Tag: update

 

Guyana recorded 40,149 visitor arrivals in May 2026, a 20.6 per cent increase from May 2025 and the strongest May performance in the country’s tourism history, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and the Guyana Tourism Authority said on Friday.
The growth was supported by events held as part of Guyana’s 60th Diamond Jubilee Independence Anniversary celebrations, including the return of the Guyana Festival, Street Food on the Terrace events, and Guyana Carnival activities held throughout the month.
The United States remained the leading source market, accounting for 37 per cent of total arrivals, followed by the Caribbean at 33 per cent, Latin America at 10 per cent, Canada at 8 per cent, Europe at 6 per cent and other markets at 6 per cent.
By purpose of visit, leisure travel accounted for 62 per cent of arrivals and business travel 15 per cent, with other categories making up the remaining 23 per cent.
Tourism Minister Susan Rodrigues said the figures reflected the sector’s growing contribution to national development and the impact of sustained investment in tourism.
“The results recorded in May reflect the continued growth of tourism as a key contributor to Guyana’s economic development. They highlight the impact of sustained investment in our tourism product, cultural programming, and major events, and reinforce the importance of building on this momentum to ensure benefits reach communities across the country,” she said.
Guyana Tourism Authority Director Kamrul Baksh said the results reflected ongoing progress in destination development.
“These results reflect continued progress in how Guyana is being positioned as a destination. We are seeing the impact of sustained product development, stronger coordination across stakeholders, and a continued focus on improving the visitor experience,” he said.

 

ExxonMobil Guyana said it is prepared to respond to any unplanned events through scalable responses, as its proposed Haimara offshore development moves through the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.
The company hosted a public scoping meeting at the Umana Yana in Georgetown on Thursday as part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) review process.
The meeting forms part of the EPA’s scoping phase, during which stakeholders are invited to submit comments and concerns to help shape the Terms of Reference for the environmental study.
The company’s Environmental and Regulatory Advisor, Nina Canal, said ExxonMobil incorporates mitigative and preventative measures and ensures its workforce is adequately trained to respond to an incident should one occur.
“We understand that there is risk associated with unplanned events and because of this we incorporate mitigative measures, preventative measures, as well as ensuring that all of our workforce is adequately trained to respond to an incident should one occur,” she said.
Project Management Engineer Rea Cauthern said Haimara is one of two proposed developments currently undergoing environmental review. He said the project will be evaluated alongside other existing and planned developments in the Stabroek Block to determine any cumulative environmental impacts.
“As part of the EIA, we’re going to be looking at what are the cumulative effects of having multiple FPSOs (Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading vessels) in proximity to each other,” he said.
Issues to be examined include marine ecosystems, water quality, air quality, coastal habitats, social infrastructure, employment, waste management and potential unplanned events.
Public comments submitted during the consultation period will be considered in determining the scope of the final EIA study.

Police were forced to clear dozens of students who were drinking and smoking at the Mackenzie bus park and market area following the final Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination on Tuesday, prompting the Region Ten Department of Education to announce stricter enforcement measures.
Regional Education Officer La Shanna Anderson said the department, working with the Guyana Police Force, moved to clear the area after receiving reports that students had begun gathering there, a practice that has become common after examinations.
Anderson said education officials initially went to the location expecting to disperse students, but found that a party dubbed the “Last Day of School Party” had been organised in the market area. Students were seen consuming alcohol and smoking while wearing what appeared to be custom-made school uniforms, she said.
“Students were there, many of them clad in what appeared to be custom-made school uniforms… there was imbibing, there was smoking, and students were engaged in activities that were strictly prohibited,” Anderson said.
She said repeated efforts to remove students from the area proved difficult, prompting police intervention. Some students were transported from the location by school buses and police vehicles, while parents were required to collect others from the police station.
Anderson said students represent their families and schools when wearing their uniforms. “Once you are attired in your school’s uniform, you are representing your families, your school, the Department of Education, and by extension, the Ministry of Education,” she said.
She announced that, effective immediately, students found in the Mackenzie market area without a market pass will face disciplinary action, and urged parents, vendors and community members to report incidents involving students.
Anderson acknowledged the operation was difficult but said the department remains committed to student safety and discipline across the region.

 

Some 530 small contractors in Region Five who are on the government’s pre-qualified list were assured on Friday that each of them will be allocated at least one contract before the end of the year.
The assurance was given by Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo during a public outreach held at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) office compound in Fort Wellington.
The government opened the pre-qualification process to the public after concerns were raised that the previous pool of contractors was too limited. The registration period initially ran for one month but was later extended to three months to give as many people as possible the opportunity to register online.
The guarantee applies to contracts valued below $15 million, which are awarded directly by the government rather than being put out to public tender.
At Fort Wellington, scores of residents from across Region Five turned out to meet directly with Vice President Jagdeo and senior government officials.
Mohamed Yacoob said he was pleased to have a long-standing land issue resolved.
“Me reach the agriculture minister and he gave me my land, 25 acres of land, and God must bless him; I am a poor man. I am just waiting to collect my land,” he said with a sense of satisfaction.
Bridget Smith of Mahaicony told Ignite News that she attended after learning that the Vice President would be available to assist residents with matters relating to housing, NIS, and other concerns.
“Everyone came out, and it’s very nice because you can’t be sitting in the office alone and no one reaching the people. The people like to see you. We love him, so he could come out and talk to us at any time. It’s a good thing,” she told Ignite News.
Rosita Deroop of Bush Lot Village, West Coast Berbice, described the outreach as one of the government’s best initiatives, noting that it allows residents to access multiple ministries and senior officials in one location.
“I think this is one of the best initiatives by our government to come to Region Five, as they have done in other regions thus far. And the reason being is that we have all the ministries here, and people used to find it hard to go down to Georgetown to get whatever done, but we have ministries up in Region Five. But at the same time, a staff member cannot perform what a minister would be able to tell you and get done on the spot. And reaching the VP is an honour for most of us,” Deroop said.
Shamain Solomon also praised the outreach as an effective way for residents to have their concerns addressed directly.
“Being here, meeting with the Vice President, is a great opportunity because you’re here with him, and we can state all our issues, and I know by the time he leaves here, our issues and complaints will be dealt with. It’s a great opportunity for Region Five because a lot of people and a lot of residents in Region Five may have a lot of issues and complaints, and I know for sure at the end of today their issues and complaints will be resolved,” he said.
The outreach forms part of the government’s ongoing effort to engage communities across the country, bringing services closer to citizens and ensuring that concerns are heard and addressed by senior officials.

Parents across Berbice have welcomed the expanded Government assistance for schoolchildren, saying it will provide timely relief as they prepare for the upcoming academic year.
The Government of Guyana has increased the ‘Because We Care’ Cash Grant from $50,000 to $60,000. When combined with the existing $5,000 uniform grant, each eligible student will now receive $65,000 in direct educational support. A new $20,000 transportation grant brings the total assistance to $85,000 per child enrolled in public or private schools.
Education Minister Sonia Parag said the distribution of the grants will begin on June 29, with thousands of families nationwide expected to benefit.
In Berbice, parents described the measure as timely and practical.
Roopchand Singh, a father of one, said the increase will make a tangible difference as he prepares for the new school term.
“I’m very pleased with the cash grant. I have one child going to school, and I’m very pleased that it has moved from $55,000 to $85,000. The Government saw it fit to add an additional $20,000 for transportation costs. For me, it is a great help to many residents and their children, especially those who are vulnerable,” Singh said.
He urged parents to use the support responsibly, saying it should be directed towards children’s needs and education. “Education is the key to success, and I want to urge parents to make full use of the grant for their children,” he added.
For Sofia France, a mother of eight with three school-aged children, the increase offers practical relief in managing daily household demands.
“It would be a great help to me. For the children to go to school, it would be a great help. I am thankful for it because it has increased. With the cash grant, I would be able to do more things for the children,” she said.
Father of two, Sohan Matadeen, also welcomed the expansion, saying it would ease pressure on families facing rising education-related costs. He also pointed to the Government’s pledge to scale up support.
“This cash grant is going to bring relief to parents. The money will be used towards school supplies, school clothes and other necessities. I feel glad about this transportation grant as well because it is going to help take some of the burden off parents when it comes to getting their children to and from school,” he said.
He added: “It was already in the manifesto that they planned on increasing it over the next five years, and it is good to see that commitment being honoured.”
Across communities in Berbice, the expanded grant package is being viewed not only as financial assistance, but also as an investment in keeping children in school and easing the pressures that often come with a new academic year.

 

Eighteen cancer survivors were honoured on Sunday as the Lotus Cancer Initiative Inc., in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Massy Foundation, hosted its inaugural “Stories of Strength: Celebrating Survivors” event in observance of World Cancer Survivors Day 2026.
The event recognised the survivors whose courage and resilience were highlighted as a symbol of hope, bringing together survivors, healthcare professionals, government officials, volunteers, corporate partners and supporters to raise awareness on cancer prevention, early detection and survivorship.
Delivering the feature address, Dr Shivani Samlall, Chief Executive Officer of the Lotus Cancer Initiative Inc., paid tribute to survivors and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to improving cancer outcomes in Guyana.
“Today is about our survivors. Thank you for your courage and your strength. Thank you for showing us what resilience looks like. Thank you for reminding us that even in the face of fear, uncertainty, and adversity, hope can prevail,” Dr Samlall said.
She said the initiative was founded on the belief that no one should die from preventable cancers and no one should face cancer alone, while highlighting challenges such as delayed screenings, late diagnoses and limited access to treatment.
“The Lotus flower represents strength through adversity, hope through hardship, and the ability to thrive despite difficult circumstances. In many ways, it reflects the journey of the survivors we celebrate today,” she noted.
The organisation’s work focuses on education, prevention, early detection, advocacy and support, complementing the Ministry of Health’s efforts to reduce the national cancer burden.
Among the most emotional moments of the event were testimonies from survivors.
Desiree Edghill, who was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma in 2017, reflected on her journey from healthcare worker to patient.
“Cancer changed my life, but it also strengthened my commitment to helping others. Today, I continue advocating for cancer patients and supporting individuals facing similar challenges,” Edghill shared.
Prostate cancer survivor Aubrey Knight urged men aged 40 and above to prioritise regular screening, noting that modern testing now includes simple blood tests that aid early detection.
Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony commended the initiative and called for the event to become an annual national observance, saying survivor stories help promote early screening and reduce fear surrounding the disease.
“Seeing survivors is proof that cancer can be beaten. Their stories help replace fear with hope and motivate others to seek screening and treatment early,” Dr Anthony said.
He highlighted ongoing government efforts to reduce cancer cases, including the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme, noting that increasing coverage from 69 per cent to 90 per cent over five years could place Guyana on a path towards eliminating cervical cancer.
The event concluded with tributes to survivors whose stories underscored the importance of awareness, prevention, support and timely access to care.
As part of the observance, the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara Harbour Bridge was illuminated in lavender to honour survivors and support individuals undergoing treatment.
The Lotus Cancer Initiative Inc. thanked its partners and supporters, including the Massy Foundation, Tristar, Allied Trading Incorporated, Harbour Tugs Guyana Inc., Cara Lodge, Vantarock Studio, Mary Ross and Melisa Kumar.
Also in attendance were Regional Executive Officer for Region Four Juan Edghill Jr, Massy Distribution Inc Senior Manager and Massy Foundation Chairperson Teisha Milner, and Jean Cristophel of Expertise France.
The initiative’s leadership includes Dr Vasha Bachan, Dr William Adu Krow, Dr Oneka Scott and Dr Dianele Drepaul, among other healthcare professionals.

Health officials who operate outside Guyana’s new centralised medical supply system will be sent home, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali warned on Monday.
The President sounded this warning during a meeting with regional health officers (RHOs), hospital administrators, Ministry officials and the Chief Medical Officer (CMO).
He confirmed that the platform will become the sole system governing pharmaceuticals and medical supplies across the country’s health sector from July 1.
President Ali informed officials that the system carries clear standard operating procedures and defined sign-off responsibilities.
“If you act outside of that, we have no other choice but to send you home,” he emphasised, adding that, “The investment we are making to ensure the people of this country have the best possible healthcare includes our facilities, hospital administrators and RHOs. These facilities come under your leadership.”
Under the new arrangement, regions can no longer purchase emergency drugs independently. Any emergency purchase will now require sign-off from the Director of Regional Health Services, the CMO and the head of the Materials Management Unit (MMU).
A wider committee, including the Minister, the Adviser, the Permanent Secretary and the Chief Pharmacist, will convene monthly via Zoom to determine emergency supply needs across the entire health system, covering the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and all regional hospitals.
President Ali said the system is designed to reduce losses from expiration, damage and overstocking to below industry standards, with a dashboard that ensures real-time visibility of available supplies.
The platform is already live, and on July 1, all other systems will be collapsed, leaving it as the only one in operation.

“We know there are certain things that you can’t avoid stocking, that you may not use, whether it’s venom, antivenom… but that is controlled by the MMU. There is absolutely no situation where the regions must be purchasing emergency drugs unless there is a clear sign-off on the system,” the President stressed.
The Head of State was joined by Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony and Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh. (DPI)

 

Georgetown Capital Management Inc. has launched Revora Energy as a dedicated energy pricing, benchmark and valuation advisory, positioning the firm to support stakeholders in rapidly evolving oil and gas markets.

Operating at the intersection of physical and financial markets, Revora Energy said it will work with governments, commodity traders, producers, refiners and industrial consumers to help navigate energy pricing, physical market transactions and volatility.

While public attention in the sector often centres on production volumes, infrastructure and investment, the firm said pricing mechanisms, benchmark systems and market dynamics play a critical role in determining the value of energy commodities and influencing commercial decisions.

Revora said it is investing in leading price reporting agencies, benchmark data and specialised research resources to support its advisory work across crude oil, natural gas and LNG markets.

Chief Market Strategist Alex Armogan said the firm is combining multiple data streams, including real-time satellite imagery, vessel tracking systems and infrastructure monitoring tools, with a proprietary energy market intelligence framework.

“We have selected leading providers with access to real-time satellite imagery, vessel tracking systems and infrastructure monitoring capabilities. This investment is complemented by the development of Revora’s proprietary energy market intelligence framework designed to transform market information into actionable commercial insight,” Armagon said.

He added that the firm’s competitive edge lies not only in data access, but in its ability to link physical market developments with financial market signals to identify risks, opportunities and potential commercial outcomes.

A key focus will be physical crude oil marketing and bidding advisory, including market intelligence, bidder analysis, contract negotiation, benchmark assessment and commercial decision support.

Revora said it is currently recruiting internationally for specialist roles, with three of five positions already filled, and encouraged candidates with relevant experience to monitor future vacancies via its website.

The firm said it is positioning itself for a period of structural change in the oil and gas sector as production expands, new offshore developments progress and natural gas plays an increasing role in the energy mix.

 

The government on Friday tabled a series of financial measures in the National Assembly aimed at expanding credit access for small businesses, advancing infrastructure development and strengthening oversight of oil revenues.
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, presented the Guyana Development Bank Bill 2026, which proposes the creation of a state-backed development bank to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Under the proposal, SMEs and individuals would be eligible for micro-credit loans of up to G$3 million at zero interest, alongside business training and mentorship programmes intended to improve sustainability and growth.
President Irfaan Ali has previously described the proposed institution as a mechanism for community-driven development, enabling citizens to pool resources for small enterprise investment and larger joint ventures.
Singh also tabled financing agreements with multilateral lenders to support infrastructure and utilities projects.
These include a US$156 million World Bank-funded Integrated Transport Corridors Project, which aims to improve road safety, strengthen climate resilience and enhance institutional capacity in the transport sector.
In addition, agreements with the Inter-American Development Bank provide a US$30 million credit line and a US$15.57 million loan to improve climate-resilient water and sanitation services. The funding will support a new water treatment facility at Diamond, smart metering systems, leak reduction efforts and upgrades to Guyana Water Incorporated’s operations.
The minister also presented the latest Notification of Receipts to Parliament for petroleum revenues deposited into the Natural Resource Fund between December 30, 2025 and March 31, 2026.
The Ministry of Finance said the Natural Resource Fund balance stood at US$4.1 billion at the end of April 2026.
The government said the measures reflect its commitment to inclusive growth, fiscal discipline and transparent management of oil revenues.