标签： Guyana

Leaders from the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and the Vigilant Political Action Committee (VPAC) have expressed deep concerns over the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) President Justice Winston Anderson’s involvement in discussions regarding the appointment of Guyana’s Chancellor of the Judiciary. The controversy emerged after Justice Anderson reportedly engaged with then-Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton on the matter, raising questions about the CCJ’s impartiality and independence. Norton revealed that Justice Anderson sought his views on the stalemate surrounding the appointment, though he declined to disclose specific details of their conversation. Norton emphasized that he opposed any supersession of Acting Chancellor Yonette Cummings, who later opted for early retirement. President Irfaan Ali subsequently announced that Acting Chief Justice Roxane George would continue as Chancellor, with Justice Navindra Singh acting as Chief Justice. Meanwhile, VPAC Chairman Dorwain Bess has called for an inquiry into alleged interactions between the CCJ and the Guyanese government, citing potential conflicts of interest and threats to the court’s credibility. The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (RJLSC) has acknowledged Bess’s request, but the Guyana Bar Association has yet to respond. The unfolding situation has sparked debates about the CCJ’s role in Guyana’s judicial processes and its adherence to principles of impartiality and transparency.

The Guyana government is contemplating a policy that would grant migrant workers residency status without extending them the right to vote in elections. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo announced this potential measure during a news conference on Thursday, November 6, 2025. He emphasized that such a provision would align with practices observed in other nations and could be integrated into the ongoing constitutional reform process. Currently, Guyana’s Constitution allows citizens of Commonwealth countries residing in Guyana for at least one year to vote. Jagdeo highlighted the importance of preserving the nation’s identity while addressing labor shortages through migrant integration. Additionally, he revealed plans to introduce compulsory electronic identification (e-ID) cards for both migrants and Guyanese citizens. These e-ID cards will be linked to the Smart Country video surveillance system, which includes 4,000 facial recognition cameras, enhancing national security by enabling real-time biometric identification across the country.

Admiral Alvin Holsey, Commander of the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), arrived in Guyana on November 6, 2025, to reinforce the security partnership between the two nations. Welcomed by US Ambassador Nicole Theriot at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Admiral Holsey’s visit underscores the deepening defense collaboration aimed at regional stability and capacity building. During his stay in Georgetown, he is scheduled to meet with key officials, including Prime Minister Mark Phillips, who is currently performing presidential duties, and Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan. Discussions will focus on accelerating security cooperation, safeguarding Guyana’s territorial integrity, and enhancing training, equipment procurement, and capacity-building initiatives. The US Embassy highlighted the long-standing defense partnership, emphasizing joint efforts to counter transnational threats and foster professional development through bilateral training programs. SOUTHCOM’s mission in Latin America and the Caribbean remains pivotal in advancing security, prosperity, and collective responses to complex challenges.