标签: Guyana

圭亚那

  • Aurora Gold Mines’ workers down tools to press demands for pay hike

    Aurora Gold Mines’ workers down tools to press demands for pay hike

    Workers at Aurora Gold Mine (AGM) initiated a brief work stoppage on Sunday morning to emphasize their demands for improved compensation packages, highlighting ongoing tensions between labor and management at the Cuyuni mining operation. The industrial action, which lasted approximately 52 minutes between 7:18 AM and 8:10 AM, specifically involved employees from the Mills Department who temporarily halted operations at the mills round pad area.

    The Chinese-owned mining company, operated by Zijin Mining since its acquisition in August 2020, confirmed the incident resulted from ongoing negotiations regarding proposed wage adjustments. According to company statements, the matter was resolved following discussions between human resources representatives and union officials, including direct communication with Dawchan Nagasar, General Secretary of the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE).

    Negotiation dynamics reveal significant disparities between worker expectations and management offers. Union representatives initially sought a 20% wage increase for both 2025 and 2026, while Zijin Mining proposed substantially lower figures of 6% for 2025 and 8% for 2026. The union has since moderated its demand to 10% annually, though Nagasar emphasized this does not represent a final settlement.

    Beyond base wages, negotiations encompass multiple compensation elements. The night premium for 12-hour shifts has seen progressive increases from just over GY$20 to the current offer of GY$200 per hour. Similarly, leave allowances have doubled from 4% to 8% of previous year’s basic salary. The company has also proposed enhancing annual leave entitlements, suggesting additional days based on years of service.

    Workers express growing frustration, having not received wage increases since 2023 despite expanding operational responsibilities and infrastructure growth. Sources indicate Zijin Mining has expanded mine infrastructure by approximately 200% and tripled mill capacity since assuming control. Current compensation ranges from GY$600 hourly for unskilled workers to GY$700 for skilled positions.

    With critical meetings scheduled with the Labor Minister on Monday and Zijin Mining representatives on Tuesday, the situation remains fluid. Workers have issued an ultimatum, threatening complete operational shutdown if their demands remain unmet by Tuesday, potentially escalating the labor dispute significantly.

  • High Court-ordered street vendors removal around Yhip’s bakery suspended

    High Court-ordered street vendors removal around Yhip’s bakery suspended

    A planned enforcement operation to remove street vendors outside Yhip’s Bakery in Georgetown was abruptly suspended on Sunday following a dramatic intervention by Mayor Alfred Mentore, creating a stark display of administrative conflict within local government.

    The incident unfolded when City Engineer Colvern Venture arrived with demolition crews and tractor-trailers to execute a High Court order mandating the clearance of fruit and vegetable vendors from the Robb and Alexander Streets location. Venture informed vendors that despite Mayor Mentore’s previous assurances, the court order required immediate compliance regardless of mayoral objections.

    ‘The Mayor was not before the court,’ Venture stated, emphasizing that city administrators faced potential contempt charges if they failed to execute the judicial directive. ‘If the Mayor comes and changes it, it means he will have to go and face the court.’

    The operation halted abruptly when Mayor Mentore arrived on scene and directly countermanded the instructions, ordering city workers to stand down and return home. ‘I want these people to go home. You all go home! What you all doing here? Please go home!’ he declared, questioning the ‘show of force’ against ‘poor people.’

    The confrontation revealed deeper legal complexities as Mayor Mentore explained his intervention was based on new information regarding the court order’s legitimacy. He revealed the order had been obtained by a minority shareholder (owning one-fifth) of the Yhip’s property without consent from the majority owners, who reportedly support the vendors’ presence.

    Town Clerk Candace Nelson maintained that regardless of the property dispute, the municipality remained bound by the court order. She announced plans to seek further legal guidance from the council’s attorney while noting the next court hearing is scheduled for January 9, 2026.

    The dispute escalated into open disagreement between the mayor and town clerk regarding previous discussions with Local Government Minister Priya Manickchand. Mentore claimed to possess recorded evidence contradicting Nelson’s account of agreements reached, while Nelson firmly rejected his characterization of events.

    The minister subsequently clarified that her instructions focused solely on ensuring proper documentation of compliance efforts rather than delaying enforcement. This incident highlights growing tensions between elected officials and administrative officers regarding judicial authority and municipal governance.

  • Man kills 9 persons including his children in Suriname

    Man kills 9 persons including his children in Suriname

    The northeastern Commewijne district of Suriname was shattered by an unprecedented act of violence in the early hours of Sunday, December 28, 2025, when a man embarked on a lethal stabbing spree that claimed nine lives, including three of his own children. The incident represents one of the most severe cases of domestic violence in the nation’s recent history.

    According to multiple media reports, the assailant, whose identity remains undisclosed, first turned on his family. The victims included his children aged 15, 7, and 5 years old. His 16-year-old daughter survived multiple stab wounds and managed to flee to neighboring homes screaming for assistance. Her desperate cries for help tragically drew more victims into the tragedy.

    A married couple who responded to the adolescent’s distress calls were fatally stabbed while attempting to intervene. The violence then escalated as the perpetrator moved to an adjacent residence, where he murdered 63-year-old Louise Wijntuin, another woman temporarily residing at the address, and a grandchild.

    Additional victims sustained serious injuries during the attack. Wijntuin’s husband and daughter, Denorah, were transported to emergency medical facilities with multiple stab wounds and remain under observation.

    Preliminary investigations by Starnieuws suggest the suspect may have been experiencing an acute mental health crisis. Sources indicate the violence erupted following a telephone argument with his estranged wife regarding child custody arrangements.

    Law enforcement authorities located and apprehended the suspect shortly after the incident. During the arrest operation, police were forced to discharge their firearms, shooting the armed suspect in the legs after he threatened officers with a knife.

    Forensic teams have launched an extensive investigation across multiple crime scenes, with additional personnel deployed due to the magnitude of the tragedy.

    Surinamese President Jennifer Simons expressed profound shock on social media, stating: “We are confronted with the harsh reality that there is another side to the world. A father who takes the lives of his own children and also kills his neighbors in the process.”

    Justice and Police Minister Harish Monorath extended official condolences to bereaved families, emphasizing that “This tragedy deeply affects us all and underscores the urgent need to protect our society from such violence.”

  • BM Soat says it obeys all laws, is a “responsible” taxpayer

    BM Soat says it obeys all laws, is a “responsible” taxpayer

    Prominent Guyanese automotive importer BM Soat Auto Sales and Rentals has issued a firm rebuttal against allegations of vehicle undervaluation practices, asserting its full compliance with national laws and its status as a substantial taxpayer. The company’s statement on Saturday December 27, 2025, came in response to media reports citing unnamed Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) officials regarding alleged malpractices.

    The company expressed concern over what it characterized as unbalanced journalism, noting that recent reports “rely entirely on unnamed sources” and “make broad claims without identifying any individuals.” While not directly addressing whether it has existing court cases with GRA or whether it paid over GY$200 million in due taxes, BM Soat maintained that it “operates within the laws of Guyana and conducts its business with integrity.”

    Highlighting its commercial scale, the company revealed it sold more than 1,500 vehicles in 2025 alone, all processed through “established regulatory channels.” BM Soat emphasized its tax contributions, stating it has paid “billions of dollars in taxes and duties over the years,” which it says reflects its “consistent role as a responsible taxpayer.”

    The controversy emerges against the backdrop of an ongoing investigation into tax evasion practices within Guyana’s vehicle import sector. Seven GRA officials are currently on GY$500,000 bail each and must report to police on December 29 as part of this probe. According to previous reports, the alleged evasion schemes involved either misclassifying vehicles as electric (which bear no taxes) or underreporting engine capacity to qualify for lower tax rates.

    The GRA has indicated plans to expand its investigation to include other vehicle importers, suggesting the current allegations against BM Soat may represent only one aspect of a broader compliance review within Guyana’s automotive import industry.

  • City Council to remove vendors outside Yhip’s Bakery

    City Council to remove vendors outside Yhip’s Bakery

    The Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has issued a definitive ultimatum to street vendors operating in the vicinity of Yhip’s Bakery, located at the intersection of Robb and Alexander Streets. This enforcement action follows a High Court mandate explicitly prohibiting commercial vending activities in this specific zone.

    Town Clerk Candace Nelson publicly confirmed on Saturday that municipal officers have delivered final evacuation notices to all vendors. The directive demands the immediate dismantling and removal of all temporary commercial structures, including carts, tables, and pallets. This development occurs amidst ongoing contempt of court proceedings against certain M&CC officials for previously inadequate enforcement of the judicial order.

    The public notice emphasizes that failure to comply voluntarily will trigger enforcement measures by the City Constabulary Department. These measures are legally authorized to include the physical removal of vending apparatus and potential additional penalties under the law.

    This action aligns with a broader pattern observed throughout Georgetown’s commercial districts. Several major businesses, including Muneshwer’s, Queensway, and Banks DIH, have previously successfully utilized High Court orders to clear vendors from their premises through M&CC enforcement.

    Despite past attempts by city officials to negotiate compromises favoring vendors, these efforts have universally culminated in the eventual removal of informal commercial operations by law enforcement personnel. Authorities now urge affected vendors to cooperate promptly to avoid escalating legal repercussions.

  • Two arrested for stabbing death of elderly man

    Two arrested for stabbing death of elderly man

    Authorities in Guyana have apprehended two individuals following the fatal stabbing of a 75-year-old man at his residence in Stanleytown, West Bank Demerara. The Guyana Police Force confirmed the arrests on Saturday, December 27th, 2025.

    The victim, identified as Athlone Goring, was reportedly murdered during the early hours of December 26th (Boxing Day) at approximately 5:40 AM. According to police reports, Mr. Goring had recently returned to Guyana prior to the tragic incident.

    Law enforcement officials disclosed that after questioning multiple persons of interest, a 20-year-old male and a 22-year-old female were taken into custody. Both suspects remain detained as the investigation continues.

    Initial investigative findings indicate that the elderly victim was discovered on the upper level of his dwelling with apparent multiple stab wounds. Emergency medical services transported him to West Demerara Regional Hospital, where attending physicians pronounced him dead upon arrival.

    The deceased’s body has been transferred to Ezekiel Funeral Home pending an official post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. Police have not released further details regarding potential motives or the relationship between the suspects and the victim.

    This violent incident has shocked the Stanleytown community, particularly given its occurrence during the holiday season and the victim’s recent return to his homeland. Local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic homicide.

  • Azruddin Mohamed’s sister, husband facing several traffic charges

    Azruddin Mohamed’s sister, husband facing several traffic charges

    A high-profile traffic stop involving the sister of a Guyanese opposition leader has escalated into allegations of political persecution against President Irfaan Ali’s administration. Hana Mohamed, sister of We Invest In Nationhood (WIN) party leader and parliamentarian Azruddin Mohamed, was intercepted by police on Eccles Public Road, East Bank Demerara, while driving a Toyota Land Cruiser (license PAB 3000) on Christmas Day.

    The Guyana Police Force confirmed multiple traffic violations including failure to comply with police directives, failure to produce driving documentation, and prohibition of tinted glass. According to official statements, the situation intensified when Parliamentarian Mohamed reportedly approached the vehicle and instructed his sister to drive home rather than to the police station.

    The vehicle was subsequently traced to 789 Republic Park, where police attempted to immobilize it with a wheel clamp. Maksim Dmitriyev of Eccles presented ownership documents identifying himself as the registered owner. Dmitriyev was processed at Providence Police Station and released on recognizance to reappear on December 29, 2025.

    Hana Mohamed presented a contrasting narrative, asserting that all vehicle documents were ‘fully up-to-date and compliant’ following verification. She described the incident as coordinated political harassment, claiming most officers appeared sympathetic and embarrassed by their actions. ‘This is coming from the very top. For those who know Irfaan personally, this is from the playbook of the president,’ Mohamed stated, alleging the administration was using law enforcement to target opposition figures during the holiday period.

    The Guyana Revenue Authority’s verification of engine and chassis numbers remains undisclosed by police, creating unresolved questions about the legitimacy of the traffic stop versus the claims of political motivation.

  • Toddler drowns early Christmas Day

    Toddler drowns early Christmas Day

    A devastating incident unfolded in the early hours of Christmas Day 2025 in the Lower Pomeroon River region of Guyana, resulting in the tragic drowning of a two-year-old girl. Zoria Seegobin, who had been staying with relatives at Grant Atlas for the holiday season, was discovered missing from the residence between 2:15 and 2:30 AM on December 25th.

    According to official statements from the Guyana Police Force, relatives initiated a search after discovering the toddler’s absence from the home. The search concluded tragically when her body was located submerged in a nearby trench. The preliminary investigation indicates accidental drowning as the cause of death, though authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

    Emergency response efforts were immediately mobilized by family members who transported the child to Charity. Police personnel subsequently escorted the girl to Charity Cottage Hospital, where the attending physician pronounced her dead upon arrival. The body has been transferred to the Suddie Hospital Mortuary pending a formal post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.

    The Guyana Police Force has confirmed that investigations remain ongoing but has not disclosed whether any individuals have been detained for questioning in connection with the tragedy. The community of Grant Atlas, typically filled with holiday cheer during the Christmas season, has been plunged into mourning following this heartbreaking incident.

  • Former telecoms company accountant arrested for GY$153 million fraud

    Former telecoms company accountant arrested for GY$153 million fraud

    Guyanese authorities have apprehended a former senior accounting executive in connection with a massive financial fraud case totaling GY$153.9 million (approximately US$735,000) against a major telecommunications company. The Guyana Police Force confirmed the arrest on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.

    The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Quincy Baird from Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, faces investigations for larceny by clerk or servant. According to police statements, the alleged financial misconduct occurred over an extended period between July 1, 2021, and February 18, 2025.

    Baird’s professional background, as documented on his LinkedIn profile, reveals previous employment as Accounts Payable, Treasury and Tax Manager at GTT (now operating as One Communications). His career history also includes positions at a prominent accounting firm and a corporate group that operates a fast-food establishment in central Georgetown.

    The arrest operation was conducted by detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at approximately 4:33 PM. Law enforcement officials contacted Baird at his East Bank Demerara residence regarding the allegations before taking him into custody.

    “The suspect was formally informed of the allegations against him, arrested, and escorted to CID Headquarters where he remains in custody pending further investigation,” the police force stated in their official release. The case represents one of the most significant corporate fraud investigations in recent Guyanese business history.

  • Businessman granted bail on gun, ammo possession charges

    Businessman granted bail on gun, ammo possession charges

    A prominent cellular phone retailer in Guyana has been released on bail after facing serious firearms-related charges. Amar Avinash Persaud, a 37-year-old entrepreneur from Bladenhall North, East Coast Demerara, was granted GY$500,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.

    The case originated from Persaud’s arrest on December 21, 2025, when operatives from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) apprehended him on Sherriff Street in Georgetown. Law enforcement officials discovered an AK-47 assault rifle, corresponding ammunition, and a pistol in his possession during the operation.

    James Singh, Director of CANU, confirmed that following the initial detention by anti-narcotics agents, Persaud was formally transferred to regular police custody for processing. The defendant, who operates a mobile phone retail business, now faces multiple counts of illegal weapons possession under Guyana’s firearms legislation.

    The judicial decision to grant bail suggests the court’s preliminary assessment of the case circumstances, though the matter remains active within Guyana’s legal system. The case has drawn significant attention due to the serious nature of the charges and the defendant’s established business background in the community.

    Legal experts note that while bail has been granted, the prosecution maintains the authority to pursue full legal proceedings against the accused. The case continues to develop as both sides prepare their arguments for subsequent court appearances.