Authorities in Guyana are intensifying their search for two Venezuelans and one Colombian linked to a significant cocaine bust in Hydronie, Parika, East Bank Essequibo. The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) issued wanted bulletins for Camilo Morales Gonzalez, a Colombian national, and Venezuelans Richar Daniel Rodriguez Criollo and Hernan Daro Martinez. This development follows CANU’s discovery of 23.958 kilogrammes of cocaine at a residence in Hydronie, which led to the arrest of a Venezuelan man and two Guyanese women. The operation underscores the ongoing battle against narcotics trafficking in the region. Notably, the Colombian suspect, Yeison Andres Sanchez Vallejo, was previously sanctioned by the United States for drug-related offenses and was recently intercepted at a police checkpoint in Kurupukari. This case highlights the cross-border nature of drug trafficking and the collaborative efforts required to combat it.
标签： Guyana
圭亚那
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No disclosure on Mohameds’ alleged connections to Venezuela, Middle East
In a recent development at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, attorneys representing Nazar “Shell” Mohamed and Azruddin Mohamed revealed that no evidence linking their clients to Venezuela or the Middle East was disclosed by US-hired lawyers. This revelation came during a court session on November 10, 2025, where the Mohameds are contesting an extradition request from the United States. The US legal team had previously alleged that the Mohameds were involved in an international criminal enterprise with connections to high-ranking officials in Venezuela and extending through the US to the Middle East. However, Attorney-at-Law Roysdale Forde, part of the Mohameds’ defense team, stated that no such documents were provided. The Mohameds face an 11-count Grand Jury indictment in a Florida federal court, including charges of mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering related to their gold exports business. They are currently on GY$150,000 bail and are scheduled to return to court on November 24. Meanwhile, the Guyana Revenue Authority has dropped all income tax evasion charges against the Mohameds in light of the US extradition request. Outside the courthouse, a small group of supporters from the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political party gathered in solidarity with their leader, Azruddin Mohamed, though the turnout was significantly smaller compared to their previous court appearance on October 31.
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St. Lucians vote for a new government on December 1
St. Lucia is set to hold a pivotal general election on December 1, 2025, nearly a year ahead of the constitutionally mandated date in November 2026. Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre announced the decision in a national broadcast on November 9, 2025, revealing that he had advised Governor General Errol Charles to dissolve Parliament on November 10. Nomination Day is scheduled for November 21, marking the official start of the electoral process. Pierre emphasized that the decision was driven by the government’s confidence in its achievements and the need to continue normal governance. He highlighted significant economic improvements under his administration, including a reduction in national debt and outstanding payables. The opposition United Workers Party (UWP), led by Allen Chastanet, welcomed the announcement, framing the election as an opportunity for change. Both major parties held rallies on November 9, signaling an intense campaign period ahead. The election will test the SLP’s record against the UWP’s bid to reclaim power after its 2021 defeat.
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GYEITI civil society convenor says no conflict of interest though a gold miner; “I maintain my integrity at all times”- English
Dr. Ivor English, the newly appointed civil society convenor for the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GYEITI), has firmly dismissed allegations of a conflict of interest due to his involvement in the mining sector. Speaking to Demerara Waves Online News on Sunday, Dr. English emphasized his commitment to integrity and objectivity, stating, ‘I have always been considered a kind of middle-ground objective person that will not allow myself to be involved in conflict of interest.’ While he acknowledged owning mining properties, he clarified that he has not been actively mining for several years due to adverse weather conditions that damaged his equipment. However, he did not rule out resuming operations in the future. Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat supported Dr. English’s appointment, asserting that the convenor’s limited mining activities do not pose a conflict of interest. He highlighted that Dr. English has not engaged in active mining since acquiring his mining blocks in 2014 and has no current operations in gold, diamond, or sand mining. Dr. English, who also serves as Managing Director of E & E Mining Enterprises, expressed willingness to relinquish his mining interests if necessary, stating, ‘I can even walk away from that because my benefits are not significant.’ The GYEITI, affiliated with the Norway-based Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), aims to combat corruption in Guyana’s extractive sectors, including oil, gas, mining, and forestry. Dr. English’s role as convenor does not grant him influence over the selection of civil society representatives for the multi-stakeholder group (MSG), as the process is governed by independent rules and guidelines. He is also barred from serving on the MSG itself. Dr. English reiterated his dedication to objectivity and integrity, stating, ‘I am a relatively small contented fish willing to contribute to national development and I maintain my integrity at all times.’ His appointment follows a transparent selection process, with the Natural Resources Ministry emphasizing his extensive civic and humanitarian contributions, including his long-standing role in the Guyana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and Lions Clubs International. The ministry also noted that Dr. English holds no political affiliations, further underscoring his suitability for the role.
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Guyanese stakeholders agree on measures to tackle bullying in schools
In a landmark move to address the pervasive issue of bullying in schools, the Ministries of Education, Human Services, and Home Affairs in Guyana have united to implement a multi-faceted strategy. This initiative, announced during a national consultation held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a safer and more respectful educational environment. Education Minister Sonia Parag revealed that the ministries will sign a memorandum of understanding to formalize their collaboration. Additionally, a task force, including the Ministry of Legal Affairs, will be established to ensure a structured and effective approach to tackling bullying. Minister Parag emphasized the need for open dialogue on bullying, which could lead to legislative reforms. She also highlighted the inadequacy of transferring bullies to other schools, stressing the importance of addressing the root causes of such behavior. To instill moral values and civic responsibility, the Ministry of Education will introduce Moral Education and Civic Education into school curricula within the next few weeks. Furthermore, a secure digital platform has been launched to enable students, parents, and staff to report bullying incidents confidentially, ensuring timely interventions while protecting privacy. Human Services Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud presented the national anti-bullying policy, which will serve as a foundation for a broader, more comprehensive strategy. She also noted the role of domestic violence in fostering bullying behavior and called for collective efforts from educators, community leaders, and religious figures to combat this issue. Deputy Chief Education Officer Fazia Baksh outlined the severe psychological and academic consequences of bullying, including anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation. Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond proposed appointing anti-bullying leads in schools to coordinate with the Guyana Police Force’s Cyber-Crime Unit, ensuring swift responses to cyber-bullying incidents. She also advocated for clear protocols to manage bullying cases internally and escalate serious incidents to law enforcement when necessary. Minister Walrond highlighted the growing threat of cyber-bullying, which extends beyond school hours, and stressed the importance of protecting children’s dignity and mental health. The Guyana Police Force’s Cyber-Crime Unit, equipped with digital forensics expertise, plays a crucial role in addressing online harm, preserving evidence, and collaborating with international partners to remove harmful content. This comprehensive strategy aims to create a culture of respect, accountability, and well-being for all students in Guyana.
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Only legally registered NGOS can pick GYEITI’s civil society reps
The Ministry of Natural Resources in Guyana has announced that only legally registered civil society organizations (CSOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will be eligible to nominate representatives for the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GYEITI). This decision was communicated by Dr. Ivor English, the Civil Society Convenor, who emphasized the importance of adhering to legal frameworks in the selection process. A caucus is scheduled for November 20-21 at the Marriott Hotel to renew the representation on the Multistakeholder Group (MSG) of the GYEITI. Dr. English, a member of the Guyana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (GCSDA), has been appointed to guide this process, ensuring it is open, independent, and participatory, in line with the EITI Standard. The GCSDA, one of Guyana’s largest civil society organizations, boasts over 68,000 members across 31 districts. The first day of the caucus will focus on developing rules for selecting representatives, while the second day will involve the actual election or selection of these representatives. This move comes after a previous fallout between the Guyana government and the Policy Forum Guyana, which had initially been responsible for convening civil society representatives. The government’s decision to involve only legally registered entities aims to enhance transparency and credibility in the GYEITI process, ensuring that civil society is fully, actively, and effectively engaged.
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Georgetown mayor demands gov’t consult council on improvement plan
Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore has publicly criticized the Irfaan Ali-led administration for its alleged failure to consult the elected City Council regarding plans to enhance drainage and parking systems in the capital. Speaking on Saturday, November 8, 2025, Mayor Mentore emphasized the necessity of formal, transparent, and structured consultations with the City Council before any further steps are taken. He argued that as democratically elected representatives, the council has a constitutional right to be involved in decisions affecting municipal assets. The mayor’s concerns were particularly focused on a proposal to cover canals for paid parking, which lacked critical details such as targeted waterways, engineering standards, and revenue management. Mentore clarified that the council is not opposed to the government’s plans but is frustrated by the exclusion of the elected body in favor of private sector organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He also highlighted that the Municipal and District Councils Act places infrastructure such as drains, canals, and roads under the jurisdiction of the City Council. The mayor demanded proper coordination with the council on any proposals affecting city assets, warning that nothing less would be tolerated. Despite the ongoing political rivalry between the council, controlled by the People’s National Congress Reform-led APNU, and the PPPC-led central government, Mentore acknowledged the urgent need for infrastructure improvements in Georgetown. He plans to formally register the council’s concerns with the government this week.
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Venezuelan, Guyanese caught in cocaine bust
In a significant anti-narcotics operation, a Venezuelan national and two Guyanese citizens were apprehended following the confiscation of nearly 24 kilograms of cocaine in Hydronie, Parika, East Bank Essequibo. The arrests were announced on Saturday, November 8, 2025, by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU). The suspects include a Venezuelan man, a Guyanese man, and a Guyanese woman. The operation was conducted on Friday, November 7, after CANU agents received actionable intelligence. A thorough search of a local residence led to the discovery of multiple parcels containing a whitish powdery substance, which was later confirmed to be cocaine. The seized narcotics weighed a total of 23.958 kilograms. This bust underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking in the region.
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Aircraft grounded, pilot suspended after landing near school
In a significant aviation safety breach, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has suspended a pilot and grounded an aircraft following an unauthorized landing near a school. The incident involved an Air Services Limited Cessna 208 Grand Caravan, registered as 8R-THR, which landed in a non-designated area on Thursday, November 6, 2025. The GCAA announced the suspension and grounding on Friday, emphasizing that these measures will remain in effect until the completion of a thorough investigation. The authority reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety and ensuring a comprehensive examination of the incident. An industry source revealed that while the pilot is experienced, it appears he was not adequately briefed about the landing area. This incident underscores the critical importance of proper communication and adherence to safety protocols in aviation operations.
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Bodies of security guards, guns and ammo recovered after boat mishap
In a tragic incident on the Puruni River, the bodies of two security guards, along with their assigned firearms, were recovered following a boat mishap. The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, as the aluminum boat capsized while en route from a backdam to Puruni Landing. The deceased have been identified as Patrice Grimmond and Kevis Robin, though their ages and addresses remain undisclosed. According to the Guyana Police Force, the boat capsized around 4 PM, with two other individuals, including the captain, managing to swim to safety. Grimmond’s body was discovered on Tuesday, November 5, while Robin’s was found the following day. Authorities also recovered a shotgun, an AR rifle, and their respective ammunition, all belonging to the security firm. Preliminary examinations revealed no signs of violence on the bodies, which were subsequently transported to the Bartica Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem examinations. The recovered weapons and ammunition have been securely lodged.