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Guyana’s economy continues on a trajectory of strong, broad-based economic growth, underpinned by continued expansion in the oil and gas sector, alongside robust performance across the non-oil economy. At the end of the first half of the year, it is estimated that Guyana’s overall economy grew by 7.5 percent, and the non-oil economy by an estimated 13.8 percent, representing the fifth successive year of expansion in the non-oil economy at the half-year, following the contraction in 2020. Based on the developments in the first half of the year, real GDP growth for 2025 has been revised upward to 15.2 percent overall from 10.6 percent, and 13.9 percent for non-oil real GDP up from 13.8 percent.

The 2025 Mid-Year Report confirms that this Government, led by President Ali, is committed to sustaining high growth, while maintaining fiscal discipline and safeguarding Guyana’s long-term stability, with aggressive efforts to implement its ambitious policies and programmes. Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, reflecting on his 2025 Budget presentation reiterated that it provided “a clear path to ensure that the strong economic growth achieved by the domestic economy in recent years is sustained and made more resilient, and that this unprecedented economic expansion continues to be harnessed to deliver tangible and lasting benefits for all Guyanese today and for generations to come”.

Budget 2025 reiterated our Government’s aim of ensuring that the Guyanese People are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to take advantage of the vast opportunities being created by the rapidly transforming economy. This, in turn, will realise our objective of translating national prosperity into community, household, and individual prosperity in the long-term. In this regard, our Government continues to emphasise the empowerment of Guyanese citizens in multiple ways, including through increased opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship, access to free education at all levels, increased opportunities for home ownership, increased disposable incomes, measures to contain the cost of living, and targeted support for children, youth, women, the elderly, and the vulnerable.

The key macroeconomic highlights in the Mid-Year Report for 2025 are as follows:

ECONOMIC GROWTH

• Overall real GDP grew by an estimated 7.5 percent in the first half of 2025.
• The non-oil economy grew by an estimated 13.8 percent in the first half of the year.
• The revised full-year forecast for real GDP growth in 2025 is now 15.2 percent overall and 13.9 percent for non-oil real GDP.

 

SECTORAL PERFORMANCE

Agriculture, Fishing, and Forestry

The agriculture, fishing, and forestry sector expanded by an estimated 9 percent in the first half of the year:

• The sugar industry expanded by 136.7 percent when compared with the first half of 2024, with the full-year growth projection maintained at 115.4 percent.
• The rice industry grew by an estimated 13.9 percent in the first half of the year and is now expected to grow by 12.4 percent for the entire year.
• The other crops subsector is estimated to have grown by 7.4 percent in the first half, with a revised growth projection of 11.9 percent for the entire year.
• The livestock industry expanded by an estimated 11.7 percent in the first half of the year, driven by increased output across all products. The subsector is now expected to grow by 7.2 percent for the entire year.
• The forestry industry is estimated to have grown by 6.2 percent in the first half, and growth is expected to remain unchanged at 1.3 percent for the year.

Extractive Industries

The mining and quarrying sector is estimated to have grown by 5.9 percent in the first half of the year, driven by increased output across all subsectors – bauxite, gold, other mining and oil and gas.

• The petroleum subsector grew by an estimated 5.5 percent, with 115.7 million barrels of oil produced in the first six months of this year. The industry is now projected to grow by 15.6 percent for the entire year.
• The bauxite industry is estimated to have grown by 133.1 percent in the first half of the year, and the sector is now projected to grow by 65.9 percent for 2025.
• The gold industry grew by an estimated 10.9 percent in the first half of 2025, with higher declarations from the single large producer and the small- and medium-scale miners. The sector’s growth target for 2025 remains unchanged at 17.2 percent.
• The other mining and quarrying industry – which comprises sand, stone, diamonds and manganese – is estimated to have grown by 24.2 percent in the first half, driven by greater activity in the construction sector. This industry is now expected to grow by 21.2 percent in 2025.

Manufacturing, Services and Construction

• The manufacturing sector is estimated to have grown by 26.8 percent in the first half, driven by growth across all subcategories – other manufacturing, rice and sugar. The sector is now projected to grow by 14.9 percent this year.
• The services sector is estimated to have expanded by 6.6 percent in the first half of the year, primarily supported by growth in wholesale and retail trade and repairs, administrative and support services, financial and insurance activities, professional, scientific and technical services, and information and communication. The overall 2025 growth target for services is now 8.6 percent.
• The construction sector is estimated to have grown by 29.9 percent in the first half of 2025, supported by Government’s expanded Public Sector Investment Programme, along with robust private sector investments across several sectors. The sector is now expected to grow by 26.2 percent in 2025.

BALANCE OF PAYMENTS

The overall balance of payments recorded a surplus of US$10.3 million at the end of the first half of 2025, with the current account recording a surplus of US$197.9 million.

The merchandise trade balance registered a surplus of US$3,180.2 million. This mainly reflects the fact that, while crude exports grew by 2.6 percent, less favorable oil prices prevailed. Non-oil export earnings, however, increased by 12.5 percent to US$919.7 million, mainly supported by gold and bauxite expanding by US$147.5 million and US$31.1 million, respectively.

Total import payments stood at US$5,894.6 million at the end of the first half of the year, growing by 81.1 percent. Growth was mainly attributed to the expansion in the imports of capital goods, which rose to US$3,881.7 million and accounted for 95.8 percent of the overall increase. A significant portion of this increase can be attributed to the importation of the One Guyana FPSO, which valued US$2,534.1 million. 

MONETARY DEVELOPMENTS

Domestic Credit

At the end of the first half of 2025, net domestic credit stood at $1,015.5 billion, exceeding the December 2024 position by 17.7 percent. Total credit to the private sector grew by 7.7 percent to $485.4 billion at the end of the first half of the year.

• Credit to households rose by 7.3 percent to $51.8 billion, with notable growth of 20.3 percent observed in lending for motor cars.
• With respect to credit to business enterprises, there was notable growth in lending for services, manufacturing, and agriculture, of 4.9 percent, 12.4 percent, and 1.1 percent to $165.6 billion, $48.7 billion, and $31.9 billion, respectively.
• Real estate mortgages expanded by 11.4 percent to $173.5 billion, driven by increases in mortgages granted for private dwellings and industrial and commercial properties

Inflation

Consumer prices rose by 2.9 percent when compared with the end-2024 position. While energy prices – prices at the pump for gasoline, diesel, and kerosene – declined in the first half of the year, accounting for -0.2 of a percentage point, food prices increased. The prices for gasoline, diesel, and kerosene were reduced by 20.9 percent, 32.8 percent, and 34 percent, respectively, when compared with the position at the end of 2024, bringing significant relief to Guyanese producers and consumers. The 12-month inflation rate stood at 4.2 percent at the end of June and is now projected to be 3.1 percent for 2025.

The Mid-Year Report underscores Government’s wide-ranging measures to boost disposable incomes and cushion households from the impact of rising cost of living, including:

• Introducing no new taxes in Budget 2020 to 2025.
• Doubling the income-tax threshold to $130,000 per month.
• Reducing income tax rates.
• Introducing tax relief for persons with children, persons who earn overtime for work beyond their normal working hours, persons who have a second job, and persons who are paying premiums for life and medical insurance.
• Distributing a $100,000 cash grant to every adult citizen.
• Doubling old age pension (OAP) from $20,500 per month in 2020 to $41,000 now.
• More than doubling Public Assistance grants from $9,000 per month in 2020 to $22,000 now.
• Maintaining the zero percent excise tax on petroleum products to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices globally, saving consumers $560 per gallon currently.
• Extending freight charge reductions.
• Continuing the part-time job programme.

The Report highlights that across every single sector of government activity, there has been substantial progress and development. In education, Government has advanced universal access to education, as well as expanded technical and vocational training. In health, Government completed regional hospitals, expanded diagnostic services, and continued the digitalisation of patient care systems. Further, social protection programmes, such as cash grants, school uniform grants, and increases in pension and public assistance, have directly increased disposable incomes at the individual and household level, particularly for the most vulnerable.

“Government remains committed to prudent management of our natural resources while continuing to invest in people and communities so that the benefits of our national transformation are shared by all Guyanese. While challenges and risks remain, our Government will continue to ensure that these are met with resolve, charting a steady course toward resilient prosperity.” the Senior Finance Minister noted.

To view the entire Mid-Year Report 2025, click here: Mid-Year Report 2025. 

[Ministry of Finance Press Release]

 

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Despite being under U.S. sanctions, criminal indictment and facing extradition to the United States on serious charges, businessman Azruddin Mohamed of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party was on Monday sworn in as a Member of Parliament (MP).

WIN, in a string of press releases, sought to cast the moment as “historic,” but some say it is nothing to celebrate. Instead, it marks a low point, the first time in Guyana’s history that an individual sanctioned and indicted by the United States Government for gold smuggling, money laundering and other related crimes has taken a seat in the National Assembly.

The opening of Guyana’s 13th Parliament took place on Monday afternoon at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, where all Members of Parliament, both government and non-government, took their oaths of office.

Mohamed arrived in the Lamborghini, which is the subject of the U.S investigation for evading millions of dollars in taxes; his driver revved the vehicle upon arrival, which some say is a show of defiance to his pending extradition.

As a Muslim, Mohamed used the Quran while taking his oath.

Leader of the APNU parliamentary team, Dr Terrence Campbell, has said that Mohamed should be guided by the Westminster convention, which dictates that politicians facing criminal charges should resign.

Mohamed arrived in the Lamborghini, which is the subject of the U.S investigation for evading millions of dollars in taxes; his driver revved the vehicle upon arrival, which some say is a show of defiance to his pending extradition.

Mohamed’s WIN party secured 16 of the 29 non-government seats in the new Parliament, putting him in line to be elected Leader of the Opposition once the administrative processes are completed. But his elevation comes even as he remains before the local courts fighting extradition to the United States, where he is wanted on multiple criminal charges.

Some sources close to WIN have suggested that Mohamed hopes his status as an MP will strengthen his fight against extradition. But legal experts have dismissed that notion outright.

Members of Parliament, including the Opposition Leader, have no immunity from criminal prosecution under Guyana’s Constitution. Being sworn in as an MP does not shield anyone from extradition or ongoing court proceedings.

Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, were arrested in Georgetown last Friday following an extradition request from the U.S. government. Both men, who were previously sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department, are currently on $150,000 bail each, have lodged their passports, and must report weekly to the police as the extradition case proceeds.

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Manzoor Nadir was re-elected Speaker of the National Assembly, while Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo was elected as the Deputy Speaker.

Both men were elected on Monday at the first sitting of the National Assembly of the 13th Parliament.

Nadir, who served as Speaker from September 2020 to 2025, was nominated by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips. That nomination was seconded by Minister of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Gail Teixeira. No other nominations were made.

Nadir is a former five-term Member of Parliament, first being elected in 1992 after the October 5th General Elections as former Leader of the United Force political Party.

Meanwhile, there was a vote for the Deputy Speaker. Dr Vishwa Mahadeo was nominated by his colleagues from the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government.

Tabitha Sarabo- Halley of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party was nominated by WIN’s Natasha- Singh Lewis. However, Dr. Mahadeo was elected as Deputy Speaker by a majority vote. A total of 17 members voted for Sarabo-Halley, while there were 36 votes for Dr. Mahadeo.

 

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President Dr Irfaan Ali has dismissed as “totally disconnected from the truth” suggestions that there was any deliberate delay in reconvening Parliament, making it clear that every step taken by his government is within the bounds of Guyana’s Constitution.

Speaking with journalist, Fareeza Haniff, during an interview moments before the 13th Parliament convened on Monday, the Head of State shunned what he called a “misinformation campaign” by the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party and others seeking to politicise an ongoing international criminal investigation.

“Constitutionally, I had up to this point to reconvene the Parliament and I said from day one that I will act in accordance with the Constitution and I have,” the President affirmed.

Under Article 69(1) of the Constitution, Parliament must be reconvened within four months of its dissolution. Parliament was dissolved on July 3, 2025, meaning the government had until November to act, a timeline that the President said has been strictly observed.

President Ali strongly rejected claims circulating online that the reconvening of Parliament was delayed due to the ongoing extradition process involving businessmen Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed.

Azruddin is the leader of WIN and will take his Oath as a new Member of Parliament today. He is also tipped to become the next Leader of the Opposition.

Calling the assertion “mischievous” and “politically motivated,” the President said the investigation into the Mohameds’ activities began long before his administration took office in August 2020 and that his government merely continued a legal and administrative process already underway.

“This is not an investigation that originated from here (Guyana); it is international in nature,” he said. “So this notion that Parliament was delayed for an extradition is totally disconnected from the truth. It’s a narrative created for a specific intention and purpose.”

The President stated that the United States government has been collaborating with the Government of Guyana on the case, which involves allegations of gold smuggling, money laundering, and other criminal offences. He emphasised that indictments and extradition requests go through a rigorous legal process that has nothing to do with politics.

“An indictment is not arrived at in a simple way. The court has to be convinced that a clear case has been laid out,” President Ali said. “This has nothing to do with political persecution or victim syndrome — it’s a straightforward legal matter.”

EVIDENCE SHARED, GRA PURSUING CASES

President Ali disclosed that the United States Government has shared evidence with Guyanese authorities showing that the Mohameds deprived the country of significant tax revenue.

“We have evidence where the country was robbed of taxes and the GRA is pursuing those matters,” he stated.

“We also have evidence of undervalued invoices for vehicles, and the GRA is handling that as well; everything in accordance with the law.”

He accused Azruddin Mohamed of attempting to create a “victimhood syndrome,” which he said forms part of a broader disinformation campaign.

“Some of this misinformation is designed for a specific purpose,” the President warned. “We are now living in what the world calls a ‘pandemic of misinformation and disinformation’.”

GOVERNMENT FOLLOWING THE LAW, NOT POLITICS

The President reiterated that his administration has a responsibility to cooperate with international partners on issues of criminality and to uphold the rule of law.

“This investigation started long before 2020. We came in and met it; we cooperated and followed all the legal and administrative mechanisms,” Dr Ali explained. “The People’s Progressive Party/Civic government is a responsible one. We are working with our international partners and fulfilling our duty to the people of this country.”

 

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See below full release from the Shipping Association of Guyana: 

The Shipping Association of Guyana (SAG) wishes to update the business community and the general public on the recent regional disruptions affecting the flow of containerised cargo to Guyana.

As a result of Hurricane Melissa, the Port of Kingston in Jamaica was closed for approximately five days, significantly impacting regional transhipment operations. This closure has compounded existing congestion across major Caribbean ports, affecting the timely movement of containerised cargo destined for Guyana.

In addition, the Port of Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago experienced operational congestion over a four-day period, further limiting the loading of transhipment containers bound for Guyana. These combined challenges have resulted in temporary shipping delays and increased turnaround times for vessels servicing Guyana.

The Shipping Association of Guyana is actively engaging with the Port Authority of Port of Spain and regional shipping lines to secure priority berthing and loading for vessels bound for Guyana. These collaborative efforts aim to clear the backlog and restore normal cargo flow as quickly as possible.

SAG remains committed to supporting its members, importers, and exporters through open communication and continued dialogue with regional partners to mitigate the impact of these disruptions on the national supply chain.

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The British Chamber of Commerce Guyana (BritCham Guyana) is proud to announce a collaboration with internationally renowned artist Maxi Priest to raise funds for hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica.

In the wake of the recent devastating hurricane, BritCham Guyana and Maxi Priest have joined forces to rally support from businesses and individuals across the Caribbean, the UK, Guyana, and the global community to assist with recovery and rebuilding efforts in Jamaica.

Chairman of BritCham Guyana, Faizal Khan, and Maxi Priest have agreed to dedicate the networking segment of the BritCham Guyana Business Forum & Networking Event—taking place on Thursday, 6th November 2025 at Chelsea Football Club’s Stamford Bridge—to a special fundraising initiative.

The evening will feature:
– A live charity auction
– Displays of exclusive memorabilia
– Cultural and sporting showcases, including iconic trophies, to inspire generosity and unity

All proceeds raise will go directly toward organizations coordinating hurricane relief efforts on the ground in Jamaica.

BritCham Guyana encourages all companies and individuals attending to support the cause by making donations at the event or providing pledges toward the relief initiative.

Statements
Faizal Khan, Chairman of BritCham Guyana, said: “BritCham Guyana stands with our Caribbean brothers and sisters in times of need. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to community and resilience.”

Maxi Priest said:
“Music and unity have the power to heal and rebuild. I’m honoured to lend my voice to help those affected in Jamaica.” (Press release)

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A 62-year-old businesswoman of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was detained by Police after suspected cocaine and cannabis were discovered in her possession during a search at the Itaballi Police Checkpoint on Sunday.

Police Headquarters said the discovery was made at about 08:28 hrs by ranks who were on duty when motor pickup, driven by a 38-year-old man of Byderabo Road, Bartica, approached the checkpoint.

During a search, Police said, a multicoloured bag that the businesswoman had around her neck was searched and it contained several parcels with suspected cocaine. There were also other parcels containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis.

She was subsequently arrested. The suspected cocaine weighed 261 grams, while the cannabis weighed 102 grams. Both were placed in transparent plastic evidence bags, sealed, marked, and lodged. The woman remains in custody as investigations continue.

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A badly decomposed body was found on October 26, 2025, in a grassy area along a track at No. 43 Village Seashore, Corentyne, Berbice.

According to reports, a 31-year-old fisherman from No. 35 Village was walking along the seashore after his fishing boat became stuck at sea due to low tide. While making his way through a track toward the public road, he detected a strong stench and discovered the remains.

Police ranks visited and processed the scene before escorting the body to the Port Mourant Public Hospital. Due to the advanced state of decomposition, the cause of death could not be immediately determined.

The remains have been placed in cold storage at Ramoo’s Funeral Home pending identification and a post-mortem examination. Investigations are continuing.

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A 56-year-old labourer of Belvedere, Corentyne, Berbice was found motionless in his home on Sunday.

The Police, in a statement, said the man was identified as Imran Kadir, known as “Shut Pon Shoulder.”

The incident is believed to have occurred between Saturday, November 1, and Sunday, November 2, 2025.

Investigations revealed that Kadir and the suspect, a 32-year-old carpenter from the same community, were reportedly drinking together when an argument started. The next morning, Kadir was found lying motionless at his home, and the matter was reported to the police.

The suspect has since been arrested and is assisting with the investigation, which remains ongoing.

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Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie will miss the West Indies upcoming five-match T20 series against New Zealand ‘following a recent dip in form’, Cricket West Indies (CWI) said on Sunday.

In explaining the omission of the Guyanese, CWI, in a press release to announce the squad for the tour, pointed to a technical issue with his action, which will now see him working with specialists through a collaboration with the Royals Sports Group.

See below full release issued by CWI

Cricket West Indies has announced the squad for the five (5) T20 Internationals against New Zealand scheduled for November 5-13.

The Men in Maroon sojourn to New Zealand on November 1 following the T20 series triumph over Bangladesh and will continue to fine tune preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026, with the nucleus of the squad being retained from the previous series.

Matthew Forde, who suffered a shoulder injury in the summer has been recalled after successfully completing the rehabilitation and return-to-play protocols process.

He will be joined by Shamar Springer, who has been included to bolster a seam bowling unit which has suffered several recent injuries, including Ramon Simmons and Jediah Blades, who have both been ruled out for this series.

Left-arm spinner, Gudakesh Motie, will also miss the series following a recent dip in form attributed primarily to a technical issue with his action.

With conditions in New Zealand not expected to be as conducive to spin bowling, the opportunity will be taken for him to work with specialists, through collaboration with the Royals Sports Group – owners of the Paarl Royals franchise South Africa, prior to his participation in December’s SA20 to address the issue and rebuild confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup, where he is expected to play a key role.

A significant addition has also been made to the management team, with Clinical Psychologist Krisnan Hurdle coming on board as Mental Skills and Performance Coach starting with the New Zealand tour.

Plans for this appointment were first announced during CWI’s Quarterly Media briefing held on October 1, after being identified as one of the immediate action items coming out of the emergency Cricket Strategy and Officiating Committee meeting held in August.

Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe explained that the appointment of Hurdle is a strategic move to align with global practices while enhancing output for our senior team in the international arena.

“The addition of a Mental Skills and Performance Coach reflects our commitment to developing the complete cricketer. At the elite level, success is as much about mindset and composure as it is about technical ability. Strengthening this area ensures that our players are provided with the necessary non-technical support geared towards equipping them to manage pressure and maintain focus.”

West Indies T20 Squad vs New Zealand: Shai Hope (Captain), Alick Athanaze, Ackeem Auguste, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Amir Jangoo, Brandon King, Khary Pierre, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd and Shamar Springer.

Team Management Unit:

Head Coach: Daren Sammy

Manager: Rawl Lewis

Assistant Coach (Batting): Floyd Reifer

Assistant Coach (Bowling): Ravi Rampaul

Assistant Coach (Fielding): Rayon Griffith

Physiotherapist: Dr Denis Byam

Mental Skills/Performance Coach: Krisnan Hurdle

Strength and Conditioning Coach: Darc Browne

Massage Therapist: Fitzbert Alleyne

Performance Analyst: Avenesh Seetaram

Content and Media Officer: Jerome Foster

T20 Match Schedule

1st T20I: November 5 – Eden Park, Auckland @2:15am AST/1:15am in Jamaica

2nd T20I: November 6 – Eden Park, Auckland @2:15am AST/1:15am in Jamaica

3rd T20I: November 8 – Saxton Oval, Nelson @8:15pm AST/7:15pm in Jamaica

4th T20I: November 9 – Saxton Oval, Nelson @8:15pm AST/7pm in Jamaica

5th T20I: November 12 – University Oval, Dunedin @8:15pm AST/7:15pm in Jamaica

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