Govt launches campaign to improve hospitality in tourism sector
The Tourism, Industry and Commerce
Ministry has officially released a new video aimed at improving behavioural attitudes and strengthening hospitality within Guyana’s tourism sector. The initiative seeks to ensure that Guyana’s renowned hospitality remains at its highest standard. The video, themed “Good Service Makes All the Difference!”, emphasises that in the world of tourism, every interaction matters – from the first “Taxi?” to the last “Thanks for visiting!”
To top it off, as part of the “Tourism is Everybody’s Business – Dat is it!” campaign, the video highlights how friendly and reliable taxi services contribute to creating unforgettable visitor experiences.
Speaking about the initiative, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Susan Rodrigues explained that the video forms part of a wider campaign launched for Tourism Awareness Month.
“Yesterday [Sunday], we officially released one of the ads designed to be part of what I hope will become a year-long campaign fo-
cused on addressing certain behavioural attitudes,”
Minister Rodrigues stated. “There are many areas in which we can improve – the way we treat people, the way we speak to each other. It doesn’t have to be just to visitors, but also how we relate to each other as Guyanese.”
According to the Minister, the campaign is aimed at encouraging more kindness and professionalism, not only within the public service but also among all tourism and hospitality stakeholders.
Good service is good business
“Good service is good business,” she emphasised.
“If we can improve our customer service, it benefits everyone. This campaign is not about any one group –it’s not just about taxi drivers or littering – it’s about how we treat each other in general.”
Minister Rodrigues noted that the challenges facing the tourism and hospitality sector in Guyana are diverse and extend beyond customer service. “The way we drive on our roadways, for example – stopping for
pedestrians at crossings – these are small but important ways we can show courtesy and care. What we launched yesterday is just the beginning of a national effort to raise public awareness about our attitudes and interactions,” she said. She added that this is why the campaign’s theme, “Tourism is Everybody’s Business,” is so significant.
“Tourism doesn’t exist in a vacuum – it’s not just
the job of the tourism sector,” Minister Rodrigues explained. “When visitors come to Guyana, they walk down our streets, visit our restaurants, and stay in our hotels. Every encounter they have shapes their overall experience.” The Minister expressed hope that the public will embrace the campaign’s message and join in fostering a culture of respect and service excellence. “This video comes
from a place of good intention,” she stressed. “It’s an invitation for all of us to be part of this journey – to treat each other with more kindness and to continually improve the quality of our customer service and human interaction.” Launched at the start of this month, the Ministry’s renewed tourism drive comes with a plan to strengthen Guyana’s image as a premier destination. Rodrigues had announced
that two new tourism products will be launched this month – one in Region Nine and another in Region Four – adding to the 68 tourism products introduced since 2020. Just two weeks ago she also revealed that a yearlong Tourism Awareness Campaign will soon roll out, targeting behavioural change and improved hospitality standards across the country. The campaign, she explained, will confront key social issues such as littering, road behaviour, and public interaction with visitors, with consistent messaging across multiple media platforms to promote positive habits, national pride, and a stronger culture of hospitality. “We will have those tough conversations,” Rodrigues stated. “We will tackle our challenges with littering, with the way we interact on our roads, and with visitors. Unless we face these challenges, growth will always be constrained. This campaign will be aggressive, consistent, and positive – using social media, billboards, radio, and television to change habits and inspire pride.”
Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues
BRIDGE OPENING
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, November 11 –09:10h–10:40h and Wednesday, November 12 – 22:00h–03:00h (Thursday).
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Thundery to light rain showers are expected throughout the day. Cloudy skies and thundery showers are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.
High Tide: 08:49h and 21:07h reaching maximum heights of 2.14 metres and 2.20 metres.
Low Tide: 14:35h reaching a minimum height of 1.13 metres.
“We are building the revolution of the future in public service” – Pres Ali …launches Upskilling Platform to drive digital transformation
TGovernment, through the Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, on Monday launched its “Public Service Upskilling Platform”, a landmark initiative aimed at transforming Guyana’s public service into a results-driven, technology-enabled workforce. The launch, held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), marks a major step in the Government’s push to modernise the public sector in collaboration
transforming the machinery of Government into a performance-driven engine, one that measures success, not by activity, but by results,” he declared. He explained that the Government’s vision for a modern, efficient public sector demands that every public servant continuously learn and adapt to technological change. “We will have to eat, breathe, sleep, walk technology. It is where the world is going. It is the way of life,” he said, urging public servants to embrace digital transformation as a means of national survival and competitiveness. “Adopting this new way of life, it is about survival. If we don’t do it as a nation at the scale that is ne-
with global learning leader Coursera. Delivering the feature address at the launch, President Dr Irfaan Ali underscored the initiative as central to Guyana’s longterm digital transformation and human capital development goals. “This is bigger than a training programme or a course or a certificate. This is our future. This is about the direction that we must go in and this is about building out Guyana… stronger, closer, more unified and better than ever before,” President Dr Ali said. “We are building the revolution of the future in public service. We are building the human capital that will ignite the future of Guyana. We are building the best public
service and public servants for the future. That is what we are doing.” The platform will provide free access to hundreds of professional and academic courses for public servants nationwide, ranging from foreign languages and Microsoft Excel to Project Management, website development, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI). Courses are self-paced and include certificates of completion, helping public servants upgrade their skills in alignment with national development priorities. Ali emphasised that the initiative is not just about digital literacy, but about re-engineering the culture and performance of the public service. “The Ministry is
cessary, we will not survive in this modern, new world. What we are doing today is not launching a programme, what we are talking about today is an agile, results driven accountable public service, backed by skilled human capital and technology.”
Human capital development
The President underlined that human capital development is at the heart of the administration’s strategy for national progress.
President Dr Irfaan Ali speaking at the launched of the Public Service Upskilling Platform” held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC)
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Accelerating Guyana’s digital transformation
President Dr Irfaan Ali’s directive to fast-track Guyana’s National Digitalisation Programme marks a defining moment in the country’s public sector evolution. His clear and uncompromising instructions to senior Government officials to complete the digitisation of key national systems within strict timelines reflect both urgency and intent. The message is unmistakable: the era of inefficiency, duplication, and outdated paper-based bureaucracy must give way to a modern, data-driven system of governance that delivers faster, smarter, and more accountable service to citizens.
At the launch of the Public Service Upskilling Platform, the president issued specific deadlines – eight months for the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) to become fully digitised, and five months for the digitisation of all public service records. These targets, while ambitious, are crucial if Guyana is to achieve the seamless coordination and transparency necessary for sustainable national development.
The NIS, in particular, has long been burdened by systemic inefficiencies, delayed claims, misplaced records, and cumbersome manual processes that frustrate contributors and pensioners alike. A fully-digital system could transform this institution into one that is responsive, transparent, and citizen-focused.
Similarly, the digitisation of public service records is an essential pillar of administrative reform. The traditional reliance on manual filing systems has hindered decision-making and accountability for decades. With a centralised, digital database, Government Ministries will reduce paperwork as well as improve data accuracy, information sharing, and institutional memory. Such reform is vital for enhancing the quality and timeliness of public service delivery. Moreover, by linking human resource systems across Ministries, the Government can better deploy skills, manage personnel, and plan succession within the public service.
The President’s emphasis that digitalisation is a core driver of transformation underscores a larger national vision. Digital technologies are now central to global competitiveness. For Guyana, a country on the cusp of economic transformation, embracing digital governance is both a practical and strategic imperative. It is not enough to have booming oil revenues or major infrastructure projects; the systems that underpin governance and service delivery must evolve to support inclusive, transparent, and efficient development.
Of equal significance is the President’s directive to extend digital integration to the agricultural sector. Within four months, farmers are expected to gain access to real-time technologies, covering weather updates, field education, and technical support. This initiative recognises that modern agriculture depends as much on data as it does on land. Access to accurate, timely information can dramatically improve productivity, reduce losses, and strengthen resilience against climate variability. It also empowers rural communities by connecting them to knowledge networks and markets, bridging the gap between traditional practices and modern innovation.
President Ali’s reference to upcoming homegrown applications designed to enhance service delivery signals a shift towards local innovation. Empowering young developers to design and build solutions tailored to Guyana’s specific needs is both forward-thinking and sustainable. It invests in local talent, fosters technological independence, and ensures that solutions evolve organically within the national context rather than being imported wholesale.
However, this digital drive must be matched by robust implementation and oversight. Setting timelines is one thing; meeting them requires coordination, capacity, and accountability. Ministries and agencies must ensure that the digitisation process includes adequate cybersecurity safeguards, user training, and infrastructure readiness. Data protection and privacy must remain central concerns as public records are migrated to digital systems. Any failure in these areas could undermine public confidence and compromise the integrity of the transformation process.
Additionally, digitalisation should not be confined to urban centres or central government agencies. Equal access for hinterland and rural communities is vital to avoid deepening existing disparities. The digital revolution must be inclusive, connecting citizens from Aishalton to Anna Regina, and ensuring that every Guyanese, regardless of geography, can benefit from efficient and transparent governance.
The President’s clear deadlines and expectations now place the onus squarely on the implementing Ministries. The next eight months will serve as a litmus test for Guyana’s readiness to match rhetoric with results. The successful digital transformation of the NIS and public service records, and key sectors could redefine how these institutions operate, making them faster, more transparent, and more responsive.
The global economy rewards agility, information accuracy, and technological innovation. For Guyana, aligning governance structures with these realities is essential to sustaining growth and ensuring that progress benefits all citizens.
Guyana’s housing sector
Dear Editor,
My overarching statement is that “The state of a nation’s housing sector provides a tangible indicator of how effectively a Government is managing resources, addressing social challenges, and planning for the future.” That is a universal truth, and I add to this, that according to numerous studies and research projects, a strong link exists between access to good, stable housing and reduced crime rates.
I am pleased then that “Over 110 new housing areas (were) established, (with some) 60 per cent complete…” This came from Housing Minister Collin Croal, whose exact words were “… over the past five years, the Government has commenced development in more than 110 new housing areas across the country, with approximately 60 per cent of them already completed.” This kind of development is not only salubrious, but augurs well for the country, especially in the light of ‘good governance’, and ‘crime alleviation’, as I mentioned earlier.
Editor, I think that this
is unprecedented, that is, “In five years, we (People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government) commenced over 110 new housing areas across all regions. We have not completed all of them in terms of infrastructure – some are ongoing – but we’ve completed about 60 per cent.” Readers can follow the details in the dailies and can even traverse various areas, once seemingly abandoned, that have now become populated with homes, all symptomatic of organised villages, forming various parts of a developing country.
What I find strange is that many are turning a blind eye to this housing phenomenon, that is worthy of another contextual examination.
I speak here in terms of the average cost of owning a home in Ontario. This is like so prohibitive that people think generationally when it comes to owning a home. And why?
This is comprised of a significant upfront cost, with ongoing monthly expenses averaging around $1,400 to over $2,000 for a mortgage payment, property taxes,
and utilities, plus additional costs for insurance and maintenance. In fact, as of September 2025, the average home price in the province was $828,896, a figure heavily influenced by the Greater Toronto Area’s average price of $1,059,377. And I am talking Canadian dollars. I go across to the US, and the average home value in New York, NY is around $806,834, albeit recent median sale prices vary by source and time, with some data showing the median sale price in September 2025 at $875,000. Exorbitant!
The contrast is that housing affordability in Guyana is addressed through Government initiatives like the Home Construction Assistance Programme, the allocation of subsidised house lots and constructed homes, and collaborations with the private sector.
It is by utilising these Government programmes and planning finances effectively, that so many Guyanese can significantly improve their ability to own a home.
Lest I sound like a lone
voice, I remind readers that Guyana’s housing programme has been commended by at least one prominent Caribbean leader. I refer to Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines, who in January 2023, publicly expressed his admiration for Guyana’s affordable housing programme. After personally visiting one of the housing development sites, he was very impressed with the cost and value of the low-income concrete units being constructed by the Guyanese Government. Specifically, Dr Gonsalves noted that the prices for the units, which include the land and a finished house, were “fantastic value for money” and better than those in his own country. He also highlighted the clear “heavy Government subsidy” that makes the homes accessible to citizens. His Government subsequently decided to purchase 15 modular homes from a local Guyanese manufacturer as part of St Vincent’s own rebuilding efforts.
Yours truly, Raymond Anderson
Ranks from the Aishalton Police Station engage students of Shea Primary School during an educational outreach held on Monday. The session focused on promoting discipline, respect, and safety among students. The officers discussed the impact of bullying and the importance of good habits, courtesy, and obedience – messages that sparked participation from the 85 students and eight teachers in attendance (GPF photo)
Compliance is not performance
Dear Editor,
The author of the letter titled “Bhagwandin’s letter betrays his authority as a qualified auditor or accountant” fails to appreciate the core contention of SphereX’s critical review of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority’s (NDIA) performance audit –namely, that the audit does not speak to the effectiveness of the NDIA in fulfilling its statutory mandate.
Our position remains that the report in question is not a performance au-
dit as defined by INTOSAI standards, but rather a compliance or administrative audit. This distinction is fundamental to audit classification and cannot be dismissed by rhetorical labeling.
Importantly, our review did not in any way seek to defend the NDIA, nor did it dispute the audit’s factual findings. It was not, as the author suggests, an attack on the Audit Office. Rather, it is a methodological critique – a professional examination of scope and clas-
‘Mohameds Exception Act’
Dear Editor, I read with great amusement the Mohamed family’s recent statement lamenting the supposed “persecution” of the family after the lawful impoundment of one of their uninsured vehicles by the Guyana Police Force (GPF). According to them, Guyana is descending into tyranny because, apparently, the rule of law had the audacity to apply to them. Perhaps it is time to stop pretending that all citizens are equal under the law and accept that some families, like the Mohameds, are simply too important to be governed by such trivialities as the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act or the Income Tax Act. In fact, I suggest we consider enacting special legislation, the ‘Mohameds Exception Act,’ that allows this distinguished family to operate with impunity and privilege, and disregard any other law they find inconvenient. After all, this is a family whose record already speaks volumes when it comes to adherence to the rule of law, in and out of Guyana. Both Azruddin and his father, along with several of their companies, have been sanctioned and indicted by the US Government for financial crimes including mail and wire fraud. Clearly, if they can brush
off federal charges, what’s a little local infraction about an uninsured car? I must admit, however, that their attempt to cloak traffic violations in the language of democracy, persecution, and international concern is almost impressive in its creativity. To compare being pulled over for breaking the law with the oppression faced by political prisoners in Pakistan or gang violence in Haiti requires a level of dramatic flair that should at least earn them an Oscar, if not immunity from the police. Or maybe they simply are unable to distinguish between political persecution and law enforcement. And maybe if they are genuinely interested in defending democracy, perhaps they can start by respecting the laws of the democratic state they claim to love. The rule of law does not bend to the wealthy or the well-connected as they seem to believe. So yes, I support the Mohamed’s call for fairness; the fairness of ensuring that every Guyanese, regardless of wealth or surname, faces the same consequences when they break the law. Until then, may their next statement be accompanied by valid insurance certificates for the cars they drive.
Yours faithfully, Ravin
Singh
sification in relation to the stated objective of the audit.
The author’s attempt to question my authority, while unfortunate, is misplaced. The issue here is not about “authority” – perceived or otherwise – but about the logic of methodology. Lacking the ability to credibly rebut our analytical argument, the author resorted to labeling the review as “academic” and “theoretical.” Ironically, that admission implicitly acknowledges that our critique is intellectually sound and grounded in principle.
If one wishes to speak of practicality, then let us be practical. The stated objective of the audit, as outlined in its introduction, was to determine whether NDIA effectively achieved its mandate. Yet, upon reading the body of the report – its findings and recommendations – it becomes evident that it fails entirely to address that objective. It audits compliance systems and administrative controls, but not performance outcomes.
That is the essence of our critique, and I reaffirm it unequivocally. It is not an attack, but a respectful, evidence-based assessment calling for the Auditor General to align methodology and scope with the audit’s stated performance objective.
Now, to another of the author’s misinformed assertions – that the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) identified in our review are “futuristic.” That notion is, quite frankly, fatally amusing. The audit itself covered the period
January 2021 to June 2024 –a period during which NDIA operated, received subventions from the national treasury, and executed its drainage and irrigation mandate. It is therefore self-evident that data ought to exist for that period – data on assets managed, drainage canals maintained, irrigation structures rehabilitated, and communities served. To describe these metrics as “futuristic” betrays either a misunderstanding of the audit’s timeframe or a lack of familiarity with performance auditing practice.
In fact, credit must be given to the audit report for acknowledging that NDIA has not defined its KPIs. It is precisely for this reason, and understandably so, that what should have been a performance audit devolved into a compliance audit. But this does not absolve the auditors of responsibility. They could have – and should have – defined provisional KPIs drawn from the NDIA’s statutory mandate and then measured performance within that framework. That is what a competent performance audit does.
The contention, therefore, is not about the absence of data, but about the absence of methodological rigor. To suggest otherwise is to excuse the very deficiency the audit itself identifies.
From the perspective of practicality and public accountability, the performance audit is a report to the shareholders of the State, the people of Guyana. The majority of citizens are
not auditors or accountants. They do not need to be. What they need is clarity on how effectively their tax dollars are being used to deliver tangible outcomes.
The question every taxpayer ought to ask is simple: Did the NDIA achieve its objectives in drainage and irrigation, and what measurable impact was achieved for the resources expended? Unfortunately, this audit report tells the public little about that. It tells us much about internal administrative deficiencies, but nothing about actual performance – kilometers of canals maintained, structures rehabilitated, acres irrigated, or communities protected from flooding.
In short, compliance is not performance. And even if the NDIA failed to meet those tangible outcomes in so far as performance is concerned, then let the findings show that to the taxpayer. That is precisely the point of a performance audit – to assess effectiveness, not to shield or to indict, but to inform. This reinforces that our critique is not a defence of NDIA, but a call for the Auditor General to conduct a true performance audit that measures and reports outcomes as they are.
Finally, since the author made much of “authority” and sought to cast aspersions on the credibility of my firm, allow me to clarify, through evidence, the nature and practicality of our work.
SphereX Professional Services has a proven track record of forensic and investigative audit work that has
produced tangible enforcement outcomes. For example, in 2024, our firm was retained by a local business partner in a joint venture investigation. The findings uncovered breaches of the Income Tax Act, the Local Content Act, and the Companies Act, involving over G$100 million in diverted revenue, money laundering, and corporate fraud. Our investigation revealed that payments from clients in Guyana – including a major state-owned enterprise – had been diverted to foreign accounts, thereby evading local taxation. Evidence of these transactions was presented to the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Local Content Secretariat. The authorities acted promptly, resulting in the seizure of assets and the recovery of unpaid taxes exceeding G$100 million. That is the level of practical audit work SphereX undertakes – real, evidence-based, and consequential.
Therefore, to dismiss our review as “academic” betrays not our authority, but the author’s unfamiliarity with the breadth of what we do.
SphereX stands firmly by its review. We reaffirm that the NDIA audit is misclassified in methodological terms and falls short of the standards of a true performance audit. Our critique was never an assault on the Auditor General but a call to elevate audit quality and public accountability.
Respectfully,
Joel Bhagwandin
Evening News (RB)
Changing from metric units to customary units
Use the chart below to help you convert metric units to customary units. The values may not be exact in all cases but approximations.
Example:
6 metres = how many feet?
Step 1: Find metres on the chart above: 1 metre = 39.37 inches
Step 2: Multiply 6 x 39.37 = 236.22 inches.
Step 3: Divide the number of inches by 12 to find feet: 236.22 ÷12 = 19.685 feet
So 6 metres = 19.685 feet.
Papel picado is a traditional Mexican folk art in which images or patterns are cut out of tissue paper. These banners adorn celebrations all over Mexico, including weddings, birthdays, holidays, and parties of all kinds.
In Mexico, papel picado is often hand-crafted using chisels and hammers. Artisans might use a template to punch out a design on a stack of up to a hundred sheets of tissue paper at a time. You can make papel picado at home using just a few materials. Folding and cutting squares of tissue paper will reveal beautiful and unique patterns — and the possibilities are endless!
Materials
Tissue paper squares in at least 2 or more colours (10” x 10”, or smaller)
Pen
Scissors
Glue
String
Exercises: Calculate
1) Which is larger: a 2-litre bottle of Pepsi or a 6-quart bottle of sorrel?
2) 92 kilograms would make many pounds?
3) 12 kilograms would make many grams ?
4) One gallon gas equals how many litres?
5) Which is shorter: the 100-yard dash or the 100-metre sprint?
Directions
Step 1: Start with a square of tissue paper. Create a bottom border by folding the square in half, then in half again in the same direction. Make small cutouts along the bottom of the long rectangle in any shape you like, trying not to cut deeper than 1 inch. Open your tissue paper and notice the pattern created on the bottom edge.
Step 2: Fold the tissue paper in half from side-to-side, then fold it in half from top-tobottom, just to the top of the
bottom border you’ve created.
Step 3: Cut out shapes from the sides of your folded paper. Try making triangles, semi-circles, snip-off corners, or cut out half-heart shapes. There’s almost no wrong way to experiment with your cuts! Use a pen to draw shape guides if you need to. As you snip, notice how the paper is changing. What do you think it will look like when it’s open!
Step 4: Open the tissue paper to reveal the pattern. As you look it over, try to figure
out which snips resulted in each shape! Next, grab another square of tissue paper and do it all again. For one banner, you’ll need about six pieces of papel picado, but can have more if you like! Experiment with different ways to fold the square — corner to corner, side to side, or top to bottom — and different shaped cut-outs. Make as many unique pieces of papel picado as you’d like!
Step 5: Once you’ve cut about six sheets of papel picado, you’re ready to assemble the banner. Lay out a length of string or yarn long enough to fit all of your sheets. Working with one sheet at a time, spread glue across the very top half inch of the papel picado. Lay the string on top of the glue, then carefully fold the tissue paper just over the string. Repeat with each sheet of papel picado, spacing them about an inch or two apart.
Step 6: Hang your papel picado banner wherever you need a pop of colour, or at your next family get-together!
(Adapted from pbs.org)
By John O’Donohue
CONTINUED FROM MONDAY
When you travel, A new silence Goes with you, And if you listen, You will hear What your heart would Love to say.
A journey can become a sacred thing: Make sure, before you go, To take the time To bless your going forth, To free your heart of ballast So that the compass of your soul Might direct you toward The territories of spirit Where you will discover More of your hidden life, And the urgencies That deserve to claim you.
May you travel in an awakened way, Gathered wisely into your inner ground; That you may not waste the invitations Which wait along the way to transform you.
May you travel safely, arrive refreshed, And live your time away to its fullest; Return home more enriched, and free To balance the gift of days which call you. (Awakin.org)
Include a scene in a short play in which a pet damages something that is precious to its owner.
New MoPW hotline
Contractor-caused damage to bridges, GWI pipes among 200 complaints lodged by citizens
Just days after the Public Works Ministry launched two dedicated WhatsApp hotlines to tackle issues affecting citizens and contractors executing public projects, more than 200 complaints have already been lodged by citizens, including reports of damage to pipelines and bridges by contractors. An additional 70 reports have also been received from contractors, all of which are being actively addressed by the Ministry. The hotline initiative, which was launched on November 6, 2025, by Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, aims to create a direct feedback mechanism for citizens and contractors to report deficiencies, hazards, and other issues arising from construction projects or public infrastructure works.
Edghill had explained that the hotline system is a key part of improving efficiency, accountability, and responsiveness in the Ministry’s operations.
“It is one way of improving citizen satisfaction, ensuring efficiency, and implementing Government programmes in a manner that benefits the people,” he had said at the launching. The citizen hotline, available 24 hours a day via (592) 624-2964, allows individuals to report a range of concerns, including the quality of work being executed by contractors, encumbrances within communities, derelict vehicles, and general safety issues. Reports have included cases of flooding, damage to bridges, illegal roadside structures, and obstructions along Government reserves.
In addition, citizens are encouraged to report dam-
age to Government property caused by motorists, such as
broken lantern poles, traffic lights, and guard rails, noting that offenders will be held liable for the cost of repairs. Reports of unauthorised construction along highways, including unapproved shacks, billboards, and buildings, can also be submitted through the same line, with the Ministry warning that removal costs will be borne by the owner. A separate hotline, (592) 624-2965, has also been established for contractors to raise queries or concerns related to their projects, including issues surrounding payments and construction logistics. Since its introduction, the Ministry has described the public response as overwhelming, with complaints ranging from poor road conditions to encroachments and other vio-
lations of public infrastructure laws. The Public Works Ministry said the initiative is already strengthening its ability to respond rapidly to field reports, while also improving oversight of projects and reinforcing the regulatory framework governing contractors. The hotline system, officials noted, reflects the Government’s proactive approach to transparency, citizen engagement, and effective service delivery in the public infrastructure sector. By integrating technology and direct communication channels, the Ministry hopes to ensure that issues affecting communities are addressed swiftly, while maintaining high standards of safety, aesthetics and accountability on Guyana’s roadways and construction sites.
Extradition request advances as key documents submitted to Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts
Extradition proceedings for United States (US) indicted businessmen Nazar Mohamed and his son Azruddin Mohamed resumed on Monday before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, with several key documents being formally submitted to the court. During the hearing, the prosecution tendered crucial documentation, including a diplomatic note, an authenticated declaration from the US Secretary of State, and arrest warrants for both men. These documents form part of the US’ official request for their extradition in connection with alleged financial crimes. The matter has been adjourned to November 24, 2025, for
a report. Both Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed remain on $150,000 bail each as the extradition process continues. The Guyanese men are wanted in the US to face charges of fraud and money laundering. In fact, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)-sanctioned Mohameds have already been indicted by a grand jury in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida on 11 criminal charges ranging from wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering, primarily connected to the export of gold to the US by their company Mohamed’s Enterprises.
The Mohameds are accused of conspiring to defraud the US and Guyanese Governments between 2017
and June 11, 2024. The father-son duo is accused of using a scheme to unlawfully obtain property by transmitting communications via
interstate and foreign commerce in violation of US laws. According to the prosecutors, the goal was to enrich themselves and defraud the Government of Guyana by evading taxes and royalties on gold exports. They allegedly reused Guyana customs declarations and official seals on multiple shipments to make it appear that taxes and royalties had been paid when they had
not. The indictment stated that Mohamed’s Enterprise would pay taxes and receive official Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Guyana Gold Board (GGB) seals for one shipment, then reuse those same seals and documents on subsequent, untaxed shipments.
The indictment further alleges that the Mohameds arranged for empty wooden boxes bearing intact
GRA and GGB seals to be shipped from gold buyers in Dubai to Miami, and then sent to Guyana. These boxes were then used to export gold while falsely appearing to have cleared customs and tax obligations. US authorities allege the scheme resulted in more than US$50 million in lost taxes and royalties to the Government of Guyana.
US-indicted Nazar Mohamed and his son, Azruddin Mohamed leaving court on Monday
Extradition request advances as...
Additional indictments detail similar conduct involving shipments of gold, emails allegedly from Nazar Mohamed requesting the sealed boxes from Miami, and exports of over 165 kilograms (kg) of gold per shipment destined for Dubai. Charges six to nine focus on mail fraud, referencing the shipment of sealed empty boxes from Dubai to Miami while charge 10 addressed money laundering which alleged that the Mohameds knowingly transferred funds within the US with the intent to promote unlawful activity. The other charge has to do with Azruddin Mohamed purchasing and importing
a Lamborghini sports car to Guyana in 2020. The indictment alleges he directed someone to purchase the car for US$680,000, then falsify the invoice to state a value of US$75,300 to understate import taxes. The sanctioned businessman, who is also the leader of the We Invest In Nationhood (WIN) party, is presently before the local courts in relation to the importation of the sports vehicle and more so, for evading more than $380 million in taxes in violation of Section 217 of the Customs Act. He has also been charged with fraudulent declaration under the same act.
The US Government is
seeking forfeiture of certain assets connected to the accused. If convicted, most charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and fines of up to US$250,000 while the money laundering charge carries a fine of US$500,000 or the value of the laundered property. The indictment follows sanctions imposed over a year ago by the US Government on the Mohameds, their businesses, and Guyanese Government Permanent Secretary (PS) Mae Thomas in relation to the same allegations. The sanctions are related to the evasion of taxes on gold exports, with OFAC noting that between
2019 and 2023, Mohamed’s Enterprise omitted more than 10,000 kg of gold from import and export declarations and avoided paying more than US$50 million in duty taxes to the Government of Guyana. Since the imposition of the sanctions, the Guyana Government had suspended the licences of the Mohameds’ various businesses, highlighting that the US-sanctioned businessman is a risk and a threat to Guyana’s financial stability, sovereignty, and diplomacy. Subsequently, several Government entities and local businesses, including commercial banks, have cut ties with the Mohameds.
S…fight
terrorism
o little Soraya Bourne – only six years old and just starting school with the innocence of children who have no reason not to believe a long life lies ahead – has been interred. Through absolutely no fault of hers, her life was violently snuffed out by a terrorist who came across all the way from Venezuela to create mayhem and destruction in Guyana. She died just because someone or some organisation – perchance even the Government of Venezuela – wanted to “send a message” to our government. She was just collateral damage.
Your Eyewitness believes we shouldn’t allow innocent Soraya’s life to be lost in vain…not just to become a statistic that’s forgotten within the next news cycle. As your Eyewitness has pointed out, this act of terrorism at the mid-town gas station by a foreign operative out of Venezuela was not the first – there were the other two last May at the Ruimveldt Police outpost and the GPL Mandela Ave sub-station. And we can be sure that it ain’ gonna be the last. The terrorism genie that has transformed modern warfare by “non-state actors” – as they’re called – has ravaged vast swathes of the world. It has reached us and will not return into its bottle on its own. How many more Sorayas will here be??
Terrorism’s entire modus operandi is to strike terror – hence the name – in the populace so that their governments will cave in to whatever agenda the terrorists are pursuing. In our case, Mad Maduro’s quaking in his boots as he sees his ouster or his death – or both – approaching in the form of the American armada massed in the Caribbean Sea. He wants to make us think twice and reject cooperating with the Yanks –even as he’s cold-bloodedly pursued the annexation of our Essequibo!!
We, therefore, need to have a dedicated counterterrorism outfit formed – if one wasn’t already launched – to confront this existential threat!! While it might seem to be a bit of overkill in view of the National Intelligence & Security Agency (NISA) that was recently in the news – we can leapfrog dealing with this new and specialised threat. And we can honour this young life that was snatched so brutally by naming it the “Soraya Counter-Terrorism Unit” (SCTU). The British model of Regional Terrorism Units with a coordinating Central Headquarters suggests a structure. The latter coordinate activities with NISA.
To paraphrase Martin Carter’s “Death of a comrade”: “Too soon, too soon/ our banner draped for you./ I would prefer/the banner in the wind/ not bound so tightly in a scarlet fold –/ not sodden sodden/with your people’s tears/ but flashing on the pole/ we bear aloft/ down and beyond this dark dark lane of rage.”
…remind Mad Maduro
Are you, Dear Readers, old enough to remember the classic ballad “Where Have All The Flowers Gone?” This was covered by so many greats during the anti-war days of the 1960s. The question alludes to the horrors of war by answering that “young girls pick them” and they take them to the young men who’ve gone to become soldiers – and end up in graveyards. And the graveyards?? “Gone to flower, every one of them”!! The refrain asks poignantly, “When will they ever learn, oh when will they ever learn?”
The “they” of course, are those who start and keep stoking wars. And as we can see all around the world, there ain’t no shortage of “them”!! As we know to our cost, we’ve got Mad Maduro on our western border, who clearly hasn’t learned anything after one quarter of his people have fled to foreign climes – including Guyana. Yet he’s provoking war with his act of terrorism that killed Soraya!!
…cooperate
The US Commander of SouthCom – who is in charge of all military operations in our neck of the woods – was in town last week. He certainly didn’t come for a rum swizzle!! So your Eyewitness wonders whether Mad Maduro had his buckta in a knot again!!
Stronger CELAC-EU partnership needed to tackle transnational crime, other challenges – PM Phillips
Prime Minister (PM)
Brigadier (Retired)
Mark Phillips emphasised the urgent need for strengthened bi-regional cooperation to tackle climate change, food insecurity, and transnational crime during his address to the Fourth Community of Latin American and Caribbean States–European Union (CELAC–EU) Summit in Santa Marta, Colombia. The gathering brought together Heads of State and Government from CELAC and the EU to deepen their partnership and advance joint responses to global challenges affecting both regions. During his remarks, the PM emphasised that despite geographical distance, CELAC and EU member states are inextricably linked through common threats and shared values. “Guyana considers that the present CELACEU partnership, built on shared values, democracy, the rule of law, respect for the UN Charter and international law — provides an ample framework for enhanced cooperation to address the global issues which sit at the heart of our collective efforts to engender peace, sustainable development and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by all our peoples.”
He noted that the world stands at a crossroads, beset by multiple crises, and stressed the imperative to engender a renewed multilateralism fit for contemporary times.
Existential threat
Phillips identified climate change as the first critical concern. He described it as “an existential threat of grave and growing proportions.” He also referenced the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, and The Bahamas, underscoring Guyana’s solidarity with the affected
countries and its tangible support for relief and recovery efforts. He emphasised that small states remain vulnerable to climate impacts and called attention to the urgent need for fiscal space and access to climate financing for effective adaptation and resilience building. He further expressed concern that too many commitments under the Paris Agreement and subsequent agreements remain undelivered despite growing urgency. To this end, he stated, “A redoubling of effort is imperative to keep 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach.”
Highlighting Guyana's national response, he explained that Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS 2030) guides its pursuit of economic and environmental stewardship through proactive mitigation strategies and sustainable solutions.
Phillips pointed to investments in enhanced energy infrastructure, including natural gas as a bridge away from heavy fuel oil, as well as hydropower, solar, wind and biomass, to ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable energy. He echoed President Dr Irfaan Ali's call at COP30 in Belém, Brazil for a just energy transition as part of the global climate response.
Critical concern for Latin America
Food insecurity was also highlighted by Phillips as a critical concern for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), with a renewed call for transforming global food systems to be more resilient, sustainable, and equitable through the strengthening of local and regional production and mitigating market volatility. “CARICOM has responded by advancing a CARICOM AgriFood Systems agenda, which Guyana has the honour to lead. We aim to modernise the regional agrifood sector, enhance production of qual-
ity food at affordable prices, end hunger and promote regional food and nutrition security. We remain open to partnerships that would strengthen our capacity to deliver on these ambitions.”
Transnational crime
Turning to security challenges, the PM cautioned that the surge in transnational crime across LAC poses a grave threat to gov-
ernance, stability, and development. He stressed that only truly united regional and international action can enable countries to effectively confront this growing challenge. “Developing adequate resilience and response capability and strengthening our collective security must be a common cause for all member states, grounded in mutual respect and our collective interest.”
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips speaking at the IV CELAC-EU Summit, convened on Sunday in Santa Marta, Colombia
3 foreigners wanted by CANU in drug trafficking probe
Tin relation to the possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. On Monday, CANU identified the individuals as Camilo Morales Gonzalez, whose last known address is Lot 00 Hadfield Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown; Richar Daniel Rodriguez Criollo, whose last known address is unknown; and Hernan Dario Martinez Canon, whose last known address is also unknown. The agency said the men are wanted in connection with ongoing investigations into narcotics
Security officer dies after falling from roof
Police Regional Division 4 ‘C’ are investigating the death of Kevin Browne, a Chief Security Officer attached to Sheriff Security, who died on Sunday, after reportedly falling from the roof of a building at Good Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD).
Police said that the 48-year-old of Apiqua Lane, Guyhoc Park, Georgetown, had earlier in the day transported workers to the INFAB building, located on the southern side of the Good Hope Public Road. According to investigators, at about midday, workers at the site observed that parts of the building’s ceiling showed signs of water damage. Browne reportedly went onto the roof to inspect the affected area when he stepped on a sec-
tion that gave way, causing him to fall several feet onto the concrete surface below.
Reports are that workers rushed to assist and transported him to the Enmore
Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The incident was subsequently reported to the Police and Browne’s body was taken to Sandy’s Funeral Parlour, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.
Police investigations are continuing.
Meanwhile, InFab has since said that it had contracted Royal Global Guyana Inc, located at 230 Section B Pattenson, Turkeyen, Georgetown, to construct a worker living area at the rear of its Good Hope premises. According to the company, the work being carried out at the time of the incident was under the full supervision and responsibility of Royal Global Guyana Inc.
trafficking activities.
CANU is appealing to anyone with information about the whereabouts of the three men to contact the agency on telephone number +592 226 0431 or via email at info@
canu.gov.gy. All information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality. Reports are that acting on information received, CANU officers conducted an operation at a resi-
dence located in Hydronie, Parika, on Friday last where a search of the residence led to the discovery of several parcels of cocaine which weighed 23.958 kg (52.818 lbs.)
Bartica man fined $270,000 for traffic offences
A36-old-old man of Lot 22 Sixth Avenue, Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) appeared before Magistrate Tariq Mohamed at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where he faced several traffic-related charges.
Dennis Lespuer pleaded guilty to all four charges read to him by the court.
On the charge of driving a motor vehicle whilst
under the influence of alcohol, he was fined $200,000 or, in default, three months’ imprisonment. For driving an uncertified motor vehicle, he was fined $5,000 or, in default, two weeks’ imprisonment. He was also fined $25,000, or two-weeks’ imprisonment for breach of insurance, and $40,000 or two-weeks’ imprisonment for being an unlicensed driver.
Dead: Kevin Browne
he Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) has issued a wanted bulletin for three foreign nationals who are being sought
Camilo Morales Gonzalez Richar Daniel Rodriguez Criollo
Hernan Dario Martinez Canon
Charged: Dennis Lespuer
The cocaine that was found by CANU at Hydronie, Parika
Guyana reaffirms climate, biodiversity leadership at COP30
Guyana reaffirmed its leadership in global climate and biodiversity action at the opening of the Conference of the Parties (COP30) negotiators’ session in Belém, Brazil, emphasising the country’s collaborative approach that integrates Indigenous leadership, biodiversity protection, and climate finance. On Monday, the Department of Environment and Climate Change within the Office of the President said that Guyana’s delegation is being led by Pradeepa Bholanath, the country’s Lead Negotiator for the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and Chair of the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC) Derrick John and representative of Indigenous Peoples. Their joint participation underscores the partnership between the Government and Indigenous Peoples in advancing Guyana’s climate agenda at the global level. According to the department, at the Leaders’
Summit earlier this week, President Dr Irfaan Ali outlined Guyana’s three-point plan for global climate action, which includes making forests a permanent part of the global climate agenda and scaling up adaptation finance for the world’s most vulnerable states. At the negotiators’ session, Bholanath and John reaffirmed those priorities, highlighting that forests, biodiversity, and Indigenous stewardship are key elements of effective climate action. “Guyana’s story shows that climate success is possible when people, nature, and finance are brought together,” Bholanath said. “Our forests are a living example of how nature-based solutions deliver global benefits when they empower local communities.”
John added, “Indigenous Peoples have protected these forests for generations. At COP30, Guyana is showing the world that climate action can effectively include Indigenous rights and leadership, not as an af-
terthought, but as a foundation.”
Indigenous inclusion
Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS 2030) continues to serve as a global model for integrating sustainable growth, carbon markets, and social inclusion. Through the LCDS, Guyana has secured at least US$750 million in carbon credit agreements over the next decade.
More than 15 per cent of carbon-revenue proceeds are allocated directly to Indigenous and local communities through village-led investment plans focused on sustainable livelihoods, renewable energy, eco-tourism, and climate-resilient infrastructure. To date, over US$22 million (GY$4.7 billion) has been distributed to more than 200 villages. Guyana’s negotiators highlighted that this framework demonstrates how forest-rich developing countries can achieve measurable climate results while ensuring equitable bene-
Teen drowns while swimming in Port Kaituma River
Police in the North West District are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 16-year-old, who drowned on Sunday at Canal Bank, Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini).
Dead is Vernil Fredricks of Fitzburg, Port Kaituma. According to reports, the incident occurred at about 14:20h when Fredricks was swimming in the middle of the river. He was heard calling for help before disappearing beneath the water and failing to resurface.
A report was made to the
Dead: 16-year-old Vernil Fredricks
Port Kaituma Police Station and ranks, along with public-spirited citizens, responded to the scene. The teenager’s body was later retrieved from the river and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) was administered but was unsuccessful. Fredricks was then taken to the Port Kaituma Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor. His body is currently at the Port Kaituma Mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
fit-sharing with Indigenous Peoples.
Global Biodiversity Alliance
At COP30, Guyana is also advancing the Global Biodiversity Alliance (GBA), which was launched in Georgetown in July 2025 and endorsed by the COP30 Presidency. The Alliance brings together states and institutions committed to integrating biodiversity protection into climate and development strategies. The Georgetown Declaration, adopted at the inaugural GBA
Summit, recognises biodiversity as “fundamental to human wellbeing, climate stability, and resilience.” Through the Alliance, Guyana is promoting biodiversity credits and other financing mechanisms for conservation, as well as the establishment of a national Biodiversity Information System (NBIS) to monitor ecosystems by 2030. According to Bholanath, the GBA “extends the LCDS vision—uniting climate and biodiversity finance to sustain both people and plan-
Guyana’s delegation, the Department of Environment and Climate Change, stated, continues to deliver a consistent message, climate action without nature protection is incomplete, and nature protection without Indigenous participation and fair financing is not credible. By linking forests, biodiversity, and Indigenous knowledge, Guyana is positioning itself and other developing countries as leaders in the global transition toward low-carbon, nature-positive growth.
Guyana’s lead negotiator for the UNFCCC, Pradeepa Bholanath, and Derrick John, Chair of the National Toshaos’ Council, represent Guyana at the opening of COP30 Negotiations in Belém, Brazil
Nikolaus Oudkerk, Coordinator of the Office of the President’s Department of Environment and Climate Change, interacts with negotiators from the Holy See, during the opening of COP30 in Belém, Brazil
290 booths fully occupied ahead of GuyExpo 2025
With just three days remaining before the grand opening of GuyExpo 2025, excitement continues to build as preparations near completion at the National Exhibition Centre, Sophia.
al exhibitors have already pre-registered based on their interest.”
The Minister explained that the B2B seminar will bring together local and overseas businesses, along with Go-Invest representa-
The event, scheduled for November 13–16, 2025, promises a vibrant showcase of local innovation, culture, and entrepreneurship.
This year’s event themed “Transformation Through Entrepreneurship and Innovation,” is reflective of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to empower local businesses and drive national development through creativity and enterprise.
During a media walkthrough of the site on Monday, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues provided an update on the event’s progress and new features stating that total works are approximately at 90 per cent completion. On Friday November 13, schoolchildren will be allowed to visit from 13:00h, and exhibitors are expected to be present. The Expo will then be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday from 14:00h to midnight. According to Rodrigues, this year’s event will see all 290 booths fully occupied, a sign of the Expo’s continued growth and popularity. “This year we have about 290 booths, and all of them are occupied,” she noted. “A new feature this year is the Business-to-Business (B2B) component, which will be held on Friday from 10 am to 4 pm. This seminar will be conducted by Go-Invest (Guyana Office for Investment), and sever-
tives, to explore investment opportunities and market expansion. “We are very excited about this because part of giving businesses visibility is
altering the layout of the Exhibition Centre to allow for smoother visitor flow.”
Among the new additions is a large auditorium at the entrance, which will feature a range of Government services. The Ministry’s own booth will showcase a “Food Basket” – symbolising Guyana’s role as the breadbasket of the Caribbean. “This year, we are focusing heavily on our local manufacturers. We want to raise their visibility and stay true to what GuyExpo represents – promoting local Guyanese products, Visitors can also look forward to rich cultural performances and local entertainment as part of the opening ceremony.” The Guyana Tourism Authority’s (GTA) Tourism Village will once again be a major attraction, featuring live cooking demonstrations by local chefs and participation from tour operators showcasing
about our country’s beauty.” The Expo will also include a children’s play area, along with the return of Banks DIH’s popular ‘Banks Village’, which will host a stage show on Sunday, November 16. ANSA McAL will also feature prominently with its own village and a stage night on Saturday, November 15, while the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport will host local entertainers on Friday night.
“We are really producing an authentic Guyanese expe-
ensuring they also have access to new markets. That’s the intention behind the B2B component,” she said.
The official opening ceremony on Thursday.
Extremely excited Rodrigues, who is overseeing her first GuyExpo under the Tourism Ministry, said she is thrilled about this year’s improvements.
“We are extremely excited about this year’s Expo. It’s a privilege to be at the helm of this Ministry and lead my first GuyExpo We’ve made several upgrades, including
Guyana’s diverse tourism experiences. A new addition this year will be the Rodeo Committee, which will be launching in Georgetown on Wednesday and participating throughout the Expo.
“Many people in Georgetown have never experienced the Rodeo, so this will be a great opportunity to see what it’s all about,” the Minister explained. “We will also have a small theatre within the Tourism Village screening local documentaries and tourism videos. Visitors can sit, enjoy some popcorn, and learn
rience at GuyExpo, visitors can see all the local products and services available, enjoy our culture, and support our entrepreneurs.”
Completely on track
The Minister assured the public that traffic management and parking arrange-
We’re using new equipment this year, including more screens so that people across the venue can view and listen to the President’s address. I’d estimate we’re about 90 per cent finished.” She added that most of the remaining work rests with exhibitors completing their
ments have been finalised to ensure safety and comfort.
When asked about the state of readiness, she confirmed that preparations are well advanced. “We’re completely on track,” she affirmed. “As you walk through, you’ll see that even the stage for the opening ceremony is almost complete.
booth setups and branding. This year’s event will be held under the theme “Transformation Through Entrepreneurship and Innovation,” reflecting the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to empower local businesses and drive national development through creativity and enterprise.
Infrastructural progress being made ahead of GuyExpo 2025
Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues, along with staff from the Ministry during a walkthrough of the exhibition site
Berbice husband, wife balance family, studies to graduate from UG together
In a touching story of dedication and partnership, Berbicians Nicholas and Raveena Ackree will be celebrating a significant milestone when they graduate on December 6th from the University of Guyana Berbice Campus (UGBC) – both of them with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. In addition to their individual accomplishments, this couple’s academic journey is nothing short of a test of endurance through seven years of marriage, strengthened by faith and the support of each other.
Nicholas, a teacher at the Corriverton Primary School,
pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Primary Education, while Raveena, a teacher at No. 72 Nursery School, pursued her studies in Early Childhood Education within UG’s Faculty of Education and Humanities (FEH). Studying together has been a special journey for them, one that began years ago when they completed their Associate Degrees in Education at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), an experience they both described as one of their best decisions. However, like many of the three thousand six hundred graduands who will walk the graduation stage when
the university host its series of Convocation exercises scheduled for November 20 to December 6, this young couple’s academic journey was filled with severe challenges, balancing demanding workloads, teaching and raising their one-yearold child, all while managing household responsibilities. “It was not always easy, but it was rewarding. At the time, we were caring for our one-year-old, so balancing family life, teaching, and studies was difficult. What made it possible was understanding, teamwork, and trust,” Nichols said.
Detailing her jour-
“We are building the revolution...
He further emphasised the importance of creating a new culture of excellence and innovation within the public service “We are building human capacity at a national scale. We have to add value. We have to create a value stream in this country,” he said. “We are building human capacity at a national scale… None of what we want can be achieved without human development. Human capital development is a key aspect of our investment. Building accountability. We have to have a public service where accountability is not an option but the norm. We are building accountability at every level.”
President Ali reminded public servants that embracing change is essential for national survival and progress. “What we are doing today is not launching a programme — we are building the revolution of the future in public service. We are building the best public servants for the future of Guyana,” he said.
Public Service, Government Efficiency, and Implementation Minister, Zulfikar Ally said the new platform is part of the Government’s broader effort to ensure that the public service evolves alongside global trends. “The world around us is changing at a pace that requires coun-
try like ours to either adapt or risk being left behind for another few decades. The skills that were valuable yesterday are quickly being replaced by the skills we need for tomorrow,” he said. “We must be nimble, ready to adapt, and capitalise on the technologies before us to serve the people in a dignified and efficient manner. To do this we must be able to learn, un-learn and re-learn. This Government recognises that human capital development is the driving force behind our long-term development."
Blueprint for national transformation
The partnership with Coursera will connect Guyana’s public servants directly with top global universities and companies, including Google, Yale, IBM, and Stanford. Similar models are already being used by advanced public sectors in Singapore, Finland, Estonia, and the United Kingdom (UK). Representatives from Coursera, including Zac Rule, Vice President (VP) of Coursera, Mateo Samper, Director for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC); and Saif Hassan, Coordinator of the Coursera Guyana Programme, also delivered remarks at the event.
Samper noted that the
global economy is rapidly evolving, with nearly 40 per cent of key job skills expected to change within the next five years, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF). He highlighted that AI adoption in Government could increase gross domestic product (GDP) by up to four per cent and reduce fiscal deficits by 22 per cent, reinforcing the economic rationale for the initiative.
Hassan outlined the Government’s ongoing digital transformation projects, including plans for a unified portal for key citizen services such as passports and birth certificates, and the introduction of AI-powered tools to improve responsiveness and service delivery. Rule described the Guyana-Coursera partnership as “a blueprint for national transformation,” noting that tens of thousands of Guyanese have already benefited from Coursera’s training programmes across sectors including health, public affairs, and women’s empowerment. “We are very honoured to be a part of that. We look forward to continuing our multi-year partnership with Guyana,” he stated. Also attending the ceremony were several Ministers of the Government, heads of various agencies and most importantly, the beneficiaries of this transformative initiative.
ney, Raveena echoed similar words, noting that their greatest strength was supporting each other through every stage. “We took turns with the baby so one of us could complete assignments or keep the house quiet for online presentations. It was a partnership built on love, patience, and faith,” she said with much pride. Their faith in God and the support of their parents anchored them through the toughest moments. Yet, amidst their studies, grief struck deeply when Nicholas lost both his mother and grandmother during his first year at university. Overwhelmed by sorrow, he questioned whether continuing was worth it. “That was a very painful and difficult period because my mother was my best friend and biggest supporter from the very start of my academic journey. At one point, I wanted to quit, but Raveena’s support meant everything. She encouraged me and held things together when it felt impossible,” Nicholas recalled.
Together, Nicholas and Raveena found the strength to keep moving forward. For Raveena, the long nights, endless lesson plans and constant juggling of responsibilities tested her patience, but the thought of their child and the example they were setting pushed her onward. “Our families and even our students motivated us. Knowing that we could inspire others by reaching this goal kept us going, even on the hardest days,” she detailed. The couple believe their shared experience has not only deepened their relationship but
also strengthened their teaching. “Having a partner who understands the academic struggles and small victories makes a huge difference. We learned from each other and brought new ideas into our classrooms. This experience reminded us that we’re not just doing this for ourselves, but for our son and the students we teach,” Raveena said. Looking ahead, Nicholas and Raveena hope to continue their academic journey together as their plan is to pursue their Master’s in Education. Their dream is to contribute even more meaningfully to the education sec-
tor and help mould the next generation of leaders. “We hope our journey inspires young people and couples to believe that no dream is too big and no challenge too hard when you are determined and eager to succeed.” Raveena said. Despite facing so many hurdles, including losing their loved ones, Nicholas and Raveena have persevered. The proud couple are set to graduate with distinctions from UG. (Feature by the Department of Events, Conferences and Communication (DECC), Office of the Vice-Chancellor, University of Guyana)
Stronger CELAC-EU partnership...
He also underscored Guyana's strong commitment to the maintenance of LAC as a zone of peace, and to working for the strengthening of partnerships aimed at bolstering regional security. Looking to the future of bi-regional cooperation,
he expressed hope that programmes such as the EU Global Gateway and the Digital Alliance will allow for greater cooperation in response to national priorities. He welcomed the 2025-2027 Roadmap as a key instrument in the implementation of agreed areas of cooperation. Phillips underscored Guyana's commitment to the CELAC-EU partnership process and to advancing the common agenda with a view to expanded opportunities for all.
Berbicians Nicholas and Raveena Ackree with their child
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2025|
Full digitisation of NIS records in 8 months, public service records in 5 months – Pres Ali orders
President Dr Irfaan Ali has issued clear directives to expedite Guyana’s National Digitalisation Programme. Speaking at the launch of the Public Service Upskilling Platform on Monday morning at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), President Ali gave the Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr Ashni Singh, eight months to fully digitise the National Insurance Scheme (NIS). Ali also gave the Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation Minister, Zulfikar Ali five months to complete the digitisation of all public service records.
The conversion of these records, or their digitisation,
is the process of converting analogue information into a digital form and is a necessary precursor to digitalisation, which refers to using digital technologies to improve or transform processes and activities. President Ali’s goal for the Government is to move swiftly to modernise the public sector and eliminate inefficiencies that frustrate citizens and hinder national progress. The President emphasised that both Ministries have specific targets and deadlines that must be achieved.
“I’ve given the Minister of Finance a direction…The Minister of Public Service knows that his entire human resource information system, the entire public service, within five months, all the records, your files, your
personal files, everything, must be completely digitised within five months,”
President Ali declared according to a Department of Public Information (DPI)
report. The President explained that once digitised, the new integrated system will allow Ministries to share information seamlessly, cross-reference skills across
departments and enhance the efficiency of public service delivery. He emphasised that digitalisation is more than just a convenience; it is central to Guyana’s transformation into a modern, high-performing economy.
The head of state also addressed the digital tools vital to the country’s agricultural sector. He revealed that within four months, farmers will have access to new technologies and platforms to enhance productivity. “Within four months, the farmers must be able to use the tool we’ve been investing in to access education in the field, to access real-time information in the field, to access weather in the fields, to access extension support in the field, and to access technology in the field,” the President is
quoted as saying in a DPI report. He noted that digital transformation across sectors, including agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and infrastructure, is designed to create a fully integrated digital economy, positioning Guyana as a regional leader in innovation and efficiency. The President also highlighted that several homegrown apps will be launched in the coming weeks. These apps were built to support public service delivery and national development priorities. “In the next three to four weeks, we will see a series of apps being launched that we are building ourselves, that we are trusting our young people, our brain power, our technical capability to drive this future,” President Ali announced.
Guyana’s soya bean industry expands as country moves towards self-sufficiency by 2026
Guyana’s drive to achieve self-sufficiency in soya bean and corn production by 2026 is rapidly gaining momentum, with major infrastructure upgrades and private investment transforming the Takama Savannah into a key agricultural zone.
During an interview, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha described the soya bean initiative as one of Guyana’s major agricultural success stories, highlighting the significant developments that have strengthened production and export capacity.
“We have now increased the silo capacity there to
15,000 tonnes. We have built a wharf, and ships are now going directly to the Takama Landing. We have also built a conveyance system where the soya goes directly from the silos to the ship, and over the years, we will continue to install more state-of-the-art equipment,” Mustapha explained. The soya and corn project, located in the Intermediate Savannahs, is part of the Government’s wider vision to reduce the country’s dependence on imported animal feed ingredients. The Minister said storage capacity has already expanded from 12,000 to 18,000 tonnes, allowing for smoother export logistics and faster movement of grain.
“We have ships now being loaded there and bringing out the grain around the Berbice River into the Demerara River for easy access to poultry farmers who are now making their own feed. Places like Royal Chicken, Bounty, and other producers are benefiting from this,” Mustapha noted. He said the Takama area has seen a massive transformation through the con-
struction of new roads and the establishment of supporting infrastructure, improving access for farmers and attracting new investors interested in other crops.
“We have an investor who wants to go there to do cocoa cultivation. That area will be a massive help for us in terms of new production,” the Minister revealed.
In addition to the progress at Takama, the Government is also building a 4,000-tonne silo at Ebini to support black-eyed pea production, with two private investors already preparing to begin cultivation.
Looking ahead, Mustapha expressed confidence that Guyana will soon become self-sufficient in corn and soya, and will eventually export to region-
al markets.
“I’m hoping that by next year we can be self-sufficient. By 2026, that 25,000 acres will not only make us self-sufficient but also make Guyana a net exporter in the Caribbean,” the Minister stated. One of the key benefits of this growing industry, according to Mustapha, has been a reduction in the cost of animal feed due to local production. “There have been reductions, and the large farmers are now producing animal feed at a lesser cost. Places like Bounty and Royal Chicken are producing most of their feed locally. They are using rice, corn, and soy as raw materials, and because of that, their cost of production has reduced tremendously,” he explained.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha inspecting some of the plants
President Dr Irfaan Ali
Eggs to stay affordable for Christmas as producers, Minister set price
Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, met with small and medium-scale egg producers from Region Four
(Demerara-Mahaica) on Monday to examine production forecasts and analyse anticipated demand ahead of the upcoming Christmas
season. According to the Agriculture Ministry, with consumers increasingly raising concerns about egg prices, where reports
Essequibo Coast man, woman charged for illegal gun, ammo
A33-year-old man, Ron Williams of
and
were on Monday taken before the Bartica Magistrates’ Court to answer to a charge of unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition without a licence. The two were arrested on November 9 and appeared before Magistrate Tariq Mohamed, where the charge was formally read to them. Both defendants pleaded not guilty. They were each granted bail in the sum of $80,000 per charge, totaling $160,000 each and instructed to report to the Itaballi Police checkpoint on the first Friday of every month. The case has been adjourned to December 12.
show retail eggs in some areas ranging from $1,200 to as high as $2,000 per tray, Mustapha said that the demand for eggs will increase in the coming weeks and that producers need to maintain a manageable price. During the discussions, producers agreed to maintain a suggested uniform price that will more closely reflect the retail price of table eggs across the country, thereby reducing arbitrary price hikes and ensuring affordability for consumers during the high-demand Christmas period.
In addition, Mustapha pointed out that the Agriculture Ministry had already signaled, earlier this year, its intention to ramp up local hatching-egg production so as to reduce dependency on imports and thereby stabilise supply and cost.
Essequibo Coast toddler drowns in trench
Aone-year-nine-monthold boy lost his life on Monday after drowning in a trench near his home at Queenstown Village, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).
Dead is Devon Walker. According to reports reaching Guyana Times, the child reportedly wandered away from his home and moments later, he was discovered unresponsive in the trench. He was pulled from the water, but efforts to revive him proved unsuccessful. Police have since launched an investigation.
Dead: Devon Walker
The meeting between Agriculture Ministry officials and small and medium-scale egg producers from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) on Monday
Queenstown, Essequibo Coast,
Jhoanlis Aurora Perez Palma
Jhoanlis Aurora Perez Palma Ron Williams
Spike in fires at abandoned buildings sparks safety fears in New Amsterdam
The presence of vagrants along with a series of fire incidents involving abandoned buildings in New Amsterdam, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) has raised significant concerns among residents and local authorities about public safety and the presence of vagrants in the area. The latest fire occurred last Sunday at the former W&R Ice Factory on Matthew Allen (Stelling) Road, adding to the township’s troubling history of fires. Sunday’s fire is believed to have been set by a vagrant, and fire service officials are investigating a possible connection to previous fires at an abandoned structure adjacent to the Church View Hotel, which was torched on two separate occasions. The fires at the Church
View Hotel’s neighbouring building occurred several months apart, with the final blaze destroying the property. Investigations revealed that the same indi-
vidual is suspected of being behind all three fires, highlighting a dangerous pattern that officials are keen to address.
The former ice factory,
situated perilously close to a gas station, a business complex containing the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, and a popular diner, raises further safety concerns. Residents have voiced their fears regarding the potential for future incidents, es-
Guyana calls
pecially given the proximity of these structures to vital community resources. Recently, the Mayor and Town Council of New Amsterdam issued a notice to the owner of the former ice factory building, urging the immediate demolition of the building. This decision, officials say, stemmed from rising concerns about abandoned properties serving as fire hazards and havens for vagrants, who often use these structures for shelter. Many community members have expressed alarm about the increasing number of abandoned buildings throughout the town. They argue that these eyesores not only detract from the aesthetic appeal of the area but also pose significant risks. “We need a plan to get these vagrants off the streets and ensure that they are not endangering themselves or the community,” one resident commented. Local officials acknowledge the need
for collaboration with social services to provide support for those experiencing homelessness while simultaneously ensuring that public safety protocols are enforced. Last month, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) observed Fire Prevention Month under the theme “Fire Safety and Green, One Guyana Dream.”
The main objective of Fire Prevention Month in Guyana is to raise fire safety awareness among the public and the community, educate citizens on the importance of practicing fire safety in their daily lives, whether at home, at work, or within their communities, and focus on protecting life and property from destruction by fire. New Amsterdam is the country’s oldest town, founded in the 17th century by the Dutch. Historically a thriving port city, it was once the capital of British Guiana until the capital was moved to Georgetown.
on UNSC to enforce accountability for environmental crimes, increase reporting of war-related climate impacts
Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, has called on the UN Security Council (UNSC) to strengthen global accountability for environmental crimes and to ensure greater reporting on the devastating impact of armed conflict on the environment.
Delivering remarks at a Security Council briefing on “Climate and Security – Environmental Impact of Armed Conflict–Driven Security Risks”, RodriguesBirkett urged the international community to confront what she described as a growing and underreported threat to global stability. She said the destruction caused by wars goes far beyond physical infrastructure, warning that “conflicts disrupt ecosystems, deplete natural resources, and pollute the environment.”
Citing data from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), Rodrigues-Birkett highlighted the massive environmental toll of warfare, pointing to the Gaza conflict where “the destruction of buildings, roads, and other infrastructure generated over 61 million tonnes of debris, some of which are contaminated with unexploded
to the
ordnance, asbestos, and other hazardous substances.”
The ambassador noted that the environmental damage of war begins long before combat, extending to the extraction of critical minerals for defence production and the establishment of military bases in ecologically protected areas.
“Military training, including missile testing in the open sea, can result in irreversible environmental loss,” she said. She further referenced findings from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) estimating that the world’s military forces account for 5.5 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, not including emissions from active warfare — a figure she said underscores “the magnitude of the problem and the urgent need for action.”
Two decades after Sierra Leone’s civil war, she observed, the country still faces degraded farmlands and water resources, a stark reminder of how environmental destruction from conflict can last for generations. Rodrigues-Birkett proposed four key recommendations to the Council. First, and in line with recommendations from related debates, she said the Security Council should request regular, ev-
idence-based assessments from relevant UN bodies on the interlinkages between climate, peace, and security, with analyses tailored to the realities of conflict-affected regions. Secondly, she urged that political and stabilisation missions embed environmental considerations into their operations, including waste management, pollution control, and resilient reconstruction, to prevent further degradation in post-conflict settings. Her third recommendation focused on improving reporting and prevention, calling for stronger pre-conflict reporting standards and compliance with environmental laws to reduce military pollution, backed by investment in green military technologies.
Finally, she anchored her fourth recommendation in international humanitarian law, urging stronger enforcement measures to hold perpetrators accountable
for indiscriminate attacks that devastate the environment and civilian infrastructure.
“The impacts of war on the environment cannot be ignored,” she said. “Strengthening compliance and enforcing accountability for environmental crimes must become part of the global security architecture.” Rodrigues-Birkett’s intervention builds on Guyana’s ongoing leadership in linking climate change to global peace and security, following the country’s 2024 UN debate on climate change and food insecurity — an effort she said continues to shape international understanding of the “climate-security nexus.” Guyana’s call at the UN underscores its growing voice on climate diplomacy, advocating for a world where sustainability, peace, and accountability remain inseparable pillars of international governance.
Guyana’s Permanent Representative
United Nations, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett
Mahdia Police, immigration ranks engage communities in outreach
Ranks from the Mahdia Police Station, Regional Division Eight (PotaroSiparuni), conducted a Community Outreach and Walkabout Exercise on Sunday, aimed at building stronger ties between law enforcement and residents of the township.
The exercise was led by Assistant Superintendent Noel, included Inspector S. Blackman, Sergeant Withrite, Corporal Jainarian, Detective Corporal Rutherford, and Constable Wong and formed part of the Guyana Police Force’s ongoing community engagement programme, which promotes cooperation and understanding between the police and the public in maintaining peace and security.
During the walkabout, officers met with residents and business owners to dis-
cuss safety concerns, social issues, and the need for consistent police presence in the area. The ranks encouraged community members to promptly report suspicious activities and reiterated the importance of partnership in crime prevention.
Meanwhile, on November 8 ranks from the
Immigration Department, Regional Division Eight, conducted a separate outreach and sensitisation exercise at the Mango Landing Backdam area.
Led by Sergeant Nandram and Constable Lachhmanen, the session targeted the immigrant population and local miners, promoting awareness
Linden duo slapped with narco-trafficking charges
Tgold miner Quincy Austin and 27-year-old cook
Ameidis Joseidis Mattey Perez, both pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were read in court.
They were each granted bail in the sum of $50,000 on the first and second counts and $10,000 on the third count, amounting to a total of $110,000 per person.
Austin and Perez were arrested on November 9, 2025, by police ranks at the Itaballi Checkpoint. As part of their bail conditions, they are required to report to the Itaballi checkpoint on the first day of every month.
The case was adjourned to January 5, 2026.
of immigration regulations, labour laws, and crime prevention measures.
Participants received guidance on applying online for extensions of stay, obtaining valid work permits, and using proper channels to report crimes.
Officers also addressed issues such as child labour, drug-related offences, and domestic violence, highlighting the legal implications of each.
Miners and foreign nationals were further reminded of the importance of maintaining proper employee records and accountability within mining operations. Contact information for nearby police stations and outposts was also shared to improve communication and response.
wo residents of West Watooka Hilltop, Linden, Region 10
(Upper Demerara-Berbice) on Monday appeared before Magistrate Tariq Mohamed
at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court to answer three counts of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.
The duo, 38-year-old
Quincy Austin Ameidis Joseidis Mattey Perez
Regional
COP30 opens in Brazil with calls for unity to tackle climate crisis
The 30th annual United Nations climate change conference (COP30) has started in the Brazilian city of Belem, with leaders calling for countries to take a united approach against global warming.
“In this arena of COP30, your job here is not to fight one another – your job here is to fight this climate crisis, together,” the UN’s climate chief, Simon Stiell, told delegates on Monday.
Some 50,000 persons from more than 190 countries are expected to attend the 12-day event, which is being held at the edge of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest.
Addressing the conference, Stiell said that previous climate talks had helped, but that there was “much more work to do”.
The UN climate boss noted that countries would have to move “much, much faster” in driving down greenhouse gas emissions. “Lamenting is not a strategy. We need solutions,” he said.
His comments came as a new UN analysis of countries’ climate plans found that the pledged reductions fall far short of the drop needed by 2035 to limit temperatures to 1.5C (2.7F) above pre-industrial temperatures.
If this threshold is breached, the world will experience far more severe impacts than it has so far, experts say.
“Climate change is no longer a threat of the future. It is a tragedy of the present,” Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stressed at the start of COP30.
Brazil’s leader condemned those seeking to undermine efforts to combat the climate crisis.
“They attack institutions, they attack science and universities,” he said. “It’s time to inflict a new defeat on the deniers.”
The United States is not sending any delegates to COP30 in keeping with President Donald Trump’s anti-climate change stance.
“It’s a good thing that they are not sending anyone. It wasn’t going to be constructive if they did,” the US’s former special envoy for climate, Todd Stern, said of the Trump Administration’s decision.
COP30 President Andre Correa do Lago said the US’s absence “has opened some space for the world to
see what developing countries are doing”.
Pablo Inuma Flores, an Indigenous leader from Peru, urged world leaders to do more than simply give pledges at this year’s conference.
“We want to make sure that they don’t keep promising, that they will start protecting, because we as Indigenous people are the ones who suffer from these impacts of climate change,” he said.
In a letter to COP30 that was published on Monday, dozens of scientists expressed their fears about the melting of glaciers, ice sheets and other frozen parts of the planet.
“The cryosphere is destabilising at an alarming pace,” they wrote.
“Geopolitical tensions or short-term national interests must not overshadow COP30. Climate change is the defining security and stability challenge of our time.” (Al Jazeera)
US strikes alleged drug-carrying vessels in Pacific, killing 6
The United States struck two alleged drug-carrying vessels in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Sunday, killing six people on board, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Monday, as calls mounted for investigations into the strikes.
"These vessels were known by our intelligence to be associated with illicit narcotics smuggling, were carrying narcotics, and were transiting along a known narco-trafficking transit route," Hegseth said in a post on X, which included a video of the boats being struck.
The US has carried out more than a dozen strikes since September on vessels near the Venezuelan coast and, more recently, in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing more than 70 per-
sons according to the US Defence Secretary, as it escalates a military build-up in the Caribbean Sea.
The US has alleged, without presenting evidence, that the boats it bombed were transporting drugs, but foreign leaders, some members of Congress, legal experts and family members of those killed have called for proof.
The United Nations human rights chief has called the US strikes on alleged
drug dealers unacceptable and a violation of international human rights law.
Venezuela says they are illegal, amount to murder and are aggression against the sovereign South American country.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accused Donald Trump of seeking to topple his Government, an allegation the US President has downplayed. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Dozens of inmates found hanged in Ecuador prison
At least 31 inmates have been found dead in a prison in southern Ecuador, including 27 who had been hanged, officials say.
Four prisoners were killed and more than 30 injured in clashes between rival gang members in El Oro prison in the city of Machala in the early hours of on Sunday.
Hours later, security guards who had been alerted to a fresh outbreak of gang violence found the oth-
ers who had been hanged on the building's third floor, Ecuador's prison service said.
The country's overcrowded prisons have been the scene of a series of deadly riots and gang fights in which hundreds of inmates have been killed in recent years.
Ecuador's prison service, known by its initials as Snai, said that the clashes had been triggered by plans to move some of the inmates to a newly-built prison.
El Oro prison was the site of another deadly incident in September when 13 inmates and a guard were killed in clashes between rival gangs.
Relatives of the prisoners have asked the authorities to step up security inside the prison, including keeping rival gangs separate, while residents of Machala have long demanded that the facility, which is located in the city centre, be relocated. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Group condemns denial of visas to Caribbean applicants with certain medical conditions
The California-based Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA) has condemned “in the strongest possible terms” a newly-issued guidance by the Trump Administration instructing consular officers to consider chronic health conditions when determining visa eligibility for Caribbean and other applicants under the public charge rule.
In the new directive, the US Department of State says applicants with medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and mental health disorder should be denied visas, claiming that
those applicants are more likely to depend on public assistance if admitted to the US.
“If this guidance is allowed to stand, no immigrant applying for a visa or green card will be safe,” HBA Director Guerline Jozef told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).
“Any illness, no matter how manageable, could become grounds for denial. It is arbitrary, capricious, and fundamentally contrary to the principles of due process, equal protection and human rights.
“Health challenges is not a crime. This policy weaponises illness against
the most vulnerable, punishing those who have already suffered under systems that deny them healthcare and opportunity.
“It sends a chilling message to millions around the world: that your humanity is negotiable, and your worth is measured in dollars and diagnoses. Haitian migrants, like countless others, flee conditions created by global inequality, climate crisis, and failed US foreign policy. To deny them safe passage because of a medical condition is an act of cruelty cloaked in bureaucracy.” (Excerpt from Nation News)
ANSA McAL aids Jamaica’s water restoration drive
The ANSA McAL Group has partnered with the Government of Jamaica to help restore a safe and sustainable water supply to homes, schools, and essential facilities affected by recent disruptions. The company, through ANSA
Chemicals Jamaica and ANSA Chemicals Trinidad, is working with the National Water Commission (NWC) to provide a consistent supply of chlorine for potable water production, along with bulk and packaged bleach for sanitation.
The initiative includes supplying chlorine to ensure safe, treated water for distribution and delivering cleaning agents to sanitise more than 40 critical facilities, including hospitals, schools, and nearly 4000 homes.
To speed up the process, ANSA
Chemicals has joined forces with the GraceKennedy Foundation and the Rapid Relief Team through its Jamaican distributors, both of which are already assisting with on-the-ground distribution. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva speaks during the opening of the COP30 conferences in Belem, Brazil [BBC photo]
Two Police Officers stand with their backs to the photographer in front of El Oro prison in the city of Machala, in Ecuador [Luis Suarez/AFP via Getty Images]
OIL NEWS
Oil settles higher as tight fuel markets offset crude supply concerns
Oil prices settled higher on Monday as analysts focused on potential fuel supply disruptions from fresh US sanctions and Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries, although predictions of a crude supply surplus kept gains in check.
Brent crude futures rose 43 cents, or 0.7 per cent, to settle at US$64.06 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures advanced 38 cents, or 0.6 per cent, to close at US$60.13 a barrel.
Fuel futures led gains in the oil complex as US gasoline futures closed over one per cent higher and diesel futures rose close to one per cent. A string of refinery issues in the US and drone strikes on Russian refineries have helped lift fuel prices, analysts said.
"Refinery issues in the Great Lakes and West Coast have kept prices elevated," GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan wrote in a blog post. He added that thousands of US flight cancellations due to the federal Government shutdown could also create more gasoline demand ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Airlines cancelled more than 2800 US flights and delayed more than 10,200 on Sunday in the worst day for disruptions since the start of the shutdown.
Russian supply concerns
In Russia, oil major Lukoil's Volgograd refinery halted operations last Thursday after it was struck by Ukrainian drones, three sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday. On Monday, Russian forces destroyed four drone boats near the country's Black Sea port of Tuapse, a local task force said.
Lukoil also declared force majeure at Iraq's giant West Qurna-2 oilfield, four sources with knowledge of the matter said on Monday, after Western sanctions on the Russian oil major hampered its operations.
Lukoil's operations faced mounting disruptions as a US deadline for companies to cut off business with the Russian company looms on November 21 and after an agreement to sell the operations to Swiss trader Gunvor collapsed.
Fuel leads, oil lags
The oil market is split between rising volumes of crude stored at sea weighing on oil prices and limited availability of Russian refined products sustaining fuel prices, PVM analyst Tamas Varga said.
The volume of oil stored aboard ships in Asian waters has doubled in recent weeks after tightening Western sanctions curtailed imports into China and India, and onshore inventories were also on the rise in the US.
Both crude oil benchmarks fell about two per cent last week, their second consecutive weekly decline, on expectations that crude oil supply will exceed demand in the months ahead due to higher Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) production and record US output.
This month, OPEC agreed to increase output slightly in December.
While the group also paused further hikes in the first quarter, that may not limit supplies enough to support prices.
"Even with the prospect of reduced Russian supply and the 1Q26 freeze on OPEC+ production quotas, the global crude oil market may run a smaller supply/demand surplus rather than a more supportive deficit," Evans said.
Risk appetite returns
Oil prices were also supported by investors' increasing willingness to hold so-called risk assets as signs emerged of progress towards ending the US Government shutdown.
The US Senate moved forward on Sunday on a measure aimed at reopening the federal Government and ending the shutdown that has sidelined federal workers, delayed food aid, and snarled air travel.
US lawmakers' first step towards ending the shutdown boosted investors' risk appetite, PVM's Varga said. (Reuters)
Around the World
Trump vows to do everything he can to help Syria after landmark talks with Sharaa
US President Donald Trump vowed on Monday to do everything he can to make Syria successful after landmark talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda commander who until recently was sanctioned by Washington as a foreign terrorist.
Sharaa's visit capped a stunning year for the rebel-turned-ruler who toppled longtime autocratic leader Bashar al-Assad and has since travelled the world trying to depict himself as a moderate leader who wants to unify his war-ravaged nation and end its decades of international isolation.
One of Sharaa's chief aims in Washington was to push for full removal of the toughest US sanctions. While he met with Trump behind closed doors, the US Treasury Department an-
nounced a 180-day extension of its suspension of enforcement of the so-called Caesar sanctions, but only
the US Congress can lift them entirely. Trump met with Sharaa in the first-ever visit by
a Syrian President to Washington, six months after their first meeting in Saudi Arabia, where the US leader announced plans to lift sanctions, and just days after the US said he was no longer a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist".
In an unusually muted welcome, Sharaa, who once had a US$10 million bounty on his head, arrived without the fanfare usually given to foreign dignitaries. He entered through a side door where reporters only got a glimpse instead of through the West Wing main door where cameras often capture Trump greeting VIPs.
Speaking to reporters, Trump praised Sharaa as a "strong leader" and voiced confidence in him. "We’ll do everything we can to make Syria successful," he said. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Former French President Sarkozy released from prison after 3 weeks
ormer French
FPresident Nicolas Sarkozy has been released from jail, three weeks into a five-year prison term for taking part in a criminal conspiracy. He will be subject to strict judicial supervision and barred from leaving France ahead of an appeal trial due to be held next
Trump threatens BBC with legal action over Panorama speech edit
US President Donald Trump has threatened legal action against the BBC, following criticism over how a speech the US President made was edited and used in a Panorama documentary.
His legal team has given the BBC a deadline of November 14 to make a "full and fair retraction" of the documentary – or face being sued for US$1 billion.
A leaked internal BBC memo said the show had misled viewers by splicing two parts of Trump's January 6 2021 speech together, making it appear as though he was explicitly urging people to attack the US Capitol after his election defeat.
The BBC's outgoing news Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Deborah Turness insisted the corporation was not "institutionally biased", after her resignation alongside Director General Tim Davie.
Their resignations came on Sunday after mounting pressure following the publication last week by the Telegraph of a memo written by Michael Prescott, a
former independent external adviser to the broadcaster's editorial standards committee.
The memo accuses the BBC of issues within its Gaza coverage, anti-Trump and anti-Israel bias and one-sided transgender reporting – among other "troubling matters". It also highlights the Panorama edit.
On Monday, BBC Chair Samir Shah accepted an "error of judgement" had been made on the documentary and that the edited speech gave the impression of a "direct call for action" - and said the BBC would like to apologise for it.
But responding to a letter from the Culture Media and Sport Committee, he said it was "simply not true" the memo had uncovered issues the BBC had "sought to bury" – nor was it correct to suggest the BBC had done nothing to tackle concerns raised.
Trump's letter, which the BBC received on Sunday, calls for an apology and for the corporation to "appropriately compensate" the President. (Excerpt from BBC News)
year. On October 21, the former centre-right President, 70, was sentenced to five years for conspiring to fund his 2007 election campaign with money from late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
His legal team immediately filed a request seeking his release.
Writing on social media after the release, Sarkozy said his "energy is focused solely on the single goal of proving my innocence".
"The truth will prevail... The end of the story is yet to be written."
Sarkozy's car was seen leaving La Santé prison
in Paris just before 15:00 (14:00 GMT), less than an hour-and-a-half after a court agreed to his early release. Soon after, he was seen arriving at his home in western Paris.
Christophe Ingrain, one of Sarkozy's lawyers, hailed his client's release as "a step forward" and said they would now be preparing for the appeal trial expected in March.
Sarkozy is the first French ex-leader placed behind bars since World War Two Nazi collaborationist leader Philippe Pétain was jailed for treason in 1945. (Excerpt from BBC News)
US Senate compromise sets stage for end to Government shutdown
The longest Government shutdown in US history could end this week after a compromise that would restore federal funding cleared an initial Senate hurdle late on Sunday, though it was unclear when Congress would give its final approval.
The deal would restore funding for federal agencies that lawmakers allowed to expire on October 1, bringing welcome relief to low-income families that have seen food subsidies disrupted, hundreds of thousands of federal workers who have gone unpaid for more than a month, and travellers who have faced thousands of can-
celled flights. It would extend funding through January 30, leaving the federal Government for now on a path to keep adding about US$1.8 trillion a year to its US$38 trillion in debt.
President Donald Trump's Republicans hold majorities in both chambers of Congress. But Democrats used rules that require 60 of the 100 Senators to agree on most legislation, in a push for an extension of health insurance subsidies for 24 million Americans that are due to expire at the end of the year. The Senate compromise would set up a December vote on that measure. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa greets supporters after meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, DC, US, November 10, 2025 (Lubna Allababidi/ Handout via Reuters)
Communication is essential if you want the facts and figures before making a decision or purchase. Attend informative events or scour the internet for reliable answers.
SUDOKU
Self-improvement requires attention; refuse to let others choose for you. A change at home that influences your financial well-being requires attention. When in doubt, halt.
Mixed feelings will lead to trouble if you let personal and professional conflicts interfere with each other. Balance and integrity will play a role in what happens next.
Broaden your vision, and don't deny yourself the chance to reach your dreams, hopes and wishes. Call the shots and initiate what works best for you. A healthy social life will help you see clearly.
Emotions will surface, causing confusion and trouble at home. Intelligent navigation is necessary if you want to come out on top. Make suggestions that encourage unity, not separation.
Refuse to let your thoughts spin out of control. Saying something prematurely will hinder what you are trying to achieve. Treat others however you want them to treat you, and you'll have no regrets.
Think twice before purchasing something you don't need. Emotional spending or trying to buy someone's favor will backfire. Choose a healthy diet and exercise program.
Pay attention to maintaining balance in your life and split your work and play time equally. A change of scenery will -depending on how you adapt to your new surroundings -- be either uplifting or educational.
Press forward with vim, vigor and a budget. A high-energy approach to how you live and maintain your routine will help secure your position and ensure progress.
State what you are willing to do, and you'll avoid backtracking, leaving you more time to concentrate on what's meaningful to you. Do your best to make and stick to simple rules.
Pay attention to who does what and how you can live up to your word and responsibilities. Initiate necessary alterations to avoid confusion and maintain your budget.
Choose to use charm over pressure. Emotional manipulation will lead to trouble and unnecessary expenses. It's best to stick to the facts, enforce a strict budget and call it a day.
ARCHIE
Bent Street/VP “Champion of Champions” Futsal to kick off tonight
The National Gymnasium is set to be thrilled with exhilarating futsal action when the second edition of the Bent Street/VP “Champion of Champions” Futsal Cup gets underway tonight at the Mandela Avenue venue.
Eight fixtures are on the cards for the opening night, featuring some of the best in the business, like Bent Street, Back Circle and North Ruimveldt.
In an update, Troy Lambert, coordinator of the tournament,
assured that all systems are in place for an exciting event.
“All systems are in place for the opening night. The weather is not a factor in this format given that it’s an indoor sport, and we anticipate a thrilling tournament that surpasses the inaugural edition. Last year’s event was very unpredictable, as several of the major teams failed to advance from the group stage. This year it’s being played in a direct elimination format, so there is less room for mistakes, and
some of those major teams that failed to progress will be hoping to right that wrong and reassert themselves again in this format,” he expressed.
The opening match tonight will see Make it Happen oppose Kingston at 19:00h, while Wash Bay Boys take on LA Ballers at 19:30h and Albouystown will lock horns with National All-Stars at 20:00h.
In the fourth fixture, YMCA battle last year’s runners-up North Ruimveldt at 20:30h,
Old Fort, GCC claim Bounty Indoor Hockey titles
winners
The 2025 Bounty Supermarkets National Indoor Hockey Championships concluded on a high note at the National Gymnasium on Sunday evening, with top local clubs delivering exciting performances across four competitive divisions. The tournament, which attracted strong participation from teams across the country, showcased the continued growth and excellence of indoor hockey in Guyana.
Old Fort dominant in men’s divisions
In the men’s First Division, Old Fort claimed the championship title with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Saints. The encounter was keenly contested, with both teams displaying high levels of skill and determination. Old Fort’s Omar Hopkinson was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his outstanding allround performance, while teammate Jamal Gaskin earned the Best Goalkeeper award for
his decisive saves that proved crucial in the final outcome.
Old Fort continued their strong showing in the men’s
for his commendable effort throughout the competition.
GBTI GCC Women secure convincing victory
In the women’s division, GBTI GCC captured the title with a commanding 6-2 win over Saints. The GCC Women displayed exceptional teamwork, tactical discipline, and attacking flair. Kirsten Gomes of GCC was named MVP following a series of impressive performances, while her teammate Empress Charles was recognised as the Best Goalkeeper for her composed and reliable presence in goal.
GCC Vintage triumph in Veterans Division
The Veterans Division saw GCC Vintage overcome Hickers with a 4-2 victory to secure the championship. Robert France of Hickers was honoured as the MVP for his outstanding
Second Division, defeating Saints once again, this time by 4-2. Yonnick Norton of Old Fort was adjudged MVP for his consistent attacking play, while Malik Chester of Saints received the Best Goalkeeper award
individual effort, while GCC’s Dwayne Scott received the Best Goalkeeper award for his strong defensive performance that helped his side maintain control throughout the final.
A glimpse at what to expect when the Bent Street/VP ‘Champion of Champions’ Futsal Cup begins this evening
while Spaniards go toe-totoe with Melanie at 21:00h and Gunners will take aim at Festival City from 21:30h.
The final two matches will pit Back Circle against Young Stars at 22:00h and Bent Street against West Ruimveldt at 22:30h.
The event, which will be held over six non-consecutive nights, will also be staged
at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), which is set to host the semi-finals and eventual final.
The other playing nights are November 14, 18, 21, 25, and December 3.
The winner of the event will receive $1,000,000 and the championship trophy while the second-, third-, and fourthplace finishers will pocket $500,000, $300,000, and
$200,000, respectively, and the corresponding accolade. The event will also feature a women’s and youth segment which will commence at the semifinal round of the main draw. One hundred and fifty thousand dollars will be given to the winner of the women’s section, while $100,000 will be awarded to the victor of the youth division. The second-place finishers in these segments will receive $50,000.
Tonight’s fixtures
19:00h: Make it Happen v Kingston
19:30h: Wash Bay
Boys v LA Ballers
20:00h: Albouystown v National All-Stars
20:30h: YMCA v North Ruimveldt
21:00h: Spaniards v Melanie
21:30h: Gunners v Festival City
22:00h: Back Circle v Young Stars
22:30h: Bent Street v West Ruimveldt
Bank League… Three Miles, Chase, Charlestown win in 4th round
Three Miles Secondary went back to their winning ways while Chase’s Academic Foundation maintained their thus-far-unbeaten streak when round four of the Republic Bank Secondary School Football League was contested on Sunday afternoon at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground.
Overcast conditions prevailed and a sprinkling of rain came and went at the Carifesta Avenue venue, but it appeared as though it was showers of blessings as Three Miles Secondary rebounded from a loss to the tournament’s defending champions, Chase’s, to defeat Abram Zuil Secondary 2-1.
Abram Zuil stunned their Bartica opponents with a strike in the very first minute of the encounter, off the boots of Roy da Silva, to take an early lead. However, Rondell Washington pulled one back in the 25th minute to ensure they would go into the half with the scores levelled.
In the second segment, as both sides hunted the gamewinner, it was Three Miles’ Travis DaSilva who found it in the 60th minute for the hard-fought win.
Charlestown Secondary then cruised past President’s College
3-0 in the following fixture.
Dilshawn Alleyne opened the scoring in the 21st minute while Adion Marks added his name to the scoresheet two minutes later. Later on, Adriel Hamilton capped off their win with their third strike in the 65th minute.
Dolphin and South Ruimveldt Secondaries later shared points in a tense, drawn encounter. Tyrese Pemberton found the back of the net first for South Ruimveldt in the ninth minute, but not too long after, Seon Grant equalised for Dolphin Secondary in the 15th. That was the end of the flow of goals in that game as a rough second half bore no fruit for either side.
Chase’s Academic
Foundation then ended the fourth round with a 3-0 win over West Ruimveldt Secondary. Mark Glasgow netted first in the 15th minute, followed by a brace off the boots of Bryan Wharton in the 36th and 66th minutes.
Chase’s Academic Foundation currently lead the League with four wins from as many outings, followed by Charlestown Secondary with three wins from four games. Three Miles Secondary also has a similar number of wins from four outings.
The fifth round of the Republic Bank League is scheduled for next Sunday, November 14 at the same venue.
Women's
GBTI GCC are presented with their trophy by Bounty Supermarkets’ Andrew Xavier. Best Goalkeeper Empress Charles is at right front row and MVP Kirsten Gomes is second from right back row
Veterans winners GCC Vintage, with Best Goalkeeper Dwayne Scott third from right
Action from the Republic Bank League fourth round on Sunday afternoon
Mangal, Deo cop titles at Banks Beer Cup Golf
The Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) came alive on Sunday, November 9, 2025, as it hosted the highlyanticipated Banks Beer Cup Golf Tournament, attracting 52 passionate golfers from across the country.
Sgross of 47, handicap 26, and net 34.
Special prizes were also presented to Richard Haniff for capturing the Longest Drive; Jaipaul Suknanan, who earned Nearest to the Pin (NTP) honours and Mangal, who copped Best Gross Score of the tournament with 35.
Following the day’s play, Banks DIH Communications Executive Sonya Forrester congratulated the winners and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting local sport.
that excitement as we played on the field and when we came together. So once again, we are always happy and passionate to support organisations such as these, and as we participated here today, we trust that this work will continue, that your club will continue to thrive and become better and bigger,” Forrester said.
Despite persistent rain that forced play to be reduced to nine holes, the event was filled with excitement, determination, and camaraderie on the greens.
alah Family, Hard-knocks, DC Ballers, and Silver Bullets secured victories when the ExxonMobil Guyana Futsal Championship resumed on Saturday night at the Retrieve Hardcourt.
Salah Family crushed Fearless 12-1. Deon Charter recorded a helmet trick, while Shane Luckie and Delon Lanferman netted hat-tricks. Alan Henry and Amoniki Buntin scored one goal apiece. For the losers, Barack John netted.
Mike Mangal emerged as the overall champion, capturing the Banks Beer Cup 2025 title with an impressive
gross score of 35, handicap 8, and net 31. His steady form and resilience through the wet conditions earned him top honours for the day.
Feroze Barkat followed closely in second place with a gross of 36, handicap 8, and net 32, while Raj Misir
took third with a gross of 45, handicap 22, and net 34.
In the Ladies Division, Joaan Deo produced a consistent round to secure first place, carding a gross of 48, handicap 15, and net 41.
Among the Seniors, Mark Lashley led the pack with a
“We know that Banks DIH is no stranger to sponsoring sports and sports events. Our whole aim is about bringing people together. And today, of course, we saw a lot of
Despite the shortened format, the day ended in high spirits as players and spectators celebrated yet another successful collaboration between Banks DIH and the LGC, strengthening the company’s tradition of promoting sportsmanship and unity in Guyana.
Similarly, Hard-knocks thrashed YMCA B 8-2. Omar Brewley, Dexter Milo, and Neron Barrow recorded doubles, while Ryan Arthur and Kendolph Lewis netted one goal apiece. Tyrese Simon and Trayon Guillame scored one goal apiece for the losers. On the other hand, DC Ballers bested Stabroek 5-3. Andre Mayers and Antwone Gill recorded respective doubles, while Nicholas Gentle scored once. For the losers, Qualon Andries netted
twice while Brandon Solomon scored once.
Likewise, Silver Bullets overcame Foundation Family 4-2. Lennox Cort registered a double, while Sigmund Cobena and Rodensio Tudor scored one goal apiece. For the losers, Delon Adams recorded a double.
Also, Figgy FC defeated Spaniards 4-2. Jemar Harrigon recorded a hat-trick, while Ojani Willington scored once. For the losers, Dellon Charter scored a brace.
The competition continues at the same venue on Wednesday. Utilising an initial group stage format, the 16 teams are divided into four groups, with the eventual top two finishers advancing to the quarterfinal segment.
Group A features Hard-knocks, Hardball Management, Bomberz, and YMCA B, while Spaniards,
YMCA A, HH Ballers, and Figgy FC make up Group B.
Meanwhile, Group C comprises Young Gunners, Silver Bullets, Foundation Family, and Westside Ballers, while Group D is made up of DC Ballers, Salah Family, Stabroek, and Fearless.
The winners of the event will pocket $1,500,000, while the eventual second-, third-, and fourth-place finishers will receive $750,000, $350,000, and $200,000, respectively, and the corresponding accolade.
On the individual level, the eventual Most Valuable Player will ride away with a motorcycle. It was also disclosed that a $300,000 economic grant will be awarded to a player or fan to aid their academic development. Each team must put forward a candidate for the aforesaid scholarship.
Rain forces no result in 4th T20I
Tbetween the West Indies and New Zealand at Saxton Oval ended in disappointment as persistent rain forced the match to be abandoned, with no result declared.
Before the weather intervened, the West Indies had reached 38 for 1 in 6.3 overs after being sent in to bat by New Zealand, who won the toss and opted to bowl first.
Alick Athanaze looked in good touch, scoring 21 runs off 18 balls, while Amir Jangoo remained unbeaten on 12 off 18. Skipper Shai Hope was not out on 3 when play was halted. For New Zealand, James Neesham picked up the only wicket, finishing with figures of 1 for 5 from one over.
Despite a promising start, the rain proved unrelenting, forcing the umpires to call off the game and declare a no result.
After the match, West Indies Captain Hope expressed his disappointment, but remained focused on the upcoming decider.
“Yeah, as you say, we didn’t really get a chance to go out there and maximise this game, but we have a chance to level the series and that’s our main focus for the next one,” Hope said.
New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the learning opportunities from the closely-contested series.
“Yeah, I think like Shai said, the more you put yourself in these situations, the more you’re going to learn from it.
Obviously, it’s nice to be on the right side of a couple, but yeah, I think there’s learning from both games for both teams,” Santner said.
With the washout, New Zealand maintain a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, heading into the decisive final T20I. The hosts will aim to seal the series 3-1, while the visitors will look to level things when the final match gets underway on Wednesday at 20:15h.
Ground staff placing covers on the wicket as rain falls
With less than two weeks to go before the Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Senior Championships, Guyana will step in as last-minute hosts of the international event, Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr has announced.
The Sport Minister made the revelation at last
Saturday’s National Sports Awards as he discussed Guyana’s growing potential to host international sport events.
“Look at our ability to host now, because of the investment that we’re making,” the Sport Minister shared.
He went on to divulge, “And, I would like to share in the announcement with
David [Fernandes, Guyana Squash Association (GSA) President] that Guyana is now going to be hosting Senior CASA at the end of the month now because Jamaica is unable to host and Guyana is the only suitable location to host because of the investment that we’ve made.”
The CASA Championships will see in
to lead Guyana at FIBA Women’s
Caribbean Championship
…GBF unveils strong 12-member squad for home tournament
Spain-based professional Joy Adams has been named Captain of Guyana’s senior women’s basketball team, which will tip off its campaign on Wednesday evening against The Bahamas at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH).
Five countries –Guyana, The Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Suriname, and Jamaica – will compete in a round-robin format to determine the champion of the FIBA Women’s Caribbean Championship, which returns for the first time since 2022.
The tournament runs daily from 16:30h until November 16, with the top three teams advancing to the 2026 Centrobasket Women’s Championship.
Adams, who currently represents Lointek Gernika Bizkaia in Spain’s top professional women’s league, Liga Femenina Endesa, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the national side.
She will be joined by fellow professionals Anaya Clemons and Ruth Adams, both of whom have also played in Europe.
The squad also features the talented Ramlall sisters – Amisha, Arshia, and Ashna – along with locally- based players Jamaicy Ogle, Kean Andrews, Keisha Copperfield, Rehacia Romain, Breann Ritchie, and Junelly Paddy.
The team will be guided by Head Coach Kenny Avent, assisted by Willon Cameron and Warren
Wilson.
Avant is no stranger to Guyanese basketball, having led the country’s U16 boys’ national team to a silver-medal finish at the 2016 Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Junior Championships.
Following their opening match against The Bahamas at 20:30h, Guyana will face the Virgin Islands on November 13, Suriname on November 15, and will close the tournament with a highly-anticipated showdown with Jamaica on November 16 at 20:30h.
The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) expressed confidence that the squad would represent the country with pride and defend home court.
excess of 130 squash players from around the Caribbean region making their way to the Land of Many Waters from November 23 to
November 30.
Coincidentally, Guyana’s team, who just won the “Team of the Year” accolade at the National
Sports Awards will now be made to defend their home turf, since they are the tournament’s defending champions.
Windies to take on Afghanistan in 3-match T20I series
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has confirmed their participation in a threematch T20 International (T20I) series against Afghanistan slated to take place in January 2026 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The series will begin on January 19 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, with the second and third T20I match being scheduled for January 21 and January 22 at the same venue.
The contest is expected to provide both teams with invaluable game time and will significantly contribute to their preparation for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 beginning in February.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, said: “This series provides an ideal platform for our preparation. Facing strong opposition in subcontinental conditions will help us sharpen
our combinations and approach, and it also gives our players a chance to build confidence on surfaces similar to those we’ll encounter in India and Sri Lanka.”
Afghanistan Cricket Board Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Naseeb Khan said: "Competing against the West Indies on the brink of a global event presents an excellent opportunity for our team to finalise their line-up and enhance their preparations for the upcoming mega event in India and Sri Lanka. We have been closely monitoring the team's preparation process, and facing a quality West Indies side offers an ideal platform for their build-up."
Match Schedule
1st T20I: January 19 – Sharjah, UAE
2nd T20I: January 21 – Sharjah, UAE
3rd T20I: January 22 – Sharjah, UAE
West Indies and Afghanistan will meet in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in January
Joy Adams in action for Lointek Gernika Bizkaia in Spain
Ashley Khalil and co will soon be defending their title after receiving their “Team of the Year” award
that was a dream of mine to leave Guyana to play and I achieved it. I think, anyone that believes in themselves – especially the youngsters that are coming up under me – could do the same and achieve what they want to achieve too,” he expressed.
Guyana’s highest international goal scorer went on to divulge, “I have little brothers that play the game too and I’ve been telling them every day, it’s not easy, you got to work. So, just keep
working and keep believing.”
But the dream doesn’t just stop at the US Major League Soccer (MLS) for Glasgow. Still young yet, the Beterverwagting native is set on rubbing shoulders with the best in European football.
“I want to go as high as I can possibly go. You know, my aim is to go play in the Premier League, so I’m working towards that and I’m taking it step by step and keep improving to do what I have to do,” Glasgow shared.
Old Fort, GCC claim Bounty Indoor Hockey titles
lasgow copped the Sportsman of the Year accolade after a stellar 2024 for both club and country
Omari Glasgow addresses the NSC awards Saturday evening