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The Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) will once again host one of Guyana’s most exciting and anticipated tournaments, the Banks Beer Cup, on Sunday, November 9, beginning at 08:00h.

The competition will be played under the Medal Play format over 18 holes, challenging golfers to demonstrate both skill and precision on Guyana’s premier golf course. With a strong turnout of local and regional players expected, the stage is set for a day of high-caliber golfing action and fellowship.

Players will compete for prizes in several major categories, including:

• Best Net- Top three
• Overall Best Gross
• Ladies Best Net
• Nearest to the Flag- Hole #4
• Longest Drive- Hole #5

“The Banks Beer Cup is more than just a golf competition, it is a celebration of tradition, excellence, and corporate partnership. Over the years, Banks DIH Limited has established itself as one of Guyana’s most influential corporate entities, supporting not only golf but numerous sporting disciplines across the nation,” the LGC said in a press release.

“Founded in the 1840s, Banks DIH has evolved from its origins as a small rum and beverage operation into a diversified conglomerate, producing and distributing some of Guyana’s most beloved brands, including the world-renowned Banks Beer. The company’s enduring commitment to community development and sport has made it a key supporter of national growth and recreation.”

The LGC added: “Through sponsorships such as the Banks Beer Cup, Banks DIH continues to demonstrate its belief in the unifying power of sport , bringing people together in friendly competition, promoting healthy lifestyles, and fostering national pride.”

As the sun rises over the Lusignan Golf Course this Sunday, anticipation will be high among golfers and spectators alike for another memorable day on the greens, a fitting reflection of the shared spirit of competition and camaraderie that defines both the Lusignan Golf Club and Banks DIH Limited.

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As the world grapples with the escalating climate crisis, Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed the need for countries to transition from their dependence on fossil fuels to more renewable sources of energy.

However, he emphasised this shift must be fair and practical.

“Simple calls for new [oil] producers to ‘leave it in the ground’ are, in reality, a form of protectionism – protecting those who are already wealthy as incumbents,” President Ali said at a leaders’ roundtable discussion on the energy transition at this year’s UN climate talks in Belém.

Those calls are seemingly personal. Guyana, the tiny South American country home to less than one million people, started producing oil in 2019. It is one of the largest per-capita oil producers in the world, with plans to hike daily production to more than one million barrels of oil by the end of the decade. The windfall from the nascent sector has been significant, so ceasing production means a major loss of revenue for the country.

The President pointed out that even with countries meaningfully switching to renewable energy, there will still be a demand and need for fossil fuels.

“Fossil fuels still provide more than 80% of global energy. For example, the International Energy Agency tells us that oil demand in a net zero scenario will reduce from about 100 million barrels a day today to 72 million by 2030 and 24 million by 2050,” he told his colleagues.

Guyana, he said previously, should be one of the suppliers meeting the diminishing demand for fossil fuels, as the sweet, light crude produced by the country covered in well-protected rainforests, has great value.

At the COP30 energy transition discussion, the President clearly said that oil producers with high-carbon, inefficient production should be phased out. For him, countries with “lower-carbon, responsibly managed production” should meet the declining demand as the world shifts to renewables.

“That requires global rules – a carbon price that reflects real costs, the removal of fossil-fuel subsidies, and competition based on carbon intensity, not legacy advantage,” the President said.

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Reliance Hustlers Sports Club has received a timely boost to its youth development programme, courtesy of Mahdia Movements Family Hotel and Bar, owned by Ragkumar Singh.

The donation, which consisted of much-needed cricket gear, was handed over by Neiland Cadogan of Mahdia Movements Family to Mark Austin, Secretary of Reliance Hustlers SC, in the presence of several young players and Level One Coach Nathan Persaud, who also represents Mahdia Movements Family in various tournaments.

In a live message to the youths, Singh urged them to make full use of the gear and remain committed to improving their game while aiming for the highest levels of cricket.

He further expressed his excitement to play a role in the club’s growth, stating: “Though my company is not the largest out there, I’m very happy to be able to contribute to the club’s development program. I intend to continue my support throughout the length and breadth of Guyana, especially for the youths.”

President of the Reliance Hustlers SC, Trevis Simon, extended heartfelt thanks to Singh and the Mahdia Movements Family for what he described as a mammoth contribution towards the club’s youth programme.

He noted that this donation will go a long way in helping the young cricketers improve their game and build a stronger foundation for the future.

Currently, 25 young players are under the guidance of Coach Persaud, who conducts sessions four days a week.

Mahdia Movements Family, based in Mahdia, has been a notable presence in regional cricket circles, having participated in several popular tournaments across Guyana, including the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, the Mahdia Independence Cup, the South Pakaraima 10/10 Bash, and the Mahdia Town Anniversary Softball Tournament.

The team continues to promote the development of sport and youth engagement, both on and off the field.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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