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With over 130 years operating in Guyana, the Salvation Army on Friday launched its 2025 Christmas Kettle appeal to raise donations and help the less fortunate for the season.

Christmas Kettle, also referred to as the Red Kettle, due to its colour, is the Salvation Army’s most famous street campaign. The launch was held at the Umana Yana, Kingston with a vibrant ceremony consisting of choirs from secondary schools and the Guyana Police Force Steelband.

Businessman and son of the Advisory Board President, Nicholas Boyer said the generosity and kindness each donation brings will uplift those benefitting from it.

“The salvation army has been serving without fanfare, responding without hesitation.

“Whether through disaster relief, rehabilitation or the daily support for the vulnerable, their work here reflects the best of who we are,” he said.

The annual Christmas Appeal helps the Salvation Army to meet the needs of those less fortunate, through the provision of food, shelter, rehabilitation and much more.

Boyer said the kettles do more than collect donations and are indicators of the stories of persons in need of a warm meal.

“These are not just seasonal gestures, they are a lifeline,” he said.

He encouraged persons to give with the intention of uplifting the community.

The organisation provides service to senior citizens at the Salvation Army Home, provides care packages to various institutions, delivers 100 meals daily to the homeless and elderly and has saved the lives of many drug addicts through its drug rehab programme.

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The mass drug administration (MDA) for 2025 to combat Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) was launched on Friday with Regions Three and Four as the targeted areas.

These are the two remaining regions where massive focus is still needed. Through a collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), hundreds of persons were trained and are now prepared to distribute the tablets to citizens.

This vector borne disease is transmitted to humans by mosquitos that carry the filarial parasites. Infection is usually acquired during childhood and causes hidden damage to the lymphatic system, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The three drugs used to treat LF are Ivermectin, Diethylcarbamazine (DEC), and Albendazole, which are administered together in a triple-drug treatment. This combination, commonly referred to as IDA, is a key component of the country’s MDA campaign.

Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony during his remarks. (Photo: Ministry of Health)

Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony on Friday, when the programme was launched at the National Culture Centre, said awareness of the disease and treatment must be encouraged.

“You don’t know whether you’re a host to these worms because they take quite a long time to develop and for you to see complications,” Dr Anthony said.

He said in many instances, persons are infected but don’t get treated until the disease has progressed but the tablets that will be distributed will prevent the disease. This disease has caused many to undergo amputation of limbs and become susceptible to social stigma.

Regional Health Officer for Region Four, Dr Gavinash Persaud said the objectives here are strategic.

“We’re going to have in excess of 600 persons out there who are going to be delivering the pills and that’s the most important aspect of our mission,” Dr. Persaud said.

These persons were trained in August and will now go into communities across the two regions. Importantly, these are the only remaining regions that have not had massive uptake of the pills and meet the elimination requirement.

Dr. Sheik Hassan Sukdeo, the Medical Superintendent West Demerara Regional Hospital, said this is a joint venture to combat the disease.

“To eradicate the disease requires a united force not just among healthcare staff and healthcare departments, but importantly, the public understanding and their participation of this movement,” Dr. Sukdeo said.

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Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni K. Singh, has welcomed the announcement by Citi of its plan to establish a representative office in Guyana. This move by one of the world’s largest financial institutions is a clear testament to the rapidly expanding opportunities in Guyana and the strong international confidence in the country’s economic trajectory. 

The attraction of major global companies like Citi is a direct result of the strong leadership of His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali in positioning Guyana as a premier and stable destination for international investment. This development also underscores the PPP/C’s Government’s efforts to engage with the global community and build a resilient, modern, and diversified economy. 

The establishment of Citi’s representative office is also a direct result of the tabling and successful piloting of the Financial Institutions (Amendment) Bill 2024, by Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni K. Singh in February of this year. This amendment allows for the establishment of representative office by foreign financial institutions and is in keeping with Government’s broad agenda to build and strengthen the legal framework and modernise the country’s banking sector. 

This new development will provide immense benefits for the Guyanese economy. It will help facilitate greater access to global financial markets for Guyanese businesses, and introduce new, sophisticated financial products and services to Guyana’s market. This new presence will bolster Guyana’s financial infrastructure and contribute significantly to the country’s ongoing development.

In a release today issued by Citi, the institution’s Head for Central America and Caribbean, Pablo del Valle, signalled the Bank’s commitment to working closely with the Government of Guyana and other stakeholders to build strong and lasting relationships. He also alluded to Guyana’s growth trajectory and vibrant investment landscape, which present a compelling opportunity for Citi, and further complement their unmatched global network.

Minister Singh emphasised that this Government, led by President Ali, remains committed to working with all stakeholders including the private sector, in supporting business development in Guyana, as we continue to create an enabling environment for fostering development. [Ministry of Finance Press Release] 

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Paradise Football Club (PFC) enters the weekend holding a slender one-point advantage at the summit of the Berbice Football Association (BFA) Senior Men’s League, sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS).

The West Bank Berbice side remains the only unbeaten team in the league, sitting on 10 points from four matches. However, they face immense pressure from their local rivals, Ithaca Football Club, who are just behind on nine points.

Ithaca has showcased significant attacking potency, averaging two goals per match. Their only loss came at the hands of the league leaders.

The minimal gap at the top sets the stage for a compelling weekend of fixtures as the chasing pack aims to close the deficit.

The Cougars and Trafalgar Titans are tied on four points each, and they will aim to build on this position when they collide on Saturday at the Scott’s School Ground, New Amsterdam, from 19:00 hrs.

Fyrish Black Sharks FC (one point) will face Kildonan Young Warriors, who are yet to record a single point, in a bottom-of-the-table clash.

The #5 ground will be the center of attraction again on Sunday when the Cougars entertain in the main attraction from 20:00 hrs.

The opening play is Ithaca and Kildonan from 18:00 hrs.

P = Played, W = Won, D = Drawn, L = Lost, Pts = Points

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The Brava Guyana Open Golf Tournament is set to tee off this weekend.

Brava Solutions has confirmed its title sponsorship for the fourth consecutive year, underscoring the event’s growing prestige on the regional sporting calendar.

The announcement was formalised on October 30, with a signing ceremony between Brava and the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC).

The tournament, which officially begins with a Grand Opening Cocktail this evening, October 31, will see two days of competitive play on November 1st and 2nd.

The 2025 iteration promises an international flavour, attracting golfers across the Caribbean and North America, including Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, the United States, and Canada.

This diversity firmly establishes the Brava Guyana Open as one of the most competitive and diverse events in Guyanese sport.

Brava’s General Manager, Hilton Wong, emphasised that the partnership extends beyond mere brand visibility, positioning the company as an active supporter of sports development.

“The Brava Guyana Open Golf Tournament is more than a tournament, it’s a space where connection, collaboration, and community come together,” Wong stated. “Golf has given us an opportunity to engage meaningfully with our clients, partners, and the wider public, all while promoting excellence through sport.”

Wong highlighted the synergy between the sport’s values and the company’s ethos. “Sport fosters leadership, discipline, and teamwork. Golf, especially, teaches patience and precision, values that align perfectly with Brava’s culture and vision.”

Chet Bowling, Secretary of the Lusignan Golf Club, praised the sustained commitment from the private sector partner, acknowledging its transformative effect on the tournament’s profile.

“Brava’s involvement has transformed this event. They’ve brought structure, energy, and visibility that have elevated the profile of the Guyana Open,” said Bowling. He also noted a positive trend in participation, adding that the Club has seen increased involvement among women, signalling a more inclusive future for the sport in Guyana.

The two-day competition will run throughout the weekend, concluding on Sunday, November 2. The event is expected to draw a significant crowd, bringing together athletes, business leaders, and dignitaries for a showcase of Guyanese and regional golf.

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Billionaire businessmen Nazar Mohamed and his son, Azruddin Mohamed, were on Friday granted bail in the sum of $150,000 each by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman, following an extradition hearing at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The court also ordered that the men surrender their passports and report to the Ruimveldt Police Station every Friday between 13:00 and 15:00 hrs, beginning November 7, 2025.

The Mohameds, represented by Attorneys-at-Law Siand Dhurjon, Nigel Hughes, and Roysdale Forde, are the subjects of an extradition request by the United States Government on a string of criminal charges, including gold smuggling, wire fraud, and money laundering.

During the hearing, the prosecution objected to bail, describing the father and son as “flight risks” given the seriousness of the offences and the active extradition request.

However, Attorney Siand Dhurjon argued that the extradition move was unconstitutional and outside the court’s jurisdiction, asserting that his clients were never questioned nor given a chance to respond before their arrest.

Forde, in support, dismissed the “flight risk” argument as baseless and noted that Azruddin Mohamed is the presumptive Leader of the Opposition. He added that both men have deep roots in Guyana and are willing to comply with all court-imposed conditions.

READ ALSO: https://newsroom.gy/2025/10/31/update-nazar-azruddin-mohamed-being-processed-for-u-s-extradition-following-arrest-ag-chambers/

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See below the full statement issued:

Citi announced Friday its intention to establish a representative office in Guyana, subject to regulatory approval from the Bank of Guyana. This strategic initiative is driven by Guyana’s exponential economic growth, particularly in infrastructure and export financing, and its increasingly attractive investment climate.

With a well-established presence in over 90 countries and jurisdictions across the globe, Citi aims to leverage its extensive scale and expertise to contribute significantly to the Guyanese economy.

The opening of a representative office in Guyana will enable Citi to help its clients and partners access global markets and help support the growth, development and financial infrastructure of the country.

“We are very excited about the prospect of establishing a presence through a representative office in Guyana,” said Pablo del Valle, Citi’s Head for Central America and Caribbean. “Guyana’s growth trajectory and vibrant investment landscape, present a compelling opportunity for Citi, and further complement our unmatched global network. We are committed to working closely with the Bank of Guyana and other stakeholders to build strong and lasting relationships.”

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[FORBES] -President Donald Trump told reporters Friday that he has not made a decision on whether the U.S. will strike military targets in Venezuela, according to Bloomberg, contradicting a report from the Miami Herald that stated the Trump administration could conduct the strikes as soon as Friday.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro attends the ‘Gran Marcha Mundial por la Paz’ on August 17, 2024 in Caracas, Venezuela.

Getty Images

Key Facts

What Is Trump’s Goal In Venezuela?

Trump has painted his efforts in Venezuela as being part of the White House’s broader crackdown on the drug trade—namely fentanyl, which experts have said does not actually appear to be trafficked or produced in Venezuela. Any land strikes in Venezuela would mark an escalation of the Trump administration’s efforts in the region, after the U.S. has previously carried out strikes on boats off the country’s coast, alleging the vessels were smuggling drugs. Foreign policy experts believe the military campaign is more likely aimed at forcing a regime change in Venezuela and toppling Maduro, however. Experts cited by BBC News noted it would be difficult for the government to force military-backed change without a clear reason, like pinning Maduro as the head of a suspected drug trade. Maduro has accused the Trump administration of “fabricating a new war” by increasing the U.S.’ military presence in the region, and his allies have accused Trump of wanting to topple the Maduro regime in order to take control of Venezuela’s natural resources, like oil. The U.S. is one of a number of countries that does not recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s proper leader after his reelection in 2024 was widely criticized as being improperly determined, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio has long opposed Maduro’s leadership, calling him a “dictator.”

Big Number

$50 million. That’s how much the Trump administration is offering for information that leads to Maduro’s arrest and/or conviction for violating U.S. narcotics laws, after the Justice and State Departments doubled the government’s bounty amount in August.

Why Are Trump’s Strikes On Venezuela Controversial?

While the Trump administration has not yet carried out any land strikes in Venezuela, even the government’s attacks on boats in the region—which have killed 61 people—have drawn bipartisan criticism. Lawmakers have criticized the strikes being carried out without congressional authorization, and questioned what evidence the White House had, if any, to justify the strikes. Senate Democrats unsuccessfully sought to pass a war powers resolution that blocked the Trump administration from carrying out further strikes, saying Trump’s executive order declaring drug cartels to be terrorist organizations does not provide any “legal authority for the president to use force against members of designated organizations or any foreign state.” That resolution failed in a 48-51 vote, though several Republicans voted in favor of it, with Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., saying on the Senate floor, “What a despicable and thoughtless sentiment it is to glorify killing someone without a trial.” Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, told MSNBC on Friday, prior to the Herald’s report, that lawmakers were “concerned” about the boat strikes, saying the White House gave “not very good answers” during a classified briefing Thursday about the legal justification behind them.

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Guyanese businessmen Nazar Mohamed and Azruddin Mohamed will be processed for extradition to the United States, the Attorney General’s Chambers confirmed Friday, following a formal extradition request linked to allegations of gold smuggling, tax evasion and financial crimes.

Their arrests occurred earlier on Friday morning when members of the Guyana Police Force, acting under a warrant issued by the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court, took the Mohameds into custody. The warrant was issued after a team of lawyers, led by Terrence Williams, KC, along with Herbert McKenzie and Celine Deidrick, presented an Authority to Proceed and an Application for an Arrest Warrant in line with the provisions of the amended Fugitive Offenders Act.

The U.S. government, on October 30, 2025, requested the extradition of the father and son under the extradition treaty between Guyana and the United Kingdom, which remains in force in Guyana under Section 4(1)(a) of the Fugitives Offender Act, Cap. 10:04, as amended by Act No. 10 of 2024.

The Mohameds are facing multiple charges in the United States, unsealed on October 6, 2025, by a Southern District of Florida Grand Jury. The indictment includes wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, aiding and abetting, and customs-related violations connected to an alleged US$50 million gold export and tax evasion scheme.

According to the indictment, between 2017 and June 2024, they allegedly conspired to defraud the Government of Guyana by evading export taxes and royalties on over 10,000 kilograms of gold, using falsified customs declarations and reused export seals. The indictment also references an attempted shipment of US$5.3 million in undeclared gold seized at Miami International Airport and the under-invoicing of a luxury vehicle valued at more than US$680,000.

Investigations by U.S. authorities reportedly began in the mid-2010s, with law enforcement cooperation with Guyana dating back to 2016–2017. In June 2024, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned the Mohameds and their company, Mohamed’s Enterprise, citing tax evasion, trade-based money laundering, and gold smuggling allegations.

In March 2025, Guyanese authorities received a comprehensive evidence dossier from U.S. counterparts under mutual legal assistance arrangements, detailing gold export irregularities, falsified customs declarations, and undeclared shipments seized in Miami.

The Mohameds will now be formally processed for extradition to the United States under Guyana’s amended Fugitive Offenders Act, in full compliance with the Constitution and all relevant laws.

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Ackeem Auguste and Roston Chase struck fifties to help West Indies to a five-wicket win in the third T20I against Bangladesh in Chattogram.

Romario Shepherd’s hat-trick had earlier helped their cause for the 3-0 triumph, after Bangladesh were bowled out for 151 runs.

The series sweep comes at the right time for West Indies, who had lost seven bilateral T20I series in a row, coming into this series.

Auguste and Chase put on 91 runs for the fourth wicket, after they lost three early wickets. Auguste peppered the leg-side with five sixes against the Bangladesh spinners, while the stand-in captain Chase got his boundaries all around the wicket.

Bangladesh had earlier collapsed from 107 for 2 in the 15th over, to be bowled out for 151 in 20 overs. They lost eight wickets for 44 runs in the last 5.3 overs, including Shepherd’s hat-trick spread over two overs. He was unaware of his achievement, until Jason Holder happily informed him from mid-off.

Bangladesh restricted West Indies’ openers in the first three overs of the chase. The returning Mahedi Hasan got Alick Athanaze stumped for 1 and Amir Jangoo was also struggling to get going. But he had luck on his side. A mix-up between Litton Das and Saif Hassan gave him a let-off in the second over, before substitute Towhid Hridoy dropped a skier at mid-off.

Jangoo then took on Taskin Ahmed in his first over. He started with a crisp flicked six off the first ball, before driving and pulling for three more fours in the 18-run over.

Bangladesh hit back with Nasum Ahmed removing Brandon King in the sixth over. Jangoo struck two more fours before Rishad Hossain had him lbw in the eighth over. Jangoo’s 23-ball 34 provided West Indies the boost their 152-run chase needed after a slow start.

Auguste built on Jangoo’s innings. Like Jangoo, his first six was also a beautifully flicked six off Taskin. Chase, who was dropped on 10, struck three boundaries to get going, before Auguste took on Rishad. He used the flick off the first ball of the 13th over, before hitting him for two more on the leg-side. Rishad though was unlucky, as substitute Tanzim Hasan dropped Auguste at the covers, on 27.

Auguste hammered Nasum’s first ball next over, before Chase took over in the boundary-hitting. He struck three more in the next two overs, on the way to completing his fourth T20I fifty.

Bangladesh had some respite when Rishad removed both Chase and Auguste in the 16th over, but West Indies were already comfortably placed to complete the win. (ESPNcrcicinfo) 

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