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The Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCCDA) has raised concerns over “River fees” imposed by Suriname authorities against Guyanese citizens operating vessels in the Corentyne River. The Association is calling on the Government of Guyana to intervene.

See full statement below:

The Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCCDA) is expressing grave concern regarding the growing uncertainty faced by residents and business owners in Upper Corentyne communities due to the unilateral imposition of river fees by Surinamese authorities.

Over recent weeks, the Chamber has received numerous reports from stakeholders regarding the levying of fees on Guyanese citizens operating vessels along the Corentyne River. These fees, imposed by the Surinamese government or entities operating under its jurisdiction, are creating an unsustainable economic burden and a climate of legal uncertainty for communities that depend on the river for their livelihoods.

For generations, the Corentyne River has served as a vital artery for trade, transportation, and family connectivity for communities such as Orealla, Siparuta, and the surrounding areas. The newly imposed fees threaten the traditional patterns of movement and commerce that are essential to the social and economic fabric of the region.

“The Corentyne River is not merely a border; it is a lifeline for our people,” said Samantha Reid, President of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association.

“These unilateral fees represent a significant escalation that our small business owners and residents cannot absorb. We are witnessing a situation where Guyanese are being penalized for utilizing shared water-space that has always been used freely for legitimate trade and travel. This action directly impedes the ease of doing business and disrupts the longstanding relations between our border communities.”

The Chamber acknowledges that while cross-border management is a matter of state sovereignty, the abrupt implementation of these fees without clear consultation or reciprocal agreements undermines the spirit of cooperation between Guyana and Suriname.

The BCCCDA is calling on the Government of Guyana, specifically the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs, to take the following actions as a matter of urgency:

• Engage in immediate diplomatic dialogue with the Government of Suriname to clarify the legal basis of these fees and seek their suspension.
• Provide clear guidance and protection to Guyanese nationals operating on the Corentyne River regarding their rights and obligations.
• Ensure the presence of relevant Guyanese authorities in the Upper Corentyne region to monitor the situation and assist affected citizens.

The Chamber further warns that if left unaddressed, this uncertainty will stifle economic activity in the Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) area, discouraging cross-border investment and increasing the cost of living for vulnerable communities that rely on the movement of goods.

“We cannot allow bureaucratic overreach to cripple the economic potential of our borderlands. We stand ready to work with the government to find an amicable solution that respects the rights of Guyanese citizens while fostering a stable and predictable business environment.”

The Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association will continue to monitor the situation closely and urges all affected businesses and residents to document any incidents and report them to the relevant authorities.

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A world-renowned acrobatic troupe from China will stage a series of performances across Guyana in April as part of activities to mark the country’s 60th Independence Anniversary.

The shows, which are open to the public, will feature displays of agility, artistry and high-level acrobatics, with performances scheduled in Regions Two, Three, Four, Six and Ten.

The tour begins on Sunday, April 19, at the Leonora Track and Field Stadium (18:00 hrs), followed by a Georgetown performance on Monday, April 20, at the National Cultural Centre (19:00 hrs).

Subsequent shows will be held at the Albion Stadium in Region Six on April 21 (18:00 hrs), the McKenzie Sports Club Ground in Region Ten on April 22 (19:00 hrs), and will conclude at the Anna Regina Stadium in Region Two on April 23 (13:00 hrs).

All performances are free to attend; however, tickets will be required for the Georgetown show at the National Cultural Centre. These can be uplifted from the venue’s box office from April 8, with patrons advised to call ahead before visiting.

The tour is being co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Guyana and the Government of Guyana, with sponsorship from CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited.

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Guyana is exploring large-scale agricultural investments with a team of Brazilian investors, as the government seeks to expand production and boost the sector’s role in economic growth and regional food security.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha met the delegation on Thursday and said the government stands ready to facilitate investments across key areas of the sector.

He noted that Guyana offers significant scope for agricultural expansion and said authorities can connect investors with local farmers who have available lands to support joint ventures and accelerate project implementation.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture to attract strategic partnerships and increase productivity in the agriculture sector.

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The Guyana Police Force has boosted its cybercrime capabilities with the handover of new equipment to its Cybercrime Unit, as part of ongoing efforts to modernise policing and respond to emerging digital threats.

The equipment was handed over on Thursday at the force’s headquarters at Eve Leary, with Senior Superintendent Jermaine Johnson presenting the assets to Assistant Superintendent Jhared Koulen, who heads the Cybercrime Unit.

Police said the investment will strengthen investigative capacity and improve operational readiness as cyber-related offences become more prevalent.

The move comes against the backdrop of increased government spending on security, with 100.3 billion Guyana dollars allocated to the sector in the 2026 budget, including 36.2 billion dollars for the police force.

Officials said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to enhance specialised policing and build a more resilient and technology-driven security framework

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The Ministry of Home Affairs has launched an investigation into the falsification of medical certificates submitted by applicants seeking tint waivers.

In a statement issued on April 2, 2026, the Ministry reminded the public that a verification system is in place to monitor the issuance of tint waivers under the Tint Regulations, which came into effect on January 1, 2026.

The Ministry said it will verify the authenticity of all information submitted as part of the application process.

“Any fraudulent documents, whether submitted by applicants or improperly issued by medical practitioners and others, will be treated with the utmost seriousness,” the statement noted.

Motorists with medical conditions are advised to consult registered medical practitioners to determine whether a tint below the legal limit is necessary and to ensure that all supporting documents are accurate and compliant with the regulations.

The approved tint levels are:

• Front driver and passenger windows: 25% Visible Light Transmission (VLT);
• Rear passenger windows and back glass: 20% VLT;
• No tint is permitted on the front windscreen, except for a visor measuring six inches from the top.

Applications for tint waivers can be submitted via the Ministry’s online portal.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to fair and consistent enforcement of the regulations.

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With Guyana’s 24-member athletics team set to compete at the 53rd edition of the CARIFTA Games in Grenada, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle has underscored the critical role of sustained government investment in shaping the country’s growing success in track and field.

The championships, which run from April 4–6 at the Kirani James Stadium in St George’s, mark the fourth time Grenada hosts the prestigious regional event.

Speaking during a courtesy call by the national contingent at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Ninvalle pointed to the Government of Guyana’s deliberate and strategic support for athletics, particularly under the leadership of Minister Charles Ramson Jr.

“The Government has made a conscious decision to invest heavily in sport, and track and field has been one of the major beneficiaries of that vision,” Ninvalle told the athletes. “We are seeing the results of that investment through improved performances, better preparation, and greater opportunities for our athletes to develop both locally and internationally.”

Ninvalle further highlighted the strong working relationship between the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Athletics Association of Guyana, noting that collaboration has been key to the sport’s upward trajectory.

“The NSC continues to work closely with the AAG to ensure that our athletes are provided with the necessary resources, training environments, and exposure. That partnership is crucial if we are to sustain success and build a strong pipeline of talent,” he said.

In a move aimed at strengthening oversight and support, Ninvalle will accompany the team to Grenada alongside NSC Vice Chair Cristy Campbell.

The decision follows the challenges faced during the 2023 Games in the Bahamas, with officials keen to ensure a more structured and seamless experience for the athletes this time around.

Campbell urged the athletes to exercise discipline throughout the championship, both on and off the track.

She also reminded them of their role as ambassadors of the nation, a status that comes with certain responsibilities.

Guyana’s campaign will be spearheaded by a blend of experienced returnees and promising young talent.

Among the standout names is Tianna Springer, who will compete in the Girls Under-20 category. Now representing the University of Georgia, Springer is expected to defend her title and remains one of Guyana’s strongest medal prospects.

However, it was revealed that Guyana will be without rising sprint sensation Athaleyha Hinckson, who recently secured an Adidas NIL deal as a freshman at Louisiana State University.

Hinckson was down to contest the Girls U20 100m and 200m events.
On the boys’ side, Malachi Austin returns to the U20 division following an impressive 2025 season. Now based at LSU, Austin is set to compete in the 400m, as well as the 4x400m and mixed 4x400m relays.

In the Girls U17 category, Angela Jeffery will line up in the 100m and 200m, while Olivia Solomon takes on the challenging 400m and 800m double.

The Boys U17 squad also carries significant depth, with Omari Welch (100m, long jump), Malique Kendall (100m, 200m), Jerrel Campbell (400m, long jump), Jermaine Shepherd (800m, 1500m), and Bryson Anderson (800m) all expected to make their mark.

Guyana will also feature strongly in the field events, with Keimal Gishard competing in the triple jump and high jump, and Nathaniel Samaroo entered in both the shot put and discus.

At the Under-20 level, Onesi Dunn and Gordon Thompson will contest the 100m, while Tishaun Easton and Dequan Farrell are set for the 200m, with Farrell also doubling in the 400m.

Middle-distance events will see Javon Roberts in the 800m and 1500m, while Ebo McNeil tackles the 1500m and 5000m. Kaidon Persaud will represent in the javelin.

Relay events are once again expected to provide Guyana with strong medal opportunities.

The U20 boys’ 4x400m team, led by Austin and Farrell, is tipped to be highly competitive, while the mixed 4x400m relay featuring Austin, Persaud, Springer and Akela Dover could challenge for a podium finish. ( NSC Press Release) 

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A 33-year-old man from West Coast Berbice is nursing serious injuries after he was shot by police at the Blairmont Police Station.

Steve Vyfhuis of Lot 309, Number 9 Village, West Coast Berbice, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, was previously involved in incidents in March that resulted in damage to a vehicle and a church building.

According to Vyfhuis, police ranks visited his home on March 13 and instructed him to report to the station. An agreement was later reached for compensation for the damages.

Vyfhuis reported that on March 14, while in police custody, he informed officers that a restroom at the station was overflowing. He stated that after being given his clothing, he refused to return to the holding cell. During a subsequent confrontation with officers, he was shot in the left foot.

“Why I didn’t go back into the cell is because It was flooded. There is no way I could have stayed in such a cell. The sanitary condition was really good and the wastewater was coming out, plus my lunch was on the floor. Their main intention was for me to stay in there,” he revealed.

He was taken to the Bath Regional Hospital, where he received treatment for injuries to his foot. Medical assessments indicate that further surgery may be required.

Vyfhuis and his mother, Bernadette Vyfhuis, are calling for an investigation into the incident. His mother also stated that she had requested that her son be taken to the New Amsterdam Psychiatric Hospital for evaluation.

“I don’t like the way the Police handle the situation. In the first place, they don’t listen to you. They mean that he did what he shouldn’t have done and they meant to really put him in the cell. The people made reports to the station and the police said they are going to charge Steve and I said ‘don’t charge him’. I agreed let we pay them which we did. We went to the J.P. and we all got a letter each,” she explained.

“I need justice. We are suffering physically and psychologically. The pain is a lot. Too many parents, mothers have been crying for their children. Why is this so? Why the law permit these things? When you see these police behaving in this kind of conduct, get rid of them, I don’t mean kill them, don’t hire people like them,” she disclosed.

Police Commander for Region Five, Lonsdale Withrite, confirmed that an investigation into the matter is ongoing.

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The Shipping Association of Guyana (SAG) has issued an update to the business community and general public regarding ongoing regional disruptions that are affecting the movement of containerised cargo into Guyana.

According to SAG, the challenges stem primarily from the recent impact of Hurricane Melissa, which forced the closure of the Port of Kingston in Jamaica for approximately five days. This shutdown significantly disrupted regional transhipment operations, as Kingston serves as a key hub for cargo moving across the Caribbean.

The temporary closure has since compounded existing congestion issues at major regional ports, leading to delays in the movement of goods destined for Guyana.

Further complicating the situation, the Port of Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago also experienced operational congestion over a four-day period. This bottleneck limited the loading of transhipment containers bound for Guyana, adding to the growing backlog.

As a result of these combined disruptions, shipping delays and longer vessel turnaround times are now being experienced across routes servicing Guyana. Businesses relying on timely imports and exports may see temporary impacts as the regional logistics network works to recover.

In response, SAG said it is actively engaging with the Port Authority of Port of Spain and regional shipping lines to prioritise berthing and loading for vessels heading to Guyana. These efforts are aimed at clearing the backlog and restoring the normal flow of cargo as quickly as possible.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to supporting its members, as well as importers and exporters, through ongoing communication and coordination with regional partners.

SAG emphasized that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and work collaboratively to minimise the impact on Guyana’s supply chain.

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Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) became the first team in IPL 2026 to successfully defend a total, and to do so, they posted 226 for 8, the highest total of the season so far. Even that did not look safe at one point, but in the end, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fell short by 65 runs.

Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma set the platform for SRH by adding 82 in 5.4 overs.

Head made 46 off 21 balls, and Abhishek 48 off 21. KKR did make a comeback in the middle overs, but Heinrich Klaasen’s 52 off 35 deliveries ensured they picked up 51 in the last four overs.

Finn Allen, batting on the same strip where he had scored a blazing hundred against South Africa in the T20 World Cup semi-final, started the chase by smashing 24 runs off David Payne.

But Harsh Dubey had him caught and bowled from the other end. Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s 27-ball fifty steered KKR to 110 for 3 in ten overs, but his run-out soon after proved to be the turning point. Rinku Singh’s brief resistance was futile, and KKR were eventually all out for 161 in 16 overs.

Head, Abhishek give SRH flying start

Ajinkya Rahane, playing his 200th IPL match, opted to bowl after winning the toss. Vaibhav Arora started with three dots, beating Head’s outside edge on all three occasions.

But that was the proverbial calm before the storm. Head pulled the last ball of the over for four before picking two more fours off Blessing Muzarabani in the next over.

Muzarabani was trying the short-ball ploy that had worked for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Jacob Duffy against the same opposition in the tournament opener, but it backfired here. Abhishek rubbed it in by pulling yet another short ball from Muzarabani for a six.

After Head smashed two sixes and two fours in Vaibhav’s next over, Rahane turned to spin. Sunil Narine conceded only three runs from the fourth over, and even induced a miscue from Head, but it landed safely.

However, Abhishek took Varun Chakravarthy apart from the other end, hitting two sixes and three fours in a 25-run over.

Kartik Tyagi ended the stand by dismissing Head, but not before the batter had smashed him for a four and a six. SRH finished the powerplay on 84 for 1. (ESPNcricinfo) 

 

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The inaugural VMFA Exchange Cup has been hailed as a “historic milestone” for Guyanese football after a high-octane three days of action concluded in Georgetown.

In what was a first-of-its-kind spectacle for the nation, the tournament featured 48 matches across three age categories, offering a glimpse into the burgeoning talent pool in the Caribbean.

Host club Vurlon Mills Football Academy (VMFA) enjoyed a stellar weekend on the pitch, reaching all three finals and walking away with two championship trophies.

The tournament wasn’t just about the silverware; it was about the path to the professional game. In a significant boost for the region, five standout performers have been scouted to represent a Caribbean select XI in an international competition scheduled for 2027.

Organisers say the event, supported by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, was designed to raise the standard of the local game by pitting domestic youngsters against international opposition.

The success of the event was bolstered by a heavy corporate presence and a sophisticated media rollout, with NexGen Sports providing live coverage for fans tuning in from across the globe.

In a statement, the VMFA expressed gratitude to Guyana Football Federation President Wayne Forde and Minister Steven Jacobs for their support, as well as to partners including MVP Sports and Banks DIH.

“The tireless efforts of the team ensured a seamless execution. We are already looking ahead to an even bigger and better Exchange Cup next year”, a statement explained.

 

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