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Finance Chairman of the City Council, Lelon Saul on Tuesday presented the body’s $5.697 billion proposed 2026 budget.

It is the largest budget presented by the council to date, increasing from $4.28 billion in 2025.

A huge portion of the funds, about $1.2 billion, has been earmarked for solid waste management, reflecting continued efforts to address garbage collection challenges across the capital. The City Constabulary is set to receive $603 million while about $524 million has been allocated for Human Resources to support staffing and administrative functions.

The budget also sets aside $50 million for the rehabilitation of the East Ruimveldt Market, with similar sums expected to be allocated for upgrades to Bourda and other municipal markets. These efforts are aimed at better serving the 225,814 residents living in Georgetown, based on recent census data.

Saul said the council is still working to finalise its accounts. Despite recent tensions, he called for improved cooperation with central government.

“I believe that this city can be better managed once there is better collaboration between the municipal authority and central government,” he said.

Importantly, the council has again signaled plans to crack down on property tax defaulters. Saul also proposed waiving interest on outstanding property taxes owed by residential property owners, a move aimed at encouraging greater compliance and easing financial burdens.

Meanwhile, Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore said that efforts will be made to take back control of the 50 roads across the city were designated public roads. However, Guyana’s President Dr Irfaan Ali made it clear that the designation of roads is part of a wider government push to improve infrastructure and ensure proper maintenance, stressing that the move is not politically driven.

“We are not taking roads for politics,” he said at the commissioning of the expanded Aubrey Barker roadway just a day prior. “We are designating roads as public roads in the cause of progress… We are not playing politics with potholes, we are governing.”

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The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Tuesday reserved its decision in the appeal brought by Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed.

In delivering its position at the close of lengthy arguments, the Court emphasised that the matter would be handled with expedition, noting that a decision will be issued once the Court is in a position to do so.

The interim stay currently in place will remain in effect until the Court delivers its ruling.

The Court also made clear that while it does not regulate public commentary on judicial matters, attorneys on both sides should avoid statements outside the courtroom that could undermine fairness or public confidence in the administration of justice.

Arguments were heard before a full bench of the CCJ, presided over by President Justice Winston Anderson, alongside Justices Maureen Rajnauth-Lee, Justice Chile Eboe-Osuji, Justice Chantal Ononaiwu, Justice Denys Barrow, Justice Peter Jamadar, and Justice Arif Bulkan.

The appeal arises from the ongoing extradition proceedings against the Mohameds, Azruddin and Nazar, and a judicial review application which has already been dismissed at the High Court and Court of Appeal levels in Guyana.

During the hearing, attorneys for the Mohameds faced sustained questioning from the bench, particularly on their central claim that the decision to issue the Authority to Proceed (ATP) was tainted by bias.

Trinidadian Senior Counsel Fyard Hosein, leading the defence alongside Roysdale Forde and Siand Dhurjon, argued that procedural fairness must apply from the earliest stage of the extradition process, including the minister’s decision to issue the ATP. He maintained that bias at that preliminary stage undermines the entire process, contending that individuals should not be required to endure subsequent proceedings before challenging such defects.

However, several justices pressed counsel on whether the alleged issues, such as procedural fairness and alleged bias, could instead be addressed during later judicial stages, including committal proceedings or habeas corpus review.

The Court also questioned whether the defence could point to any specific failure by the Minister beyond the general allegation of bias. In response, Hosein conceded that no specific unlawful act had been identified apart from the bias claim itself.

Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde, in supporting submissions, argued that even if bias were established, the law allows for the minister’s functions to be delegated under Guyana’s Interpretation and General Clauses Act.

He submitted that the matter could be remitted to another impartial decision-maker, rather than bringing the extradition process to an end.

Appearing for Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond, Trinidadian Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes argued that the applicants had effectively waived any objection to the minister’s involvement by engaging her office before the issuance of the ATP.

He maintained that the minister’s role at this stage is administrative rather than adjudicative, requiring only that she consider whether any obvious legal bar exists—not to make definitive findings on the merits. Mendes further contended that the defence had failed to identify any substantive ground on which the extradition could be considered unlawful.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, also addressed the Court, describing extradition as a “sui generis” process grounded in international law and treaty obligations. He argued that the minister’s function is executive and administrative, and does not attract the full application of traditional natural justice principles.

Responding to concerns raised by the bench regarding public statements, Nandlall denied making improper comments, stating that his remarks were taken out of context and did not prejudice the proceedings.

The appeal challenges the legality of the extradition process initiated against the Mohameds, including allegations that the Minister of Home Affairs was biased in issuing the Authority to Proceed.

The CCJ had earlier granted a stay of the extradition proceedings pending the outcome of the appeal, effectively halting the committal hearing before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

With arguments now concluded, the region’s apex court is expected to deliver its ruling in due course.

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When the dust settled at the National Stadium Parking Lot last weekend, many competitors at the inaugural Nitro Kart Klash, organised by Jumbo Jet Events in collaboration with the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club, were left smiling.

The action-packed day of racing got underway at 11:00h and featured several memorable classes of action, as it wove its way under the lights.

And snagging the biggest prize of them all, the Banks DIH Briggs and Stratton Senior Lights Trophy and the G$1M first prize was Zachary Persaud.

Click here to view photos from the track

Persaud won the final of the class after surviving severe pressure from Justin Ten Pow after an early three-way collision demoted Calvin Ming to the rear of the pack.

The second step of the rostrum was filled by Steven Nobrega, who bagged G$200,000 with Paige Mendonca finishing third and collecting G$100,000.

In the earlier Heat One, Persaud finished ahead of Calvin Ming and Matthew Phang with the prize breakdown being G$500,000, G$100,000 and G$50,000 respectively with the top two reversed for Heat Two and Justin Ten Pow third.

Click here to view photos from the presentation ceremony 

In the Forrester’s Lumber and Construction Complex Briggs and Stratton Senior Heavy Finals, Jhon Mohamed finished third behind Jeremy Ten Pow (second) and Mikhail Persaud.

For his efforts Mikhail Persaud bagged G$300,000 with Ten Pow pocketing G$100,000 and Mohamed G$65,000.

In the earlier Heat One, Jeremy got the better of Mikhail with Andre Rochford finishing third for the G$150,000, G$50,000, G$30,000 prize split, while the same breakdown applied to Heat Two when the top two were reversed and Jhon Mohamed finished third.

In the J’s Supermarket Briggs and Stratton Female class, there were three wins on the night for Paige Mendonca with G$200,000 for each of the two heat wins and G$400,000 for the win in the final.

Malicia Lawrence was second on all three occasions, earning G$75,000 for each of the two heat and G$150,000 for the final. Mikelly Rahaman bagged G$100,000 for her third spot in the final.

The Briggs and Straton Juniors saw Adam Mohamed win the first heat ahead of Jhonatan Sooknanan for G$200,000 and G$75,000.

In Heat Two, Sahun Boodhoo beat both Adam and Sooknanan into second and third respectively with the prize split being the same and third place getting G$50,000.

In the Final, Boodhoo returned to complete another win and the G$400,000 first prize with Matthew Daby second (G$150,000) and Adam Mohamed third (G$100,000).

The SVC Inc Briggs and Stratton Cadet class was swept by William Vieira, who bagged both heats at G$200,000 and the final at G$400,000, while Asrudeen Mohamed bagged G$75000 each for the two heat and G$150,000 for the final.

Nathan Seejattan snagged the first heat third place finish for G$50,000 with Gavriel Gayadin taking the second while Seejattan returned to take the final podium spot and and G$100,000 in the grand finale.

In the Rookies Over-35, Jhon Mohamed won the first heat on the day, securing G$125,000 ahead of Badesh Thakur (G$30,000) and Andre Rochford (G$20,000).

Heat Two had the positions for top two reversed with Thakur winning the G$125,000 and Mohamed settling for second (G$30,000) with Suren Seuchand third (G$20,000). In the final, Thakur was able to secure the G$250,000 first prize ahead of Andre Rochford (G$65,000) and Suren Seuchand (G$35,000).

The Tripple J construction IAME X30 had Kristian Jeffrey take the first win of the day ahead of Justin Ten Pow and Calvin Ming with the trio pocketing G$100,000, G$40,000 and G$25,000 respectively with Heat Two seeing the top two reversing their order to stave off Ming for the same earnings.

In the final, Jeffrey got the one up on Ten Pow for the G$200,000 first prize with G$80,000 going to the latter and Ming bagging G$50,000.

In the Jumbo Jet Auto Sales Honda GX200 Class, Naresh Alves took the top spot off Zachary Persaud and Aqueel Edwards in Heat One with G$150,000, G$50,000 and G$30,000 for the top three with the same order and payout for Heat Two.

In the final, Zachary got the better of Alves for the G$300,000 payout with Alves having to settle for the G$100,000 second place payout and Zaferio Rameriez pocketing G$65,000.

In the Chung’s Global Junior Super Moto 125CC, Lashon Lewis snagged both wins on the day, Heat Two’s G$50,000 purse and the final’s G$100,000, while Joshua holder had seconds in both the heat and the final for G$25,000 and G$50,000.

Troquille Sealy picked up third in the second heat for G$25,000.

In the Mohamed’s Excavating and Construction Jeremy Ten Pow made a clean sweep, bagging G$150,000 each for the two heat wins and G$300,000 for a win in the final.

Matthew Phang finished second in heat one where he earned G$50,000, with Andrew Jordan’s third granting him G$30,000.

Heat Two saw Jordon move one step up for the G$50,000 prize with Ravi Singh making the podium while the final was a blueprint of the second heat, with the earnings being split G$300,000, G$100,000 and G$65,000.

The VALS Construction Open Time Attack had two wins by Calvin Ming with one second each for Rayden Persaud and Justin Ten Pow. The 555 speeway Rental Kart was won by Arif Mohamed with Rovin Sookraj second and Akeem Semple third.

Jumbo Jet Events says ‘thank you’

The Jumbo Jet Events committee has thanked all the entities, sponsors, racers and fans that made the 2026 Nitro Kart Klash the success that it was.

The transformation of the National Stadium parking lot for the Sunday April 19 event, put on a show for thousands of spectators both in person and online.

“The Jumbo Jet Events committee would like to extend our most sincere thanks to all those that made the Nitro Kart Klash a success. From the team that visualised the idea to the people that made it possible; the guys that put up every tire barrier, every scaffold, every light tower; we thank you.”

“Our racers, the event would not be possible without you. The time, work and effort put into getting your machines to the line is not undervalued in anyway and always value your support. To the fans and sponsors, your support has been invaluable in every way, shape and form. A big thank you from the team.”

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(BBC) Children aged 17 or younger in the United Kingdom will face a lifelong ban on buying cigarettes, as the Tobacco and Vapes Bill clears the Parliament.

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The Doobay Gafoor Medical and Research Centre on Wednesday officially launched the Latchmin Kissoon and Family Eye Clinic, expanding its range of affordable healthcare services on the East Coast of Demerara.

The new eye clinic, located at the existing centre in Annandale, is aimed at providing accessible eye care, particularly for patients who may not be able to afford private medical services.

The Doobay Gafoor facility is already widely known for offering affordable healthcare, especially dialysis services, to residents along the East Coast of Demerara. The initiative is not-for-profit and forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure that quality healthcare is within reach for all.

Dhaman Kissoon explained that his family, who migrated from Canada in the early 1980s, felt compelled to give back after achieving their personal and professional goals.

“After spending years and having achieved our goals in studies or work, we decided that it’s time to give back to the community,” he said.

He noted that after learning that a previous undertaking to provide funding for equipment was not fulfilled, the family stepped in to support the project.

“My mother’s name is Latchmin, light, vision and then we agreed to do the eye clinic,” Kissoon said.

Latchmin Kissoon expressed gratitude at being part of the initiative, noting that after 47 years in Canada, she and her seven children were honoured to contribute.

“I thank Dr Doobay for choosing me and my family for this occasion,” she said, adding that the goal is to help people achieve good health.

Meanwhile, ophthalmologist Dr Shailendra Sugrim said he was approached years ago to be part of the project and volunteered his services due to his close collaboration with Dr Doobay.

“We were happy to render the service to patients because we understand a lot of patients couldn’t afford to go to private hospitals.

“We will loan our expertise and continue to offer support and guidance,” Dr Sugrim said.
In addition to treatment, the clinic also aims to support medical research as part of the Centre’s broader mission.

The Latchmin Kissoon and Family Eye Clinic will operate Monday to Friday from 08:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs and Saturdays from 08:00 hrs to 13:00 hrs.

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India opener Abhishek Sharma hit the fifth-highest score in Indian Premier League history in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 47-run win against Delhi Capitals.

The 25-year-old left-hander, who is number one in the men’s T20 batting rankings, batted throughout the innings for 135 not out from 68 balls in the hosts’ 242-2.

He peppered the straight boundaries with powerful drives, hitting 10 sixes and 10 fours, and reached three figures in 47 deliveries.

His score has only been bettered in the IPL by West Indies great Chris Gayle (175 not out), Brendon McCullum (158 not out), Abhishek’s 141 on the same ground last year and Quinton de Kock’s 140 against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2022.

It was also Abhishek’s ninth T20 century, taking him joint fourth on the all-time list.

Delhi made 195-9 in reply with seamer Eshan Malinga taking 4-32.

Abhishek has been a dominant force in T20s in recent years, with two T20 international centuries to go with his two in the IPL.

He began the recent T20 World Cup with three consecutive ducks but hit 52 as India beat New Zealand in the final.

He has built a fearsome partnership with Australian Travis Head at Sunrisers, particularly since 2024 when New Zealander Daniel Vettori and Australian Pat Cummins, who is currently injured, took over as coach and captain.

“I always wanted to show my talent in the powerplay but you have to have the backing from the captain and the coach,” Abhishek said.

“The environment we had in ’24 was the game-changer for us. I always wanted to play like this, in my Punjab team as well.”

Three of Abhishek’s four T20 hundreds have come at Sunrisers’ home ground in Hyderabad, where two of the four highest IPL totals have also been made.

Against Delhi he put on 97 in 8.5 overs with Head, 79 in 35 with Ishan Kishan and 66 not out in 32 with South African Heinrich Klaasen.

Klaasen hit three sixes in 37 not out from 13 balls. Head made 37 and Kishan 25.

“When we went to the wicket it was a bit slow,” Abhishek said.

“We had the match-ups in our mind and wanted to ultilise the powerplay as I always do.

“It is always a special moment scoring on this special ground.”

The win, Sunrisers’ third in a row, lifts them to third in the table, three points behind leaders Punjab Kings. (BBC)

 

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Weeks after more than 50 roads across the city were designated public roads, President Dr. Irfaan Ali said Aubrey Barker Road in South Georgetown will also be declared a public road, while signalling his desire to see a People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)-run city and a PPP-led City Hall.

The announcement came during an address that drew loud applause and a standing ovation from residents and officials gathered for the commissioning of the upgraded roadway.

President Ali made it clear that the designation of roads is part of a wider government push to improve infrastructure and ensure proper maintenance, stressing that the move is not politically driven.

“We are not taking roads for politics,” he said. “We are designating roads as public roads in the cause of progress… We are not playing politics with potholes, we are governing.”

Aubrey Barker Road, which serves several South Georgetown communities, including South Ruimveldt, Festival City, and surrounding areas, has been upgraded into a modern four-lane thoroughfare.

According to the President, the transformation is part of a broader national transport strategy aimed at improving connectivity, reducing travel time, and opening up economic opportunities. He emphasised that improved road networks directly contribute to rising property values and economic growth, pointing to examples where land prices increased by hundreds of percent following infrastructure upgrades.

“Roads carry workers, goods, opportunity, and growth,” he said, adding that development follows wherever modern infrastructure is built.
However, beyond infrastructure, the President’s remarks took a distinctly political turn as he openly expressed interest in greater PPP/C control of the capital’s governance.

“I’m interested in seeing a PPP/C-led City Council. I’m interested in seeing strong leadership at City Hall,” he told the audience.

He argued that Georgetown’s current state does not reflect its potential and that stronger leadership is needed to deliver improved services and match the scale of national development.

“If Georgetown is to become the finest city in the Caribbean, then its infrastructure must match that ambition,” he said, linking both governance and development as necessary for transformation.

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Guyana Harpy Eagles batted all day on Monday, stretching their first innings lead to 210 by stumps on Day Two against Windward Islands Volcanoes in the West Indies Four-Day Championship at the Antigua Recreation Ground.

Resuming on 130-2, reigning champions Harpy Eagles closed on 361-8 in response to Volcanoes’ 151 all out in the second round encounter.

Harpy Eagles had a painstakingly slow opening session, managing just eight runs in the first hour and a total of 36-2 from 28 overs delivered in the session.

Opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul seemed intent on occupying the crease rather than scoring, facing an astonishing 169 dot balls in his laborious 35 from 196 deliveries.

Skipper Tevin Imlach was the other batter dismissed in the session, for nine off 37.

After the lunch break, Kemol Savory and Keemo Paul played with a lot more intent as Harpy Eagles scored 195 runs in the second and final sessions.

Savory made 72 off 157 balls (9x4s), his second fifty this season, while Paul struck seven fours and six in 56 off 87.

Richie Looknauth chipped in with 42 off 114 balls (6x4s), a career-best knock, with Veerasammy Permaul not out on 25 off 68 (1×4, 1×6).

Kenneth Dember (3-82) and Shadrack Descarte (2-59) are the leading wicket-takers for Volcanoes.

Harpy Eagles won the Round One match against Volcanoes by four wickets at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua.

Below are the summarised scores from the other games 

Pride make spirited reply to Scorpions’ massive score at Sabina Park

SUMMARY: Jamaica 457 all out from 103 overs (Kirk McKenzie 114, John Campbell 96, Javelle Glenn 65, Odean Smith 54, Brad Barnes 40; Shamar Springer 3-99, Johann Layne 2-67, Jomel Warrican 2-89, Roston Chase 2-92) vs Barbados Pride 125-1 from 27 overs (Shayne Moseley 53*, Kraigg Brathwaite 51*; Peat Salmon 1-26) Pride trail by 332 runs

Hurricanes take vital lead against Red Force at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium 

SUMMARY: Leeward Islands Hurricanes 131 all out from 39.3 overs (Karima Gore 57, Jeremiah Louis 19; Anderson Philip 6-38, Jayden Seales 3-33) and 136-6 from 44 overs (Mikyle Louis 73, Jahmar Hamilton 41; Jayden Seales 6-33) vs Trinidad and Tobago Red Force 175 all out from 60 overs (Jyd Goolie 51*, Joshua Da Silva 36; Kelvin Pitman 6-52, Oshane Thomas 3-52) Hurricanes lead by 92 runs

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April 20, 2026 — The Government of Guyana has welcomed the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) as a formal partner in the Global Biodiversity Alliance, marking another significant milestone in Guyana’s leadership in global environmental and sustainable development initiatives.

The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on April 17, 2026, between the Government of Guyana and IDA, outlining collaboration to strengthen global action for the conservation, protection, restoration, and sustainable use of biodiversity through the Global Biodiversity Alliance. 

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh signed the MOU on behalf of Government while World Bank Group Director for the Environment, Dr. Valerie Hickey, signed on behalf of the IDA.   

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s leadership has been instrumental in positioning Guyana at the forefront of innovative global solutions that align biodiversity protection with sustainable economic development. The Global Biodiversity Alliance builds on Guyana’s pioneering Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and its globally recognized forest climate services model, which has demonstrated that standing forests can generate value while supporting livelihoods and national development.

During the signing ceremony, Dr. Singh emphasized that the World Bank’s participation reflects growing international confidence in Guyana’s leadership.

“This partnership represents a major step forward in mobilizing global action and financing for biodiversity. Under President Ali’s leadership, Guyana has demonstrated that countries rich in natural capital can pursue development while safeguarding ecosystems. The World Bank’s participation further expands the Global Biodiversity Alliance and enhances our ability to scale impact globally,” Minister Singh stated.

The collaboration between Guyana and the World Bank will focus on knowledge sharing, joint initiatives, research collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and mobilizing financing to support biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. These areas of cooperation reflect a shared commitment to expanding access to financing and strengthening global ambition to address biodiversity loss. 

This partnership builds on a longstanding and productive relationship between Guyana and the World Bank, including support for sustainable development, climate resilience, forest conservation, and institutional strengthening. The Government of Guyana and the World Bank will work together to leverage resources, expertise, and global partnerships to advance biodiversity protection and sustainable economic opportunities.

The Global Biodiversity Alliance, launched by Guyana, complements international efforts under the Convention on Biological Diversity and aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It seeks to raise global awareness of the biodiversity crisis, expand financing options, and promote collaborative action among countries, development partners, and the private sector. 

Guyana’s leadership in biodiversity and climate finance continues to gain global recognition, particularly through its LCDS 2030, which integrates forest climate services, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development investments. The addition of the World Bank to the Alliance further strengthens international collaboration and supports the scaling of innovative approaches that reward countries for protecting nature.

The Government of Guyana looks forward to deepening collaboration with the World Bank and other partners as the Global Biodiversity Alliance advances its mission to safeguard biodiversity while promoting sustainable development and economic prosperity (Ministry of Finance press release)

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