The Ministry of Home Affairs in Guyana has announced that the Guyana Police Force has identified a suspect linked to a deadly car explosion that occurred on Sunday evening at the Mobil Service Station on Regent and King Streets in Georgetown. The tragic incident resulted in the death of six-year-old Soraya Bourne and left four others injured, including Sedyia McIntosh and Rishad Lorde, who sustained serious injuries, and Jennifer Cooper and Yvonne Jones, who suffered minor wounds. President Irfaan Ali, currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, has been briefed on the matter and has directed that images of the suspect be widely circulated to aid the public in assisting the investigation. He emphasized the need for a full-scale investigation, utilizing all available resources to determine the exact cause and circumstances of the explosion. In response, Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond convened a high-level meeting early Monday morning with key security officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, and the Head of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Mr. Sheldon Howell. The Ministry is collaborating closely with relevant security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and to bring justice to the victims. This incident follows a similar occurrence in May 2025, when explosions simultaneously rocked the Ruimveldt Police Outpost and a nearby Guyana Power and Light substation, with two Spanish-speaking individuals identified as suspects at that time.
博客
-
Guyana govt requests proposals to build fertiliser plant
The Government of Guyana has officially launched a Request for Proposals (RFP) to establish a state-of-the-art ammonia and urea plant, aiming to produce approximately 300,000 tons of cost-effective fertiliser annually. This initiative, spearheaded by the Prime Minister’s office, seeks to address the high cost of fertilisers in Guyana and its neighboring regions, including northern Brazil and the Caribbean. The project, estimated to cost no more than $300 million, will operate under a public-private partnership model, utilizing 20 million standard cubic feet per day (MMCFD) of natural gas from the second phase of the Wales pipeline. The selected Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor will be responsible for securing a world-class licensor for the plant, which is slated for completion by 2027/2028, coinciding with the finalization of the gas-to-energy project. The plant will be strategically located in Wales, east of the combined cycle power plant and natural gas liquids facility. GAUP, the private company overseeing the project, will receive lean gas from Guyana Power and Gas Inc (GPGI), a wholly-owned government entity. Proposals must demonstrate prior EPC experience, detailed project schedules, financial projections, and a commitment to local content development. The Guyana government will facilitate the establishment of GAUP, secure financing, and manage contracts and permits, ensuring the project is structured on a Project Finance basis.
-
Teen Remanded to Rehabilitation Centre on Multiple Traffic Charges
A 17-year-old male has been ordered to the Denis Bowers Rehabilitation Centre following his appearance before the Child Justice Board earlier this week. The teenager faces multiple traffic-related charges, including driving without a valid licence, operating a vehicle without insurance, and the fraudulent use of a registration plate. He will remain in custody until November 17, when his case is scheduled to be heard. The offences occurred on October 13, when a white 2011 Honda Fit was intercepted during a crime prevention operation in St. John’s. After a thorough investigation, the teen was arrested and charged over the weekend. The Police Administration has issued a stern reminder to all motorists to ensure their vehicles are properly licensed and insured, stressing that adherence to traffic laws is essential for road safety and accident prevention.
-
Governor General Joins in Celebration of Diwali – The Indian Festival of Light
On the evening of October 25, 2025, His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, graced the 2025 Diwali Festival Celebration at the Sir John E. St. Luce Financial Centre in Factory Road. The event, organized by the Honourary Consul of India, Mr. Vijay Tewani, brought together a distinguished gathering of diplomats, members of the Indian community, and friends of India. Among the attendees were representatives from Cuba, Venezuela, and the United Kingdom. In his address, Sir Rodney Williams praised Mr. Tewani for his unwavering dedication to fostering stronger ties between Antigua and Barbuda and India. He eloquently described Diwali as a celebration that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. The Governor-General also underscored the enduring partnership between the two nations, highlighting India’s significant contributions to Antigua and Barbuda’s development, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma and during the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized ongoing collaborations in education, health, digital technology, investment, and tourism. Reflecting on his and Lady Williams’ previous visits to India as Chief Guests at international conferences, Sir Rodney expressed admiration for India’s rich cultural heritage and its steadfast commitment to global peace and understanding. The festival was marked by vibrant cultural performances, traditional Indian attire, delectable cuisine, and the ceremonial lighting of lamps, symbolizing the triumph of light and goodness.
-
Sir Ronald Sanders to be Opening Speaker at United Nations Launch of Report on Arbitrary Detention
Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders of Antigua and Barbuda, who serves as the nation’s representative to the United States and the Organization of American States, will deliver the opening address at the United Nations’ launch of the Independent International Panel’s Report on Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations. The event is scheduled for October 28, 2025, at the UN Headquarters in New York, coinciding with International Law Week. The initiative is jointly organized by Antigua and Barbuda and Canada, with additional support from Australia, Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands. The groundbreaking report represents the first comprehensive legal examination of arbitrary detention practices, where foreign nationals are detained by one state to exert pressure on another—a practice that contravenes international law and undermines trust between nations. The document provides detailed legal analysis and actionable recommendations to enhance prevention, protection, and accountability. Ambassador Sanders will highlight Antigua and Barbuda’s early support for the Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by smaller states with limited consular resources. He will assert that such detentions constitute coercion rather than diplomacy. The event will also feature contributions from notable experts, including Dr. Marja Lehto, Vice-Chair of the Panel; Dr. Jean-Michel Arrighi, Secretary for Legal Affairs at the Organization of American States; Dr. Elina Šteinerte, Vice Chair of the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture; and Dr. Alice Jill Edwards, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture. The session will be broadcast live on UN WebTV from 1:15 to 2:30 p.m. EDT.
-
Joerawan blij met vonnis SBB-zaak; Ravenberg kondigt hoger beroep aan
The ongoing legal dispute within the Foundation for Forest Management and Supervision (SBB) has taken a new turn following a recent court ruling. The cantonal judge ordered Ruben Ravenberg, the general director of SBB, to publicly apologize to board member Krishnadath (Kees) Joerawan for defamatory remarks. Judge Deborah Haakmat-Sniphout granted Ravenberg two days to remove the offending statements and issue a public apology. Despite the court’s decision, Ravenberg, in consultation with his attorneys Maureen Nibte and Murwin Dubois, has announced plans to appeal the ruling. The court’s judgment remains enforceable pending the appeal. Joerawan expressed satisfaction with the verdict, stating that ‘the wheels of justice grind slowly but surely.’ He emphasized that the accusations against him were unfounded and expressed hope that Ravenberg would respect the court’s decision rather than prolong the legal battle. Ravenberg, however, remains steadfast in his claims, asserting that he possesses evidence of Joerawan’s prior illegal activities and evasion of prosecution. He stated, ‘SBB has all the documents sent by the Attorney General,’ and vowed to continue the fight. The appeal does not automatically suspend the apology order, and Ravenberg has committed to following legal procedures while maintaining the case’s principled nature. He cautioned Joerawan against premature celebration, signaling that the legal battle is far from over.
-
Global athletics champions relax in Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia, the Caribbean island nation, has recently emerged as a favored destination for world-class athletes following the 2024 Olympics. The island, already renowned as the home of 100m Olympic champion Julien Alfred, has welcomed a series of high-profile visitors, including triple World champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden. Alfred’s role as a Tourism Ambassador for her homeland appears to be yielding significant benefits, drawing attention to the island’s allure. Jefferson-Wooden, who married her college sweetheart Rolan Wooden II in March 2025, chose Saint Lucia for her belated honeymoon after a demanding athletics season. The 24-year-old from South Carolina, fresh from her gold medal triumphs in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m events in Tokyo, Japan, celebrated her nuptials at the luxurious Jade Mountain resort. She expressed her joy on social media, stating, ‘I love being Mrs. Wooden!!! Saint Lucia owes us nothing.’ Joining her at Jade Mountain in October was British sprinter Amy Hunt, a World Championships 200m silver medalist and Olympic 4x100m silver medalist. The 21-year-old from Nottinghamshire shared her enchantment with the island, posting, ‘Saint Lucia, I’ve only been here for 24 hours, but I’m in love.’ Meanwhile, Julien Alfred has been showcasing her homeland to former University of Texas teammate Rhashidat Adeleke, an Irish Olympian, and social media influencer Tiara Williams. The trio was spotted on a catamaran in Soufrière, enjoying the island’s vibrant culture. Adeleke, Williams, and American long sprinter Vernon Norwood also attended a reception for Alfred at BodyHoliday. Norwood, a seven-time global relay gold medalist with Team USA, added to the star-studded guest list. Saint Lucia’s appeal was further cemented in 2024 when Keisha Caine Bishop, mother of Olympic gold medalist and quadruple World Champion Noah Lyles, visited the island after meeting Alfred at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
-
Amaila Falls Hydropower station on front-burner again
The Guyana government has reignited efforts to develop the long-stalled Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, four years after negotiations with a Chinese company collapsed due to financing disagreements. This time, the government has excluded the construction of transmission lines from its Request for Proposals (RFP), focusing solely on the hydropower plant’s development. The project, which includes a 165 MW hydro dam, a 23-square-kilometer storage reservoir, and related infrastructure, is now being pursued under a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model. The Prime Minister’s Office has set February 17, 2026, as the deadline for submissions, emphasizing that only firms with extensive experience in large-scale hydro projects will be considered. Interested companies must demonstrate prior Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) expertise and provide detailed financial and technical documentation. The government will evaluate proposals based on the lowest Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) price, operational costs, and financing capabilities. This renewed effort follows the 2021 collapse of negotiations with China Railway First Group, which had placed the project on hold. The latest RFP also allows for potential upgrades to turbine technology, enabling the plant to generate more than 165 MW. Independent supervision will ensure compliance with design and construction standards. The project, initially proposed in 2015, aims to reduce Guyana’s reliance on fossil fuels and has been endorsed by Norwegian experts as a sustainable energy solution.
-
Call for PM’s Action to Aid Youth Juggling Work and School
The Antigua Newsroom has been alerted to a pressing issue affecting numerous young adults in the country who are striving to enhance their lives through education while simultaneously seeking meaningful employment. Despite holding an associate’s degree and currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree, one individual has shared their struggle to secure a job due to employers’ stringent requirements for completed degrees or prior experience. This dilemma forces young adults to choose between pausing their education to work or sacrificing financial stability to continue their studies. The financial and mental strain of managing expenses independently has significantly impacted their well-being. The individual has called on the Prime Minister’s office to implement policies or programs that support young adults in this predicament, such as internships, apprenticeships, flexible work-study arrangements, or incentives for employers to hire young learners. These initiatives could provide crucial support and opportunities for young adults eager to contribute to the workforce while completing their education.
-
Venezuela veroordeelt ‘militaire provocatie’ door CIA en Trinidad; waarschuwing voor escalatie
The arrival of the USS Gravely in Port of Spain on Sunday for a joint military exercise with Trinidad has sparked intense criticism from the Venezuelan government, which labeled the move as a ‘military provocation’ orchestrated by the CIA in collaboration with Trinidad and Tobago. Caracas alleges that these activities aim to destabilize Venezuela, particularly near the disputed Essequibo region, and represent an act of ‘imperial interference.’ This accusation has raised international concerns, with Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley expressing alarm over escalating military tensions in the Caribbean. Mottley emphasized the need to avoid geopolitical power struggles in the region and called for immediate diplomatic coordination within the Caribbean Community (Caricom).
Surinamese President Jennifer Simons echoed these sentiments during a recent press conference, reiterating that South America and the Caribbean must remain a war-free zone. Simons highlighted Suriname’s commitment to peaceful dialogue, multilateral cooperation, and adherence to international law, warning that military escalation is never a viable solution. The heightened tensions surrounding Venezuela, coupled with the long-standing territorial dispute with Guyana and the growing geopolitical presence of major powers in the region, have prompted Caribbean leaders to advocate for urgent diplomatic discussions. They are urging a unified Caricom approach focused on peace, security, and regional stability.