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Kidney failure is projected to become the fifth leading cause of death worldwide by 2040. Against this backdrop, the Ameena Gafoor Medical and Dialysis Centre in Parika on Thursday received monetary donations to support patients undergoing life-saving treatment.

Among them is Frederick, a Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara) resident whose life now depends on dialysis. Diagnosed with diabetes at age 34, he admitted that neglecting the illness led to kidney failure.

“When I was told I have to go on dialysis I cried like a child. I had to leave all my business because some of my business was away from home. It was too late. Don’t allow your disease to be chronic. I was so careless, I was young,” the man said on Thursday.

His warning comes as Guyana joins the global observance of World Kidney Day 2026, held under the theme Kidney Health for All: Caring for People and Protecting the Planet.

Frederick is among patients receiving dialysis at the Parika centre and was present at the De Kinderen Regional Hospital on Thursday, where the donation was officially handed over.

The funds will support the patients who pay $15,000 per session for a total of $45,000 weekly. Dialysis is required when the kidneys can no longer filter waste and toxins from the blood.

As of December 2025, some 655 patients were recorded to be on dialysis across Guyana, highlighting growing concerns about kidney disease nationwide. Regional Health Officer, Dr. Fiaaz Hassan, noted that for many years dialysis treatment was only accessible at private facilities. However, this is set to change with in-patient care at the hospital in coming months.

Dr. Hassan stressed that early diagnosis is critical and urged healthcare workers to prioritise screening.

“For you to understand the screen for kidney failure, there are certain urine tests, studies that will give you an indication of your kidney’s status,” Dr. Hassan said.

The visiting Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) 2026 mission, led by the U.S. Air Forces Southern, are currently at the hospital providing support for kidney treatment among other specialties.

During the programme, doctors also highlighted the misinformation surrounding medications like metformin and patients neglecting to adopt lifestyle changes when diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes, obesity which are leading contributors to kidney disease in Guyana.

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A second Gas-to-Energy project is being pursued in Berbice, and the pipeline to bring the natural gas onshore could cost about US$2 billion, ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge estimates.

Routledge told reporters that there are vast gas reserves offshore, with the company seeing the Haimara development as the anchor for the second gas project. To bring that gas onshore, however, the company wants concrete projects to fuel.

“We can see real interest in building a domestic gas market, which, in the early stages, will require us to have some anchor projects. These are projects large enough to give us the demand, from an offshore gas supply point of view, to make it worthwhile investing in significant infrastructure,” Routledge said at a press conference at the company’s Ogle headquarters.

Routledge disclosed that there is significant interest from foreign companies seeking to invest in the mega projects needed at Berbice to make the GtE venture viable. Data centres, power generation facilities, and bauxite-to-alumina plants are among the proposals received by the Government of Guyana and ExxonMobil.

But the company president reasoned that there must be concrete investments before ExxonMobil spends about US$2 billion for the new pipeline. About US$1 billion was spent on the pipeline for the first GtE project at Wales, West Bank Demerara.

Still, Routledge emphasised that ExxonMobil is eager to move ahead with gas plans.

“We’ll be ready when the market is ready,” he said.

In February, at the 2026 Guyana Energy Conference, Routledge said ExxonMobil is expected to seek environmental authorisation for a second gas-to-energy project soon.

Guyana has become a global oil hotspot, with an estimated 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent in the giant Stabroek Block offshore. Although several oil projects are underway, recent appraisal work has shown that there are substantial natural gas resources as well. Already, gas will be supplied to the mega energy project at Wales, West Bank, Demerara, which will then generate power.

The Ali-led administration has been aggressively pushing this project, as it will provide cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable energy to Guyana— remedying some of the issues the country has long been beset by. Already, though, the President is keen about a second gas project in the ancient county of Berbice. He wants to partner with neighbouring Suriname on this venture.

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The government is preparing to move into direct engagements with investors for a series of eco-lodge and resort developments, as the review of submitted proposals nears completion.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues recently said a technical committee is currently finalising its assessment of expressions of interest (EOI) received for multiple locations across the country.

“We’ve had a number of expressions including for the Lethem area and all of the other areas that were advertised, we have a technical committee that is reviewing those submissions and after the revision of their work we will be engaging those investors.

“The review, I’m told, is almost complete and then we’ll start the direct engagements with those who submitted expressions of interest,” Minister Rodrigues said.

The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to unlock Guyana’s tourism potential through targeted, sustainable investments in eco-tourism infrastructure.

Last year the government invited both local and international developers to submit proposals for projects in Regions Two, Three, Four, Seven, Eight and Nine, with several key sites identified for development. These include Mashabo in Region Two; the Vreed-en-Hoop Waterfront and Leguan in Region Three; the Stabroek Waterfront in Region Four; Bartica, Sakaika and Kumerau in Region Seven; Kamana and Orinduik in Region Eight; and Lethem in Region Nine.

According to the ministry, the initiative is designed to attract community-driven investments that will generate employment and expand economic opportunities in hinterland and coastal regions.

Developers are expected to benefit from a range of incentives, including fiscal measures, as the government seeks to position Guyana as a leading eco-tourism destination.

With the evaluation phase nearing completion, the next stage is expected to determine which projects move forward into development.

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Guyana recorded a major milestone in technical education last year, with 800 Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) certificates awarded to secondary school students.

Ritesh Tularam, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Technical), on Thursday said this is the largest amount of certificates awarded for secondary schools in the country’s history.

“We have moved from nine schools to 94 schools in this country…Last year Guyana recorded for the first time in its history, 800 CVQ certificates at the secondary school level,” Tularam said.

Tularam, who was a guest speaker at the commemoration of Guyana Industrial Training Centre’s 60^th anniversary, said this achievement reflects years of expansion and transformation in the sector, as the government continues to invest heavily in skills-based training.

This year’s national budget has set aside $3 billion to further reshape and modernise technical education across the country.

According to Tularam, the investment is aimed at transforming, reshaping, realigning, repositioning and redefining how technical education is delivered, ensuring it meets the demands of a modern workforce.

He pointed to significant progress already made, including the construction of six new state-of-the-art Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, designed to provide more equitable access to quality training.

“We have seen massive expansions as it relates to providing equitable, quality and relevance in technical education with the construction of six new state-of-the-art TVET institutions across the country.

“We are on the verge of realising universal secondary education, we can safely say that at this time we have realised universal technical education,” he said.

The expansion of programmes has also been substantial. From just four CVQ programmes previously available, the country now offers 24, alongside a dramatic increase in participating schools from nine to 94 nationwide.

“Every single region within this beautiful country… one can have access to quality, relevant and equitable training,” he said.

He added that efforts are also underway to advance CVQ certification from Level One to Level Three. He said these developments signal a clear shift towards equipping young people with practical skills, positioning them to better contribute to national development.

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For sixty years, the Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC) has stood as a cornerstone of skills development in Guyana, quietly shaping generations of craftsmen, technicians and industry-ready workers.

On Thursday, the institution marked its 60th anniversary, not just as a milestone in time, but as a celebration of its enduring role in nation-building. The decades long training ground for industrial skills has evolved into the country’s longest-running technical institution, adapting continuously to meet the demands of a changing economy.

Administrator Dexter Cornette reflected on the journey, during the ceremony held at the Hermanston Lodge. He said that the institution’s success has not come without challenges.

“Despite the obstacles, it is dedication, resilience, and commitment that have brought us to this landmark achievement,” he said, emphasizing the collective effort of staff, trainees, and partners over the decades.

Established during a period when technical education was critical to supporting Guyana’s early industrial ambitions, GITC has grown alongside the nation itself. Over the years, it has expanded its programmes beyond traditional trades to include modern competencies aligned with emerging sectors, most notably oil and gas, which has reshaped the country’s economic landscape.

According to Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Technical) Ritesh Tularam, preparing the workforce of tomorrow requires more than tradition, it demands innovation.

“Advancing technical skills means embracing modern technologies, expanding training opportunities, strengthening industry linkages, and ensuring education remains accessible to all,” he said.

That evolution has been particularly evident in response to the rapid growth of Guyana’s oil and gas sector. Board Chairman Peter Pompey explained that the institution has had to rethink and modernise its approach.

“We are molding and developing minds for the workforce,” Pompey said.

He encouraged trainees to think beyond employment alone, urging them to monetise their skills, position themselves competitively, and contribute to national development in areas such as housing, energy, and services.

Throughout the year, GITC will host a series of activities bringing together staff, trainees, alumni, and industry partners, creating space not only for celebration, but for reflection and future planning.

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Residents of East Ruimveldt are set to benefit from a series of targeted community upgrades following a walkabout led by President Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Thursday.

The head of state was accompanied by government ministers, technical teams and community representatives.

He engaged residents directly and identified several priority areas for intervention, including drainage, sanitation, housing improvements and recreational facilities.

President Ali said the visit formed part of the government’s hands-on approach to addressing community concerns and improving living conditions.

“We were able to walk the community today and identify some key challenges facing the community,” he stated, while commending parents for placing strong emphasis on education and positive activities for children.

Among the major issues raised were inadequate internal drainage systems, poor sanitation, and the need for improved community infrastructure.

The president acknowledged that while some of these responsibilities fall under municipal authorities, the government will take a more direct role.

“We can’t wait anymore. We are here to work directly with the communities to address key issues,” he said.

The president announced that technical teams will return to conduct detailed assessments of drainage networks and sanitation challenges, with plans to implement solutions aimed at creating a cleaner and healthier environment. This includes the planting of trees, particularly fruit trees, to enhance the community space.

Efforts will also be made to address housing concerns, including roof repairs for vulnerable families, and to upgrade recreational facilities to better serve youths, the elderly and residents at large.

In addition, the government is exploring the development of a designated commercial area to accommodate vendors in a more organised and dignified setting. The initiative will see the construction of a tarmacked space with a courtyard-style layout to support small businesses.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand said works are already being prepared to address several of the issues highlighted.

“We are looking at concrete drains, rehabilitating the market and the football ground. We want to ensure your children have a clean, wholesome space,” she told residents, while emphasising that the government will partner with the community to improve overall living standards.

Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Steven Jacobs noted that interventions in the area have already commenced and will be expanded.

“We want to continue that work to make this space wholesome so when you come out in the afternoon, you feel fulfilled,” he said, adding that structured support will be provided to sports teams to help young people develop their talents.

Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning Keoma Griffith underscored the administration’s commitment to community engagement and empowerment.

“It took us three minutes to convince the President to come into East Ruimveldt, and that is the level of dedication he has to the people,” he said.

The minister also pledged to bring employment and training opportunities directly to residents.

“We’ll be coming to every corner, every street, every backdam, telling you of opportunities to upskill yourself,” he stated, noting that the initiative aims to advance skills development and create pathways to employment.

President Ali reaffirmed that the government will continue working closely with communities to deliver tangible improvements, noting that collaborative efforts between residents and the state are key to sustainable development.

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Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali says the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has once again demonstrated why the establishment of a local oil refinery is crucial.

Oil prices have soared recently due to the Israeli-US war against Iran. The conflict also impacts the cost of other goods and services.

Guyana, an oil hotspot producing more than 900,000 barrels daily, stands to benefit from higher oil prices, but government interventions that long cushion inflation pressures must be further sustained. For the country’s President, an oil refinery here is crucial.

“While one of the strategies (to counter rising costs) is to increase storage (of fuel) and take it to a few months… now I believe we should return to the conversation of a refinery for national security,” President Ali told those gathered at the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday.

At least five investors have shown an interest in building a refinery here, allowing the country to use its share of oil produced offshore. The government has been assessing proposals made.

Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago has expressed hope that Guyana can help revitalise the Pointe-a-Pierre Refinery, better known as the Petrotrin refinery, which was closed in 2018.

As Guyana mulls this venture, the country is moving ahead with other much-needed projects like a mega gas-to-energy venture at Wales, West Bank Demerara, which is expected to halve the cost of electricity. A second gas project is already on the cards, with President Ali stating that there will soon be high-level meetings with representatives of the US Export Import (EXIM) bank on the key infrastructure for this project.

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Over the course of the next twenty-four hours, 48,858 central government employees comprising public servants, teachers and members of the disciplined services will receive the 2026 National $100,000 Cash Grant as promised by President Irfaan Ali and announced in the 2026 National Budget. This amounts to almost $5 billion of additional disposable income being placed in the hands of these public servants. 

Last week, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh announced the commencement of government’s promised initiative for every Guyanese citizen aged 18 years and older noting that “the first cohort will comprise those central government employees who have previously provided their bank account information and are receiving their government salaries into their bank accounts. We anticipate that these government employees will receive their $100,000 cash grant by the end of next week and we will be following up with subsequent cohorts of eligible beneficiaries thereafter”.

Today, during brief marks following confirmation that deposits of the grant had begun, Minister Singh once again encouraged citizens to ensure that they open their bank accounts as this is the easiest and fastest way they can receive the cash grant without leaving their homes.  He added that the new online platform that will be launched will allow for the registration process and  persons can simply access it, fill out the information required and once a simple verification process is completed, they should receive their cash grant.  

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 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 

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. 

“We are digitizing everything, so I am urging every Guyanese to open their bank accounts. We want every Guyanese to own their own bank account so that this digital transfer would be easy and efficient and, of course, transparent,” the President had strongly advised recently.    

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 to central government employees. 

 “A central pillar of this initiative is to promote financial inclusion. This is why we are urging all Guyanese to utilise the formal banking system,” Minister Singh reiterated. 

Government will be launching the digital online platform next week, through which the remainder of all eligible Guyanese citizens in Guyana can register to receive their grant.   

It can be recalled that in anticipation of 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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See full press release from MACORP:

MACORP announces its new partnership with Kalmar having been certified as the authorized dealer for the material handling equipment brand in Guyana, adding another globally trusted brand to its growing portfolio.

Through this partnership, MACORP will supply Kalmar equipment locally, backed by full support services including parts, maintenance, and operator training.

The goal is to ensure customers not only get the right machines, but also the support they need to keep them running efficiently.

Kalmar is a strong and trusted name in the cargo handling sector, and we’re happy to bring that to our customers here in Guyana as we continue to grow our offering.

The move comes as MACORP prepares to transition into its new multimillion-dollar facility at Covent Garden, expanding its ability to serve customers across the country.

The company has already seen early momentum, with its first Kalmar reach stacker and forklift recently delivered to a customer. The handover included certificates for the operators who were trained as part of the services provided by MACORP to ensure the equipment is used safely and effectively.

President and General Manager German Consuegra stated, “We remain committed to supporting Guyana’s development by ensuring our customers have reliable access to the equipment and technical support they require. This initiative further demonstrates our capabilities and the breadth of our role as a trusted partner.”

MACORP is the authorized Caterpillar dealer in Guyana, providing heavy equipment, energy, marine, and agricultural solutions in support of the country’s key industries for over 30 years. Throughout this period, the company has also partnered with leading international brands including SEM, a Caterpillar Brand, CaseIH, Towmotor, Carmix and most recently Kalmar, to meet the evolving demands of the Guyanese market.

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Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, S.C., has condemned what he described as a deliberate attempt by Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed to “mock” the justice system, after he turned up at the Attorney General’s Chambers with wheelbarrows of cash and coins to settle court-ordered costs.

The incident unfolded as Mohamed, accompanied by others, arrived with two wheelbarrows—one filled with small-denomination $20 and $100 bills, and the other packed with coins—purporting to pay sums owed following failed legal challenges in the courts.

Speaking publicly on the matter, Nandlall described the act as reckless, immature and a direct affront to the rule of law.

“He is behaving like a child in a grown man’s body,” the Attorney General said, adding that the move was a calculated attempt to embarrass the government but instead undermined the country’s legal system.

“This is not about politics,” Nandlall stressed. “There is one system that protects all of us—the legal system of this country—and you have someone making a mockery of it.”

The Attorney General warned that such actions strike at the core of the administration of justice, arguing that regardless of political affiliation, all citizens must ultimately rely on the courts for the resolution of disputes and the protection of their rights.

According to Nandlall, the stunt unfolded while he was engaged in official duties, including a high-level national meeting, when he was informed that Mohamed had arrived at his office seeking to make payment.

However, he made it clear that the method of payment itself runs afoul of the law.

Citing the Bank of Guyana Act, Cap. 85:02, Nandlall explained that while paper currency can be used without limit, coins are only recognised as legal tender up to specific thresholds—$100 for $1 coins, $250 for $5 coins and $500 for $10 coins.

As a result, he said, the bulk of the coins brought to the Chambers cannot legally be accepted.

“Unfortunately for Mr. Mohamed, he will have to take back the barrel of coins,” Nandlall stated, adding that the attempt had effectively “backfired.”

Beyond the theatrics, the Attorney General signalled that enforcement proceedings are already being prepared to recover the millions owed under court orders, warning that compliance with judicial rulings is not optional.

“I have seen many who have attempted to trample upon the rule of law,” Nandlall said. “The law will be applied, and those who must be held accountable will be held accountable—whether in Guyana or elsewhere.”

He cautioned that while legal processes may take time, they are inevitable and decisive.

The payment attempt follows a series of court rulings against Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, including decisions by both the High Court and Court of Appeal, which collectively ordered millions in costs to be paid to the State.

Nandlall maintained that any attempt to ridicule or defy court orders only reinforces the need for firm enforcement, emphasizing that respect for the judiciary and its decisions is essential to maintaining order and civility in society.

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