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The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and the Ministry of Public Works convened a joint meeting on Friday to discuss the management, maintenance, and development of parks, recreational grounds, and other public spaces across Guyana.

The engagement aimed to establish a clearer framework for collaboration among the three ministries and to ensure that responsibilities for these important community assets are effectively divided.

During the meeting, officials examined existing mandates and operational roles related to the upkeep and development of public spaces. Discussions focused on improving coordination so that maintenance, infrastructure works, and recreational programming can be delivered more efficiently and with minimal overlap between agencies.

Participants agreed that clearly defining the roles of each ministry will help strengthen accountability while ensuring that parks and recreational facilities remain accessible, safe, and well-maintained for communities throughout the country.

The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development highlighted the importance of working closely with municipalities and neighbourhood democratic councils, which play a frontline role in managing community spaces. The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports emphasized the value of parks and grounds in promoting youth engagement, sports development, and community activities. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works underscored its role in supporting infrastructure improvements and technical works in public areas.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to develop a coordinated approach that will guide future planning, maintenance, and upgrades of parks, grounds, and other public recreational spaces nationwide.

Officials noted that continued collaboration among the ministries will ensure that these spaces remain vibrant hubs for recreation, sports, and community interaction (Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development press release) 

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A father and his four-month-old son have died in a tragic accident along the Orangestein Public Road, East Bank Essequibo, on Friday.

Dead are Luke Persaud, a 22-year-old resident of Meten- Meer- Zorg, and his son, Khrisna Persaud. The child’s mother was injured in the accident.

Police Headquarters, in a release, said initial enquiries revealed that the 27-year-old driver of motor lorry GZZ 5068 was proceeding north out of a parking lot of a shopping mall, situated on the southern parapet, at around 11:00 hrs Friday. At that time, another motor lorry proceeding west along the southern side of the road stopped and allowed the driver of  GZZ 5068 to turn and proceed east.

At the same time, however, Luke was riding motorcycle CM 5492 with the woman and child west along the southern side of the road. Police said Luke was reportedly speeding, and while overtaking a stationary motor lorry on the solid double yellow lines, he ended up on the northern side of the road and collided with the right-side front portion of GZZ 5068.

As a result of the collision, the motorcyclist and pillion riders fell onto the road surface and sustained injuries to their bodies. They were picked up in an unconscious condition and taken to the De Kinderen Regional Hospital, where Krishna and Luke were pronounced dead by a doctor on duty.

The 19-year-old woman later regained consciousness and was admitted to the female surgical ward, suffering from head and other injuries. Her condition is regarded as stable.

The bodies of  Luke and Krishna are presently lying at the Ezekiel Funeral Home awaiting post-mortem examinations.

Meanwhile, the driver of the motor lorry is in police custody, assisting with investigations. A breathalyser test was conducted on the driver of the motor lorry, and no trace of alcohol was detected.

A release from TOPCO, which owns the truck lorry involved in the accident, noted that the company is also cooperating with the relevant authorities as they conduct their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Police have also said that CCTV footage was seen and obtained.

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On a day affected by rain, which saw a reduction in the number of overs bowled, Matthew Nandu XI made slow progress against Tevin Imlach XI in the Guyana Harpy Eagles first three-day practice match at the Everest Ground, Camp Road.

At stumps on Day Two, Nandu XI reached 110-2 in response to the 180 made by Tevin Imlach XI on the first day. Resuming on 6-0, Nandu XI added 104 runs from the 55 overs that were bowled, labouring at 1.89 runs per over.

Zeynul Ramsammy is not out on 30 off 80 balls (4x4s) and Kemol Savory unbeaten on 25 off 79 (3x4s), the pair featuring in an unbroken third wicket stand of 50.

Nandu and Navindra Persaud had put together a stand of 55 in 29 overs for the first wicket, before both were dismissed in the space of five runs.

Persaud was run out for 25 off 86 (2x4s) attempting a second run, while Nandu was caught behind by Tomanni Caesar off the bowling of Isai Thorne for 27 off 103 (3x4s).

The match culminates on Saturday, with play starting at 09:30h, weather permitting.

A second practice game will be held at Everest on March 17-19, with the third set for GCC from March 22-24.

The Guyana Harpy Eagles are the reigning West Indies Four-Day champions, having won the last three championships on the trot and eight of the last 10 titles.

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PRESS RELEASE || The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Martin Massiah as its Director of Marketing and Commercial Strategy and Renata Burnette as the Communications Officer, reinforcing the Federation’s commitment to commercial growth, and global engagements.

About Martin Massiah

Massiah is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (MCIM) and holds an MBA from the Quantic School of Business and Technology.

His academic background also includes an MSc in International Business from Hult International Business School, a BSc in International Business from St. George’s University, and graduate-level studies in Marketing Management at Harvard University’s Extension School.

Massiah has been a driving force in local football development, supporting the rebranding of Ordis FC and previously serving as President of Fruta Conquerors FC.

In addition to his marketing responsibilities, he will serve as Head of eSports, having pioneered the launch of the GFF eSports League in 2025.

Massiah has also played a key role in modernising football marketing in Guyana, leading content production for the GFF Elite League in Seasons Five and Six, before being appointed Elite League Marketing Director for Season Seven, where his campaigns delivered record-breaking engagement for domestic football.

About Renata Burnette

Burnette brings extensive experience in communications and public relations. With a professional background spanning both radio and television, Burnette has spent several years working in media, developing expertise in storytelling, audience engagement, and strategic communication.

In her role, she will support the Federation’s efforts to strengthen its public image and promote the continued growth of football in Guyana.

Through these appointments, the Guyana Football Federation continues to strengthen its focus on innovation, commercial growth, and global engagement, as it builds a modern football ecosystem for Guyana. (GFF)

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A woman was on Friday sentenced to three years in prison and fined $83,250 after pleading guilty to a cocaine trafficking charge at the Weldaad Magistrate’s Court.

Heermattie Dharamdai appeared before Magistrate Shivani Lallram, who read her the charges related to the offence of possession.

The woman admitted to the offence of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking, specifically 55.5 grammes of cocaine.

Following the confession, Magistrate Lallram imposed the three-year custodial sentence along with the fine of $83,250.

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Friday’s proceedings in the committal hearing for U.S.-indicted businessmen Azruddin Mohamed and Nazar Mohamed largely came down to the details as cross-examination of Foreign Affairs Ministry Permanent Secretary Sharon Roopchand-Edwards continued before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

During the hearing, defence attorney Roysdale Forde, S.C., pressed Roopchand-Edwards on the circumstances surrounding her statement dated November 27, 2025, which outlined how documents from the United States Embassy were received and handled at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

However, several of Forde’s questions were disallowed by the court after repeated objections from prosecuting attorney Herbert McKenzie, who argued that many of the questions were irrelevant or had already been addressed.

Based on the exchanges during the hearing, at least 10 questions from the defence were not allowed after objections by McKenzie and rulings by the magistrate.

Many of the disputed questions centred on details not included in Roopchand-Edwards’ written statement, including descriptions of the courier who delivered the package, how long the courier remained in her office and whether the template used to prepare her statement could have been retrieved electronically.

During questioning, Roopchand-Edwards acknowledged that her statement was a “summary” rather than a step-by-step account, explaining that some details, including that she opened the folder in the presence of the courier and that it had first been received by her office staff , were not included in the written statement.

Forde also questioned the process used to prepare the statement, noting that Roopchand-Edwards said she had consulted with a lawyer from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relied on a template when drafting the document.

Under further questioning, the Permanent Secretary revealed that she made notes during that consultation in a notebook kept in her office.

When asked about the notebook’s whereabouts, Roopchand-Edwards said it was likely among several notebooks kept at the ministry.

Forde then requested that the notebook be produced in court.

Magistrate Latchman granted the request, directing the witness to locate and produce the notebook when the hearing resumed at 1:30 p.m., if it could be found.

When court resumed at 1:30 p.m., Roopchand-Edwards informed the court that the notebook could not be located. She said she checked throughout the lunch break but was unable to find it at that time.

The defence had argued that the notebook could shed light on the consultation process and the preparation of the Permanent Secretary’s statement, which forms part of the evidence in the extradition proceedings.

Throughout the morning session (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.), McKenzie repeatedly rose to object to lines of questioning from the defence, particularly those relating to the courier’s identity, the timing of events and communications surrounding the preparation of the statement.

Magistrate Latchman sustained several of those objections, ruling that some of the questions were irrelevant to the proceedings or had already been answered.

Note: This report reflects developments during the morning session of the hearing, between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m..

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Allegations that U.S indicted businessmen Nazar Mohamed and his son Azruddin Mohamed may have breached the conditions of their bail were raised in court on Friday, prompting Magistrate Judy Lachmanto request police records to verify the claims.

The issue was raised by prosecuting attorney Glen Hanoman, who told the court that the two men may not have consistently complied with the key bail requirement to report weekly to the Ruimveldt Police Station.

As part of their bail conditions in the ongoing extradition proceedings, the father and son were required to lodge their passports with the court and report to the police once every week.

During Friday’s hearing, Inspector Hinds of the Ruimveldt Police Station appeared in court and presented information from the station diary. However, he said he could only provide details relating to March 6, explaining that the station sergeant, who is the custodian of the station diaries, was not present.

Hinds also told the court that the diary currently in his possession was opened on March 3.

According to the entries for March 6, Nazar Mohamed reported to the station at 10:00 hrs, while Azruddin Mohamed checked in at 13:14 hrs.

Inspector Hinds further explained that the station diaries for January and February are currently locked away and therefore were not available in court on Friday.

However, Hanoman insisted that there were several instances prior to March 6 where the reporting conditions were breached. He said he personally reviewed the station diaries and compiled a list of alleged violations.

According to the prosecutor, the records indicate that on several occasions Nazar Mohamed reported earlier than the time stipulated by the court, which Hanoman argued still constitutes a technical breach of the bail conditions. He also alleged that there were times when reporting occurred one or two days after the scheduled date and that the pair were absent twice during December and January.

Hanoman also told the court that on one occasion the two men reported on the 14th of a month instead of the 13th to maintain a consistent weekly schedule.

“They failed to report within the strict timeline of the court and instead reported when they felt like,” Hanoman told the magistrate.

Magistrate Judy Latchman, in response, said the court must examine the official records before making any determination.

“I will definitely have to see the book. The court will have to see the books,” she said.

The magistrate ordered that efforts be made to have the station diaries produced in court on Monday morning at 09:00 hrs.

Nazar Mohamed and Azruddin Mohamed were granted $150,000 bail each after being arrested in Georgetown on October 31, 2025, in connection with an extradition request from the United States.

US authorities are seeking their extradition to face charges linked to an alleged multi-million gold smuggling and money laundering scheme.

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Senior correctional officials from 13 countries will gather in Guyana next week for the Guyana Prison Service Senior Officers’ Conference that will, among other things, see the launch of a new mental health and correctional leadership programme in collaboration with the University of Guyana.

The conference, which opens on Monday, March 16 2026, will be formally declared open by President Dr Irfaan Ali and is expected to attract high-level delegations from across the Caribbean and the United States.

Countries confirmed to participate include Jamaica, St Lucia, Grenada, Anguilla, Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas and the United States, with senior officials travelling to Guyana to examine developments within the country’s prison system.

The event will focus on strengthening correctional services across the region, sharing best practices and advancing rehabilitation efforts for inmates.

Assistant Director of Prisons (Operations), Deoraj Gyandat said the conference will also provide an opportunity for countries to learn from each other as the region continues to modernise its correctional systems.

“While we want persons to come to Guyana and learn from what we are doing in the prisons here, we also don’t know it all so we can learn from them as well,” Gyandat explained during a programme on Radio Eve Leary on Thursday.

A key highlight of the week will be the launch of the Mental Health and Correctional Leadership Programme, which will be offered through the University of Guyana. The launch is scheduled for Wednesday, March 18.

The programme is expected to train correctional officers locally while also opening opportunities for officers from across the wider Caribbean to enroll.

“One of the things we want to achieve is for Guyana to become a regional hub for the training of correctional officers right here in Guyana, and this would be done with none other than the University of Guyana,” Gyandat said.

The conference will also feature an exhibition on its opening day where international companies will showcase modern correctional security equipment, including riot gear, scanners and other advanced technologies used in prison management worldwide.

On the second day of the conference, members of the international delegation will tour the Lusignan Prison, which has been completely rebuilt using imported steel cells from the United States that meet international standards for the treatment of offenders.

Authorities say the modern facilities reflect Guyana’s shift toward a more progressive corrections system focused on rehabilitation and humane treatment.

“Every inmate that comes into the prison must be treated fairly and must be rehabilitated where it is possible,” Gyandat emphasised.

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After consistently accusing the PPP government of political persecution, businessman Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, are now seeking to pin the U.S request for their extradition to their support for the Palestinian cause.

Addressing the court during the ongoing extradition proceedings on Thursday, the Mohameds’ attorney Siand Dhurjon said the Mohameds are being targeted for their involvement in the protests in support of the Palestinian people.

“It has been known that the Mohameds have organised parades in support of the Palestinian side of the war,” the lawyer told the court.

The two men were sanctioned by the United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in June 2024 for their alleged involvement in large-scale gold smuggling, public corruption, tax evasion and money laundering, including accusations that their company, Mohamed’s Enterprise, smuggled gold and bribed officials to facilitate the scheme.

Following those sanctions, a U.S. federal grand jury in the Southern District of Florida indicted the pair on 11 charges, including conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, wire fraud and mail fraud linked to an alleged scheme to export more than 10,000 kilograms of gold while evading more than US$50 million in taxes and royalties owed to Guyana.

The United States is seeking the extradition of the Mohameds to face those charges – charges they continue to challenge in the courts.

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See below the full release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation: 

The Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana has taken note of the communiqué issued by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela dated 11th March 2026, which purports to object to Guyana’s decision to advance a three-dimensional multi-client seismic exploration programme within Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Guyana categorically rejects the assertions contained therein, which are legally unfounded, inaccurate, and entirely inconsistent with established principles of international law.

The Ministry wishes to remind the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela that the Government of Guyana has the authority to grant permission for any activities within the maritime areas appurtenant to the coastal territory of Guyana, as defined by the Arbitral Award of 1899, which established the frontier between British Guiana and Venezuela. In such maritime areas, Guyana enjoys sovereignty up to 12 nautical miles in the territorial sea, and sovereign rights beyond 12 nautical miles in the Exclusive Economic Zone and the continental shelf. The maritime areas in which the seismic survey will be conducted lie unequivocally within Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf, over which Guyana exercises sovereign rights. These rights include the exclusive authority to explore, exploit, conserve and manage natural resources within its maritime jurisdiction. As such, Guyana’s decision to facilitate the acquisition of high-resolution seismic data through a 3D Multi-Client Seismic Survey represents a legitimate and lawful exercise of its rights and is entirely consistent with international law and established state practice.

The Government further underscores that the seismic acquisition initiative forms part of Guyana’s broader national strategy to strengthen the scientific understanding of its offshore petroleum basin, enhance transparency in resource management, and improve the attractiveness of Guyana’s offshore acreage to responsible international investors. The programme will employ advanced geophysical techniques to generate high-resolution subsurface imagery that supports exploration planning and strengthens the long-term governance of Guyana’s offshore energy sector.

Accordingly, Guyana firmly rejects Venezuela’s attempt to characterise these lawful activities as occurring within “undelimited maritime areas.” Such claims constitute a deliberate misrepresentation of both the geographic and legal realities governing Guyana’s maritime jurisdiction. The Government of Guyana has consistently exercised peaceful administration and jurisdiction over its maritime spaces, including the licensing and regulation of offshore exploration activities. These actions are undertaken in strict conformity with international law and with due regard to the rights and entitlement of other States.

It should be recalled that when the boundary between the two States was definitively settled more than a century ago by the 1899 Arbitral Award, Venezuela accepted and benefited from that settlement and the legal certainty it provided. That Award brought finality to the territorial boundary and enabled both States to exercise the full rights and advantages arising from their respective territories and maritime projections. It is therefore particularly incongruous that Venezuela, having historically benefited from the stability and legal clarity afforded by that settlement, now seeks to challenge Guyana’s sovereign right to utilise and develop the resources contained within the territory and maritime areas that lawfully appertain to Guyana.

On this basis, Guyana respectfully rejects the protest by Venezuela and likewise rejects the notion that any portion of its maritime space or continental shelf appertains to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Guyana recalls that the Geneva Agreement of 1966 governs the resolution of the controversy which has arisen because of Venezuela’s contention, first made in 1962, that the Arbitral Award of 1899, which settled the land boundary between British Guiana and Venezuela, is null and void. That Agreement imposes no obligation on Guyana to refrain from economic development activities in any portion of its territory or in any appurtenant maritime areas.

Moreover, Venezuela’s assertion that it will not recognise concessions, licences or activities authorised by Guyana in its maritime domain is wholly without legal effect. Under international law, no State may arrogate to itself the authority to invalidate the lawful sovereign decisions of another State within its own territory or maritime zones. Venezuela’s statements therefore represent an unwarranted attempt to interfere with Guyana’s sovereign right to pursue its economic development and manage its natural resources for the benefit of its people.

The Ministry therefore calls upon the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to refrain from issuing inflammatory and misleading statements that seek to undermine Guyana’s sovereign rights or discourage legitimate economic activity within Guyana’s maritime domain.

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