Gov’t to capitalise Guyana Development Bank with minimum US$200M
— President Ali announces, confirms new institution will be operational by 2026
PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has announced that the forthcoming Guyana Development Bank will be capitalised with a minimum of US$200 million and is expected to become operational before the end of the first quarter of 2026.
Delivering the feature address at the opening of GuyExpo 2025 on Thursday night, President Ali said the administrative, legal, and regulatory framework for the institution is already being crafted.
He noted that the bank will operate in close integration with commercial banks, with the goal of unlocking greater access to capital.
According to the President, a special incentive regime will be introduced to encourage commercial banks to expand lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), mirroring the incentives offered to banks in the housing sector.
In return, commercial banks will be required to lower interest rates to below four per cent and reduce collateral requirements for SME borrowers.
“The bank will be dynamically in-
tegrated with the commercial banks to leverage and unlock capital. A special incentive regime will be created to support lending to SMEs by the commercial banks, similar to the incentives we give them for housing,” President Ali said.
The Guyana Development Bank will also offer loans with no collateral requirement and a zero per cent interest rate up to a predetermined threshold, which will be unveiled in the 2026 National Budget.
President Ali said the institution will place strong emphasis on supporting agriculture, tourism, services, and other value-creating activities, ultimately generating “tens of thousands of business opportunities.”
“The bank will focus heavily on the agriculture sector, the tourism sector, the services sector — any activity that deals with value creation,” he added.
He further revealed that a new initiative will soon be launched in partnership with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security to convert more than 1,000 women trained under the WIIN programme into entrepreneurs.
He described the forthcoming announcement as a bold, locally designed step toward building prosperity “on Guyana’s own terms.”
Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo
had previously said that the concept of a development bank emerged from years of surveys, consultations, and informal conversations with citizens across the country.
It was within this context, he explained, that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government concluded that a good starting point was ensuring businesses have access to capital.
“We will ensure that the formal banking system is reformed in a way that they can have easier access to capital and a greater margin,” Jagdeo said, adding that government is also working to modernise the wider financial sector.
The government will work with the banking system to develop a range of instruments such as discounting trade invoices to ensure Guyanese can use the banking system to support their businesses.
For those who may not qualify through commercial banks, the new development bank will provide an alternative path to realise national economic opportunities.
Dr Don Gomes completes two major eyecare outreaches across Region Nine
—
Hundreds in remote villages receive first-time vision screening
OPTOMETRIST
Don Gomes has completed two extensive eyecare outreaches to Region Nine (Upper Takutu–Upper Essequibo), where he and a team of local medical professionals travelled into some of the region’s most remote villages, reaching hundreds of residents, many of whom received eyecare for the very first time.
Dr Gomes, licensed (#028), has been practising in Guyana for more than 40 years and operates Schuler & Gomes Optical on Brickdam. His outreach team included six support staff assigned by the Ministry of Health (MoH): driver Joseph Evans of Haiawa; Community Health Worker Natasha Nieueinkirk; Medical Laboratory Technologist Vianney Henry of Aishalton; Medical Technologist Reshaun Bella-
my, who conducted tests such as HbA1c (diabetes), kidney and liver function, thyroid function, lipid profiles and PSAs; and Miss Etwaru, a registered nurse who carried out HPV tests.
He told the Guyana Chronicle that the first outreach exercise began on October 20 and concluded on October 25, 2025. It was a six-day effort focused around Sand Creek and several nearby villages, where a newly constructed hospital served as the primary screening location.
The caretaker of that hospital, Bernard Spencer, ensured the team had the support they needed to carry out the work. Medex Shelly Beresford of Sand Creek Hospital also collaborated closely with Dr Gomes, working late into the night to accommodate every patient.
On one occasion, they examined residents up to 11p.m., made possible through assistance from Michelle George, the head teacher of Karasabai Primary School and its secondary department.
Residents used their MoH-issued healthcare vouchers to receive spectacles and undergo screening. During this outreach, the team visited Sand Creek, Rupunaw, Shiriri, Sawariwau, Katoonarib, Shulinab, Potarinau, Katuur, Baitoo and Parikwarinau.
At Sawariwau and Katoonarib alone, approximately 300 persons in each area had their eyes examined, and several received spectacles.
The team also assessed chronic disease patients and conducted HPV testing. Dr Gomes returned to Georgetown on October 26, having
and medical tests
seen a total of 272 patients during the first outreach.
He expressed deep appreciation for his support team, clinic staff and particularly his daughter, Optometrist Cindy Gomes, who travelled from Canada to assist.
The second outreach took place from November 2 to November 6, 2025. During this second visit, the team travelled to Yurong Paru, Rukumuta, Tiperu, Kariabaicru, Koksebai and the extremely remote Taushida, which required the use of two special four-wheel-drive Hilux vehicles to navigate the rugged terrain.
On November 5, they made their way to Tiger Pond and Kaipang, before concluding the outreach at Karasabai Hospital, where they accessed the operating room.
Dr Gomes said he hopes to return with surgeons to
Dr Don Gomes is himself an optometrist
conduct eye surgeries using the facility. During this second visit, the team saw 112 patients; he spent the night in Lethem before travelling back to Georgetown.
Dr Gomes said both outreaches were successful and that villagers came out early, waited patiently and were grateful for the opportunity to be examined.
He expressed interest in returning to beautify the old windmill in the area, painting and decorating it as a landmark, and also hopes to
A patient who has an eye condition called pterygium is examined by Dr Gomes during the medical outreach to Region Nine
put up a Christmas tree in Karasabai Village.
He noted that one of the most common conditions observed across Region Nine was pterygium, sometimes known as “surfer’s eye,” a non-cancerous growth of the conjunctiva that often extends onto the cornea.
Given the number of patients suffering from this condition, Dr Gomes said it is one of the major reasons he intends to return with a surgical team.
President, Dr Irfaan Ali
‘Wholly erroneous in law’
–– GRA to appeal ruling in Mohamed tax matter
THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Friday said that it will appeal the ruling handed down by the High Court Judge, Gino Persaud in the civil case against United States-sanctioned businessman, Azruddin Mohamed involving a 2020 Lamborghini Roadster SVJ, arguing that a key aspect of the court’s decision is legally unsound.
In its statement, the GRA noted that Justice Persaud delivered his ruling on Friday at a time when the related criminal charges had already been withdrawn.
As a result, the tax authority said the judgment is now “moot and now of academic importance only,” except for one critical issue that the court did not address.
According to the release, “the Honourable Court did not address itself to the issue of fraud regarding submissions supported with evidence made by the Revenue Authority.”
More significantly, the authority took issue with what it described as an “extraordinary pronouncement” by the court regarding the limits of the GRA’s statutory powers.
The statement said the court “proceeded to make an extraordinary pronouncement to the effect that the Revenue Authority has no power to reassess taxes in the circumstances.”
The GRA firmly rejected that conclusion, stating that it is “of the respectful view that this latter pronouncement is wholly erroneous in law and not in line with the relevant provisions of the tax laws of Guyana.”
Given the implications of the ruling, the GRA said it will move to challenge the decision. “In the circumstances, an Appeal will be filed challenging the same,” the release con -
The GRA maintains that this omission leaves a substantive question unresolved, even though the broader matter may be considered academic following the withdrawal of criminal charges.
firmed.
The family initiated judicial review proceedings in the Demerara High Court after the GRA’s demand for the outstanding taxes and the attempted seizure of the vehicles.
The judicial review proceedings challenged the GRA’s tax assessments and seizure attempts, with the Mohameds’ arguing that the actions were unlawful, unfair, and beyond the authority’s legal authority.
Subsequently, the High Court granted an injunction which effectively bars the GRA from seizing the luxury vehicles while the tax evasion case against the Mohameds remains pending.
On Thursday, U.S.-sanctioned businessmen Nazar Mohamed and his son, Azruddin Mohamed — a Member of Parliament and Leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party — appeared to answer multiple tax-related charges before Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
However, when the matter was called, the GRA’s prosecutor informed the court that the agency had decided to fully withdraw and discontinue the charges.
The prosecutor did not provide any reasons for the agency’s decision to withdraw.
The charges were laid by GRA Commissioner-General Godfrey Statia against the duo who are principals of Mohamed’s Enterprise.
In a press statement following the conclusion
of the hearing, the GRA clarified that the charges preceded the U.S. Government’s request for the duo to be extradited to face serious criminal charges in the North American country.
“In light of this extradition request and Government of Guyana’s decision to proceed with the said extradition request, and taking into account all relevant legal principles, including international comity, appropriateness and fairness, these charges were withdrawn and discontinued,” the statement read.
The GRA filed the charges following what it said was a comprehensive audit into Mohamed’s Enterprise’s gold export records. The GRA had accused the men of deliberately failing to disclose the full earnings, resulting in a significant loss of tax revenue to the State.
According to the complaints, Nazar and Azruddin are accused of understating billions of dollars in taxable income from gold exports between 2019 and 2023 — an alleged total of $34 billion in underreported income.
In a letter to Nazar and Azruddin, GRA stated that the unpaid taxes continue to attract interest under the Financial Administration and Audit Act and the Income Tax Act. The GRA said a total of $191,171,975,676 is owed by the Mohameds.
In the meantime, the government has pledged to intensify efforts to recover the taxes owed by the businessmen.
On the morning of Oc-
tober 31, both father and son were taken into custody in Georgetown in connection with the extradition request from the U.S.
During their first appearance before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman, they were each granted $150,000 bail. Conditions of their bail require them to surrender their passports and report weekly to the Ruimveldt Police Station, measures intended to ensure their availability for ongoing legal proceedings.
The father and son have been hit with an 11-count indictment in the U.S. Florida Southern District Court. The pair faces 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.
Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed pictured with their attorneys, Siand Dhurjon and Damien Da Silva (Delano Williams photo)
2025 records lowest crime figures in 10 years –CrimeChief
–– robbery under arms declines across all time blocks
THE Guyana Police Force is closing 2025 with some of its strongest crime-fighting results in ten years, according to a detailed performance review presented by Crime
15 police ranks
charged for serious crimes in 2025 — Crime Chief reveals
CRIME Chief Wendell Blanhum has disclosed that 15 police ranks were charged this year for a range of serious criminal offences, reaffirming the Guyana Police Force’s uncompromising stance on internal accountability.
The figures were released during his presentation at the GPF’s Christmas policing launch on Friday, where he underscored that the organisation will not shield any member who breaches the law or betrays the public trust.
According to Blanhum, the charged ranks were implicated in offences that span the most severe categories, including one charge for murder and eight separate charges for rape.
He noted that two ranks were charged for robbery under arms and another for robbery with aggravation, signalling that rogue behaviour within the force is being confronted head-on.
The Crime Chief also highlighted that one rank was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, while two others faced charges related to trafficking in narcotics.
Blanhum said the GPF continues to enforce strict professional standards across all divisions and that every allegation against a police rank is investigated with the same level of rigour applied to civilians.
He added that the force’s leadership is committed to cleansing its ranks of individuals who compromise the integrity of policing, especially at a time when public confidence is vital to crime-fighting success.
He alluded to the fact that the force’s internal systems have become more robust and more willing to act swiftly when officers are found in breach.
Chief Wendell Blanhum during the GPF’s Christmas Policing Launch on Friday.
The statistics show sweeping improvements across key crime categories, unprecedented drug seizures, and a notable rise in cybercrime convictions, clear indicators, Blanhum said, of a more agile and intelligence-driven policing strategy.
Blanhum reported that cybercrime enforcement saw significant movement this year, with 50 cases recorded in 2025 compared to 23 in 2024.
Convictions also doubled, moving from six last year to 12 this year. The surge reflects both improved detection and more technical investigative capacity within the Force. Drug enforcement also showed a dramatic shift. The GPF seized 233 kilogrammes of cocaine in 2025, a sharp contrast to the mere six kilogrammes seized in 2024.
Cannabis-related charges also increased, with 244 persons charged this year, compared to 227 in 2024. Additionally, cocaine-possession charges rose from 38 persons in 2024 to 58 in 2025.
Beyond narcotics and cybercrime, the GPF recorded broad improvements in overall crime suppression.
Blanhum confirmed that serious crimes dropped to 801 reports this year, 269 fewer than the 1,070 recorded in 2024.
He highlighted that 2025 now stands as the year with the lowest serious-crime figures in the last decade.
Robbery also reached a historic low. Blanhum explained that 2025 recorded the lowest frequency of robberies in ten years, with 270 cases logged, compared to the decade-high of 1,237 cases reported in 2017.
Similarly, break-andenter and larceny cases fell to 190 this year, the lowest level in ten years and a stark contrast to the 1,287 cases recorded at the height of the trend.
ROBBERY UNDER ARMS DECLINES ACROSS ALL TIME BLOCKS
He also reported significant declines in robbery under arms across every major time period, highlighting what he described as the Force’s “optimal deployment” strategy for the Christmas season.
According to the comparative data for 2024 and 2025, the most notable drop was recorded between 6:01 p.m. and midnight, where incidents fell from 174 last year to
111 this year.
Blanhum said this period has historically been the most vulnerable window, and the reduction demonstrates the impact of intensified evening patrols and smarter zoning of high-risk corridors.
He described the shift as a clear indicator that “resources are being allocated exactly where they are needed.”
The late-night period between midnight and 6:00 a.m. also showed improvement, moving from 56 cases in 2024 to 49 in 2025.
Blanhum noted that enhanced mobile patrols and strengthened coordination across divisions contributed to this steady decline.
Morning incidents between 6:01 a.m. and noon were reduced from 39 last year to 22 this year, a change he attributed to earlier deployments and greater police presence in busy commercial zones as businesses open for the day.
Perhaps the most striking development was seen during the afternoon period between 12:01 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., where reports fell dramatically from 52 cases in 2024 to only four this year.
Blanhum said this sharp decline reflects the success of intelligence-led policing, real-time CCTV
According to the comparative data for 2024 and 2025, the most notable drop was recorded between 6:01 p.m. and midnight, where incidents fell from 174 last year to 111 this year (Delano Williams photo)
monitoring and proactive targeting of known motorcycle-based offenders who traditionally operate during the day.
Overall, the Crime Chief said the Force’s approach has become more precise, more responsive and more deeply informed by real-time data.
He stressed that as the festive season approaches, the GPF will further strengthen its posture through heightened patrols, increased visibility, and a sustained emphasis
on rapid response. According to Blanhum, the Force is committed to maintaining this downward trajectory as the Christmas period, one of the busiest and highest-traffic times of the year, gets underway.
He explained that these numbers prove that the GPF strategic deployments are working and the force intends to keep refining and reinforcing them to protect citizens during the holiday season and beyond.
Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum
Defining choice on gas
stands at a pivotal moment in its modern economic history.
President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s declaration that the country must make a firm decision on the monetisation of its natural-gas reserves before 2030 is not merely a policy statement, it is a call to national responsibility.
The message delivered at the Berbice Development Summit was unmistakable: the era of hesitation is over.
For years, the debate around how Guyana should use its gas resources has unfolded in fits and starts, often overshadowed by the rapid rise of oil production.
But as global energy markets shift and the world accelerates towards lower-carbon systems, delay carries a price.
The President’s appeal reflects a deeper reality: Guyana cannot afford to treat natural gas as a footnote in its development plans.
Decisions made in the coming years will
influence not just energy costs, but the structure of the national economy for generations.
The administration’s current evaluation of various gas-use models signals an effort to strike the right balance, ensuring that investment decisions today translate into broad, long-term gains.
From job creation and industrial expansion to sustainability and regional competitiveness, natural gas offers opportunities that extend far beyond power generation.
The vision articulated by the President, that “every molecule of gas” must contribute to economic diversification, captures the essence of this broader ambition.
Indeed, ongoing national projects demonstrate that Guyana is already laying the groundwork.
The gas-to-energy pipeline at Wales, along with the accompanying industrial park and downstream facilities, represents more
than infrastructure.
These are the foundations of a future in which manufacturing, agro-processing, fertiliser production, and other gas-dependent industries can flourish.
A 50 per cent reduction in electricity costs, as projected under the initiative, would be transformative for households and businesses alike.
But the urgency the President emphasised must not be overlooked. In a world racing to secure stable, integrated and lower-emission energy systems, indecision can be costly.
Countries that move swiftly and strategically are better positioned to attract investment and carve out durable economic advantages.
For Guyana, delaying key choices risks forfeiting opportunities that may not come around again.
This discussion should rise above politi-
cal fault lines. The development of Guyana’s gas resources is not about which administration takes credit, but about how the country positions itself for the next 50 years.
The President’s insistence that he will not leave this decision for a future government underscores the weight of the moment, and the recognition that leadership requires making difficult calls.
Natural gas is more than a transitional fuel in the global context; for Guyana, it is a bridge to a diversified, resilient and competitive economy. The legacy we build now will be judged not by the abundance of our resources, but by the wisdom with which we choose to harness them.
The time for clarity is here.
The question before the nation is not simply how to use its gas, but what kind of economy, and what kind of future, it seeks to create.
SounDown Festival returns December 6
THE Marriott Beachfront is set to transform into a hub of Caribbean entertainment on Saturday, December 6, 2025, as SounDown, Guyana’s premier beachfront electronic music festival, returns for its second edition.
Running for 11 uninterrupted hours from 15:00 hours to 02:00 hours, the festival will feature a powerhouse international lineup headlined by global electronic music stars Dannic and Walshy Fire. Dutch DJ and producer Dannic, known for hits such as “Clobber” and “Feel Your Love,” will make his Guyana debut. With a celebrated career under Revealed Recordings and a long history of collaboration with Hardwell, his performance is expected to be one of the festival’s major draws.
Joining him is Walshy
Fire, the internationally acclaimed member of Major Lazer, revered for blending Caribbean rhythms with modern electronic production. A pioneer of the dancehall-electronic fusion movement, Walshy Fire’s influence stretches across the global bass and afrobeat scenes.
The global lineup continues with Le Prince of the Netherlands, the
creator of the innovative Reggatronic genre — a fusion of reggae and electronic soundscapes — and known for collaborations with Timmy Trumpet and Ran-D. Also slated to perform are New York’s rising electronic artiste, Helang, Surinamese DJ-producer Oefmeister, and Caribbean talents, Tariq Dakhil and Kimber,
representing a growing regional electronic music wave.
For its second year, organisers have significantly enhanced the festival’s scale and technical production. Upgraded lighting systems, pyrotechnics, and stage engineering aim to deliver a world-class visual and sonic experience, mirroring standards found at major festivals abroad.
The expanded festival grounds will offer more than music. Attendees can explore curated art installations, an enlarged food district featuring Guyanese and international cuisine, live art demonstrations, wellness zones, and interactive sponsor activations.
Coke Studio returns as the headline entertainment partner, strengthening ties between global creative movements and Guyana’s emerging artistic scene.
“This festival demonstrates Guyana’s readiness to compete on international creative platforms,” said
Tariq Dakhil, founder of BPM Guyana. “Following Storm25’s success and our inaugural year’s reception, we’re building something with lasting cultural significance.”
SounDown launched in 2024 with a sold-out crowd of 800 at the Marriott terrace, signalling strong public appetite for major music events. Its 2025 return follows the success of August’s Storm25 event, which featured international artiste, Darude, positioning SounDown as Guyana’s flagship annual music festival.
This year’s edition is supported by a range of partners including Coke Studio, Enet, Impressions Design, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, and Jewelz Hotel, all contributing to the festival’s expanding infrastructure and reach.
FESTIVAL WITH A CAUSE
Underscoring its commitment to social responsibility, SounDown has formalised a partnership with Fureva Hope Alive Animal Rescue.
A percentage of all ticket sales will support the organisation’s rescue and welfare operations, allowing attendees to contribute to a community cause while enjoying the festival.
TICKETS AND UPDATES
Festival updates are available via @bpmguyana on Instagram. Tickets can be purchased on Potsalt Events, TicketGateway, and EventBrite.
SounDown 2025 promises to elevate Guyana’s entertainment landscape once again, merging global talent, regional culture, and social impact against the backdrop of the nation’s beachfront skyline.
GUYANA
Dutch DJ and producer, Dannic
Walshy Fire
Explanations, obligations and apologies
I GOT a few emails yesterday morning (Friday) about my article, in which I contended that public figures have the obligation to explain things to people who believe in them or want to believe in them and they must accept the need to apologise to those people when they mislead them.
Unfortunately, because of space, I only offered five examples despite saying that the examples could run into a book-length manuscript. My column was titled, “Two missing instincts in Guyana – explanation and apology.” So, a couple of readers found it interesting and asked me to fill the gaps in the ongoing evolution of Guyana’s current history.
I did say in my piece yesterday that this area is so wide it would not hold in the Atlantic Ocean. I said yesterday, I don’t know where to begin. I still don’t know where to begin. Perhaps I can start with David Hinds, then go on to Clive Thomas, then to David Granger, then to so many others. Each day, Hinds starts his podcast with a direct address to African Guyanese.
Hinds has been doing this for five years now. If you came from another planet, you would not know that Hinds was part of state power. His party had state power and he was employed by the state. The people who listen to Hinds have to be congenital fools because none of them has ever asked him to explain the contents of his APNU+AFC government from 2015-2020.
Hinds has not once in 5 years devoted at least one podcast to analysing the pitfalls of his government and the flaws and faults of the PNC, WPA and AFC folks that wielded power from 2015-2020. In those five years, Hinds has not missed one moment in telling us how bad the PPP boys and girls were who had power from 2020.
It is an inexcusable action from Hinds for which his viewers should make demands on him. What Hinds (I will come to Thomas and others below) is doing is leaving huge gaps in Guyana’s history. One of the former leaders of the WPA who had state power in the APNU+AFC government is Dr. Maurice Odle. He has met his obligation to the Guyanese people.
He authored his memoir in which he devoted two chapters to examining the performance of the APNU+AFC regime, in which some sharp condemnations are expressed. To date, only Odle has demonstrated obligation. The other person is Dominic Gaskin, who appeared three times on the Freddie Kissoon Show and elaborated on the wrong
directions of the government he was part of.
Let’s offer you a huge and patent example of the lack of obligation in politicians in this land. I invited the current acting leader of the AFC, David Patterson, two years ago to be my guest on the Freddie Kissoon Show. He accepted on one condition. I must not ask a question on the episode where, in May 2015, when the AFC was selecting its ministers, it called a non-political person and a complete stranger to politics and the AFC and offered her the portfolio of Minister of Environment.
What more graphic example do you want of the lack of obligation in Guyanese politics? Patterson was lucid and crystal clear – he did not see the need for him to offer an explanation to the Guyanese people on that abnormality. But the same Patterson as the days and weeks and months pass on, we will hear his demands for explanations from the government.
We don’t see the Odle/Gaskin mentality in Granger and none of the others who ran Guyana from 2015 to 2020. Granger has a podcast called “The National Interest”, and absent is any discussion of his presidency. So why does Granger do The National Interest? Because he wants to speak to the Guyanese people in the hope that they will listen to him and accept what he is telling them.
But why does Granger feel there isn’t a mountain of curiosities the Guyanese people have about his five-year-old presidency and would like him to explain? Two curiosities I know people are interested in – why the amendment to the legislation regarding the use of marijuana was not enacted and secondly, even though as president he agreed to a national recount of the 2020 election ballots, his own party rejected his position and asked the court to rule against Granger himself.
Finally, since 2020, Clive Thomas has been writing a weekly column in the Stabroek News. Not one of those columns, even in one paragraph, ever touched on the APNU+AFC government.
Thomas has stopped writing his column and Guyana’s historiography will be poorer because of his disinclination to explain things to the Guyanese nation.
Sadly, Guyanese will never know about these things.
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.
‘You will lose your business’
—President Ali warns of imminent crackdown on gold smugglers
—says
overhaul of systems to ensure ‘leakages’
VOWING that his government will pursue and shut down delinquent operators who continue to exploit state incentives while failing to declare their gold, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Thursday, signalled an imminent crackdown on rogue elements in the gold-mining sector.
Speaking at the opening of GuyExpo 2025, the Head of State underscored that miners and operators must understand that compliance with the law is not optional.
“I want those who enjoy the benefits of the incentives we have given for gold mining, those who still are not complying with the declaration — we are going to come after you hard and strong. We will find you, and you will lose your business,” the President warned.
According to the Min -
istry of Finance’s mid-year report, gold declaration is up by 10.9 percent this year, but Dr. Ali stressed that this remains below the government’s expectations. He emphasised that miners who profit from the sector have a legal responsibility to accurately declare their gold, reminding them that this duty is “not by choice, but by law.”
“You are reaping the benefits from this sector. You have a responsibility to declare your gold,” he said.
The President added that 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, he noted, stole more than $190 billion from the
Guyanese economy.
“Our system must be locked in, must be protected, and must be designed to ensure those leakages are removed,” he said. He added that the stolen revenues could have significantly expanded national programmes, including support for small businesses and cash grants.
Dr. Ali’s comments came on the heels of the U.S. government extradition request for father and son duo, Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed.
The Mohameds are the subject of an indictment unsealed on October 6, 2025, by a U.S. Grand Jury in the Southern District of Florida, charging them with multiple offences, including wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, aiding and abetting, and customs-related violations
are removed
linked to an alleged US$50 million gold export and tax evasion scheme.
The indictment alleges that between 2017 and June 2024, the accused conspired to defraud the Government of Guyana by evading export taxes and royalties on
over 10,000 kilograms of gold, using falsified customs declarations and re-used export seals to disguise unpaid duties.
The indictment also references “the attempted shipment of US$5.3 million in undeclared gold seized at
Miami International Airport, and the alleged under-invoicing of a luxury vehicle valued at over US$680,000.”
In June 2024, the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned the Mohameds and Mohamed’s Enterprise for alleged tax evasion, trade-based money-laundering, and gold smuggling.
In March 2025, the Guyanese Government received a comprehensive dossier of evidence from U.S. authorities under mutual legal assistance arrangements.
The documents reportedly contained evidence of falsified customs declarations, gold export irregularities and undeclared shipments seized in Miami.
‘We must get results, productivity for investments being made’
President Ali warns GuySuCo heads of impending shake up, cites sugar industry’s slow progress towards targets
PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has, again, issued a stern warning to the leadership of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), signalling that a shake-up in the management structure may be imminent as the industry continues to fall short of its production targets.
Speaking at the opening of GuyExpo 2025 on Thursday evening, President Ali said that although the sector has shown signs of revival after years of economic decline under the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) administration, the pace of progress remains below the expectations of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic government.
“We are seeing signs of recovery, [but] not at the pace at which we want that recovery,” he said, adding:
“Let me be very clear, if the managers in GuySuCo can’t deliver to us next year from the investment we are putting in, we will have to
find a new management system to give us the type of results that we are investing to get.”
According to the Ministry of Finance’s mid-year report, the sugar-growing industry is estimated to have expanded by 136.7 per cent, compared with the first half of last year.
GuySuCo produced 15,954 tonnes of sugar in the first crop of this year, up from 6,739 tonnes over the same period in 2024.
“There is no shortcut. I want to be clear, as your President, we must get the results we’re investing in. We must get the productivity we’re investing in,” Dr Ali emphasised.
GuySuCo reported that the first half of the year posed several challenges, including heavy rainfall that disrupted harvesting and factory operations, labour shortages, and reduced cane quality.
While acknowledging that “sugar is not yet out of the woods,” President Ali signalled that a major boost is on the horizon, with local
and international investors set to partner on a new sugar refinery.
“I’m very pleased to learn of a partnership that will see local and international investors coming together and investing in a sugar refinery here in Guyana, and that project is a mark to be announced before the end of this year,” he said.
Earlier this year, the President outlined plans to leverage GuySuCo’s existing human capital, land assets, and technology to reimagine the corporation as a hub for rural development.
He noted that GuySuCo’s extensive arable lands and infrastructure could support cultivation of other crops such as rice, corn, and cassava, further diversifying the industry and increasing revenue streams.
Significant investments have already been channelled into mechanisation across several sugar estates, and efforts are underway to move beyond bulk exports into higher-value production.
Georgetown rescue plan is ‘urgent, results-driven’
— Minister McCoy responds to SN editorial
MINISTER in the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, has defended the government’s decisive intervention in the state of the capital city, saying Georgetown has suffered too long under municipal stagnation and that the central government will not allow “small-minded politics” to obstruct the city’s transformation.
Responding to a Stabroek News editorial titled “Petty politics” published on Friday, McCoy said the concerns highlighted about the city’s deterioration are not new, but the time of waiting is over.
Underlining what he described as the administration’s national mandate for urgent action, McCoy said the government remains laser-focused on modernising the capital, in line with President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s transformative agenda.
“Our mandate is clear: to build all of Guyana for the future, to raise the standards of living of all of our people and to ensure that Georgetown, the seat of government and the country’s principal urban centre, is restored, revitalised and re-imagined to reflect Guyana’s ambition and potential,” the minister stated.
He acknowledged the city’s long-standing weaknesses such as flooding, collapsing drains, ageing infrastructure and structural decay, but argued that the government cannot allow traditional political patterns to delay critical interventions.
“RESPONSIVENESS, NOT POLITICAL GAMESMANSHIP”
McCoy rejected any suggestion that government’s involvement is politically motivated, insisting instead that the administration is moving with clear intentions and measurable timelines.
He pointed to the establishment of the multi-agency Georgetown Drainage
Development team and a new partnership with the UK-based King’s Foundation as evidence of practical, results-oriented action.
“We are not interested in mere rhetoric; we are interested in results. And results demand a break from the status quo of decades of under-performance, of successive city councils and municipal authorities that have lacked the vision, capacity or willpower to respond to basic and more so, growing demand.… while residents continue to suffer,” Minister McCoy said.
He was critical of the Georgetown City Council under Mayor Alfred Mentore, noting that after years of poor delivery, residents have grown frustrated with “back-and-forth, defensive postures, blame-shifting and municipal politics that prioritise power and control over service delivery.”
Citing the editorial’s description of “piddling local authorities,” McCoy said this reflected the widely held public sentiment about City Hall’s performance.
The minister stressed that the government’s move is not about undermining the municipal body, but about meeting the urgent needs of citizens who have endured inaction for too long.
“This intervention is not about undermining municipal government. It is about ensuring citizens’ needs are served efficiently, professionally and transparently,” he said.
McCoy explained that City Hall’s technical officers, including the City Engineer and Director of Solid Waste Management, have already been integrated into the national task force to ensure institutional knowledge remains part of the process.
He also noted that the transformation plan includes wide stakeholder consultation involving the private sector, community groups, heritage bodies and municipal staff.
“This is inclusive governance in action. President Ali has demonstrated a commitment to inclusive governance across every national sector. The opportunities for meaningful participation in the Georgetown revival plan remain wide open,” McCoy stressed while adding that Mayor Mentore and all councillors are welcome at the table, but only if their engagement is grounded in civic duty rather than political theatre.
“There is no room for the tired political tactics of hugging power, obstructing progress or staging manoeuvres that prioritise political antics over people’s welfare,” he warned.
Assuring residents that tangible improvements are imminent, the minister said technical studies have begun, contracts will soon be awarded and major works will follow.
“You are done waiting. You are done with the political games of City Hall,” McCoy said. “Our rescue plan is not a stunt; it is a sober, urgent and results-driven intervention mandated by you, the people.”
McCoy said the government intends to measure its intervention by real-world impact: upgraded streets, cleared canals, restored green spaces, improved mobility, better parking and overall upliftment of Georgetown’s quality of life.
“The days of small-minded municipal politics at the expense of residents are over,” he asserted. “Georgetown will be transformed.”
He reiterated that all credible stakeholders are invited to be part of the process—but the government will not slow down.
“We will measure ourselves by how many streets are upgraded… how modern the city becomes… and ultimately how well it improves the standard of living for you and your families.”
Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy
‘My blood was always green’
—Terrence Campbell comes clean on PNC/R membership after weeks of denial
AFTER publicly battering Aubrey Norton’s leadership, positioning himself as a neutral coalition interlocutor, and insisting repeatedly that he has never been affiliated with any political party, Terrence Campbell, on Friday, admitted that he is, in fact, a member of the People’s National Congress/ Reform (PNC/R).
Campbell’s disclosure came during a party press conference on Friday, conspicuously missing A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Chairman and PNC/R Leader, Aubrey Norton, whose absence has intensified speculation about deepening fractures within the party’s leadership structure.
For weeks, former and
current party insiders have accused Norton of unilaterally selecting the APNU’s parliamentary group, with some suggesting that Campbell was “foisted” onto the party.
Throughout that period, Campbell deflected questions about his affiliation, but on Friday confirmed he is now a “full-fledged member.”
“My blood was always
green. I went to Bishops’ High School and it’s greener now that I’m a member of the PNC,” he said.
Pressed further on when he joined, he repeatedly described the membership date as an “internal” party matter and claimed he could not recall the exact date, only that it was “a while ago.”
He rejected suggestions that withholding the date is an attempt to avoid criticism as a newcomer amid growing speculation that he may be harbouring leadership ambitions.
When asked directly by the Guyana Chronicle whether he would consider contesting for the party’s leadership if nominated, Campbell insisted that such aspirations were “hardly” his focus, saying his priority is to transform the PNC/R into a more “vigorous” opposition.
“I’m not focused on leadership at this point,” he said.
Amid persistent anxieties about leadership, division, and the party’s direction, PNC/R member Ganesh Mahipaul, seated beside Campbell, also refused to say when the party’s next Biennial Congress
would be held, describing it as another matter “internal to the PNC/R.”
Campbell is a former member of A New and United Guyana (ANUG) and once threatened to “break the hands” of the APNU Chairman during coalition negotiations. He is now the lead APNU parliamentarian.
Although previously believed to be aligned with the Alliance For Change (AFC) during coalition talks, Campbell ultimately appeared on APNU’s nomination list. He had served as an interlocutor between the AFC and APNU during attempts to revive the coalition, and only last year publicly lambasted Norton’s leadership, calling the opposition coalition process “untenable.”
Following a crushing defeat at the September 1 General and Regional Elections and being stripped of its opposition status, Norton stayed on as Leader of the PNC/R and Chairman of APNU but declined to join the parliamentary team.
Norton has been accused of excluding the Central Executive Committee (CEC)
and unilaterally handpicking the incoming parliamentary lineup and bypassing the procedural requirements. Since he acceded to the Leader of the PNC/R and APNU in 2020, Norton has come in for severe criticism for his leadership style, which resulted in several heavyweights resigning from the party.
APNU took a hit at the September 1 General and Regional Elections as the party only secured 12 seats in parliament, losing its position as the main opposition.
School Feeding Programme under comprehensive review —MinisterParag
THE Ministry of Education has initiated a full-scale review of the National School Feeding Programme as part of a wider push to strengthen nutrition delivery and enhance the programme’s long-term impact on learners across Guyana.
Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, in a statement on Friday, said the reassessment is aimed squarely at ensuring the initiative remains robust, accountable and aligned with the nutritional standards required to support student growth and well-being.
“Assuming office in September, I had a sit down with the School Feeding Unit to ascertain the daily operations of the programme and how we can improve it to create the impact that we want,” Minister Parag noted, underscoring that the review is both operational and strategic.
The Ministry has also
engaged the Carnegie School of Home Economics to overhaul and strengthen the existing menu, with a specific focus on boosting nutritional value and consistency in meal preparation.
At the same time, Minister Parag made it clear that concerns raised by the public including issues highlighted on social media will not be ignored.
All complaints, she said, will be addressed “with urgency and fairness,” as the Ministry moves to reinforce quality control and accountability measures.
“There will be no compromise when it comes to ensuring the health and well-being of our children,” the Education Minister stressed, reaffirming the Ministry’s readiness to work with suppliers and partners who meet the required standards.
Headteachers have also been reminded of their su-
pervisory responsibility to report issues immediately to the Ministry, as they serve as the first line of oversight to guarantee the programme’s continued success.
The national review forms part of the Ministry’s broader commitment to advancing child nutrition, strengthening school performance and ensuring that every learner benefits from a safe, healthy and reliable feeding system.
Lead APNU Parliamentarian, Terrence Campbell
Minister of Education
Sonia Parag
Guyana showcases President Ali’s SouthSouth climate leadership at COP30
(Belém, Brazil) GUYANA underscored its global climate leadership and President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s bold vision for a new model of South–South co-operation during a high-level panel organised by the Climate Collective Foundation and the UNFCCC Global Innovation Hub at COP30.
The discussion, “Unlocking South–South Col-
globally recognised model that integrates economic transformation, forest conservation, community development, renewable energy, and nature-based solutions.
Since launching the LCDS, Guyana has kept over 18 million hectares of forests standing, storing 19.5 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents, and has pioneered one of the world’s first jurisdictional
can reduce technology costs, ensure climate solutions are appropriate for tropical and developing regions, and create new markets driven by southern innovators.
Bholanath emphasised that President Ali’s vision explicitly prioritises such co-operation—whether through technology transfer, scientific partnerships, biodiversity valuation, or investments in
laboration for Climate Solutions,” explored how developing countries can work more strategically together to advance climate technologies, mobilise innovation, and accelerate low-carbon growth.
Representing Guyana, Pradeepa Bholanath carried a message strongly rooted in President Ali’s longstanding position: countries of the Global South must become co-architects—not just recipients—of climate solutions.
She emphasised that Guyana’s climate pathway is grounded in the conviction that developing nations have unique knowledge systems, technological potential, and environmental assets that can drive global progress when connected through purposeful collaboration.
Guyana showcased its track record as one of the most successful climate-action countries in the world. Under President Ali’s leadership, Guyana continues to implement the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 (LCDS 2030)—a
REDD+ programmes.
Through the Guyana–Hess agreement, Guyana became the first country to monetise high-integrity forest carbon at scale, unlocking resources that directly support Indigenous communities, biodiversity protection, climate-resilient livelihoods and national adaptation priorities.
In her remarks, Bholanath highlighted that Guyana’s climate achievements are not only national successes—they are proof of what the Global South can deliver when equipped with fair access to finance, markets, and technology.
She pointed to Guyana’s rapid progress in forest monitoring, digital MRV systems, nature-based climate services, and early investments in renewable energy and grid expansion as examples of solutions that could be shared with other developing countries.
The panel explored the business case for deeper South–South engagement, with speakers noting that collaboration across the Global South
each other’s transitions, and collectively influence global finance and policy systems.
Guyana reiterated that South–South collaboration is not optional—it is essential for achieving global climate goals.
Guided by President Ali’s vision and propelled by its achievements under LCDS 2030, Guyana intends to remain a leading voice for climate justice, innovation, and equitable co-operation across Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the wider developing world.
climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy infrastructure.
Speakers also acknowledged the real barriers that impede collaboration, including fragmented financing mechanisms, limited visibility of innovations across regions, and the absence of structured platforms for testing and scaling technologies.
Bholanath noted that these obstacles frequently prevent developing countries from accessing the technologies they need, even when similar solutions are thriving in other parts of the Global South.
Looking ahead, Guyana highlighted steps it is taking in the near term to expand South–South exchanges—including renewable-energy partnerships, forest and biodiversity co-operation, digital innovation pilots, and strengthened collaboration through regional blocs.
These actions reflect President Ali’s commitment to building a global climate architecture where developing nations share solutions, support
The panel explored the business case for deeper South–South engagement, with speakers noting that collaboration across the Global South can reduce technology costs, ensure climate solutions are appropriate for tropical and developing regions, and create new markets driven by southern innovators
GPF rolls out Christmas Policing Plan
—with heightened security, 24-hour presence on Christmas Eve, Old Year’s Night
THE Guyana Police Force on Friday launched its Annual Christmas Policing Plans, signalling the start of an intensified, countrywide security posture that will run from November 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026.
The ceremony was held at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe and brought together the Force’s top brass, commanders, and operational heads as they outlined measures to safeguard citizens during the
busiest period of the year.
Delivering remarks, Deputy Commissioner (Administration) Ravindradat Budhram told the gathering that the GPF’s steady progress over the years provides confidence that both citizens and visitors will enjoy a safe festive season.
He emphasised that public safety remains paramount, but achieving it requires a collective, community-driven effort, echoing sentiments
previously expressed by Deputy Commissioner and Commander of Regional Division 4’A’ Simon McBean.
Budhram underscored that ongoing partnerships between communities and the Police Force have already contributed to a marked reduction in serious crimes, and he encouraged continued cooperation throughout the holidays.
Senior officers then outlined their operational blue-
The Guyana Police Force on Friday launched its Annual Christmas Policing Plans, signalling the start of an intensified, countrywide security posture that will run from November 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026 (Delano Williams photos)
print for the next two months. Deputy Commissioner (Law Enforcement) Wendell Blanhum, Commander McBean, and Traffic Chief Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh detailed a suite of enhanced security and traffic management measures intended to support policing efforts across Georgetown and the regions.
These include increased patrols on foot, motorcycle, bicycle and drone surveillance alongside the establishment of police booths in key hotspots.
Officers also highlighted tailored traffic strategies to manage congestion, reduce disturbances, and maintain public order during peak commercial activity.
A core part of this year’s plan is sustained community engagement and social outreach to keep communication channels strong during the holiday period.
Delivering the feature address, Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken linked the Christmas initiative to the broader strategic plan of the Force for 2022–2026.
He said ongoing partnerships have helped bridge the gap between police ranks and the public and noted that the Force has made significant headway in strengthening those relationships.
Hicken directed com -
manders to ensure that conversations during their outreach activities highlight both traffic and crime prevention, arguing that the country’s rapid development demands smarter use of resources and more proactive policing.
The Commissioner also pointed to the Force’s academic transformation, praising the growing number of officers pursuing higher education.
“This is the first time ever in the history of the Guyana Police Force that the officers are this qualified,” he said, crediting the Government of Guyana’s GOAL scholarship programme, the University of Guyana, and several MOUs and MOAs with regional and international universities for enabling officers to build contemporary policing capacity.
Hicken further announced that police presence across every region will remain at full strength 24 hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. He assured that citizens should feel free from fear of crime during the season, as the Force will maintain heightened visibility nationwide.
“Crime and traffic are the hallmark of the Guyana Police Force. And so, we will ensure we are on top of crime and on top of traffic,” Hicken said.
Securing The Harvest: How Crop insurance gives Guyanese rice farmers long-awaited protection
By Naomi Parris
FOR countless rice farmers across Guyana, every rooted stalk carries a risk, with climate change intensifying droughts, floods and erratic weather patterns that are no longer occasional challenges, but now constant companions.
But though uncertainty looms, farmers for the time now have access to crop insurance, providing them with hope and a sense of security to keep planting.
“This insurance is a parametric insurance; this basically means that this insurance is [based] on weather parameters, mainly excess rainfall and drought conditions. This insurance will rely solely on the amount of rainfall or the lack thereof in order to provide payout to farmers, explained Travis Pilgrim, an extension supervisor at the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle.
Launched in July, through a collaboration among the Ministry of Agriculture, UPL Costa Rica, Philip Morris International, and the GRDB, the initiative comes at a time when farmers need it most, having faced increasingly unpredictable conditions in recent years.
Guyana typically experiences two wet seasons and two dry seasons because of its equatorial location, a longer wet season from May to June, and a shorter one from late November to January. But recent reports from the Hydrometeorological Service show extended dry periods resembling droughts, and in other cases, intense rainfall that has caused widespread flooding.
“This crop insurance comes at a time in Guyana when farmers would most benefit from it because with these unpredictable conditions, farmers would now have this sense of security that they have an insurance that if the worstcase scenario comes and they have excess rainfall or dry conditions, they would be able to feel secure knowing that their crop on the ground is insured. And this comes at no cost to the farmers,” Pilgrim said.
BUT HOW DOES IT WORK?
To date, over 4,000 rice
farmers have registered for the insurance, representing about 80 per cent of the country’s rice-farming population. Pilgrim noted that registration will be continuous for each crop cycle.
Ten new weather stations will be installed across major rice-growing regions and integrated with the existing Hydromet network, creating a more accurate and comprehensive weather-monitoring system.
The data collected will determine whether a region has experienced rainfall outside of the normal threshold. If so, farmers in that area will be eligible for payouts to help them return to their fields.
“There is a sense of comfort now,” said Amernuth Kiraitpal, a rice and cattle farmer from Mahaica, as he recalled the severe flooding in 2021.
“Farmers in general would have suffered tremendously in either way when it went beyond its average. In many cases, many farmers would have been losing crops to flood or drought and with no help coming from any insurance around them time. It was a tremendous challenge for farmers to get back into the new crop.”
At the start of each registration period, extension officers visit farming regions to conduct outreaches and collect basic bio-data, including banking information.
Once there is verified loss due to drought or flood, payouts are triggered and deposited directly into farmers’ bank accounts.
“As farmers, we have to go back to the crop. We are hoping that we can go back to the crop and bring through the crop without having to interfere with the
insurance, but the guarantee of going into the crop, or the comfort of going into the crop knowing that the insurance is with us this time … it’s a boost for me and my farms,” Kiraitpal added.
NEW TARGETS
Despite climate pressures and recent global gluts in the rice market, Guyana continues to re -
cord strong production gains.
The country is set to produce 820,000 metric tonnes of rice.
Rice farmers in Guyana are now preparing for a new sowing season for the first crop of 2026 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,” Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said.
“This is a very important industry; we not only have to maintain it, but we have to expand it. Our objective
13.9 per cent growth during the first half of 2025. Data from GRDB shows that 410,194 tonnes of rice equivalent were produced between January and June 2025, up from 362,030 tonnes for the same period last year.
Officials attributed the increase largely to favourable weather conditions and consistent yields, with the first crop of 2025 achieving an average of 6.6 tonnes per hectare, the same as in 2024.
The country’s production has seen a steady increase over the past four years. In 2020, the first crop averaged at 5.7 tonnes and by 2024, it had increased to 6.6 tonnes per hectare.
This incremental increase in rice production has been ongoing since 2021, when production was 559,789 tonnes. In 2022, it increased to 610,595 tonnes, and 653,706 tonnes in 2023.
In fact, the sector saw a
Travis Pilgrim, an extension supervisor at Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB)
Amernuth Kiraitpal, a rice and cattle farmer from Mahaica
Gov’t, GGMC intensify clampdown on illegal mining in Ireng
–– as non-nationals detained, equipment seized
THE Government of Guyana has moved to reinforce its zero-tolerance posture on unlawful mining activities, with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) confirming a joint-agency crackdown now underway in the Ireng area.
In a statement on Friday, the GGMC said the multi-agency team is “engaged in a joint-agency operation within the Ireng area to confront unlawful mining and related issues,” a decisive intervention targeting a widening trail of noncompliance in the sector.
According to the release, the operation has already uncovered several illegal mining sites, leading to the seizure of machinery and minerals.
“Several illegal mining operations were identified, resulting in the detention of equipment and minerals in accordance with regulations,” the Commission confirmed.
Authorities also arrested several non-nationals believed to be involved in the illicit activities.
The GGMC said that, “where appropriate, these actions will be followed by recommendations for charges,” signalling the administration’s intent to escalate con-
sequences for persistent offenders.
The Commission made it clear that the enforcement drive is not a one-off initiative but part of a broader, sustained campaign to restore order across mining districts.
“These joint operations will continue as part of the broader effort to reduce noncompliance in the mining sector,” the release stated.
However, the GGMC expressed concern that the issue is being manipulated by some political actors seeking to stoke public sentiment for partisan mileage.
The Commission said it “rejects any effort to politicise enforcement activities that are strictly guided by law, established procedure and the national interest.”
Reaffirming its position, the Government underscored that offenders should expect firm consequences.
“These gross illegalities will be addressed firmly and without exception,” the statement noted, highlighting that all relevant agencies remain fully mobilised “to ensure the law is upheld, offenders are held accountable, and mining operations nationwide adhere to the standards and regulations designed to protect the sector and the country.”
‘This
—McCoy
is our investment in our people’
urges young creators to seize digital training opportunities
THE government’s ongoing investment in human capital remains a central pillar of Guyana’s development agenda, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, affirmed on Friday as he addressed participants of the Guyana Media and Communication Academy’s nine-week intensive videography, video-editing and photography programme.
Speaking during a visit to the training session at the Racquet Centre Boardroom in Georgetown, Minister McCoy said the administration views initiatives like this as tangible proof of the government’s commitment to expanding opportunities, strengthening livelihoods
need for those skills and we have a shortage… a great shortage for these skills,” he noted, citing digital media, data literacy, cybersecurity awareness and social-media management as highgrowth areas.
Minister McCoy also pointed to the real economic value of the Academy’s training, telling participants not to underestimate what they are receiving at no cost.
“Programmes like these… you’d probably be paying US$2,000 or more if you had to sign up in any other part of the world and you won’t even get half of what is being taught here,” he said.
He said this initiative fits within the broader na-
sense of how raw visuals are shaped into a finished story. The room was filled with energy as everyone enjoyed the minister learning, experimenting and laughing along with them.
For the trainees, the interaction reinforced the importance of the programme and the recognition their efforts are receiving.
The training, coordinated by National Training Coordinator Marcia Hope, continues as part of the Guyana Media and Communication Academy’s mandate to build a strong, skilled communications workforce capable of telling Guyana’s story with accuracy, creativity and professionalism.
and equipping citizens to thrive in a modern digital economy.
“For us, this is what it should be in respect to the role we play as a government to provide this type of leadership, where we are investing in people and their education and their future livelihood, careers. That is what it ought to be. That’s how a government can be impactful,” he said.
The minister highlighted that Guyana’s rapid transformation requires a population equipped with the skills demanded by global industries, and the digital landscape in particular.
However, he warned that without strong investment in people, the pace of national development cannot be sustained.
“You can’t really survive today successfully as a country unless you transition fully to becoming a digital society. Your content creation and the data analysis and your social media management, alongside the strong communication, adaptability and critical thinking, are very important,” he told the young creators, media workers and aspiring storytellers who are participating in the programme.
He made it clear that the Government’s investment is not simply about training for training’s sake but about building long-term earning power and expanding the professional marketplace for young Guyanese.
“There is an absolute
tional strategy to uplift Guyanese, through free university opportunities, expanded technical and vocational programmes, digital-readiness initiatives, SME financing reforms and improved access to healthcare and public services.
“All of these things add up. They add up to a value and that’s our investment in our people,” he said.
The minister encouraged participants to maximise the opportunity, reminding them that the country’s development depends on a new generation of thinkers and innovators who are prepared to lead in a more competitive, technologically advanced world.
“Now is the time to buckle up, to use all your energy, all your power. This is the time when it requires our greatest push… to get us to a place where we can say, ‘yes, we have done it’,” he said.
The trainees walked the minister through camera handling, showed him how to balance a three-point lighting setup and guided him through framing a clean shot.
The Minister then stepped into the role of director, calling basic cues, arranging simple movements and getting a feel for managing a shot. After that, he moved into the editing station, where participants introduced him to the fundamentals of video editing.
Minister McCoy clipped footage, explored the timeline and got a practical
Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, joins participants of the Guyana Media and Communication Academy’s nine-week digital media training programme during a visit to the Racquet Centre on Friday
City Health officials shut down illegal daycare operation
THE Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has intensified its public-health enforcement efforts following the discovery of an illegal daycare centre being operated by Spanish-speaking individuals within the city.
Medical Officer of Health, Dr Suzette Reynolds-Marcus and Chief Environmental Health Officer, Abiola Baker, conducted an inspection of the unregistered facility on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Robb Street, Georgetown.
According to the council’s release, the team un -
tain a safe environment for learning and care.”
“We could have uncovered several breaches… unsanitary conditions, poor hygiene standards and the children were clusters in one room, there was one bed. We didn’t see any washroom facilities,” one of the officials said.
The Medical Officer of Health urged anyone currently operating or planning to operate a daycare to engage the relevant authorities, undergo all required inspections and secure the necessary approvals.
The M&CC said it will
Several young children found inside the cramped, makeshift daycare during the M&CC-led inspection. Officials noted severe overcrowding and substandard living conditions.
Exposed electrical panels and hazardous wiring discovered inside the illegal daycare facility
covered “several breaches of health, safety, and operational standards required for childcare services.”
In response, Dr Reynolds-Marcus issued a firm reminder that daycare operators must comply with all legal and public-health requirements before opening their doors to the public.
She stressed that these regulations are not optional, noting that they are designed “to protect children, ensure proper sanitation and main-
continue monitoring daycare establishments across the municipality and take enforcement action where necessary. The council reaffirmed that safeguarding the well-being of children remains a top priority and that unregulated operations will not be tolerated.
“The Georgetown Mayor and City Council will continue to monitor and enforce compliance to safeguard the well-being of all children in the municipality,” the release stated.
Babar ends century drought as Pakistan cruise to series win
(ESPNCRICINFO) - Babar Azam hit his first international century in more than two years, as Pakistan’s senior batters made light work of chasing down the target of 289. Sri Lanka’s middle order had dragged the total to 288 for 8 after they’d lost early wickets.
But on a flat Rawalpindi track, they never looked like defending their score, particularly after their opening bowlers were wayward. Pakistan got home with 10 balls to spare, and eight wickets at their disposal. They have now won the series 2-0, with one match to play.
Babar’s 102 not out off 119 - his 20th ODI ton - was not only significant for ending his international century drought (his last hundred had been in May 2023), but for equaling Saeed Anwar’s record for most ODI hundreds for Pakistan.
He had two ultra productive regions
- through cover and midwicket. Those areas brought him 61 of his runs, and six of his eight fours.
He was never seriously tested in this innings, however. Sri Lanka had played one bowler too few, and their seamers were having an off day in any case. At no phase in the innings did the required rate threaten to get out of hand.
Though that century is the big news, all four of Pakistan’s top order batters played important innings. Saim Ayub set the chase off rapidly with his 33 off 25 balls, before Fakhar Zaman’s 78 off 93 helped consolidate that start.
Babar put on a 100-run stand with Zaman, before Mohammad Rizwan joined him at the crease for an unbeaten 112-run affair. Rizwan finished with 52 not out off 51 balls.
Sri Lanka were poor in the first 20 overs of both innings. Having been put into bat, they were 90 for 3 in the 20th
over, before that scoreline worsened to 98 for 4. Some spunk was shown by the likes of Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, and Wanindu Hasaranga, who all made scores between 37 and 54 - Liyanage the only Sri Lanka batter to make a half-century.
Although Hasaranga put in another excellent batting effort to elevate Sri Lanka’s death overs performance, 289 always seemed eminently gettable. It felt even more gettable when Sri Lanka’s opening bowlers were wayward with the new ball. Asitha Fernando went at 10 an over in the powerplay. Pramod Madushan - playing his first international in 18 months, conceded 19 runs in his first two overs.
After eight overs, during which Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka went to a Plan B that also didn’t work out, Pakistan were 73 for no loss.
Babar Azam broke his century drought • Associated Press
Golden Jaguars open CFS today against Bonaire
NEW Guyana Head Coach Thomas Dooley has signaled an emphasis on continuity and immediate competition, naming a familiar squad core for his debut in the inaugural CONCACAF Friendly Series (CFS) that starts today.
Dooley will waste no time putting his philosophy into practice, as Guyana heads to Antigua for two crucial fixtures aimed at boosting the nation's FIFA ranking.
The CONCACAF Friendly Series (CFS) provides a vital platform for nations like Guyana, who are no longer competing in the FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
Scheduled during official FIFA international windows, the CFS ensures increased match play and valuable high-level preparation. Guyana is placed in Group C and will face Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bonaire, and Aruba.
The Golden Jaguars’ first two matches under Dooley will both be held at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in St. John’s, Antigua:
• Saturday, November 15, 2025: Guyana v Bonaire – 19:00 hours
• Tuesday, November 18, 2025: Antigua and Barbuda v Guyana – 19:00 hours.
• Golden Jaguars squad: Goalkeepers: Quillan Roberts, Akel Clarke, Joshua Narine; Defenders: Jalen Jones, Marcus Wilson, Leo Lovell, Amos Ramsay, Romaine Brackenridge, Raushan Ritch; Midfielders: Elliot Bonds, Nathan Moriah-Welsh, Nathan Ferguson, Curtez Kellman, Darron Niles, Ryan Hackett; Forwards: Neron Barrow, Stephen Duke-McKenna, Deon Moore, Osaze DeRosario, Omari Glasgow, Liam Butts, Kyle Reid, Kelsey Benjamin
GRFU announces RAN 7’s squad…
Angus made deputy as Holder takes captaincy
THE Guyana Rugby Football Union, on Friday, announced the full male and female squads set to represent Guyana at the Rugby Americas North 7’s Championship from November 21 to 23 at Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima, Trinidad.
The men’s team selected by international coach Steven Lewis and Claudius Butts will see Lionel Holder as skipper.
The winger has been phenomenal on the local scene leading his Police Falcons outfit to several titles with his explosive speed and smarts.
Former longtime skipper Jamal Angus will be his deputy along with the likes of Renaldo Niles, Shawn David, Mathew Talbot, Micheal Barrow, Jonathan Garnette, Rahsaan Dathorn-Howell, Gavin Mc Pherson, Tyresse Prescod, Godfrey Polleydore, Yannic Williams and Elisha Crawford.
Guyana’s men will play alongside Bermuda, Canada, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Mexico and Trinidad & Tobago.
The women squad which will be competing after a decade will be led by Sabola Gray and includes Nicole Nero, Tiffany Pilgrim, Nikita Andrews, Man-
Browne, Jalena Shepherd, Aniqah Powley, Tonya Smith, Carrey Carter, Serra Persaud, Alison Smiley and Sasha Greaves.
In the women category Guyana will lock horns with Bermuda, Barbados, Jamaica, Mexico and Trinidad & Tobago. The women will be coached by Laurence Adonis with his assistant being Tricia Monroe.
GRFU head Ryan Dey shared his thought on the team’s composition, saying, “ For our male team, I like that we have a mixture of experience and some new faces as well and the guys are the fittest that they can be and we are look-
ing for great things; as to the females, this is a big accomplishment for the union for fielding a female team in over 10 years; we also have experience and youth there.”
The GRFU head says this is not a one-off thing as they have begun work on a youth female team to ensure continuation.
“We also have an U-19 and under-16 girls’ teams coming up so it’s something that is good for us and something the union is proud of and we know that they will go out there and do us proud.”
Former national captain, Ryan Gonsalves, will manage both teams.
The top three men’s teams excluding Canada, and top two women’s teams will qualify for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games being held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Last year Canada faced Trinidad & Tobago in the Cup Final, the home team's first final in nine years, where the Canadians continued their perfect performance with a 38-0 win.
Guyana finished seventh place after a gruelling tournament.
MVP sports girls’ Pee Wee competition kicks off today
THE Ministry of Education ground will be a hive of activity from noon today with the staging of the MVP sports girls’ under-11 football competition at the CARFESTA avenue ground.
The action sees Potaro primary starting the day games against All Saints Primary.
Also set to kick off at the same time on field 2 is St John the Baptiste Primary playing Smith Memorial Primary.
Agatash will also line up against Georgetown International Academy.
West Ruimveldt tackles St Theresa Primary and North Georgetown Primary will meet St Aloysius Primary.
Defending champions, Marian Academy, will play Tucville Primary while Waramuri Primary are also set to take on Sophia and Santa Rosa will meet Genesis. The competition, which ends on December 6, will see all games played at the Ministry of Education ground. The competition will be played on a Round Robin basis at the group stage involving 16 teams placed into groups of 4.
After that, the top two teams in each group will advance to the knock-out stage which consists of round of 16, quarter finals, semi-final and finals.
The winning team will pocket $100,000 towards a school project of their choice along with trophy and medals with $75,000 for second place, and $50,000 for third.
The tournament will also award 4th place team, MVP, highest goal scorer, best goal-keeper and most disciplined team.
West Indies U-19 to host England from Sunday in Grenada
THE West Indies Under-19 team opens a new chapter in their World Cup preparation when they take on England in a seven-match Youth ODI series starting on Sunday in Grenada.
The series marks another key step in examining the squad’s readiness for the ICC Under-19 World Cup early next year, with head coach Rohan Nurse eager to see further progress from his young side.
The Caribbean youngsters head into the contest on the back of a hard-fought 4–3 series win over Sri Lanka in Antigua just over two months ago and Nurse believes the lessons from that tour will be invaluable as the group continues to develop.
There are three changes to the squad which opposed Sri Lanka in August and September with DeShawn James returning from injury while Kunal Tilokani and Tanez Francis, were included after impressive performances in the regional Under-17 tournament.
Afraz Ali Buhdoo, Micah Greenidge and Pajay Nelson miss out on the England series but along with Jewel Andrew and Micah McKenzie they will form part of the larger player pool from which the World Cup squad will be selected in a few months’ time.
“We were really impressed with the resilience shown by the players in the last series, especially since it was the first time they had been together as a team,” Nurse said.
“Those are elements that can’t necessarily be coached – they have to be developed with-
in the group, and we’re quite happy with that. We want to build on it going forward.”
While satisfied with the team’s fighting spirit, Nurse identified specific areas for improvement and emphasised the importance of consistency and concentration if West Indies are to assert dominance across the series.
“One of the main things we’ve emphasised is maintaining intensity in all departments – batting, bowling and especially fielding. We want to create some kind of
advantage in that area,” Nurse explained.
“We’ve seen that we can put together very good performances and be competitive at the international Under-19 level. It all starts at the top from a batting viewpoint and being able to convert when we get starts. That’s been a key focus in preparation. From a bowling standpoint, we’ve also worked on clearly defining roles and identifying who best suits which role.”
With the Under-19 World Cup on the horizon, the England series represents an im-
portant stage on which to build a competitive, cohesive unit capable of handling international demands.
“This series comes at a really good time for us,” Nurse said.
“Now, it’s more about moving toward a performance-driven environment – while still helping the guys understand professionalism, expectations and roles on and off the field.”
• West Indies Under-19 Squad vs England: Joshua Dorne, Shaquan Belle, Brendan Boodoo, Tyriek Bryan, Zachary Carter, Earsinho Fontaine, Tanez Francis, R’Jai Gittens, DeShawn James, Vitel Lawes, Matthew Miller, Isra-el Morton, Jakeem Pollard, Aadian Racha, Kunal Tilokani, Johnathan Van Lange,
• Team Management Unit: Head Coach –Rohan Nurse, Assistant Coach – Jerome Taylor, Assistant Coach – Nikita Miller, Physiotherapist – Kwayne Dalrymple, Strength & Conditioning Coach – Shayne Cooper, Team Analyst - Keshava Ramphal, Manager – Clint St Hill
• Match Schedule: 1st Y-ODI – November 16
2nd Y-ODI–November 19
3rd
–November
dy
GRFU President, Ryan Dey
WI U-19 Head Coach Rohan Nurse
Guyana falter after crushing opening win
GUYANA struggled to defend their home turf on Thursday against the US Virgin Islands, suffering their first loss in the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Caribbean Women’s Championship being hosted at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
Guyana lost their second clash to US Virgin Islands by 24 points 78-54.
The Guyanese, coming off their first game high where they thrashed Bahamas, could not contain the ladies from the Virgin Islands.
They showed ability to keep pace in the first quarter only being down by 5 points 21-16 but as the contest ebbed on, it was becoming clearer that the Island had the match fitter team.
Anisha George led Virgin Island with 23 points with key support coming from Taylor Jones with 18.
They would extend their advantage to lead 44-24 at the half before outlasting their Guyanese counterparts in the third quarter 20-13 to lead 64-37 as they silenced the local fans.
The Guyanese put in a solid fourth quarter showing outscoring the Virgin Island 17-14 but it was too little too late as they lost the clash 78-54.
Ruth Adams (16) Joy Brown (13) and Anaya McDavid (12) led Guyana offensively.
Meanwhile in the Guyanese first game against top side Bahamas, they steam rolled the Island side 102-75, dominating in all four quarters 32-25, 16-15, 28-17 and 16-18.
The Ramlall sisters were on fire with Amisha Ramlall scoring 33 points while Arshia Ramlall had 13 and Ashna Ramlall 12
However, the mainstay for Guyana’s success was Ruth Adams with 22 points in 32 minutes working both ends of the courts to guide her team to success.
Joy brown also contributed well with 12 buckets.
Bahamas best player was Valerie Nesbitt with 35 points with Lashann Higgs adding 23 points in the loss.
The Guyanese ladies are set to hit the court again this evening at 20 hours 30 against Suriname before playing their final clash on Sunday against Jamaica to determine who will be the regional champion.
The top three teams will also qualify to the 2026 Centrobasket Women’s Championship.
Guyana’s Ashna Ramlall scored 12 points against Bahamas
GUYANA STUMBLE AFTER BIG BAHAMAS WIN
PRESIDENT HAILS WORLD BODYBUILDING CHAMP FUNG
HIS Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali received a visit from Guyanese world champion bodybuilder Rosanna Fung today at State House.
Fung recently entered Guyana’s history books after becoming the first bodybuilder in the country to win a World Championship title at the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB), which was held as part of the Binous Classics in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, the Honourable Dr Ashni Singh, joined President Ali for the engagement.
Golden Jaguars train in Antigua and Barbuda
Guyana’s Ruth Adams on the offence against US Virgin Islands
H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali (left) stands with Rosanna Fung