Carib Scope

标签： Guyana

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  • Ali, ministers leave British High Commissioner’s farewell after WIN Leader arrives

    Ali, ministers leave British High Commissioner’s farewell after WIN Leader arrives

    A diplomatic reception hosted by British High Commissioner Jane Miller at her Bel Air Springs residence was abruptly disrupted on Friday evening when Guyanese President Irfaan Ali and multiple government ministers made a swift departure. The exodus occurred moments after Azruddin Mohamed, presumptive Opposition Leader and head of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, arrived at the gathering with General Secretary Odessa Primus.

    The unexpected departure highlights the deepening political tensions in Guyana regarding Mohamed’s potential appointment as Opposition Leader—a position that Western diplomats, including Miller, have advocated for as essential to functional democracy. The governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP) maintains strong opposition to Mohamed’s candidacy, citing his indictment by the United States for financial crimes linked to his family’s billion-dollar gold trading business. Extradition proceedings against Mohamed and his father are currently underway in Guyanese courts.

    Despite the controversy, Mohamed expressed confidence in securing the opposition leadership during Monday’s parliamentary vote, stating his readiness to contribute to the upcoming 2026 National Budget debate. ‘We have a lot of persons on board with us so that they can contribute meaningfully,’ he told reporters, indicating his team had assembled sectoral advisors.

    The WIN leader outlined his priorities as holding the government accountable and improving health and education systems, remarking, ‘We have so many problems in this country, it’s unbelievable.’

    The incident occurs against the backdrop of recent diplomatic tensions, with President Ali having previously excluded opposition figures from a major policy address where he presented his five-year plan to government officials and diplomats—a break from conventional practice where such addresses are delivered to Parliament including opposition members.

  • APNU against vote abstention for Opposition Leader, says can hurt collaboration with WIN

    APNU against vote abstention for Opposition Leader, says can hurt collaboration with WIN

    In a significant political development, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has declared it will not abstain from voting for We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) leader Azruddin Mohamed as Guyana’s next Opposition Leader. The vote is scheduled for Monday among opposition legislators.

    APNU parliamentary leader Dr. Terrence Campbell confirmed the position on Thursday, acknowledging that while WIN holds 16 of the 29 parliamentary seats—ensuring Mr. Mohamed’s election—his party would still cast a vote in favor rather than abstain. This decision comes despite ongoing legal challenges facing Mr. Mohamed and his father, who were sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control for alleged gold smuggling exceeding 10,000 kilograms, valued at approximately US$50 million. The operation is accused of evading taxes owed to the Guyanese government. A U.S. Grand Jury also indicted them last October on 19 counts including wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering.

    Dr. Campbell emphasized the necessity of opposition collaboration, stating that abstention would be counterproductive. He outlined that future cooperation would extend to consultations on key appointments, such as members of Constitutional commissions, nominees for Chancellor and Chief Justice, and input on the selection of the Police Commissioner.

    When questioned about partnering with a figure mired in integrity concerns, Dr. Campbell defended the approach by stressing the importance of addressing national issues over political opposition for its own sake. He cited urgent public needs including poverty alleviation, improving water quality, and flood mitigation as priorities that require unified action. “People need help, people need relief,” he remarked, adding that APNU aims to broaden its influence while working alongside all parties until achieving government power.

    Dr. Campbell also noted that the election outcome, which granted WIN a majority of opposition seats, mandates cooperation in the national interest. This stance was echoed earlier by APNU’s Ganesh Mahipaul, who expressed urgency in fostering dialogue between the parties. Despite public exchanges, both groups have affirmed their openness to discussions.

  • American woman is alive and well in Guyana

    American woman is alive and well in Guyana

    In a reassuring development, 69-year-old American retiree Mary Jones has been confirmed safe and well in Guyana, following concerns raised by her family after losing contact with her since early October 2025. The former registered nurse from New Jersey, who had been officially listed as missing by U.S. authorities, voluntarily came forward after learning about media reports concerning her disappearance.

    Ms. Jones proactively contacted the American Citizen Services at the U.S. Embassy in Guyana upon discovering she was the subject of a missing person investigation. Embassy officials facilitated her completion of necessary documentation authorizing the disclosure of her whereabouts to concerned parties. She was subsequently referred to the Guyana Police Force to formally confirm her safety status.

    The senior citizen explained her silence resulted from a personal decision to explore life in a new country. ‘I’m 69 years old and so I make decisions myself,’ Jones stated, emphasizing her autonomy in choosing to relocate to Guyana. She has resided at multiple locations since her arrival and expressed strong consideration toward permanent settlement in the South American nation.

    Her disappearance report, filed by her sister on October 28, 2025, had triggered the suspension of Social Security payments. Jones indicated these benefits would resume in February following confirmation of her wellbeing. She acknowledged informing family members that she would disclose her residence once established.

    Cross-border coordination between law enforcement agencies confirmed the resolution of this case. The Gloucester Police Department in New Jersey verified receiving official notification from the U.S. Embassy in Guyana regarding Jones’s safety. ‘The American Embassy in Guyana had already contacted our law enforcement agency, informing that the woman was fine,’ confirmed an officer from the department.

    When questioned about her motivation for choosing Guyana, Jones cited dissatisfaction with certain conditions in the United States. ‘A lot of things were happening in my country that I wasn’t too happy about,’ she explained, ‘and so I thought let me come here and try a new country.’

    The case highlights both the effectiveness of international missing person protocols and the growing phenomenon of senior citizens pursuing alternative retirement destinations abroad.

  • US Federal authorities aware of American woman missing in Guyana

    US Federal authorities aware of American woman missing in Guyana

    US federal authorities have become actively involved in the search for Mary A. Jones, a 69-year-old American citizen who disappeared during a trip to Guyana and failed to return home as scheduled. The case has drawn significant attention from both American and Guyanese authorities, with international cooperation underway to locate the missing New Jersey resident.

    According to official reports from Gloucester Township Police, Jones was last contacted by family members on October 3, 2025, and was formally reported missing on October 28, 2025. Investigation findings confirm she traveled internationally to Guyana and was expected to return during the week of January 12, 2026, but never arrived back in the United States.

    The situation has prompted high-level diplomatic inquiries, though Guyanese officials have maintained cautious responses regarding potential formal assistance requests. Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd stated he was unaware of any official US request for help through his ministry. Meanwhile, Deputy Police Commissioner Wendell Blanhum, head of Guyana’s Criminal Investigations Department, declined to comment on whether the US had sought assistance, citing confidentiality protocols in international law enforcement communications.

    Authorities have launched a public appeal for information regarding Jones’s whereabouts. The Gloucester Township Police Department is urging anyone with knowledge of her location to contact emergency services at 911, their direct line at 856-228-4500, or submit tips anonymously through their online portal at https://gtpolice.com/tips.

  • Diplomats meet House Speaker

    Diplomats meet House Speaker

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, numerous high-ranking foreign envoys stationed in Guyana convened with House Speaker Manzoor Nadir at the Parliament Building in Stabroek. This gathering occurred in anticipation of Monday’s pivotal National Assembly session, which will feature both the presentation of the 2026 National Budget and the election of Guyana’s next Opposition Leader.

    United States Ambassador Nicole Theriot characterized the encounter as an informal exchange, noting that the initiative originated from within the diplomatic community. “The Speaker generously accommodated our request for dialogue,” Ambassador Theriot explained to journalists, despite repeated attempts by her security detail to limit media interaction. She emphasized that the discussion centered on parliamentary procedures, budgetary considerations, and the impending opposition leadership selection.

    The diplomatic contingent included representatives from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Venezuela, and several other nations. When questioned about Speaker Nadir’s recent criticisms of American and Canadian political systems—made in response to diplomatic calls for electing an Opposition Leader to strengthen Guyana’s democratic institutions—Ambassador Theriot declined to disclose specifics. “It would be inappropriate for me to characterize his remarks. That conversation remains with him,” she stated, adding that she did not perceive Nadir’s comments as targeted criticism but rather as legitimate expression of personal perspective.

    The upcoming parliamentary meeting is expected to result in the appointment of Azruddin Mohamed, leader of the We Invest in Nationhood party, as Opposition Leader. This anticipated outcome faces resistance from both the ruling People’s Progressive Party and Speaker Nadir, citing Mohamed’s ongoing legal challenges. The United States has sanctioned and indicted Mohamed for alleged financial crimes, and he currently contests extradition proceedings alongside his father.

  • 198 arrests in cross-border illegal gold mining operation in Guyana, other South American countries- INTERPOL

    198 arrests in cross-border illegal gold mining operation in Guyana, other South American countries- INTERPOL

    In a landmark multinational law enforcement operation, police and prosecutors from Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname have conducted their first coordinated transnational strike against illegal gold mining networks. The operation, dubbed ‘Guyana Shield’ and executed in December 2025, resulted in 198 arrests and significant seizures of contraband across the region.

    Coordinated through INTERPOL with support from the European Union’s EL PACCTO 2.0 program and the Dutch Police’s High Impact Environmental Crime team, the operation deployed over 24,500 checks on vehicles and individuals across remote border areas. Among the most significant apprehensions were three men detained in Guyana on suspicion of gold smuggling and money laundering. The suspects, allegedly connected to a major organized crime group with possible ties to a prominent Guyanese gold exporting firm, were intercepted carrying unprocessed gold and USD 590,000 in cash.

    The operation yielded substantial environmental enforcement breakthroughs, particularly with the seizure of mercury cylinders valued at over USD 60,000 in Guyana and Suriname. The toxic substance, commonly used in illegal mining operations to separate gold from other metals, was discovered concealed within solar panels during transport by bus. Mercury contamination represents a severe ecological and public health threat in the environmentally fragile region.

    Innovative ‘mirror operations’ saw officers from neighboring countries conducting simultaneous checks on opposite banks of border rivers Oyapock and Maroni. These coordinated efforts targeted small riverside stores known to supply mining equipment and facilitate gold smuggling operations. Inspections resulted in the confiscation of counterfeit medicines, alcohol, and cigarettes worth over USD 40,000, marking the first transnational police deployment of its kind in the area.

    Additional seizures included mining equipment such as pumps and gold-trapping mats, firearms, communications devices, and the interception of a bus carrying undocumented migrants. Several minors aboard were suspected victims of child labor or sexual exploitation networks.

    INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza highlighted the global context: ‘The surge in international gold prices in recent years has made illegal gold mining the fastest-growing revenue stream for organized crime groups, including in Latin America. At INTERPOL, we are committed to working with our partners to disrupt those networks and prevent more damage to this remote and environmentally fragile region.’

  • Guyana to issue chikungunya alert after outbreak in Suriname

    Guyana to issue chikungunya alert after outbreak in Suriname

    Guyana’s health authorities have initiated nationwide preventive measures following confirmation of chikungunya virus cases in neighboring Suriname. Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony announced Wednesday that all medical facilities across Guyana have been placed on high alert to detect potential cases of the mosquito-borne disease.

    The surveillance enhancement comes after Suriname’s Ministry of Health confirmed eight locally transmitted chikungunya cases, with none of the infected individuals having recent international travel history. The cases were verified through comprehensive testing conducted by Suriname’s Central Laboratory of the Bureau for Public Health and the Academic Hospital Paramaribo’s laboratory facilities.

    Dr. Anthony emphasized the robustness of Guyana’s existing disease monitoring framework, noting that healthcare facilities routinely test for dengue fever and subsequently screen for other flu-like illnesses when dengue results return negative. Serum samples are then forwarded to the National Reference Laboratory for advanced Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing, which can identify diseases including chikungunya.

    The Health Minister clarified that current weekly surveillance reports show no detected chikungunya cases within Guyana, with the last imported case occurring in October from a Caribbean island.

    Regarding mosquito control efforts, Dr. Anthony detailed that the ministry has trained personnel within neighborhood councils, providing them with equipment and chemicals for fogging operations. While local government bodies, including the Georgetown City Council, maintain primary responsibility for fogging activities, the Health Ministry conducts independent monitoring and supplemental fogging operations.

    This outbreak marks the first significant chikungunya presence in Suriname since the initial 2014 epidemic when the virus first emerged in the Caribbean region. Surinamese health authorities have issued public guidance recommending paracetamol instead of aspirin or ibuprofen for fever and joint pain management, alongside advice for adequate fluid intake, rest, and prompt medical attention if symptoms worsen.

    Health officials in both nations emphasize that chikungunya cannot transmit directly between people and that infection confers lifelong immunity. Public health recommendations include eliminating mosquito breeding sites by removing stagnant water sources around homes and workplaces, wearing protective clothing, and using insect repellent.

  • UPDATED: SLM’s stranded passengers leave Guyana

    UPDATED: SLM’s stranded passengers leave Guyana

    A Suriname Airlines (SLM) flight carrying over 100 passengers was compelled to divert to Guyana on Wednesday, culminating in an overnight stranding incident attributed to industrial action by air traffic controllers in Suriname. Aviation officials confirmed the aircraft, originating from Belem, Brazil with a scheduled destination of Paramaribo, ultimately departed Cheddi Jagan International Airport at approximately 8:30 AM on Thursday.

    The disruption stemmed from an inability to land at Suriname’s Johan Pengel International Airport (also known as Zanderij) due to a critical ‘shortage of staff.’ Guyanese aviation sources characterized the situation variably, with one official citing a ‘staff shortage’ and another explicitly labeling it a ‘strike’ by air traffic control personnel.

    Passenger welfare emerged as a significant point of contention during the ordeal. Reports from Surinamese news outlet Waterkant detailed severe deficiencies in communication and care. One stranded passenger lamented the complete absence of information, stating, ‘No information is being provided, no one is communicating.’ It was further reported that passengers, including individuals in wheelchairs and young children, received no food provisions throughout the extended delay.

    Corporate responsibility for passenger care was delineated by a senior government aviation official, who emphasized that the contracted ground handling service, in this case Timehri Handling Services (THS) in Guyana, bears the responsibility for attending to stranded passengers on behalf of the airline. A representative for THS declined to comment on the situation, directing all inquiries to SLM’s corporate office and refusing to provide contact information or elaborate on welfare measures.

  • Six arrested, police testing burnt material after “Skinny’s” reported self-inflicted gunshot wound

    Six arrested, police testing burnt material after “Skinny’s” reported self-inflicted gunshot wound

    A major police investigation is underway in the mining town of Linden, Guyana, following the circulation of a disturbing social media video depicting the apparent self-inflicted death of a wanted murder suspect. The Guyana Police Force confirmed the arrest of six individuals and the discovery of a concealed firearm during an intensive operation conducted Tuesday evening.

    The operation, spearheaded by Regional Police Divisions Three and Ten, was initiated in direct response to a viral video showing a man identified as Jamal ‘Skinny’ Bourne placing a pistol to his head and pulling the trigger in the presence of armed onlookers. Bourne had been wanted by authorities in connection with the 2024 murder of Akeem Hamer.

    Acting on intelligence, police teams descended upon a wooden structure hidden within dense vegetation in the Three Miles, Wisroc area. During a systematic search of the premises, officers uncovered one black and silver Taurus pistol with its serial number deliberately filed off. The weapon was found concealed beneath a mattress alongside six live rounds of .32 caliber ammunition.

    The search yielded another critical discovery: a heap of burnt material in close proximity to the structure. Forensic experts have been deployed to the scene to conduct detailed examinations and determine the precise origin and nature of this material, which investigators suspect could be the remains of the wanted individual.

    Six persons present at the location—comprising four men and two women ranging from 18 to 26 years of age—were taken into custody. The suspects, representing various communities including Yarrowkabra, West Bank Demerara, North Ruimveldt, Kaneville, Grove, and Georgetown, were escorted to the Mackenzie Police Station for questioning. The recovered firearm and ammunition have been officially lodged as evidence as the investigation continues to develop.

  • APNU scolds House Speaker for attacking US, Canadian envoys over appointing Opposition Leader

    APNU scolds House Speaker for attacking US, Canadian envoys over appointing Opposition Leader

    A significant constitutional crisis has erupted in Guyana’s National Assembly, with the opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) delivering a stern rebuke to House Speaker Manzoor Nadir for his unprecedented criticism of American and Canadian diplomats. The controversy centers on the prolonged vacancy of the Opposition Leader position, a constitutional office that remains unfilled despite mounting international concern.

    APNU parliamentarian Dr. Dexter Todd, a legal professional, issued a formal statement condemning the Speaker’s remarks against US Ambassador Nicole Theriot and Canadian High Commissioner Sébastien Sigouin. The diplomats had previously advocated for the timely election of an Opposition Leader to safeguard democratic processes—a position Dr. Todd characterized as supporting constitutional integrity rather than foreign interference.

    “When the international community calls for this vacancy to be filled, they are not taking sides. They are standing on the side of the Supremacy of the Constitution,” Dr. Todd asserted, emphasizing that the diplomats were fulfilling their fundamental duty to advocate for democratic principles.

    The confrontation escalated when Speaker Nadir questioned the democratic credentials of both nations during his remarks. He challenged Ambassador Theriot regarding the existence of an Opposition Leader in the US system and reminded High Commissioner Sigouin of Canada’s six-month budget delay and its history of unelected prime ministers.

    Dr. Todd countered that the Speaker’s personal views must remain subordinate to constitutional obligations when acting in an official capacity. “The Speaker is a human being entitled to his personal views,” he acknowledged, “but the moment he speaks in his official capacity, his personal feelings must be subservient to the Rule of Law.”

    The political drama intersects with complex legal matters involving Azruddin Mohamed, leader of the 16-seat We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party and the most likely candidate for Opposition Leader. Mr. Mohamed and his father face serious international legal challenges, including US sanctions for alleged gold smuggling involving over 10,000 kilograms worth approximately $50 million, plus federal indictments for wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering. Extradition proceedings are currently underway, with committal hearings scheduled for February 5.

    This situation echoes previous tensions in 2020 when the then-APNU+Alliance For Change administration accused international observers of manipulating election outcomes, though a CARICOM-brokered recount ultimately confirmed the People’s Progressive Party Civic’s victory.

    Dr. Todd concluded with a call for constitutional respect above political agendas, stating: “Our international partners expect it, but more importantly, the Guyanese people deserve it.”