrrell competing in the 100m backstroke, finished 6th in his heat with a time of 1:03.25,

Delroy Tyrrell

it was below his personal record of 59.38 seconds. His performance placed him 19th overall among the field.

Earlier on Saturday, he swam the 50m butterfly, clocking 26.61 seconds for 8th in his heat and 23rd overall — again just off his best of 25.95 seconds. He followed up with a solid swim in the 50m freestyle, finishing 4th in his heat in 24.97 seconds, narrowly missing his 24.51-second PB and ranking 24th overall out of 41 swimmers.

Elishaba Johnson at Islamic Solidarity Games

DELROY Tyrrell

FIBA Caribbean Championship bounces off today

Captain of the Officers Cricket Team, Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’, Mr Ravindradat Budhram (left) in his office at Eve Leary, along with Superintendent Ronald Alli, vice-captain of the Officers Cricket Team (right) flank Keon Boyce

The team meets with Minister within the Ministry of Sport