Blog

President Irfaan Ali on Friday urged regional conglomerate Ansa McAL to use its extensive distribution network to promote Guyanese products throughout the Caribbean, calling for stronger corporate support for local farmers and agro-processors.

Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony for the new Chateau Margot Mall, Ali said Guyana had invested heavily in agro-processing and packaging and that it was time for regional partners to help bring those products to wider markets.

“Ansa McAL has the greatest distribution footprint in the region; your products are in every supermarket.

I challenge Ansa McAL today, with the support of the Guyana Marketing Corporation, to distribute in every one of your supermarkets Guyanese products,” Ali said.

The president urged the company to remove barriers preventing Guyanese goods from reaching markets such as Trinidad and Tobago and to work with local agencies on a strategy to help small producers grow.

“Our small farmers must be able to say Ansa McAL means something to me. I am disappointed every time I go and Guyanese products are not on the shelf,” he added.

Ali said Guyana had made major contributions to regional development and now expected Caribbean partners to reciprocate by supporting local industries.

“You must remove those barriers in Trinidad and Tobago that keep our goods off your shelves. Trinidad is our brother, sister and friend. We have simplified doing business in Guyana. Let us work with you,” he said.

He also highlighted the role of the Guyana Marketing Corporation in consolidating shipments to help small producers access regional markets, stressing that Guyana seeks genuine investment in the value chain.

“We don’t want Guyana to be looked at only as a retail centre. We want investment in the value chain. If we don’t get the support, we have no choice but to build the infrastructure ourselves,” Ali said.

Ansa McAL Chairman Norman Sabga welcomed the challenge and proposed joint initiatives to support local producers.

“I would like to suggest that our team and your people develop it jointly – whether as a farmers’ market, a volleyball or basketball court, and maybe booths where indigenous people can showcase their products,” Sabga said.

He noted that Guyanese rice was already part of Ansa McAL’s distribution system and said the company would move to expand shipments of locally made goods to its regional outlets.

“I applaud the level of inspiration of the government wanting to work with businesses to grow the fortunes of the country for its people. When a country prospers, everybody prospers,” Sabga said.

The post Ansa McAl backs President Ali’s call to place Guyanese products on Caribbean shelves appeared first on News Room Guyana.

President Irfaan Ali on Friday reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to regional peace and security, rejecting suggestions that Caribbean nations should fear U.S. involvement in joint anti-drug operations.

Ali told reporters his government would do “everything necessary” to protect Guyana’s people and borders while working with allies to combat drug trafficking and transnational crime.

“My priority as Commander-in-Chief is to ensure the safety of the people of this country and our territorial integrity,” he said. “We will do everything necessary to keep the region a zone of peace.”

The president said Guyana’s collaboration with partners such as the United States, Brazil, Colombia and Suriname follows decades of regional cooperation to dismantle criminal networks.

“We have been supporting each other for decades in the fight against drugs and illicit activities,” Ali said. “Our joint training programmes and operations are all publicly known, as long as they don’t compromise operational security.”

He dismissed claims that U.S. actions could destabilise the Caribbean, saying any such suggestions should be treated seriously.

“If anyone says the Caribbean should be afraid, they should be called in for questioning,” Ali said. “That would mean they have information suggesting some harm would come to the region.”

His comments came after U.S. authorities confirmed that several recently intercepted vessels in Caribbean waters were carrying drugs.

Ali said Guyana would continue to work with regional and international partners to keep the Caribbean peaceful and secure.

“We have a responsibility to the citizens of this region and to people globally to work with our allies in the fight against drugs and illicit activities,” he said.

The post Caribbean countries should not fear US involvement in anti-drugs operation – President Ali says region will remain a zone of peace appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development on Friday handed over two new trucks to the Georgetown Mayor and City Council to strengthen the city’s capacity to manage solid waste and enhance the overall delivery of municipal services.

Deputy Permanent Secretary (Administration) of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Dr. Josh Kanhai, led the official handing-over ceremony.

The new trucks form part of the ministry’s continued efforts to support municipalities in building their operational capacity and ensuring the efficient delivery of essential public services. In brief remarks, Dr. Kanhai underscored the importance of strong collaboration between central government and local authorities in achieving sustainable urban development and maintaining a clean, healthy capital city.

Mayor Mentore, in expressing appreciation to the Ministry, noted that the addition of these trucks will greatly assist in addressing some of the city’s longstanding waste management challenges, while improving the overall environment for residents and visitors alike.

 

The post City Council gets two trucks to help manage waste appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Women’s Division One League is boiling over as it reaches the halfway stage, with the intensity ramping up dramatically in the race for the summit.

Guyana Police Force Women now occupy the coveted top spot, but they were made to earn it, overcoming a resolute Mainstay Goldstars FC with a 3-0 victory on Wednesday night.

Police, known for their high-scoring victories, were surprisingly held at a standstill.

Mainstay Goldstars executed a brilliant defensive effort, stunning their opponents to keep the score nil-all at half-time, shutting down all of Police’s advances.

However, a few tactical changes at the break by Police head coach Vurlon Mills paid immediate dividends. Alleia Alleyne broke the deadlock in the 36th minute, finally finding the back of the net.

One minute later, Shanic Thornhill slipped one past the keeper for the Police’s quickfire second.

The league leaders could only muster one more goal against the stubborn Mainstay side. Teenager Lezandra Henrito hammered a rebound shot into the right corner in the 57th minute to seal the 3-0 win.

In the evening’s other fixture, Santos FC staged a remarkable comeback, overturning a one-goal deficit to trounce Den Amstel FC 5-1.

The show’s star was undoubtedly Afeena Baptiste, who notched an impressive hattrick with goals in the 24th, 42nd, and 58th minutes. Den Amstel had earlier drawn first blood, with 13-year-old Kelly Ann Ellis netting the opener in the 18th minute.

Santos’s other goals came courtesy of Tyneisha Thorne, who slotted the ball past a diving keeper in the 48th minute after a solo run, and Gabriel Rivera, whose long-range strike from outside the box found the net in the 54th minute.

The win sees Guyana Police Force hold the lead with a perfect 18 points from six wins in as many games. Breathing down their necks are the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), who sit second on 15 points from five wins.

Santos FC’s emphatic victory moves them into third place with 9 points from five games.

Fruta Conquerors FC (two wins, one draw, two losses) and River’s View FC (two wins, one draw, one loss) are tied on 7 points, though the Tucville-based Fruta Conquerors currently edge fourth place on goal difference.

The pressure is now on the Guyana Defence Force.

They can unseat the Police Women and reclaim the top spot when they take on Monedderlust FC today, Friday, October 17, at 18:30hrs. Following that, Western Tigers will battle River’s View FC at 19:30h.

Both fixtures are set for the GFF’s National Training Center (NTC) at Providence.

The post Police in fight for top spot in GFF Women’s Division One League appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Vice President and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has dismissed as “nonsense” the suggestion that the PPP/C collaborated with the APNU in any form to influence the outcome of the recent Regional Democratic Council (RDC) elections.

Speaking at his weekly press conference at Freedom House on Thursday, Dr. Jagdeo said that there was “no formal or informal collaboration” between the two major political parties, contrary to rumours that surfaced following the elections in Regions Four, Eight and Ten.

“Let me make it clear, there was no formal or informal negotiation between the PPP and APNU. The only collaboration happening is between APNU and the Mohameds,” Jagdeo said.

The V.P’s remarks came amid a wave of political commentary suggesting that deals were struck between parties to determine the election of regional chairpersons and vice-chairpersons. He said this week’s public debate was “dominated by talk of collaboration between the PPP and APNU,” but he was adamant: “Let me make it clear — we had no collaboration, no negotiation, no deal.”

According to Jagdeo, the real collusion was between APNU and the recently formed “WIN” party, backed by the Mohamed family, whose members were sanctioned by the United States government in 2024 for alleged criminal activity.

“From the moment they were sanctioned, the PPP made it clear that we would not put our country at risk by doing business with them,” Jagdeo explained.

“But APNU and the Mohameds have long-standing ties, going back to when APNU was in government. They were in bed with each other then, and that collaboration has continued.”

He reminded that the PPP was forced to revoke the Mohameds’ cambio and other licences following U.S. sanctions, prompting their hostility toward the government and subsequent alignment with opposition elements. “They started having secret meetings with APNU and AFC — that was public knowledge. We even saw photographic evidence of a meeting with Nigel Hughes,” Jagdeo noted.

He also pointed to the recent admission by PNC member and attorney Darren Wade, who revealed that he had been “directed by APNU leadership” to file court cases on behalf of the WIN party before the September elections. “That statement alone confirmed what we already knew… that the two have been collaborating from the start,” Jagdeo asserted.

Citing the recent RDC results, Jagdeo said the hypocrisy of the so-called “new democrats” within the WIN movement was clear. He detailed that in Region Four, the PPP received 87,536 votes — more than APNU’s 46,956 and WIN’s 41,627 combined — yet the two opposition groups attempted to negotiate the leadership of the region among themselves.

“If they were true democrats who respected the will of the people, they would have recognised that the PPP won the plurality of votes. But instead, they were trying to ‘shaft’ the will of the people,” he said.

The Vice President also cited results in Region Eight, where the PPP again secured the plurality of votes with 2,872 compared to APNU’s 2,776 and WIN’s 2,562. “Yet again, they tried to block us from leadership positions,” he stated, describing the behaviour of both opposition groups as “anti-democratic.”

Jagdeo made it clear that while the PPP’s councillors were free to vote their conscience in some regions — as was the case in Region Ten — there was no instruction or alliance involving the APNU.

“In Region Ten, the people voted overwhelmingly for APNU and WIN, and we accepted that. We did not interfere. But in Regions Four and Eight, the people chose the PPP, and we defended that mandate,” he stressed.

Jagdeo concluded that the claims of PPP-APNU collaboration were being pushed by opposition elements “offended that their long-standing partners” failed to deliver them regional leadership roles.

“They wanted an anti-democratic arrangement where the parties that lost the plurality of votes would still get leadership positions,” he said. “The PPP will not participate in any such undemocratic scheme.”

The post No PPP/APNU collaboration: Jagdeo says claims of political deals are false appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Guyanese legal scholar and human rights advocate, Justice Christopher Arif Bulkan, was on Wednesday sworn in as a Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), becoming the third Guyanese to serve on the court in its 20-year history.

He took his oath of office before President Dr Irfaan Ali at his Shiv Chnaderpaul Drive, Georgetown office on Wednesday in the presence of CCJ President, Justice Winston Anderson.

Delivering remarks at the ceremony, Justice Anderson lauded Justice Bulkan’s distinguished career and his deep-rooted commitment to justice and equality.

“Attorney, academic, author, international law expert, advocate and judge; these are just a few of the many distinguished roles of which Dr Arif Bulkan is known and respected throughout the legal profession,” Justice Anderson said.

Guyanese legal scholar and human rights advocate, Justice Christopher Arif Bulkan (fifth from right) was on Wednesday sworn in as a Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

He added that Bulkan’s record reflects “a deep commitment and unwavering dedication to social justice, equality and the rule of law.”

“These attributes, alongside his wisdom, depth of knowledge and wealth of experience, will serve him in good stead as he embarks in service at the highest judicial level in our region,” Justice Anderson said.

The CCJ President noted that Justice Bulkan’s extensive work in the areas of human rights, indigenous rights and environmental law has earned him respect across the region.

In his remarks, Justice Bulkan described his appointment as “deeply meaningful,” not because of personal accomplishment, but because of what the CCJ represents in the region’s journey of decolonisation and integration.

Guyanese legal scholar and human rights advocate, Justice Christopher Arif Bulkan (right) was on Wednesday sworn in as a Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

“For me it is a deep honour to be joining this court. At the same time, the journey towards full independence is not over,” he said.

Justice Bulkan highlighted that the CCJ has remained steadfast in upholding democratic values and the rule of law.

“The CCJ has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the promotion of human rights. It has been expansive in its interpretative techniques, paying attention to history and context and maintaining regard for international norms,” he said.

Calling on Caribbean nations yet to accede fully to the CCJ to do so, Justice Bulkan said the court’s regional significance goes beyond its judicial functions.

“Accession to the CCJ is thus a regional imperative not just for the practical benefits though that’s important but also because of what it means for our self-determination in the region.

“As the court continues to fashion a true Caribbean jurisprudence mindful of our shared values and responsive to our needs, hopefully the day will soon come when there will be complete accession by all,” Justice Bulkan said.

He pledged to carry out his duties with the highest standards of professionalism.

“Be assured that I am committed to performing my functions with competence, efficiency and unwavering integrity,” Justice Bulkan affirmed.

Delivering the feature address, President Dr. Irfaan Ali hailed Justice Bulkan’s appointment as both a personal triumph and a national honour.

Guyanese legal scholar and human rights advocate, Justice Christopher Arif Bulkan, was on Wednesday sworn in as a Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

“Guyana celebrates Justice Bulkan today. We are certain that he will bring to the court the same clarity of thought, depth of analysis and balance of judgment that have characterized his distinguished career,” he said.

President Ali reaffirmed Guyana’s support for the CCJ as a symbol of Caribbean unity and independence.

“The CCJ stands as one of the finest achievements of the Caribbean Community. It represents a proud creation of our collective decision, designed and built to serve the needs of our own society.

“The CCJ is more than a court. It is a declaration of confidence in ourselves. It symbolizes the maturity of our independence and the depth of our capacity to administer justice according to our own laws,” President Ali said.

This month marks 35 years since Justice Bulkan was called to the bar. He is the third Guyanese to be serve as a Judge at the region’s highest court.

The post ‘A personal triumph & national honour’ – Justice Arif Bulkan sworn in as CCJ Judge appeared first on News Room Guyana.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali has urged all Caribbean nations to accept the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as their final appellate court, declaring that true regional sovereignty can only be achieved when every CARICOM member entrusts its highest judicial authority to the court.

Speaking at the swearing-in of Justice Arif Bulkan as a CCJ judge, President Ali said the CCJ represents the highest expression of judicial independence and regional integrity.

“Guyana is proud to be among the earliest states to embrace the court and to place our full confidence in its judgments.

“We look forward to the day when all members of the Caribbean Community will overcome the constitutional, legislative, and political hurdles that still stand in the way of fully embracing the Caribbean Court of Justice as their final court.

“That day must come, and it must come sooner rather than later, for it will mark the completion of a journey that began with independence itself. When every member state entrusts its highest judicial authority to the CCJ, we will at last release the full promise of Caribbean sovereignty,” Dr. Ali said.

President Ali described the CCJ as a protector of justice, noting that it belongs to every citizen of the region and to every island and mainland territory that contributed to its creation.

“It reminds us that justice in the Caribbean does not flow from a distant metropole but from within the Caribbean itself—from our own conscience and commitment to fairness,” Dr Ali said.

He emphasized that once every member state entrusts its highest judicial authority to the CCJ, the full promise of Caribbean sovereignty will be realized.

“Justice dispensed by the region, grounded in Caribbean values and guided by the collective wisdom of the community,” he said.

The post Full Caribbean acceptance of CCJ key to true regional sovereignty – President Ali says appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Vice President and PPP/C General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo clarified on Thursday that the government remains committed to monetising Guyana’s associated natural gas, despite recent statements by ExxonMobil’s Chief, Alistair Routledge, suggesting that converting the gas into liquefied natural gas (LNG) is “not a priority.”

Jagdeo emphasised that the government’s focus has always been on ensuring the most feasible and beneficial use of the gas to generate revenue and economic benefits for Guyanese. “Anything that would make the project feasible will be a priority for us and bring a revenue stream to the country,” he said.

Jagdeo noted that the government is seeking private partners to work in a tripartite arrangement with ExxonMobil, aiming to ensure that all associated gas is utilised efficiently. “We want to make sure that the gas is utilised by Exxon. If they don’t want to move forward with the project, then we will explore other contractors who are interested,” he said.

He underscored that LNG remains one of the very feasible options, particularly through floating infrastructure, which could accelerate the monetisation process. “I hope Exxon does not believe that we are putting this on the back burner. We are serious about this project, and we have taken no option off the table,” he said.

Jagdeo emphasised that the government’s approach prioritises projects that deliver the greatest returns to the country while justifying private investment. “Returns that monetise the gas and benefit our people will always be a priority for us,” he said, directly challenging Routledge’s recent remarks.

The clarification signals that Guyana intends to move aggressively on gas monetisation initiatives as part of its broader energy and economic strategy.

The post Liquefied natural gas monetisation remains a priority for Guyana – Jagdeo affirms   appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Girls were first admitted into Queen’s College in 1975 and have since transformed it into a beacon of opportunities. On Thursday, the school commenced its 50 years of girls’ excellence, celebrating those who came and those yet to come.

The weekend-long celebrations, orchestrated by the school’s Old Students’ Association, kicked off with an exhibition recognising the women who attended the school and their achievements.

During the launch, the students’ talents were also displayed, with current students holding a march past, dancing, singing, and performing spoken word. In the auditorium at the College’s Camp Street Campus, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development and alumna Priya Manickchand, in her featured remarks, emphasised the importance of girls having equal opportunities to those of boys – something that was accomplished when co-education was introduced.

A march past by current girls of Queen’s College. (Photo: News Room)

“To make educational facilities co-educational was the beginning of a revolution that saw gain for our girls here at Queen’s, for our girls all over Guyana, and that has seen the perpetuation of that gain,” Manickchand said.

Notably, the minister pointed out that the girls brought a competitive nature, forcing boys to “be better” and compete academically. Prior to this, the opportunities offered to girls were limited, and societal expectations of what each gender should be taught differed.

Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand and Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud were joined by other alumnae for the commencement of the 50 years of Girls at QC celebrations. (NewsRoom)

Importantly, the girls were admitted into the all-boys school at a time when intermixing of boys and girls at educational institutions was not normalised and was even concerning. Manickchand charged the students with understanding their role in Guyana’s progression.

“I’d like to see a college that trains girls and boys who grow into women and men who understand that with great privilege, and the great privilege of attending this college, comes a great duty to be responsible socially, politically, and in every other sense,” the minister said.

Girls who make up the school’s alumni have assumed roles in leadership across every field, including politics and science. The school has held the mantle for top achievers, with many elevating to occupy leadership roles.

The post QC celebrates 50 years of girls’ inclusion, breaking barriers appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Vice President and PPP/C General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday dismissed claims that the government is delaying the convening of Parliament to prevent Azruddin Mohamed from being sworn in as opposition leader.

Speaking at a press conference at Freedom House, Dr. Jagdeo said the government will convene Parliament within the constitutionally mandated time. “It has nothing to do with whether Mr. Mohammed is elected as opposition leader,” he clarified.

Jagdeo criticised what he described as misleading narratives circulated by the opposition and some media outlets regarding Mohammed’s status. He noted that the Constitution only recognises an opposition leader once Parliament votes to confirm the position. “In Parliament or not, there is no ‘opposition leader-elect’ until that vote takes place,” he said.

He also suggested that the opposition’s public focus on Mohammed stems from attempts to evade legal accountability. Jagdeo pointed to international scrutiny, citing a reward of US$50 million for the arrest or capture of a neighbouring head of state, to underscore that parliamentary positions do not confer immunity.

Turning to government priorities, Jagdeo stressed that once Parliament convenes, the PPP/C will pursue the agenda presented during the election campaign, which he said reflects the mandate of the Guyanese people.

“The agenda is not subject to negotiation,” he said, outlining commitments to education, healthcare, support for pensioners and persons with disabilities, affordable housing, improved security, better-paying jobs, and economic growth beyond Region Four.

“The people voted on this mandate. Now it is how we implement it in a transparent and lawful manner,” Jagdeo said, adding that the government will move forward without seeking approval from civil society or media outlets.

The post Jagdeo dismisses claims PPP delaying Parliament over Azruddin Mohamed appeared first on News Room Guyana.