Carib Scope

标签： Guyana

圭亚那

  • “Lapse” at Parika Police Station during assault

    “Lapse” at Parika Police Station during assault

    A disturbing security failure occurred at the Parika Police Station in East Bank Essequibo, Guyana, in the early hours of Sunday, February 8th, 2026. An assault victim seeking refuge at the station was violently attacked within the police compound itself, raising serious concerns about procedural safeguards and officer presence.

    Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond publicly acknowledged the institutional lapse, confirming that police presence was insufficient at the time of the incident. “It’s clear that there was a lapse there in terms of police presence at the police station,” Minister Walrond stated to reporters. She further indicated that Deputy Police Commissioner Errol Watts has been directed to address the matter with utmost seriousness.

    According to official reports from the Guyana Police Force and social media evidence, the victim had arrived at the station to report a previous assault when his alleged aggressor forcibly entered the premises. CCTV footage captured the assailant confronting and repeatedly striking the victim within the station’s compound, despite the location being designated as a place of safety.

    Law enforcement personnel present during the altercation eventually intervened, apprehending the 33-year-old assailant from Farm, East Bank Essequibo. The victim received medical examination at De Kinderen Regional Hospital and was deemed stable before departing the facility. Meanwhile, the attacker remains in custody, formally charged with wounding.

    The Guyana Police Force issued a strong condemnation of the incident, emphasizing that police premises must remain zones of safety and lawful redress. All relevant CCTV recordings have been secured as part of an ongoing investigation into the breach of security protocols.

  • Nazar “Shell” Mohamed falls ill, unable to attend extradition hearing

    Nazar “Shell” Mohamed falls ill, unable to attend extradition hearing

    A scheduled extradition hearing for prominent Guyanese businessman Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed was unexpectedly postponed on Monday, February 9, 2026, after the defendant reported falling seriously ill. The development has temporarily stalled judicial proceedings that would determine whether Mohamed and his son Azruddin should be extradited to the United States to face serious financial crime charges.

    Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman rescheduled the committal hearing for February 16, 2026, following representations from defense attorney Siand Dhurjon regarding Mohamed’s medical condition. The prosecution, led by Guyanese attorney Glenn Hanoman representing US interests, attempted to secure a commitment for formal medical documentation from Mohamed’s physician but was unsuccessful in this endeavor.

    The Mohamed family faces substantial allegations from US authorities, including charges of wire fraud, mail fraud, and international money laundering operations connected to their gold trading enterprises. These charges would be adjudicated in a federal court in Florida if extradition is approved.

    The hearing’s postponement additionally affected planned testimony from Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Sharon Roochand-Edwards, who was expected to undergo cross-examination. The absence of lead prosecutor Terrence Williams, a Jamaican attorney engaged in overseas commitments, further complicated the day’s proceedings.

    This case represents a significant international legal collaboration between Guyanese and American judicial authorities, highlighting increased cross-border enforcement efforts against sophisticated financial crimes.

  • GCAA restates drone rules after minister complains about drone over husband’s house

    GCAA restates drone rules after minister complains about drone over husband’s house

    The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has issued a forceful reiteration of national drone regulations following a high-profile complaint from Amerindian Affairs Minister Sarah Browne-Shadeek regarding unauthorized drone activity over her husband’s private residence. The regulatory body emphasized that operating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) over both public and private property without explicit permission remains strictly prohibited under Guyanese law.

    According to the GCAA’s detailed directive, drone operations must maintain a minimum distance of 150 meters (492 feet) from congested areas and organized assemblies, and stay at least 100 meters (328 feet) from any vessel, vehicle, or structure not under the operator’s control. The authority explicitly warned that violations constitute serious criminal offenses punishable by fines up to GY$1 million and/or imprisonment for up to two years.

    The regulatory reminder comes amid heightened tensions following Minister Browne-Shadeek’s social media disclosure that a drone had flown alarmingly low over her husband’s property earlier Sunday, causing a female relative to “feel exposed and run for cover” after exiting the bathroom. The minister additionally reported experiencing suspicious surveillance activities, including being followed by vehicles since an earlier incident at the Amerindian Hostel where she claims to have been “bullied.”

    The GCAA’s statement arrives five months after numerous government-aligned media outlets operated drones at both low and high altitudes during the official opening of the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge—an event that raised safety concerns as air traffic controllers were alerted about potential drone interference with aircraft participating in the flyover ceremony.

    In a politically charged response, the main opposition party We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) published aerial photographs of the minister’s husband’s property, questioning the apparent luxury of the residence while criticizing the living conditions of indigenous communities. Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed contrasted the minister’s “more than 100 million dollar home” with the troolie leaf houses common in indigenous communities.

    The GCAA has urged public vigilance and immediate reporting of unauthorized drone operations to either local police stations or their safety hotline, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining “the integrity of Guyana’s airspace” through strict enforcement of aviation regulations.

  • High-speed chase nets 18 lbs cocaine, two suspects- CANU

    High-speed chase nets 18 lbs cocaine, two suspects- CANU

    In a dramatic Sunday operation, Guyana’s Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) apprehended two suspects and confiscated over 18 pounds of cocaine following an intense high-speed chase that resulted in multiple agency vehicle collisions.

    The pursuit initiated when CANU officers attempted to intercept a Volkswagen vehicle (PAL 4117) driven by Shaquille Gordon. Instead of complying, Gordon accelerated away from the scene, triggering a high-speed pursuit through city streets. During the chase, the fleeing suspect attempted evasive maneuvers that caused collisions involving several CANU enforcement vehicles.

    Critical evidence emerged when officers observed a brown cardboard box being hurled from the speeding Volkswagen along Sheriff Street. While some agents stopped to retrieve the discarded package, others continued the pursuit, ultimately intercepting the vehicle at the intersection of Rupert Craig Highway and Sheriff Street.

    Simultaneously, CANU officials detained Ravindranauth Persaud, driver of a minibus (license BAB 6337), though the agency has not disclosed the specific nature of his alleged involvement in the incident.

    At the scene, both suspects were presented with the recovered cardboard box. A thorough search conducted in their presence revealed seven brick-shaped parcels suspected to contain narcotics. The suspects were subsequently transported to CANU Headquarters where forensic testing confirmed the substance as cocaine with a total weight of approximately 8.226 kilograms (18.135 pounds).

    The successful interception represents a significant blow to narcotics trafficking operations in the region, demonstrating CANU’s continued vigilance against drug smuggling activities despite the risks involved in high-speed enforcement operations.

  • Linden businesswoman, driver arrested for guns-in-ganja seizure- police

    Linden businesswoman, driver arrested for guns-in-ganja seizure- police

    In a significant law enforcement operation in Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden, authorities have apprehended a 42-year-old local businesswoman and a 36-year-old driver from Bamia, Soesdyke-Linden Highway. The Guyana Police Force announced the arrests on Sunday, February 8, 2026, following the discovery of an illegal arsenal and substantial narcotics cache.

    The operation unfolded in the early hours of Sunday morning at approximately 1:30 AM when police, acting on intelligence, conducted a search of a motor lorry parked at the businesswoman’s residence. During their inspection, law enforcement officials uncovered 4.536 kilograms of marijuana concealed in a haversack behind the driver’s seat.

    Further investigation revealed an even more concerning discovery: three 9mm pistols and nine .32 caliber rounds of ammunition strategically hidden within the vehicle alongside the suspected cannabis. The weapons and ammunition were allegedly concealed in compartments designed to avoid detection.

    The simultaneous seizure of both firearms and narcotics suggests potential connections to broader criminal networks operating in the region. Police have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the intended destination and purpose of these illegal items, as well as possible connections to other criminal activities.

    Both suspects remain in custody as authorities continue their investigation into what appears to be a sophisticated operation involving multiple illegal commodities. The case highlights ongoing concerns about weapon and drug trafficking in the region and represents a significant achievement for local law enforcement efforts.

  • Gold miner, cook arrested for chopping death of gold miner

    Gold miner, cook arrested for chopping death of gold miner

    In a violent incident that has shocked Guyana’s mining community, 55-year-old gold miner John José Marciano was brutally murdered at a remote mining camp in the Middle Mazaruni River region. The attack occurred during the early hours of Saturday morning at the 14 Miles, Issano mining location, approximately 36 hours before authorities made two arrests in connection with the case.

    Law enforcement officials have confirmed the apprehension of two suspects: a 35-year-old female cook from Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara, and a 19-year-old gold miner from Tapakuma, Essequibo Coast. The younger suspect was captured in Anna Regina, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) at approximately 7:45 AM on Sunday, following an intensive manhunt operation.

    According to police reports, the grim discovery was made when Marciano was found slumped on the ground within his mining camp compound, bearing multiple chop wounds across his body. Investigators recovered a cutlass—believed to be the murder weapon—in close proximity to the victim’s remains. The Guyana Police Force has not yet disclosed potential motives or the exact circumstances that precipitated the violent altercation, stating only that ‘an incident reportedly occurred during the early morning hours.’

    The remote location of the crime scene at 14 Miles, Issano presents significant challenges for forensic investigation and evidence collection. This violent episode highlights the ongoing security concerns within Guyana’s gold mining regions, where isolated camps and valuable mineral resources sometimes create volatile environments. The case continues to undergo active investigation as authorities work to reconstruct the events leading to this tragic outcome.

  • 77 Cuban suspected human trafficking victims screened

    77 Cuban suspected human trafficking victims screened

    In a coordinated early morning operation on Sunday, February 8, 2026, Guyanese authorities discovered 77 Cuban nationals at a residential property in Georgetown who may be victims of human trafficking. The joint task force, comprising specialists from the Trafficking in Persons Unit, Criminal Investigation Department, and personnel from the Ministries of Home Affairs and Human Services and Social Security, executed the operation at approximately 12:03 AM at a building situated at the intersection of Charlotte and Albert Streets.

    The investigation was triggered by allegations that the individuals’ travel documents were being unlawfully withheld pending payment of outstanding debts. According to official statements from the Guyana Police Force, the Cubans reported entering Guyana through credit arrangements, after which their passports were allegedly confiscated until they settled financial obligations.

    Following thorough screening procedures conducted at the scene, all 77 individuals were transferred to the custody of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security for comprehensive assessment and potential victim support services. Despite extensive searches of the premises, law enforcement officials reported no discovery of illegal items and made no arrests during the operation.

    The case represents a significant development in Guyana’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking, demonstrating interagency cooperation in addressing potential TIP violations. Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains active as they work to verify the credibility of the claims and determine appropriate legal actions.

  • Former top GECOM official now Data Commissioner

    Former top GECOM official now Data Commissioner

    In a significant governmental development, Guyana has named Aneal Giddings, former Deputy Chief Elections Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), as the nation’s first Data Protection Commissioner. Prime Minister Mark Phillips formally announced the appointment on Friday evening, confirming to Demerara Waves Online News that Giddings assumed the pivotal role on January 2, 2026.

    Giddings, an established Information Technology specialist, resigned from his electoral position in December 2025 to assume this groundbreaking role under the recently enacted Data Protection Act. The appointment signals Guyana’s commitment to implementing robust data governance frameworks as the country advances its digital transformation initiatives.

    Prime Minister Phillips emphasized the critical nature of this appointment, particularly in relation to the ongoing collection of personal information for electronic identification cards. “We have established the independent oversight necessary to ensure that every byte of data collected meets the highest international standards of privacy and security,” Phillips declared during a National Assembly address.

    The Prime Minister further revealed that the government would shortly issue an order to fully activate the 2023 Data Protection Act, moving beyond the current voluntary registration phase for electronic identification. While acknowledging the present pilot program remains optional, Phillips indicated that registration would eventually become compulsory, though the existing legislation does not specify penalties for non-compliance.

    Addressing privacy concerns, Phillips clarified that the data being collected already exists across multiple government registries including the Guyana Revenue Authority, General Register’s Office, and the Immigration Department. He characterized the new system as “simply a consolidation of existing legal records into a more secure format,” emphasizing the enhanced protection mechanisms now under Giddings’ supervision.

  • WIN’s Mohamed says played major role in gold, foreign exchange markets

    WIN’s Mohamed says played major role in gold, foreign exchange markets

    In a contentious parliamentary session during Guyana’s 2026 National Budget debate, Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed asserted his former enterprises played a vital role in stabilizing the nation’s gold and foreign exchange markets prior to U.S. sanctions imposed in 2024. Mohamed, who leads the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, claimed his operations previously supplied commercial banks with millions of U.S. dollars nightly, contrasting sharply with current shortages causing extended wire transfer delays and a depreciating Guyana dollar.

    The opposition leader faced frequent interruptions from ruling party officials, including Public Affairs Minister Kwame McCoy who labeled him an ‘alleged transnational criminal.’ Mohamed maintained his innocence regarding U.S. charges of wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering linked to gold trading, suggesting the sanctions resulted from his refusal to abstain from the 2025 elections.

    Mohamed presented data indicating a 21.5% decline in licensed gold declarations to 121,000 ounces since his exit from the market, questioning Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat about the whereabouts of unaccounted gold. He simultaneously advocated for improved security measures for small-scale miners and increased access to viable mining lands.

    The WIN leader outlined alternative economic policies including temporary subsidies for utilities, established food banks, VAT reductions, and community agricultural projects. Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh challenged Mohamed to prove his innocence in court rather than ‘ensnare innocent Guyanese,’ while Attorney General officials pressed for answers regarding ongoing financial crime investigations.

  • Mohameds allowed to establish political motivation behind processing US extradition request

    Mohameds allowed to establish political motivation behind processing US extradition request

    In a significant development within Guyana’s legal landscape, Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman has authorized defense attorneys for billionaire gold dealers Azruddin Mohamed and his father Nazar “Shell” Mohamed to question a senior government official regarding alleged political motivations behind their US extradition proceedings.

    Defense counsel Siand Dhurjon presented claims that the Guyanese government engaged a US lobbying firm at a cost exceeding US$700,000 specifically to advocate for the “vilification” of the Mohameds and their subsequent extradition. The defendants face US charges including wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering related to their gold trading operations.

    Dhurjon asserted in court that “the US government has acted as agent of the Guyana government towards an improper political motive,” a claim that Magistrate Latchman allowed to be formally recorded despite objections from US Prosecutor Herbert McKenzie regarding relevance.

    The defense’s questioning focused on Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sharon Roopchand-Edwards, seeking to establish connections between her governmental appointments, her relationship with President Irfaan Ali, and the handling of extradition documents. Dhurjon argued these inquiries were relevant to demonstrate “collaboration between the American and Guyanese governments as part of a plot to go after the Mohameds for political reasons.”

    Under oath, Roopchand-Edwards acknowledged knowing President Ali for several years and holding multiple government positions, including membership on the Guyana Gold Board where she participated in approving the Mohameds’ gold export licenses between 2020-2025. However, she claimed inability to recall specific negative statements made by government officials about the defendants prior to October 2025.

    The case has gained political significance since Azruddin Mohamed formed the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, which secured 16 opposition seats, resulting in his appointment as Guyana’s Opposition Leader.