标签： Guyana

A landmark legal challenge in Guyana has temporarily suspended a cybercrime prosecution, placing the nation’s 2018 Cybercrime Act under unprecedented judicial scrutiny over free speech concerns. The Diamond Magistrate’s Court witnessed a pivotal development on Friday, December 19, 2025, when presiding Magistrate Mr. Dylon Andray Bess halted proceedings against businesswoman Ann Narine to address fundamental constitutional and jurisdictional objections raised by her defense team.

Defense counsel Dr. Vivian Williams, a New York-based attorney appearing alongside Nigel Hughes, presented a comprehensive motion to dismiss the charge of ‘using a computer system to publish electronic data with intent to humiliate.’ Dr. Williams argued the charge was legally defective, excessively vague, and insufficiently particularized to meet constitutional standards.

The defense mounted a novel jurisdictional challenge questioning what constitutes adequate pleading of jurisdiction in computer-related offenses, particularly when such prosecutions may infringe upon fundamental rights to freedom of expression. Counsel emphasized that strict pleading requirements are essential in cases criminalizing speech due to the potentially broad chilling effect on public discourse and risks of jurisdictional overreach.

Magistrate Bess acknowledged the exceptional significance of these constitutional questions, granting a lengthy recess for prosecution consideration. When proceedings resumed, the prosecution requested an adjournment until January 6, 2026, citing unpreparedness to respond to the defense’s substantive objections. The court granted the adjournment while directing the defense to submit written submissions detailing their arguments.

The court imposed only nominal bail of GY$30,000 without restrictive conditions, accepting defense arguments that no flight risk existed. Additionally, a separate charge against Ms. Narine for refusing fingerprinting and photography was dismissed entirely.

This developing case represents a potential watershed moment for cybercrime jurisprudence in Guyana, with the forthcoming ruling expected to establish important precedents regarding jurisdictional standards and constitutional limitations on prosecuting speech-based conduct under the Cybercrime Act. The outcome may significantly influence ongoing public debates about potential reforms to the legislation.

In a significant diplomatic development, the United States has suspended its recently announced travel restrictions targeting nationals from Dominica and Antigua & Barbuda. The decision comes after high-level discussions between Caribbean leaders and U.S. officials, effectively halting a proclamation that would have barred citizens of these nations from entering American territory starting January 1, 2026.

Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit expressed appreciation for the suspension during a national address on state-owned DBS Radio. He confirmed that following productive negotiations with both the U.S. Embassy in Barbados and officials at the State Department in Washington, an agreement was reached to temporarily set aside the controversial immigration policy announced by President Donald Trump on December 16, 2025.

The original proclamation specifically targeted countries offering Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs without residency requirements, which U.S. authorities claimed presented significant challenges for security screening and vetting procedures. Both Dominica and Antigua & Barbuda operate such programs, granting citizenship to foreign investors who make substantial contributions to their socio-economic development.

President Trump’s executive order had argued that these CBI programs could enable individuals from restricted countries to obtain citizenship from Caribbean nations and subsequently apply for U.S. visas, potentially circumventing existing travel bans. The document further expressed concerns about identity concealment and asset hiding through these investment citizenship schemes.

Prime Minister Skerrit assured Dominican citizens that all current visa holders remain eligible to travel to the United States beyond the January 1 deadline. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to continuing collaborative relations with Washington, stating, “We are prepared to continue working with the U.S. on whatever issues they may have, moving forward together as partners.”

Simultaneously, Antigua and Barbuda confirmed receiving similar suspension terms through their Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders. The agreement ensures no revocation of existing visas issued before December 31, 2025, and covers all categories including tourist, business, student, and other nonimmigrant visas. Both nations are now engaged in ongoing discussions with U.S. authorities to establish new biometric data collection systems that will ensure compatibility with American security requirements for future visa applications.

Guyana’s Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has publicly refuted widespread speculation about his health, explicitly denying claims that he is battling cancer. The senior official broke his unusual six-week silence from press engagements to directly address growing public conjecture about his physical condition.

“No! I am not ill. I have not been diagnosed with cancer,” Jagdeo stated emphatically during his December 18, 2025 press conference when questioned by Demerara Waves Online News. The Vice President’s extended absence from his characteristic weekly marathon press briefings—which typically span three to four hours—had fueled rumors throughout November and December that he might be suffering from either prostate or throat cancer.

Despite the circulation of social media conspiracy theories, including one alleging an impersonator named “Delip” had been paid to represent him, Jagdeo affirmed his authentic presence at recent governmental functions. Documentary evidence showed his participation in cabinet meetings, community council gatherings, and the launch of the Christmas village throughout the period of speculation.

The political leader referenced the recent honor of having the US$260 million Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge named after him during its October inauguration. While notably absent from the ceremonial crossing event, Jagdeo maintains President Irfaan Ali’s continued confidence, having been described repeatedly as a key architect of modern Guyana’s development and the President’s trusted “confidante.”

Guyana’s Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has firmly refuted claims that his administration broke a promise to distribute cash grants before Christmas 2025. During a press briefing on Thursday, Jagdeo presented his party’s election manifesto to demonstrate that no specific pre-holiday payout commitment had been made.

The Vice President explained that no funds have been allocated in the Treasury for such disbursements, emphasizing that implementing the cash transfer program would require parliamentary approval and several months of preparation. He recalled that earlier this year, the government needed five months to execute a similar program, which encountered challenges including attempted system exploitation.

Jagdeo characterized President Irfaan Ali’s previous comments about potential Christmas payments as humorous remarks rather than policy commitments. “Jocularly, the President said if you’re good people… and this is what they are building their campaign on,” he stated, referencing opposition claims from We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

The Vice President confirmed that cash grants of GY$100,000 would be distributed following the approval of the 2026 National Budget early next year, with projected costs exceeding GY$60 billion. However, he cautioned citizens against developing dependency on government transfers, emphasizing that “You got to earn too. Cash grants should help supplement what you have.”

Jagdeo outlined broader social programs including soft loans and grants for small business development through a planned US$200 million development bank, financial support for housing programs, and community improvement initiatives. He revealed plans for over GY$800 billion in housing investments for hundreds of thousands of families over the next five years, alongside increased support for children, pensioners, and workers.