Carib Scope

标签： Guyana

圭亚那

  • North-West gets another ferry; Parika-Bartica to get more vessels

    North-West gets another ferry; Parika-Bartica to get more vessels

    The Government of Guyana has significantly enhanced its national maritime infrastructure with the acquisition of a state-of-the-art ferry, marking a strategic advancement in regional connectivity and transport modernization. The newly arrived vessel, currently named Kalliopi N, represents a multimillion-dollar investment in Guyana’s transportation ecosystem.

    Constructed in Greece in 2025 and procured for approximately US$4 million, the Kalliopi N underwent comprehensive modifications to meet stringent international maritime standards prior to its departure. These enhancements included structural reinforcements to fuel capacity, rigorous testing of ballast tanks and bulkheads, and the installation of redundant navigation and communication systems to ensure maximum safety during ocean transit.

    With an operational capacity of 284 passengers and 51 vehicles (or equivalent truck space), the vessel features air-conditioned accommodations and is powered by three Hyundai engines supported by dual generators. Operating at speeds of 10-12 knots, the ferry is projected to substantially reduce travel duration along coastal routes serving Region One (Barima-Waini) and connecting ports.

    President Irfaan Ali, during an inspection tour at Georgetown Wharf, emphasized that this acquisition forms part of a systematic fleet renewal strategy designed to progressively replace aging vessels across all regions. The presidential delegation, including Minister Deodat Indar, MARAD Director General Captain Stephen Thomas, and Parliament Member Thandi McAllister, examined the vessel’s technical specifications and operational readiness.

    Concurrently, the administration revealed parallel plans to strengthen the Parika-Bartica corridor in Region Seven through additional vessel acquisitions. This expansion aims to augment capacity along the critical Parika-Supenaam-Bartica circuit, facilitating improved movement of both passengers and commercial goods throughout the Essequibo corridor.

    The modernization initiative extends beyond vessel procurement to include comprehensive port infrastructure upgrades at key locations including Region One, Kingston, and Parika. These developments are engineered to accommodate front-loading vessels and integrate with the broader transport network.

    President Ali commended the coordinated efforts of maritime professionals, technical teams, and regulatory authorities whose synergistic work ensured the vessel’s compliant delivery. The administration’s sustained investment in maritime infrastructure demonstrates its commitment to building a modern, efficient transport network that supports economic vitality, enhances regional connectivity, and improves quality of life for citizens across all regions.

  • IDB predicts higher food import prices, increased forex demand, but “robust” economy

    IDB predicts higher food import prices, increased forex demand, but “robust” economy

    The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has presented a complex economic outlook for Guyana, forecasting simultaneous challenges and strengths in its latest Caribbean Economics Quarterly. While the South American nation’s economy remains fundamentally robust with expected growth averaging 14% between 2026-2030, several headwinds threaten to create economic pressures.

    The analysis identifies falling global oil prices—projected to reach approximately US$60 per barrel in 2026—as a dual-edged development. While lower prices typically reduce petroleum revenues, Guyana anticipates offsetting this through expanded production capacity. Three additional oil wells are expected to come online, potentially doubling current output to 1.5 million barrels daily by 2029.

    Concerning developments emerge in the trade sector, where Guyana’s terms of trade have deteriorated significantly. According to IMF data referenced by the IDB, the terms of trade index declined by 32.4% in 2023 and 0.3% in 2024, stabilizing at 47% by September 2025. This decline stems from persistent increases in import prices coupled with contracting oil prices.

    The bank warns that ongoing global tariff wars and policy uncertainty could further elevate import costs, particularly for food items. With annual food prices already rising 8.2% by August 2025, inflation is projected to reach 3.6%, exceeding the previous year’s 2.9% rate. These factors may increase foreign exchange demand and complicate monetary policy management.

    Despite these challenges, the IDB notes Guyana’s oil sector remains profitable above US$28 per barrel—the country’s break-even price. The government has implemented strategic responses including free tertiary education, vocational training programs, and initiatives to encourage re-migration of skilled professionals like teachers and nurses to address human capital needs.

    The report concludes that while Guyana’s medium-term economic trajectory appears strong, vigilant monitoring of potential Dutch Disease symptoms—including exchange rate appreciation, non-oil sector competitiveness erosion, and inflationary pressures—remains essential for sustainable development.

  • Two held with 22 kilos of cocaine in West Demerara

    Two held with 22 kilos of cocaine in West Demerara

    In a significant anti-narcotics operation on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Guyanese authorities intercepted a substantial cocaine shipment weighing 22.394 kilograms on the La Grange Public Road in West Bank Demerara. The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) conducted the successful operation following actionable intelligence, resulting in the apprehension of two Guyanese male suspects.

    The operation unfolded when CANU agents, acting on received information, strategically intercepted a motor vehicle for inspection. A comprehensive search of the vehicle uncovered 20 brick-shaped parcels meticulously concealed within, all containing the illicit substance. The seizure represents a major blow to narcotics trafficking operations in the region.

    The seized cocaine, with an estimated street value running into millions of dollars, underscores the ongoing challenges and scale of the drug trade facing law enforcement agencies. CANU officials have not released the identities of the two individuals taken into custody, confirming only that both are Guyanese nationals. The suspects are currently in detention as investigations continue to uncover the origins, intended destination, and broader network associated with this significant drug shipment.

    This operation highlights the continued vigilance and effectiveness of Guyana’s anti-narcotics units in combating the illegal drug trade. Such large-scale seizures are critical in disrupting the supply chain of narcotics and preventing their distribution both domestically and internationally. The successful bust also demonstrates the importance of community intelligence in aiding law enforcement efforts against organized crime.

  • 13-year old shot and injured during attempted robbery- police

    13-year old shot and injured during attempted robbery- police

    A violent attempted robbery targeting two elderly brothers culminated in the shooting of a 13-year-old suspect in Georgetown on Wednesday morning, according to official police reports. The incident unfolded at approximately 10:15 AM near the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Brickdam, a prominent location in the city center.

    Preliminary investigation details indicate that two octogenarian brothers, aged 81 and 79 respectively, were en route to conduct official business when they were suddenly accosted by two assailants arriving by bicycle. One of the perpetrators, allegedly brandishing a knife, attempted to forcibly seize a haversack carried by the older sibling.

    The attempted theft was thwarted when the elderly victim raised an alarm that alerted nearby civilians. During the ensuing commotion, a 25-year-old licensed firearm holder who witnessed the altercation discharged his weapon toward the fleeing suspects. Law enforcement authorities have confirmed the weapon has been secured as evidence pending formal investigation.

    The teenage suspect from Albouystown sustained a gunshot wound to the gluteal region and was promptly transported to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for emergency medical treatment. His accomplice managed to evade capture and remains at large. Police forensic teams have identified relevant CCTV footage from the area and are conducting thorough reviews of the digital evidence.

    The Guyana Police Force declined to specify whether the armed responder was a private citizen or a police officer assigned to ministerial security detail. The investigation remains active as authorities work to reconstruct the precise sequence of events.

  • Former partners in suspected murder-suicide at city guest house

    Former partners in suspected murder-suicide at city guest house

    A shocking incident unfolded at a Georgetown guest house early Tuesday morning, resulting in the deaths of two employees in what authorities are investigating as a murder-suicide. The tragedy occurred at an establishment on Lime Street between approximately 5:00 AM and 8:15 AM, according to the Guyana Police Force.

    The victims have been identified as 31-year-old Loriann, who worked as a housekeeper, and 36-year-old Cyril Saul, employed as a security guard at the same facility. Police investigations revealed that both individuals were the sole staff members on duty during the overnight shift when the incident occurred.

    Law enforcement officials disclosed that the two had previously been involved in a romantic relationship that reportedly ended approximately two months prior to the tragic event. Responding officers discovered the woman lying motionless in one of the rooms with visible injuries, while the man was found unresponsive in a separate area of the premises.

    A medical professional from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation pronounced both victims dead at the scene. Investigators have secured multiple items as evidence, including a firearm, ammunition, a knife, and a quantity of suspected controlled substances. CCTV footage from the property has been reviewed and forms a crucial component of the ongoing investigation.

    The police statement noted that several individuals have been contacted and questioned as part of the investigative process. The bodies have been transported to the Memorial Funeral Parlour Mortuary where they await post-mortem examinations to determine the exact causes of death.

  • Time for constitutionally guaranteed financial independence of judiciary- Chancellor

    Time for constitutionally guaranteed financial independence of judiciary- Chancellor

    Guyana’s Chancellor of the Judiciary Roxane George-Wiltshire has issued a compelling appeal to the government, urging full compliance with constitutional provisions guaranteeing financial independence for the judicial branch. The call came during her address at the ceremonial opening of the 2026 Law Year, attended by government officials including Attorney General Anil Nandlall.

    Chancellor George-Wiltshire emphasized the critical need for implementing Article 122(a) of Guyana’s Constitution, which mandates that all courts shall be administratively autonomous and funded through direct charges upon the Consolidated Fund. This constitutional provision further establishes that judicial entities must operate under sound financial and administrative management principles while maintaining complete independence from political, executive, or any other form of direction and control.

    The judiciary head highlighted Guyana’s pioneering role within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), noting that the nation was the first to grant such autonomy to its judicial system. She stressed that full implementation of these fiscal management provisions is essential not only to fulfill constitutional obligations but also to maintain regional leadership in judicial independence.

    George-Wiltshire’s address specifically called for the judiciary’s return to being a fully self-accounting entity that manages its own tender processes while maintaining accountability to Parliament regarding expenditure of its budgetary allocation. This move would reinforce the separation of powers and ensure the judiciary’s ability to function without external influence or financial constraints that might compromise its independence.

  • Guyana begins conversation on continuing legal education, stronger regulation of lawyers, judges

    Guyana begins conversation on continuing legal education, stronger regulation of lawyers, judges

    In a significant move to modernize its judicial system, Guyana has launched a comprehensive initiative to overhaul the regulation of its legal profession. The proposed reforms, announced during the opening of the 2026 Law Year, center on establishing mandatory continuing legal education and strengthening disciplinary mechanisms for both lawyers and judges.

    Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall emphasized the urgent need for “a system of rigid and accountable continuing education” during his address. He revealed plans to collaborate with Guyana Bar Association President Kamal Ramkarran later this month to restructure the regulatory framework, responding to growing public concerns about professional conduct within the legal community.

    Mr. Ramkarran expressed serious concerns about the current state of professional regulation, noting the complete absence of continuing education requirements. “If a lawyer never wanted to read another law book or judgment after law school, it would be completely open for that lawyer to do so,” he stated. The Bar Association president also proposed a graduated induction system for new lawyers rather than burdening recently graduated counsel with full responsibilities immediately.

    The judiciary leadership strongly endorsed these reform efforts. Chancellor of the Judiciary Roxane George-Wiltshire recommended amending the Legal Practitioners Act—originally drafted in 1897 and last updated in 2010—to require annual registration contingent on completing minimum hours of continuing education. “An educated and regulated legal profession will increase the efficiency and integrity of the administration of justice,” she asserted, offering the judiciary’s collaboration in developing legislative reforms.

    Chief Justice Navindra Singh welcomed the newfound consensus on continuing education, recalling his unsuccessful attempt to introduce similar measures a decade ago that faced resistance from the legal community. “I’m glad that they now recognize that continuing legal education is not for us. It is for all. It is for the judges and the lawyers and it is for the litigants to enjoy proper representation,” he remarked.

    The reform discussions also addressed significant gaps in disciplinary processes. Mr. Ramkarran revealed that no lawyer has faced suspension or removal proceedings in over 25 years, despite persistent complaints about case delays caused by unprepared attorneys frequently seeking adjournments. He called for “open and transparent systems to deal with misbehavior of judges and lawyers in a proper and fair manner.”

    While Attorney General Nandlall acknowledged the possibility of maintaining self-regulation for the profession, he emphasized that this privilege must be matched by responsibility and accountability. The proposed reforms represent the most substantial potential changes to Guyana’s legal governance structure since the country’s independence in 1966.

  • Ali to visit Belize, ink agreements

    Ali to visit Belize, ink agreements

    In a significant diplomatic development, Guyanese President Irfaan Ali is scheduled to undertake an official state visit to Belize from February 1-3, 2026. The Central American nation’s Prime Minister’s Office confirmed the high-level visit, which marks a strengthening of bilateral ties between the two nations.

    President Ali, who serves as the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) lead head of government for agricultural affairs, will engage in comprehensive bilateral discussions with Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño and Governor-General Dame Froyla T’zalam. The visit includes a notable address by President Ali at the opening ceremony of Belize’s new parliamentary session, underscoring the importance both nations place on this diplomatic engagement.

    The cornerstone of the visit will be the signing of multiple cooperation agreements designed to enhance regional collaboration, stimulate investment opportunities, and expand trade relationships. These agreements reflect both countries’ commitment to regional solidarity and economic integration within the Caribbean basin.

    Prime Minister Briceño’s office emphasized the historically robust relations between Belize and Guyana, noting their shared dedication to regional development initiatives. The visit gains additional significance against the backdrop of recent economic developments, including a United States company’s decision to establish sugar refineries in both nations, potentially creating new agricultural synergies.

    This diplomatic mission represents a strategic effort to strengthen Caribbean partnerships while addressing regional agricultural challenges and opportunities through multilateral cooperation.

  • High Court orders DPI, AG to pay Alexander GY$10M for defamation; Alexander to pay cost to Jagdeo because remark was privileged

    High Court orders DPI, AG to pay Alexander GY$10M for defamation; Alexander to pay cost to Jagdeo because remark was privileged

    In a landmark ruling with significant implications for free speech and government accountability, the Guyana High Court has delivered a mixed verdict in a high-profile defamation case involving Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and opposition figure Vincent Alexander.

    Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln ruled Monday that the Department of Public Information (DPI) and Attorney General Anil Nandlall must pay Alexander GY$10 million (approximately US$48,000) in damages for publishing defamatory statements that questioned his integrity and implied financial misconduct. The court additionally ordered the state entities to remove the contested content from their website by January 16, 2026, and pay Alexander GY$500,000 in legal costs.

    The case centered on an August 2022 interview published on DPI’s official platform where Jagdeo accused Alexander and other officials of the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly-Guyana (IDPADA-G) of exploiting the Afro-Guyanese cause for personal enrichment using public funds.

    Justice Corbin-Lincoln determined the allegations portrayed Alexander as “dishonest, lacking integrity, and engaged in unethical, unscrupulous conduct for personal financial benefit.” She emphasized the particularly damaging nature of the publication given its official state media origin, which would “command a high degree of respect” among the public regarding matters of public fund usage.

    In a simultaneous ruling, the court found that Vice President Jagdeo’s comments, while defamatory and unsubstantiated, were protected by qualified privilege due to his position as a public official. The judge noted that Jagdeo had a “duty to inform the public about the use and potential misuse of public funds,” and the public had a “corresponding right to know.” Since Alexander failed to prove malice in Jagdeo’s statements, the court ordered Alexander to pay Jagdeo GY$350,000 in legal costs.

    The judgment highlighted the ongoing nature of the harm, as the defamatory content remained accessible worldwide on the government website throughout the litigation process, with no retraction or apology offered by the defendants.

  • Guyana’s population almost 1 million- prelim census report

    Guyana’s population almost 1 million- prelim census report

    Guyana is experiencing its most significant demographic surge since World War II, with new census data revealing a nation on the cusp of a major population milestone. According to preliminary findings from the 2022 Population and Housing Census released by the Bureau of Statistics, the country’s official population stood at 878,674 as of September 2022, with estimates projecting growth to approximately 956,044 by the end of 2024.

    The comprehensive survey, presented by Chief Statistician Errol La Cruez and Deputy Chief Statistician Vanessa Profitt, indicates an 89% household coverage rate despite challenges in reaching certain segments of the population. La Cruez attributed the coverage success to sophisticated statistical methods while acknowledging difficulties in accessing some migrant communities, particularly undocumented individuals who may avoid official engagement.

    This demographic expansion represents a dramatic increase from the 746,955 residents recorded in the 2012 census, marking the highest population growth rate in over seven decades. Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh highlighted how regional migration patterns, particularly from neighboring countries, have substantially altered the nation’s demographic composition. The foreign-born population has increased to approximately 3%, while the percentage of locally-born citizens has experienced a corresponding slight decrease.

    Region Three (West Demerara-Essequibo Islands) has emerged as a particular growth hotspot, with its population now surpassing that of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) due to extensive new housing developments and land openings. This residential expansion is reflected in a 42% increase in building stock in recent years, signaling a nationwide construction boom.

    The census also revealed evolving household dynamics, with average family size decreasing significantly from 4.7 persons in 1991 to 3.23 in 2022. Minister Singh credited this shift to increased home ownership stimulated by government incentives, including the removal of Value Added Tax on certain building materials.

    While the political opposition has called for more immediate and comprehensive data release, government officials emphasized that both private sector stakeholders and public infrastructure planners will find the census information invaluable for future development strategies. A more detailed preliminary report is scheduled for publication on the Bureau of Statistics website, with a final comprehensive analysis to follow in due course.