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Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo announced on Thursday that the government is moving aggressively to implement its housing policy, with plans to construct 40,000 housing units by 2030. Speaking at a press conference at Freedom House, Jagdeo emphasised the scale of the task and the need for high-quality construction.

“To reach 40,000 units over five years, that’s about 8,000 units per year—over 20 houses per day,” he said. “This requires a different level of planning, execution, and quality control. We cannot continue to accept substandard work that leaves houses cracking or incomplete.”

Jagdeo warned local contractors that the government expects timely delivery and durable construction, urging them to form partnerships with international firms where necessary to handle the large-scale project. “Local firms would be best served if they could come together in larger groups and explore international collaborations to ensure they can meet the demands of this programme,” he said.

The Vice President outlined plans to modernise construction methods, including prefabricated materials and environmentally friendly, certified building supplies, to speed up construction while maintaining quality standards. He said factories may be established to produce materials for on-site assembly, ensuring efficiency and durability.

Jagdeo also highlighted complementary measures to support home ownership and upgrades for individuals not participating in the government housing programme, noting ongoing discussions with communities on grant or financing models.

The housing initiative forms part of the PPP/C’s broader agenda to expand economic development, improve living standards, and provide affordable housing across Guyana. Jagdeo said conceptual planning and proposals are currently being reviewed, with the goal of aggressively launching the programme next year.

“This is a large-scale task that requires careful planning, execution, and financial capacity. We are committed to delivering on our promises, and we want to see homes built that families can rely on for decades,” he said.

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Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo announced on Thursday that the government will implement stronger regulations to curb the negative effects of gambling at the community level.

Speaking at a press conference at Freedom House, Jagdeo highlighted the social and economic consequences of widespread gambling, particularly online platforms. “Gambling has blossomed and created a series of negative problems in our communities—breaking up families and creating hardship for many single parents,” he said.

He explained that the liberal policies and taxation framework that allowed gambling to expand, originally intended to support hotel revenue streams, have contributed to the current situation. “When we started this, it was at hotels to stimulate revenue for tourism. But now there are hundreds of gambling outlets in villages across the country, and it’s creating a major social problem,” he said.

Jagdeo said the government plans to aggressively regulate gambling activities, while ensuring that legal operations remain appropriately taxed. He stressed the need to address the financial impact on families. “If people are selling out or starving their children to gamble, how can we expect them to build homes or secure a future? We have to change this mindset,” he said.

The Vice President noted that President Mohamed Irfaan Ali has met personally with families affected by gambling-related hardships. Religious organisations have also raised concerns, prompting the government to commit to immediate reforms.

“Expect changes. We are not going to allow this to continue,” Jagdeo said, signalling that community-level gambling will face stricter oversight and enforcement in the coming months.

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Vice President and PPP/C General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo announced on Thursday that the government will increase online advertising of public contracts and pursue reforms to make procurement more efficient, transparent and accessible to all Guyanese.

Jagdeo said the PPP/C identified procurement as a priority issue during the election campaign and is actively implementing changes. “We want procurement to be fairer, to include more small contractors, deliver better quality work, and operate through a transparent system of tendering,” he said.

A key initiative, he explained, will be the launch of a government procurement website next year. The platform will publish all contract opportunities across the country, enabling citizens to access information directly from their phones, rather than relying solely on newspaper advertisements, which cost the Treasury nearly $800 million in 2024 alone.

“The advertisement will remain on the site for the entire duration of the tender period. People can now check procurement opportunities wherever they live, including Amerindian communities,” Jagdeo said.

He added that the government will also use online media outlets more extensively to carry contract advertisements, recognising that these platforms often reach more people than traditional newspapers. “This is a more democratic system and a more efficient use of government funds,” he said, while anticipating complaints from some traditional media outlets.

Jagdeo emphasised that the reforms align with President Irfaan Ali’s inaugural address, focusing on transparency, accessibility, and greater efficiency in government operations.

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Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday affirmed Guyana’s support for regional and international efforts to dismantle transnational crime networks and safeguard peace.

President Ali, speaking during the graduation of a new batch of Guyana Defence Force recruits, said Guyana will “support every action and embrace every partnership to cripple transnational crime and the illicit drug trade that threatens Guyana and the region.”

Since September, the United States has intensified operations targeting drug trafficking in the Caribbean. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that U.S. forces struck another vessel off the coast of Venezuela, killing six people. He described the vessel as belonging to “narcoterrorists” and claimed it was engaged in drug trafficking. This marks the fifth strike since September, bringing the reported death toll to 27. However, the U.S. has not provided evidence or details about the vessels or those on board.

President Ali also reaffirmed that Guyana holds no animosity toward the Venezuelan people, noting that many Venezuelans have been welcomed to Guyana’s shores in search of a better life.
He reiterated that the border controversy “is not born out of hatred” but firmly stated that Guyana “will not compromise our sovereignty. We condemn the attacks against our citizens and military using the Cuyuni, and we will not tolerate it.”

He further pledged to defend Guyana’s territorial space in partnership with allies who stand for freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. President Ali stressed that Guyana’s commitment to sovereignty and peace extends beyond its borders and advocated for a Caribbean and Latin America free from threats.

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[BBC] – President Donald Trump has confirmed reports he authorised the CIA to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela – and said he was considering strikes targeting drug cartels there.

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The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has condemned the circulation of sensitive information on social media regarding a five-year-old child who was reportedly sexually assaulted in Region Nine.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry described the sharing of such details as “irresponsible, unethical, and harmful,” warning that it further traumatises the victim and violates the child’s right to privacy and protection.

“Children who are victims of abuse must be protected, not exposed,” the Ministry stressed.

According to the Ministry, it was officially notified of the incident by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on October 9, 2025, following which the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) immediately intervened. The CPA has since been providing continuous psychosocial support and trauma-focused counselling to the child and family.

Officials have also maintained ongoing contact and monitoring to ensure the child’s safety and overall well-being.

After the child was medically cleared to speak, a forensic interview was conducted at the Child Advocacy Centre on October 13, 2025, in full compliance with established child protection protocols. The case remains under active police investigation.

The Ministry reiterated its appeal to the public to refrain from sharing or reposting any information relating to children involved in abuse cases, particularly those involving sexual assault.

It reminded that Section 10(2) of the Childcare and Protection Agency Act (Cap. 46:07) expressly prohibits the publication of any information that could lead to the identification of a child involved in legal proceedings. This includes the child’s name, age, address, school, or any other identifying particulars.

“This provision safeguards the privacy, dignity, and well-being of the child by preventing exposure that could cause harm, distress, or stigmatisation,” the Ministry noted.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to protecting every child in Guyana and said it will continue to act swiftly in all cases of child abuse and exploitation.

“The safety, dignity, and recovery of every child remain our foremost priority,” the statement added.

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ANSA McAL has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Guyana’s cultural heritage as it embarks on the development of the new Chateau Margot Mall — a major investment that balances modern progress with respect for history.

In a statement on Wednesday, the company said the Mall is being developed on privately owned land adjacent to the historic Chateau Margot Chimney, which remains a protected heritage site under state control. The chimney and its surrounding lands are owned by the Government of Guyana and managed by the National Trust.

At present, only preparatory works — including site clearance and landscaping — are taking place. No heavy construction has yet begun.

“From the outset, ANSA McAL has placed the preservation of the chimney and its surroundings at the forefront of this project,” the company stated. “We have commissioned a professional assessment of the structure to ensure its stability and to identify any reinforcement measures needed before construction begins.”

The assessment is being carried out by well-known Guyanese structural engineer, Marcel Gaskin, whose findings and recommendations will be fully implemented prior to the start of construction.

According to ANSA McAL, the initiative reflects its long-standing partnership with Guyana and its confidence in the country’s future.

“We are proud to show that progress and preservation can go hand in hand – honouring Guyana’s past while building responsibly for the future,” the release noted.

The company emphasised that it continues to work closely with the National Trust of Guyana, the Government, and relevant ministries to ensure the chimney remains a safeguarded and celebrated national landmark.

ANSA McAL reiterated that the historic chimney will not only be preserved but also maintained as a visible reminder of Guyana’s rich industrial past — even as new investments take shape nearby.

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Two Fridays ago, on October 3, seven-year-old Tiequan Scarville’s life changed drastically when he was struck down by a canter along the Kilcoy, Chesney, Corentyne Berbice Public Road.

The young lad from Fyrish Village suffered a severe brain injury and had to undergo emergency surgery. Now, he is on a long road to recovery, according to his mother, Towanna Yorrick.

“Because of the frontal lobe that was completely damaged, [doctors] said there is a possibility that all of that [memory loss and behavioural changes] is related to the frontal lobe being damaged,” Yorrick told the News Room.

Yorrick, a nurse, explained that school was out on October 3 as a result of Teachers’ Day and, so Tiequan accompanied his grandparents to work.

On his way back home, he was standing at the corner of the road with his grandfather when a canter struck him down.

The young child was rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital and subsequently to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Tiequan was later rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in a critical condition where he underwent emergency brain surgery.

His mother said doctors had to remove over fifteen bone fragments from his skull. She explained that the affected bone had shattered completely and was pressing against his brain, forcing surgeons to remove the entire section to relieve the pressure.

Tiequan was placed on a ventilator in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for three days before being moved to the Pediatric High Dependency Unit. After being hospitalized for six days, he was discharged from the hospital.

Yorrick said she remains hopeful her son could make a full recovery, but she is also concerned about future challenges he could experience.

“Currently, I am depressed because my child was a perfectly fine seven-year-old, going to school, doing his school work and I am out of work as of right now. I don’t know how many days I am covered when it comes to sick leave,” the mother stressed.

Following the accident, the driver of the canter was arrested and released after 72 hours.

“The police say that he is reporting every day to the station, but I am not aware of this. I have never seen him since the incident. I don’t know what he looks like,” Yorrick explained.

She further claimed that it has been two weeks since the accident occurred and the scene has not yet been marked. Yorrick said she is concerned about the lack of progress in the police investigation and revealed that the medical report has also not been uplifted.

“I just want the matter to be dealt with accordingly and the person responsible to be held accountable,” she said.

When contacted, Regional Commander Shivpersaud Bacchus told the News Room that the investigation was completed and the file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecution for legal advice.

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Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Tuesday said wheat grain research is still ongoing as the government invests heavily in research-driven projects.

Guyana’s agricultural sector is set to benefit from a significant boost in scientific innovation and technological advancement, as the Ministry of Agriculture continues to invest heavily in research-based initiatives.

Among the latest developments are scientific research and eco-friendly initiatives such as the construction of a state-of-the-art $402.5 million tissue culture laboratory, marking a historic first for the country.

This landmark facility, which will be commissioned soon, is expected to support sustainable farming practices and contribute to the diversification and modernisation of the agricultural sector, Minister Mustapha said.

“For the first time in our country’s history, we will be commissioning a tissue culture lab. “We are pushing for sustainable farming, and alongside this lab, we’ve already established a vermicompost unit,” Minister Mustapha said.

On Tuesday, the minister commissioned the vermicompost unit and the ant bait production facility, all of which enable scientists and researchers with reliable facilities. It is also expected to significantly enhance local food production capabilities and crop resilience.

Projects such as the tissue culture lab complements ongoing research ventures that aim to adapt non-traditional crops to Guyana’s climate, such as wheat.

“This marks our government’s commitment to advancing agriculture and ensuring the sector is not forgotten or left behind as the economy grows,” he added.

Minister Mustapha said tropical wheat trials continue, in partnership with the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation. The trials aim to develop wheat varieties capable of thriving in the country’s tropical climate, despite wheat traditionally requiring temperate conditions.

“We are still conducting trials for growing tropical wheat here. “As you know, wheat usually grows in temperate regions, which we don’t have in these parts. That’s why we’re working closely with EMBRAPA to develop a variety that can succeed in our environment,” the minister said.

These initiatives reflect a broader strategy by the government to enhance food security, reduce import dependency, and position Guyana as a leader in agricultural innovation in the region.

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After months of mounting public concern, the Georgetown City Council is proposing a formal tripartite agreement to regulate the continued use of a section of the Farnum ground by Mae’s School.

Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore told the News Room on Wednesday that the proposal would bring together the City Council, the owners of Mae’s School, and the Subryanville community in a legally binding agreement aimed at balancing the educational needs with residents’ rights to public space.

“We’ve done our part in facilitating education, but we’ve also ventilated this matter with residents and our own councilors,” Mentore said.

Mae’s School began using the site following a fire that displaced students from their primary campus. Temporary prefab classrooms were erected to house classes, but the installations proceeded without prior approval from the Council or the Central Housing and Planning Authority.

However, Mentore said the school has received a preliminary approval from the authority. Mentore, who addressed the issue during a recent Council meeting, said the City had taken a balanced approach after extensive public consultation.

Mayor of Georgetown, Alfred Mentore during his interview with the News Room on Wednesday.

Mentore previously expressed strong support for students affected by the fire, insisting that their education must continue without unnecessary disruption. However, he acknowledged that the school’s occupation of the community ground could not continue indefinitely or without formal regulation.

The agreement which will be presented at the next statutory meeting includes the recommendation that the school vacate the ground by December 31, 2026, rejecting the school’s initial request to stay until March 2027. The school is asked to pay $2.5 million over the approved period for the use of public land. This includes a security deposit of $500,000 and $1.5 million will be held as a restoration bond, ensuring the area is returned to its original condition after the school leaves.

It was also suggested that the money be used to uplift the community. Mentore said the Council is open to ongoing dialogue and expects further consultation on how the $2.5 million collected from the school will be spent.

“We don’t want to dictate what the community does with the funds,” he said.

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