Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, has made it clear that she will not tolerate any actions or behaviours that go against the law or the mandate of the Ministry.
In fact, she acknowledged the need for changes in attitudes and behaviours within the Ministry.
“I know that we have to change attitudes and behaviours within, and I am not going to stand here and defend any attitude or behaviour that runs counter to the legislation, the mandate and the responsibility that reside in the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security,” Dr Persaud said on Friday.
She was delivering remarks at the opening of the ‘We Lift 6’ conference.
In executing their duties, Dr Persaud underscored that staff of the Ministry must follow proper procedures and ensure their actions remain balanced and within the law.
“…We have to do the right thing, follow procedures and ensure that at all times we take steps that are balanced and within the ambit of the law,” Dr Persaud said.
Highlighting the recent incident in which two Child Care and Protection Agency officers were seen dragging a schoolgirl, Dr Persaud reiterated that swift action has been taken.
According to Dr Persaud, when children are involved, the Ministry is legally obligated to protect them.
She described the work as consistent and relentless, reflecting a strong commitment to accountability and safeguarding the most vulnerable in society.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has warned that countries across Latin America and the Caribbean risk failing their citizens if critical food security targets are not achieved.
Speaking at the 39th Session of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Regional Conference, Mustapha stressed the need for urgent action to tackle hunger and strengthen the region’s agri-food systems. Discussions at the conference, held in Brazil, examined the outlook for food security in the region, noting a decrease in undernourishment at the regional level.
However, Mustapha said members previously expressed deep concern over a sharp increase in hunger within the Caribbean sub-region, even as some improvements were recorded in South America. Persistent challenges also remain in Mesoamerica and parts of the Caribbean.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha appeared virtually.
He added that the region continues to face the highest global cost for a healthy diet, while small island developing states remain highly vulnerable to climate change, disasters and external economic shocks.
“The conference emphasised the critical importance of mobilising innovative solutions and scaling up efforts to eliminate hunger, guarantee the right to adequate food and support the vital work of subnational governments,” Mustapha said.
The forum also strongly supported international and regional efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty and highlighted the important role of the FAO in generating data and guiding public policies.
Mustapha reminded delegates that similar commitments were made during the 2024 conference and urged countries to measure progress against those targets.
“Let us see how many targets we have met over the last two years. These are matters that demand our immediate attention because if we don’t achieve these outcomes and objectives, then we will fail the people in the region,” he said.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Thursday said Guyana is using innovation, technology and climate-resilient strategies to close persistent food production gaps.
He was addressing a roundtable during the 39th Session of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean in Brazil. Mustapha said a number of technology-driven interventions are transforming the sector.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha presented virtually for the conference.
“Science, technology and innovation underpin our strategy for closing the productivity gap,” the minister said.
Importantly, Mustapha said Guyana’s agricultural push is aligned with the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy to ensure growth remains climate-resilient and environmentally responsible.
Among the initiatives he outlined is the tissue culture laboratory at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), which is expanding the production of disease-free planting materials from about 13,000 plants to as many as one million annually.
“Initiatives such as the rice integrated system combine rice production with fish and duck rearing, reduce costs, enhance income and promote sustainability,” he said.
The new Nano fertiliser
Mustapha also pointed to the use of precision agriculture, nano-urea fertilisers, upgraded drainage and irrigation systems, and a pre-crop insurance scheme that already covers more than 4,200 rice farmers against flood and drought losses.
“All these systems we have put in place ensure that we close the gap in the agriculture system, particularly in the production and productivity areas,” the minister said.
He added that inclusion remains central to the strategy, with at least 35 per cent participation targeted for youth and women in government-supported agricultural programmes. More than 300 persons are currently involved in the Agriculture Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme.
“In Guyana, all agricultural programmes ensure that at least 35 percent participation is by youth and women,” Mustapha said.
The Mayor and City Council of Georgetown are warning property owners and vendors that unauthorized items placed on the city’s parapets, reserves, road shoulders, sidewalks and other municipal lands are in violation of municipal regulations and must be removed.
In a notice issued on March 5, 2026, the Council said the directive is in keeping with Sections 9 and 10 (1) of the City Government By-laws and Sections 302 (24) and (25) under the Miscellaneous Powers of the Council of the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01.
The Council explained that a number of items placed on municipal lands without approval are considered illegal encumbrances.
These include sand, stone or other materials placed on parapets or reserves; unauthorized signs, billboards or advertisements; boulders, barriers or other obstructions; and structures, stalls or any other items installed without written approval from the Council.
Property owners and vendors who have placed such encumbrances on city parapets and reserves have been given one month from the date of the notice to remove them entirely.
The Council warned that failure to comply within the specified period will result in the removal of the encumbrances by the City Council without further notice.
Persons responsible may also be required to pay administrative costs associated with the removal and could face fines or other legal action in accordance with the municipal by-laws.
The Mayor and City Council are urging full cooperation from the public to ensure public safety, accessibility, proper drainage and the orderly appearance of the city.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, called on women to recognize the sacrifices they already make and use that strength to lead.
“I see so many women raising children on their own, women sacrificing so many things, working two jobs to ensure that their families are taken care of,” Dr. Persaud said, acknowledging the resilience of women across the country.
She urged women to break free from limitations and reach their full potential. “Don’t see a box, don’t see a glass ceiling…be all that you can be and all that you are meant to be,” she said.
Dr Persaud was at the time speaking at the opening ceremony of the ‘We Lift-6’ conference.
Dr Persaud also stressed the importance of supporting women leaders.
“Never be part of anything that dishonours a woman, tears her down, does not recognise what she has achieved, but more importantly recognise that she is a leader,” she added.
The conference highlights creativity, entrepreneurship, and leadership, offering women the opportunity to showcase their talents and pursue independence.
Police in Regional Division #7 are investigating an alleged unlawful wounding committed against a 20-year-old woman on Monday evening at Bartica Golden Beach, Central Bartica.
The victim, identified as Nolecia Edmonds of Third Avenue, Bartica, was reportedly injured during an altercation that occurred at about 20:25 hrs on March 2, 2026.
According to preliminary police investigations, Edmonds and the suspect—a 32-year-old welder of Five Miles Housing Scheme, Bartica—are known to each other.
It is alleged that the two encountered each other at Bartica Golden Beach when an argument erupted between them. During the confrontation, the suspect reportedly assaulted Edmonds, causing her to sustain injuries.
The matter was subsequently reported to the police, and the suspect was later contacted and arrested.
Edmonds was taken to the Bartica Regional Hospital where she was seen and examined by a doctor on duty before being sent away.
Police said investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Six persons are currently in police custody following the discovery of illegal firearms and ammunition during separate police operations in Agricola, East Bank Demerara, and Amelia’s Ward, Linden.
Police said the first discovery was made on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at about 17:34 hrs during an operation carried out by ranks from Regional Division #4 ‘A’ in the Agricola area.
According to police, ranks on mobile patrol acted on information received and intercepted a white Toyota Axio motor car with five male occupants.
A search of the vehicle was conducted, during which ranks discovered a Ruger 9mm pistol with a magazine containing four live rounds of 9mm ammunition under the front passenger seat.
The five occupants were questioned and reportedly told ranks that none of them was the holder of a firearm licence.
Those arrested are a 21-year-old taxi driver of ‘B’ Field, Sophia; a 20-year-old labourer of Kitty; a 34-year-old labourer of ‘B’ Field, Sophia; a 23-year-old construction worker of Cummings Park; and a 17-year-old of ‘B’ Field, Sophia.
They were escorted to the Ruimveldt Police Station along with the suspected firearm and ammunition, which were lodged as investigations continue.
In a separate incident, police in Regional Division #10 are investigating the discovery of another firearm during an operation conducted early Wednesday morning, March 4, 2026, at about 00:10 hrs in Amelia’s Ward, Linden.
Police said ranks were performing duties at a social event when they observed a man acting suspiciously near the stage area.
The man was approached by the ranks and a search was conducted on his person. During the search, a suspected 9mm pistol was found in his left-side pants pocket.
The suspect, a 24-year-old mason of Block 22, Wismar, Linden, was arrested and taken to the Mackenzie Police Station, where the firearm was lodged pending further investigations.
Police said all six suspects remain in custody as investigations into the two incidents continue.
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali is set to represent Guyana at the historic “Shield of the Americas” Summit hosted by United States President Donald Trump in Doral City, Florida, on March 7.
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali
The summit brings together heads of state from 12 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean to strengthen cooperation on security, migration and the war on drug cartels.
President Ali and Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar are the only two Caribbean leaders attending the event.
Leaders from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama and Paraguay are among those expected to attend.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has said that the summit is intended to strengthen cooperation among governments and to address common regional challenges.
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is warning members of the public—particularly those in the business community—to exercise caution amid an emerging online extortion scheme targeting individuals and businesses.
In a statement, the police said reports indicate that some persons have been receiving emails from individuals or entities claiming to be conducting investigative reporting into alleged drug trafficking networks operating within Guyana.
According to the GPF, these emails often accuse the recipients of being linked to narcotics trafficking operations and request that they provide statements or responses to the allegations.
Police said that in subsequent communications, the senders reportedly demand financial contributions or “restitution proposals” in exchange for suspending the publication of the alleged investigative findings.
The Guyana Police Force has made it clear that such actions constitute criminal offences, including attempted extortion, obtaining money by false pretence, and other cyber-related crimes.
Members of the public are strongly advised not to engage with or make any payments to persons making such demands.
Anyone who receives similar communications is urged to report the matter immediately to the nearest police station or the Criminal Investigation Department. Victims are also encouraged to provide copies of the emails or any related correspondence to assist with investigations.
The Guyana Police Force said it is currently monitoring the situation and is urging the public to remain vigilant.
High Court proceedings filed by Nazar Mohamed and his son, Azruddin Mohamed, seeking to reinstate their cambio licence were dismissed on Thursday by Justice Damone Younge.
The father-son duo, through their lawyer, Darren Wade, filed a Fixed Date Application seeking judicial review of the Bank of Guyana’s decision to revoke the cambio license for their business, Confidential Cambio. Among other things, they argued that the decision violated their right to natural justice. Notably, the application was filed one year after United States’ sanctions were handed down and the license was revoked.
Justice Younge disagreed with the assertions made in the application, noting that the bank was empowered to revoke the cambio license. It was also noted that the Mohameds were allowed to be heard before the revocation of their license, dismissing concerns that their right to natural justice was violated.
See below the full statement issued by the Bank of Guyana:
On June 13th, 2025, NAZAR MOHAMED and AZRUDDIN MOHAMED trading under the name, style and title of CONFIDENTIAL CAMBIO filed proceedings in the High Court praying for Orders that the revocation of their cambio license by the Bank of Guyana on June 13th, 2024, was unlawful, null, void and of no legal effect and praying for its restoration.
U.S. indicted businessmen Nazar Mohamed (right) and his son, Azruddin Mohamed (Photo: News Room/ December 10, 2025)
Today, the Honourable Justice Damone Younge dismissed the application of the Mohameds with costs to the Bank of Guyana in the sum of $250,000.00 (two hundred and fifty thousand dollars) to be paid on or before April 10th, 2026.
Her Honour rejected the Applicants’ contention that they were not afforded an opportunity to be heard prior to the revocation of their license since the letter attached to their own application of June 12th, 2024 expressly invited them to a hearing, but for reasons known only to them, they did not avail themselves of that opportunity notwithstanding email acknowledgment of receipt of the notice of hearing and confirmation of their attendance.
The Court further unequivocally dimissed the Applicants’ contention that the Bank of Guyana had predetermined the matter or that the letter of June 12th, 2024, revoked the license.
High Court Judge, Justice Damone Younge
The Court found that the Bank of Guyana was vested with the authority to revoke the cambio license of the Applicants and did so lawfully under the Dealers in Foreign Currency (Licensing) Act.
In closing, the Court agreed with the submissions of the Bank of Guyana (Respondent) that the Applicants were guilty of undue delay in instituting the proceedings challenging the revocation of their license since the proceedings were, without explanation, filed one year after the revocation thereof; and after the license would have in any event expired on December 31st, 2024.
The Bank of Guyana moved to revoke the license of the Mohameds after they were added on June 11th, 2024, to the to the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List as sanctioned individuals and entities.
The Applicants were represented by Darren Wade and the Respondent, Bank of Guyana by Ms. Pauline Chase.
