The United Kingdom is leveraging its longstanding partnerships and commitment to high-quality goods and services to maintain a competitive edge in Guyana and the Caribbean, despite growing competition from China and India. This strategy was highlighted during the 5th UK-Guyana Trade Mission, organized in collaboration with The Caribbean Council, British Chambers of Commerce, and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce. UK Trade Envoy to the Commonwealth Caribbean, Paulette Hamilton, emphasized that while China and other nations are aggressively expanding their presence in the region, the UK’s focus remains on fostering enduring relationships and trust. ‘We understand that Guyana is also looking for quality services,’ Hamilton stated, underscoring the UK’s dedication to sustainable growth rather than immediate gains. D’Jamila Ward, Regional Director of the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, noted that the UK ranks among the top five trading partners with the Commonwealth Caribbean. She highlighted the success of UK trade missions, with 40% of participating companies securing commercial deals in Guyana. ‘The UK is not here for quick wins. We build relationships, expertise, and capacity that last beyond any single project,’ Ward asserted. The trade mission showcased expertise in sectors such as education, infrastructure, power supply, and cybersecurity. Chris Bennett, Managing Director of The Caribbean Council, praised Guyana’s use of oil revenues for infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, and hospitals. Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh encouraged UK businesses to explore opportunities in Guyana’s non-oil sector, particularly in infrastructure projects like the Linden-Lethem road and the proposed Guyana-Suriname bridge. The UK’s commitment to long-term partnerships and quality continues to strengthen its position in the Caribbean market.
标签： Guyana
圭亚那
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City chef convicted for importing dogs illegally
Elizabeth “Liza” Chung, a 40-year-old chef residing in Georgetown, Guyana, has been convicted for illegally importing 10 dogs without the required permit. The incident occurred on November 22, 2025, when Chung was intercepted at the Bina Hill Police checkpoint in Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo). The Guyana Police Force reported that Chung was transporting the dogs in a vehicle when she was apprehended.
Chung pleaded guilty to the charge of importing a terrestrial animal without a permit, a violation of the 2011 Animal Health Act. Lethem Magistrate Omadatt Chandan imposed a fine of GY$20,000 on Chung following her guilty plea. The case highlights the enforcement of animal health regulations and the legal consequences of non-compliance.
This incident underscores the importance of adhering to legal requirements for animal importation to prevent potential risks to public health and animal welfare. Authorities continue to monitor and enforce such regulations to ensure compliance and safeguard the community.
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2 injured in Linden shooting
Two individuals were hospitalized on Monday following a shooting incident on Lover’s Lane in Amelia’s Ward, Linden, according to the Guyana Police Force. The attack occurred late Sunday evening around 10:30 PM when a man inside a vehicle opened fire on the victims. The injured parties include a 32-year-old vendor from Central Amelia’s Ward and a carpenter from South Amelia’s Ward, whose identities have not been disclosed. Police have yet to confirm if any suspects have been apprehended. Initial reports indicate that the vendor was standing in front of his shop while the carpenter was nearby when the vehicle approached and halted. An individual inside the car allegedly fired multiple shots, striking the vendor in the chest and the carpenter in the foot. Both victims were promptly taken to the Linden Hospital Complex for treatment. The vendor was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for advanced care, while the carpenter continues to receive treatment at Linden Hospital. Authorities have reported that both men are in stable condition. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
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WIN leader prepares to challenge opposition leader election delay, extradition case may go to High Court
Azruddin Mohamed, leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, announced on Monday his intention to take legal action against House Speaker Manzoor Nadir for delaying the election of the Opposition Leader. Mohamed expressed skepticism about Nadir’s willingness to convene a meeting of opposition MPs to facilitate the election, despite WIN holding 16 of the 29 opposition seats in Parliament. Mohamed stated, ‘We have to move to the court,’ emphasizing his determination to proceed with legal measures. Meanwhile, Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs confirmed no plans for such a meeting. Mohamed’s lawyer, Siand Dhurjohn, revealed that legal proceedings are being prepared ahead of an ultimatum set to expire next Monday. Dhurjohn stressed the constitutional obligation to elect an Opposition Leader promptly, highlighting the role’s importance in democratic processes. Concurrently, Mohamed faces an extradition request from the United States, where he is accused of wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering. His legal team, led by Roysdale Forde and Dhurjohn, is preparing a constitutional challenge, arguing that the extradition process could take years. Prosecutor Terrence Williams, representing U.S. interests, submitted updated documents to the court, though defense lawyers noted these were not yet properly processed through diplomatic channels. The case is set to resume on November 28, with further developments expected.
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GDF acquires new helicopters
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has significantly bolstered its aviation capabilities with the acquisition of two state-of-the-art Bell helicopters, the Bell 429 Global Ranger and the Bell 407. Announced by Chief-of-Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan on Sunday, November 23, 2025, these helicopters are set to arrive in Guyana by mid-next week. Manufactured in 2025 by Bell Textron Inc., these aircraft represent a substantial investment, with the Bell 429 costing up to US$10.2 million and the Bell 407 priced at a maximum of US$3.2 million, according to online publications. The helicopters, currently bearing US registration markings, will soon be re-registered under the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The Bell 429, a nine-seater with dual engines, is versatile, serving executive transport, air ambulance, and rapid public safety response roles. Similarly, the Bell 407 is equipped for public safety missions, including fire safety, crew transport, and emergency services. This acquisition follows a tragic incident in December 2023, when a Bell 412Epi helicopter crashed during a military mission, resulting in the loss of five lives, including veteran pilot Michael Charles. The government has yet to release the crash report, underscoring the importance of this new investment in enhancing the GDF’s operational safety and efficiency.
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US, GDF in joint exercise offshore Guyana; GDF participates in Conference of American Armies
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the United States have deepened their military collaboration through a series of joint exercises and participation in regional security forums. On November 22, the GDF’s patrol vessel, GDFS Shahoud, conducted a passing exercise (PASSEX) with the US Navy’s guided-missile destroyer, USS Winston S. Churchill, off Guyana’s eastern coast. This exercise aimed to enhance interoperability, communication, and tactical readiness between the two maritime forces, reinforcing their commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking in the Caribbean. The US military emphasized that these operations align with the US Southern Command’s mission and the American president’s priorities to disrupt drug trafficking and protect national security. The GDF highlighted the success of the PASSEX as a testament to the growing security partnership between Guyana and the United States. Separately, Colonel Kenlloyd Roberts, representing the GDF, attended the 36th Cycle of the Conference of American Armies (CAA) in Mexico City. During the conference, Colonel Roberts underscored the importance of regional solidarity and cooperation in addressing emerging security threats. The CAA, supported by the US Army South, serves as a platform for senior military leaders across the Western Hemisphere to discuss shared security concerns and opportunities for collaboration. Colonel Roberts’ participation reinforced Guyana’s commitment to regional security and its strategic partnerships within the Americas.
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Digital ID card registration legal though laws not yet in effect – PM Phillips
Prime Minister Mark Phillips has confirmed that the registration of public servants for digital identification cards remains legal, despite the Digital Identity Card Act and the Data Protection Act not yet being enforced. Speaking to Demerara Waves Online News on Saturday, Phillips emphasized, ‘Everything that’s being done is legal.’ He acknowledged that the commencement orders for these laws, approved by the National Assembly and assented by President Irfaan Ali in August 2023, are pending issuance but assured that they would be implemented soon. ‘We’re going to do it very soon. There are a couple of things that we need to put in place,’ he stated. The Digital Identity Card Act mandates that the Digital Identity Card Registry be overseen by the Data Protection Commissioner, who holds exclusive authority to issue the cards. However, former House Speaker and Attorney-at-law Raphael Trotman noted that without a commencement order, the legislation remains inoperable. ‘If an Act explicitly states that a commencing order has to be issued, and it has not been, then it is inoperable,’ Trotman explained. He added that a subsequent commencement order could validate prior actions. Currently, President Irfaan Ali has already received his digital ID card, though the Data Protection Act remains inactive, leaving no office or commissioner to enforce data confidentiality laws. Several public service agencies, including the ministries of health and education, have instructed their staff to register for the cards when visited by officials from the Prime Minister’s office.
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Suriname, Guyana in energy cooperation says outgoing Ambassador
Suriname and Guyana are deepening their collaboration across multiple sectors, particularly in energy, as highlighted by Suriname’s outgoing Ambassador to Guyana, Liselle Blankendal. Speaking at a reception marking Suriname’s 50th independence anniversary and 50 years of diplomatic relations with Guyana, Ambassador Blankendal emphasized the progress in joint efforts spanning oil and gas, renewable energy, and electricity interconnection. These initiatives aim to foster sustainable growth and resilience in both nations. The two countries are also exploring shared benefits from a natural gas field straddling their border, though differing production-sharing agreements remain a challenge. Looking ahead, Blankendal underscored the potential for leveraging natural and renewable resources to drive green innovation and inclusive prosperity. Beyond energy, bilateral trade has seen significant growth, and tourism cooperation has advanced with a memorandum of understanding signed in July 2025. This agreement paves the way for joint promotion, sustainable travel, and cultural exchanges, positioning Guyana and Suriname as a unique and unspoiled tourism destination. Guyana’s Prime Minister, Mark Phillips, praised the partnership as a model for regional integration, highlighting achievements in energy, infrastructure, trade, and security. As Blankendal concluded her diplomatic tenure, she expressed deep affection for Guyana, vowing to return and continue fostering ties. Her legacy includes co-founding the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce and her long-standing commitment to Rotary initiatives.
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UNDP gives GECOM high marks for 2025 elections conduct
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has lauded the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for its exemplary conduct during the September 1, 2025, general and regional elections. In a recent statement, the UNDP highlighted that GECOM, with technical assistance from UNDP Guyana and funding from the UK Government, orchestrated one of the most transparent, credible, and professionally managed elections in the nation’s modern history. This marks a significant milestone for Guyana, which has historically faced political unrest and controversies surrounding its electoral processes since its first free and fair elections in 1992. The UNDP emphasized the strategic advice provided by its Electoral Technical Support Team, which played a pivotal role in overcoming bottlenecks and ensuring the acceptance of election results. Despite recount challenges, the tabulation process was efficiently organized, with results announced promptly and accepted by all political parties. The UNDP also acknowledged the legal reforms enacted in 2022, which introduced groundbreaking technological advancements to enhance transparency. GECOM’s in-house statement of poll upload system, fortified with cybersecurity measures, ensured seamless result uploads even during website outages. An upgraded results tabulation application, praised for its clarity and user-friendliness, was deployed across 20 counting centers. The UNDP’s Information Technology Specialist underscored the critical role of technology in fostering credible, inclusive, and resilient elections. However, the European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM) noted concerns regarding GECOM’s appointment model, which risks inefficient decision-making and diminished public trust. The EUEOM also raised issues about potential voter manipulation, campaign financing, and the alleged misuse of state resources by the incumbent party.
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Guyanese man killed in Antigua during vehicular collision with horse
A tragic vehicular accident in Antigua has resulted in the death of a Guyanese man, Brenton Anthony Bristol, following a collision with a horse. The incident occurred late Thursday night near the Sir Wright F. George Police Training Academy in Antigua and Barbuda. According to police reports, the accident involved a silver Audi motor car and a brown horse, both of which sustained fatal injuries. The vehicle was reportedly traveling at a high speed along Friars Hill Road when it struck the horse, causing the driver to lose control momentarily. Both the driver and his passenger, Bristol, were injured in the crash. Bristol, a 40-year-old resident of Hodges Bay who had been living in Antigua since 2006, succumbed to his injuries shortly after the accident. The driver was transported to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where he was treated for head injuries and remains in stable condition. The Antigua and Barbuda Police Force is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.