标签: Guyana

圭亚那

  • Auto body technician arrested for attempted murder in West Demerara

    Auto body technician arrested for attempted murder in West Demerara

    A 39-year-old auto body technician from La Grange, West Bank Demerara, is now in police custody following a violent attack on a 34-year-old woman that authorities are investigating as attempted murder. The incident occurred Tuesday evening at approximately 7 PM in the same village where both individuals reside.

    According to police reports, the victim was seated on her front veranda with family members when an assailant described as an unidentified masked male dressed in dark clothing forced his way into the property. The individual, reportedly armed with a handgun, launched a direct physical assault on the woman.

    The attack escalated as the victim attempted to flee to safety. Police indicate she was pursued into a neighboring yard where she was struck from behind, causing her to fall and sustain significant injuries to her head and body. During the altercation, the assailant allegedly discharged two rounds from his firearm in her direction before successfully escaping the scene.

    Law enforcement officials confirmed the discovery of a suspected 9mm spent shell at the location. Additionally, investigators have identified relevant CCTV footage in the vicinity that is currently being processed as part of the ongoing evidence collection. The victim, identified as a self-employed resident of Dr. Doctor, was transported to a private medical facility where she remains admitted for treatment of her injuries.

    The suspect was subsequently apprehended by authorities and is currently being held in connection with the attempted murder investigation. The case continues to develop as police work to establish motive and complete their evidentiary review.

  • Youths attempted to rob man at Windsor Forest foreshore- police

    Youths attempted to rob man at Windsor Forest foreshore- police

    Authorities in Guyana have made significant progress in a disturbing case of public violence that was captured on social media. The Guyana Police Force confirmed Wednesday that three male suspects have been taken into custody following an attempted robbery and assault incident at First Lady Park in Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara.

    The investigation began after viral footage showed three individuals violently attacking a man at the popular recreational area. According to police statements, the victim—a 21-year-old resident of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo—came forward on Monday to identify himself as the person seen being assaulted in the circulating video.

    Police investigators established that the incident occurred when the complainant was approached while seated at the park. The trio allegedly assaulted him and attempted to steal his cellular phone. Fortunately, the victim managed to retain possession of his property despite the physical altercation.

    The breakthrough in the case came on Sunday when law enforcement officials traced the getaway vehicle, bearing license plate PGG 6502, to its registered owner in Zeelugt. This led them to a 17-year-old male suspect who subsequently cooperated with authorities in locating two additional suspects: an 18-year-old from Zeelugt and a 16-year-old from Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara.

    Disturbing details emerged from preliminary investigations, with video evidence showing one of the assailants pulling what appeared to be a knife from his waistband during the assault. The footage also captured concerned bystanders shouting at the perpetrators to cease their attack on the victim.

    All three suspects remain in custody at Leonora Police Station along with the impounded vehicle as investigations continue. The case highlights growing concerns about youth involvement in violent crimes and the role of social media in both documenting criminal acts and assisting law enforcement efforts.

  • Guyana misses 2025 gold target, measures identified to increase declarations this year

    Guyana misses 2025 gold target, measures identified to increase declarations this year

    Guyana’s gold industry fell short of its 2025 production target despite intensified anti-illegal mining operations, recording a deficit of 15,679 ounces against its 500,000-ounce goal. Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh revealed in his 2026 National Budget address that total declarations reached 484,321 ounces, representing an 11.6% industry expansion nonetheless.

    The government response has been multifaceted: enhanced monitoring of licensed dealers, expanded purchasing infrastructure, and stricter compliance measures. While declarations from licensed dealerships declined by 21.5% to 121,883 ounces, this was offset by a 15.5% increase from large-scale operators (167,005 ounces) and a remarkable 45.6% surge in declarations to the Guyana Gold Board (195,432 ounces).

    Infrastructure expansion played a key role in 2025, with mobile purchasing operations in Lethem, Marudi, and Mahdia culminating in two permanent purchasing locations by year’s end. Three additional mobile units are planned for Puruni, Karuni, and Olive Creek before mid-2026 to further combat leakage.

    The reform agenda includes mandatory local bank accounts for miners, compulsory personal record updates, and intensified audits. These measures, welcomed by the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association, aim to formalize the sector and improve traceability.

    With gold prices projected to average US$3,575 per troy ounce in 2026, the government anticipates declarations reaching 510,450 ounces. Non-oil exports are expected to grow by 8.6% to US$2.5 billion, largely driven by gold and bauxite exports, which increased 63.4% and 52% respectively in 2025.

    Budget incentives supporting miners include removal of duties on all-terrain vehicles and outboard engines up to 150 horsepower, reduced taxes on double-cab pickups, maintained zero-percent excise tax on petroleum products, and investments in hinterland infrastructure and airstrip upgrades.

  • Families of Trinidadian men killed at sea file lawsuit against US government

    Families of Trinidadian men killed at sea file lawsuit against US government

    In a landmark legal challenge, the families of two Trinidadian nationals killed in a US military operation have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the United States government. The case, lodged in a Massachusetts federal court, centers on the October 14th missile strike that killed six individuals aboard a vessel in the Caribbean.

    The plaintiffs, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR), allege that the US government unlawfully targeted and killed Chad Joseph (26) and Rishi Samaroo (41) without justification. The lawsuit invokes both the Death on the High Seas Act and the Alien Tort Statute, seeking to establish legal accountability for what they characterize as extrajudicial killings.

    This legal action directly challenges the Trump administration’s justification that such military operations fall within the scope of an armed conflict against designated narcoterrorist organizations. The administration has previously asserted that drug cartels represent a non-international armed conflict scenario, thereby legitimizing the use of lethal force.

    However, the lawsuit contends there exists no such armed conflict, rendering the laws of war inapplicable. It further argues that the victims were not affiliated with drug cartels but were merely returning to Trinidad from Venezuela where they had been engaged in fishing and agricultural work.

    The case has drawn attention to the broader US military campaign in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, which has reportedly resulted in at least 125 fatalities since September. Notably, the Trinidad and Tobago government has expressed support for these operations, with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar previously endorsing violent measures against those involved in illegal drug trafficking.

    The plaintiffs seek punitive damages while emphasizing their primary goal of establishing legal accountability for what they describe as ‘lawless killings in cold blood.’

  • RUSAL returning to Guyana

    RUSAL returning to Guyana

    In a significant development for Guyana’s mining sector, Russian aluminum giant RUSAL has finalized arrangements to restart bauxite mining operations in the Upper Berbice region after a six-year absence prompted by a severe industrial dispute. The announcement came during Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh’s 2026 national budget presentation, where he revealed that the government had reached an agreement with the company “a few days ago” to commence preparatory works this year.

    Minister Singh stated that throughout 2026, the operator will progress work to restore all critical systems to enable safe and reliable production resumption. Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat corroborated the news, confirming to Demerara Waves Online News that the returning company is indeed RUSAL, which had previously withdrawn its machinery and equipment from Aroaima following violent labor unrest.

    The original dispute erupted when RUSAL dismissed over 100 workers after failing to obtain duty-free concessions on fuel, sparking strikes that escalated into boat blockades and property destruction. The Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GBG&WU) had initially advocated for RUSAL’s complete departure from Guyana rather than continued operation amid alleged workers’ rights violations.

    The company’s 2020 closure had ripple effects across the supply chain, including the withdrawal of German shipping firm Oldendorff, which had been responsible for transshipping bauxite to stockpile vessels near the Atlantic Ocean for loading onto international cargo ships. The return of RUSAL signals potential economic reactivation for the region’s mining-dependent communities, though it remains to be seen how labor relations will evolve following the previous contentious departure.

  • Speed governors, designated parking for trucks this year – finance minister

    Speed governors, designated parking for trucks this year – finance minister

    In a comprehensive move to enhance roadway safety, Guyana’s Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh unveiled a multi-faceted infrastructure initiative during Monday’s 2026 national budget address to the National Assembly. The centerpiece involves the procurement and installation of 8,000 speed governors on commercial trucks throughout the country, designed to mechanically restrict vehicle speeds and reduce accidents.

    The ambitious program extends beyond speed regulation to address persistent parking challenges. Minister Singh announced plans to construct dedicated parking facilities specifically for heavy-duty vehicles, with initial sites capable of accommodating over 390 trucks. This measure directly targets the longstanding issue of large vehicles parking along public roadways, which has contributed to traffic congestion and safety hazards.

    Complementing these physical interventions, the government will implement a sophisticated automated enforcement system. The integrated safe road intelligence network will utilize advanced camera technology and radar speed detection equipment to enable real-time offense identification and automated citation issuance. This technological approach represents a significant modernization of Guyana’s traffic management capabilities, moving from manual enforcement to continuous electronic monitoring.

    The coordinated strategy addresses both behavioral and infrastructural aspects of road safety, representing one of the most comprehensive transportation safety initiatives recently undertaken by the Guyanese government. The measures respond to growing concerns about commercial vehicle operations and their impact on public safety and traffic flow across the nation’s transportation network.

  • New tax regime for vehicles, outboard engines

    New tax regime for vehicles, outboard engines

    In a significant economic policy shift, Guyana’s Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh unveiled substantial tax reductions and eliminations across multiple vehicle categories and marine propulsion systems on Monday, January 26, 2026. The comprehensive fiscal reforms introduce a simplified tax structure for double-cab pickup trucks, with a flat levy of GY$2 million applied to models under 2,000 CC regardless of age, while units between 2,000 CC and 2,500 CC will attract a GY$3 million charge. The government has further eliminated Value Added Tax (VAT) on conventional vehicles below 1,500 CC that are less than four years old, extending similar VAT exemptions to hybrid vehicles under 2,000 CC. In a move to boost recreational and industrial mobility, all import duties and taxes have been abolished for All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) without usage restrictions. Additionally, marine operators will benefit from complete tax removal on outboard engines with capacities up to 150 Horsepower, signaling support for Guyana’s maritime and fishing industries. These measures represent a strategic recalibration of the nation’s fiscal policy aimed at stimulating transportation sectors and reducing operational costs for businesses and consumers alike.

  • APNU backpedals and boycotts vote for Azruddin Mohamed but he was still elected Opposition Leader

    APNU backpedals and boycotts vote for Azruddin Mohamed but he was still elected Opposition Leader

    In a dramatic parliamentary session on Monday, Azruddin Mohamed was elected as Guyana’s Opposition Leader despite a boycott by the 12-seat A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). The election proceeded with Mohamed’s We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party leveraging its 16-seat majority, supplemented by a crucial vote from the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM).

    APNU parliamentary leader Dr. Terrence Campbell justified the walkout, stating his bloc exited once nominations closed with Mohamed as the sole candidate. ‘There was one nomination for the position of Leader of the Opposition. Nominations were closed and, as we’ve said, there is no need for a vote so we left the Assembly,’ Campbell explained. Despite the boycott, he expressed hope for improved future collaboration between APNU and WIN.

    The election occurred under the shadow of US sanctions against Mohamed, who faces indictment by a US Grand Jury for alleged financial crimes including mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering related to his gold trading business. House Speaker Manzoor Nadir convened the meeting following international pressure to complete democratic processes after last September’s elections.

    FGM Leader Amanza Walton-Desir, whose single vote contributed to Mohamed’s election, suggested APNU’s absence could be interpreted as abstention. Meanwhile, Mohamed acknowledged his new role doesn’t grant immunity from extradition but vowed to combat corruption by the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic administration.

    The development sets the stage for potential electoral reforms, with APNU indicating willingness to collaborate on implementing digitalized biometrics for future elections. Questions remain about WIN’s representation on the seven-member Guyana Elections Commission now that it assumes main opposition status.

  • 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.