Carib Scope

标签： Guyana

圭亚那

  • BM Soat says it obeys all laws, is a “responsible” taxpayer

    BM Soat says it obeys all laws, is a “responsible” taxpayer

    Prominent Guyanese automotive importer BM Soat Auto Sales and Rentals has issued a firm rebuttal against allegations of vehicle undervaluation practices, asserting its full compliance with national laws and its status as a substantial taxpayer. The company’s statement on Saturday December 27, 2025, came in response to media reports citing unnamed Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) officials regarding alleged malpractices.

    The company expressed concern over what it characterized as unbalanced journalism, noting that recent reports “rely entirely on unnamed sources” and “make broad claims without identifying any individuals.” While not directly addressing whether it has existing court cases with GRA or whether it paid over GY$200 million in due taxes, BM Soat maintained that it “operates within the laws of Guyana and conducts its business with integrity.”

    Highlighting its commercial scale, the company revealed it sold more than 1,500 vehicles in 2025 alone, all processed through “established regulatory channels.” BM Soat emphasized its tax contributions, stating it has paid “billions of dollars in taxes and duties over the years,” which it says reflects its “consistent role as a responsible taxpayer.”

    The controversy emerges against the backdrop of an ongoing investigation into tax evasion practices within Guyana’s vehicle import sector. Seven GRA officials are currently on GY$500,000 bail each and must report to police on December 29 as part of this probe. According to previous reports, the alleged evasion schemes involved either misclassifying vehicles as electric (which bear no taxes) or underreporting engine capacity to qualify for lower tax rates.

    The GRA has indicated plans to expand its investigation to include other vehicle importers, suggesting the current allegations against BM Soat may represent only one aspect of a broader compliance review within Guyana’s automotive import industry.

  • City Council to remove vendors outside Yhip’s Bakery

    City Council to remove vendors outside Yhip’s Bakery

    The Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has issued a definitive ultimatum to street vendors operating in the vicinity of Yhip’s Bakery, located at the intersection of Robb and Alexander Streets. This enforcement action follows a High Court mandate explicitly prohibiting commercial vending activities in this specific zone.

    Town Clerk Candace Nelson publicly confirmed on Saturday that municipal officers have delivered final evacuation notices to all vendors. The directive demands the immediate dismantling and removal of all temporary commercial structures, including carts, tables, and pallets. This development occurs amidst ongoing contempt of court proceedings against certain M&CC officials for previously inadequate enforcement of the judicial order.

    The public notice emphasizes that failure to comply voluntarily will trigger enforcement measures by the City Constabulary Department. These measures are legally authorized to include the physical removal of vending apparatus and potential additional penalties under the law.

    This action aligns with a broader pattern observed throughout Georgetown’s commercial districts. Several major businesses, including Muneshwer’s, Queensway, and Banks DIH, have previously successfully utilized High Court orders to clear vendors from their premises through M&CC enforcement.

    Despite past attempts by city officials to negotiate compromises favoring vendors, these efforts have universally culminated in the eventual removal of informal commercial operations by law enforcement personnel. Authorities now urge affected vendors to cooperate promptly to avoid escalating legal repercussions.

  • Two arrested for stabbing death of elderly man

    Two arrested for stabbing death of elderly man

    Authorities in Guyana have apprehended two individuals following the fatal stabbing of a 75-year-old man at his residence in Stanleytown, West Bank Demerara. The Guyana Police Force confirmed the arrests on Saturday, December 27th, 2025.

    The victim, identified as Athlone Goring, was reportedly murdered during the early hours of December 26th (Boxing Day) at approximately 5:40 AM. According to police reports, Mr. Goring had recently returned to Guyana prior to the tragic incident.

    Law enforcement officials disclosed that after questioning multiple persons of interest, a 20-year-old male and a 22-year-old female were taken into custody. Both suspects remain detained as the investigation continues.

    Initial investigative findings indicate that the elderly victim was discovered on the upper level of his dwelling with apparent multiple stab wounds. Emergency medical services transported him to West Demerara Regional Hospital, where attending physicians pronounced him dead upon arrival.

    The deceased’s body has been transferred to Ezekiel Funeral Home pending an official post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. Police have not released further details regarding potential motives or the relationship between the suspects and the victim.

    This violent incident has shocked the Stanleytown community, particularly given its occurrence during the holiday season and the victim’s recent return to his homeland. Local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic homicide.

  • Azruddin Mohamed’s sister, husband facing several traffic charges

    Azruddin Mohamed’s sister, husband facing several traffic charges

    A high-profile traffic stop involving the sister of a Guyanese opposition leader has escalated into allegations of political persecution against President Irfaan Ali’s administration. Hana Mohamed, sister of We Invest In Nationhood (WIN) party leader and parliamentarian Azruddin Mohamed, was intercepted by police on Eccles Public Road, East Bank Demerara, while driving a Toyota Land Cruiser (license PAB 3000) on Christmas Day.

    The Guyana Police Force confirmed multiple traffic violations including failure to comply with police directives, failure to produce driving documentation, and prohibition of tinted glass. According to official statements, the situation intensified when Parliamentarian Mohamed reportedly approached the vehicle and instructed his sister to drive home rather than to the police station.

    The vehicle was subsequently traced to 789 Republic Park, where police attempted to immobilize it with a wheel clamp. Maksim Dmitriyev of Eccles presented ownership documents identifying himself as the registered owner. Dmitriyev was processed at Providence Police Station and released on recognizance to reappear on December 29, 2025.

    Hana Mohamed presented a contrasting narrative, asserting that all vehicle documents were ‘fully up-to-date and compliant’ following verification. She described the incident as coordinated political harassment, claiming most officers appeared sympathetic and embarrassed by their actions. ‘This is coming from the very top. For those who know Irfaan personally, this is from the playbook of the president,’ Mohamed stated, alleging the administration was using law enforcement to target opposition figures during the holiday period.

    The Guyana Revenue Authority’s verification of engine and chassis numbers remains undisclosed by police, creating unresolved questions about the legitimacy of the traffic stop versus the claims of political motivation.

  • Toddler drowns early Christmas Day

    Toddler drowns early Christmas Day

    A devastating incident unfolded in the early hours of Christmas Day 2025 in the Lower Pomeroon River region of Guyana, resulting in the tragic drowning of a two-year-old girl. Zoria Seegobin, who had been staying with relatives at Grant Atlas for the holiday season, was discovered missing from the residence between 2:15 and 2:30 AM on December 25th.

    According to official statements from the Guyana Police Force, relatives initiated a search after discovering the toddler’s absence from the home. The search concluded tragically when her body was located submerged in a nearby trench. The preliminary investigation indicates accidental drowning as the cause of death, though authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

    Emergency response efforts were immediately mobilized by family members who transported the child to Charity. Police personnel subsequently escorted the girl to Charity Cottage Hospital, where the attending physician pronounced her dead upon arrival. The body has been transferred to the Suddie Hospital Mortuary pending a formal post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.

    The Guyana Police Force has confirmed that investigations remain ongoing but has not disclosed whether any individuals have been detained for questioning in connection with the tragedy. The community of Grant Atlas, typically filled with holiday cheer during the Christmas season, has been plunged into mourning following this heartbreaking incident.

  • Former telecoms company accountant arrested for GY$153 million fraud

    Former telecoms company accountant arrested for GY$153 million fraud

    Guyanese authorities have apprehended a former senior accounting executive in connection with a massive financial fraud case totaling GY$153.9 million (approximately US$735,000) against a major telecommunications company. The Guyana Police Force confirmed the arrest on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.

    The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Quincy Baird from Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, faces investigations for larceny by clerk or servant. According to police statements, the alleged financial misconduct occurred over an extended period between July 1, 2021, and February 18, 2025.

    Baird’s professional background, as documented on his LinkedIn profile, reveals previous employment as Accounts Payable, Treasury and Tax Manager at GTT (now operating as One Communications). His career history also includes positions at a prominent accounting firm and a corporate group that operates a fast-food establishment in central Georgetown.

    The arrest operation was conducted by detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at approximately 4:33 PM. Law enforcement officials contacted Baird at his East Bank Demerara residence regarding the allegations before taking him into custody.

    “The suspect was formally informed of the allegations against him, arrested, and escorted to CID Headquarters where he remains in custody pending further investigation,” the police force stated in their official release. The case represents one of the most significant corporate fraud investigations in recent Guyanese business history.

  • Businessman granted bail on gun, ammo possession charges

    Businessman granted bail on gun, ammo possession charges

    A prominent cellular phone retailer in Guyana has been released on bail after facing serious firearms-related charges. Amar Avinash Persaud, a 37-year-old entrepreneur from Bladenhall North, East Coast Demerara, was granted GY$500,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.

    The case originated from Persaud’s arrest on December 21, 2025, when operatives from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) apprehended him on Sherriff Street in Georgetown. Law enforcement officials discovered an AK-47 assault rifle, corresponding ammunition, and a pistol in his possession during the operation.

    James Singh, Director of CANU, confirmed that following the initial detention by anti-narcotics agents, Persaud was formally transferred to regular police custody for processing. The defendant, who operates a mobile phone retail business, now faces multiple counts of illegal weapons possession under Guyana’s firearms legislation.

    The judicial decision to grant bail suggests the court’s preliminary assessment of the case circumstances, though the matter remains active within Guyana’s legal system. The case has drawn significant attention due to the serious nature of the charges and the defendant’s established business background in the community.

    Legal experts note that while bail has been granted, the prosecution maintains the authority to pursue full legal proceedings against the accused. The case continues to develop as both sides prepare their arguments for subsequent court appearances.

  • Guyanese arrested in Suriname with cigars

    Guyanese arrested in Suriname with cigars

    Surinamese authorities have apprehended a Guyanese national in a targeted operation against cross-border criminal activity, following the discovery of contraband cigars during a vehicle inspection. The arrest occurred on Tuesday evening in the Nickerie district, underscoring heightened security measures along the transnational corridor.

    The operation was conducted by a specialized police unit from the West Region, supported by the Regional Assistance Team (RBTW), as part of reinforced surveillance initiatives. At approximately 7:30 PM local time, officers intercepted a vehicle on Walidien Ishaakweg in the Corantijnpolder area for routine inspection.

    Vehicle occupants included a 40-year-old Surinamese taxi driver, identified by initials HA, and two Guyanese passengers—a married couple referred to as SD (52) and AM (48). During the search, authorities located a sealed cardboard box on the rear seat, which was subsequently claimed by male passenger SD. Further examination revealed five wooden boxes containing cigars, all of which were promptly confiscated.

    According to the Suriname Police Corps, SD claimed unawareness of the box’s contents, stating he had transported it from Guyana at the request of an unidentified third party. The suspect now faces potential charges under the Anti-Smuggling Act and the Economic Offences Act due to suspected violations.

    Following consultation with the Public Prosecution Service, SD has been remanded in custody pending further investigation. The case has been transferred to the West Region Detective Department for comprehensive examination, while the other occupants were not detained.

  • New York Home Depot theft ringleader, who smuggling goods to Guyana, jailed

    New York Home Depot theft ringleader, who smuggling goods to Guyana, jailed

    A New York man has been sentenced to prison for masterminding an elaborate retail theft operation that targeted Home Depot stores across multiple counties. Manooj Heeralall, 54, of Baldwin, Long Island, received a sentence of 1-1/3 to four years imprisonment after pleading guilty to Grand Larceny in the Third Degree on August 8, 2025.

    According to Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly, Heeralall orchestrated a sophisticated criminal enterprise between October 2021 and December 2023. The operation employed individuals to systematically steal high-value construction and electrical materials from dozens of Home Depot locations throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, and Brooklyn.

    The stolen merchandise, including circuit breakers, light switches, circular saw blades, and specialized equipment, was subsequently collected by Heeralall who provided payment to the thieves. He then stored the illicit goods in his home and garage before arranging shipment to Guyana for international resale.

    Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Heeralall’s residence on December 7, 2023, uncovering substantial evidence. Authorities seized nearly 1,000 circuit breakers valued at $15,025 from inside the home, along with hundreds of additional equipment pieces from the garage. Four garbage bins contained acrylic roof coating, rock spotlights, oscillating blades for grout, and light switch wall plates worth $9,576. The total value of confiscated items reached approximately $37,151.

    In addition to prison time, Heeralall forfeited multiple assets including a 2004 Nissan vehicle, $2,640 in cash, and all items seized during the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Justin Santabarbara of the Organized Crime and Rackets Bureau, with cooperation from The Home Depot Investigations Organized Retail Crime Northern Division.

    District Attorney Donnelly emphasized that such organized theft rings ‘strike at the heart of our local economy’ and undermine legitimate businesses. She commended the collaborative efforts of prosecutors and law enforcement partners in dismantling this criminal operation.

  • Agri Minister denies Azruddin Mohamed’s suggestions that house probably built with dirty money

    Agri Minister denies Azruddin Mohamed’s suggestions that house probably built with dirty money

    Guyana’s Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has issued a formal rebuttal against corruption allegations made by opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed, who suggested the minister’s substantial residential property was funded through illicit means. The political confrontation emerged publicly on December 24, 2025, highlighting ongoing tensions between government and opposition figures.

    Minister Mustapha categorically denied the accusations through an official statement, explaining that his Bloomfield, Berbice residence was financed exclusively through legitimate banking arrangements and personal savings. “I hereby declare that the construction of the said house was funded and financed exclusively through a mortgage obtained from Demerara Bank Limited and personal savings accumulated through lawful employment,” the minister asserted. He further emphasized his compliance with transparency protocols, confirming he remains current with all declarations to Guyana’s Integrity Commission.

    The allegations originated from Mohamed, leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, who questioned how a government minister earning less than GY$1.2 million monthly could afford custom architectural features and luxury finishes. Mohamed contrasted the property’s current state with its condition four years prior, describing it previously as a “simple, wooden structure” comparable to neighboring homes. He additionally highlighted infrastructure disparities, noting the street containing the minister’s residence appeared uniquely developed compared to surrounding underdeveloped roads.

    Minister Mustapha defended his 35-year political career, referencing his service as parliamentarian, Regional Chairman for Region 6, and minister since 2020 as evidence of his commitment to ethical public service. The minister also addressed allegations concerning his son Javed Mustapha, characterizing Mohamed’s criticisms as a “personal vendetta” stemming from the younger Mustapha’s dissociation from the opposition leader due to alleged unethical conduct.

    While declaring reluctance to engage in “tit-for-tat” exchanges, Minister Mustapha revealed he has engaged legal counsel to explore defamation proceedings against Mohamed. The minister characterized the opposition leader’s statements as “completely untrue, fallacious, and devoid of merit,” alleging they were designed to damage his reputation and political standing.

    Mohamed’s criticisms extended beyond individual allegations to systemic concerns, suggesting the People’s Progressive Party Civic administration enables public officials to “rapidly accumulate immense wealth through corrupt means.” The opposition leader called attention to international observers, particularly urging US, British, and Canadian authorities to monitor what he characterized as exploitation of public office for personal enrichment.

    The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of Mohamed’s own legal challenges, including an ongoing extradition request from United States authorities addressing wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering charges in Florida federal court.