Guyana is set to establish a new development bank in 2026, with an initial seed capital of US$200 million, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo announced on Thursday. The funds will be allocated in tranches, contingent on demand assessments, and will be integrated into the 2026 national budget. Jagdeo emphasized the importance of mentoring, financial literacy, and technical support to ensure borrowers can repay loans, creating a sustainable revolving fund. He expressed confidence in the bank’s success, acknowledging a potential 10% failure rate, consistent with global financial systems. The government will periodically inject additional capital as revenues grow, ensuring the bank’s long-term viability. Currently, a concept paper for the proposed bank is under development. This initiative follows the dissolution of the Guyana Cooperative Agricultural and Industrial Development Bank (GAIBANK) in 1995 due to high non-performing loans, which was later merged with the Guyana National Cooperative Bank before its closure in 2002.
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Barbados & Dominica Join Forces To Offer Multi-Destination Tourism Experiences
In a groundbreaking move to enhance their tourism sectors, Barbados and Dominica have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on marketing, sustainable tourism, and multi-destination packages. The agreement was formalized on October 1, 2025, at the Hilton Barbados Resort during the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC). Represented by the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) and the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), the partnership aims to leverage the unique strengths of both islands to attract global travellers and foster regional economic growth.
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Kalinago Council highlights destruction of Concord River from airport works; demands change
The Kalinago Council has issued a stark warning regarding the severe environmental degradation caused by construction activities linked to the International Airport Project near the Concord River. In a formal statement to the media, the Council highlighted the contamination of the river with murky wastewater, a vital water source for the Kalinago Territory’s residents. This pollution not only threatens the health and hygiene of the community but also undermines their dignity and way of life. Additionally, the destruction of surrounding forested areas has destabilized the river’s ecosystem, posing long-term risks to both the Kalinago people and Dominica’s broader environment. The Council urgently called on the Minister of Environment and relevant government agencies to intervene, advocating for the use of alternative construction sites to protect the river’s integrity and the well-being of the community. The statement concluded with a plea for immediate action to prevent further harm.
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Non-lethal options to firearms should be considered- Jagdeo
In a significant move to address public safety concerns, Guyana’s Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has proposed a shift toward non-lethal weapons as an alternative to firearms. Speaking on Thursday, Jagdeo emphasized the need for the government and citizens to consider issuing permits for non-lethal weapons instead of traditional firearms. He questioned whether a more liberal approach to licensing non-lethal tools could meet the demand for personal protection without the risks associated with lethal arms. Jagdeo highlighted the overwhelming number of firearm licence requests received during community visits, with an estimated 50,000 applications currently pending. He suggested implementing stricter criteria for firearm licences to ensure responsible ownership. Additionally, Jagdeo stressed the importance of eliminating corruption in the licensing process, particularly the perception that bribes can secure permits. He called for a collective societal effort to address these issues, stating that the government is committed to resolving the matter decisively.
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Antiguan authorities deny affiliation with website claiming to be official platform for government
The Ministry of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), Utilities, and Energy in Antigua and Barbuda has issued a public advisory regarding a fraudulent website impersonating an official government platform. The site, ecitizen.ag, has been flagged as unauthorized and unaffiliated with the government. Authorities are actively investigating the matter and have urged citizens to remain vigilant when sharing personal information online. The ministry emphasized the importance of safeguarding citizens’ data and maintaining the integrity of official communications. For accurate updates and information on government services, the public is advised to rely solely on the government’s official website and authorized channels. Any concerns or inquiries can be directed to the Ministry directly. The announcement also included a reminder about the ministry’s digital marketing services, inviting businesses to advertise on the most visited news site in Antigua. For more details, interested parties can contact [email protected].
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Prisoner escapes Nassau Street Court
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Authorities in Nassau are on high alert following the escape of a male prisoner from the Nassau Street Court Complex on October 2, 2025. The incident occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. when D’Angelo Culmer, a detainee whose custody details remain undisclosed, fled from lawful custody. Culmer was last seen wearing a blue T-shirt and light blue jeans. He is described as having a light brown complexion, with distinctive tattoos including lips on his neck and the name ‘Tiffany’ on his right chest. The circumstances surrounding his escape are under rigorous investigation as law enforcement intensifies efforts to locate him. Police are urging the public to come forward with any information that could aid in his apprehension. Individuals with relevant details are encouraged to contact emergency services at 911 or 919, their nearest police station, or the Criminal Investigation Department at 502-9991. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via CRIME STOPPERS at 328-TIPS (8477).
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Grammar School student picked to represent Dominica at regional tourism youth event
Tzaddi Trocard, a student at Dominica Grammar School, has earned the honor of representing Dominica at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Tourism Youth Congress. The event, set to take place on October 2, 2025, in Barbados, is a key component of the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), the Caribbean’s foremost forum for discussing tourism advancements and challenges. Trocard secured this prestigious opportunity by winning the local Tourism Youth Congress in May, which coincided with Tourism Awareness Month. At the regional congress, he will present his ideas on “Connecting the Caribbean with Sustainable Transport.” Trocard will be accompanied by his coach and chaperone, Mrs. Dorcus Francis-Simon, an educator at Dominica Grammar School. Expressing his enthusiasm, Trocard remarked, “It is a privilege to represent my school and my country on such a big stage. I want to share ideas that can help us build a more connected and sustainable Caribbean, and I hope to make Dominica proud.” The CTO Tourism Youth Congress provides a platform for secondary school students across the Caribbean to present innovative solutions to critical tourism-related issues, fostering sustainability and resilience in the industry. The competition underscores the vital role of youth in tourism development, aiming to nurture leadership, public speaking, and advocacy skills among young participants.
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Cash grant will continue to be per person – Jagdeo
In a definitive statement on Thursday, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo of Guyana reaffirmed that cash grants would continue to be distributed on a per-person basis to citizens aged 18 and older. This announcement came in response to circulating claims that the grants would instead be allocated per household. ‘It’s a blatant lie! We never made any such decision,’ Jagdeo asserted during a press conference. He emphasized the government’s commitment to fulfilling its pre-election promise of disbursing cash grants before Christmas, as pledged by President Irfaan Ali during his campaign in August 2025. Jagdeo, who also serves as General Secretary of the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP), reiterated that all commitments related to cash grants would be honored, with multiple grants planned over the next five years. He also dismissed misinterpretations of Minister Vickram Bharrat’s stance on the issue, highlighting the government’s broader focus on education, tax reduction, home ownership, and social welfare programs.
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NCCU president announces assets close to $1 billion mark with 15th anniversary launch
The National Cooperative Credit Union (NCCU) marked its 15th anniversary with a grand celebration, highlighting its remarkable growth and community contributions. Clement Marcellin, President of the NCCU Board of Directors, revealed that the institution now boasts an impressive asset size of $800 million, nearing the billion-dollar milestone. Speaking at the anniversary launch event on Wednesday, Marcellin reflected on the institution’s journey since its amalgamation, emphasizing its transformation into the largest credit union in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) with over 54,000 members.
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Statue at Local Church Sparks Debate Among Religious Leaders
A towering statue recently unveiled by Glorious Hope Ministries has ignited a heated debate within Antigua’s religious community. The installation, inspired by the biblical book of Daniel, was intended to raise awareness about the return of Christ, according to Elder Claude Weaver, the church’s leader. However, the project has drawn sharp criticism from other religious figures, including Bishop Charlesworth Brown of the Christian Council, who argues that the statue has caused division rather than fostering unity. Brown contends that the Christian message is better conveyed through faith and teaching rather than expensive monuments. He also suggested that the funds used for the statue could have been better allocated to support needy families. The statue, prominently located along All Saints Road, has become a focal point of controversy, with its symbolism and necessity continuing to be debated. Despite the criticism, the statue remains in place, serving as a testament to the ongoing tensions within the community.