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President Dr Irfaan Ali says Guyana’s relationship with the United States remains strong, with the two countries continuing discussions on security cooperation, capacity-building and systems to better protect Guyana’s maritime and economic interests.

Speaking with reporters on Monday, the President said Guyana is actively exploring how it can work with the U.S. and other international partners to build out systems capable of monitoring and protecting the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

He noted that such systems are costly, but said the government is pursuing partnerships that can help Guyana strengthen its response capability.

“We are now working on building out a system. We’re discussing with the U.S. and other partners on how we can build out basic systems,” Ali said, while noting that the required infrastructure is “very expensive.”

According to the President, Guyana’s cooperation with the United States already extends well beyond any single issue and includes a broad military and security relationship.

“Our military and security partnership has a long list with the U.S.,” Ali said.

He explained that the relationship includes training, exchange of technology, intelligence sharing and the integration of assets, all aimed at improving Guyana’s capacity to respond to threats and challenges.

The Head of State said those engagements are part of ongoing efforts to enhance Guyana’s national capability and competitiveness.

“Our partnership is strong, and our partnership includes training, technology, transfer of knowledge, integration of assets,” Ali said, adding that this type of cooperation is common among countries seeking to improve security readiness.

While he did not go into detail on any specific new arrangement, Ali made it clear that Guyana remains in discussions with the relevant U.S. officials on a number of matters linked to national security and defence.

The President’s comments come as Guyana continues to place greater emphasis on protecting its economic assets, including offshore resources, while also building broader strategic ties with key international partners.

 

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Bogotá, Colombia (March 22, 2026) — Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to regional integration, stronger strategic partnerships, and advancing climate action in his address to the X Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).

The Prime Minister described the current global landscape as a ‘polycrisis’ shaped by geopolitical tensions, economic instability, and climate change.

These factors, he explained, carry far‑reaching implications for peace, security, and development.

He emphasised that CELAC remains a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration, which enables member states to collectively address shared challenges and pursue opportunities for growth. In this regard, he welcomed recent engagements with extra‑regional partners.

“These meetings have been both valuable and productive, auguring well for the development of strategic partnerships. We work to advance comprehensive programmes of cooperation on a range of issues with parties external to our region.”

The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of strengthening intra‑regional collaboration, particularly in agriculture and food security.

“Our Government, having lead responsibility for agriculture and food security within CARICOM, welcomes collaborative efforts and partnerships across CELAC to build the necessary capacity for the modernisation and advancement of this sector, with a view to boosting productive and logistics capacities and enhancing food security.”

The Prime Minister identified climate change as a major threat to development in the region, especially for small islands and low‑lying coastal states. He warned that development gains can be quickly reversed by extreme weather events and reiterated the need for sustained global advocacy to secure adequate financing for developing countries — both to shield them from the impacts of climate change and to support efforts to preserve the environment.

Prime Minister Phillips pointed to Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 as a key framework for balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. He explained that achievements such as increased investment in renewable energy, progress in forest preservation, and low‑carbon infrastructure demonstrate that “Economic growth and environmental stewardship can advance hand in hand, providing scope thereby, for my Government to strengthen its capacity to deal with climate change”.

He also referenced Guyana’s promotion of the Global Biodiversity Alliance as part of wider international action to address the biodiversity crisis.

Prime Minister Phillips also reiterated CELAC’s importance in advancing regional cooperation and sustainable development, while he underscored Guyana’s commitment to democracy, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peace in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Prime Minister reminded of Guyana’s unwavering commitment to advancing regional partnership and integration, emphasising that only through steadfast dialogue, meaningful consultation, and united partnership will the region secure political stewardship, sustainable economic growth, lasting social progress, and enduring peace and security for all.

He congratulated Colombia and welcomed Uruguay’s new Pro Tempore Presidency, pledging Guyana’s full support for CELAC’s agenda.

[Press Release from the Office of the Prime Minister]

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Pivotal hands from Georgia Voll and Ellyse Perry then critical spells from Alana King and Kim Garth helped Australia seal a 2-0 series victory over West Indies, despite a stunning half-century from Hayley Matthews that briefly threatened to steal the game in Kingstown.

Click here to view full scorecard

Voll’s blistering 39 from 23 and Perry’s classy 42 from 28 underpinned Australia’s 164-5.

It was an identical total to game one but it was reached in completely different fashion with Voll smashing six boundaries and a six in a brutal powerplay onslaught before West Indies’ bowlers pegged Australia back in the second half of the innings.

Phoebe Litchfield also made 35 off 29 as West Indies’ bowlers shared the five scalps between them however they lost Chinelle Henry to a left hand injury while fielding in her follow through.

Garth’s opening spell, which included a maiden, set up Australia’s victory as Matthews struggled to one off 12 before finally breaking free to make 56 from 41 to give West Indies hope of hauling in 75 from the last 48 balls with nine wickets in hand.

But King extinguished all hopes, picking up Matthews and Stafanie Taylor to finish with 2-25 and the Player-of-the-Match award.

Garth deserved more rewards in her outstanding 0-20 from four overs, but a late missed chance off her bowling allowed Deandra Dottin to finish with 39 not out from 28 and cut the margin to 17 runs when it was set to be much larger.

The win handed Sophie Molineux her first series victory as captain having not bowled or batted in either game after carrying a back injury into the tour. Australia also lost Ashleigh Gardner pre-game to hamstring tightness. (ESPNcricinfo)

 

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Pakistan’s T20 league will start without crowds and take place at only two venues because of the fuel crisis that has resulted from the US and Israel’s war with Iran.

The eight-team Pakistan Super League (PSL) is scheduled to take place between March 26 and May 3.

The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28 and it has triggered a response that has choked off the Strait of Hormuz, which is used to take oil and gas from the Gulf to Asian countries and the rest of the world.

“The [Pakistan] Prime Minister [Shehbaz Sharif] has requested restricted movements of people because of the fuel crisis so we have decided that the PSL (Pakistan Super League) would continue as per the original schedule but without crowds,” said Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

“All PSL matches will now take place in Lahore and Karachi and we hope the league could be held with crowds but that would be contingent on the crisis in Iran ending.”

The decision means Faisalabad, Multan, Rawalpindi and Peshawar will miss out on hosting matches.

The opening ceremony on Thursday has also been cancelled, while Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s interior minister, said the PCB would compensate the franchises for the loss of revenue.

Sri Lanka has already declared every Wednesday a holiday for public institutions to conserve fuel as the island nation tries to deal with possible shortages. (BBC)

 

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Georgetown, March 20, 2026 – The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) conducted a five-day technical training from March 16 to 20, 2026, focused on developing a Civil Aviation Master Plan (CAMP), at its Head Office in Georgetown.

Convened under the auspices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the training brings together a broad cross-section of key aviation stakeholders, including senior representatives from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, local air operators flying internationally, the GCAA, the Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP), the Guyana Tourism Authority, and the Civil Aviation Training School. The sessions were facilitated by Mr. Roberto Sosa, an ICAO Aviation Specialist and Instructor with extensive international experience.

Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Hon. Deodat Indar, said the training was a timely one, and that the Government is developing a Civil Aviation Master Plan that is aligned with His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s vision and incorporates the views of industry stakeholders.

Director General Lt. Col. (ret’d) Egbert Field, A.A., underscored the far-reaching strategic significance of the initiative for Guyana’s aviation landscape. He noted that the training was specifically designed to strengthen participants’ technical capacity and institutional knowledge, equipping them with the expertise and analytical tools necessary to produce a robust Civil Aviation Master Plan.

A Civil Aviation Master Plan (CAMP) serves as a comprehensive, strategic roadmap for states to chart the long-term development and modernisation of their national aviation sectors. The plan addresses critical pillars including infrastructure expansion, airspace management, safety oversight, security frameworks, and economic regulation, ensuring that national aviation goals are firmly aligned with broader economic development imperatives and the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) established by ICAO.

Underscoring its commitment to transforming Guyana into a regional aviation hub, the Government of Guyana is making significant capital investments across the sector in 2026, including:

• the construction of a second passenger terminal at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport;
• the relocation and construction of a new Air Traffic Control Tower complex at the same airport;
• the development of new municipal airports at Lethem (Region 9) and Rosehall (Region 6); and
• the rehabilitation of more than 30 airstrips across Guyana’s hinterland regions.

A central outcome of the training is the collaborative enhancement and updating of Guyana’s 2020 Civil Aviation Master Plan, ensuring it accurately reflects the country’s current growth trajectory, expanding aviation infrastructure, and ambitious long-term development agenda.

The training was funded by the Government of Japan and conducted by the Global Aviation Training Office of ICAO.

[Press Release]

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Santa Marta, Colombia (March 21, 2026) — Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips underscored the urgent need for enhanced South-South cooperation and deeper integration between the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and Africa.

He made the statement during his speech to the CELAC-Africa High-Level Forum today in Colombia.

“We have an opportunity to collaborate in sharing experiences, technical cooperation and joint advocacy in these areas which impact the development of our societies. Issues of the environment, climate change, food security, improved health care systems, digital connectivity and technology, and peace and security, which continue to be of interest and concern to both our regions, can in reality be honed as the pillars of our development cooperation.”

The Prime Minister highlighted climate change as a key area for cooperation, recognising Guyana’s vulnerability as a low-lying coastal nation and reaffirming its commitment through the Low Carbon Development Strategy and the Global Biodiversity Alliance.

He also called on both regions to collectively pursue the 1.5 degrees Celsius target and financing for resilience building, adaptation, and loss and damage.

Turning his attention to food security, he called for the establishment of joint research programs, coordinated sharing of agricultural technology, and the exchange of best practices to build climate-resilient agricultural systems. He emphasised that such collaboration can stabilise food supply chains and improve long-term sustainability.

“There are lots of lessons to be learned and technology to be shared across our continents, which can support sustainable and climate-resilient agri-food systems,” the Prime Minister added.

Prime Minister Phillips also addressed historical and cultural ties, noting the deep-rooted connections between Africa and the Caribbean. He reiterated the importance of continued advocacy for reparatory justice, noting CARICOM’s ongoing efforts through its ten-point action plan.

On economic cooperation, he identified trade and investment as central pillars for advancing development. He called for the establishment of specific bi-regional trade agreements to improve market access, the initiation of targeted private sector partnership programs, and the development of transport connectivity projects between the regions.

Looking ahead, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of institutionalising the CELAC–Africa partnership to ensure sustained and meaningful engagement, stressing that establishing a Joint Commission would be critical to advancing cooperation and delivering tangible outcomes.

He praised Colombia and Burundi’s leadership in convening the forum, reiterating that increased cooperation among developing regions is vital in a complex geopolitical landscape. The forum, led by Colombia (Pro Tempore President of CELAC) and Burundi (Chair of the African Union), marked a milestone in formalising cooperation.

“Let us seize this historic opportunity as leaders of countries within our regions, to demonstrate our determination and resolve to forge a sustainable and equitable future for our countries,” he urged.

Prime Minister Phillips reaffirmed Guyana’s unwavering commitment to the CELAC-Africa productive partnership process and to the implementation of cooperation programmes conducive to an inclusive and mutually beneficial socio-economic agenda. [Modified Press Release]

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The Massy Under-18 Schools Football tournament returned with a bang on Saturday, as the 12th edition of the prestigious youth competition got underway at the Queen’s College ground.

It was a day defined by clinical finishing and occasional disciplinary drama, with Ann Grove Secondary emerging as the day’s highest scorers in a six-goal thriller against Dolphin Secondary.

In the standout fixture of the opening day, Ann Grove Secondary triumphed 4-2 over defending champions Dolphin Secondary.

Isaiah Williamson and Kennard Hlley were the stars of the show, both netting braces to cancel out a double from Dolphin’s Seon Grams.

Elsewhere, West Ruimveldt cruised to a 3-0 victory over Yarrowkabra Secondary, though the win was soured by a late red card for Donovan Welcome.

Welcome had earlier put his side in total control with two goals in the first 20 minutes before Lydon Grey added a third.

Zeeburg Secondary and Patentia Secondary both recorded solid 2-0 wins over Hope Secondary and East Ruimveldt, respectively, while Charity Secondary edged out Vryman’s Erven 2-1 thanks to a match-winning brace from Johnny Smith.

The day also saw two draws; Westminster Secondary and St Joseph’s High fought out a 1-1 stalemate, while Charlestown Secondary and St John’s College played out the only goalless encounter of the round.

The action continues on Sunday, with another packed schedule at the Queen’s College ground.

Heavyweights Chase’s Academic Foundation will look to make an early statement when they take on The Bishop’s High School.

Full Sunday Fixtures (QC Ground):

10:30: Anna Regina Secondary vs President’s College

10:30: West Demerara Secondary vs Brickdam Secondary

12:15: Carmel Secondary vs Bartica

12:15: Mackenzie High School vs Annandale Secondary

14:00: Chase’s Academic Foundation vs The Bishop’s High School

14:00: Good Hope Secondary vs New Amsterdam Secondary

15:45: Santa Rosa vs Saint Stanislaus College

15:45: New Central High vs Lodge Secondary

 

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The Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) has seized a significant quantity of cannabis and cocaine following an operation at the Transport Wharf on Water Street, Kingston, Georgetown.

On Friday, March 20, 2026, CANU ranks acted on information received and intercepted a suspect carrying two cardboard boxes. A search of the boxes uncovered thirteen parcels containing cannabis and one parcel containing rock cocaine.

The suspect, 46-year-old Jermain Mickle of Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, was arrested and taken to CANU Headquarters along with the narcotics.

The seized drugs amounted to 12.104 kilogrammes (or about 26.7 pounds) of cannabis and 1.272 kilogrammes (or about 2.8 pounds) of cocaine.

Investigations are ongoing.

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirms the matter concerning dust complaints on the Essequibo Coast involving Vilvoorden Investment Inc. is now before the court. The Magistrate has directed that compliance with mitigation measures be assessed and reported to the court at the next hearing, set for June 04, 2026.

Key points:

1. The court has requested a formal assessment of Vilvoorden’s compliance with required mitigation measures; the EPA will prepare and present a compliance report at the next court hearing.
2. Vilvoorden has been asked to submit documentation to the EPA detailing mitigation steps taken and any proposed alternative measures. The EPA will review that submission and indicate whether the measures meet regulatory requirements.
3. The EPA will schedule and conduct a compliance inspection following its review and may present further evidence or amend its statements to the court as appropriate.
4. EPA officers visited the Vilvoorden site several times and attempted to engage with residents to provide updates, but was only successful at engaging some residents, on mitigation measures proposed and implemented by the developer.
5. The EPA remains committed to protecting community health, enforcing environmental standards, and pursuing all necessary administrative and legal remedies. The Agency wishes to reiterate that the matter is before the court and therefore will be addressed appropriately in keeping with the law.

The EPA urges affected residents to engage with our Officers, so concerns can be accurately assessed and addressed. Further updates will be provided after the EPA’s review of Vilvoorden’s submission, the compliance inspection, and the subsequent court proceedings. [Press Release from the Environmental Protection Agency]

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See below full statement from the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC):

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) joins with the global community in observing the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21, 2026.

Observed under the 2026 theme, “Mobilizing Political Will: 60 Years of Commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination”. This occasion invites reflection on the strides made globally, while underscoring the continued need for vigilance, dialogue, and collective action to eliminate all forms of racial prejudice.

In Guyana, where diversity is a defining feature of national identity, the Commission emphasizes that harmony must be actively nurtured through understanding, respect, and inclusive engagement. The ERC remains committed to its constitutional mandate of promoting harmony and good relations among all ethnic groups, recognising that social cohesion is essential to sustainable national development.

Over the past year, the Commission has advanced a range of initiatives aimed at strengthening public awareness and encouraging responsible social conduct. These include nationwide school and community engagements, extensive Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) trainings within the public and private sector, and ongoing media monitoring and investigative efforts to address instances of racially insensitive or prejudicial remarks, particularly within digital spaces.

While progress continues to be made, the Commission notes that emerging challenges, especially within online platforms, require sustained attention. The ERC therefore encourages all citizens to exercise responsibility in their public discourse and to contribute positively to the promotion of mutual respect and understanding.

On this observance, the Commission calls for continued collaboration among public institutions, civil society, private sector entities, and communities to reinforce the values of tolerance and inclusion.

The Commission reaffirms its dedication to fostering a Guyana in which our ethnic diversity is respected, differences are understood, and all citizens can coexist in an environment of peace and harmony.

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