Carib Scope

标签： Guyana

圭亚那

  • Teenagers arrested for Windsor Forest assault, police ask victim to contact police

    Teenagers arrested for Windsor Forest assault, police ask victim to contact police

    Authorities in Guyana have taken three male teenagers into custody following a violent assault captured on video and widely circulated on social media. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon at approximately 2 PM in First Lady Park, Windsor Forest, located on the West Coast Demerara.

    According to the Guyana Police Force, their investigation progressed rapidly after identifying the getaway vehicle involved in the attack. Police traced the car, bearing license plate PGG 6502, to a residence in Zeelugt on the East Bank Essequibo. There, officers made contact with the vehicle’s 17-year-old driver, who subsequently assisted authorities in locating two additional suspects.

    The apprehended individuals include the 17-year-old driver from Zeelugt, an 18-year-old also residing in Zeelugt, and a 16-year-old from Uitvlugt on the West Coast Demerara. All three suspects, along with the vehicle used in the alleged crime, were transported to the Leonora Police Station for processing and further interrogation.

    Disturbing footage shared on Facebook depicts three males physically assaulting another individual at the park location. The video evidence shows one assailant retrieving what appears to be a knife from his waistband as he returns to collect footwear near the victim. Audible protests from bystanders can be heard in the background, urging the perpetrators to cease their attack on the victim.

    Law enforcement officials are now urgently requesting that the victim or anyone with additional information regarding this assault come forward and contact their nearest police station to assist with the ongoing investigation.

  • Shipping industry not passing on increased charges to importers – Shipping Association

    Shipping industry not passing on increased charges to importers – Shipping Association

    The Shipping Association of Guyana (SAG) has publicly refuted allegations from the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) regarding unmet meeting requests, while simultaneously revealing that maritime operators are absorbing significant operational cost increases without passing them to importers.

    SAG President Komal Singh addressed the situation Sunday, explaining that shipping lines and wharf operators face mounting challenges with substantial financial implications. These include port congestion causing cargo offloading delays and extended processing times for US dollar wire transfers from local agents.

    ‘All additional costs incurred cannot be passed to anyone since they already collect freight from customers,’ Singh told Demerara Waves Online News, noting that shipping companies bear these growing financial burdens independently.

    The association characterized GCCI’s claims of ignored meeting requests as ‘reckless and ill-informed.’ Official correspondence reveals that SAG responded to GCCI’s November 26, 2025 letter proposing two December meeting dates and expressing willingness to accommodate alternative dates. According to SAG, no response was ever received from the chamber.

    Despite these tensions, SAG highlighted successful collaboration with Trinidad and Tobago authorities to reduce shipping delays at Port of Spain, where vessels now experience improved loading slot availability.

    The association reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue, announcing plans to extend another formal meeting invitation to GCCI in hopes of fostering constructive engagement rather than public disputes.

  • Integrity Commission law should allow summary declaration of public officials’ assets- APNU’s Campbell

    Integrity Commission law should allow summary declaration of public officials’ assets- APNU’s Campbell

    In a significant push for governmental transparency, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) parliamentary leader Dr. Terrence Campbell has demanded urgent amendments to Guyana’s Integrity Commission Act. Speaking over the weekend, Campbell advocated for legislative reforms that would mandate the public disclosure of summarized asset declarations from elected officials and other public servants.

    Campbell proposed that Guyana emulate Jamaica’s model, where summaries of asset declarations from the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader are routinely published in the Official Gazette. This approach would extend scrutiny beyond the Integrity Commission, police, and government ministers to include media outlets and civil society organizations, creating a multi-layered accountability system.

    The APNU leader’s recommendations emerge amidst growing controversy surrounding asset declarations of several government figures. Opposition party We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) recently raised questions about properties owned by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, Tourism Minister Susan Rodrigues, and former Central Housing and Planning Authority CEO Sherwyn Greaves. All three officials have categorically denied any wrongdoing.

    Campbell criticized the current Integrity Commission as ‘toothless,’ contrasting it with what he described as the more proactive Ethnic Relations Commission. He expressed disappointment that the Commission remained silent on whether it would investigate the circulating allegations, suggesting it should have immediately assured the public of its intent to examine the claims thoroughly.

    The existing legislation imposes severe penalties for unauthorized disclosure of declaration information, with violators facing fines of GY$25,000 and up to two months imprisonment. Meanwhile, public officials who fail to submit their declarations risk even stiffer penalties: fines of GY$25,000 and imprisonment ranging from six months to one year, plus additional daily fines of GY$10,000 for continued non-compliance.

    This political confrontation occurs against a backdrop of mutual accusations between major parties. The ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) has frequently accused APNU parliamentarians of neglecting their declaration obligations, while Campbell alleges the PPPC has ‘captured’ constitutional agencies through strategic appointments of top officials.

  • Afro-Guyanese spiritual leader, Jamaican-American die in Mabura trail crash

    Afro-Guyanese spiritual leader, Jamaican-American die in Mabura trail crash

    A devastating traffic collision on Guyana’s Linden-Mabura trail has claimed the lives of three individuals, including a respected Afro-Guyanese spiritual leader and an elderly Jamaican-American woman. The fatal incident occurred Thursday night at approximately 9:30 PM on the recently asphalted roadway.

    According to official statements from the Guyana Police Force, the victims have been identified as Andrew Irvine, a prominent spiritual leader of the Yoruba Ifa House of Samaria; Patricia Woodley, an 81-year-old Jamaican-American national; and Marcus Berley, a 32-year-old resident of One Mile, Wismar who was operating the vehicle.

    Preliminary investigation findings indicate that hire car HD 6751 was traveling westward at high velocity along the southern lane when it collided with the rear section of a stationary trailer combination (motor lorry GJJ 4000 with trailer TSS 4613). The commercial vehicle had been legally parked along the roadside facing westward at the time of impact.

    The force of the collision resulted in critical injuries to all three occupants of the hire car. Emergency responders transported the victims to Linden Hospital Complex where medical personnel pronounced them deceased upon arrival. The driver of the parked lorry, a 36-year-old man from Craig, East Bank Demerara, has been taken into police custody and is cooperating with ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident.

  • Court of Appeal to clear backlog of over 2,000 appeals, applications; avoid future prolonged delays

    Court of Appeal to clear backlog of over 2,000 appeals, applications; avoid future prolonged delays

    In a landmark move to address systemic delays in its judicial system, Guyana’s Court of Appeal has initiated a comprehensive program to resolve more than 2,000 pending appeals and applications, some dating back three decades. The initiative, mandated by Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire, represents one of the most significant judicial reforms in recent memory.

    The court has established three specialized panels to handle the massive backlog, with each panel assigned 70 cases in the initial phase. This structured approach includes 21 civil appeals, 20 criminal appeals, and 29 applications for leave to appeal across each panel. The first hearings are scheduled to commence on February 10, 12, and 13, 2026, marking a decisive step toward judicial efficiency.

    To ensure maximum transparency and participation, the court will issue hearing notices through multiple channels: mailed to recorded addresses of litigants and attorneys, published in national newspapers, and posted on both the Court’s official website and Facebook page under ‘Hearing Lists’.

    The court administration emphasized that this backlog reduction exercise specifically targets cases filed between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2024. Notably, all applications for leave to appeal and extensions filed before 2021 have already been cleared from the system. Moving forward, newly filed applications in 2026 will receive immediate assignment to prevent future accumulation.

    In an official statement, the judiciary acknowledged the legitimate concerns of those awaiting resolution of long-pending matters and reaffirmed its commitment to ‘timely, fair and transparent administration of justice.’ The court further stressed that this would be a court-driven process guided by robust case management principles, with expectations that all legal representatives come fully prepared to facilitate efficient dispositions.

  • Beharry Group, Jamaica’s Amber Group in joint venture to fill cybersecurity gap in Guyana

    Beharry Group, Jamaica’s Amber Group in joint venture to fill cybersecurity gap in Guyana

    In a landmark strategic move, Guyana’s premier conglomerate Beharry Group has entered a joint venture with Caribbean technology leader Amber Technologies Inc. to establish Beharry-Amber Technologies Inc., a new entity dedicated to addressing critical cybersecurity needs in the rapidly expanding Guyanese economy.

    The partnership, formalized through a signing ceremony attended by top executives from both organizations, represents a significant investment in Guyana’s digital infrastructure. The collaboration brings together Beharry Group’s extensive local market presence and Amber Group’s technological expertise in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.

    According to the newly formed company, this initiative directly responds to Guyana’s extraordinary economic growth and the government’s intensified focus on digital modernization. The joint venture will provide comprehensive, end-to-end IT and cybersecurity services tailored to both public and private sector requirements, positioning itself as a one-stop technology platform capable of serving domestic and regional demand.

    Suresh Beharry, Chairman and CEO of Beharry Group, emphasized the timeliness of this venture, stating that digital infrastructure and cybersecurity have become essential components of national development. He highlighted Amber Group’s proven delivery record and shared commitment to long-term regional impact as key factors in selecting the technology partner.

    Dushyant Savadia, Founder and CEO of Amber Group, characterized the partnership as more than a commercial endeavor, describing it as a shared commitment to Guyana’s growth, resilience, and technological advancement. He acknowledged Beharry Group’s longstanding contribution to national development and expressed confidence that the collaboration would significantly enhance the country’s cybersecurity readiness.

    The timing of this venture coincides with Guyana’s emergence as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, attracting substantial investments across energy, infrastructure, and financial services sectors. Beharry-Amber Technologies Inc. aims to become a cornerstone of innovation, security, and operational efficiency, supporting the country’s digital transformation objectives while extending its potential impact throughout the Caribbean region.

  • UK joins Guyana-led Global Biodiversity Alliance

    UK joins Guyana-led Global Biodiversity Alliance

    In a significant move for global conservation efforts, the United Kingdom has officially joined the Guyana-led Global Biodiversity Alliance (GBA). The announcement was made by outgoing British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, during a ceremony attended by President Irfaan Ali on January 23, 2026.

    Commissioner Miller emphasized the strategic importance of the UK’s participation, stating that joining the alliance ‘feels right’ given the urgent need to address biodiversity loss worldwide. She revealed that President Ali is scheduled to travel to the UK the following week for further discussions on enhancing the GBA’s initiatives.

    The Global Biodiversity Alliance, launched in July 2025 under Guyana’s leadership, represents a multinational effort to mobilize financial resources and technical expertise in accordance with the Convention on Biological Diversity. Current estimates indicate a substantial funding gap in global conservation efforts—while approximately $200 billion is invested annually in nature preservation, the actual requirement stands at $700 billion to meet international biodiversity targets.

    The alliance operates through five strategic pillars: advancing the ’30×30′ goal of conserving 30% of land and oceans by 2030; integrating biodiversity metrics into national and corporate planning; developing innovative financing mechanisms including biodiversity credits and green bonds; empowering Indigenous communities as natural guardians; and establishing robust monitoring systems through the Global Biodiversity Product and Gross Biodiversity Power Index.

    The UK’s involvement builds upon its established commitment to environmental preservation, having been previously recognized as the top contributor to the Global Biodiversity Fund. Then-UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy (now Deputy Prime Minister) had previously endorsed the alliance’s comprehensive approach, particularly emphasizing the importance of community engagement and innovative financing solutions.

  • Ali, ministers leave British High Commissioner’s farewell after WIN Leader arrives

    Ali, ministers leave British High Commissioner’s farewell after WIN Leader arrives

    A diplomatic reception hosted by British High Commissioner Jane Miller at her Bel Air Springs residence was abruptly disrupted on Friday evening when Guyanese President Irfaan Ali and multiple government ministers made a swift departure. The exodus occurred moments after Azruddin Mohamed, presumptive Opposition Leader and head of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, arrived at the gathering with General Secretary Odessa Primus.

    The unexpected departure highlights the deepening political tensions in Guyana regarding Mohamed’s potential appointment as Opposition Leader—a position that Western diplomats, including Miller, have advocated for as essential to functional democracy. The governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP) maintains strong opposition to Mohamed’s candidacy, citing his indictment by the United States for financial crimes linked to his family’s billion-dollar gold trading business. Extradition proceedings against Mohamed and his father are currently underway in Guyanese courts.

    Despite the controversy, Mohamed expressed confidence in securing the opposition leadership during Monday’s parliamentary vote, stating his readiness to contribute to the upcoming 2026 National Budget debate. ‘We have a lot of persons on board with us so that they can contribute meaningfully,’ he told reporters, indicating his team had assembled sectoral advisors.

    The WIN leader outlined his priorities as holding the government accountable and improving health and education systems, remarking, ‘We have so many problems in this country, it’s unbelievable.’

    The incident occurs against the backdrop of recent diplomatic tensions, with President Ali having previously excluded opposition figures from a major policy address where he presented his five-year plan to government officials and diplomats—a break from conventional practice where such addresses are delivered to Parliament including opposition members.

  • APNU against vote abstention for Opposition Leader, says can hurt collaboration with WIN

    APNU against vote abstention for Opposition Leader, says can hurt collaboration with WIN

    In a significant political development, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has declared it will not abstain from voting for We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) leader Azruddin Mohamed as Guyana’s next Opposition Leader. The vote is scheduled for Monday among opposition legislators.

    APNU parliamentary leader Dr. Terrence Campbell confirmed the position on Thursday, acknowledging that while WIN holds 16 of the 29 parliamentary seats—ensuring Mr. Mohamed’s election—his party would still cast a vote in favor rather than abstain. This decision comes despite ongoing legal challenges facing Mr. Mohamed and his father, who were sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control for alleged gold smuggling exceeding 10,000 kilograms, valued at approximately US$50 million. The operation is accused of evading taxes owed to the Guyanese government. A U.S. Grand Jury also indicted them last October on 19 counts including wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering.

    Dr. Campbell emphasized the necessity of opposition collaboration, stating that abstention would be counterproductive. He outlined that future cooperation would extend to consultations on key appointments, such as members of Constitutional commissions, nominees for Chancellor and Chief Justice, and input on the selection of the Police Commissioner.

    When questioned about partnering with a figure mired in integrity concerns, Dr. Campbell defended the approach by stressing the importance of addressing national issues over political opposition for its own sake. He cited urgent public needs including poverty alleviation, improving water quality, and flood mitigation as priorities that require unified action. “People need help, people need relief,” he remarked, adding that APNU aims to broaden its influence while working alongside all parties until achieving government power.

    Dr. Campbell also noted that the election outcome, which granted WIN a majority of opposition seats, mandates cooperation in the national interest. This stance was echoed earlier by APNU’s Ganesh Mahipaul, who expressed urgency in fostering dialogue between the parties. Despite public exchanges, both groups have affirmed their openness to discussions.

  • American woman is alive and well in Guyana

    American woman is alive and well in Guyana

    In a reassuring development, 69-year-old American retiree Mary Jones has been confirmed safe and well in Guyana, following concerns raised by her family after losing contact with her since early October 2025. The former registered nurse from New Jersey, who had been officially listed as missing by U.S. authorities, voluntarily came forward after learning about media reports concerning her disappearance.

    Ms. Jones proactively contacted the American Citizen Services at the U.S. Embassy in Guyana upon discovering she was the subject of a missing person investigation. Embassy officials facilitated her completion of necessary documentation authorizing the disclosure of her whereabouts to concerned parties. She was subsequently referred to the Guyana Police Force to formally confirm her safety status.

    The senior citizen explained her silence resulted from a personal decision to explore life in a new country. ‘I’m 69 years old and so I make decisions myself,’ Jones stated, emphasizing her autonomy in choosing to relocate to Guyana. She has resided at multiple locations since her arrival and expressed strong consideration toward permanent settlement in the South American nation.

    Her disappearance report, filed by her sister on October 28, 2025, had triggered the suspension of Social Security payments. Jones indicated these benefits would resume in February following confirmation of her wellbeing. She acknowledged informing family members that she would disclose her residence once established.

    Cross-border coordination between law enforcement agencies confirmed the resolution of this case. The Gloucester Police Department in New Jersey verified receiving official notification from the U.S. Embassy in Guyana regarding Jones’s safety. ‘The American Embassy in Guyana had already contacted our law enforcement agency, informing that the woman was fine,’ confirmed an officer from the department.

    When questioned about her motivation for choosing Guyana, Jones cited dissatisfaction with certain conditions in the United States. ‘A lot of things were happening in my country that I wasn’t too happy about,’ she explained, ‘and so I thought let me come here and try a new country.’

    The case highlights both the effectiveness of international missing person protocols and the growing phenomenon of senior citizens pursuing alternative retirement destinations abroad.