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Guyana used a regional meeting of Amazonian finance ministers to showcase its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 as a model for balancing economic growth with environmental protection.

Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance Ashni Singh reaffirmed Guyana’s support for the Amazonia Forever initiative during a meeting held on the sidelines of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and IDB Invest in Asunción, Paraguay.

The Amazonia Forever meeting brought together Ministers of Finance and Planning from Amazon Basin countries to review progress under the programme and renew commitments to sustainable and inclusive development across the region.

Singh told the gathering that the goals of the initiative align closely with Guyana’s LCDS 2030, the country’s flagship development framework designed to harness the economic value of its forests while maintaining one of the world’s lowest deforestation rates.

Guyana’s rainforest covers about 85% of its territory, making it one of the most heavily forested countries on earth. Despite the emergence of a major offshore oil sector, the country has maintained deforestation levels around 90% below the global average, allowing it to remain a net carbon sink.

The LCDS, first introduced in 2009 and expanded under LCDS 2030, seeks to create a new low-carbon economy by placing value on ecosystem services such as forest carbon storage, while investing in sustainable growth and climate resilience.

Guyana’s 18 million hectares of forest absorb roughly 154 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, significantly exceeding the country’s emissions.

Revenue generated from forest climate services and carbon credit markets is reinvested into national development priorities, including clean energy, climate adaptation, infrastructure and economic diversification.

The LCDS also includes a benefit-sharing mechanism aimed at supporting local communities. Around 15% of carbon credit revenues are allocated directly to Indigenous villages to fund projects identified through village-led development plans.

More than 1,300 village-led development projects have already been initiated across the country using these funds, supporting livelihoods, infrastructure and environmental management in forest communities.

During the discussions in Paraguay, Singh reiterated Guyana’s commitment to protecting its forests even as the country experiences rapid economic expansion driven by oil production.

The meeting also marked the formal handover of the presidency of the Network of Ministers of Finance and Planning of Amazonian Countries from Brazil to Ecuador, underscoring continued regional cooperation on climate action and sustainable development.

Guyana’s delegation included Navita Ramroop, Executive Director in the Caribbean Office of the IDB, along with Bernard Lord, Director of Projects at the Ministry of Finance, and Ronette Hetsberger, Senior Economic and Financial Analyst at the ministry.

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Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh defended the government’s management of the country’s oil-fuelled economic boom during a BBC World Service panel discussion, aired Saturday, saying rapid growth has already created jobs and opportunities while laying the groundwork for long-term prosperity.

Speaking on the programme BBC World Questions, recorded before a live audience in Georgetown during the week, Dr Singh responded to concerns that the benefits of the country’s booming economy were not being widely felt, particularly amid rising living costs.

Guyana has become the world’s fastest-growing economy since major offshore oil discoveries were made nearly a decade ago. Oil production reached about 900,000 barrels per day in 2025, driving rapid expansion and large government revenues.

The BBC programme brought together a panel including Singh, opposition lawmaker Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, business executive Clinton Urling, and entrepreneur Ayodelle Dalghetti-Dean to debate how Guyana should manage its oil-driven transformation.

Sarabo-Halley stated that “the people across Guyana are not really feeling all of this wealth that is coming in.”

She said while the economy is growing, that only sounds good “on paper” but if “can’t feel it in their pockets and feel it in their daily…then I think we have a problem that we really need to solve.”

Dr Singh acknowledged that managing the windfall from oil required careful balancing between meeting immediate expectations and securing long-term stability.

“The reality is that the Guyanese economy has been growing at a pace that has never been seen before,” Singh said, noting that the country recorded average real economic growth of about 36% per year between 2021 and 2025.

He said the government’s strategy was aimed at improving living standards quickly while ensuring sustainable development.

“The first is to improve the lives of all of the Guyanese people in a tangible way in the shortest possible time,” Singh said.

“But at the same time we have to ensure that we protect the resilience of our economy and invest in the things that matter for long-term competitiveness and prosperity.”

Urling, who serves as Secretary of the Private Sector Commission, said the challenge for Guyana’s politicians is “to ensure that we have some mechanisms in place where those funds or the revenues that are being generated are equitably distributed or redistributed to the most vulnerable in our society so that there’s prosperity and progress for the majority of Guyanese….”

He said the main challenges facing the country is inequality and poverty.

Dalghetti-Dean, part of a women-led company seeking to get into oil exploration, noted that Guyana is “really, really going through a boom and lots of people are seeing the boom.” But she said the growth “only becomes meaningful when people actually feel safe, when they feel included, and when they can actually build out a future.”

“We need infrastructure, and we are enjoying the roads, the bridges, the hospitals, but we also need stronger systems that protect people,” she stated.

The finance minister rejected suggestions that economic progress had not reached ordinary citizens, citing job creation and expanded access to assets.

According to the minister, more than 104,000 new jobs have been created in the past five years, a significant figure in a country of roughly one million people. He said the expansion of economic activity had also generated opportunities for entrepreneurs and skilled professionals.

“In addition to job creation, we’ve allocated land to more than 50,000 Guyanese who now own a plot of land,” Singh said, adding that rising incomes had also allowed thousands of households to purchase vehicles each year.

The oil sector itself has created new high-skill employment, he said, with about 6,000 Guyanese now working directly in the industry, including engineers and technical specialists.

Singh said the government was also mindful of international experience with resource-rich economies and had moved quickly to establish a sovereign wealth fund to manage oil revenues transparently and ensure long-term national benefit.

Despite the government’s measures, some audience members argued that economic gains were unevenly distributed, particularly outside major urban centres, and called for stronger governance, transparency and investment in social services.

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Meten-Meer-Zorg West Cricket Club and Region Three Police will square off in the final of the West Demerara T20 Cricket Festival on April 5 at the Meten-Meer-Zorg ground for a top prize of G$500,000.

The two teams qualified for the championship game following victories in the semi-finals recently.

Meten-Meer-Zorg West defeated West Coast Warriors by nine wickets, while Region Three Police prevailed by 27 runs over Zeelugt North.

West Coast Warriors, batting first, were bowled out for a paltry 94 with leg-spinner Navindra Sankar returning excellent figures of 5-29 from his four overs and Sheldon Alexander 2-10 from his four.

Ameen Mohamed topscored with 14 and Ronaldo Scouten made 18. In reply, Meten-Meer-Zorg West raced to victory at 95-1 in 9.5 overs with Guyana Harpy Eagles captain and West Indies wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach making 36 not out, Alexander 32 not out and Parmeshwar Ram 19.

In the other semi-final, Region Three Police piled up 195-6 from 20 overs with national player Kemol Savory blasting six sixes and two fours in 64; Kevlon Anderson made 61 (6x4s, 1×6), while Malcolm Hubbard (19), Jason Anderson (17) and David Hughes (15) all chipped in.

Bowling for Zeelugt North, Khandiya Ramkarran (2-30), Chaitram Persaud (2-36) and Wasim Mohamed (2-41) were among the wickets.

In reply, Zeelugt North fell short at 168-9 with Mohamed making 65, Tavindra Mangra 36 and Avinash Persaud 15. Bowling for Region Three Police, Savory took 4-25 from four overs and Emanuel Chrisnauth 3-24 from four.

In their quarter-final game, Region Three Police had defeated West Demerara Renegades by 45 runs.

SUMMARY: Region Three Police 199-8 from 20 overs (Kevlon Anderson 86, Malcolm Hubbard 44; Leoryan Ramlakhan 3-22, Bennard Lewis 3-36) vs West Demerara Renegades 154 all out from 17 overs (Tulsiram Preamnauth 77; Emanuel Chrisnauth 4-14, Divish Singh 3-36).

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The next generation of motorsport talent will be in the spotlight on March 28 and 29 when Jumbo Jet Events partners with the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) to host the Nitro Kart Clash.

Among the young drivers set to compete is Gavriel Gayadin, a second-generation racer and son of Group Four competitor Gavin Gayadin.

Gavriel will make his appearance in the junior karting category as he looks to begin carving out his own path in the sport.

Speaking recently with the Jumbo Jet Events team, the young driver explained that his passion for racing developed largely from watching his father compete in the GMR&SC Circuit Racing Championships at South Dakota.

“I got involved mostly because of my father. He races in Group Four for Guyana, so I’ve always admired the sport,” Gavriel said.

With the March 29 race day approaching, Gavriel has been putting in regular practice at the track to prepare.

“I usually come to the track on weekends, from Friday to Sunday. On Saturdays and Sundays, I practice from about 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm. When I go out, I try to get my tires warm as quickly as possible to get good grip, and I also focus on improving my racing lines,” he explained.

Despite being new to competitive karting, Gavriel is already anticipating strong competition in the junior field.

“I think William, who is Mark’s [Vieira] son, and Jayden from the Jumbo team will be very competitive,” he noted.

The two-day Nitro Kart Clash event will begin with scrutineering and qualifying on March 28, starting at 10:00h. Racing action will follow on March 29 from 10:00h, with the gates opening to spectators at 08:00h.

The event is supported by several sponsors, including Banks DIH, AJM Enterprise, KP Jagdeo General Contractors, J’s Supermarket, 555 Speedway, SCI (Sawhs Construction Inc.), Precision Service Centre and Ramchands Autobody.

Multiple racing categories will feature during the event.

These include the Briggs and Stratton sealed engine class for Senior Heavy and Light divisions, Junior (13-15 years) and Cadet (6-12 years) classes, the 200cc Honda Four-Stroke Promoters and Light classes, 125cc IAME Two-Stroke Heavy and Light divisions, the Under-12 60cc IAME class, an Open Time Attack (five laps), the 555 Speedway Rental Kart race, and Supermoto 250cc bikes.

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The Eccles EE Community Centre ground will come alive this afternoon (Saturday, March 14) when the Sports Extra organised East Bank Inter-Village Football Competition kicks off with a double-header, commencing from 17:00h with the official march past of the contesting villages.

In the opening encounter at 18:00h, Kuru Kururu lock horns with Agricola in what is being touted to be a fiercely contested clash, while in the feature game Herstelling and Lower Soesdyke face off in what is anticipated to provide fans with a glimpse of what is to come during the competition.`

Twelve of the many villages located in the East Bank and Soesdyke Linden Highway environs will vie for top honours as the organisers attempt to resuscitate activity in the sport after an absence of organised competition.

According to Sports Extra, all the top football villages on the East Bank Demerara have confirmed participation and this is being interpreted as a positive step for the development of the sport along the corridor.

Teams have been placed into four groups of three with Agricola, Kuru Kururu and Mocha making up Group A, while Group B consists of Herstelling, Lower Soesdyke and Swan.

Grove, Circuitville and Upper Soesdyke make up Group C, while Timehri, Kaneville and Friendship are placed in Group D.

Sports Extra’s Franklin Wilson, quizzed on the importance of staging the tournament, responded by saying that the absence of organised football was glaringly noticeable within the communities, and he felt the urgent need to assist in its resurgence.

He firmly believes that the tournament will serve as a boost to get the game playing once again in a structured manner. He highlighted the Government’s vision of a ‘One Guyana’ as further motivation to improve relations among teams and community,

The additional spinoffs could see heightened economic activities on match days, while scouts will have the opportunity to use the tournament as a talent spotting occasion.

A total of G$3 million in prize monies will be up for grabs with the first prize set at G$1 million, while second, third and fourth prizes are G$500,000, G$250,000 and G$150,000 respectively, along with individual accolades for Best Goalkeeper, Most Valuable Player and Highest Goalscorer.

The competition continues on Sunday (March 15) with another double-header at the same venue.

In the opening game, Grove takes on Circuitville from 17:00h and this will be followed by the feature clash between Timehri and Kaneville.

Meanwhile, preceding the kick-off today, there will be a Grassroots Festival scheduled to start at 16:00h then the march pass of teams, before the first game.

Fans from the participating communities are being urged to come out and represent their stars.

Meanwhile, the Kuru Kururu line-up includes: Sherven Henry, Joshua Wilson, Elliah Witter, Carl Dundas, Kevin Scott, Leroy Evans, Christopher Alleyne, Moro Joseph, Tyler Gravesande, Micheal Cooper, Levi Sampson, Seth Adams, Kevon Walker, Shaquan Gordon, Scelon Rodrigues, Wezlon Harry, Jaden Allicock, Cleavon Murray and Darren Bazilio, while Agricola squad will have Collis Samuels, Christopher Adams, Kacey John, Jaden Paul, Lionel Richard, Kasih December, DeAnglo Dick, Shamar Sampson, Jamal Fiffe, Jonathan Andries, Seon Grant, Akeem Pompey, Andel Manchanlall, Egbert Nedd and Calvin Bowlin.

Herstelling team comprises: Jonathan Conyers, Nelson Jaime, Joangel Messa, Jonathan Bassanta, Jhony Bassanta, Malcolm Hendricks, Candel Hazel, Orlando Dickie, Theiry Moore, Christon Shewram, Adrian Macuare, Eleazer Vandez, Veiker Alfonzo, Yoiber Jose, Deoangle, Gasgon, Maikel Mosquera, Manuel Alejandro, Jose Salanzar and Johenni Mendoza.

Lower Soesdyke will have in their line-up: Daniel Persaud, Tyrone Burnette, Joshua Paul, Kevin Sobers, Emile Smith, Wayne Jones, Quincy Sutherland, Mark Barker, Alvin Adams, Shakean Allison, Shane Muesa, Troy Gibson, Cledwin Williams, Dolwin Boston, Jonathan Bailey, Nichozie Hope, Colin McLean, Nojouh Hooke, Nekey Benson and Deyonte Grant-Stuart.

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A Berbice man who had been evading police for weeks after allegedly stabbing the mother of his child multiple times has been captured with chop wounds and other marks of violence.

Police said Christopher Ali, 28, a seaman of Pepper Street, Edinburgh Village, East Bank Berbice (EBB), was found on Friday afternoon in the Upper Berbice River area after being attacked, beaten and chopped by several unidentified individuals.

Ali is wanted by police for chopping the mother of his 11-month-old child, 15-year-old Tiana Chapman.

The News Room understands that at about 15:00 hrs on Friday, Ali went to the De Veldt Health Centre in the Upper Berbice River with chop wounds to his left foot and left hand.

After receiving treatment at the health centre, Ali was handed over to the police and transported for further medical attention at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital.

At around 17:45 hrs, Ali arrived at the New Amsterdam Stelling under police escort.

A crowd of relatives and friends of both Ali and the victim had gathered at the stelling. Chapman’s family appeared relieved at the news of his capture.

Ali is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.

Reporters attempted to speak with Ali’s mother at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, but she declined to comment.

Chapman was stabbed multiple times on the night of February 24. She was rushed to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital and admitted to the intensive care unit. She has since been discharged and is recovering from her injuries.

Police are expected to continue investigations into the circumstances surrounding the stabbing.

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El Dorado Cricket Club and Transport Sports Club will contest the final of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Second Division Two-Day tournament, following contrasting results in the semi-finals.

While El Dorado Cricket Club defeated Guyana Defence Force by five wickets, Transport collected first innings honours against Police in a drawn encounter.

In a low-scoring affair at the Everest Ground, Mohamad Nassir (5-25 and 3-9) and Stephon Wilson (4-25 and 2-17) emerged with crucial performances with the ball for El Dorado Cricket Club.

Over at Transport, the home side batted once and secured crucial first innings advantage, with national youth cricketers Riyad Latif (117), Shamar Apple (100) and Reyaz Latif (2-38 and 6-41) delivering the standout performances.

Below are the summarised scores: 

At Everest: El Dorado Cricket Club defeated Guyana Defence Force by five wickets 

SUMMARY: Guyana Defence Force 99 all out from 29.4 overs (Joshua Ferrell 29, Michael Deonarine 18; Mohamad Nassir 3-9, Owen Andrews 3-20, Stephon Wilson 2-17, Ntini Permaul 2-46) and 92 all out from 21.3 overs (Leon Andrews 23, Gevon Shultz 18*; Mohamad Nassir 5-25, Stephon Wilson 4-25) versus El Dorado Cricket Club 144 all out from 48.5 overs (Deonarine Dindial 35, Sunil Ramlall 28, Kampta Seepersaud 28, Owen Andrews 23; Ayinda Rogers 3-13, Leon Andrews 3-36, Delshawn McDonald 2-28) and 48-5 from 15.5 overs (Tuen Hicks 24*; Leon Andrews 4-21)

At Transport: First innings points for Transport Sports Club in drawn encounter against Police 

SUMMARY: Police 120 all out from 26 overs (Pernell London 27, Haszel Williams 24; Jeremiah Hohenkirk 3-10, Emmanuel Lewis 3-19, John Persaud 2-19, Reyaz Latif 2-38) and 184-8 from 33 overs (Chemroy Kendall 44, Ameer Mohamed 43*, Pernell London 35, Kyle Michael 25; Reyaz Latif 6-41) versus Transport Sports Club 353 all out from 66.2 overs (Riyad Latif 117, Shamar Apple 100, Mickel Johnson 36, Emmanuel Lewis 35, John Persaud 29; Euan Blair 3-29, Ameer Mohamed 3-116)

The date and venue for the final will be announced by the GCA.

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President’s College have been crowned champions of the National Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships for the second consecutive year, fending off a fierce late challenge from Linden’s powerhouse schools.

The East Coast Demerara institution arrived at the National Track and Field Centre on Friday with a 50-point cushion, and while that lead was marginally reduced by a dominant afternoon from Mackenzie High and Christianburg Wismar Secondary (CWSS), PC’s superior depth across the 114 events proved decisive.

As the final relay crossed the line, the stands at West Coast Demerara erupted into chants of “Let’s go PC,” confirming a total tally of 275 points for the defending champions.

Mackenzie High School (230 points) and Christianburg Wismar Secondary (214 points) followed them in the top three.

Rounding out the top six were Mahaicony Secondary (108 points), Christ Church Secondary (79 points) and Charlestown Secondary (76 points).

While President’s College took the team trophy, the individual headlines belonged to Angel Jeffrey and Lamar Yaw, both of whom secured quadruple gold medals.

Jeffrey (CWSS) looked untouchable in the Under-17 category, completing a clean sweep of the 100m, 200m, and 400m before anchoring her school to 4x100m glory.

Her 200m victory in 25.11s was particularly clinical, finishing well ahead of Mahaicony’s Quinyla Burnett (25.82s). Jeffrey now turns her attention to the CARIFTA Games in Grenada next month.

Lamar Yaw (Mackenzie High) matched that feat in the Boys’ U17 division. Yaw’s versatility was on full display as he clocked 51.53s to take the 400m title ahead of Jadel Liverpool (51.91s), before returning to claim the 200m in 22.33s.

The blue-riband Under-20 events delivered the drama as in the Boys’ 200m, Skylar Charles of Vreed-En-Hoop Secondary powered to gold in 21.26s, beating out Dequan Farrell and 100m winner Onesi Dunn.

In the distance events, Mackenzie High’s Ebo McNeil produced a masterclass in the 5,000m, stopping the clock at 17:01.47 to win by a comfortable margin of over 40 seconds.

The championships concluded with a series of frantic 4x100m relays. While Christianburg Wismar dominated the girls’ categories—winning both the U15 and U17 titles—the Boys’ U20 final provided the photo finish of the night.

The Government Technical Institute (GTI) snatched gold in 44.37s, beating Mackenzie High by a mere 0.03 seconds in a lung-bursting sprint to the tape.

At the closing ceremony, Ministers Sonia Parag and Steven Jacobs applauded the athletes, teachers, and officials for a “job well done” and assured the student-athletes that the government is behind their development and will continue to offer tangible support.

Next year’s championships will be held at the new Bayroc National Stadium in Linden.

FULL RESULTS: https://vro.akf.mybluehost.me/TempoSports/Results/

 

 

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Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, and Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, met on Friday with key tourism stakeholders to discuss measures aimed at improving the overall visitor experience in Guyana.

Among those participating in the engagement were Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Kamrul Baksh, representatives of Visit Guyana, 592 Tours, the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, and the Director of Tourism, along with other tourism operators.

Discussions focused on creating an environment that is more conducive to touring, particularly within Georgetown and other key visitor areas. Participants examined ways to improve organization within the city, strengthen standards, and foster a more welcoming atmosphere for tourists.

A major focus of the meeting was the importance of attitudes and service culture, with stakeholders emphasizing that positive engagement with visitors is critical to enhancing Guyana’s reputation as a tourism destination. Improving order in the city, ensuring cleaner and more organized public spaces, and strengthening coordination among agencies were also highlighted as priority areas.

Minister Manickchand noted that collaboration between government ministries and the tourism sector is essential to ensure that visitors enjoy a positive and memorable experience while in Guyana.

Minister Rodrigues emphasized that as Guyana’s tourism sector continues to grow, maintaining high standards and a welcoming environment will be key to sustaining that growth (Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development press release) 

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