Guyana has taken a significant step in the fight against New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) by launching its Early Warning System (EWS) on Thursday, October 9, 2025. The initiative, spearheaded by Curt Richards, Head of the Guyana Drug Information Network (GUYDIN), aims to intercept and reduce the use of these synthetic drugs, which mimic traditional narcotics like marijuana and cocaine but often evade legal classification and detection. The EWS will connect law enforcement, health, and forensic sectors in real time, enabling rapid information sharing and proactive measures to prevent the spread of these substances. James Singh, Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), emphasized that the system is designed to anticipate and prevent harm rather than react after the fact. The EWS aligns with international best practices and involves collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Guyana Forensic Sciences Laboratory, the Ministry of Health, and international partners such as the Organisation of American States’ Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) and Italy. Pernell Clarke, a CICAD Specialist, highlighted the evolving nature of the Caribbean’s drug trade, noting the increasing presence of synthetic drugs like fentanyl, which are often mixed with other substances, leading to overdoses and deaths. Guyana’s EWS launch follows similar initiatives in six other Caribbean countries, including Barbados and Jamaica, where synthetic drugs have already caused significant public health issues. The government of Guyana has pledged to sustain the EWS as a permanent tool for national safety and regional cooperation.
标签： Guyana
圭亚那
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Probe into Netherlands-bound cocaine at CJIA widens
The investigation into the seizure of nearly 70 kilograms of cocaine at Guyana’s Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) has expanded internationally, with authorities collaborating with KLM Dutch Airlines and questioning multiple individuals. CANU Director James Singh disclosed on Thursday that the probe now involves overseas partners to trace the origins and intended recipients of the illicit substance. The cocaine, discovered on September 20, 2025, was found unattended, prompting a joint effort with the Guyana Police Force, CJIA authorities, and other stakeholders to uncover the method of concealment. Singh confirmed that eight individuals, including a baggage handler employed at the airport, have been interrogated, though no charges have been filed yet. While surveillance footage has provided some leads, Singh refrained from divulging specifics due to security concerns. The focus remains on gathering admissible evidence for potential legal proceedings both locally and abroad.
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Stewartville man charged with murder of stepson
A 49-year-old Stewartville resident, Balram ‘Navin’ Bessessar, has been formally charged with the murder of his 15-year-old stepson, Sudesh ‘Joel’ Singh. The incident, which occurred on October 3, 2025, at Lot 71 Last Street, Stewartville, has sent shockwaves through the community. According to the Guyana Police Force, the tragic event unfolded following a heated argument over a bicycle chain slipping while the boy was riding. Bessessar allegedly retrieved a cutlass from his kitchen and attacked Singh, inflicting fatal injuries to his neck. The suspect subsequently reported the incident to the Leonora Police Station, where he was promptly arrested. Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh presided over the arraignment, and Bessessar was remanded to prison without the opportunity to plead. The victim resided with his 35-year-old unemployed mother, Roshanini Surujballi, and the accused in a modest two-storey structure. The case continues to unfold as authorities delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident.
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UK increases available financing to Guyana; Ali eyes major infrastructural projects
The United Kingdom has significantly increased its financial commitment to Guyana, raising the available financing through its Export Finance (UKEF) agency from £2.1 billion to £3 billion. This move, announced on October 8, 2025, underscores the UK’s confidence in Guyana’s economic trajectory and fiscal sustainability, while also deepening the bilateral relationship between the two nations. President Irfaan Ali highlighted that the funds will be channeled into transformative infrastructure projects, including the extension of the Linden to Lethem all-weather road, the development of a deep-water port in Berbice, and modernization initiatives in the health and energy sectors. The Berbice port, a public-private venture, is expected to serve as a strategic gateway for northern Brazil, enhancing regional trade and connectivity. Additionally, plans for a second gas-to-energy project are underway, with the aim of integrating these developments into a new industrial hub. The announcement was made during a meeting between President Ali, a UKEF delegation, and the UK’s Deputy Trade Commissioner for Latin America and the Caribbean. The British High Commission emphasized that this support aligns with Guyana’s accelerated infrastructural development and its emergence as a key investment destination. Private sector leaders, including Gerry Gouveia Jr., Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, welcomed the increased financing, noting its potential to foster local economic diversification, capacity building, and international partnerships. Dr. Clinton Urling, Secretary of the Private Sector Commission, also highlighted the opportunities for collaboration between Guyanese and UK firms, emphasizing the importance of financing for private sector growth and expansion. The Guyanese delegation included key ministers, reflecting the government’s commitment to leveraging this financial boost for sustainable development and shared prosperity.
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GPL fast-track upgrade with Dom Rep’s InterEnergy two-year contract
In a landmark move to modernize its energy infrastructure, Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) has entered into a two-year contract with the Dominican Republic’s InterEnergy Group. The $15.8 million agreement, signed on October 8, 2025, aims to accelerate the transformation of Guyana’s electricity grid, enhance reliability, and advance the country’s transition to a smart grid system. The contract was awarded through a sole-sourced formula, bypassing the initially selected Canadian firm Method4, which later withdrew from the bid. The signing ceremony, attended by key stakeholders including GPL’s Executive Management Head Kesh Nandlall and InterEnergy Chairman Rolando González Bunster, marked a significant step in strengthening regional ties. Under the agreement, InterEnergy will provide supervisory, engineering, and project management consultancy services, ensuring technical compliance, timely execution, and the integration of smart technologies. The partnership also includes technical advisory services for the operation and maintenance of generation assets, audits, and recommendations for improved reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, InterEnergy will lead smart grid integration, conduct technical gap analyses, and develop cost-effective expansion plans. The Guyana government has assured that no GPL employees will lose their jobs as a result of this collaboration. Public Utilities Minister Deodat Indar emphasized the importance of capacity building within GPL, while GPL Chairman Maurice Gajadhar hailed the partnership as a historic milestone in regional cooperation. InterEnergy’s Chairman highlighted the symbolic and strategic value of the agreement, expressing confidence in its potential to drive Guyana’s energy sector forward. The collaboration is part of a broader $400 million project to install a new transmission and distribution system, set for completion by mid-2026.
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Guns, phones, boat found but no arrest during large-scale marijuana eradication in Upper Berbice River
In a significant operation spanning from October 3 to 6, 2025, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) conducted a large-scale marijuana eradication exercise in the Upper Berbice River. Despite the seizure of two firearms, ammunition, two cellular phones, and a small wooden boat, no arrests were made. The operation targeted three marijuana cultivation sites, including a six-acre farm in the Ebini Savannahs, identified using a drone. Law enforcement destroyed four nursery beds containing approximately 5,000 cannabis seedlings, 64 pounds of dried cannabis, and three acres of mature marijuana plants. Notably, 30 pounds of cannabis were discovered in an abandoned church. The total street value of the confiscated marijuana was estimated at over GY$5 million. Additional items seized included a 12-gauge double-barrel shotgun, a chainsaw, and a cellular phone. At Wiruni, police searched two wooden houses, confiscating a .32 pistol, shotgun cartridges, two cellular phones, and two outboard engines. A makeshift camp, 90 pounds of cannabis, and 3,000 seedlings were also destroyed. All confiscated items were taken to the Kwakwani Police Station.
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Applications for visas, extensions of stay now possible Online- Home Affairs Ministry
The Ministry of Home Affairs in Guyana has unveiled its Digitised Immigration Support Services (ISS) platform, marking a significant leap in the modernization of public administration. As of Tuesday, October 7, 2025, individuals can now apply for various types of visas and extensions of stay online, with the option to pay through the ministry or Mobile Money Guyana (MMG). This initiative aims to streamline immigration processes, reduce wait times, and alleviate congestion at service counters, offering citizens the convenience of applying from the comfort of their homes or offices. Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond emphasized that the new system enhances accessibility to immigration services, ensuring faster processing and a more citizen-centric approach. While the online platform is now operational, the government has assured that walk-in applicants will continue to be accommodated, with dedicated systems and staff available to assist them. The platform, accessible via https://eservices.iss.gov.gy, supports applications for employment, business, student, and visitor visas, as well as extensions. Applicants can register online, upload necessary documents, and complete their applications seamlessly. Developed in collaboration with the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), the ISS eServices platform represents a milestone in Guyana’s digital transformation journey. Minister Walrond highlighted that the platform improves workflow efficiency, transparency, and user experience, aligning with the government’s broader commitment to building smarter, technology-driven public services. The launch underscores the government’s dedication to delivering efficient, transparent, and citizen-friendly services, in line with Guyana’s digital transformation goals.
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Venezuelans kill countryman in Region 7 gold mining area- police
In a tragic incident in the Quartz Stone Backdam area of the Cuyuni River in Region 7, a Venezuelan gold miner was brutally killed by a group of his compatriots. The victim, identified as 35-year-old Yosber Alberto Sojo, was found dead on a main access trail on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, following a report to the police. Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident occurred on Monday, October 6, when Sojo was confronted by approximately 12 Venezuelan men who accused him of theft and subsequently assaulted him. The Guyanese police have launched a manhunt for the suspects, all of whom are reportedly Venezuelan nationals. Sojo’s body has been transported to Bartica for a post-mortem examination, though police have not disclosed whether there were visible signs of violence on the body. This incident highlights the volatile and often dangerous conditions in the gold mining regions, where disputes can escalate into fatal confrontations.
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No political motivation behind US’ charges against Mohameds- Nandlall
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, has dismissed claims that the charges against Guyanese businessmen Azruddin Mohamed and his father Nazar “Shell” Mohamed by the United States are politically motivated. Speaking on his social media program, “Issues In The News,” Nandlall emphasized that the 11-count indictment spans multiple administrations in both Guyana and the US, indicating a long-standing investigation rather than a politically driven action. The charges, unsealed on Monday, relate to alleged fraud and money laundering involving gold exports and the importation of a Lamborghini luxury car, which reportedly defrauded the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) of taxes. Nandlall refuted the notion that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) could influence the US Department of Justice, calling such claims “outrageous.” He also highlighted that the Mohameds had previously enjoyed close ties with the PPPC, questioning the logic behind accusations of political persecution. Azruddin Mohamed, whose political party, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), secured 16 parliamentary seats in the recent elections, suggested that the charges were personal, viewing himself as a political threat to the PPPC. However, Nandlall clarified that holding parliamentary or constitutional office does not grant immunity from criminal prosecution. If convicted, the Mohameds face severe penalties, including up to 20 years imprisonment per count, substantial fines, and asset forfeiture. The indictment also accuses the Mohameds of bribing Guyanese officials to evade taxes and royalties on gold shipments. The case underscores the complexities of international legal cooperation and the challenges of addressing transnational financial crimes.
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Policeman charged with child rape
A 19-year-old police officer from Supenaam, Essequibo Coast, Guyana, has been formally charged with the rape of a 14-year-old girl. The accused, Erwin Gentle, was arrested on October 6, 2025, by an officer from the Gender-Based Violence Unit of the Guyana Police Force. The charge, which pertains to the rape of a child under the age of 16, was presented at the Friendship Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Tameika Clarke. Gentle was not required to enter a plea and has been remanded to prison until his next court appearance on October 27, 2025. This case has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of a law enforcement officer in such a grave offense, raising concerns about accountability and the protection of minors within the community.