Author: Zena Henry

Miner killed by falling tree stump

Posted on by Zena Henry

Police are investigating a fatal mining incident that occurred on Saturday at Thomas Island, Puruni River, resulting in the death of Harry Critchlow, a 56-year-old male miner from Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

According to a police report, investigations revealed that the mining site is operated by Sherwin Herman, a 37-year-old resident of Grove Squatting Area, who is the owner of the mining claim at Thomas Island, Puruni River.

Herman had employed Harry Critchlow to work in the mining pit. At around 10:00 a.m. yesterday, Critchlow was working in the pit when a tree stump fell and struck him on the head, rendering him unconscious. The injury sustained proved fatal, leading to his death.

The incident was reported to Sherwin Herman at approximately 11:00 a.m. on the same day while he was at his camp. Several individuals working in the mining pit at the time of the incident were interviewed by detectives. They confirmed witnessing the event as described and provided formal statements.

After the initial investigation was completed, the body was escorted from the incident site to the Itaballi Landing at 2:00 a.m. this morning.

The investigation is ongoing.

MACORP capitalising on opportunities in energy, construction sectors

Posted on by Zena Henry

Among the newest exhibitors at this year’s Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo are HMV Engineering and SoEnergy International, sister companies of the Machinery Corporation of Guyana Ltd. (MACORP).

Together, they are introducing integrated solutions across essential sectors such as energy, water treatment, and construction.

Regional Commercial Director for HMV Engineering, Roxana Santiago told Ignite News that HMV specialises in engineering and consultancy for projects involving civil and electrical infrastructure.

This includes the construction of substations, provision of transmission lines, and other forms of power generation that complement the company’s portfolio and support Guyana’s developmental trajectory.

In addition to EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) services, HMV offers construction management expertise.

Santiago highlighted that the company is currently overseeing the expansion of MACORP’s new East Bank Demerara facility, where HMV will also be based.

Business Director for SoEnergy’s water treatment division, Helio Brasileiro noted that SoEnergy complements the work of MACORP and HMV, delivering solutions for power generation, water treatment, and temperature control.

These services target infrastructure and industrial sectors, with a clear focus on promoting sustainable business practices and greening industries.

Brasileiro revealed that SoEnergy first explored opportunities in Guyana in 2018, holding discussions with oil companies and government agencies ahead of oil production.

Now, recognising the country’s evolving business environment, SoEnergy is back to offer essential services tailored to the nation’s expanding energy sector.

The group’s collaborative model offers Guyana a comprehensive “total solutions” EPC service—taking projects from inception to completion.

Santiago explained that MACORP provides the machinery and equipment, HMV delivers consultancy and engineering services, and SoEnergy ensures the seamless execution of relevant projects through its specialised support services.

As part of their market entry strategy, the companies have already initiated talks with key state agencies such as Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and GUYOIL, as well as major oil industry players like ExxonMobil, positioning themselves as reliable partners in the oil and gas sector.

While still in the promotional phase, the group envisions creating local employment and training opportunities, ensuring that Guyanese professionals play a central role in the developmental services the companies plan to offer.

President Ali visits injured soldiers

Posted on by Zena Henry

President Dr Irfaan Ali visited the injured soldiers at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) this evening, following the attack on the military patrol vessel they were aboard on Monday.

He was deeply moved by their resilience and courage, a post on his Facebook page said.

“All six soldiers — 2LT Ansel Murray, SGT Andre Frazer, SGT Kevon Davis, CPL Kevin Henry, LCPL Troy Yorrick, and PTE Ezra Samuel — are in stable condition and receiving the best possible medical care,” the President noted.

The President expressed how proud Guyana is of its servicemen, describing them as true heroes and patriots who stood firm as a unit in the face of adversity.

He also met with their relatives, offering his and the nation’s gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Dr Ali reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support for the brave men and emphasised that their well-being remains a top priority.

Venezuela’s ambassador summoned; Guyana strongly condemns attack on GDF supply vessel

Posted on by Zena Henry

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Hilton Todd, today summoned Venezuela’s Ambassador to Guyana, Carlos Perez, to condemn and demand redress for Monday’s armed attack on a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) supply vessel in Guyanese waters.
The attack, which took place between Eteringbang and Makapa, was carried out by a group of heavily armed men firing from Venezuelan territory. Six GDF troops sustained gunshot wounds, with some requiring medical evacuation for treatment. While there were no fatalities, the Government of Guyana has launched an investigation into the incident. Preliminary reports suggest that the attackers are members of Venezuelan criminal gangs, which operate with impunity along Venezuela’s side of the border.
In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Minister Todd conveyed Guyana’s outrage over the attack and held Venezuela responsible.
“He reminded the ambassador that, under international law, Venezuela is responsible for any harm caused to Guyana or its nationals by persons acting from Venezuelan territory, including private individuals unaffiliated with the Venezuelan government or armed forces,” the statement said.
Minister Todd also called on Venezuela to fulfil its international obligations by ensuring its territory is not used to harm a neighbouring state. He further urged Venezuela to eliminate the presence of criminal gangs in the border region and prevent future attacks on Guyana.
“Noting that Venezuela maintains a significant military presence in the region, despite the absence of a security threat from Guyana, the minister insisted that Venezuela deploy these assets against the criminal gangs within its territory that pose a threat to both states,” the statement added.
The Foreign Minister also voiced concern over the ambassador’s failure to denounce the attack and Venezuela’s failure thus far to take action to pursue, apprehend, or bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Inaction,” he warned, “is complicity, and Guyana will not hesitate to fully exercise its rights under international law to hold Venezuela accountable.”
Caption: Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Hilton Todd meeting with Venezuela’s Ambassador to Guyana, Carlos Perez

Six soldiers injured in armed attack by suspected Sindicato members

Posted on by Zena Henry

Six members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) sustained gunshot wounds following an armed attack near Black Water Mouth, Cuyuni River, on February 17, 2025. According to a police statement, the GDF team, en route from the Eteringbang GDF base to the Makapa GDF Observation Post to deliver supplies, came under fire from two wooden boats carrying heavily armed, masked men, believed to be associated with the sindicatos gang.

The injured personnel included Second Lieutenant Ansel Murray, who was shot in the right side of his head; Sgt Kevon Davis, who was shot in the right foot and ankle; Cpl Andrew Fraser, who sustained gunshot wounds to his abdomen and shoulder; Cpl Kevin Henry, who was injured in the left arm and shoulder; L/Cpl Travis Yorrick, who was shot in the right thigh; and Private Ezron Samuel, who was wounded in the right side of his abdomen. Despite their injuries, all personnel were conscious and stable at the time of the incident.

The attack occurred around 15:45hrs, as the GDF boat, a thirty-foot canoe powered by a 185-horsepower Yamaha engine, was intercepted by the assailants. The attackers circled the GDF boat and opened fire, prompting a return of fire from the GDF ranks. The exchange resulted in the attackers retreating, but not before the injuries were sustained.

Medical treatment was administered by GDF medic L/Cpl Melville at the nearby Makapa GDF Observation Post. An investigation into the attack is currently ongoing, police say.

Guyana objects to inclusion of New River Triangle in Suriname’s map

Posted on by Zena Henry

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has registered its disapproval of the depiction of Guyana’s New River Triangle as Surinamese territory at the recently concluded International Business Conference (IBC) held in Paramaribo, Suriname.

In a statement, the ministry reaffirmed that Guyana does not condone the use of the erroneous map and reiterated the country’s position as the internationally recognised owner of the Region Six location.
“The ministry wishes to state that the presence of representatives of the Government of Guyana at the conference in no way signifies the condoning by the Government of Guyana of the use of a map that incorrectly represents the territory of Guyana,” the statement said.

It further highlighted that the Government of Guyana was not consulted about the map prior to its distribution at the conference, adding that there would have been “strong objections” had the matter been brought to its attention beforehand.
The ministry emphasized that the internationally recognized map of Guyana clearly indicates that the New River Triangle is part of the sovereign territory of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. This status is based on a binding legal process and international agreements established in 1936 between the Governments of Brazil, Great Britain, and The Netherlands.

“The boundary between Guyana and Suriname was determined in 1936 when a joint British-Dutch-Brazilian Boundary Commission identified the source of the Kutari River, on the watershed with Brazil, as the tri-junction point where the boundaries of Brazil, British Guiana, and Suriname meet.”

Additionally, a monument exists marking this tri-junction point, which serves as the southernmost point of the boundary between Guyana and Suriname. The ministry noted that the agreement fixing this tri-junction point was signed by the three heads of the Mixed Commission (one from each state) and specifies the boundaries to be respected.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry underscored Guyana’s respect for and acceptance of the agreed boundary, highlighting that the country has exercised sovereignty over and maintained continuous occupation of the territory, including the New River Triangle.

Meanwhile, the organizers of the IBC have disassociated themselves from the erroneous image. The Suriname-Guyana business group clarified that it does not engage in border discussions and explained that the incorrect map was part of a presentation by an invited speaker.

“The ministry wishes to state that the presence of representatives of the Government of Guyana at the conference in no way signifies the condoning by the Government of Guyana of the use of a map that incorrectly represents the territory of Guyana,” the statement said.

It further highlighted that the Government of Guyana was not consulted about the map prior to its distribution at the conference, adding that there would have been “strong objections” had the matter been brought to its attention beforehand.

The ministry emphasized that the internationally recognized map of Guyana clearly indicates that the New River Triangle is part of the sovereign territory of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. This status is based on a binding legal process and international agreements established in 1936 between the Governments of Brazil, Great Britain, and The Netherlands.

“The boundary between Guyana and Suriname was determined in 1936 when a joint British-Dutch-Brazilian Boundary Commission identified the source of the Kutari River, on the watershed with Brazil, as the tri-junction point where the boundaries of Brazil, British Guiana, and Suriname meet.”

Additionally, a monument exists marking this tri-junction point, which serves as the southernmost point of the boundary between Guyana and Suriname. The ministry noted that the agreement fixing this tri-junction point was signed by the three heads of the Mixed Commission (one from each state) and specifies the boundaries to be respected.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry underscored Guyana’s respect for and acceptance of the agreed boundary, highlighting that the country has exercised sovereignty over and maintained continuous occupation of the territory, including the New River Triangle.

Meanwhile, the organizers of the IBC have disassociated themselves from the erroneous image. The Suriname-Guyana business group clarified that it does not engage in border discussions and explained that the incorrect map was part of a presentation by an invited speaker.

Money changer robbed of cash, gold chain at gunpoint

Posted on by Zena Henry

Police are investigating an armed robbery committed on a 51-year-old vendor and money changer, who was relieved of GY$440,000, US$200, and a gold chain valued at $300,000.

According to a police report, the incident occurred on February 7, 2025, at approximately 18:20 hours at the intersection of Avenue of the Republic and America Street, Georgetown. The robbery was carried out by two masked men, one of whom was armed with a handgun.

Investigations revealed that at the time of the incident, the victim was packing clothing into his minibus on the western side of Avenue of the Republic when one of the suspects approached from the north. The suspect pulled a black handgun from the front of his pants, pointed it at the victim, and ordered, “Don’t move.”

Teacher and husband perish in Hydronie fire

Posted on by Zena Henry

A 52-year-old teacher and her husband lost their lives in an early morning fire at Hydronie, East Bank Essequibo, on Sunday, leaving the community in shock and deep mourning.

The couple has been identified as Haywattie Bahadur, also known as “Hema,” and 57-year-old Hansraj Narine, also known as “Bharrat,” a bus driver. They resided at Lot 1A Hydronie, East Bank Essequibo.

Investigators are now probing the cause of the fire, which occurred around 01:45 hours

According to police reports, the couple’s flat concrete house was completely destroyed by the fire. Their bodies, along with that of their dog, were discovered in the northern area of the house.

The couple leaves behind a daughter who is currently studying abroad.

A team from Regional Division 3 visited the scene at approximately 2:00 a.m. in response to a 911 call made by an unknown caller. Upon arrival, officers found the building fully engulfed in flames.

Firefighters from the Leonora Fire Station, along with a fire tender, responded and worked to extinguish the blaze. However, by the time they arrived, the house had already been completely gutted.

The bodies of the deceased were later removed by undertakers and taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Home.

Investigations are ongoing.

Guyana on alert following 7.6 magnitude earthquake southwest of Cayman Islands

Posted on by Zena Henry

Guyana is on alert following a 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck the Caribbean Sea, southwest of the Cayman Islands, at approximately 18:23 hours on Saturday.

An advisory from the Ministry of Home Affairs noted that while Guyana is not directly at risk due to its coastal location along the Atlantic Ocean, residents, especially those in low-lying and coastal areas, should remain vigilant.

Meanwhile, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Ministry of Public Works – Sea Defence, Guyana Police Force, and Community Policing Groups (CPGs) have been placed on high alert to monitor any potential developments.

The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center initially issued tsunami watches for Puerto Rico and the Cayman Islands, but these have since been cancelled.

Despite this, local authorities continue to assess the situation and are advising residents to stay informed by following official updates, report any unusual coastal activity—such as sudden changes in water levels—and remain prepared for any unforeseen developments.

The situation is being closely monitored, and further updates will be provided as necessary, the advisory noted

Magnitude 7.6 earthquake in the Caribbean triggers a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands

Posted on by Zena Henry
CNN — An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 has occurred 129 miles southwest of Georgetown, Cayman Islands, according to the USGS.

The earthquake took place at 6.23 p.m. Eastern Time Saturday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) reported.

Based on all available data, there is a tsunami threat to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands as sea level fluctuations and strong ocean currents could be a hazard along coasts, beaches, in harbors and in coastal waters.

The generation of tsunami waves has not yet been confirmed, and the NTWC is monitoring to evaluate the tsunami threat.

Residents in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are advised to move out of the water, off the beach and away from harbors, marinas, bays and inlets and not go to shore to observe the tsunami.