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Guyana’s existing contract framework, seen as outdated, poorly enforced and structurally weak, is no longer fit for purpose, Attorney General Anil Nandlall has said.

Speaking at the close of an International Federation of Consulting Engineers FIDIC-focused workshop at the Grand Coastal Hotel on Thursday, Nandlall said key elements of the State’s contracting regime, particularly non-FIDIC agreements, are decades old and increasingly ineffective in a modern, high-stakes development environment.

“We are using models that are going on to three decades,” he said.

He highlighted a pattern of structural deficiencies that he suggested are actively weakening the State’s ability to protect its interests.

Among the most serious failures is the collapse in effectiveness of financial safeguards, notably performance bonds and guarantees which are supposed to secure compliance and protect public funds.

“These instruments… have lost their commercial and financial efficacy,” Nandlall said.

Instead of functioning as powerful enforcement tools, they have become difficult to activate and unreliable in practice, leaving the State exposed. Compounding the issue, he acknowledged that government agencies themselves have contributed to the problem by allowing such instruments to lapse during the life of contracts.

“That must change,” he stressed.

The Attorney General also highlighted weaknesses in contract monitoring and supervision, particularly the role of engineers and consultants tasked with ensuring compliance.

While these actors are bound by contractual duties and professional standards, Nandlall argued that the system has not been extracting sufficient accountability.

“We have to exact a greater degree of responsibility, transparency and accountability,” he said.

Equally troubling is the limited effectiveness of contractual remedies.

Nandlall pointed to caps on liquidated damages and other constraints that may blunt the State’s ability to penalize breaches meaningfully. In their current form, he suggested, these provisions lack the strength to deter non-performance or delays.

One of the most pointed criticisms was directed at strict notice requirements embedded in contracts.

These provisions, he explained, can result in the State losing its right to pursue legitimate claims simply because of administrative delays or failures.

“I must lose my right to recover a lawful remedy… because an officer failed to serve a notice in time?” he asked.

Describing such outcomes as unjust and counterproductive, he called for a rebalancing of these clauses to prevent technicalities from overriding substantive rights.

In response to these failures, the government has launched a parallel review of both FIDIC and non-FIDIC contracts.

While FIDIC contracts dominate large, externally financed projects, Nandlall emphasized that the bulk of government work relies on locally funded, non-FIDIC agreements.

The aim is to develop updated model contracts, strengthen enforcement mechanisms, and create a more robust legal and administrative framework capable of supporting Guyana’s rapid transformation.

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Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Wednesday, engaged farmers and residents at the island of Wakenaam, and assured them that efforts are underway to boost production by identifying and supporting farmers.

He told the farmers present that those who are recording below-average yields will be assisted by the ministry. He also disclosed a series of developmental works slated for implementation in 2026, as part of the Government’s continued efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods on the island.

“When I go to these forums and I talk about the national yield average, many farmers say that they are not getting that,” he said.

In response, the minister has tasked the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) to pinpoint low-yielding farmers so targeted interventions can be implemented.

“I have asked GRDB to identify the low-yielding farmers so we can work with them. We can help them access better seed varieties and increase their yield when they harvest paddy,” he explained.

Beyond improving rice output, the government is also looking to diversify agriculture by introducing new and high-value crops. According to the minister, this push is part of a broader strategy to modernize the sector and increase farmers’ income.

“We want to do new things. We want to do new crops. We want to introduce high-value crops,” he said.

The minister also outlined significant financial commitments aimed at strengthening agricultural infrastructure. Over the next five years, the region is expected to benefit from a massive $5 billion investment.

For 2026 alone, $560 million has already been approved by Cabinet for drainage and irrigation works, along with upgrades to farm-to-market roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure.

He stressed that these investments are essential to improving productivity and ensuring long-term sustainability in the sector

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The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) cemented their position near the top of the TATA IPL 2026 points table with a commanding five-wicket victory over the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 34 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Chasing a daunting 206, the defending champions rode on a spectacular 115-run partnership between Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal to overhaul the target with seven deliveries to spare.

The match served as a classic reminder of how a single fielding lapse can dictate the outcome of a T20 contest, as Kohli, dropped on the very first ball he faced, anchored the chase with a flawless, match-winning 81.

After RCB captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and opted to bowl first, the Gujarat Titans constructed a formidable total centred entirely around Sai Sudharsan. Shaking off a string of relatively quiet performances, the 24-year-old left-hander returned to his scintillating best, pacing his innings to perfection.

Sudharsan and captain Shubman Gill established a solid foundation, accumulating a massive 128-run opening stand that neutralised the early threat of Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. While Gill played the steady anchor, eventually falling for 32 off 24 deliveries to Suyash Sharma (1-36), Sudharsan aggressively took on the spinners in the middle overs.

He blazed his way to a brilliant 100 off just 58 balls, an innings adorned with 11 boundaries and five massive sixes. During this spectacular knock, Sudharsan also breached the 2000-run mark in the IPL, becoming the fastest player to reach the milestone (47 innings) by breaking Chris Gayle’s record.

Following Sudharsan’s departure, the Titans maintained their momentum in the death overs. Jos Buttler chipped in with a brisk 25 off 16, but it was Jason Holder who provided the ultimate finishing fireworks.

The West Indian all-rounder smashed an unbeaten 23 off merely 10 deliveries (operating at a strike rate of 230.00), lifting GT to an imposing 205-3. On a traditional batting paradise, veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the standout bowler for RCB, utilising his variations perfectly to return highly economical figures of 1-31 in his four overs.

Defending 205 at the Chinnaswamy demands early breakthroughs, and the Titans nearly secured the biggest one possible. On his very first ball of the chase, Virat Kohli offered a regulation chance, but Washington Sundar put down the catch.

This early reprieve proved to be the definitive turning point of the match. Given a massive lifeline on zero, Kohli immediately shifted gears, punishing the GT bowling attack and ensuring the required run rate never spiralled out of control.

Capitalising heavily on the Powerplay, Kohli (81 off 44 balls) set the tempo with eight boundaries and four sixes, striking at an impressive 184.09. However, the true momentum shift arrived off the bat of Devdutt Padikkal. Batting at number three, Padikkal unleashed absolute carnage, bringing up his half-century in just 20 deliveries.

Padikkal’s 55 off 27 balls was heavily dominated by the aerial route, featuring six towering maximums and just two fours. Together, Kohli and Padikkal forged a blistering 115-run stand in just 59 deliveries, completely shifting the pressure onto the Gujarat spinners.

Rashid Khan struggled to find his usual control against the assault, eventually conceding 49 runs in his four overs, although he did manage to remove Padikkal to break the dangerous partnership.

A brief middle-over stutter opened the door slightly for the Titans. Alongside Kohli and Padikkal’s departures, Rashid Khan removed Jitesh Sharma (10 off six), and young spinner Manav Suthar (1-19) bowled a tight spell to induce some panic in the RCB dugout.

However, Bengaluru’s batting depth shone through. Krunal Pandya stepped up in the crunch moments, delivering a composed, aggressive finish to ensure there were no late hiccups.

Pandya hammered an unbeaten 23 off just 12 balls (3x4s, 1×6), operating at a strike rate of 191.67. He sealed the chase comfortably alongside Tim David (10* off nine), taking RCB to 206-5 in 18.5 overs. (IPL)

 

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While visa-free travel remains a longer-term goal, visa applications from Guyanese seeking to travel to France and the wider European Union have doubled since the opening of the French Embassy in Georgetown, according to Ambassador Olivier Plançon.

In an exclusive interview with News Room, the French Diplomat said the increase reflects both growing demand and the impact of allowing applications to be processed locally, removing a major barrier that previously required travel to Suriname.

“We have almost doubled the number of visas issued each year,” Plançon said, noting that annual approvals have moved from about 150 to roughly 350.

The increase follows a significant policy shift that now allows Guyanese to submit Schengen visa applications within Guyana.

Previously, applicants were required to travel to Paramaribo, Suriname, to complete the process, a costly and time-consuming step that discouraged many from applying.

With the new system, applications can be submitted in Georgetown, even though final processing is still handled through the French Embassy in Suriname.

Plançon linked the surge in applications to Guyana’s rapidly expanding economy and increased international engagement.

“As the Guyanese economy is developing, there is no doubt that there will be a growing demand for visas,” he said.

Guyana’s oil-driven growth and rising business activity have led to increased travel for work, education, and tourism, particularly to Europe.

Despite the increase, the ambassador acknowledged that demand still outpaces supply.

Visa processing remains a sensitive issue in Europe, where immigration policies are closely managed and politically debated.

“This is not an easy issue for us to handle,” Plançon said, while noting that France is working to respond to the growing demand.

Currently, visa applications in Guyana are accepted periodically, with applicants required to complete an online process and attend in-person appointments in Georgetown before documents are forwarded for processing.

“This shows the level of interest and connection between our people,” he said.

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The Inter-American Development Bank’s private sector arm, IDB Invest, has deepened its engagement in Guyana following a two-day visit by its Chief Executive Officer, James Scriven, as government pushes to expand private investment across key sectors.

The visit culminated in high-level discussions with Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, and a roundtable with local private sector representatives aimed at identifying new investment opportunities.

Dr. Singh said Guyana’s relationship with IDB Invest has shifted significantly in recent years, moving from minimal engagement to substantial financing for private sector development.

“For many years, IDB Invest did little or no business in Guyana, with only four transactions totaling US$6 million in the first three decades,” Singh said.

He noted, however, that since 2020, the institution has approved approximately US$264 million in financing across a wide range of sectors, reflecting growing investor confidence in Guyana’s economy.

The financing spans agriculture, infrastructure, telecommunications, finance and manufacturing, supporting projects aimed at boosting productivity and economic diversification.

During the visit, Scriven and his team toured several projects funded by IDB Invest.

At Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), the institution provided US$22 million in 2020 to expand milk and juice production, followed by an additional US$7 million in 2023 to support agro-processing diversification.

The team also visited Muneshwers Limited, where US$4 million was invested in 2022 for a mobile harbour crane to enhance port capacity, along with a further US$10 million in 2023 for expanded port and warehouse facilities.

Other key investments include US$45 million for Unicomer Guyana’s commercial complex to support small businesses, US$30 million for One Communications to improve connectivity infrastructure, and US$5 million to the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) to expand financing for micro and small enterprises.

 

Additionally, US$55 million has been deployed under a trade finance programme to support liquidity in local commercial banks.

The visit coincided with the opening of the 172-room Four Points Sheraton Hotel in Georgetown, a project supported by US$18 million in IDB Invest financing.

President Irfaan Ali, delivering the feature address, said the investment signals growing confidence in Guyana’s economic trajectory.

“Guyana’s future is bright not by accident but by action, not by choice but by results,” the President said, adding that investors are placing confidence in one of the fastest-growing economies globally.

He described the hotel as “more than an impressive structure,” noting that it reflects Guyana’s transformation and readiness for growth in tourism, infrastructure and services.

Scriven said the hotel represents a milestone in sustainable investment, highlighting its environmentally conscious design.

The facility is expected to be the first EDGE Advanced certified hotel in Guyana and potentially the wider Caribbean, featuring energy-efficient systems and a large solar footprint aligned with the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy.

The CEO also met with President Ali during the visit, as discussions continue on expanding IDB Invest’s role in supporting private sector growth.

Dr. Singh said the government remains committed to working with international partners to unlock investment opportunities and ensure that economic expansion benefits Guyanese businesses and citizens.

The visit signals continued momentum in Guyana’s development agenda, with private sector financing playing an increasingly central role in driving growth.

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Massy on Wednesday announced the launch of the Massy Foundation in Guyana, expanding the Foundation’s regional reach and formalizing the Group’s support for high-impact initiatives in food security, access to education, and health and wellbeing.

Dr. Vindhya Persaud, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, who delivered the feature address, lauded Massy for launching the Foundation and pledged to work in the advancement of its social initiatives.

Minister Persaud said: “I would like to thank Massy for making a thoughtful and purposeful investment to the people of Guyana, especially the vulnerable population. Your Foundation will definitely have the success it’s intended to have as you delve into the areas identified for your work in poverty eradication, the alleviation of hunger, access to education, health, and well-being. All of these together speak to the very foundation of every individual.”

Dr. Richard Blair, who represented the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, also assured persons that his ministry would play an important role as the programmes are rolled out across Guyana.

Dr. Blair said: “Massy Foundation’s motto is to help communities thrive and that is exactly what the Ministry of Agriculture and the government want, as well as parents, farmers and children. This foundation is not here to save you, it is here to walk with you, receive it, build on it and make it bigger and better.”

Massy Guyana’s Country Manager, Mr. Troy Beharry said: “The launch marks an important milestone as Massy deepens its commitment to creating meaningful, lasting impact in the communities we serve. We are not here to replace existing efforts; we are here to strengthen them, working in partnership to help communities thrive, not just survive.”

The initiative builds on more than four decades of community work by the Massy Foundation in Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados and reflects Massy’s belief that business must be a force for good, creating value while transforming lives.

In Guyana, the Foundation will partner with government, NGOs and community leaders to support practical, measurable solutions to local needs. Projects will be reviewed through a local advisory process and recommended to the Massy Foundation Board for approval, with a strong focus on transparency, accountability and sustainable impact.

Funding for approved projects in Guyana will come from 1% of the Group’s Profit Before Tax generated locally, with funds raised in Guyana used to support projects in Guyana. The Foundation also intends to launch a dedicated online portal within six months to make the application and review process more accessible and efficient.

During the ceremony four oranisations – Guyana Girl Guides Association, Lotus Cancer Initiatives, Rotary Club of Garden City (Georgetown) and Women Across Differences were presented with cheques in support of projects that they are currently undertaking.

The launch was attended by Massy executives and staff, members of the media, and other specially invited guests. Massy noted that the Foundation adds to, and does not replace, community support already provided through its operating companies (Massy Foundation press release)

 

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The Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, located along Heroes Highway, Georgetown, was officially opened on Thursday by President Dr. Irfaan Ali.

The multimillion-dollar property features 172 rooms, a pool, sports facilities, an event hall, and a restaurant and bar, with an interior design that incorporates Indigenous culture.

President Ali hailed the investment as a demonstration of confidence in the Guyanese economy, noting that it supports the government’s drive to expand the tourism sector. He highlighted that some 11 international conferences and approximately six major sporting events are scheduled to be held in Guyana this year, making the availability of additional hotel rooms crucial.

And the President emphasised, “We are going after larger and larger opportunities for the country.”

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues echoed similar sentiments, describing the new hotel as further affirmation of growing international interest in Guyana’s tourism product.

Meanwhile, hotel owner Mauricio Van Dam credited support from the Government of Guyana and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) as instrumental to the project’s success, expressing his confidence in the country’s long-term prospects.

“As we meet people, institutions, and see what’s unfolding, we become convinced of the enormous long-term potential of this country,” he said.

Although the hotel officially opened on Thursday, it had already welcomed early visitors, many of whom noted the attention to detail and the thoughtful integration of Guyana’s Indigenous culture and natural heritage.

The hotel is also a model for low-carbon development. It is the first EDGE Advanced-certified hotel in Guyana and among the first EDGE Zero Carbon-certified hotels in Latin America and the Caribbean. EDGE, which stands for Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies, is an international green building rating system developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, promoting low-environmental-impact construction with a focus on energy, water, and materials efficiency.

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Guyana’s athletics contingent made a massive statement at the IV South American Youth Games in Panama, as Ezekiel Millington and Gordon Thompson secured a dominant one-two finish in the Boys 100m final.

Millington stormed to the gold medal in a blistering personal best of 10.50s, while his teammate Thompson followed closely to claim silver in 10.64s.

The Chilean sprinter Stefoni Franco rounded out the podium, taking the bronze with a time of 10.74s.

These performances brought the nation’s total medal tally to four. Earlier in the competition, the team celebrated bronze medal wins from boxer Ken Harvey and Ebo McNeil, who placed third in the 1500m.

On the track in the Women’s 400m final, Akeelah Dover delivered a gutsy performance, finishing fourth with a personal best time of 55.38.

Despite the strong showing, Dover missed a podium spot in a highly competitive race. Waleska Guzman of Venezuela claimed the gold medal, setting a new South American Youth Games record of 54.34.

Ecuador’s Daniela Quisnancela, who took silver in 54.41, and Dilany Criado of Venezuela, who secured bronze in 54.84, followed her.

In the Men’s 400m final, Ade Sealy finished in fifth place for Guyana, crossing the line in 49.12. Brazil’s Kevin Aguero, who clocked a personal best of 47.53 to take the gold, won the event. Richard Carrillo of Venezuela earned silver with a time of 47.86, while Sergio Escudero of Colombia took home the bronze in 48.17.

Field events saw Keimal Gishard and Courtney Haynes representing Guyana in the Men’s High Jump final. Gishard placed seventh with a clearance of 1.85m, while Haynes finished eighth after clearing 1.80m, equaling his personal best.

The high jump gold was shared by Brazilian duo Naftaly De Jesus and Lucas Martins Silva, who both cleared 2.08m to set a new South American Youth Games record.

FULL RESULTS: https://results.panama2026.org/#/discipline/ATH/schedule/daily/2026-04-23

 

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President Dr. Irfaan Ali said Thursday that Guyana has engaged its international partners after a US-seized oil tanker was found fraudulently flying a Guyanese flag.

“We have raised this with the international body, we have raised it with all other partners…. Here again is a fraudulent actor operating (under) our flag illegally,” President Ali told reporters on the sidelines of the opening of the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel on Thursday evening.

Earlier Thursday, Guyana’s Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) said the Majestic X oil tanker that was seized by US forces in the Indian Ocean is not registered locally.

“This ship is NOT registered in Guyana; thus, the registration is false and fraudulent. While the name of the vessel has changed, the IMO number remains recorded in the international database as PHONIX. There is no record of this vessel or name in Guyana’s registry. Therefore, the ship is FRAUDULENTLY flying the Guyana flag,” MARAD said.

This is not the first time vessels have falsely flown the Golden Arrowhead, which is Guyana’s national flag.

MARAD addressed this in Thursday’s release, noting, “The incidences of false Guyana registrations were recognised since 2021. The perpetrators of this fraud have targeted several countries, including Guyana, Panama, and regional states. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) publishes a list of all ships falsely flying flags of member states.

“The Maritime Administration Department and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continue to share information on these false registrations, which come into our possession, with all United Nations (UN) maritime states, and relevant regional and international maritime associations.”

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Playing the first IPL El Clasico of their career, Chennai Super Kings’ Sanju Samson (101 not out) and Akeal Hosein (4-1-17-4) handed Mumbai Indians their biggest loss by runs in T20 history.

CSK’s batting revolved around their new talisman; their second-highest score was 22. MI crumbled to spin, eight of their XI dismissed for single-digits.

CSK and MI came into the game as the seventh and eighth-placed teams in the season. And yet the amped-up nature of a game between the IPL’s two most decorated teams ever was on show from the very first ball, where Sherfane Rutherford couldn’t find the wicketkeeper with a regulation throw and the short fine leg fielder backing up didn’t do his job properly either.

Jasprit Bumrah, the bowler, asked his fielders to calm down and then, in a sign that he was pushing himself harder too, overstepped. In the chase, Tilak Varma and Jamie Overton got into a brief but heated argument.  (ESPNcricinfo) 

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