Carib Scope

标签： Guyana

圭亚那

  • Belize PM calls for talks to prevent Cuban humanitarian crisis

    Belize PM calls for talks to prevent Cuban humanitarian crisis

    Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño has issued a compelling appeal for immediate diplomatic dialogue to prevent an impending humanitarian crisis in Cuba, where critical petroleum supplies are rapidly diminishing. The Prime Minister’s declaration came during a joint session of Belize’s National Assembly, convened in honor of Guyanese President Irfaan Ali’s state visit.

    Briceño emphasized the urgent need for good faith negotiations to forestall a manufactured humanitarian disaster, stating such an outcome would be neither moral nor lawful. He reaffirmed Belize’s unwavering solidarity with the Cuban people during this period of escalating energy insecurity.

    The current fuel shortage traces its origins to recent geopolitical developments involving Venezuela. The capture and extradition of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife by United States military forces has disrupted oil shipments to Cuba, creating a precarious supply situation. Maduro faces trial in New York on charges related to drug trafficking and weapons possession.

    In contrast to the growing pressure from Washington to isolate Cuba, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced her government’s intention to dispatch humanitarian assistance to the island nation this week.

    Meanwhile, Guyana’s position appears increasingly complex. Despite historical benefits from thousands of Cuban scholarships and healthcare personnel, the South American nation has recently strengthened ties with the United States. This strategic realignment includes moves to terminate the Cuban medical brigade program, responding to US concerns that such agreements potentially facilitate human trafficking. Guyana’s foreign policy shift occurs amid ongoing territorial disputes with Venezuela over the Essequibo Region and adjacent Atlantic waters.

  • Guyana, Belize to sign agreements on tourism, agriculture, technology

    Guyana, Belize to sign agreements on tourism, agriculture, technology

    In a significant move to strengthen regional cooperation, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations of Guyana and Belize have announced a comprehensive partnership agreement spanning tourism development, agricultural collaboration, and technological advancement. The landmark announcement was made by Belizean Prime John Briceño during a joint session of the National Assembly attended by Guyanese President Irfaan Ali as part of his official state visit.

    Prime Minister Briceño revealed that Belize will extend its expertise in tourism development to assist Guyana in building its tourism infrastructure, capitalizing on their shared geographical similarities as countries with abundant water resources. In reciprocity, Guyana will provide technological assistance to support Belize’s digital transformation initiatives, leveraging Guyanese experience in digitization processes.

    The agricultural sector forms a critical component of the new partnership, with both nations committing to combined efforts in achieving CARICOM’s food security objectives. The leaders emphasized the importance of utilizing the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas as the legal framework for facilitating free movement of agricultural goods within the regional bloc. Both countries, which share historical economic foundations in sugar production dating back to colonial eras, pledged to guarantee regional sugar supplies through refined sugar production facilities being established in both nations with American investment partnerships.

    Multiple Memoranda of Understanding are scheduled for signing, covering diverse sectors including education, tourism, digitization, and agricultural cooperation. President Ali emphasized the necessity of removing artificial trade barriers and establishing fair trading systems while advocating for substantial investments in human, financial, and technological resources to achieve regional food security leadership.

    The agreements represent a strategic alignment between two CARICOM members with complementary strengths, creating frameworks for knowledge sharing, private sector investment facilitation, and mutual economic benefit through structured collaboration across key socioeconomic sectors.

  • GMIN Mining refuses to comment on criminal incident at Guyanese concession

    GMIN Mining refuses to comment on criminal incident at Guyanese concession

    Canadian mining giant GMIN Mining has maintained a strict no-comment stance regarding a reported criminal incident at its Oko West concession in Guyana, where a massive US$1.5 billion gold mining operation is under development. The company’s spokesperson explicitly stated “no comments at this time from us” when pressed for details about the January 29, 2026 event.

    While Guyana Police Force officials have not issued an official response to media inquiries, law enforcement sources disclosed that a shooting incident occurred at the remote mining site without resulting in any robberies. These anonymous sources confirmed that no arrests have been made in connection with the event.

    Unofficial accounts circulating within the region suggest a more severe scenario, alleging that armed individuals deliberately shot at power generators, plunging the entire operation into darkness before proceeding to rob multiple workers of their personal valuables. The mining sector’s key stakeholders have reportedly remained unaware of these developments, highlighting potential communication gaps in the industry’s security protocols.

    The Oko West project represents one of Guyana’s most significant mining investments, designed to yield approximately 400,000 ounces of gold annually upon completion. This incident raises serious questions about security preparedness at remote mining operations and corporate transparency regarding safety incidents.

  • Deputy Mayor of Mahdia resigns, former Mayor denies ministerial interference

    Deputy Mayor of Mahdia resigns, former Mayor denies ministerial interference

    The municipal governance of Mahdia, the capital of Guyana’s Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), has been plunged into a leadership crisis following the resignation of its Deputy Mayor, Akita John. Her decision comes merely days after Mayor Eslyn Romascindo-Hussain tendered her own resignation, creating a significant vacuum in the city’s administration.

    In an official resignation letter addressed to Local Government Minister Priya Manickchand, Ms. John cited overwhelming personal reasons for her departure, effective February 7, 2026. She articulated that the immense demands of the office had severely encroached upon her personal life, making it unsustainable to continue. “After careful reflection, I have determined that the demands of the position have become increasingly challenging and are taking away significantly from my personal life,” she stated, emphasizing her desire to prioritize her well-being and personal responsibilities.

    This move mirrors that of her predecessor, Mayor Romascindo-Hussain, who stepped down on February 1, 2026. The former Mayor also attributed her resignation to the detrimental impact the role had on her health, describing her three-year tenure as “very challenging” and detrimental to her physical and mental stability in a letter to Ministers Manickchand and Junior Minister Pauline Sukhai.

    The consecutive resignations had fueled widespread speculation of potential political interference, particularly targeting Junior Minister Sukhai. However, in a decisive public statement, former Mayor Romascindo-Hussain vehemently denied any such influence. She dispelled the rumors as “false information” and reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC). She explicitly commended Minister Sukhai’s support, stating, “I have always been supported by the Hon. Minister… and have never had any interference when it came to the work of the council.”

    Both former officials expressed their continued support for the development and progress of Mahdia amidst this period of governmental transition.

  • Guyanese activist and co-founder of leading Black publishing houses in Britain dies

    Guyanese activist and co-founder of leading Black publishing houses in Britain dies

    Eric Huntley, the Guyanese-born co-founder of Britain’s seminal black publishing house Bogle L’Ouverture and a lifelong campaigner for racial equality, has passed away at age 96. Alongside his wife Jessica, Huntley established the radical publishing venture in 1968 from their West London living room, creating a crucial platform for underrepresented black authors and intellectuals.

    The publishing house, named after Jamaican national hero Paul Bogle and Haitian revolutionary Toussaint L’Ouverture, rapidly evolved from a makeshift printing operation into both a respected publishing imprint and community hub. The Huntleys’ Ealing-based bookshop became an informal advice center and gathering place for London’s black community, championing writers including Linton Kwesi Johnson, Valerie Bloom, and Beryl Gilroy.

    Beyond publishing, Huntley dedicated decades to racial justice activism. He played instrumental roles in the Caribbean Education and Community Workers Association and the Black Parents Movement, organizations formed to combat systemic racism in education and policing. His activism extended to organizing the 1981 Black People’s Day of Action following the New Cross fire tragedy that claimed 14 young black lives.

    Born in 1929 Georgetown, British Guiana, Huntley’s political consciousness developed early through his involvement with the People’s Progressive Party and Marxist leaders Cheddi and Janet Jagan. His activism led to imprisonment in 1954 for curfew violation during British colonial rule’s state of emergency.

    Seeking stability, Huntley migrated to Britain in 1957, working as a postal sorter while saving to bring his family from Guyana. The couple’s publishing venture began distributing speeches by influential Guyanese scholar Walter Rodney, growing into a respected imprint that published groundbreaking works despite repeated racist attacks during the National Front’s peak influence.

    The Huntleys’ archives now reside at London Metropolitan Archives, preserving their legacy of cultural activism. Eric Huntley continued community advocacy into his tenth decade, maintaining that ‘the struggle never ends.’ He is survived by two children, nine grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.

  • GECOM Commissioners refuse to discuss their future with Opposition Leader

    GECOM Commissioners refuse to discuss their future with Opposition Leader

    In a significant political development, three election commissioners aligned with the A Partnership for National Unity/People’s National Congress Reform (APNU/PNCR) have formally declined Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed’s request to discuss their potential resignation from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Commissioners Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin, and Desmond Trotman conveyed their position through a joint letter dated January 31, 2026, indicating their willingness to engage on other electoral matters while explicitly excluding discussions about their status from the agenda.

    The commissioners acknowledged Mohamed’s role as Opposition Leader but firmly stated that their positions remain “a sine qua non subject to legislative or judicial intervention,” effectively rejecting calls for their voluntary departure. This response comes amid public statements from Mohamed’s We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, which has argued that GECOM’s composition should reflect the current configuration of the National Assembly, where WIN holds 16 seats compared to APNU’s 12.

    The political standoff highlights deeper tensions within Guyana’s electoral governance framework. PNCR-APNU Leader Aubrey Norton criticized Mohamed’s approach, suggesting that proper protocol would involve consulting with his party first regarding any potential commissioner changes. Norton further asserted that GECOM appointments are permanent unless modified through legislative processes.

    Adding complexity to the situation, Norton and APNU parliamentary leader Dr. Terrence Campbell have accused Mohamed of overlooking what they perceive as biased voting patterns by GECOM Chairman Retired Justice Claudette Singh, who they claim consistently sides with ruling party-nominated commissioners. The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing debates about electoral reforms, particularly regarding the implementation of digitalized biometric systems for voter registration and verification—a measure that Chairman Singh has cautioned must balance technological advancement with constitutional compliance.

  • Banks DIH Holdings Inc to appeal High Court injunction on capping share capital, voting rights

    Banks DIH Holdings Inc to appeal High Court injunction on capping share capital, voting rights

    In a significant corporate governance development, Banks DIH Holdings Inc. has announced its intention to appeal a High Court injunction that prevented the implementation of a controversial cap on shareholder voting rights. The ruling, issued on Friday, January 30, 2026, temporarily blocked the company from proceeding with amendments that would limit any single entity’s voting power to 15% of total shares, regardless of their actual shareholding percentage.

    Company Chairman and Managing Director Clifford Reis addressed shareholders during Saturday’s Annual General Meeting at Thirst Park, East Bank Demerara, confirming the company’s compliance with the court order while simultaneously preparing an appeal. ‘As a law-abiding and responsible corporate citizen, we will comply with the judge’s order. However, the company proposes to appeal this matter to the Full Court for the discharge of this injunction,’ Reis declared, flanked by legal counsel.

    The legal challenge was initiated by stock brokerages Guyana Americas Merchant Bank Inc and Beharry Stockbrokers Limited. Reis emphasized that Guyana Americas Merchant Bank does not currently hold shareholder status in Banks DIH Holdings, having missed the registration cutoff for the AGM.

    The proposed Amendment to By-Law Article 8 represents a substantial shift in corporate governance policy. It would establish a strict 15% ceiling on voting rights, even for shareholders possessing larger stakes. The amendment broadly defines ‘person’ to include corporate entities, partnerships, trusts, and any coordinated groups acting in concert. Should any entity exceed this threshold, their excess votes would be rendered invalid during shareholder meetings.

    Banks DIH Holdings has raised procedural objections to the injunction process, claiming Corporate Secretary Kavorn Kyte-Williams was denied the opportunity to file an opposing affidavit. The company further contends that Justice Sandil Kissoon’s judgment referenced non-existent ‘Articles of Association’ rather than the actual governing documents—Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws—fundamentally undermining the legal basis of the ruling.

    Concurrently, Reis unveiled an ambitious initiative to expand shareholder participation, setting a target of 20,000 individual shareholders—a nearly 200% increase from current levels. ‘We want to see 20,000 small shareholders in this company—drivers, service workers, farmers, teachers, plant operators,’ he stated, distributing enrollment forms to attendees.

    The proposed amendment includes provisions for appointing a Special Registrar to monitor compliance and enforce disclosure requirements aligned with Section 115 of Guyana’s Securities Industry Act. The outcome of the appeal will significantly influence corporate governance structures and shareholder democracy within one of Guyana’s prominent publicly traded companies.

  • Rupununi tourism organisation says police not properly investigating death of tour guide, blames cattle rustlers

    Rupununi tourism organisation says police not properly investigating death of tour guide, blames cattle rustlers

    The Guyana Police Force faces mounting criticism from tourism organization Visit Rupununi over its handling of the investigation into the brutal killing of renowned tour guide and conservationist Leon “Rasta” Baird. The 38-year-old’s partially charred remains were discovered January 25, 2026, in a burned vehicle near the Rupununi River, adjacent to Wichabai Ranch in South Rupununi.

    Visit Rupununi, established in 2015 with support from Conservation International, issued a strongly worded statement expressing “deep disturbance and outrage” at both the murder and the perceived inadequate police response. The organization directly implicated cattle rustlers operating in the Sand Creek area as the likely perpetrators, citing evidence from the crime scene and local reports.

    According to official police bulletins, forensic examination by Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh determined Baird was alive before the fire that caused his death. Investigators recovered evidential items including a knife and spent shotgun shells near the scene, alongside the remains of two cattle suspected to have been shot.

    The tourism body highlighted concerning investigative gaps: potential witnesses have come forward, suspects have been reportedly sighted, and physical evidence remains uncollected at the crime scene. Notably, the lead investigator hasn’t been seen in the district since the Sunday following the discovery.

    Visit Rupununi condemned the historical lack of police action against organized cattle rustling networks that have long plagued Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo). The organization warned that failure to properly address this crime could embolden further violence, creating a dangerous perception that such acts occur without consequence.

    Neither Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken nor CID Head Deputy Commissioner Wendell Blanhum responded to media inquiries regarding these allegations. The police force’s only official communication stated that no arrests have been made while investigations continue.

    Baird, remembered as a respected local guide, vaquero, and dedicated conservationist, has been laid to rest after his remains were released to relatives following DNA sampling as part of the ongoing investigation.

  • APNU scolds WIN leader over call for removal of GECOM commissioners; silence on GECOM Chairman

    APNU scolds WIN leader over call for removal of GECOM commissioners; silence on GECOM Chairman

    A significant political rift has emerged within Guyana’s opposition bloc following contentious remarks by PNCR-APNU Leader Aubrey Norton regarding WIN leader Azruddin Mohamed’s approach to electoral commission reforms. Norton publicly criticized Mohamed’s singular focus on removing three opposition-nominated Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) commissioners while allegedly ignoring deeper systemic issues.

    During his party’s weekly news conference, Norton characterized Mohamed’s actions as politically naive, stating that the WIN leader should have conducted proper preliminary consultations rather than publicly demanding the removal of commissioners Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin, and Desmond Trotman. “It shows you’re not doing your homework. You might be obsessed with getting rid of those who were appointed before but you need to do your homework so that you can deal with the issue properly,” Norton asserted.

    The controversy stems from WIN’s position that as the new main opposition party, it deserves representation on the seven-member GECOM. However, Norton emphasized that appointed commissioners maintain permanent positions unless legal changes occur, citing constitutional provisions that make removal procedures complex and tribunal-dependent.

    In a revealing development, Mohamed countered that he had attempted to contact Norton days prior without receiving a response. He has subsequently invited the three commissioners to a meeting scheduled for Sunday, while maintaining that “the law is clear” regarding their right to remain in position.

    The PNCR-APNU leadership redirected criticism toward GECOM Chairman Retired Justice Claudette Singh, whom they accuse of consistently favoring the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC). Dr. Terrence Campbell, APNU parliamentary leader, identified the Chairperson as “the source of most of the problems rather than the opposition commissioners.” Norton concluded that WIN’s exclusive targeting of opposition-aligned commissioners while ignoring the Chairman’s alleged partisan behavior suggests concerning political alignment with the ruling party’s interests.

  • High Court blocks Banks DIH Holdings from capping voting rights of shareholders

    High Court blocks Banks DIH Holdings from capping voting rights of shareholders

    In a significant judicial intervention, Guyana’s High Court has issued an interim injunction preventing Banks DIH Holdings Inc from implementing a contentious resolution that would cap shareholder voting rights at 15% of issued share capital. The ruling by Justice Sandil Kissoon, delivered on January 30, 2026, suspends the controversial measure pending full adjudication of a legal challenge brought by two prominent stock brokerages.

    The legal action was initiated by Guyana Americas Merchant Bank Inc and Beharry Stockbrokers Limited following the November 2025 adoption of ‘New By-law 8’ by Banks DIH’s board of directors. This proposed amendment sought to impose a strict 15% limitation on both share ownership and voting rights, a move that Justice Kissoon determined effectively arrogated to the company the power to invalidate votes exceeding this threshold.

    Represented by legal counsel Stephen Fraser, the plaintiffs successfully obtained an interlocutory injunction that restrains Banks DIH’s leadership from presenting, tabling, or putting to a vote any resolution seeking to confirm or implement the disputed by-law during its scheduled Annual General Meeting or any subsequent adjournment. The court further mandated the immediate suspension of By-Law Eight’s operational and legal effects pending final determination of the proceedings.

    The judicial order specifically prohibits the company from disregarding, discounting, or refusing to count votes attached to ordinary shares based on the alleged 15% limitation. Additionally, Banks DIH is barred from initiating any investigative actions, divestment requests, or sale processes purportedly authorized under the new by-law, including those related to ‘acting in concert’ provisions or beneficial ownership aggregation.

    The substantive case, filed on January 27, seeks permanent judicial relief including a declaration that the by-law is unlawful and void. The plaintiffs argue that the measure effectively circumvents Guyana’s statutory takeover and change-of-control protections established under Part XI of the Securities Industry Act, potentially depriving shareholders of mandatory offer rights and control premium opportunities.