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President Irfaan Ali once again emphasised his government’s commitment to rebuilding the sugar industry, positing that gains have been made over the past few years.

The President spoke at an event organised at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, on Thursday to commemorate the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union’s (GAWU) 50 years of recognition in the sugar industry.

GAWU has long championed workers’ rights in Guyana. Workers in the sugar sector, in particular, have benefited significantly from the representation provided by GAWU.

Like many local and regional stakeholders, the President emphasised that GAWU’s development is inextricably linked to Guyana’s development. He also reminded the gathering that his party, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), has had close ties with GAWU for years.

However, the President acknowledged that the union has faced challenges. He lamented the years of “struggles” both the workers and the union had to endure due to mismanagement and economic difficulties in the country. Those struggles, he said, were evident from 2015 to 2020 when the APNU+AFC administration was in office, and thousands of workers were sent home as some estates closed.

Now, President Ali said, the government continues to support the union, its workers, and the revitalisation of the sugar industry.

“The reality is that rebuilding an industry so extensively dismantled is a massive undertaking,” the President emphasised.

He added, “I extend an open and sincere invitation to GAWU and all sugar workers to combine efforts to restore the sugar industry to a state of viability. The sugar industry remains too essential to the rural economy to be allowed to collapse.”

Over the last several years, since President Ali took office in 2020, the government reopened the Rose Hall Estate and upgraded field and factory infrastructure at Albion, Blairmont, Rose Hall, and Uitvlugt—moves which officials said helped re-energise rural communities that had been severely impacted by the industry’s decline. The government has allocated $13.4 billion for the sugar industry in 2026, with a major push towards mechanisation, factory upgrades, and expanded value-added production. Allocations for the sugar sector form part of the $113.2 million agriculture sector budget.

For President Ali, these investments are necessary as the sugar industry supports thousands of workers and their families, and remains a key pillar of Guyana’s agricultural sector. As such, he lambasted those who are critical of the government’s investments in the sugar sector.

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The Surinamese Foreign Minister has engaged local authorities after Guyanese President Dr. Irfaan Ali made known his objections to the Dutch-speaking nation’s move to institute charges for the use of the Corentyne River, particularly for timber and quarry operators.

In a statement published on Facebook on Thursday morning, President Ali described the development as troubling, noting that it could have significant implications for economic activity and longstanding arrangements between Guyana and Suriname. He expressed hope that Suriname would urgently address the matter, warning that such measures could create unnecessary barriers to trade and undermine confidence among businesses.

The Guyanese leader reiterated these sentiments during an engagement with reporters on Thursday afternoon. He also said Suriname Foreign Minister, Melvin Bouva, has engaged Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, after his (the President’s) Facebook post was made.

“… we are hoping that this can be resolved as friends,” President Ali told reporters.

The Guyanese leader also pointed out that Surinamese businesses have long benefited from operating within Guyana’s economy without discrimination or restriction. He stressed that reciprocity remains a key principle in the relationship between the two countries and called on Suriname to reconsider the reported charges.

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As Government moves into the second phase of distribution of the National $100,000 Cash Grant as promised by President Irfaan Ali, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh has announced that the online portal on which eligible Guyanese can self-register for the National Cash Grant went live today to facilitate registration of eligible Guyanese across the country. The portal can be accessed on https://cashgrant.gov.gy . 

The Minister, who made the announcement today, indicated that persons can self- register using the portal and that government continues to urge citizens to ensure that they have a bank account in their name at a local commercial bank as this is the easiest and fastest way they can receive the cash grant. He added that without leaving their homes, eligible citizens can access the new online platform, fill out the information required and once a simple verification process is completed, they should receive their cash grant.  Dr. Singh emphasized too that government has dispatched persons on the ground to provide support to hinterland communities while a call centre to aid citizens facing difficulties is available and could be accessed during working hours.  

Minister Singh explained that government aims to ensure that the cash grant distribution process   goes smoothly so that each eligible Guyanese citizen will receive the cash grant.  

Only last Friday, 48,858 central government employees comprising public servants, teachers, and members of the Disciplined Services received the Cash Grant when government launched the initiative last week. This amounts to almost $5 billion of additional disposable income being placed in the hands of these public servants. In comparison to the 2024 National Cash grant, for this National Cash Grant, government will be making the payout through the banking system which is consistent with President Ali’s previous announcement encouraging all citizens to open bank accounts as part of government’s digitization agenda.

The eligibility requirements to receive the National $100,000 Cash Grant paid into your bank account are as follows: 

• Must be a Guyanese Citizen aged 18 years and older as at February 28, 2026 
• Must have a valid National Identification Card, Digital Identity Card or Guyana Passport
• Registrant must have a bank account in their name at any local commercial bank   
• Must be physically present in Guyana to register 

Government has set up a national help desk to assist persons. This can be accessed on telephone numbers 501-5085 and 503-2977 during working hours.  

It must be noted that with active bank accounts, government would be able to transfer cash grants swiftly, securely, and efficiently as is currently being done with the disbursements made last week to central government employees. 

Prior to the roll out of this cash grant, the Ministry of Finance together with the Central Bank collaborated with financial institutions to simplify the process of opening bank accounts as well as to facilitate the opening of these accounts online. 

The following commercial banks have since been facilitating the online opening of bank accounts:    

• Demerara Bank Limited – https://demerarabank.com/individual-application/
• Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited – https://gbtibank.com/apply-for-an-account/
• Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited – https://www.republicguyana.com/republiconboard
• Scotiabank Guyana Incorporated – 

https://apply.online.scotiabank.com/product/decision-prompt?lang=en&country=GY&product=31&currency=GYD

In its 2025 Manifesto, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government pledged to further promote financial inclusion amongst citizens and make financing more easily and affordably available to Guyanese businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and households, with the objective of fostering a more inclusive financial system. The aim being to empower all Guyanese citizens to access financial systems and participate in saving and investment opportunities across the country.

Prior to this, in late 2024, the PPP/C Government initiated the first $100,000 National Cash Grant for every Guyanese citizen age 18 and older which saw the transfer of more than $60 billion of disposable income into the pockets of over 600,000 Guyanese. Citizens aged 18 years and older in Guyana will once again now benefit from this second $100,000 National Cash Grant this year. When completed, a total of over $60 billion is expected to be transferred to these citizens. This current initiative represents the third major cash grant initiative rolled out by the PPP/C government with the first National Cash grant of $25,000 per household initiated when the PPP/C resumed office in 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic (Ministry of Finance press release)

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Shipping and logistics company, Pas Cargo has invested in a new logistics facility that promises to improve cargo processing and thereby enhance the services customers enjoy.

The facility, located at Rome, East Bank Demerara, is also the country’s first commercial off-port customs operation. This means cargo clearance and delivery can be done at this single facility.

“This facility offers secure access, spacious maneuverability, ease of parking, and it is designed intentionally with customers in mind,” Vice President of PAS Cargo USA, Shridat Naraine, said at the facility’s launch held at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston.

Naraine also said the company has been readily embracing technological solutions from barcode processing to Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tracking, further improving the customer experience.

Altogether, customers should enjoy a faster turnaround and reduced costs.

Several stakeholders lauded the investment. President of the Guyana Customs House Brokers and Clerks Association, Colin Moore, said the facility was responding to a real need for easier cargo clearance.

Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, Thandi McAllister, underscored the significance of the investment.

“This facility, recognised as the first Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA)- approved off-site customs logistics hub, is a clear manifestation of the private sector confidence in the government of Guyana’s strategic vision to digitise and modernise trade processes across the country.

“… This initiative exemplifies the powerful synergies that can be achieved when public policy and private sector innovation align,” McAllister said.

Pas Cargo offers weekly air and ocean cargo services from the USA, Panama and Trinidad, and also manages global shipments through its membership in leading freight forwarding networks covering more than 190 countries.

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Guyana’s Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo says countries need to focus on real, workable solutions to climate change, warning that the world still depends heavily on fossil fuels or oil and gas.

Speaking at a CARICOM meeting in Georgetown Thursday, Jagdeo said the current global conflict has shown how quickly problems with fuel supply can affect everyday life.

“One thing that war has taught us globally [is] how reliant we are on fossil fuel,” he said. “In spite of all of the changes and the advances in renewable energy, we’re still so reliant on fossil fuel.”

Jagdeo said the world’s need for energy is growing faster than renewable energy can keep up, so fossil fuels will still be needed for some time.

“The fact is that we will need fossil fuel… the alternative energy will not displace the increase in demand,” he said.

He said the discussion should not be about choosing one or the other, but about using all available options.

“We have framed the debate… as one between fossil fuel and no fossil fuel. But the fact is that we will need fossil fuel,” he said.

Instead, he called for a mix of solutions, including renewable energy, better energy use, new technology and gradually cutting back on fossil fuels.

“If we treat net zero as a balance… there are many solutions in the equation,” he said.

Jagdeo also said it is becoming harder for the world to agree on climate action.

“It’s immensely harder to achieve net zero,” he said.

He criticised global meetings for too much talk and not enough action.

“There’ll be a temptation to give all these very lofty speeches… but your quest has to be a search for solutions,” he said.

He urged leaders to focus on practical steps and make it easier for countries to access climate funding.

Jagdeo pointed to Guyana as an example, saying the country has earned nearly US$1 billion from selling forest carbon credits.

He said 15% of that money went to 252 Amerindian villages, helping to fund more than 3,000 community projects.

The rest is being used to reduce flooding and support farming, including installing pumps, building dams and improving drainage.

“The deliberate action on the part of countries… leads you to success,” Jagdeo said.

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A 28-year-old East Bank Berbice man was on Thursday remanded to prison after being charged with rape and attempted murder involving the mother of his child.

Christopher Ali, a seaman of Pepper Street, Edinburgh, appeared before Magistrate Michelle Matthias at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court.

Ali was not required to plead to the indictable charges.

The first charge alleges that between December 1 and 31, 2024, he engaged in sexual penetration of a 15-year-old girl, Tiana Chapman. The second charge states that on February 24, 2026, at Heat Burn Village, he attempted to murder and unlawfully wounded Chapman.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Colin Clarke objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the offences, the accused’s alleged attempt to flee the jurisdiction, and concerns for the victim’s safety.

The court heard that Chapman sustained 25 stab wounds during the February 24 attack.

Magistrate Matthias, after considering the nature of the charges, the safety of the victim, and the risk of flight, refused bail and remanded Ali to prison on both matters.

He is expected to return to court on April 16.

Chapman, who was present in court, is said to be recovering after being hospitalised in the intensive care unit following the stabbing.

Reports indicate that Ali and Chapman shared a relationship and have an 11-month-old child together.

In a separate incident, Ali was reportedly found in the Upper Berbice River on March 14, where he was beaten and chopped by unknown individuals. He later received medical treatment before being taken into police custody.

Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the stabbing are ongoing.

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See below the full message from Dr. Vindhya Persaud, President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha: 

On this auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, as we celebrate the birth of Shri Ram, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, I extend my heartiest greetings to the Hindu community and all Guyanese. Today, we honor the descent of the Divine into our world—a moment that redefined the potential of humanity to live with honor, adhering to the principles of Dharma ( righteousness) with unwavering integrity.

Ram Navami marks the culmination of Chaitra Navratri, signifying the descent of Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram in the holy city of Ayodhya. He lived within the bounds of morality, showing us that divinity is not distant, but reflected in our own adherence to Dharma (righteousness). His life was a masterclass in balance: a devoted son, a protective brother, a loyal husband, and a just King.

In Guyana, the observance of Ram Navami is woven into the very fabric of our social and spiritual identity. For generations, the Ramayan has been a source of solace and strength for our ancestors and remains a guiding light for us today.

The congregational singing of Bhajans, the reading of the Ramcharitmanas, and the vibrant satsangs across our beautiful land foster a unique sense of harmony. It reminds us that despite our challenges, we are a people rooted in the quest for truth and the victory of light over darkness.

To truly honor Shri Ram, we must integrate his virtues into our daily actions to counter the social ills that face our modern society:

Shri Ram’s life emphasizes the sanctity of the family unit. By practicing the patience he showed during his exile and courage, we can strengthen the bonds within our own homes. Stable families are the bedrock of a resilient nation; they are where values of respect and empathy are first nurtured.

The “Ravanas” of today appear as violence, substance abuse, and neglect. We counter these by adopting the discipline of Shri Ram. Choosing the right path over the easy path—Dharma over Adharma—is the first step in purging these ills from our communities.

Shri Ram’s life was defined by Seva (selfless service). We must inspire our youth to look toward the example of Hanuman—whose strength was found in his devotion and service to others. By engaging our young people in community service and mentorship, we empower them to be leaders who prioritize the collective good over individual ego.

As we celebrate, let us commit to building a “Ram Rajya” within our own hearts and spaces —a space where righteousness prevails, the vulnerable are protected, and peace is the natural state of being.

May the blessings of Shri Ram fill your homes with health, happiness, and the courage to always stand for what is right.

Shubh Ram Navami to all!

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The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) has issued a passionate call to action for the public to turn out in force for this weekend’s Karting Revival, and has confirmed that entry will be completely free for spectators.

In a move designed to breathe new life into the grassroots level of the sport, officials are hoping to recreate the electric atmosphere of the glory days at 555 Speedway (formerly GT Motorsports), on Thomas Lands and Albert Street, from 14:00h.

Waiving entrance fees is a strategic move to attract younger people and families who may not have experienced the raw intensity of wheel-to-wheel karting.

“The talent pool in Guyana is exceptional, but talent needs an audience. By making this event free, we’re inviting the entire community to see the future stars of the circuit before they graduate to the big machines”, GMR&SC President Mohamad Shairaz Roshandin outlined.

Karting has long been the ‘cradle of champions’,  serving as the essential starting point for almost every professional driver on the grid today.

To move beyond traditional local formats, the GMR&SC is introducing a structured race-day hierarchy modelled after North American and European circuits.

According to GMR&SC Technical Advisor Stefan Jeffrey, the event will move beyond isolated heats to a progressive format:

•             Qualifying: Drivers set times to determine the starting grid for the pre-final

•             Pre-Final: A preliminary race where finishing positions dictate the grid for the main event

•             Final: The climactic race where the grand prize is contested

The event is expected to feature approximately 60 competitors across various classes.

The entry list reflects a broad demographic shift in the sport, ranging from:

•             Cadets: New faces and the youngest entry-level drivers

•             Juniors & Seniors: Established young talents progressing through the ranks

•             Veterans: Experienced drivers returning to the karting roots of the sport

In addition to four-wheel action, the club is exploring Supermoto bike racing as a potential permanent fixture in future programmes to broaden the event’s appeal.

The event has secured significant backing from the Guyanese private sector, led by Ming’s Products and Services, with additional sponsorship from GuyOil, Castrol, and ENet.

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PRESS RELEASE || Cricket West Indies (CWI) today confirmed the availability and management plans for three of its frontline fast bowling assets- Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph, and Alzarri Joseph- as the organisation continues to prioritise the long-term health and performance of its players ahead of an exceptionally demanding international calendar.

Seales and Shamar Joseph– Managed Return to Regional Cricket

Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph will both participate in the West Indies Championship in a carefully managed capacity. Seales will be available for selection from April 9, with his participation confirmed for Rounds One and Two of the Championship.

Should his territorial side, the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, advance to the second phase of the tournament, his continued involvement will be assessed at that stage.

Shamar Joseph will be available for competitive selection from April 13, with the Guyana Harpy Eagles able to involve him in managed practice sessions prior to that date.

Structured loading plans for both players will be provided by the Bowling Coach to guide their preparation and integration into their respective squads.

Alzarri Joseph– PSL Commitment and Continued Recovery

Alzarri Joseph will miss the West Indies Championship season, having been granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to fulfil his commitment in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

His participation in the PSL also forms part of a broader programme to support his return from an extended injury absence.

His workload and progress will be closely monitored throughout the tournament and into the preparatory camps ahead of the home series window, as CWI takes a measured and intentional approach to his reintegration into the international programme.

CWI recognises the value of its players competing at the highest level of franchise cricket and remains supportive of such opportunities where they complement the broader performance programme.

The Bigger Picture– A Packed International Calendar

The intentional management of these players reflects the scale and intensity of what lies ahead. Prior to the commencement of the home international window, preparatory camps will be held to ensure the squad arrives primed for competition.

The home series schedule features an all-format series against Sri Lanka, a five-match ODI series against New Zealand, and a two-Test series against Pakistan- a formidable run of fixtures that will place significant physical demands on the fast bowling group.

Following the conclusion of the home series, the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will provide further high-intensity competition before the squad turns its attention to away tours to India and Bangladesh.

Across this entire window, all-format fast bowlers represent some of the most valuable and heavily utilised assets in the squad, and their management will remain a priority throughout.

Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, said: “Our fast bowlers are among our most valuable assets, and this season demands the best of them across every format and every competition. The plans we have put in place are deliberate- we are being proactive and precise so that Jayden, Shamar, and Alzarri are fit, available, and at their sharpest when it counts most.”

CWI remains fully committed to fielding its strongest possible squads at every stage of the season and is confident that this structured and proactive approach to player management will keep the West Indies fast bowling group in peak condition throughout a historic period for the game in the Caribbean.

(SOURCE: Cricket West Indies)

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Guyana and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening security cooperation, following a meeting between President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and US Special Envoy and former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and her delegation.

The discussions were held at State House on Main Street in Georgetown on Tuesday.

According to the US Embassy’s official social media page, the discussions focused on joint efforts to combat transnational crime, disrupt cartel activity, strengthen border security, address illegal migration and promote economic opportunities.

As part of the engagement, President Ali presented Special Envoy Noem with a painting by Guyanese artist Dillon Craig, featuring the Canje Pheasant alongside the Harpy Eagle, a symbolic gesture highlighting Guyana’s national identity.

Senior government officials, cabinet members, and representatives of the joint services were also present.

The engagement forms part of ongoing collaboration under the Shield of Americas Initiative, which was advanced by President Donald Trump at a recent summit in Doral, Miami, Florida, earlier this month.

Guyana is among 12 countries that have agreed to work with the US government to address narco trafficking and other illicit activities.

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