标签： Guyana

The Ministry of Natural Resources in Guyana has announced that only legally registered civil society organizations (CSOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will be eligible to nominate representatives for the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GYEITI). This decision was communicated by Dr. Ivor English, the Civil Society Convenor, who emphasized the importance of adhering to legal frameworks in the selection process. A caucus is scheduled for November 20-21 at the Marriott Hotel to renew the representation on the Multistakeholder Group (MSG) of the GYEITI. Dr. English, a member of the Guyana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (GCSDA), has been appointed to guide this process, ensuring it is open, independent, and participatory, in line with the EITI Standard. The GCSDA, one of Guyana’s largest civil society organizations, boasts over 68,000 members across 31 districts. The first day of the caucus will focus on developing rules for selecting representatives, while the second day will involve the actual election or selection of these representatives. This move comes after a previous fallout between the Guyana government and the Policy Forum Guyana, which had initially been responsible for convening civil society representatives. The government’s decision to involve only legally registered entities aims to enhance transparency and credibility in the GYEITI process, ensuring that civil society is fully, actively, and effectively engaged.

Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore has publicly criticized the Irfaan Ali-led administration for its alleged failure to consult the elected City Council regarding plans to enhance drainage and parking systems in the capital. Speaking on Saturday, November 8, 2025, Mayor Mentore emphasized the necessity of formal, transparent, and structured consultations with the City Council before any further steps are taken. He argued that as democratically elected representatives, the council has a constitutional right to be involved in decisions affecting municipal assets. The mayor’s concerns were particularly focused on a proposal to cover canals for paid parking, which lacked critical details such as targeted waterways, engineering standards, and revenue management. Mentore clarified that the council is not opposed to the government’s plans but is frustrated by the exclusion of the elected body in favor of private sector organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He also highlighted that the Municipal and District Councils Act places infrastructure such as drains, canals, and roads under the jurisdiction of the City Council. The mayor demanded proper coordination with the council on any proposals affecting city assets, warning that nothing less would be tolerated. Despite the ongoing political rivalry between the council, controlled by the People’s National Congress Reform-led APNU, and the PPPC-led central government, Mentore acknowledged the urgent need for infrastructure improvements in Georgetown. He plans to formally register the council’s concerns with the government this week.

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.