Tag: region 2

30 mining blocks set aside for small operators on Essequibo Coast

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter
Minister Bharrat addresses miners and loggers at the meeting yesterday

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) will soon hold a mining lottery in Region Two, offering 30 mining blocks exclusively to Essequibo residents in a bid to empower small-scale miners and expand economic opportunities across the region.

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat made the announcement during a meeting with miners and loggers on the Essequibo Coast on Friday. He said the government’s goal is to make the mining sector more inclusive and transparent, especially for small operators who face challenges in accessing concessions.

“This lottery will ensure fairness and give more Essequibians a chance to participate in mining,” Bharrat said.

Each of the 30 blocks will cover about 1,200 acres, though some may be subdivided to allow more residents to benefit. Only persons residing in Essequibo will be eligible to apply, the minister confirmed.

Bharrat also highlighted a major development for the sector — the launch of the National Airborne Geophysical Survey, a US$3 million initiative executed by the Ministry of Natural Resources in partnership with Global Venture Consulting.

The survey will map more than 14,000 square kilometres of Guyana, updating the country’s mineral database and providing detailed geological data to support sustainable development. “Once completed, this project will allow us to identify where key mineral deposits are located and manage our resources more effectively,” the minister explained.

Bharrat urged miners, loggers, and other stakeholders to form partnerships and move towards value-added production. He said Guyana has the potential to expand its manufacturing capacity, particularly in the forestry sector.

“Italy is famous for its furniture. We can achieve the same level of quality here in Guyana if we invest in value-added production,” he said, encouraging locals to tap into both the domestic and regional markets.

The minister added that forest concessions will be publicly advertised in February 2026, and applicants will be required to include at least one value-added project in their proposals.

Touching on the oil and gas industry, Bharrat said Guyana’s daily oil production now stands at about 932,000 barrels, adding that there are more benefits for businesses in Region Two through the sector.

During the interactive session, several participants raised community-related issues. Miner and logger Rupan Ramotar described the meeting as insightful and welcomed the opportunity to share feedback directly with the minister.

Toshao of Akawini, David Wilson, called for additional development support, including the establishment of a joinery shop in his community and improved road access to mining areas.

Regional Chairman Devin Mohan, who attended the engagement, praised the ministry’s efforts to engage stakeholders at the grassroots level. “This kind of dialogue is important,” he said, encouraging miners and loggers to continue bringing their concerns forward for action.

$2 billion rice storage facility at evaluation stage

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

The government is evaluating a $2 billion drying and storage facility in Region Two to boost rice production efficiency and reduce waiting times at mills, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said. The facility is expected to store up to three million bags of paddy.

Speaking recently to farmers at Anna Regina Secondary School, Mustapha reiterated the government’s commitment to the sector, noting that over $838 million has been invested in Region Two to improve yields, ease production costs, and maintain stable prices.

The ministry has also provided fertiliser, chemicals, and transport subsidies to help farmers cope with rising global costs. Rice yields in the region have risen from 5.5 to 6.5 tonnes per hectare. Guyana produced a record 725,282 tonnes of rice in 2024, with a 2025 target of 810,000 tonnes.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Madanlall Ramraj highlighted efforts to improve transport logistics, with more than 200,000 bags of paddy moved across the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge and additional ferry trips from Good Hope via the MV Hercules.

Farmers welcomed the government support, saying it has brought tangible relief and optimism for the future of Essequibo’s rice industry.

New police station and boat house to bolster Pomeroon River security

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

A newly rebuilt police station and a boat house were commissioned in Charity as part of a broader effort to strengthen rural policing and security along the Pomeroon River.

The Charity Police Station, reconstructed at a cost of $62.7 million by Mohamed S. Ramjohn Contracting Services, and the $25.1 million boat house built by Surujpaul Balkaran and Sons, mark a combined investment of nearly $88 million in Region Two’s law enforcement capacity.

“This is not just an investment in infrastructure—it’s an investment in people, in peace, and in progress,” said Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, who led the commissioning ceremony.

The new facilities are expected to boost public safety and foster greater trust in law enforcement in the growing Charity community and its surrounding riverine settlements.

“With economic activity and population along the Pomeroon River growing rapidly, the addition of a dedicated police boat is expected to transform river patrol operations,” Benn said. “Peace and security go hand-in-hand with development. This boat will allow for better coverage, quicker response times, and greater confidence among riverine residents.”

The minister added that the government has already completed 23 new police stations nationwide, with 74 more infrastructure projects in progress. “We are transforming law enforcement to meet the demands of today,” he said.

Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva welcomed the developments as essential for river communities that had long requested improved security. “This is more than a boat—it’s a service lifeline for the river communities,” she said.

Commander Khemraj Shivbaran said the previous police station was outdated and unfit for use, and praised the government’s responsiveness to the community’s needs.

The commissioning is part of a wider national policy to bridge urban–rural gaps in development and public services.

A section of the gathering at the commissioning of the police station

A section of the gathering at the commissioning of the police station

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$178.2M Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court commissioned

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

The judiciary in Region Two received a major boost today with the commissioning of the new Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court and living quarters, a project valued at GY$178.2 million.
The state-of-the-art facility includes a courtroom, magistrate’s chambers, living accommodations for a magistrate and court clerk, washroom facilities, and a designated parking area.
The court was constructed by Satar Mohamed and Son Construction and Hardware Supplies, with engineering consultancy from Kalitech Inc.’s Kalyan Tiwari. It forms part of the government’s broader plan to modernise judicial infrastructure across Guyana. The region will now benefit from two resident judges.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, Chief Justice Roxane George, and Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva attended the commissioning ceremony.
Nandlall, in his address, said the government is committed to ensuring that all citizens — regardless of location — have access to justice.
He noted that what residents are witnessing is part and parcel of what is taking place across the country, highlighting the importance of justice in society.
“Access to justice is as important as any other right or entitlement of a human being,” he said, noting that all newly constructed courts are being built to modern standards.
“The construction of this new edifice is a vital component of the government’s broader plan to expand physical infrastructure across all sectors,” he underscored.
Nandlall also noted progress in the judiciary’s digital transformation, including e-filing, remote hearings, and digitised case management systems.
“The Anna Regina Courthouse joins the long list of courthouses commissioned under the People’s Progressive Party,” he said, referencing the containerised courts introduced after the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure timely prisoner hearings.
Other developments include the appointment of 10 High Court judges, three commissioners of title, and nine magistrates from 2020 to 2025 as part of the broader judicial reform programme.
The event included cultural performances, such as poetry by primary and secondary school students, a piece by Her Worship Judy Latchman, and a musical performance by saxophonist Roy Stewart.

 

Magistrate Tamieka Clarke, who serves the Essequibo magistracy, said “The courtroom stands as a beacon of trust. It’s the first point of contact between the public and the justice system.”
Region Two Chairman, Velma De Silva and Anna Regina Mayor Devin Mohan described the court’s commissioning as a milestone for the region and a boost for the town of Anna Regina.
Chief Justice Roxane George recalled that previously, court matters were heard in a dilapidated section of the police station and noted that construction of the new court began following a sod-turning ceremony in October 2023.
Chancellor Cummings-Edwards said the new facility is part of the judiciary’s effort to bring justice closer to the people. “The building exists to enforce the rule of law,” she said.
She reminded attendees that the judiciary had promised a new court for the region two years ago.
“The previous court operated out of part of the Anna Regina Police Station, and there was never a designated space for courtroom matters,” she said.
“Essequibo deserves equally what the rest of the country enjoys,” she added, thanking the police for their past support.

A scene at the court opening todayA scene at the court opening today

Region Two steps up public infrastructure upgrades

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Authorities in Region Two are advancing a series of infrastructure and drainage upgrades across several neighbourhoods as part of a wider effort to enhance public safety, climate resilience, and local development.

Prime Minister’s Representative and People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Councillor Arnold Adams, presenting the Local Government and Co-ops Committee Report at a recent Regional Democratic Council (RDC) statutory meeting, said the works are contributing to tangible improvements in public infrastructure.

“This isn’t just maintenance—it’s meaningful development,” Adams said, emphasising that “We’re making real progress in restoring and upgrading essential drainage networks and public spaces, and the benefits are already being felt by residents.”

In the Aberdeen/Zorg-en-Vlygt Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), active street weeding is ongoing in Queenstown, Affiance, Aberdeen, and Columbia. Over 400 rods of drainage were cleared in Queenstown and 250 rods in Zorg-en-Vlygt using mini excavators to improve water flow and reduce flooding.

Drain and trench cleaning works are also progressing in the Good Hope/Pomona NDC, alongside upgrades to community areas including the Pomona Playground. Drainage rehabilitation has been completed in Huist Dirien, Middlesex, and Aurora Estate.

In Anna Regina Township, more than 2,500 rods of drainage channels have been desilted in La Belle Alliance, Richmond, Coffee Grove, Walton Hall, Lima, and Reliance. Additional works are ongoing in Hampton Court as part of a broader urban drainage overhaul.

Desilting also continues in the Evergreen/Paradise NDC using mini excavators to reinforce flood mitigation infrastructure.

In the Charity/Urasara NDC, clean-up operations are targeting critical areas such as the Charity Market Tarmac, waterfront, river dam pump station, and public road trenches. Rehabilitation works are underway within the NDC compound.

A mini excavator is engaged in drainage work in the Annandale/Riverstown NDC to improve water management in the area.

Regional Vice Chairman Humace Oodit, who chaired the meeting, said the interventions were in response to public demand.

“The people asked—and we acted,” Oodit said. “We are committed to delivering on the promise of a clean, safe, and well-developed Region Two.”

The ongoing upgrades are part of the region’s broader push to improve infrastructure and quality of life by integrating drainage solutions with environmental and public health measures.

Region Two steps up anti-dengue campaign amid rising cases

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Amid the ongoing dengue outbreak affecting communities nationwide, Region Two authorities are intensifying their response and urging the public to remain proactive in preventing the spread of the virus.

The matter was addressed at the Regional Democratic Council’s statutory meeting for June 2025, held at the council’s boardroom in Anna Regina. Regional Executive Officer (REO) Susanah Saywack highlighted that the Region’s Environmental Health Department has been conducting several vector control activities across coastal communities. These include fogging operations, indoor residual spraying, and larvicidal treatments—all aimed at reducing the mosquito population. Although no figure was presented for the number of cases, she urged persons to be vigilant.

Saywack stressed that while health authorities are doing their part, the success of the initiative heavily relies on public cooperation. She appealed to residents to maintain clean surroundings and adopt simple practices such as disposing of garbage, cleaning their yards regularly, disposing of containers that collect rainwater, and keeping drains and trenches clear.

“These small actions can make a significant difference by destroying the breeding grounds of Aedes aegypti, the mosquito responsible for spreading dengue,” Saywack stated.

Meanwhile, Regional Health Officer Dr. Ranjeev Singh is reminding the public to take personal protective measures seriously. He advises individuals to use mosquito nets and to get tested if not feeling well.

Dr. Singh also urged residents to be alert to symptoms of dengue and to seek prompt medical care, especially if experiencing any of the following danger signs, which include blood in vomit or saliva, bleeding gums, unusually dark or red urine, intense abdominal pain, and bloody stools.

He emphasised that early diagnosis is crucial and confirmed that dengue testing is available at both Suddie Public Hospital and Oscar Joseph District Hospital in Charity.

During fogging activities, residents are reminded to keep their doors open to allow the insecticide to be effective and to ensure food is properly covered.

“We are monitoring the situation closely and need everyone’s support,” Dr. Singh said, adding that “If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t delay—get tested.”

Officials continue to urge community members to take the outbreak seriously and work together to reduce mosquito breeding and protect public health.