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.
标签： Guyana
圭亚那
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Govt mulls residency without right to vote for migrant workers
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.
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Colombian sanctioned by OFAC for drug trafficking arrested in Guyana
In a significant law enforcement operation, Yeison Andres Sanchez Vallejo, a Colombian national sanctioned by the United States for alleged involvement in drug trafficking, was arrested in Guyana. The arrest occurred on November 4, 2025, during a routine security check at the Kurupukari police checkpoint. Vallejo was traveling on a bus bound for Lethem when authorities discovered he was carrying a passport marked with an “RLL” (Refused Leave to Land) immigration stamp. Further investigations confirmed his inclusion on the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions list for narcotics-related activities. Vallejo is currently in police custody, assisting with ongoing investigations. This arrest is part of a broader crackdown on drug trafficking networks in the region. Notably, the OFAC sanctions also targeted other individuals, including a senior Guyanese police officer, Himnauth Sawh, who was implicated in a 2024 operation that uncovered 4.4 tonnes of cocaine near an illegal airstrip in Mabaruma. Sawh remains on leave pending further inquiries. The arrest underscores the collaborative efforts between international and local law enforcement agencies to combat transnational drug trafficking.
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US SOUTHCOM’s Commander visiting Guyana
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.
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MMG goes offline tonight until Monday to upgrade app
Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) has announced a temporary system shutdown to implement a significant upgrade to its mobile app. The upgrade, scheduled from 11:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7, until 6:00 a.m. on Monday, November 10, aims to enhance security, introduce new features, and streamline the user experience. During this period, all MMG services will be unavailable, and customers are advised to complete any urgent transactions beforehand to avoid disruptions.
Mark Singh, CEO of MMG, emphasized the importance of this upgrade, stating, ‘This marks a new chapter for MMG. We’ve developed a more robust, intelligent, and secure platform that empowers users with greater control and confidence in managing their finances. The brief downtime is essential to ensure a seamless transition.’
The upgraded app will offer several user-requested features, including password resets, account unlocking, wallet loading via credit and debit cards, and personalized profile management. Enhanced data encryption, self-registration with ID verification, and an onboarding tutorial for new users are also part of the update. Additionally, the app will introduce privacy features like the ability to hide wallet balances and improved customer support tools, including an in-app Help Centre with FAQs.
Singh added, ‘Our aim is to make digital payments effortless and intuitive. Whether you’re topping up your phone, paying bills, or managing a small business, the new MMG app ensures a faster, easier, and more secure experience.’
This upgrade aligns with MMG’s commitment to advancing digital inclusion and financial accessibility in Guyana. For further information, users can contact mmgcommunication@mmg.gy or visit www.mmg.gy. Updates are also available on MMG’s social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
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Brazilian illegal gold miners at Iwokrama entered Guyana as tourists
In a startling revelation, the Iwokrama International Centre disclosed that several Brazilian nationals entered Guyana under the guise of tourists to engage in illegal gold mining within the Iwokrama Rainforest, a protected area. The Centre, established by the Guyana government and the Commonwealth, reported that these individuals fled their operations, leaving behind passports that confirmed their involvement in illicit activities. Two of the miners, Jailson Ferreira Lima and Iago Silva Alves, were apprehended, while others, including Jose Antonio Rodrigues Dos Santos and Jose Dos Santos Silvino, managed to escape. Silvino was later arrested on October 8, along with Flaviano Teixiera-Costa, during a joint operation by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Guyana Police Force, and Iwokrama Rangers. The Centre emphasized that gold mining is strictly prohibited in the Iwokrama Forest, as outlined in the Iwokrama Act of 1996, and warned that such activities threaten ecological integrity, disrupt local livelihoods, and undermine protected area management systems. The Centre also released images of the environmental damage caused by the illegal mining, including piles of solid waste and cleared forest areas. Collaboration with various governmental agencies has been crucial in addressing these violations, and the Centre remains committed to combating such illegal activities.
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Gas station bombing: Seven terrorism accused remanded to prison
In a significant development in the investigation of the October 26 gas station bombing in Georgetown, Guyana, seven individuals, including the confessed bomber, were remanded to prison on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. The accused, charged with terrorism, appeared before Chief Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty, who denied bail citing the severity of the charges. Among the defendants are Venezuelan nationals Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo, Alexander Bettancourt, Johnny Boodram, and Krystal La Cruz. Ramirez Poedemo, who confessed to detonating the explosive device, faces charges of threatening Guyana’s sovereignty and security by causing the death of Soraya Bourne at the Mobil Gas Station on Regent and King Streets. Boodram, represented by lawyer Nikel Puran, was accused of aiding and abetting Ramirez Poedemo, though his defense claimed he had no knowledge of the plot. Three others—Ramesh Pramdeo, Wayne Correia, and Jennifer Rodriguez—were charged with assisting Ramirez Poedemo in placing the explosive device. They appeared remotely before Magistrate Alisha George, who emphasized the public safety implications of the case. Bail applications for the defendants were denied, and they were remanded to prison until their next court appearances on November 12 and 24, 2025, respectively. The case has drawn significant attention due to its implications for national security and the ongoing investigation into the bombing.
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Massive technologically-driven Georgetown drainage improvement begins; paid parking over covered drains likely
Georgetown, Guyana, is set to witness a transformative upgrade to its drainage system, as President Irfaan Ali announced a comprehensive plan leveraging advanced technology to address long-standing infrastructure challenges. The initiative includes the mapping of the city’s drainage network, rehabilitation of existing systems, and the installation of additional pumps to enhance efficiency.
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Seven charged with terrorism by bombing gas station
In a significant development, seven individuals—four Venezuelans and three Guyanese—have been formally charged with terrorism in connection with the bombing of a Mobil gas station in Georgetown, Guyana. The incident, which occurred on October 26, 2025, at approximately 7:24 PM, resulted in the destruction of a vehicle, the tragic death of a six-year-old girl, and injuries to several others. The Guyana Police Force announced the charges on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, following a thorough investigation. The accused are scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, November 5, at 9 AM for arraignment. Among those charged are Venezuelan nationals Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo, Jennifer Rodriguez, Johnny Boodram, and Alexander Bettancourt, alongside Guyanese citizens Wayne Corriea, Ramesh Pramdeo, and Krystal La Cruz. The police have assured the public that the investigation was conducted with professionalism and integrity, emphasizing their commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring public safety. The explosion, which was heard up to 2 kilometers away, caused significant damage to the gas station and nearby buildings. Authorities revealed that Ramirez Poedemo, identified through video surveillance, confessed to detonating the device. Initially intending to place it in a garbage bin near a fuel pump, he was dissuaded by a pump attendant and instead placed it near a parked car, where it exploded moments later. Investigators also uncovered that Ramirez Poedemo and an accomplice entered Guyana illegally via boat, arriving at Parika around 8 AM on the day of the attack. They allegedly conducted surveillance of the gas station before executing the bombing. The police expressed gratitude for the public’s cooperation and support in the investigation.
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Cocaine trafficking charge dismissed after police fail to prove case
In a significant legal development, Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman dismissed a cocaine trafficking charge against Mr. Leon Nicholas on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, citing insufficient evidence to link him to the narcotics. The case, which had been ongoing for over two years, concluded with the court ruling that the prosecution failed to prove Mr. Nicholas’s involvement in the possession of 6.7 kilograms of cocaine. The defendant was arrested on September 1, 2023, during a police raid at the A1 Nightclub and Bar in East Bank Demerara, Guyana. Police officers, acting on intelligence, discovered the cocaine in an apartment rented by Mr. Nicholas. However, the defense successfully argued that Mr. Nicholas had no control over the apartment at the time of the raid, as it was rented to another individual who had exclusive access. Magistrate Latchman emphasized that there was no evidence to establish Mr. Nicholas’s knowledge or possession of the cocaine. The defense also highlighted that the police failed to conduct the search in Mr. Nicholas’s presence or obtain any admission of guilt. Under Guyana’s Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Control Act, possession of cocaine exceeding 2 grams is presumed to be for trafficking, placing the burden of proof on the defendant. However, the court found that the prosecution did not meet its burden in this case. Mr. Nicholas expressed gratitude to the magistrate for her thorough consideration of the evidence and to his attorney for securing his bail during the lengthy legal proceedings.