Carib Scope

标签： Guyana

圭亚那

  • Antigua PM says election will be held in 90 days

    Antigua PM says election will be held in 90 days

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Prime Minister Gaston Browne has officially declared that general elections in Antigua and Barbuda will be conducted within the next 90 days, signaling a strategic move to capitalize on his party’s recent political momentum. The announcement came during Browne’s weekly radio address on Saturday, where he directed ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) candidates to initiate immediate door-to-door campaigns to ensure voter re-registration.

    Browne, who made history as the first prime minister to secure three consecutive terms, emphatically urged citizens to ‘do the responsible thing’ by updating their registration promptly. ‘I would say within 90 days and the earlier you go to get your card, the better,’ he stated, framing the election timeline as both urgent and inevitable.

    This calculated decision follows a decisive by-election victory last Monday in St. Philip North, where ABLP candidate Randy Baltimore secured a landslide win with 924 votes (69.5%) against main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) candidate Alex Browne’s 406 votes (30.5%). The seat had been held for five decades by Sir Robin Yearwood before his retirement.

    Regional political analyst Peter Wickham of Barbados had previously advised Browne to call early elections, noting the ABLP’s strengthened position following the by-election. Wickham highlighted concerning trends within the opposition UPP, including leadership challenges under Jamale Pringle, loss of key constituencies, and defection of candidates. He suggested the UPP requires urgent leadership reconsideration through a special conference.

    The current parliamentary composition shows ABLP holding nine of 17 seats, with UPP controlling six, the Barbuda People’s Movement holding one, and one independent seat. Recent political shifts include UPP’s gain following the murder of opposition legislator Asot Michael, countered by UPP legislator Anthony Smith’s defection to ABLP where he now serves as Agriculture Minister.

    The upcoming election will test whether Browne’s early call can convert recent by-election success into a renewed governing mandate, while opposition forces grapple with internal restructuring challenges.

  • Man arrested for attempting to smuggle drugs to North West District- CANU

    Man arrested for attempting to smuggle drugs to North West District- CANU

    In a significant narcotics interception, Guyana’s Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) has apprehended a 46-year-old man allegedly attempting to transport substantial quantities of marijuana and cocaine to the North West District. The operation unfolded on Friday at the Transport and Harbours Department Goods Wharf in Kingston, Georgetown.

    According to CANU officials, Jermaine Mickle of Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara was intercepted while in possession of two cardboard boxes containing illicit substances. The seizure included 12.1 kilograms of marijuana packaged in 13 separate parcels alongside 1.2 kilograms of rock cocaine.

    James Singh, Head of CANU, revealed that the narcotics were destined for distribution and sale within remote communities of the North West District. The interception prevented these drugs from reaching vulnerable populations in the region.

    The operation demonstrates CANU’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking through Guyana’s transportation networks. The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue into potential distribution networks and accomplices involved in the attempted smuggling operation.

    This seizure represents one of the more significant narcotics interceptions at Guyana’s maritime transport facilities in recent months, highlighting continued challenges in controlling drug trafficking through the country’s transportation infrastructure.

  • APNU calls for “warranty” of new roads, govt says there is “design life”

    APNU calls for “warranty” of new roads, govt says there is “design life”

    A significant political dispute has emerged in Guyana regarding the quality and longevity of major road infrastructure projects, pitting the opposition against the governing administration. The controversy centers on the ongoing US$161 million reconstruction of the crucial Soesdyke-Linden Highway, a vital transportation artery connecting key regions of the country.

    The opposition People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR)-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has raised serious concerns about construction standards and demanded transparency regarding warranty provisions. PNCR Leader Aubrey Norton openly criticized the methodology being employed, stating, ‘When you’re going up, you see the scraping off the top, not doing a proper foundation, and then they put the bitumen over it. When there were problems at the foundation, you don’t have to be an engineer to know that they are doing nonsense.’

    APNU parliamentarian Saiku Andrews highlighted historical context, noting that the original Soesdyke-Linden Highway completed in 1968 under a previous PNC-led government came with a 20-year warranty. He emphasized that ‘efficient infrastructure development must mean the delivery of quality work and not work that must be redone shortly after completion,’ advocating for lifetime warranties to be incorporated into all road construction contracts.

    In response, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill provided technical clarification, explaining that current road construction contracts operate differently. Rather than traditional warranties, infrastructure projects include a one-year defects liability period following completion. Additionally, engineers prepare design life reports estimating roadway longevity based on projected traffic patterns and vehicle weights.

    Technical sources revealed that the Soesdyke-Linden Highway has been designed for a 30-year lifespan, though this projection could diminish with increased heavy-duty vehicle traffic beyond initial forecasts. Engineering experts noted that achieving the designed lifespan requires maintaining vehicular loads within specified parameters over time.

    The minister also addressed concerns about lane configurations, explaining that traffic studies justified maintaining the highway as a two-lane roadway rather than expanding to four lanes. ‘The highway doesn’t have in the short-term or medium term that amount of traffic that require four lanes there,’ Edghill stated, noting that strategic sections have been widened to accommodate emergency parking.

    The debate extends beyond this specific project to encompass the recently constructed Heroes Highway, which has shown significant deterioration in less than five years, prompting government plans to apply bitumen capping to address structural issues.

  • 100 kilometres of Linden- Mabura road completed, says Brazilian construction company

    100 kilometres of Linden- Mabura road completed, says Brazilian construction company

    Guyana’s transformative infrastructure project, the US$190 million Linden-to-Mabura Hill Road development, has achieved a significant construction breakthrough with approximately 100 kilometers of roadway successfully converted from historically challenging terrain into a modern asphalt highway. Brazilian construction firm Álya Construtora announced this milestone on Friday, March 20, 2026, marking substantial progress in the nation’s coastal-hinterland connectivity enhancement initiative.

    The project represents a dramatic upgrade from what was previously described as a ‘mud and slush’ trail that posed significant transportation challenges, particularly during rainy seasons. President Irfaan Ali acknowledged the achievement through social media, emphasizing its importance for Guyana’s infrastructure development trajectory.

    Engineering teams have implemented comprehensive terrain stabilization techniques, including advanced soil reinforcement using quicklime and cement applications to create durable sub-base layers capable of withstanding high-moisture conditions. The construction effort has mobilized an impressive arsenal of over 300 heavy equipment units and approximately 900 personnel working in challenging environmental conditions.

    According to Daniel Amaral, Contractor’s Representative for Álya Construtora, the transformation signifies more than mere pavement installation: ‘What used to be a grueling journey through mud is now a functional transport corridor aligned with Guyana’s ongoing infrastructure development.’ The company reported current road-specific works at approximately 83% completion despite earlier delays that pushed the projected finish date to September 2026.

    Financial backing for the 121-kilometer roadway comes from multiple international sources, including a US$112 million loan from the Caribbean Development Bank, a US$66 million grant from the United Kingdom, and US$12 million from the Guyanese government. The enhanced corridor is anticipated to significantly boost economic activity between coastal regions and the hinterland while improving transit efficiency toward the Brazilian border.

    Álya Construtora, specializing in complex environment infrastructure projects, indicates that subsequent phases will continue extending the corridor southward while maintaining established technical standards and construction methodologies.

  • Irish court rejects appeal by Guyanese repeat sex offender who raped teen

    Irish court rejects appeal by Guyanese repeat sex offender who raped teen

    Ireland’s Court of Appeal has decisively rejected what it termed an ‘extraordinary’ legal challenge from Randy Gladstone, a 42-year-old Guyanese national convicted of sexually assaulting an 18-year-old woman just two weeks after arriving in the country. The court upheld Gladstone’s conviction and 10-year prison sentence, dismissing his claims of an unfair trial.

    Presiding Judge Brian O’Moore delivered the ruling on Thursday, addressing multiple grounds of appeal from the convicted sex offender. The most notable argument centered on Gladstone’s legal team voluntarily withdrawing evidence claiming he was of ‘good character’—specifically testimony from his mother describing him as ‘too friendly and kind.’ Judge O’Moore characterized this as a ‘tactical move’ to prevent the jury from learning about Gladstone’s previous convictions for rape, kidnapping, and false imprisonment in other jurisdictions.

    The original trial, held in January last year, heard how Gladstone had lured his victim into his room at a Co Dublin holiday complex on August 25, 2023, where he falsely imprisoned and raped her. The court was told the terrified young woman did not fight back due to fear, and that Gladstone callously told her to ‘come back later for more’ after the assault.

    Evidence revealed Gladstone had arrived in Ireland from Suriname via the Netherlands on August 11, 2023. In addition to his rape conviction, he received an additional six-month sentence last June for failing to notify Irish authorities of his sex offender status within seven days of arrival, as required by law. The court also noted Gladstone had previously been deported and barred from entering the United Kingdom.

    The appellate judges systematically addressed each argument, including claims about jury instructions regarding false imprisonment and the timing of WhatsApp messages exchanged between Gladstone and the victim. The court found no merit in any of the appeal grounds, emphasizing that the trial had been conducted properly and the jury had reached a justified verdict based on overwhelming evidence.

  • Guyanese-born dancehall artist Parodax achieves multi-chart success across Apple Music and iTunes reggae rankings

    Guyanese-born dancehall artist Parodax achieves multi-chart success across Apple Music and iTunes reggae rankings

    Guyanese-origin dancehall performer Joseph “Parodax” Downer is achieving remarkable chart success across major digital platforms, with several of his recent projects simultaneously climbing Apple Music and iTunes Reggae rankings. The independent artist’s current momentum demonstrates the growing international appeal of Caribbean music in the streaming era.

    Parodax’s album “Gothic Boss” and related releases have generated significant listener engagement, resulting in an unprecedented chart presence. During peak performance periods, his works occupied four of the Top 5 positions on reggae charts: “The Return of the Gothic Child” secured the No. 2 spot, followed by “Gothic Boss” at No. 3, “Mi Nah Good Mi Nah Bad (Gothic Love Story)” at No. 4, and “Devil Inna God” at No. 5.

    The artist, who began his musical journey in 2007 and intensified his professional career in 2016, expressed gratitude for the widespread support. “Seeing multiple projects chart simultaneously represents both a blessing and validation that the dedicated effort is yielding results,” Parodax stated. “I remain committed to elevating my sound while appreciating the global fanbase that makes this possible.”

    This chart dominance reflects Parodax’s expanding international footprint, with particular traction noted in the United States and Nigeria alongside global reggae listings. His success story exemplifies how digital platforms are amplifying independent Caribbean artists worldwide, providing unprecedented access to international audiences.

    Operating through his independent label Kickback Music in collaboration with JayCrazie Records, Parodax has developed his own production capabilities including mixing and mastering for album projects. His career includes collaborations with established dancehall figures such as Elephant Man, Jah Vinci, Macka Diamond, and Navino.

    Industry observers note that Parodax’s recent achievements build upon earlier recognition in regional entertainment media, including coverage of his collaborative single “Real Friends” with Jamaican producer Fada Shaqdem. The artist’s strategic re-release of compiled earlier projects into full-length albums has contributed to his current chart performance.

    Parodax continues to expand his presence across major streaming services including Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube, with updates available through his social media channels and official Linktree directory.

  • “Minutes” gets years for cocaine possession

    “Minutes” gets years for cocaine possession

    In a significant ruling by Guyana’s judicial system, the High Court has delivered a substantial penalty against Shemroy Robertson, also known as “Minutes,” for cocaine trafficking offenses dating back a decade. Justice Priscilla Chandra-Hanif imposed a six-year prison sentence accompanied by a GY$1.7 million fine on March 19, 2026, following Robertson’s conviction for possessing 1.156 kilograms of cocaine with intent to distribute.

    The case originated in January 2016 when Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) officers pursued Robertson, who attempted to evade capture by discarding a bag containing 139 meticulously packaged cocaine pellets during the chase. The anti-narcotics agency successfully apprehended Robertson while he was concealed at a Mandela Avenue residence, marking a crucial interception in Guyana’s ongoing battle against drug trafficking networks.

    This conviction represents another chapter in Robertson’s extensive history with narcotics offenses. Currently, the defendant is serving a separate two-year imprisonment term for facilitating the trafficking of 1.174 kilograms of cannabis, following a June 2021 CANU operation along Anns Grove Public Road on the East Coast Demerara.

    Robertson’s legal troubles extend further, with previous charges filed against him and three accomplices in March 2017, though those specific allegations were ultimately dismissed by the court. The latest sentencing demonstrates the judicial system’s continued commitment to addressing drug-related crimes, even those occurring years prior, emphasizing the long-term consequences of narcotics trafficking in Guyana.

    The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit publicly announced the sentencing on March 20, 2026, highlighting their persistent efforts in combating drug trafficking operations throughout the country over the past decade.

  • Guyana hopes to stop importing bottled water

    Guyana hopes to stop importing bottled water

    In a significant move toward economic self-reliance, Guyana has launched an ambitious initiative to achieve complete domestic production of bottled water, potentially saving the nation approximately GY$150 million in annual import costs. The strategic plan emerged from high-level discussions between the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Public Utilities Minister Deodat Indar, and representatives from Guyana Water Inc.

    The initiative received presidential endorsement from President Irfaan Ali, who has championed the goal of 100 percent locally produced bottled water. This national strategy represents a transformative approach to reducing dependency on foreign bottled water products while stimulating domestic manufacturing capabilities.

    According to the GMSA, the comprehensive meeting held on March 18 addressed critical aspects of water manufacturing, including production challenges, distribution logistics, policy frameworks, investment incentives, and quality assurance protocols. Minister Indar engaged extensively with private water producers and distributors to establish collaborative pathways toward achieving this national objective.

    The manufacturing association emphasized that success hinges on a unified approach among all stakeholders and regulatory bodies to maintain consistent quality standards while expanding production capacity. The GMSA has committed to ongoing collaboration with government agencies and industry partners to enhance the local bottled water sector’s quality standards and global competitiveness.

    This import substitution strategy aligns with broader economic diversification efforts in Guyana, potentially creating new employment opportunities while retaining significant capital within the national economy. The estimated GY$150 million in import savings represents a substantial economic benefit for the developing nation.

  • Attorney General accepts Azruddin Mohamed’s payment of court costs in cash, some coins

    Attorney General accepts Azruddin Mohamed’s payment of court costs in cash, some coins

    In an extraordinary display of financial theatrics, prominent Guyanese businessmen Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed fulfilled a High Court monetary order by transporting approximately GY$900,500 in small denomination bills and coins using two wheelbarrows to the Attorney General’s Chambers on Thursday. The payment followed a formal warning from Attorney General Anil Nandlall that he would seek court enforcement if the costs related to lost extradition committal proceedings were not immediately settled.

    The delivery, which consisted primarily of low-value currency notes alongside coins up to the legal limit of GY$500, required government employees to remain until approximately 5:30 PM to complete the counting process. Nandlall confirmed via Facebook that public servants were significantly inconvenienced by the unusual payment method, noting that the Mohameds still owed a balance of GY$99,500 despite the elaborate display.

    Azruddin Mohamed, who leads the opposition WIN party and serves as Guyana’s Opposition Leader, explained to Demerara Waves Online News that the payment method was necessitated by banking restrictions imposed after the United States Treasury Department’s OFAC sanctions in June 2024. The sanctions, which alleged gold smuggling and tax evasion exceeding US$50 million, resulted in the revocation of the brothers’ foreign exchange license and the closure of their commercial bank accounts.

    Mohamed asserted the money originated from his child’s piggy bank, emphasizing his commitment to ‘honor the rules of the country’ despite the political tensions. He further revealed plans to appeal both the High Court and Court of Appeal decisions regarding alleged political bias in the extradition proceedings initiated by Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond.

    The transaction occurred under the provisions of the Bank of Guyana Act, which establishes legal tender limitations for coin payments while imposing no restrictions on currency notes. Mohamed indicated he would return with additional currency notes to settle the outstanding balance, maintaining his stance that the payment spectacle highlighted the government’s contradictory acceptance of funds from sanctioned individuals despite previous warnings about associated risks.

  • New US$2 billion gas pipeline in Berbice will depend on demand

    New US$2 billion gas pipeline in Berbice will depend on demand

    ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge announced on Thursday that the development of a second offshore natural gas pipeline to Berbice remains contingent upon the commercial feasibility of several major industrial projects. The decision hinges on establishing a sustainable market for the gas that would justify the substantial infrastructure investment.

    Speaking at a press conference, Routledge revealed that both ExxonMobil and the Guyanese government have received preliminary expressions of interest for multiple ‘anchor projects’ that would utilize the gas resources. These potential developments include an additional power generation facility, advanced data centers, and a bauxite-to-alumina processing plant, all intended to consume natural gas from the southeastern region of the Stabroek Block.

    In a significant regional development, Routledge confirmed preliminary discussions with Suriname regarding potential pipeline sharing arrangements to achieve economies of scale. The Haimara development is projected to serve as the primary anchor for this initiative, with Pluma integrated into this development framework. The executive noted that remaining gas discoveries not incorporated in the Longtail development would be associated with the Haimara anchor project.

    Routledge provided technical insights, explaining that Pluma contains gas condensate but is considered drier than Longtail. Consequently, ExxonMobil prefers developing other reservoirs before implementing a tie-back to Pluma to optimize condensate recovery.

    Regarding the Hammerhead deposit, Routledge disclosed it contains heavier oil, with associated gas production estimated at 80-90 million standard cubic feet at peak operation. Rather than reinjecting this gas, it will be channeled into the existing pipeline supplying the Wales facility on West Bank Demerara.

    The Guyana government had previously announced partial completion of the Wales power plant by year-end 2026. The comprehensive Wales development project, valued at $759 million, includes a natural gas liquids plant for cooking gas production. When accounting for all development works, including necessary soil stabilization measures, total project costs are approaching $3 billion.