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Public Works Minister Juan Edghill has announced stricter enforcement measures against illegal parking, road encumbrances and trucks carrying excessive loads that damage the country’s roads.

Addressing several issues the ministry has been actively tackling, Edghill said trucks are being tested and monitored for axle loads at multiple locations, with more than 1,000 trucks already weighed. He warned that operators found violating axle load limits will face penalties.

“If you are caught carrying more load than is allowed based on your vehicle’s axle, you will be stopped immediately. You will not be allowed to continue traversing, and you will face financial consequences,” he said, adding that vehicle safety will also be checked and tailgates must be secured.

The Minister also addressed the growing problem of illegal parking and road encroachments. He noted that government property is being damaged and said the ministry, working alongside the police and Traffic and Maintenance Division, will hold those responsible accountable.

“You damage government property, you will be made to pay,” Edghill emphasised.

He further warned operators of heavy machinery who damage roads and shoulders by moving equipment without protective pads that they will be held responsible.

“We also have a situation where owners of excavators and heavy-duty machinery are passing on newly paved roads without putting the pads…destroying road shoulders. This practice must stop,” he said.

Edghill also addressed contractors engaged by the Ministry, noting that those who fail to meet agreed standards will not be compensated.

“Contractors who are involved in weeding and cleaning that don’t do their work properly and don’t clean up and move away the grass. We have put measures in place to start weeding them out of the system and replacing them with contractors who will do the job efficiently,” he said.

To enhance accountability and efficiency, the Ministry has introduced two hotline numbers – 624-2964 and 624-2965 – for citizens and contractors to report encumbrances, unsafe practices, or road damage.

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Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill on Thursday issued a firm notice that abandoned and unused vehicles left along public roadways and shoulders will be removed and taken to the government’s garbage site.

Edghill made the announcement during a live statement on the ministry’s Facebook page, warning of the dangers such vehicles pose when left on roadsides. He added that the government incurs costs to remove these abandoned vehicles and containers and owners who wish to reclaim their property will be required to pay the full cost of removal.

The minister said the move is part of an ongoing nationwide effort to keep roadways clear, improve public safety, and restore order to the country’s transport network.

“The issue is that when the shoulders are encumbered, in the case of an emergency, you don’t have anywhere to pass. It’s also a security issue, because people could hide in these areas and, in the evening hours, pounce on people for robberies,” Edghill said.

He noted that this has been an ongoing project, with derelict vehicles regularly removed. The removal exercise will continue across all regions in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force and the Ministry’s Traffic and Maintenance Division.

Edghill emphasised that persons can contact the Ministry to identify areas where derelict vehicles are obstructing road shoulders. However, once the removal process begins, owners will only be able to recover their vehicles after covering all related expenses.

The Minister further urged citizens to desist from turning public road shoulders and walkways into personal storage or business areas.

“We have to bring order back to society,” he said.

He reiterated that such encumbrances endanger pedestrians and disrupt traffic – issues that will no longer be tolerated.

“Over the last several days, we’ve had cause to move and remove items from some of these businesses, and I’ve indicated it will not be allowed,” Edghill added.

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Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has assured that no Guyanese will be excluded from receiving cash grants due to not having a bank account, even as the government encourages citizens to open accounts for more convenient access to funds.

Jagdeo made the comments while explaining ongoing efforts to expand financial inclusion, particularly in remote and underserved areas. “Nobody will be denied their cash grant because they don’t have a bank account. But it’s good to do that,” he said.

The Vice President emphasised that the government is focused on connecting all Guyanese to the financial system. “When you talk about obsession, it’s not with money… it’s how do we get all of our people connected to the financial system, even people who live in the most remote parts of our country,” he said, citing examples such as the hinterland regions.

Jagdeo highlighted the role of FinTech, mobile banking, and internet banking in enabling wider access. “You could be in a remote area, and because there is now internet connection, you can check your account, have an account, have your money paid into it, and track it,” he said. The government is exploring the establishment of central terminals in sub-districts where residents can conduct banking transactions without full-scale bank branches.

He also referenced past challenges with physical disbursements. “When we gave checks in Region One, a lot of people couldn’t even cash their checks. People became a little dissatisfied because we gave the checks but they couldn’t get their money. We then had to work out all sorts of arrangements to make that happen.”

The assurance comes amid announcements by President Dr. Irfaan Ali that cash grants for individuals and vulnerable groups—including the elderly, persons with disabilities, children, women, small businesses, farmers, and more—will be announced before the end of the year. These grants, the President said, are part of broader measures to empower every Guyanese throughout the government’s five-year term and will be disbursed in a more organised manner.

Jagdeo encouraged citizens to take advantage of easier online account openings at local banks. “So let us use this period to put the mechanism in place and finalise the system of delivery,” he said, stressing that while bank accounts facilitate smoother payments, no one will be left out of the programme.

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Business operators in Guyana continue to express frustration over delays in accessing foreign currency from banks, with some reporting that requests take up to three weeks to be processed.

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo confirmed that the government is closely watching the situation. “We are monitoring it,” he said, noting that multiple requests by individual companies can sometimes slow the process.

“A lot of the businessmen, when we look at the framework, we see multiple requests. They’ll go to five banks and put in the same request at several banks. Some people still think they can beat the system, especially groups that are not Guyanese, where we see leakages for goods going to Trinidad.”

Jagdeo highlighted that while legitimate businesses with strong banking relationships can access funds within three weeks, accessing currency in neighbouring countries such as Trinidad can take up to six months for even small amounts. “If they have good relations with the banks, then they get resources. We have adequate funds to inject in the banking system,” he said.

He explained that a shortage of physical banknotes is contributing to higher costs and delays. “There is a bigger shortage of notes, though, and that pushes up the cost price of notes, like the exchange rate for notes versus the bank drafts,” Jagdeo said. “The illicit users want to buy the notes because they can’t come through the banking system. Some companies, like some Chinese companies and others, go and buy the notes and are prepared to pay more. That’s creating a shortage of the notes more than anything else.”

Jagdeo also raised concerns about individuals taking large sums of cash out of the country, including to destinations like Panama. “They declare it, but they take it out in bundles. They should be using the banking system if it’s legitimate, not to take physical cash. It puts more strain on the availability of physical currency because bank drafts are easier to manage.”

The Vice President emphasised that the government is committed to ensuring the formal banking system remains the primary channel for foreign currency transactions and that measures are being taken to curb abuses and leakages.

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Dr. Martin Pertab, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), on Wednesday, inspected key first-phase infrastructure works across four major housing developments on the East Coast Demerara, Region Four. The visit covered the Felicity, Chateau Margot, Success, and Le Ressouvenir Housing Developments. Accompanying the CEO were Director of Community Development, Mr Gladwin Charles; Senior Engineer, Mr Anthony Ragnauth and other engineers; as well as, Surveyor, Mr. Shaquille Mayers and other technical staff.

The scope of works includes the development of crusher run roads, bridges, culverts, drainage networks and installation of pipe networks.

​A total investment of $21.4 billion is dedicated to executing these first-phase infrastructure works. The scope of works includes the development of crusher run roads, bridges, culverts, drainage networks and installation of pipe networks. These projects are anticipated to be completed before the end of the year.

​During his engagement with project contractors, Dr. Pertab stressed the importance of adhering to strict timelines to meet housing demands.

​“Efficiency is critical at this time, we need the work to be completed on time so that occupancy can take place,” Dr. Pertab stated.

The scope of works includes the development of crusher run roads, bridges, culverts, drainage networks and installation of pipe networks.

​The CEO noted that CH&PA’s focus extends beyond core infrastructure, prioritizing the timely provision of essential utilities.

While the the necessary pipe networks have already been laid in most of the schemes, the Housing Authority is actively collaborating with the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) to finalize connections to the main water sources, another vital step to boost overall occupancy rates across the new housing schemes. [CH&PA Press Release]

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Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday drew sharp parallels between Guyana’s unfolding situation and Colombia’s dark past, warning that sections of the political opposition, judiciary and media appear to be compromised by money and influence from criminal enterprises connected to U.S indicted businessmen Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed.

“We are watching the people who are going to not perform their duties because they are compromised… we are watching them carefully,” Jagdeo said at a PPP’s press conference on Thursday at Freedom House, Georgetown.

He accused certain local actors of attempting to cover up the alleged activities of the Mohameds, who are both facing extradition to the United States on serious financial crimes, by using their wealth and influence to manipulate public opinion and key institutions.

“That’s story that will never be written by the Stabroek News…because their objective was not to inform the public but to help the Mohameds cover up their surreptitious visit to the Venezuelan Embassy,” Jagdeo said.

According to Jagdeo, Nazar presented a letter from the Venezuelan Embassy inviting him to a youth conference scheduled for July 25 2025, as justification for his controversial visit to the embassy. But according to Jagdeo, Nazar’s visit to the embassy actually took place in August, weeks after the event had concluded.

“It could not have been for that youth conference. It had to be for something else,” Jagdeo said as he sought to establish a clear link between the Mohameds and actors in Venezuela.

He argued that given existing U.S. sanctions and allegations that the Mohameds were involved in moving gold for Venezuelan generals, the visit to embassy was suspicious and warranted serious scrutiny.

Jagdeo pointed out that the U.S. extradition request for Nazar and Azruddin was finalised on October 26 — the same day a deadly terrorist incident occurred in Guyana which saw the bombing of a gas station in the city by a Venezuelan national belonging to one of the most notorious gangs in the neighbouring country.

The extradition request was signed on October 27; Jagdeo suggested that persons linked to the Mohameds might have been tipped off about the impending request, referencing a social media post by Odessa Primus, General Secretary of Mohamed’s WIN party, on October 28 which hinted at “a big distraction” within 24 hours.

The Vice President also criticised the magistrate who granted bail to the father and son last Friday when they were arrested following the extradition request, arguing that the decision appeared to favour convenience over the seriousness of the charges.

He noted that the father and son were allowed to post cash bail of $150,000, a move he described as “unprecedented,” and said it sent a troubling message to the world about Guyana’s handling of serious extradition cases.

“Bail was set at $150,000 cash, because you didn’t need to get a draft. It was Friday afternoon, and normally it wasn’t the seriousness of the offence that determined bail. “It was a convenience to the Mohameds so they could pay $150,000 in cash. People don’t get bail for that. You can imagine the world looking on at Guyana and saying, ‘What is happening in that country?’”

Meanwhile, the Vice President also cited statements made in the U.S. Congress by Representatives Carlos Gimenez and Maria Salazar, who expressed concern about Venezuelan efforts to undermine Guyana’s democracy through “pro-Maduro puppet candidate Azruddin Mohamed.”

“This is not random,” Jagdeo asserted. “These statements reflect information available to U.S. intelligence that connects the Mohameds to broader regional networks.”

He said Guyana must act swiftly to prevent the infiltration of its institutions by criminally connected individuals. Drawing comparisons to Colombia’s Pablo Escobar era, Jagdeo warned: “They compromised the judiciary, they bought sections of the police, the army, the media, and even the executive. When criminals buy influence across all sectors, the result is kidnappings, bombings, and national instability. We must cut that culture out early.”

Jagdeo accused “half of the media” of refusing to challenge the Mohameds’ alleged criminality and said their portrayal of Azruddin’s recent entry into Parliament was “a disgrace.”

“They called it a historic day instead of the worst day in our parliamentary history,” he said. “A man facing extradition to the United States, sanctioned by OFAC, now sits in Parliament and the media celebrates it.”

The Vice President also accused some APNU members of being “bought” by the Mohameds, claiming that sections of its leadership accepted money and subsequently softened their stance.

“APNU’s leadership is compromised. They didn’t resist at the elections because they were paid off. Darren Wade himself said he sought clearance from the leadership to defend the Mohameds. That’s why they have been silent on the legality of the extradition,” Jagdeo charged.

He contrasted this silence with the opposition’s aggressive reaction in previous cases involving PPP officials.

“When Ashni Singh and Winston Brassington were arrested, they were paraded in chains and APNU celebrated. But with the Mohameds, all they could talk about was the manner of arrest. Why? Because they’ve been bought,” Jagdeo said.

The Vice President warned that if Guyana fails to confront these linkages decisively, the country risks institutional collapse:

“When people with ill-gotten wealth like Azruddin Mohamed and others believe they can buy out politicians, media houses, and the courts, it marks the beginning of a failed society. We must guard against that with everything we have.”

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Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday blasted Opposition MP and U.S.-indicted businessman Azruddin Mohamed for what he described as a “brazen act of arrogance,” after Mohamed drove his luxury Lamborghini to Parliament earlier this week — reportedly without valid insurance.

Speaking during his press conference at Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown, Jagdeo said the move was intended to provoke and demonstrate impunity.

“He brought his Lamborghini to show me… that’s what he said,” Jagdeo recounted. “From what I gather, that vehicle doesn’t even have insurance. Any ordinary Guyanese caught driving without insurance would be in serious trouble. But he drove it to Parliament to show Jagdeo that he can break the laws of the country.”

The Vice President stressed that driving an uninsured vehicle on public roads is illegal, noting that such actions endanger lives. “If you hit someone without insurance, you’re in big trouble. Yet the police just stood by and allowed it. That’s unacceptable,” he said.

Jagdeo went further, warning that Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken should be held accountable if any harm occurs as a result of the vehicle being on the road. “If a child or anyone gets hit and injured or killed by that Lamborghini, Hicken should face criminal charges too, because he allowed it,” Jagdeo declared.

The Vice President accused Mohamed of flaunting his wealth to defy the rule of law and taunt state institutions. “He wasn’t showing the finger to me — he was showing the finger to the country, to law and order,” Jagdeo said. “What he’s saying is, ‘I can steal, I can evade taxes, I can buy off people in the police, the GRA, or the courts and get away with it.’ That’s the message.”

Jagdeo reminded that U.S. financial records show a cashier’s cheque for US$680,085 issued by a California bank to purchase the same Lamborghini from Lamborghini Newport Beach, even though it was declared in Guyana for just US$75,000.

“This is the same Lamborghini the U.S. has tied to his financial dealings,” Jagdeo said. “But rather than address that illegality, some sections of the media romanticised it… like it was a show of glamour. That’s complicity.”

He argued that Mohamed’s behaviour reflects a deeper arrogance and belief that he is above the law. “It’s criminal behaviour, flaunted in people’s faces,” Jagdeo said. “If your child had been hit down by that car, you would not be cheering it on. They think there are two sets of laws in this country… one for them and one for everyone else.”

The Vice President maintained that such actions underscore a culture of entitlement and disregard for accountability. “They believe they can do anything in Guyana and get away with it,” Jagdeo said. “That’s not showing off a car…that’s showing contempt for the law.”

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Yeison Andres Sanchez Vallejo, a 33-year-old Colombian national was Tuesday detained at the Kurupukari Police Checkpoint during a routine security screening procedure. The man was in a Lethem-bound minibus.

Police Headquarters in a statement said the foreign national had in his possession a passport bearing the immigration stamp “RLL” (Refused Leave to Land).

Subsequent checks revealed Yeison is reportedly among persons sanctioned by the United States of America in relation to drug trafficking activities.

Yeison is among six individuals [four Guyanese and two Colombians] who were sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in June this year. They are accused of trafficking tons of cocaine from South America to the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean.

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Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has condemned statements by newly sworn-in Opposition parliamentarian Azruddin Mohamed, who alleged shortly after taking his oath on Monday last that the 2025 general elections were rigged, calling the claim “outrageous” and “evidence of lunacy.”

Speaking at his weekly press conference on Thursday at Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown, Jagdeo criticised Mohamed’s statement to reporters at the ACCC on Monday, in which he claimed, “I won the elections.”

Azruddin, facing U.S sanctions and now indicted on several charges relating to gold smuggling, tax evasion, and financial crimes had formed the We Invest in Nationhood political movement to contest the September elections.

“Not even APNU made such outrageous claims,” Jagdeo said. “When asked for proof, he couldn’t provide any. He even suggested the GECOM website went down for three hours and votes were altered … but nobody else, including international observers or APNU, has ever made such allegations. All Statements of Poll were uploaded the same night.”

Jagdeo also criticised sections of the media present during Mohamed’s comments for not challenging him. “What is appalling is that the media didn’t ask, ‘Are you a madman?’ or ‘Are you a lunatic?’ How can you make such an outrageous claim and repeat it publicly without evidence?” he said.

He further pointed to Mohamed’s online supporters, including paid accounts and suspected Venezuelan trolls, noting that attempts to defend his claim lacked credibility. “If your boss tells you he won the elections without proof, you have to call it what it is — lunacy,” Jagdeo said.

Jagdeo alleged that Mohamed’s entry into politics was a calculated move to shield himself from pending legal action abroad. “They knew they were under global investigation since APNU days,” he said. “When the U.S. sanctions came in June 2024, indictment and extradition were inevitable. Lawyers probably advised them that being in politics might help. But in Guyana, even the Leader of the Opposition has no immunity — only the President does.”

Jagdeo also referenced his own experiences as Opposition Leader, when he was repeatedly questioned and detained by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), emphasising that Mohamed’s quest for the presidency is driven by self-preservation rather than public service.

Describing Mohamed as “a mediocre mind” obsessed with power, Jagdeo said, “He mumbles and strings together words, thinking it will pass as reasoned argument. Claiming he won the presidency without evidence is delusional. This is not politics …  it is madness dressed as ambition.”

The Vice President warned that Mohamed’s obsession with the presidency and attempts to evade justice will not succeed, either domestically or internationally.

“This is a man using politics to try to protect himself from accountability,” Jagdeo said. “It is feeble, unhinged, and completely unacceptable in a democratic society.”

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