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.
标签： Guyana
圭亚那
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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.
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Policewoman charged with fatal accident involving student
A 35-year-old policewoman, Yonelle Cumberbatch, has been formally charged in connection with a fatal traffic accident that claimed the life of a 15-year-old student. The incident occurred on October 30, 2025, on Success Public Road, East Coast Demerara, Guyana. Corporal Cumberbatch, who was driving Motor Car # PAB 214, collided with Navindra Mahes, a pedestrian, who later succumbed to his injuries. On November 4, 2025, Cumberbatch appeared before Senior Magistrate Abigail Gibbs at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, where she was charged with causing death by dangerous driving. She was granted bail set at GY$500,000 and is required to surrender her passport and report to the police monthly as part of her bail conditions. The case has drawn significant public attention, highlighting concerns over road safety and accountability.
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3 in every 4 homes in Guyana now have access to fibre… One Communications powers Nation’s digital leap
In a landmark achievement for Guyana’s digital infrastructure, One Communications has announced that its fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) network now reaches over 75% of households across the nation. This significant milestone underscores the company’s role as the leading provider of advanced fibre connectivity in the country, propelling Guyana’s digital transformation forward. With more than 170,000 homes and businesses now connected, the expansion aligns with the government’s agenda to enhance nationwide connectivity, foster ICT-driven economic growth, and improve access to education. The company’s Chief Operations Officer, Eshwar Thakurdin, emphasized the focus on bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas, particularly in regions like West Side, East Coast Demerara, Berbice, and Linden. The project, which required an additional investment of USD 10 million over the past two years, has positioned Guyana as one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing broadband markets. Thakurdin highlighted the company’s mission to keep Guyana connected to future advancements, whether for global investors, remote learners, or smart homes. The latest phase of expansion, completed between August and October 2025, has brought high-speed internet to numerous communities, including Look Out, Grove, and Rosignol. Hilton Wong, General Manager of One Communications’ business arm Brava, also noted the transformative impact on small businesses, enabling them to move online and access digital payment solutions. Since its initial rollout in 2017, One Communications has continued to expand its fibre network, with further rollouts planned for 2026. The company, part of the ATN International Group, remains committed to fostering inclusion, empowerment, and national progress through cutting-edge telecommunications solutions.
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APNU wants law amended for digital biometric verification of voters
The Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has initiated a significant legislative move to modernize Guyana’s electoral system. On Monday, November 4, 2025, APNU tabled a motion in the National Assembly aimed at amending the Representation of the People Act. The proposed amendment seeks to mandate digital biometric verification of voters before they cast their ballots in the 2030 general and regional elections. This initiative is designed to bolster the integrity of the electoral process by preventing voter impersonation, reducing the need for extensive scrutineering by political parties, and restoring public confidence in election outcomes. APNU parliamentarian Dr. Terrence Campbell emphasized that the use of advanced biometric technologies, such as fingerprint and facial recognition, has proven effective in other democracies in curbing voter fraud and ensuring that only registered electors vote. The motion also highlights the challenges faced by smaller political parties in recruiting and training scrutineers, which are exacerbated by allegations of voter impersonation and irregularities that have plagued recent elections. APNU’s proposal calls for the government, in consultation with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), to amend Section 69 of the Representation of the People Act to include biometric verification requirements. The motion underscores the need for legislative, technical, and administrative measures to implement these changes ahead of the next elections. GECOM Chairman, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, has previously noted that while digital biometrics can be used for voter registration, they cannot be the sole means of verification due to constitutional constraints. The motion reflects APNU’s broader goal of addressing longstanding issues of voter fraud that have undermined public trust in Guyana’s electoral system since the country’s independence in 1966.
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APNU asks parliament to stop using ‘oil money’ for regular spending
In a significant move to ensure fiscal responsibility, the opposition party A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has proposed an amendment to the Natural Resources Fund Act (NRF) in Guyana. The amendment, introduced by APNU parliamentarian Dr. Terrence Campbell, aims to restrict the government from utilizing oil revenues for recurrent expenditures. Instead, it advocates for the funds to be allocated towards development and disaster-related projects, ensuring transparency and sustainability. Dr. Campbell, who also serves as the opposition’s representative on the NRF’s Investment Committee, has previously voiced these concerns publicly and initiated legal proceedings in the High Court. The proposed changes would explicitly prohibit the use of fund revenues for regular government spending and mandate their allocation exclusively for infrastructure, development projects, and initiatives promoting an inclusive green economy, as well as essential projects mitigating the impacts of major natural disasters.
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APNU questions govt about recent bombings
The opposition party, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), has raised serious concerns regarding the Guyana government’s handling of recent bombings that have shaken the capital. These attacks targeted critical infrastructure and resulted in the tragic death of a six-year-old girl, alongside injuries to four others. Shadow Home Affairs Minister Sherod Duncan has formally questioned Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond in the National Assembly, demanding clarity on whether a national threat-assessment bulletin was issued between May and October 2025. Duncan’s inquiry also seeks details on the recipients of such a bulletin, if it exists. The bombings in question include two simultaneous explosions on May 17, which damaged the Ruimveldt Police Outpost and a Guyana Power and Light substation, and a subsequent attack on October 26 at a Mobil gas station. Duncan has further pressed the government to disclose whether an internal review was conducted following the May incidents, and what recommendations emerged from it. Additionally, he has sought information on intelligence regarding Spanish-speaking nationals implicated in the October attack, as well as the mechanisms for real-time cross-border alert sharing among immigration, Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), and the Guyana Police Force.