'Ambitious'restructuring ofgov'ttostartfromdayone
ByShamarMeusa
PRESIDENTDrIrfaanAlionTuesdayannouncedthatinthenext -
Hemadethisknown duringarecentinterview, duringwhichhepledged thatthisreorganisation wouldbeginonthefirst dayifthepartyistoreturn
ciency,accountabilityand theremovalofbureaucratichurdles.
Further,heunderscored theneedforanimbleand skill-drivengovernment toacceleratethepaceof nationaldevelopment.
“Thestructureof governmentwillchange drastically.Youwillsee agovernmentthatisvery nimble,butagovernment thatwillbebringingin everylevelofskillthatis requiredtoachievewhat wearesettingourselvesby 2030.It’saveryambitious agenda,”hesaid.
Atthecentreofthis agenda,henotedisthe country’stransitioninto highervalue-addedsectors.
“Whenyoulookatus wantingtomovetomanufacturingvaluecreation forbauxite,movingto valuecreationongold andonourforestproducts,creatingthetwoEconomicZonesinBerbice andWalesdevelopments, andbuildingoutthatentiremanufacturingor agro-processingindustrial
ecosystem…itrequires skills,anditrequiresa governmentwherebureaucracyisremoved,”he stated.
Furthertothis,hesaid thattechnologywillplay avitalroleinstreamlining governanceandeliminatinghumanbiasfrom decision-makingprocesses.“I’llbeveryreliant ontechnologytoremove humanbiases.We’llbe bringinginalotofskills. Thestructureofgovernmentintermsofareaswith differentresponsibilities
changesastowhatareasof responsibilityareplaced, where,andhowthoseresponsibilitiesaregoingto beassignedtoensurethe wewant,”thePresident added.
Lookingahead,he
shipprojectsofthegovernment,theconstruction ofSilicaCity,whichhe notedisa10-yearminimumproject.However, thiswillbefast-tracked.
Hedescribedtheapproachasashifttowhathe termed“projectisedgovernance”,whereresources aretemporarilymobilised toachievepermanentreframework.
“So,everythingisrun inaprojectisedmanner,surement,allcriticalindicators,”theHeadofState pointedout.
Additionally,DrAli highlightedthatakeyelementofthisrestructuring willbeholdingpublicservantsaccountableforthe qualityandtimelinessof servicesdeliveredtothe
people.“Peopleneedto beheldaccountableforthe qualityofservicetheydesystem,andtechnology willhelpustodothat,”he
Theaggressivereorganisationplan,hedisclosed,hasalreadybeen drafted,withclearstructuresofresponsibilityand capacityrequirements
“Wealreadyhavewhat thatstructurewouldbe likeandthetypeofcapacityandcapabilitythatwe needtoadvancethisprogrammeandthismassive plan,”thePresidentsaid.
Hesaidtoothatthe integratedinfrastructure planalone,whichinnormalcircumstancescould taketwodecades,will alsobeaccelerated.“The integratedinfrastructure
planalonethatinnormal circumstancesisa15to 20-yearprogramme,that we’lltrytobridge.We’re talkingaboutonepower plant,nowasecondpowerplantatWales.We’re talkingaboutbringingthe bestindatacentresand dataserviceshere,attractingthosetypesofinvestment,”heexplained.
Furthertothis,he pointedtotheimportance ofinvestmentsintourism andagriculture,keysectorsforsustainedgrowth.
TopCopurgesranks toupholdprofessionalism, neutralityduringelections
COMMISSIONERofPolice,CliftonHicken,on Tuesdaydeliveredastern remindertoranksofthe GuyanaPoliceForce(GPF) abouttheirresponsibilities, particularlyasthecountry approachestheelection period.
TheCommissioner,accompaniedbyDeputyCommissionerofPolice(Administration),Ravindradat Budhram,heldamuster withofficersfromPolice HeadquartersattheTactical ServicesUnit,DrillSquare, EveLeary.
Addressingthegathering, CommissionerHickencautionedthattherewouldbe consequencesforanyofficer whoactsoutsideoftheestablishedStandardOperating Procedures(SOPs)andForce policies.Hestressedthat professionalism,neutrality, andpreparednessmustguide theconductofallranksinthe dischargeoftheirduties.
RavindradatBudhramduringthemusterwith
Lookingahead,theTop Copannouncedthatnewly
promotedrankswillsoon undergospecialisedtraining
atthePoliceAcademy.Upon successfulcompletion,par-
ticipantswillbeawardedcertificatestostrengthentheir qualificationsandreadiness.
CommissionerHicken alsotooktheopportunity tocommendtheofficersfor theirdedicationandservice,whilechargingthem toalwaysupholdtheintegrityoftheForce,especially intheirinteractionswith thepublic.
USdestroyersheadtowardwatersoff VenezuelaasTrumpaimstopressuredrugcartels
WASHINGTON(AP)
—TheUnitedStatesis deployingthreeAegis guided-missiledestroyerstothewatersoffVenezuelaaspartofPresidentDonaldTrump’s efforttocombatthreats fromLatinAmerican drugcartels,according toaU.S.officialbriefed ontheplanning.
TheUSSGravely,the USSJasonDunhamand theUSSSampsonareexpectedtoarrivesoon,said theofficial,whowasnot authorisedtocomment andspokeTuesdayonthe conditionofanonymity.
ADefenceDepartmentofficialconfirmed thatthemilitaryassets havebeenassignedto theregioninsupportof counternarcoticsefforts. Theofficial,whowasnot authorisedtocomment aboutmilitaryplanning, saidthevesselswouldbe deployed“overthecourse ofseveralmonths.”
Thedeploymentof U.S.destroyersandpersonnelcomesasTrump haspushedforusingthe U.S.militarytothwart cartelsheblamesforthe flowoffentanylandother illicitdrugsintoAmericancommunitiesandfor perpetuatingviolencein someU.S.cities.
Trumphasalso pressedMexicanPresidentClaudiaSheinbaum toco-operatemoreon securitythanherprede-
cessor,specificallybeing moreaggressiveinpursuitofMexico’scartels. Butshehasdrawnaclear linewhenitcomesto Mexico’ssovereignty, rejectingsuggestionsby TrumpandothersofinterventionbytheU.S. military.
TrumpinFebruary designatedVenezuela’s TrendeAragua,MS-13 inElSalvadorandsix groupsbasedinMexico asforeignterroristorganisations.HisRepublican administrationhasalso steppedupimmigration enforcementagainstallegedgangmembers.
Thedesignationisnormallyreservedforgroups likeal-QaidaortheIslamicStategroupthatuse violenceforpoliticalends —notformoney-focused crimeringssuchasthe LatinAmericancartels.
ButtheTrumpadministrationarguestheinternationalconnectionsand operationsofthegroups —includingdrugtrafficking,migrantsmugglingandviolentpushes toextendtheirterritory— warrantthedesignation.
Earlierthismonth,the Trumpgovernmentannounceditwasdoubling to$50millionareward forthearrestofVenezuelanPresidentNicolás Maduro,accusinghimof beingoneoftheworld’s largestnarco-traffickers andworkingwithcartels
tofloodtheU.S.withfentanyl-lacedcocaine.
Thepressofficeof Venezuela’sgovernment didnotrespondtoarequestforcommentfrom theAPonthedeployment ofthedestroyers.But withoutmentioningthe ships,ForeignMinister YvanGilinastatement Tuesdaycharacterised theU.S.government’s drug-traffickingaccusationsagainstVenezuela.
“Washington’saccusingVenezuelaofdrug traffickingrevealsitslack ofcredibilityandthefailureofitspoliciesinthe region,”Gilsaid.
“WhileWashington threatens,Venezuela steadilyadvancesinpeace andsovereignty,demon-
stratingthattrueeffectivenessagainstcrimeis achievedbyrespecting theindependenceofits peoples.Everyaggressive statementconfirmsthe inabilityofimperialism tosubdueafreeandsovereignpeople.”
Thestatementwas followedbythegovernment’sdecisionto temporarilybanthepurchase,saleandoperation ofdronesinVenezuela’s airspace.In2018,drones armedwithexplosives detonatednearMaduro inanapparentassassinationattemptwhilehe wasdeliveringaspeech tohundredsofsoldiers beingbroadcastliveon television.
OnMonday,Madu-
rosaidtheU.S.hadincreaseditsthreatsagainst Venezuelaandannounced theplanneddeployment ofmorethan4.5millionmilitiamembers aroundthecountry.The militiaswerecreated bythen-PresidentHugo Cháveztoincorporate volunteerswhocouldassistthearmedforcesin thedefenceofexternal anddomesticattacks. Madurowasindicted inaNewYorkfederal courtin2020,during thefirstTrumppresidency,alongwithseveralclosealliesonfederal chargesofnarco-terrorismandconspiracy toimportcocaine.Back then,theU.S.offereda $15millionrewardfor hisarrest.
stationsfortheSeptember1,2025, -
Thisactionaddressesthegrowing riskofvotebuyingandmanipulationthat manydemocraciesfacetoday.
gapinmodernelections:corruptindividualsusingtechnologytoverifybought votes.Whenvoterscantakepicturesof theirmarkedballots,thekeyprinciple ofballotsecrecy,essentialtodemocratic freedom,becomesmeaningless.
Insteadofvotingfreelyandprivately, electionscouldbecomeatransaction wherevotesaretradedformoney,gifts, orfavours.
ThepenaltiessetbyGECOM,includsentencesofuptosixmonths,highlight theseriousnessoftheseissuesandthe Commission’scommitmenttoenforcing
therules.Criticswhoviewthisbanas restrictivedonotfullyunderstandthe purposeofprotectionsinademocracy. Democracydoesnotmeanunlimited freedomtoact;itinvolvescontrolled libertythatprotectsthevulnerablefrom thepowerful.Thesuggestionthatvotersshouldkeeptheirphonesinpolling stationsoverlookstherealityof“proof voting”schemes,wherepeopleface pressuretodisplayphotographicproof oftheirvotes.Suchpracticesturnthe votingboothfromaprivatespaceintoan environmentforintimidationandbribery.
Ontheinternationalstage,GECOM’s globallyhaverecognisedthatwhile threatentheintegrityofelectionswhen useduncheckedinpollingplaces.
GECOM’salignmentwiththeseglobal bestpracticesshowcasesitsprofessionalismandcommitmenttodemocratic growth,especiallyconsideringGuyana’s challengingelectoralhistory.Thecountry
haveunderminedpublictrustandinternationalcredibility.
Theenforcementmeasuresoutlinedby GECOM,includingclearsigns,regular announcements,andstrategicallyplaced votingboothsforobservation,strikea strongbalancebetweenensuringprivacy andpreventingfraud.
cationdocumentsanddesignatedphone storageareasprovidepracticalsolutions thatrespectvoters’belongingswhileminimisingopportunitiesforcoercion.
Thesenewrulesaddtoexistingsafeguards,suchasindelibleink,thepresence ofpartyagents,andpolicesecurity,creatingmultiplelayersofdefenseagainst electoralmanipulation.Whilethetiming ofthispolicy,justbeforetheelection,may seriousnessofthethreat.
Recentallegationsandactualincidents ofvotebuyingmakeitclearthatthisrisk isveryreal.GECOM’sco-operationwith
theGuyanaPoliceForcedemonstrates itsseriouscommitmenttoenforcement andsendsastrongmessagethatelectoral crimeswillfacetoughconsequences. Whenpoliticalopponentsuniteforsityandappropriatenessofthepolicy. Thosefewwhodisagreeseemmore focusedongainingapoliticaladvantage thanonupholdingdemocraticvalues. Ultimately,GECOM’sbanoncell phonesdemonstratesinstitutionalcourage inaddressingmodernchallenges.The Commissionhaschosentoprioritisethe integrityofelectionsoverconvenience, democracyoverdigitalease,andprotectionofcitizensoverpoliticalgain.tionsandeconomicfuture,nooutcome
Policeshouldvotewiththeir conscienceforcontinuedprogress
DearEditor,
ASthemenandwomenofourJoint Servicespreparetocasttheirvotesthis theprogressmadeinrecentyearsunder
Thisisapivotalmoment,notonlyfor thefutureofoursecuritysectorbutalsofor thewiderdevelopmentofGuyana.
AsHeadoftheRegionThreePrivate SectorInc.,HalimKhan,Ihaveconsistentlychampionedfairness,opportunity,and progressforallGuyanese,includingthose whodedicatetheirlivestopublicservice.
Iwouldliketoremindourpolicemen andwomenthattheymustvotewiththeir conscienceandaskthemselves:Whohas trulybeenlookingafterourinterests?
Theevidencespeaksforitself.President AlihasdeliveredthelargestmasspromotioninthehistoryoftheCommonwealthfor theGuyanaPoliceForce,along-overdue ofourranks.
Fromconstablestoinspectors,thouprofessionalismfairlyrewarded. Beyondpromotions,thisgovernment restoredtheannualbonusthatwasstripped awaybytheformeradministration,ensuringthatpoliceranksonceagainfeelvalued andrespected.
Salarieshavebeenincreased,career developmentpathwayscreated,andforthe diplomas,degrees,andevenmaster’sprogrammesfreeofcharge,openingdoorsthat
Thisisnotemptytalk.Since2020,the PPP/Cgovernmenthassteadilyprioritised thewelfareofDisciplinedServices,proandnow,withthislatestsweepingreform, willnolongerretireasconstablesorcorporals,butwillrightfullyadvancetoinspector,providedtheirrecordisclean.Thisis fairness,justice,andrecognitioninaction. PresidentAlihasalsomadeitclear:professionalismandintegritywillguidethese beremoved.Inthisway,thegovernmentis notjustgivingpromotions,butisstrengtheningtheentireforcetobetterserveand protectGuyana.
Servicesranksmustrememberthesehard
facts.Theymustrememberwhorestored whatwastakenfromthem,whorewarded asystemwheretheycanthrive. Votingwithconsciencemeansvoting forthegovernmentthathasdeliveredand continuestodeliver.
Itmeanssupportingtheleadershipthat hasyourback,valuesyourcontribution,and isbuildingastronger,fairerGuyanaforall. racefortheirownagendamustbevery
Thechoiceisyoursforan easypickcomeSeptember1
DearEditor,
ALBERTEinsteinconceptualised,“Intellectualssolveproblems,geniuses preventthem.”Guyanaisclinically poisedatajuncturewhereeconomics andpoliticsplayapivotalpartinthe developmentalpaceformaintenanceand sustenanceand,extensionandexpansion, when,accordingtotheIMF,thenationis advancingastheworld’sfastestgrowing economypercapita,statistically.
Thechoiceisyoursforaneasypick.
Yoursrespectfully, JaiLall.
DearEditor,
ASweapproachtheupcomingelections, muchdiscussionhasrightlycentredonthe releaseofthePeople’sProgressiveParty/ Civic(PPP/C)’s2025manifesto.
Asvoters,weshouldcarefullyconsider thisvisionaswellasthecapabilityofpoliticalpartiestodeliverontheirpromises. Anyreviewofourpost-independencehistorywouldrevealthattheonlypartythat hasdeliveredonallitsvisionarypolicies sinceindependenceisthePPP/C.
Yoursfaithfully, KevinPersaud
Whostandswhereinrelation todemocracyinGuyana?
(SN).
TheSNmadeahugenoiseabout Mr.Nascimento’sministerialroleinthe ForbesBurnhamGovernmentafterMr. Nascimentocriticisedthepoliticised, pro-oppositiondirectionofSN.
IwroterecentlythataseniorjournalisttoldmeintheNationalParkthatthe greaterroleasanoppositionpartythanthe PNC.Myargumenthereisthatin2025 wehavetojudgepeopleastowherethey standinrelationtodemocraticfunctionalismintheGuyanesestate.
SNwouldpreferifwejudgepeople bytheirpastactivism.Ifwedo,thendynamismasafactorinhumanbehaviour doesnotexist.Nascimento’stenureinthe BurnhamGovernmentisrecordedhistory.
WhathashappenedtoNascimento sincethetimehewasaPNCminister?To answerthatquestionwehavetoascertain whatNascimentointhepresentjuncture ofGuyanaisdoing.
TojudgeNascimento,SN,andpeople whohavehadtheirpastactivismrecorded, wehavetousethecontextoftheMarch 2020election.Thateventconstitutedone ofthemostseminalmomentsnotonlyin thehistoryofBritishGuianabutinGuyanaitself.Theperiodin2020fromMarch toJulyisawatershedepochinthelifeof GuyanaincludingBritishGuiana.
Inthatperiod,Guyanawascloseto
theabyssofpermanentpower.Wehaveto judgethetotalityofthenationastowhere theystoodinrelationtotheemergenceof permanentpowerin2020.Atragicirony
ItwasanironyinvolvingNascimento ontheonehand,whooncestoodwith Burnhamandontheotherhand,theWPA, theGuyanaHumanRightsAssociation (GHRA),andcertaincivilsocietyorganisationsthatstoodagainstBurnham.
In2020,theironywasplayingout onacanvaslargerthatGuyanaitself. ThereweretheWPAintheformofClive Thomas,RupertRoopnaraine,Tacuma Ogunseye,DavidHinds,theGHRA,the StabroekNews,RedThread,certaincivil societyentitiesthatreversedroleswith Nascimento.
FromMarchtoJuly,Nascimentowas energeticallyactiveforamaninhislate eightiesinthenationalendeavourtostop electionriggingandpreventthereturnof permanentpower.Whyarethosecoruscating,democraticpassionsofNascimento beingwashedawaybecausehewasapart oftheBurnhamGovernment?
Whyaretheanti-democraticinstinct ofThomas,Roopnarine,RedThread, StabroekNews,theGHRAbeingobfuscatedinanydiscussionofdemocracyin Guyanatoday?Whyshouldtherenotbe ajuxtapositionwithNascimento’srole betweenMarchtoJuly2020andthose namesreferredtoabove?
Let’squoteSN:“Inanenvironment wherethegovernmentandthemultitudes
ofitssycophantsseektoattackthosein civilsocietywhoareperformingavital roleintryingtoensureaccountabilityand theruleoflaw.”
ThatquoteisoneoftheugliestvulgarisationsofpoliticsIhaveseeninmyentire lifeasapracticingacademic.First,why areintellectualsupportersofthegovernmentwhocriticisethehypocrisyofcivil societybeingdescribedassycophants?In oneofMr.RalphRamkarran’sStabroek Newscolumns,hetookcivilsocietyto taskforconcentratingonlyonnation subjectsthathavesexappeal(hiswords).
IsMr.RamkarranaPPPsycophant? Secondly,ifthereisnoaccountabilityand ruleoflawinGuyana,thenpleasename thereisaccountabilityandtheruleoflaw, andwhenthosecountriesarenamedlet’s dothejuxtapositionwithGuyana.
Thirdly,whymustGuyaneseremain silentwheninoneofitsmosttragic moments,civilsociety(minustheBar AssociationandthePrivateSector)was degenerateinitscollectivecharacterin
eithersilenceonthe2020electionrigging orsupportedit.
Oneofthecivilsocietyentitieswhich carriedquestionablepiecesduringattemptstochangethelegitimateresults istheSNitself.Inthesecondpartofthis series,IreferredtothreeSNcolumnists thatwerewritinginsupportoftheconspiracyandinthatarticle,Iurgedreaders nottotakemywordforitbutGoogleSN betweenthemonthsofMarchtoJulyin 2020.
leadershavechastisedtheGHRAand TransparencyInternational–Guyana Chapterforbeingterriblysilentonthe 2020riggingattempts.Buttherehasbeen norebuttalbythesegroupswithevidence toprovethegovernmentwrong.
DISCLAIMER:Theviewsandopinionsexpressedinthiscolumnaresolely thoseoftheauthoranddonotnecessarily GuyanaNationalNewspapersLimited.
PresidentAliannouncesover$460Minroadworks forKairuni,Adventure,SilverHill,Moblissa
PRESIDENT,Dr.MohamedIrfaanAli,on Tuesdayannounced, thatthecommunities ofKairuni,Adventure, SilverHillandMoblissa alongtheSoesdyke-Linfromover$460millionin roadworks.
Oncecompleted,thesecantlyimprovesafetyand providesmoothertravel routesforresidents,ending roadconditions.
PresidentAlimadethe announcementduringa publicmeetingatSilver HewasjoinedbyAttorneyGeneralandMinister AnilNandlallS.C.,MinthePrimeMinisterwithresponsibilityforPublicAffairs,KwameMcCoy,and otherrepresentativesfrom governmentagencies.
Elaboratingontheroad projectforKairuni,PresidentAlistatedthatthe communityhadrequested severalroadstobebuilt, whichincludethemultipurposeroadandtheroad
leadingtotheschooland healthcentreinSilverHill.
“Thiswillbeoutto tenderveryshortly,”he announced,notingthat constructionworkwill startinthecomingweeks.
Thetwoaccessroads atSilverHillandMoblissa areestimatedtocostclose to$400million.Workon SilverHill’sinternalroads willbeginimmediately.
“Iampleasedtotell youthatinSilverHill,we willstartalmostimmediatelybecausewehave completedthedesign.We willuseacrushedsurface andwearegoingtouse cementatthetop,”the PresidentsaidtoSilver Hillresidents,whichwas welcomedbyloudcheers ofapproval.
Thedesignforthemain accessroadatAdventure hasalsobeencompleted. PresidentAliindicatedthat thisprojectwillcost$62 million.
Theseroadprojects willfurtherenhancethe livelihoodsofallthecommunitiesinvolvedand strengthenlocaleconomies.Overtheyears,the PPP/Cgovernmenthas
sourcedlabourdirectly fromthecommunitiesto completetheroadprojects,therebyempowering residents.
“OntheSoesdyke-LindenHighway, therewillbeanumberof internalroadsthatwill havetobebuilt.So,we wantyoungpeopletobe involvedinthebuilding oftheroads,”President Alisaid.(DPI)
President,Dr.MohamedIrfaanAli,onTuesdayannounced,thatthecommunitiesofKairuni,Adventure,SilverHillandMoblissaalongtheSoesdyke-Linden
CarterCenterhailselectoralreformsbut wantsmorecommunicationfromGECOM
––urgesallpartiestosigncodeofconduct
AHEADofGuyana’sSeptember1GeneralandRegionalElections,theCarter Centerelectionobservation missionhashighlighted progressbuthasalsoraised concernsespeciallyregardingtheGuyanaElections Commission(GECOM).
Inapre-electionstatement,theCarterCentersaid followingmeetingswith
variousstakeholders,ithas observedkeypre-election activities,includingnominationdayandaseriesofcampaignlaunchesandcampaign assesselectoralpreparations andthepoliticalenvironment inGuyanainadvanceofthe polls.
Guyanaheadsintothis newelectioncyclewitha
reformedlegalandelectoral framework,whichisaimed atimprovingtransparencyin thevotetabulationprocess andmodernisingvoterregistration,theobservermission noted.
ButwhiletheCarterCenterobservershavewelcomed thechanges,concernsremain overseveralelementsand moreimportantly,whatit
dubbedlimitedcommunicationfromGECOM.
Thestatementhighlighted thatGuyana’slegalandelectoralframeworkhasundergoneimportantreformsince thecountry’slastnational electionin2020,particularly intheareasoftabulationand voterregistration.
TheCarterCentersaid themostsubstantialchanges
includesubdistricttabulation inselectregions;newrequirementsforsimultaneous electronicpublicposting andtransmissionofpolling stationresults;obligationssuretransparencyduringthe closingandcountingprocedures;designatedcycles forcontinuousregistration; theendof“house-to-house” registration;andupdatedrequirementsforremovalofthe deceasedfromthevoterlist.
“Inaddition,thesechangestothelegalframeworkare notwellunderstoodbyGuyana’scivilsocietyandsome oppositionpoliticalparties,” theobserversmissionnoted.
Further,amendmentsto theRepresentationofthe People’sActhavepavedthe wayfortabulationtonow takeplaceat17locations acrossGuyana’s10electoral districts.
Also,sub-districtreturnprocessinRegionsThree, Four,andSix,wheremostof theelectorateresides.
Theamendmentsprovide fortheimmediateonlinepublicationofStatementsofPoll (SoPs)andtabulationforms, andtheelectronicdisplayof eachSoPduringthetabulationprocess,thestatement furtheroutlined.
Theamendmentsreinforcetherightsofparty agentstoobserveallstagesof theprocessandoutlinedseverepenaltiesforviolations, includingnon-compliance withthenewprovisions, suchasfailingtopublish information,deliveringfalse information,notproviding orobstructingpartyagents.
“Whilethesechanges couldprovidegreatertransparency,TheCarterCenter callsonGECOMtopublish detailedtabulationproceduresforthepublicassoon aspossible,”thestatement read.
The2025OfficialList onJuly29,contains757,690 names-376,703menand 380,987women.
TheCarterCenterfurther stated:“Whiletherelative sizeoftheOLEraisesconcernsformanyGuyanese, TheCarterCenterhasnot ofthevoterroll.”
Moreover,theobserver missionalsoreportedon therecentcodeofconduct agreementdevelopedby Guyana’sEthnicRelations Commission(ERC),inwhich partiescommittedtopeaceful campaigns,avoidanceof hatespeechandethnically divisiverhetoric,andprioritisationofthenationoverany politicalparty.
“TheCarterCenternotes thattwopoliticalparties, APartnershipforNational Unity(APNU)andForward GuyanaMovement(FGM), havenotsignedthecodeof conduct.TheCentercallson allpartiestosignthecode andtocommittoitsprinciofGuyanaandrecognised internationalstandardsfor democraticelections.
“TheCarterCenterfurthercallsonallpoliticalpartiestoabidebyGuyaneselaw andinternationalstandards fordemocraticelectionsin avoidinghatespeechand encouragingpeacefulpoliticalparticipationofallparty supporters”theobservermissionsaid.
TheCarterCenteralso addressedthetopicofbank accountclosuresofWIN candidates,describingthe as“overcompliance.”
OFACrecentlyreaffirmedthatnon-U.S.personscouldfacesanctions iffoundprovidingmaterial supporttothesanctioned Mohamedfamily,asaresult ofthefar-reachingconsequencesoftheirdesignation undertheGlobalMagnitsky HumanRightsAccountabilityAct.
Thiswasoutlinedin adocument,whichwas OFAC’sresponsetoqueries fromtheWINcampfollowingtheclosureofcandidates’ bankaccounts.
Thedocument,which wasleveragedbyStabroek NewsandKaieteurNews forarticlesintheirSundayedition,madeitclear thattransactionswithsanctionedindividualsaregenerallyprohibitedforU.S. persons,andnon-U.S.entitiesarenotimmunefrom repercussions.
FAOFoodPriceIndexedgesupinJuly
-gainsinmeatand vegetableoilpriceindices outweighdeclinesin cereals,dairyandsugar
THEFAOFood PriceIndex,a benchmarkfor worldfoodcommodityprices,averaged 130.1pointsinJuly 2025,up1.6percent fromJune,driven primarilybyrising internationalprices ofmeatandvegetableoils.
Despitethis monthlyincrease,the indexremains18.8
June.Decliningwheat andsorghumprices outweighedincreases inmaizeandbarley.
Freshseasonalwheatharvestsin thenorthernhemisphereputdownward pressure,thoughadverseconditionsof springwheatinparts ofnorthernAmerica providedsomeprice support.
TheFAOAllRice
percentbelowits peakinMarch2022, although7.6percent higherthanitslevel inJuly2024.
Theindextracks monthlychangesin theinternationalpricesofasetofglobally tradedfoodcommodities.
InJuly,priceincreasesinthemeat andvegetableoilindicesmorethanoffset declinesinthecereal, dairyandsugarindices.
TheFAOCereal PriceIndexaveraged 106.5points,down 0.8percentfrom
PriceIndexdropped 1.8percent,driven byampleexportsuppliesandweakimport demand.
TheFAOVegetableOilPriceIndex averaged166.8points inJuly,markinga sharpriseof7.1per centfromthepreviousmonth,reaching athree-yearhigh. Theincreasereflectedhigherquotations forpalm,soyandsunfloweroils.
Palmoilprices roseonrobustglobaldemandandimprovedcompetitive-
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FAOFoodPriceIndexedges...
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ness,whilesoyoilwas supportedbyexpectationsoffirmbiofuel sectordemandinthe Americas.
Sunfloweroilpricesalsoclimbeddue totighteningexport suppliesintheBlack Searegion.Incontrast, rapeseedoilpricesdeclinedwiththearrival ofnewcropsuppliesin Europe.
TheFAOMeatPrice Indexaveraged127.3 points,up1.2percent fromJune,reaching anewall-timehigh. Theincreasewasled byhigherpricesfor bovineandovinemeat, supportedbystrong importdemand,particularlyfromChinaand
theUnitedStatesof America.
Poultrymeatprices alsoedgedupslightlyamidresumedimportsfromkeypartnersfollowingBrazil’s regainingofitsavian influenza-freestatus. Conversely,pigmeat pricesdeclineddueto amplesuppliesandreducedglobaldemand, especiallyintheEuropeanUnion.
TheFAODairy PriceIndexedged downby0.1percent fromJuneto155.3 points,markingthe firstdeclinesinceApril 2024.Pricesforbutterandmilkpowders decreased,reflecting abundantexportsuppliesandsubduedimportdemand,particu-
larlyfromAsia.
However,internationalcheeseprices continuedtorise,drivenbystrongdemand inAsianandNearEast marketsandtighterexportavailabilityinthe EuropeanUnion.
TheFAOSugar PriceIndexaveraged 103.3points,down0.2 percentfromthepreviousmonth,continuingitsdownwardtrend forafifthconsecutive month.
Expectationsof aglobalproduction recoveryin2025/26, notablyinBrazil,India,andThailand, weighedonprices, althoughsignsofareboundinglobalsugar importmoderatedthe decline.(FAO)
PoliceForcereceivesmajorboost tomobilityfleetaheadofelections
THEGuyanaPolice Force(GPF)onTuesdayreceivedasignificantenhancement toitsoperationalcapacitywiththeadditionof21brand-new 2025ToyotaHilux DoubleCabpickups and20HondaXR 150motorcycles.
Thevehicleswere handedoverduringa ceremonyattheTacticalServicesUnit,Drill Square,Georgetown. The21Hiluxpickupsweredonatedby CEOofQueensway SecurityServicesInc., Mr.MohamedQualander,whileMarics &CompanyLimited contributedthe20motorcycles.
Thehanding-over
wasattendedbyCommissionerofPolice Mr.CliftonHicken, DeputyCommissioner ‘Administration’Mr. RavindradatBudhram, andDeputyCommissioner‘Operations’ Mr.ErrolWatts,along withseniorofficers andranksoftheForce. DeputyCommissioner‘Operations’ Mr.Watts,inhisremarks,emphasised thatthedonationwill significantlyenhance theForce’sability torespondtocrime, strengthenpatrols, andensureoperational readinessaheadofthe September1stGeneral andRegionalElections.
Fromleft:DeputyCommissioner‘Administration’Mr.RavindradatBudhram,DeputyCommissioner‘Operations’ Mr.ErrolWattswithCommissionerofPoliceMr.CliftonHickenwhoreceivedthekeysforthepickupsfrom QueenswaySecurityServicesInc.,Mr.MohamedQualander(secondfromright)whodonated21Hiluxpickups
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The21HiluxpickupsweredonatedbyCEOofQueenswaySecurity ServicesInc.,Mr.MohamedQualander,whileMarics&CompanyLimited contributedthe20motorcycles
Police Force...
“I’mextremelyhappyasDeputy CommissionerOperationstobereceiving 21brand-new2025 DoubleCabToyota Hiluxand20XR150 motorcycles,which willaddtoourfleet managementcapability bothonlandinterms ofourresponsetime inrelationtocrime, andmostimportantly,ourpreparationfor GeneralandRegional Elections,”Mr.Watts stated.
Hefurtherunderscoredthatthevehicles wouldplayacritical roleinupholdingthe Force’sconstitutional mandateduringthe electionswhilecontinuingtosupportpatrolcoverageandpublicsafetyinitiatives longafter.
Meanwhile,CommissionerofPolice Mr.CliftonHickenextendedgratitudetothe donors,notingthatthe contributionreflects thevalueofpublic-privatecollaborationin strengtheningnational security.
“Onbehalfofthe GuyanaPoliceForce,I wishtosincerelythank Mr.MohamedQualanderandMarics& CompanyLimitedfor thisinvaluablecontribution.Theseresourceswillgoalongway inboostingourservice tomembersofthepublic,”theTopCopsaid. Thenewvehicles areexpectedtoimmediatelybolster theForce’smobility, responsetimes,and visibilityacrossthe country.
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Guyanamustremainabadplace todobusinessfornarco-traffickers
THEfightagainstdrug traffickinginGuyana hasenteredanewera— onewheretraffickersare usingincreasinglysophisticatedmethods,shifting routes,andembedding foreignoperativesinlocalnetworks.
Attheforefrontofthe battleistheCustomsAnti-NarcoticUnit(CANU), ledbyDirectorJames Singh,whosaysGuyana’s nationalsecurity,reputation,andfuturedependon ensuringthecountrynever becomesanarco-state.
Inawide-ranging conversationontheprogrammeSafeguardingOur Nation,Singhdetailedhow traffickersareadapting, howCANUisresponding, andwhypartnerships—
bothinternationalanddomestic—arekeytosuccess.
“TheCustomsAnti-NarcoticUnitwascreatedtofightdrugtrafficking. Itsmandateistodisrupt, detect,anddismantledrug traffickingorganisations withinthecountryandalso thosewhomaybeintent onsettingupafoothold here,”Singhexplained.
“Drugtrafficking threatensnationalsecurity.Ourmandateisto ensurethatpublicsecurity, investorsecurity,aswellas nationalsecurity,ismaintained,mostimportantly internationalconfidence.”
Guyana,Singhemphasised,isnotaproducerof cocainebuthaslongbeen usedasatransitpointbe-
causeofitsstrategiclocation.“Guyana,becauseof itsgeographiclocation,is caughtbetweenthesuppliersintheAndeanRegion [incentralColombia]and consumersonothercontinents,”hesaid.
Inthepast,traffickers pushedshipmentsthrough theCaribbeanbasintowardNorthAmerica.Now, thelandscapehasshifted.
“Recently,there’sbeena shift.DrugsarestillcomingintoGuyanaandthen fortranshiptowardsWest AfricaandEurope,”Singh noted.
Accordingtohim, coupledwiththefactthat there’sagreaterdemand inEurope,there’sbetter pricesinEuropeandless risk,it’sjustacrossthe
Atlantic.”
Totakeadvantageof this,traffickersareinnovating.Singhpointedto “low-flyingaircraftcomingintoourterritory,maritimevessels,contaminationofcontainersafter they’veleftGuyana,as wellastheconstruction oflow-profilevessels,not tomentionsemi-submersibles.”
Themajorityofthe narcoticsenteringGuyana, hestressed,comesfrom Venezuela.“Itdoesn’thelp thatit’sanarco-stateand claimstwo-thirdsofour territory,butitcomesfrom Venezuelabyplaneorby boattobefurthertranshipped.”
Singhhighlightedlandmarkoperationsasproof thatCANU,workingwith localandinternational allies,isstrikingmajor blows.“In2014,weseized thefirstsemi-submersible. Itwasconstructedhere. Justlastyear,weseized anothersemi-submersibleoffthecoastworking
Guyanamustremainabadplace...
withourDEA[DrugEnforcementAdministration] counterparts.Alsolast year,weseized4.4tons atanillegalairstrip,again withtheGuyanaDefence ForceSpecialForces.”
Onthemaritimefront, CANUhelpedintercept 4.7tonsofcocaine“on boardavesselthathaddepartedfromGuyanaload-
edwiththecocaineoffour coast,andwetrackeditall thewaytoWestAfrica.”
Suchsuccesses,hesaid, demonstratethat“trueinternationalcooperationhas resultedinlargeseizures.”
Intelligenceplaysa centralrole.“We’reworkingthroughinformants, undercoveroperations, sharingofinformation fromourcolleaguesover-
seas,aswellasworking withvariouscommunities,”Singhexplained. “Thepublicplaysavital roleinintelligencesharing.Whetherit’saphone call,whetherit’spersons incommunities,ifthey seesomething,theyhear something,theycallitin. Thathashelpsustremendouslyinthefightagainst narcotics.”
ForSingh,thefight cannotbewagedinisolation.“Partnershipsarekey inthefightagainstdrug trafficking,”hestressed. Ontheregionallevel, CANUcollaborateswith CARICOMagencies,the RegionalSecuritySystem, andparticipatesintraining withRETRACinJamaica.
Internationally,thenetworkextendsfurther.“We
continuetoworkwiththe DEA,theUK,theFrench, andtheCanadianRCMP,” Singhsaid,addingthat Guyanahasalsoformed tieswithBrazil,Colombia, andSuriname.CANUalso participatesinmultinationalbodiesliketheUNODC andtheTransregionalIntelligenceGroup.
Thisyear,Guyanatook partinOperationZeus, amajormultinationaleffort.Singhsaiditbrought together“31countries… thatsawthedestructionof 31illegalairstripsaswell astheseizureofover3.5 tonsofcocaine.”
Suchcooperation,he believes,“isatestimony totheinternationalrespect andconfidence,notonly inGuyanabutinCANU’s willingnesstocombatthe drugtrade.”
Despitetheemphasis onintelligenceagencies andforeigncooperation, Singhunderscoredthat theGuyanesepublicis CANU’s“mostimportant” partner.“Wecouldn’tdo thisjobwithoutthepublic supportandpublicassistance,”hesaid.
Heexplainedthatmany operationsarecredited tocommunitymembers whoprovidetips,whether throughphonecallsor messagesonsocialmedia.
Beyondenforcement, CANUhasadopteda “heartsandminds”approach.“Ifwecangoout thereandsensitiseyouto thedangersandtheeffects onyou,thecommunity, andthecountryasawhole, thatawarenessandproactiveapproachisvery impactful,”Singhsaid.
ThroughitsDrugInformationNetwork,CANU alsoworksondemand alongsidetheMinistries ofHealth,Education,and SocialServices,aswellas non-governmentalorganisations(NGOs)andrehabilitationcentres.Singh highlightedtheimportance oftransparency,notingthat CANUpublishesweekly, monthly,andannualreportsandmaintainsanactivesocialmediapresence.
“Thepublichelpsusto keepourselvesincheck. Thefeedback—werelyon themtoletusknow:Are wedoingagoodjob?Are
webeingeffective?”Singh explained.
“Wedon’twanttobe anorganisationwhere therearealotofallegationsorbeingseenastoo heavy-handed.We’rehere toworkforyouandwith youtoensureasaferenvironment,safercountry, andsaferhome.”
Singhwarnedthatnew challengesareemerging, includingsyntheticdrugs likeMethylenedioxymethamphetamine(MDMA), commonlyknownasecstasyandhigh-potency marijuanaenteringGuyana fromasfarafieldasThailand.Anotherconcernis thepresenceofforeign traffickerstryingtoembed themselvesinGuyana.
“Therearenewmethodsofconcealment.No longerarepersonstrying tohidecocaineinwood orinfish.Whatthey’re doingnowiscontaminatingcommercialshipments aftertheywouldhavebeen scanned,afterthey’dhave beencheckedbylawenforcement…,”Singhsaid.
Healsodescribedtacticslikeloadingnarcotics ontovesselsalreadycarryinglegitimatecargoonce theyareoutsideGuyanese waters.
Tocounterthis,CANU isembracingtechnology, includingscannersandsurveillancesystems,while workingwithagencieslike MaritimeAdministration Department(MARAD) andtheGDFAirCorpsto tracksuspiciousvessels andlow-flyingaircraft.
ForSingh,themissionisclear:ensuring thatGuyanaremains inhospitabletoorganiseddrugtrafficking networks.“WearetryingtoensurethatGuyanadoesnotbecomea haven,doesnotbecome anarco-state,”hesaid. “Drugtraffickingorganisationsmustsee hereasabadplaceto dobusinessbecauseof tworeasons:CANU’s zealtofightdrugs,and thegovernment’scommitmentinensuring thatGuyanadoesnot becomeanarco-stateor itscitizensfeelthreatenedbythenarcotics trade.”
GECOMbansuseofcell phoneswithinpollingstations
-tightensmeasurestosafeguardballotsecrecy,preventvoteselling
THEGuyanaElections Commission(GECOM) has,asamatterofpolicy, decidedtointroducea comprehensivesetofmeasurestoprohibittheuseof cellphoneswithinpolling stationsfortheSeptember 1,2025GeneralandRegionalElections.
Thisdecisiveaction,accordingtoapressrelease fromthecommission,is aimedatprotectingthesanctityandsecrecyoftheballot,particularlytoaddress existingconcernsregarding thepotentialforvoteselling thatisdirectlylinkedtophotographingofballots.
Theprohibitiononcell phoneuseandthepenalties forvotesellingarerooted intheRepresentationofthe PeopleAct,Cap.1:03.
Consideringthattheintegrityoftheelectoralprocessisofcrucialimportance, thenewmeasuresaredesignedtoensurethatevery citizencancasttheirvote freelyandwithoutundueinfluence,andthatthesecrecy oftheirchoiceisabsolutely protected.
Asaconsequenceofthe Commission’sdecision,the followingmeasureswill beimplementedtoenforce theprohibitionoftheuse ofcellphonesinpolling stations:-Postingofaclear andprominentnoticebythe entranceandwithinevery pollingstationexplicitly stating,pictoriallyandin words,thattheuseofcell phonesisstrictlyprohibited.
Regularannouncement toallvotersinthequeueby pollingdayofficials,informingthemtoturnofftheircell phonesbeforeenteringthe pollingstation.Everyvoter willberemindedoftheneed toturnoffhis/hercellphone beforehe/sheisgiventhe ballottovote.
TheNationalIDCard orvalidGuyanaPassport orDriver’sLicenceasthe casemaybe,ofeveryvoter willberetainedbythePresidingOfficeratthepoint oftheissuingoftheballot andreturnedafterthevoter hascompletedthevoting process.
Votingcompartments
willbestrategicallypositionedtoallowGECOM staffandaccreditedparty agentstoobserveifavoter isattemptingtousehis/her phonetotakeaphotoofhis/ herballot.
Thisobservationwillbe respectfulofvoterprivacywhilemaintainingvigilanceagainsttheuseofcell phonesinpollingstations.
Intheeventthatavoter isobservedattemptingto photographhis/herballot, GECOMstaffand/orParty Agentswillimmediately raiseanalarmtopreventthe action.Anyvoterobserved takingaphotographofhis/ herballotpaperwillresult inaformalnotebeingmade oftheincident,andareport willbeimmediatelysubmittedtotheGuyanaPolice Forceforinvestigation.
Adesignateddeskor tablewillbeplacednextto eachvotingcompartment wherevoterswillbeinstructedtoplacetheircell phonesbeforeusingthe votingcompartmenttocast theirvote.Thiswillprovideavisiblelocationfor phones,byallconcerned, duringthevotingprocess.
GECOMofficialswill instructeveryvotertoplace theirphonesonadesignated desk/tablebeforeproceedingtothevotingcompartment.Thisinstructionwill beclearandconsistently appliedtoallvoters.
TheCommission'sdecisionalignswithinternationalbestpracticesforelection administration,whichoften includeprovisionstoprotectballotsecrecyandpreventelectoralfraud.Inthis regard,collaborationwith theGuyanaPoliceForce underscorestheseriousnesswithwhichelectoral offensesareviewedandthe commitmenttorigorous enforcement.
Itisimperativetounderstandthatthesellingof avoteconstitutesaserious electoraloffencewhich carriessignificantpenalties.Offendersfoundguilty ofsellingtheirvoteare liabletoafineofsixty-five thousandGuyanaDollars (G$65,000)andimpris-
onmentforatermofsix months.
TheCommissionurged allvoterstocooperatewith thesenewmeasures,specificallybecausetheyare crucialforupholdingthe integrityandtransparency oftheelectoralprocess.
“GECOMiscommittedtoupholdingthe principlesoffreeandfair electionsandwilltakeall necessarystepstoprosecutethosewhoattemptto underminethedemocratic process,”thecommission said.
‘Leadershipthatunites,transforms orleadershipthatdivides,recycles?’
ASthecountdownto electiondayintensifies, Linden-bornpolitician JermaineFigueira,once amemberofAPartnershipforNationalUnity (APNU),hasmadean impassionedpleatothe residentsofRegion10to voteforleadershipthat
offersvision,substance, anddirection,notrecycled slogans.
InaFacebookposton Tuesday,Figueiracontrastedwhathedescribedas PresidentDr.IrfaanAli’s transformativeagendawith whathedeemeda“shallow anduninspiring”presenta-
tionbyAPNUpresidential candidate,AubreyNorton atarallyinLindenearlier thismonth.
“MybelovedLindeners,mybrothersandsistersofRegion10…Twelve days!That’sallthatstands betweenusandE-Day,” Figueiradeclared,ashe
urgedpersonstolistentothe addressofNortonduringthe rally,whichhesaidincluded “nothingofsubstanceand value.”
TheformerAPNUparliamentarian,saidLindeners andallGuyanesemustnot settleforemptyrhetoric whensomuchisatstake.
“Chooseprogress. Choosevision.ChooseleadershipthatmovesusForward,Together,foraBetter Guyana!Votefortheonly candidatethatmakessense andknowshowtogetthe jobdone.VoteforDr.Irfaan Aliforaunitedprosperous, progressive,developedand atransformedmodernGuyana,”hesaid.
Figueiraheldnothing backinhisbroadsideof Norton’saddress.
Accordingtohim,the APNUleaderofferedno blueprintforthefuture, nocredibleeconomicor socialdevelopmentagenda,andnorealsolutions forthechallengesfacing Region10.
SHALLOW, UNIMAGINATIVE ANDUNINSPIRING
“Itwasthemostshallow,unimaginative,uninspiring,visionlessaddress everdeliveredbyaPNC leaderandpresidential candidateinthehistoryof independentGuyana.No solidplanforjobcreation. Nosolidplanforyoung people.Noplansfordevelopment.Notransformative plansforRegion10.No developmentalplanforGuyana,”hewrote.
Instead,heaccused Nortonofdelivering“just recycledslogans…emptychatter…insultsofhis opponents,stalejokesand lightweightwords,thatvanishlikesmokeintheair.”
FigueirapressedLinden“Ifamancannotinspire youwithwords,howcanhe leadyouwithactions?Ifhe cannotcraftavision,how canhebuildapeopleanda nation?”
Norton,forhispart,used hisspeechtohurlsharp criticismsatPresidentAli andPPPGeneralSecretary BharratJagdeo. Heaccusedthemof corruption,incompetence, andbetrayalofLinden.His addressleanedheavilyon attacks,claimingPPP/C governmentshadleftRegion 10underdeveloped,closed downschools,andmismanagedmajorinfrastructure projects.
Hepledgedthatan APNUgovernmentwould deliversustainableagriculture,cheapelectricity, mortgageandrentsupport, andbetterhealthcareand
educationservices.Healso promiseda$200,000minimumwageandstipendsto keepstudentsinschool.
WhileNortoninsisted thatonlyAPNUcoulddeliver“qualitylife”toLindeners,Figueiradismissedthose claimsasemptyslogansthat masktheabsenceofgenuine visionorstrategy.
ForFigueira,thechoice beforevotersisnotmerelybetweentwopolitical parties,butbetweentwo competingapproachesto leadership:onethatunites andtransforms,andanother thatdividesandrecycles.
“WeinLinden,inRegion10,inallofGuyana, wedeservebetter!So,on September1,don’tsettle forweaknessdisguisedas leadership.Don’tsettle foremptysuitsandempty promises,”heurged.
ByexplicitlyrallyingbehindDr.IrfaanAli,Figueira Guyanesealeadershipthat istested,visionary,andcapableofdeliveringtransformationacrosssectors.
Ali’sadministrationhasconsistentlybackedupwords withtangibleprojects,investments,andnational programmesthatdirectly improvethelivesofcitizens.
“Chooseprogress. Choosevision.ChooseleadershipthatmovesusForward,Together,foraBetter Guyana!”hesaid.
Region10haslongbeen consideredtheheartland ofthePNC/APNU,butthe PPP/Chassteadilybeenexpandingitsfootprintthrough infrastructureprojects,socialsupportprogrammes andcommunityengagement. However,according toFigueira,theultimate decisionnowrestswith thepeopleofRegion10 andthewiderGuyanese electorate.
JermaineFigueira
THREEofGuyana’sjournalistswerecelebratedfor theirexceptionalreporting ongenderissuesatthe inauguralWomenand GenderEqualityCommission(WGEC)Media PrizeCeremony,heldon TuesdayattheUniversity ofGuyana’sTurkeyen Campus.
KhadidjaBaofStabroek Newstookfirstprize,with fellowStabroekNewsre-
porterMirandaLaRosesecuringsecondplace,while DanielleSwainoftheNews RoomInc.wonthirdplace.
Theawardsrecognise journalismthatplacesgenderatthecentreofthestory, highlightingreal-lifestruggles,triumphs,andsocial issuesinGuyana.
TheceremonywashostedbytheWGECincollaborationwiththeUniversityofGuyana’sCentrefor CommunicationStudies,the InstituteofGenderStudies, andtheGuyanaPressAssociation.
ChristineSamwaroo, ResearchAssistantatthe InstituteofGenderStudies, emphasisedtheimportance ofreportingongenderwith insight,sensitivity,andpurpose.
“InJuly2025,wereceived19submissions,both writtenandvideo,showcasingtherealities,struggles, andsuccessesrelatedto genderinGuyana,”Samwaroosaidadding,“Today, wehonourthesejournalists forplacinggenderfrontand centreintheirstories.”
WGECExecutiveDirectorRenataChuck-ASangstressedtheroleof journalisminshapingsocialnormsandadvancing equality.“Journaliststellthe storyofourlives.”
Shefurthersaid,“Journaliststellthestoryofour lives;andthroughthem, weeithergettoknoweach otherbetter,promotegood habits,orweretainbad habits.Andso,wethought itwouldbeimportantfor ustotakealookathow genderisusedinourstorytelling.”
Chuck-A-Sangalso notedthechallengeofinterpreting“gender”instorytelling,explainingthat manysubmissionsinitially focusedonviolenceagainst women.“Theonlystoryfor womencannotbeaboutviolence,”shesaid.“Wewant toencouragestoriesthat recognizebroaderaspectsof genderandequality.”
Meanwhile,Clarence Brotherson,Directorof theUniversityofGuyana’s CentreforCommunication Studies,laudedthejournalists’work,stating,“Journalismisasweetscience.
Youtellstoriesoftheentire world,anditrequirescommitmenttotruth,transparency,andequality,”hesaid. “Yourworkisquality,and weencourageyoutocontinuepracticingyourcraftwith pride,dignity,andhonour.”
NazimaRaghubir, speakingonbehalfofthe GuyanaPressAssociation, emphasisedtheimportance offollow-upreportingand thevalueofdocumenting experiences.“Takealook atthestoriesyou’vesubmittedandthinkabouthow todevelopthemfurther. Usethisasasteppingstone toenhanceyourcraftand contributemeaningfullyto publicunderstanding,”she said.
Ba,wonfirstplacefor herin-depthfeatureonparentsaffectedbyatragicdormitoryfire,whichclaimed thelivesof20childrenin Mayof2023.Shesatwith theparentsofseveralofthe childrenwhowerefromthe Indigenouscommunityof MicobieinRegionEight.
LaRosewasawarded thesecondprizeforherprofileofJeanVyfhuis,which highlightedhoweducation ishelpingtobreakcyclesof poverty.Swain’sthird-place entrywasatelevisionreportshowcasingwomenin Huradiah,Moruca,whoare leadingsustainabledevelopmentinitiativesunderGuyana’sLowCarbonDevelopmentStrategy(LCDS).
Ba,inherremarks,reflectedonthechallengesof reportingsensitivestories. Sherecountedthedifficultiesofgainingaccessto grievingfamiliesandthe importanceofrepresenting theirperspectiveswithout intrusion.
“Itwasverytherapeutic fortheparentstobeheard andunderstood,”shesaid. “Asjournalists,weneedto takethetimetositwithour storiesandacknowledge theimpacttheyhaveonus aswell.”
Theceremonyconcludedwithacallforongoingrecognitionofgender-focusedjournalism,as theWGEChopestomake theMediaPrizeanannual eventthatcontinuestoencourageethical,inclusive, andimpactfulreporting.
Leguanhospitalto beretrofittedon parwith otherhospitals countrywide –PresidentAli
INkeepingwiththe PPP/C’sintention toexpandaccessto world-classhealthcareservicesacross thecountry,President,Dr.Mohamed IrfaanAliannounced thatLeguanwillbenefitfromanupgradedandretrofitted hospital.
PresidentAlimade thiscommitmenton Tuesdayevening duringapublicmeetingontheisland.
“Inthenextfive years,wemustdeliver toyouahealthsystem whereourpregnant mothersdonothave togoanywheretogive birth…thatiswhywe aregoingtonotonly rehabilitate,butrebuildyourhospitalto astandardofclassthat isbefittingofanything youseeonthecoast,” heannounced.
Thenewhospital, thepresidentsaid, willbeoutfittedwith
amodernXRaymachineandothercriticalequipmentneededtodeliverquality healthcaretoLeguan residents.
Already,thegovernmenthascommissionedfivestateof-the-arthospitals acrossthecountry, includingoneatDe KinderenontheWest CoastofDemerara.
AnothersuchhospitalwillbecommissionedinRegionTwo inthecomingdays.
PresidentAlisaid thathispartywillnot stopuntillifeissignificantlyimproved fortheresidentsofthe island.
“Weshallnotrest untiltheworkis doneonthisisland, whenyouwillhave thequalityoflife… likeanyotherGuyaneseanywhereelse inthiscountry,”he asserted.(DPI)
InkeepingwiththePPP/C’sintentiontoexpandaccesstoworld-classhealthcareservicesacrossthecountry,
ThreecustomershaveemergedaswinnersinMACORP’sOne MillionDollarBuildingExpoPromotion,rewardingthosewho purchasedpartsfortheirCaterpillarmachinesthroughthe company’sonlineplatform,parts.cat.com
THREEcustomers haveemergedaswinnersinMACORP’s
OneMillionDollar BuildingExpoPromotion,rewarding thosewhopurchased partsfortheirCaterpillarmachines throughthecompany’sonlineplatform, parts.cat.com.
Accordingtoapress release,MACORPannouncedthewinnersat itsboothattheInternationalBuildingExpo onSunday.
Thewinners are:RichardSingh, $500,000inpartsor service;MekdeciMachinery&ConstructionInc.,$300,000in partsorservice;and RudolphSeecharan–$200,000inpartsor service.
“Customersqualifiedforthepromotion bypurchasingtheir Caterpillarmachine partsonline,highlightingthegrowingconvenienceandadoption ofMACORP’sdigital solutions,”MACORP said.
FelixRojas,Parts ManageratMACORP, congratulatedthewinnersandexpressedhis appreciationtocustomersforembracingthe platform.
Hesaid:“Wethank ourcustomersforbelievinginMACORP andforchoosingtouse ourdigitalsolutionto purchasetheirmachine parts.Parts.cat.comis convenient,easyto use,showsreal-time partsavailabilityand pricing,andofferstangiblesavingsandvalue forcustomers.”
Theprizepresentationwasheldon thefinaldayofthe InternationalBuildingExpo,wherecustomersalsoenjoyed brandedgiveaways andticketstotheupcomingGuyanaAmazonWarriorsCaribbeanPremierLeague (CPL)cricketmatchesinGuyana.
Guyana’sadvancements faroutpacemany
countrieswith‘greater populations,resources’
––Dr.Carpensays,hailsnation’s ‘unmatched’progressinhealthsector
LEADINGcardiologist,Dr.MahendraCarpen,has describedGuyana’shealthcaretransformationasunparalleledintheCaribbean,pointingtoinfrastructure andhumanresourcedevelopmentasevidenceofthis rapidprogress.
Dr.Carpen,duringhisappearanceontheStarting Pointpodcast,saidGuyanahasachievedinashortspace oftimewhatothernationsareyettoreplicate.
“Therearecountrieswithlargerpopulationsand greaterresources,butwhenItalkabouthealthcaredevelopment,it’sthescopeofwhat’s[beingdone],thesheer
Leadingcardiologist,Dr.MahendraCarpen
grandeur,”hesaid.
Headded:“There’snoothercountryanywhereinthe Caribbean,forexample,thatwouldhavedone12new hospitalsinsuchashorttime.Thereisnoothercountry thathasinvestedandseenfruitsintrainingofhealthcare professionalsinsuchashorttime.”
ThecardiologistrecalledreturningtoGuyanain2012 ProgressiveParty/Civic(PPP/C)tobuildlocalspecialties
Hesaid:“WhenIcamebacktoGuyanain2012, westartedatrainingprogrammeforinternalmedicine around2013/2014.Inabout10yearsfromthentonow, thattrainingprogrammeforinternalmedicinehasmoved ontocreatesub-specialties.”
AccordingtoDr.Carpen,mostrecently,theadvances intrainingmeanthatGuyanacannowproducedoctors “Frominternalmedicinenow,wecanidentifyand sendpeoplefortraining.Forgastroenterology,that’sfor theGIsystem.Wecansendpeopleforpulmonology, that’sthelungs,forkidneyspecialty,forcardiacspecialty. Allofthathappenedinashorttime,”heoutlined.
Notingthatthepaceofdevelopmenthasaccelerated onlyaretheydoinginternalmedicine,butalsothereare manyothersub-specialtiesnow.
Meanwhile,henotedthatthecountry’ssuccesslies notonlyininfrastructureandtrainingbutalsoinan environmentthatencouragesprofessionalstocontribute meaningfully.
“Thesearealldevelopmentsthatarehappening,and it’snotjusthappeningatacentrallevel.Everyoneis allowedtheopportunitytomaketheircontributions… Thelocalswhohavetherelevantexpertise,youcanput ittouse,’hesaid.
Overthepastfewyears,Guyanahasbeenhailedasa leaderintheregioninrelationtohealthcare,andthesigresourcesandfurtherimprovementofaccesstohealthcare bytheadditionofnewhospitalsandclinics.
Additionally,thecountryhasbeenseenasanexampleforotherstofollowwiththesuccessfulrollout andimplementationofthetelehealthprogramme, bringingaccesstocareinremotehinterlandcommunities.
THEAPartnershipforNationalUnity(APNU)coalitiontookitscampaigntoLethem,RegionNine(Upper Takutu-UpperEssequibo),onTuesday.
Accordingtoinformationfromthecoalition’sFacebookpage,theresidentswereaddressedbypresidential candidate,AubreyNorton;primeministerialcandidate, JurethaFernandes,andothermembersofthecoalition.
Thecoalition’sleadersengagedpersonsonthe planstheyhaveandtheirdisagreementswiththe currentmanagementofGuyana.
BruceGolding leadsOAS
Electoral Observation
MissiontoGuyana
THEOrganizationofAmericanStates(OAS)has begundeploymentofitsElectoralObservation Mission(EOM)forthe2025GeneralandRegionalElectionsinGuyana,ledbyformerPrime MinisterofJamaicaBruceGolding.
AccordingtoinformationfromtheOAS,the OAS/EOMwillcomprise27expertsandobservers from18countries.
FormerPrimeMinisterofJamaicaBruceGolding
Themissionwillfocusitsworkonelectoral organisationandregistries,electoraltechnology, thepoliticalparticipationofwomen.
Thiswillallowtheteamtoanalysetheprocessin astructuredandtechnicallyrigorousmanner.
MembersoftheMissionwillobserveboththe DisciplinedServicesvoteonAugust22,andthe mainpollonSeptember1,OnElectionDay,visiting pollingstationsfromtheopeningofthepollstothe countingofvotesandtheprocessingofresults.
Aheadoftheelections,theChiefofMissionand theOASobserverteamwillmeetwithgovernment andelectoralauthorities,politicalpartiesandcandidates,representativesofcivilsociety,andother stakeholderstoheartheirperspectivesontheongoingelectoralprocess.
Inthedaysaftertheelection,theOAS/EOMwill presentitsPreliminaryReportwithobservationsand recommendationsthatseektostrengthenthecountry’sdemocraticandelectoralprocesses.
ThisistheseventhElectoralObservationMissionthattheOAShasdeployedinGuyana.
Itispossiblebecauseofcontributionsfrom Brazil,Canada,Chile,France,Italy,theNetherlands,Morocco,Peru,Spain,andtheUnited States.
‘LilMan’sentenced to20yearsfor killingelderly fatheroffive
ATWENTY-six-yearoldman,MarcoSeudatt, alsoknownas“LilMan” or“Bissoon,”wason Mondaysentencedto20 years’imprisonmentfor themurderof72-yearoldpensionerMathura Etwaru.
ThesentencewasimposedbyJusticeZamilla Ally-SeepaulattheHigh CourtinDemerara.
Seudatt,ofFourth
Street,Foulis,EastCoast Demerara(ECD),wasindictedforthecapitaloffenceofmurder.
Thecourtconsidered bothaggravatingandmitigatingfactorsinarrivingat thefinalsentence.
Thecasearosefroma tragicincidentonFebruary 22,2021,whenEtwaru’s burntbodywasdiscovered nearHuaxinSupermarket atEnmore,ECD.
AccordingtotheGuyanaPoliceForce(GPF), thebodywasfoundaround 8:16amonthenorthern sideofthesupermarket building.
Post-mortemresults indicatedthatEtwaru,a fatheroffive,diedfrom severeburnsandneck compression. Investigations,aided byCCTVfootagefromthe supermarketandsurroundingareas,revealedthatin theearlyhoursofthatday, SeudattandEtwaruhadan argumentatapproximately 2:46am.Footageshowed SeudattpushingEtwaru tothenorthernsideofa fenceandlatercollecting cardboardboxes,whichhe setalightaround3:12am. Hewasthenseenfleeingthesceneonamotorcycle.
Insentencing,Justice Ally-Seepaulhighlighted theparticularlycrueland premeditatednatureofthe offence.Shenotedthat Seudattchokedtheelderlyvictimbeforesetting himonfire,demonstrating “anunjustifiedactofviolence.”
Thejudgealsocited Seudatt’sdecisiontoflee thescenewithoutoffering assistanceandtheprofoundimpactthecrime hadonthevictim’sfamily asaggravatingfactors.
Whilenomitigating circumstanceswereapplicabletotheoffence itself,thecourtconsidered Seudatt’syouthfulage, lackofpriorconvictions, expressedremorse,willingnesstocompletehis highschooleducation,and participationinrehabilitationprogrammes.
Seudatt’sprisonconductreportindicatedgood behaviour,andheexpressedapologiestothe familyofthedeceased. Thevictim’sfamilydescribedEtwaruasaloving andtolerantindividualand stressedtheirdesirefor justice.
Thecourtalsonoted thatSeudattadmittedto beingundertheinfluence ofanarcoticsubstanceat thetimeofthecrime,while thevictim’sadvancedage madehimparticularlyvulnerable.
JusticeAlly-Seepaul concludedthatdespite themitigatingfactorsfavouringrehabilitation,the crime’scruelandpremeditatednaturewarranteda substantialcustodialsentence.
Seudatt’searlyguilty pleaearnedhimaonethirdreductionfromthe initial30-yearsentence, bringingitto20years, withcreditalsogivenfor timealreadyspentonremand.
Prosecutingattorneys forthecasewerePranetaSeeraj,Christopher Belfield,andNelissaPeterkinfromtheOffice oftheDirectorofPublic Prosecutions.
MarcoSeudatt
PrisonServicerolls outbody-wornCameras toenhancesecurity, accountability
THEGuyanaPrisonService(GPS)hasofficially introducedbody-worn camerasforprisonofficersaspartofitsongoing effortstostrengthensecurity,transparency,and accountabilityacrossthe prisonsystem.
Theinitiativewas launchedonTuesday,August19,2025,attheLusignanPrisonbyDirector ofPrisons,Mr.Nicklon Elliot,whodescribedthe technologyasavitalstep inimprovingoperational efficiencyandsafeguardingbothstaffandinmates.
“Thebody-worncameraswillhelpmonitoractivitieswithinandaround prisonfacilities,support operationalefficiency,and assistininvestigationmatters.Prisonofficersare oftenrequiredtomanage difficultsituations,and withthesenewcameras,itwillhelpmakeour jobsaferwhilereassuring staff,prisoners,andthe publicthatwewillwork withthemtoensurethat theyhaveaccesstothe appropriateservice,”Elliot stated.
Thecameras,which attachtothefrontofan officer’suniform,oper-
ateinstandbymodeuntil activatedbytheofficer tobeginrecording.Each deviceisequippedwith high-qualitydigitalrecordingfeatures,making themaneffectivetoolfor reviewingincidentsand enhancingaccountability inhigh-pressuresituations.
Thisrolloutrepresents thelatestinaseriesof securityenhancements withintheprisonsystem, backedbythegovernment’smulti-billion-dollar investmentaimedatprotectingfrontlinestaffand improvingoverallprison management.
AccordingtotheDirectorofPrisons,theintroductionofbody-worncameras alsoalignswithbroader correctionalreformsunderthetheme“Changing MindsetandCulturefor Corrections.”Henoted thatthedeviceswillbe distributedtootherprison locationsacrossthecountryinthecomingdays.
Thelaunchformed partofElliot’spre-electionmuster,whereboth staffandinmateswere remindedoftheirresponsibilitiesandconductwithintheprison environment.
DirectorofPrisons,NicklonElliot,onTuesday
