In a decisive move to address the escalating outflow of US dollars, Guyana has unveiled a robust nine-point foreign exchange control plan. President Irfaan Ali announced the measures on September 30, 2025, following a high-level meeting with key stakeholders, including the Bank of Guyana, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), and representatives from commercial banks. The plan aims to curb the outflow of foreign currency, which has surged to approximately US$1.2 billion in 2025, nearly quadrupling from the previous year. Among the key measures, importers will now be required to submit detailed documentation, including commercial invoices and bills of lading, to commercial banks before foreign exchange payments are released. This step is designed to enhance transparency and prevent system abuse. Additionally, commercial banks will closely monitor credit card usage to ensure that personal cards are not being used for business transactions. President Ali highlighted a significant increase in credit card transactions, which rose from US$91.3 million in 2023 to US$347.5 million in 2024, with 2025 already recording US$252 million. The Central Bank has also intervened in the foreign exchange market, providing US$332 million in 2024 and US$1.2 billion in 2025, with an additional US$160 million pending. The new measures also include stricter penalties for inflated invoicing and capital flight, mandatory local bank accounts for entities in the oil and gas sector, and the establishment of a single-window post-clearing system at the Central Bank. The commercial banks have expressed their support for the plan, which they believe will alleviate some of the challenges they currently face.
标签： Guyana
圭亚那
-
Govt says Private Sector Commission can help pick civil society reps for Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
The Guyana government has proposed involving the Private Sector Commission (PSC) in selecting civil society representatives for the Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) of the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GYEITI). This move contrasts with the Norway-based EITI parent body’s guidelines, which mandate clear separation between government, industry, and civil society stakeholders. Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat announced that an advertisement would be published to invite expressions of interest for the civil society convenor role, with applications open for two weeks. The PSC, Policy Forum Guyana (PFG), or other eligible groups are encouraged to apply. This decision follows a previous fallout between the PFG and the government over Guyana’s suspension from EITI due to disagreements on the Terms of Reference for the Independent Administrator. Critics argue that the PSC’s involvement could compromise civil society’s independence, as the PSC is perceived to have close ties with the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC). EITI rules emphasize that civil society representatives must remain independent of government and industry influence. Ardene Sirjoo of the Trinidad and Tobago-based Cropper Foundation highlighted the importance of maintaining civil society’s autonomy to ensure accountability in the EITI process. The government maintains that the PSC is a legitimate civil society organization, distinct from private businesses, and is well-positioned to represent grassroots stakeholders. The EITI requires governments to create an enabling environment for civil society participation, ensuring freedom of expression and engagement in transparency and natural resource governance issues.
-
Policeman arrested for fatal road accident
A police officer has been taken into custody following a tragic incident on the Mon Repos Public Road in East Coast Demerara, Guyana. Early Tuesday morning, the officer, identified as a Lance Corporal stationed at the Ogle Police Outpost, struck and killed a pedestrian while driving his vehicle, registered under license number PAC 9262. The victim, identified only as ‘Soath,’ was crossing the road when the collision occurred. According to the Guyana Police Force, the officer underwent a breathalyser test, which revealed no traces of alcohol. He is currently under close arrest as investigations continue. Authorities reported that the vehicle was traveling west along the northern drive lane when the pedestrian suddenly ran into its path from the south. The impact caused severe injuries to Soath, who was rushed to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation but later succumbed to his injuries. His body is now at the hospital’s mortuary, awaiting identification and a post-mortem examination. The incident has sparked public concern, with calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
-
New Demerara Harbour Bridge opens Sunday
The highly anticipated new Demerara Harbour Bridge, a state-of-the-art four-lane, high-span, cable-stayed structure, is set to be officially inaugurated this Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 5:30 PM. This monumental project, which began in 2022, marks a significant milestone in Guyana’s infrastructure development. President Irfaan Ali will deliver the keynote address at the commissioning ceremony. The bridge, constructed by China Railway Construction (International) Limited at a cost of US$260 million, is designed to enhance the flow of vehicular and vessel traffic, drastically reducing travel time and improving connectivity between Regions Three and Four. It is also expected to bolster the movement of goods and services across the nation, aligning with the government’s broader vision of national transformation. Despite facing several delays and initial resistance, the project adhered to the rigorous standards set by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), ensuring its safety and reliability. The new Demerara Harbour Bridge stands as a testament to Guyana’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure and fostering economic growth.
-
Venezuela offers Suriname cooperation in oil, other areas
In a significant diplomatic move, Venezuela has extended an offer of collaboration to Suriname across multiple sectors, including oil and gas, education, and finance. The proposal was formally presented by Venezuelan Ambassador to Suriname, Ms. Ayezim Y. Flores Rivas, during a productive meeting with Suriname’s Minister of Finance and Planning, Adelien Wijnerman. The encounter, described by Ambassador Flores Rivas as ‘a new beginning,’ underscores Venezuela’s commitment to fostering bilateral ties despite its own economic challenges. Both nations, being oil-producing countries, explored avenues for mutual growth, with Venezuela highlighting its investments in education and social projects as a foundation for future joint initiatives. Among the specific proposals was the introduction of Spanish language classes for Surinamese ministry staff, alongside plans for knowledge exchange and university-level training programs. Minister Wijnerman welcomed the initiative, expressing Suriname’s openness to deepening cooperation. The meeting signals a renewed effort to strengthen the longstanding relationship between the two nations, with a focus on sustainable development and shared expertise.
-
World Trade Center Georgetown urges entrepreneurs to “Build Local, Think Global, Lead with Resilience”
In a bid to capitalize on Guyana’s unprecedented economic growth, the World Trade Center Georgetown (WTCG) has called upon entrepreneurs to adopt a forward-thinking approach rooted in local development, global outreach, and resilience. This message was delivered by WTCG Executive Director Wesley Kirton during GrowthCLUB #41, a quarterly training session organized by Action COACH and supported by WTCG, Demerara Bank Limited (DBL), and the Institute for Private Enterprise Development (IPED). The event, attended by over 100 entrepreneurs, emphasized the Center’s dedication to bolstering micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) through strategic training and global networking opportunities. Kirton highlighted the extensive reach of the WTC network, which comprises over 300 centers and more than one million companies worldwide, enabling businesses to expand their trade horizons. He also announced the formal launch of WTC Georgetown, scheduled for October 19–23, 2025, featuring seminars on trade show preparation, financing, and international trade trends. Kirton urged entrepreneurs to embrace three core principles: building locally to meet community needs, thinking globally to leverage digital opportunities, and leading with resilience to overcome challenges. He concluded with a rallying cry for Guyana’s entrepreneurs to create sustainable, future-ready businesses that drive innovation and economic growth.
-
Ex-cop charged with attempting to fraudulently withdraw GY$35 million from bank
A former police officer, Omari James, has been charged with four criminal offenses following an alleged attempt to fraudulently withdraw GY$35 million (approximately $170,000 USD) from the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Diamond Branch. The 26-year-old laborer, residing in Farm Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, appeared before Magistrate Wanda Fortune on Monday, September 29, 2025, and was remanded to prison without bail until October 31, 2025. According to police reports, James entered the bank on September 25, 2025, presenting forged documents, including a national identification card and a driver’s license under the name Shameer Ali, along with a withdrawal slip for the substantial sum. The teller, upon reviewing the documents, noticed discrepancies in the date of birth and photograph compared to the bank’s records, leading to James’s immediate arrest. He faces charges of uttering forged documents and demanding money through fraudulent means. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about financial fraud and the misuse of forged identification in Guyana’s banking sector.
-
Orthopaedic technician charged with transmitting image of “Lola Doll’s” private parts
A 20-year-old orthopaedic technician from Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has been charged under the Cyber Crime Act for transmitting an image of a patient’s private area. Treveir ‘Tratts’ Sinclair, residing in West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty and has been remanded to prison until October 6. If convicted, he faces a fine of GY$3 million and up to three years in prison. The incident occurred on September 19 when Sinclair, who was off-duty at the time, allegedly recorded Lolita ‘Lola Doll’ Callendar, a well-known make-up artist and singer, while she was receiving treatment at GPHC after being shot eight times. Sinclair reportedly admitted to sending the recording via WhatsApp to his ex-girlfriend, but deleted it after it began circulating on social media. The GPHC has issued a public apology to Callendar and her family, emphasizing their commitment to patient privacy and dignity. The hospital has pledged to take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
-
Guyana-born U.S. public schools superintendent license revoked, remains in ICE custody
In a significant development, Dr. Ian Roberts, the former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, has had his professional license revoked by the Iowa Department of Education. This decision follows his detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on allegations of being in the country illegally. The Bureau of Educational Examiners confirmed the revocation on Monday, effectively ending his tenure as superintendent. Dr. Roberts, who was born in Guyana and raised in Brooklyn, New York, had been placed on administrative leave by the Des Moines Public School board just one day prior. ICE officials claim that Roberts entered the U.S. on a student visa in 1999 but was subject to a final removal order issued in 2024. The case has sparked widespread attention, raising questions about immigration policies and their impact on public sector professionals.
-
Repairs to Paruima Airstrip to be completed within two months – Edghill
The Paruima airstrip in Upper Mazaruni, Region Seven, is on track to reopen within the next two months following extensive repairs, as announced by Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill. The airstrip, which underwent a significant upgrade from a grass patch to a durable all-weather concrete strip, was temporarily closed due to surface defects identified shortly after its completion. The contractor, International Import and Supplies, was mandated to address these issues at its own expense. Notably, the contractor has exceeded expectations by not only rectifying the defects but also adding a new layer of stone to enhance durability. This upgrade is anticipated to significantly improve connectivity and development for the Amerindian village of Paruima, which has historically faced challenges due to adverse weather conditions. The opposition Alliance For Change (AFC) had previously raised concerns about the airstrip’s quality after an incident where a plane’s wheel became stuck, requiring manual intervention to move the aircraft. In addition to the Paruima project, the Ministry of Public Works is advancing similar upgrades on other airstrips in Region Seven, including Eteringbang, Karisparu, and Ekereku Bottom, to bolster hinterland transport and accessibility.