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Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh has called for a stronger, collective approach to addressing the growing misuse of electric cycles on the roadways, emphasising that enforcement, not education alone, is needed to curb unsafe practices.

Speaking during an interview with the News Room, Singh said while the Guyana Police Force has been focusing on traffic education to raise awareness, many e-cycle users continue to disregard the law.

“We utilise traffic education as the means to raise awareness- how, where, and when these cycles should be used.

“But when they come on the public roadways, they must be properly registered, licensed, and the riders must wear helmets,” Singh said.

The Traffic Chief noted that despite these efforts, roughly 90 per cent of the cases involve unregistered and uncertified e-cycles, often operated by children below the age of 16.

Traffic Chief, Mahendra Singh

He reminded that under the current regulations, e-cycles must be registered, certified, and issued with a fitness and revenue licence before they are sold or used.

“The law was amended in 2023 to make registration obligatory.

“From the moment it is imported, it must now be registered and meet all the conditions before being sold,” Singh pointed out.

According to Singh, parents also have a key role to play, urging them to be more responsible when purchasing e-cycles for minors.

“Parents take the opportunity to buy them for children below the age of 16,” he said, describing it as a worrying trend that places young riders at risk.

However, he believes that stronger enforcement actions, including seizing unregistered e-cycles, issuing tickets, and prosecuting repeat offender,s may be necessary to bring about meaningful change.

Singh also told the News Room that about seven per cent of e-cycle incidents in 2022 resulted in fatalities, underscoring the urgency of compliance.

“We need to see the public complying with the rules of the road and the laws that govern the use of these electric cycles,” he said.

The post ‘Lock up the culprits’- Traffic Chief backs tougher enforcement amid wanton e-cycle misuse appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Police have launched an investigation after a one-year-old boy was discovered dead in a trench at Queenstown, Essequibo Coast, on Monday.

The toddler, identified as Deon Dwarkar, was at home with relatives when he was later found unresponsive in a trench located south of the residence. He was taken to the Lima Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Detectives examined the body, which bore no visible marks of violence. Investigations are continuing.

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The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance on Tuesday opened its Anti-Corruption Roundtable; a one-day engagement that brings together government officials and senior representatives from more than 30 private-sector bodies as part of ongoing efforts to advance integrity systems and strengthen resilience within both sectors. Key areas highlighted during the roundtable include auditing ethics in private enterprises, promoting integrity standards, building institutional capacity to prevent and combat corruption, and exploring the use of Artificial Intelligence as a transformative tool for transparency in both the public and private sectors.

The discussions also focused on progress made in implementing recommendations arising from the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption (IACAC) and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) periodic reviews.

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance on Tuesday opened its Anti-Corruption Roundtable

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, underscored the significant progress Guyana has made in building administrative and legal infrastructure to support transparency and accountability.

“When we look at where we have come from and where we are now, we have made enormous strides as a country,” Teixeira said.

She also highlighted that Guyana’s increased revenue from oil, gas, and carbon credits brings greater responsibility to ensure strong, accountable public institutions.

“Strengthening public institutions is an ongoing effort,” Teixeira said.

Teixeira further acknowledged that some government innovations aimed at improving accountability face resistance but stressed that these reforms ultimately reduce opportunities for corruption.

She explained that corruption, particularly in areas such as contracting, can lead to substandard public infrastructure.

“Oversight is critical. For every corrupt act, such as in contracts, money that should have gone to quality buildings, roads, and schools is siphoned off. We have come a long way, but there is still much more to be done,” Minister Teixeira stated.

She also urged private-sector companies to develop their own anti-corruption policies and procedures, highlighting the importance of equipping especially small and medium-sized enterprises with the tools to implement ethical business practices.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Captain Jerry Gouveia Jr., during brief remarks praised the initiative.

“Initiatives like this demonstrate how, when the government and private sector align, we can move the country forward.

“This anti-corruption framework is not just a feel-good topic – it strengthens our business competitiveness regionally and internationally,” the PSC Chairman said.

 

The post Gov’t, private sector strengthen collaboration on anti-corruption appeared first on News Room Guyana.

For the fifth consecutive year, the renowned Live2Lead Leadership Conference, will be held in Guyana in efforts to improve person’s personal and professional lives.

Shanti Persaud, a local coach attached to the global leadership initiative -John Maxwell Team – in an interview with the News Room said the transformational two-day event is designed to empower individuals, strengthen teams, and inspire community growth.

“This isn’t about empowering people to go question others, it’s about you improving your life. If the leader gets better, the organisation gets better,” Persaud said.

The conference, set for November 20 and 21 at the Ramada Princess Hotel, Providence, promises to bring together leaders from across the public and private sectors, faith-based organisations, and community groups.

Attendees at the event in 2024.

For the past five years, over 5,000 participants across different regions have undergone exposure to the initiative, which according to Persaud provides a trickle-down effect for community wide improvements.

This year’s conference will cater to approximately 200 attendees each day, allowing flexibility for organisations to send teams on separate days. Participants will engage with leadership content from influential speakers, take part in discussions, and gain practical tools to implement in their workplaces and personal lives.

“Many organisations think professional development is just for junior staff.  But when leaders stop growing, they become bottlenecks in their organisations. Leadership growth should start at the top,” Persaud said.

She encouraged organisations to invest in programmes like this for the benefit of all involved. Importantly, she said this is well suited for professionals hoping to better develop their soft skills.

“A rising tide lifts all boats. If you are improving there’s no way people around you will not improve, you will want to see things change,” Persaud said.

Tickets are priced at $28,000 per person (inclusive of VAT), with special group rates of $25,000 per person for teams of five or more. Companies also have the option to sponsor young leaders or nonprofit representatives who may not otherwise be able to attend, as a form of community support.

 

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Programme Manager at the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD), Ganesh Singh, believes greater consistency and inclusion at local commercial banks are badly needed.

In an interview with the News Room, Singh cited ongoing cases of discrimination and a lack of standardised accessibility measures for persons with disabilities.

“There is no uniformed policy.

“One branch of a bank may be accessible and accommodating, while another branch of the same bank may not even have a ramp,” Singh said.

Programme Manager of the GCOPD, Ganesh Singh during his interview with the News Room. (Photo: News Room)

While some commercial banks have made significant strides toward inclusion such as installing ramps, providing lower counters, and allowing blind persons to independently open accounts, others continue to lag.

He outlined troubling examples where persons who are blind were told they could not open personal accounts without a sighted co-signer, or were denied access to debit cards.

Meanwhile, many bank locations still lack wheelchair access, making it impossible for some individuals to conduct business independently.

“These practices are discriminatory.

“People with disabilities are living productive lives. They are working, earning, and have the right to access all financial services,” he said.

Singh acknowledged that some banks have made progress by introducing speech-enabled ATMs and touch-based interfaces, but emphasised that such services must be standardised across all institutions.

“It’s time for all banks to operate on the same level to facilitate everyone,” he said.

 

The post Disabilities Council wants uniformed accessibility policies at commercial banks appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, on Tuesday declared that Guyana now stands among the best-managed new oil-producing nations in the world, as he underscored the government’s determination to ensure that wealth from the petroleum sector directly improves the lives of every Guyanese.

Speaking at the signing ceremony for the new Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) for Shallow-Water Block S4, Bharrat said Guyana’s approach to resource management is built on transparency, accountability, and a clear vision for sustainable development.

“We strongly believe that Guyana has one of the better managed oil and gas sectors in the world among new producers,” the minister stated. “And that is something that we are proud of and can go on the rooftops and shout about, because there is evidence to demonstrate it.”

Bharrat pointed to the country’s remarkable growth — from producing 80,000 barrels of oil per day in 2020 to approximately 920,000 barrels today — while maintaining full transparency of oil revenues through the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) and ensuring strict oversight of operations by both local and international regulators.

The minister said Guyana’s success is not measured by production figures alone, but by its commitment to sustainable and responsible development. He reaffirmed that the government will continue to pursue oil and gas exploration and production even as it expands its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS 2030) and strengthens climate commitments.

“We are proud to say that Guyana has managed its oil and gas sector responsibly — maintaining high environmental standards while expanding opportunities for our people,” Bharrat said.

“We will continue to explore and produce our natural resources, but we will do so sustainably. Our policy is clear: our trees will not stand while our people fall.”

The remark drew applause from the gathering, as Bharrat explained that the government’s mission is to strike a careful balance between preserving the country’s world-renowned forests and ensuring that Guyanese enjoy the benefits of their natural wealth.

Minister Bharrat said Guyana’s progress is rooted in legislative and institutional reforms, including the Petroleum Activities Act, Local Content Act, and strengthened fiscal regime now governing all new petroleum agreements.

He noted that these reforms have introduced a 10% corporate tax, clearer penalties for non-compliance, and mandatory provisions for decommissioning and liability management — all designed to ensure that Guyana’s resources are developed responsibly and that investors are held to the highest standards.

“This is not about collecting penalties,” Bharrat explained. “It’s about ensuring that work programmes are completed, that there’s real production, and that Guyana benefits from every single barrel produced.”

The minister also commended the small but highly capable technical team at the Ministry of Natural Resources for their round-the-clock efforts to negotiate world-class agreements with oil majors such as ExxonMobil, Chevron, TotalEnergies, PETRONAS, and QatarEnergy.

“Many of the countries producing oil today have thousands of staff in their ministries,” he said. “We have a small, young, bright team that works tirelessly — sometimes overnight — to ensure every agreement we sign protects the rights of Guyanese.”

Bharrat said the success of Guyana’s oil and gas sector has defied global expectations and critics who once predicted that the country’s local content legislation would drive away major investors.

“They said the local content law would close down the oil and gas sector,” he recalled. “But today, we are attracting some of the biggest players in the world — QatarEnergy, TotalEnergies, PETRONAS — while delivering opportunities and benefits for Guyanese businesses.”

He announced that consultations have already begun to expand Schedule One of the Local Content Act to include more services and higher targets, ensuring that Guyanese workers and companies remain at the centre of the industry’s growth.

Bharrat said Guyana has learned from the mistakes of other petroleum-producing countries, choosing instead to build a model that combines economic progress with environmental protection.

“We looked at best practices and the mistakes made by others and crafted a model that works for Guyana,” he said.

“Not many countries have been able to align rapid economic development with environmental sustainability. But Guyana has done it — and we will continue to do so.”

He added that the proceeds of the oil and gas sector are already transforming the country through massive infrastructure investments, new hospitals and schools, free tertiary education, and an aggressive housing programme.

“Our people deserve world-class facilities, a higher standard of living, and the same opportunities enjoyed in developed countries,” Bharrat said. “That is the purpose of this sector — to ensure our people rise while we protect what makes Guyana unique.”

Tuesday’s signing of the PSA for the S4 Block — with TotalEnergies, QatarEnergy, and PETRONAS — marked the first agreement under Guyana’s new fiscal regime, featuring a US$15 million signing bonus and improved terms that will ensure the nation continues to reap lasting benefits from its oil wealth.

The post ‘Trees will not stand while people fall’ – Guyana among the best-managed oil sectors globally — Bharrat appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Guyana has officially signed its first Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) under the country’s new Petroleum Activities Act and updated fiscal regime, securing a US$15 million signing bonus from a consortium led by TotalEnergies (40%), QatarEnergy (35%), and PETRONAS (25%) for Shallow-Water Block S4.

The signing, a key outcome of Guyana’s inaugural licensing round launched in 2022,  marks the dawn of a new era in the nation’s oil and gas sector, introducing stricter fiscal terms, a 10% corporate tax, stronger environmental safeguards and enforceable penalties for non-compliance with work programmes.

Speaking at the ceremony on Tuesday at the PEgasus Corporate Suites, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat hailed the event as a testament to the Government’s success in building a world-class petroleum governance framework while maintaining investor confidence.

“This is the first agreement we are signing under the new fiscal regime. The negotiations have produced a US$15 million signing bonus that will be paid directly into the Natural Resource Fund within 50 days,” Minister Bharrat stated.

“We have ensured strict transparency and accountability. Every inflow is publicly declared and submitted to the National Assembly quarterly. This is the kind of responsible management that sets Guyana apart among new oil-producing nations.”

The S4 Block covers approximately 1,788 square kilometres in shallow waters between 50 and 100 kilometres off Guyana’s coast. TotalEnergies will operate the block on behalf of the consortium, which was adjudged the most responsive bidder during the competitive licensing process.

Director of the Local Content Secretariat, Michael Munroe, described the agreement as a milestone achievement and the culmination of months of rigorous negotiations under the strengthened legislative regime.

“The S4 consortium was deemed the most responsive bidder, and throughout the process, they demonstrated professionalism and a willingness to find common ground,” Munroe said.

“What we are witnessing today is the manifestation of hard work — a new fiscal package that introduces corporate taxation, clear decommissioning and liability provisions, and a range of new fees and social obligations. It sets the tone for how future relationships in the sector will be built.”

Munroe emphasised that the new PSA framework imposes penalties for failure to complete work programmes, ensures decommissioning liabilities are fully accounted for, and requires companies to make rental and social payments that are non-negotiable.

Minister Bharrat noted that the arrival of QatarEnergy and PETRONAS, alongside TotalEnergies, reinforces Guyana’s growing reputation as one of the world’s most attractive frontier basins.

“Already, we have Exxon, Chevron, and CNOOC in the Stabroek Block, and now we are welcoming QatarEnergy, TotalEnergies, and PETRONAS in S4,” he said.

“These are not small or medium players — they are giants in their own right. Their presence underscores global confidence in Guyana’s regulatory systems, our transparent processes, and our local content legislation.”

The Minister lauded the technical teams at the Ministry of Natural Resources for their relentless work in crafting and negotiating the new agreement. He noted that Guyana’s petroleum production has surged from 80,000 barrels per day in 2020 to 920,000 barrels currently, a feat unmatched by any new oil producer globally.

Bharrat reaffirmed the Government’s policy of ensuring that petroleum revenues directly benefit all Guyanese through investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, housing, and job creation.

While acknowledging rising global concerns over fossil fuels, the Minister asserted that Guyana remains committed to responsible resource development alongside its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS 2030).

“We are proud to say that we are managing our oil and gas sector responsibly, maintaining our high environmental standards while expanding opportunities for our people,” he said.

“Guyana has proven that economic development and environmental sustainability can coexist. We will continue to explore and produce, but we will do so in a sustainable and transparent way.”

The S4 agreement stems from the 2022 Guyana Licensing Round, which invited global energy companies to bid for available offshore blocks under the newly modernised Petroleum Activities Act and the strengthened Local Content framework.

The S4 Block will be operated by TotalEnergies, with QatarEnergy and PETRONAS as partners. The consortium’s exploration activities will adhere to international best practices for environmental protection and community engagement.

The Government has reaffirmed that all proceeds, including the US$15 million signing bonus, will be transparently managed through the Natural Resource Fund, in keeping with Guyana’s commitment to prudent fiscal management and long-term national development.

The post Guyana secures US$15M signing bonus as first petroleum agreement inked under new legislative framework appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce has launched a year-long national campaign aimed at improving customer service, public behaviour and the overall visitor experience across the country.

The campaign titled: “Tourism is everybody’s business – Dat is it!” forms part of Tourism Month activities.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, said the initiative seeks to encourage Guyanese to be more courteous, professional and respectful in their daily interactions both within and beyond the tourism and hospitality sectors.

“There are many areas in which we can improve the way we treat people and the way we speak to each other. We want to encourage more kindness and professionalism among the public service and all tourism and hospitality stakeholders,” Rodrigues told reporters on the sidelines of an event.

The campaign, she explained, forms part of the ministry’s broader effort to raise public awareness about how behaviour and attitude influence the country’s image and the quality of service offered to visitors.

“Good service is good business, and we can all improve our customer service. It’s not about taxi drivers or littering alone. These are all challenges we face in the tourism and hospitality sector,” Rodrigues said.

She added that the campaign is not directed at any specific group but instead targets all citizens, with emphasis on improving simple courtesies such as stopping at pedestrian crossings and showing respect in public spaces.

“Tourism doesn’t exist in a vacuum; all of us have to be part of raising the level of the tourism experience that our visitors have in Guyana,” she emphasised.

According to Rodrigues, the campaign represents a long-term push to promote a culture of kindness, empathy and national pride.

“This initiative has nothing but good intentions. It is part of our journey to treat each other with kindness and improve the quality of our customer service and human interaction,” Rodrigues said.

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