Carib Scope

标签： Guyana

圭亚那

  • 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.

  • ExxonMobil mulls working in Stabroek Block nearer Venezuela

    ExxonMobil mulls working in Stabroek Block nearer Venezuela

    ExxonMobil is evaluating potential hydrocarbon exploration in the contested Stabroek Block near Venezuela’s maritime border, citing improved regional security conditions following significant political developments in Caracas. CEO Darren Woods revealed during the company’s Q4 2025 earnings call that reduced Venezuelan naval patrols could create a “more friendly environment” for operations in previously inaccessible zones.

    The strategic reconsideration follows dramatic changes in Venezuela’s political landscape, including the recent capture and extradition of former President Nicolas Maduro to face narcotics and weapons charges in the United States. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez’s administration has demonstrated increased cooperation with international partners, implementing legislative reforms designed to attract foreign energy investment.

    Historical tensions have previously prevented exploration in the border-adjacent areas, with Venezuelan naval forces expelling seismic research vessels in both 2013 and 2018. The current force majeure status—implemented due to security concerns—has effectively paused operational timelines, which Woods characterized as providing strategic flexibility rather than hindering development.

    The International Court of Justice’s pending ruling on the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Tribunal Award represents a critical determinant for future activities. This legal proceeding, addressing the longstanding Guyana-Venezuela border dispute, will substantially influence ExxonMobil’s operational decisions in the region.

    Despite these geopolitical complexities, ExxonMobil continues achieving exceptional production levels in Guyana, currently extracting approximately 875,000 barrels daily across four Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessels. This output exceeds initial investment projections by 100,000 barrels, demonstrating remarkable operational efficiency.

    With the Stabroek Block exploration license expiring in late 2027, the company is conducting comprehensive seismic analysis and leveraging data from development wells to identify optimal drilling targets. Woods indicated the company would make strategically informed decisions regarding block relinquishment based on geological assessments and opportunity evaluations.

  • One killed, two injured in Albouystown shooting

    One killed, two injured in Albouystown shooting

    A fatal shooting incident shook the Albouystown community on Thursday evening, resulting in one fatality and two individuals sustaining injuries. According to law enforcement authorities, the violence erupted on James Street when an unidentified assailant opened fire indiscriminately.

    The deceased has been identified as 28-year-old Kevon “Author” Ridley, a local laborer residing on James Street. Preliminary police investigations indicate that an unknown male perpetrator discharged multiple rounds in the area, striking Ridley with several gunshot wounds. Emergency services transported the victim to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where medical personnel pronounced him dead upon arrival.

    Two additional victims caught in the crossfire include a 30-year-old male vendor from Albouystown, who sustained a gunshot injury to his back, and a 43-year-old spray painter from Lust-en-Rust, West Bank Demerara, who suffered a shoulder gunshot wound. Both survivors received immediate medical attention, with the vendor treated at Georgetown Public Hospital and the painter receiving care at a private medical facility. Police confirm both injured parties remain in stable condition.

    Law enforcement officials report no arrests have been made as investigations continue. Authorities are actively working to determine the precise circumstances and motivations behind the shooting, with police urging community members to come forward with any relevant information that might assist in identifying the perpetrator.

  • Bangladesh to open embassy in Guyana, eyes labour market

    Bangladesh to open embassy in Guyana, eyes labour market

    In a significant move to strengthen international ties and access emerging labor markets, the Bangladesh government has officially approved the establishment of a new diplomatic mission in Georgetown, Guyana. The decision was ratified during the weekly convening of the Council of Advisers, presided over by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the Chief Adviser’s Office (CAO).

    The new mission, which will be staffed at the level of Charge d’Affaires or First Secretary, represents a strategic effort to deepen economic and manpower cooperation between the two nations. Significantly, the diplomatic outpost will be manned by personnel drawn from Bangladesh’s existing embassies and missions abroad, optimizing resource allocation.

    This diplomatic expansion is strategically timed to coincide with Guyana’s remarkable economic ascent. Currently ranking among the world’s fastest-growing economies, Guyana reported a staggering economic growth rate of nearly 50 percent last year. This explosive growth has catalyzed a rapid expansion of its labor market, creating a demand for foreign workers that Bangladesh aims to fulfill.

    Bangladeshi workers are already engaged in several large-scale infrastructure projects within Guyana, including potable water initiatives. Furthermore, foreign recruiters have previously advertised for Bangladeshi healthcare professionals, specifically nurses, to work in the country.

    The Guyanese government has publicly acknowledged a critical labor shortage, stating that its domestic workforce is insufficient to maintain the pace of its economic boom. However, the move has not been without controversy. The opposition party, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), has alleged that the influx of Bangladeshi workers is politically motivated, suggesting they are being brought in to influence upcoming general and regional elections in favor of the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic.

  • Mahdia Mayor resigns

    Mahdia Mayor resigns

    In a significant development within Guyana’s local governance landscape, Mayor Eslyn Romascindo-Hussain of Mahdia has formally tendered her resignation, effective February 1, 2026. The announcement came through an official resignation letter addressed to Local Government Minister Priya Manickchand, with a copy forwarded to Junior Minister Pauline Sukhai.

    Mayor Romascindo-Hussain, who assumed office in July 2023 following her electoral victory, attributed her decision to step down primarily to deteriorating health conditions resulting from the demands of her position. In her correspondence, she described her three-year tenure at the council as ‘extremely challenging,’ noting that the persistent pressures had adversely affected both her physical and mental well-being.

    The outgoing mayor explicitly stated that the mayoral role had proven ‘unsuitable’ for her current circumstances, emphasizing the necessity to prioritize personal health and wellness above official duties. Her resignation marks the end of a relatively brief but notable chapter in Mahdia’s municipal leadership, coming just over two years into her elected term.

    The resignation has sparked discussions about the pressures facing local government officials in Guyana, particularly in regions facing significant developmental challenges. The Ministry of Local Government has acknowledged receipt of the resignation letter but has not yet announced procedures for filling the vacancy or interim leadership arrangements for the Mahdia municipality.

  • Lorry in deadly Demerara River bridge mishap had mechanical failure; investigators probe eligibility for lorry driver’s licence

    Lorry in deadly Demerara River bridge mishap had mechanical failure; investigators probe eligibility for lorry driver’s licence

    A catastrophic chain-reaction collision on the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge has claimed one life and left another critically injured, with investigators now examining both mechanical failure and potential licensing irregularities. The Thursday morning incident occurred when a large goods vehicle experienced sudden mechanical failure, triggering a devastating backward roll into oncoming traffic.

    According to official statements from the Guyana Police Force, the tragedy unfolded at approximately 9:45 AM when lorry GAC 296, operated by a 23-year-old driver from Anna Catherina, lost propulsion while ascending the westward carriageway. Preliminary investigations indicate the vehicle came to an abrupt halt before rolling backward into multiple vehicles traveling behind it in the same lane.

    The confirmed fatality has been identified as 24-year-old Scott Dorwart of Grove, East Bank Demerara, who died instantly at the scene. Another occupant of the same vehicle, also 23 and from Anna Catherina, sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalized at Georgetown Public Hospital under medical supervision.

    Law enforcement authorities have taken both the driver and the 55-year-old owner of the malfunctioning lorry into custody for questioning. While standard alcohol screening placed the driver well below legal impairment limits at 0.003 micrograms, investigators are pursuing separate lines of inquiry regarding the validity of the operator’s commercial licensing credentials.

    Unconfirmed reports suggest authorities are examining whether the young driver obtained his heavy vehicle authorization through proper channels or potentially circumvented standard requirements. Official protocols typically mandate extensive experience operating smaller vehicles before qualifying for lorry licensing, a progression that may not have been properly documented in this case.

    The collision involved five additional vehicles beyond the initiating lorry, including minibus GSS 1249, motorcycle CM 335, pickup truck PAL 3390, and passenger car PXX 4240. All operators sustained varying degrees of injury though none beyond the initially reported critical case.

    Forensic teams including police certification officers and crime scene investigators have commenced detailed examination of all vehicles involved, with particular focus on the allegedly defective lorry’s mechanical systems. The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the exact sequence of failures that led to this fatal infrastructure incident.