Blog

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, has assured that the government is actively working to remove unnecessary obstacles in Guyana’s banking system to make it easier for citizens to open bank accounts and access financing.

Speaking on The Starting Point Podcast on Sunday, Nandlall admitted that bureaucratic “disconnects” and outdated practices have contributed to what many describe as a cumbersome and intimidating process to do simple banking in Guyana — from opening an account to accessing capital for small businesses.

“The President himself has directed that I continue to engage with the banking sector until these obstacles are removed,” the Attorney General said, adding that the government’s goal is to modernise the banking experience and ensure that “ordinary Guyanese can have easy access to the banks.”

He explained that in a recent meeting with the banking sector — following a directive from President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali — many of the issues being complained about were not fundamental problems but rather “a lack of clarity and engagement.”

“There were no major problems. It’s just a disconnect… One meeting clarified what was described as a huge number of issues,” Nandlall noted.

According to the Attorney General, many of the strict banking and compliance practices being enforced today are remnants of the period between 2011 and 2015, when Guyana was blacklisted by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) for failing to pass critical anti–money laundering legislation due to political gridlock in Parliament.

When the current administration returned to office, he said, several amendments were made to modernise and balance Guyana’s Anti–Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework. However, the oppressive systems that were created during the blacklisting period were never dismantled by the previous administration.

“What we have are self-imposed obstacles that are no longer relevant,” Nandlall said. “Our system was certified as being far more compliant than many others in the region, yet people are saying it’s easier to open a bank account in Trinidad or Barbados. Something is wrong there.”

He revealed that in the last mutual evaluation by CFATF, Guyana ranked highest among independent Caribbean states for compliance, with only two dependent territories — Anguilla and the U.S. Virgin Islands — scoring higher.

Nandlall emphasised that the government is determined to strengthen public confidence in the banking sector and reduce the culture of “keeping money under the mattress.”

“We are encouraging Guyanese to engage with the banks more often. Let us use the banking system,” he said, adding that initiatives like cheque-based cash grants are intended to encourage more people to open accounts and begin formal financial relationships.

President Ali, who as Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce had introduced the “Ease of Doing Business” initiative years ago, has also prioritised the streamlining of banking and commercial procedures, Nandlall said.

Access to finance and invoice lending

Anil Nandlall on thee Starting Point Podcast

The Attorney General also addressed the persistent concern of access to capital, especially for small and medium-sized businesses seeking loans without traditional collateral such as land or buildings.

He pointed to the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry’s (GBTI) recent introduction of invoice financing — where contracts or invoices are accepted as collateral — as a progressive move that should be emulated by other financial institutions.

“For years, banks claimed that the law required immovable property to secure a loan, but there is no such requirement,” he clarified. “Banks have long been lending for the purchase of cars and using those vehicles as collateral. So why can’t a $100 million contract be used in the same way?”

Nandlall said it ultimately comes down to “a question of risk,” and he expressed confidence that other banks will follow suit once one institution demonstrates success.

“We live in a competitive society. Everything is about risk — no pain, no gain. One bank has taken the initiative, and I have no doubt that others will follow,” he added.

The post Nandlall vows to make banking easier in Guyana, says barriers to opening accounts and accessing loans will be dismantled appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, has underscored that Guyana’s ongoing transformation must rest firmly on the pillars of moral leadership, integrity, and the active participation of women at every level of national development.

Delivering the keynote address at the inaugural ‘Mantle of Deborah’ Builders’ Summit on Saturday at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, Prime Minister Phillips said true leadership is not defined by power or position, but by purpose, conviction, and a commitment to service.

“The story of Deborah reminds us that leadership is born of service—she was a woman who listened before she led,” the Prime Minister said, referencing the biblical figure whose legacy of courage, faith, and wisdom inspired the movement. “This summit provides a space for reflection and realignment, allowing leaders to regain balance in a world that often demands more than it gives back.”

The launch of the Guyana chapter of Mantle of Deborah, he said, represents a meaningful step towards fostering moral renewal, inclusion, and leadership rooted in values and service.

Prime Minister Phillips reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to gender equality, pointing to the growing number of women serving in senior roles across government and public life.

He noted that women now head key ministries including Home Affairs, Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Education, Local Government and Regional Development, Human Services, Tourism, Industry and Commerce, and Housing and Water. Women also hold senior leadership positions as Permanent Secretaries, Members of Parliament, CEOs, and officers in the Defence and Security Forces.

“Guyana recognises that development cannot be sustained unless women are given the space to lead, the tools to prosper, and the respect they deserve,” the Prime Minister said. “For decades, women have been the quiet yet powerful force behind our progress. Today, we are ensuring that this quiet strength is matched by visible opportunity.”

He highlighted several initiatives advancing women’s empowerment, including the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN), through which over 11,000 women have been trained in entrepreneurship, leadership, and vocational skills. Many have since started small businesses and community projects.

The Prime Minister also cited the expansion of day and night care centres, the Homestead Programme for single mothers, and the Family Violence Act 2024—which strengthens protection and justice mechanisms for women facing abuse.

Reinforcing the Government’s focus on education, Phillips pointed to the tuition-free tertiary education policy at the University of Guyana and the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), which has granted over 39,000 scholarships—more than 40 per cent of which have gone to women.

“When we invest in the girl child, we strengthen our future,” he said. “When a girl is educated, a family thrives. When a girl feels valued, a community becomes stronger. A society cannot claim progress while half its people are held back.”

Phillips urged all citizens, institutions, and communities to take part in the wider national effort to advance women’s empowerment and promote moral renewal.

“The work of empowerment does not belong solely to Government—it belongs to every citizen,” he said. “We must raise our sons to respect women as equals and teach our daughters to value their worth. We must create a Guyana where women can live free from fear, where their voices are heard, and where their potential is realised.”

The Prime Minister praised the organisers of the Mantle of Deborah Summit for providing a platform to strengthen national dialogue on women’s leadership, ethics, and development—values he said are essential to Guyana’s continued growth.

Prime Minister Phillips was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Mignon Bowen-Phillips; Minister of Education, Sonia Parag; Minister of Labour and Manpower, Keoma Griffith; and Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Vanessa Benn.

The Mantle of Deborah Builders’ Summit marks the official launch of the Guyana chapter of the international faith-based movement, dedicated to empowering women leaders and promoting moral and spiritual renewal within communities and nations.

The post Prime Minister calls for national renewal through faith, integrity and inclusion at ‘Mantle of Deborah’ Summit appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Defending champions Santa Rosa have been eliminated from the Courts Optical Pee Wee U-11 Boys’ School Football Championship in the Round of 16, paving the way for a new title winner after a stunning defeat by Redeemer Primary.

In the most significant upset of the tournament, Redeemer secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory at the Ministry of Education Ground on Saturday.

The crucial moment arrived in the 23rd minute when Elijah Naughton found the back of the net to seize the advantage.

While Redeemer provided the shock, several other teams sealed their quarter-final spots in commanding fashion, with two sides registering demolition jobs on their opponents.

West Ruimveldt put on a clinical display, dismantling St Therese 5-0.

The performance was spearheaded by Jaseen Paris, who netted a sublime hat-trick (5′, 32′, 36′), while Zyron Austin (2′) and Ceon Rajkumar (30′) completed the rout.

Meanwhile, Leonora Primary went one better, crushing Marian Academy 6-0. Doubles from Adrian Harry (8′, 28′) and Jhonathan Melvin (10′, 16′) provided the foundation for the tournament’s biggest win so far, ensuring they march into the next round as top seeds.

The remainder of the day saw fiercely contested matches, including two settled by the agony of penalties:

• St Pius edged out Potaro 2-1 in a closely fought tie. Goals from Marcus Harris (2′) and Roy Cassau (11′) were just enough to cancel out Marek Timmerman’s 25th-minute consolation.
• St John the Baptist overcame Stella Maris 2-1, thanks to a brace from Neymar Edwards (15′, 21′).
• Tucville sealed a gritty 1-0 win against Georgetown International Academy when Dominic Dickson broke the deadlock in the 36th minute.
• St Gabriel’s advanced after a thrilling 2-2 draw with Charity, eventually prevailing 3-1 on penalty kicks. Charity’s Troy Boston scored both goals for his side, but the shootout belonged to St Gabriel’s.
• Agatash Primary also progressed via the spot-kick lottery, beating North Georgetown 3-2 after regulation time ended scoreless.

The field has now been narrowed to the final eight teams and quarter-final action will commence next Saturday.

 

The post Courts Pee-Wee Football: Redeemer knocks out defending champions Santa Rosa appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Mitchell Marsh spoiled counterpart Shubman Gill’s ODI captaincy debut after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli struggled in their much-anticipated comeback to international cricket.

On a damp day at Optus Stadium, the series-opening ODI was reduced to 26 overs per side with India making 136 for 9, after a series of rain delays frustrated the crowd of 42,423, having slumped to 45 for 4 against impressive new-ball bowling, particularly from Josh Hazlewood.

The weather did improve later in the day as Marsh’s unbeaten 46 off 52 balls powered Australia past their revised target of 131 runs in the 22nd over. ODI debutant Matt Renshaw finished 21 not out – almost nine years after he made his Test debut.

There was an expectation that Marsh and fellow opener Travis Head would come out aggressively, but batting was not easy in seaming conditions under lights. Head’s recent patchy form continued after slashing left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh straight to deep third, raising India’s hopes.

Marsh played against type initially, scoring just a couple of singles off his first nine deliveries, until muscling Arshdeep for six over the leg-side. With his eye in, he took the aerial route to good effect and was in total command apart from copping a blow to the helmet from a Mohammed Siraj short ball.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Australia with Matt Short unable to make the most of his chance at No. 3, tamely succumbing on 8 to left-arm spinner Axar Patel who was the standout performer for India with a strong allround effort.

Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Philippe did grab his opportunity with a rollicking 37 from 29 balls in his return to the ODI team after four years having earlier performed well with the gloves.

It was a disappointing ODI return for India since their Champions Trophy triumph in March. Their batting order was not helped by numerous rain delays as the covers were used for the first time at Optus Stadium since the ground opened in 2018.

During the brief passages of play, their top order struggled to handle the back of a length bowling from Australia’s trio of quicks. Much to the disappointment of the many fans wearing blue shirts in the terraces, Rohit made a scratchy 8 while Kohli fared even worse after falling for an eight-ball duck. (ESPNcricinfo)

The post Uneventful ODI return for Rohit and Kohli as Australia canter to seven-wicket triumph appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Opposition Member of Parliament Ganesh Mahipaul has rejected claims that the governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is attempting to influence the election of the Leader of the Opposition, describing the allegations made by WIN politician Azruddin Mohamed as “fundamentally flawed and politically naïve.”

Mahipaul’s comments came in response to social media posts by Mohamed, who alleged that the PPP was deliberately delaying the swearing-in of opposition parliamentarians in order to convince three WIN MPs to vote against him for the position of Opposition Leader.

Mohamed claimed that government operatives had approached WIN members to back another candidate in the upcoming opposition leadership vote.

But Mahipaul in a detailed rebuttal, dismissed the suggestion.

“This post is fundamentally flawed and politically naïve. Allow me to clarify,” he wrote. “Recall legislation is firmly in place. Once the Representative of the List of any party loses confidence in an extracted MP, that MP can be immediately recalled and replaced. There is no ambiguity in this provision.”

He explained that the election of the Leader of the Opposition is conducted “strictly by a show of hands” among all opposition MPs, meaning any defection would be “plainly visible” and could trigger immediate action.

“Assume that two or three WIN MPs were to defect and support someone other than Azruddin Mohamed or any person WIN deems acceptable. That individual may indeed become Leader of the Opposition but only temporarily. WIN has the legal authority to recall those defecting MPs and replace them,” Mahipaul noted.

He further cited constitutional safeguards that allow for a new election if one-third of opposition MPs express no confidence in the Leader of the Opposition.

“Given these legal and procedural safeguards, it is simply unrealistic to believe that APNU would participate in, or lend legitimacy to, the kind of scheme described in this post,” he said. “It would be equally naïve to think that the PPP/C is unaware of these realities.”

The Opposition has not formally elect a new Leader of the Opposition following the recent general elections, with WIN, APNU, and the Forward Guyana Movement collectively holding 29 seats in the National Assembly.

Once the Parliament is convened, the opposition members of Parliament can them elect a Leader of the Opposition.

The post Mahipaul calls out Mohamed over ‘misinformed’ claims on Opposition Leader vote; dismisses PPP interference theory appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Guyana’s infrastructure landscape is set for another major transformation through a new US$156 million loan agreement with the World Bank, which will finance the Integrated Transport Corridors Project (ITCP)—a national initiative aimed at modernising transport networks, improving connectivity, and building climate-resilient infrastructure.

The agreement was signed in Washington, D.C., by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, and World Bank Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean, Susana Cordeiro Guerra, on the sidelines of the 2025 World Bank Group/IMF Annual Meetings.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the ITCP will upgrade and rehabilitate key roads and transport links across selected regions, enhancing access to markets, services, and communities. The project also aims to ensure that new and existing infrastructure is better able to withstand natural hazards, providing safer and more reliable movement for citizens and goods.

In his remarks at the signing, Dr Singh said the project will make a “tremendous contribution” to the Government’s broader efforts to expand and modernise the country’s transport networks.

“This project has the potential to help unlock increased production and productivity in our non-oil economy—such as through farm-to-market roads that facilitate both production and trade—as well as to improve connectivity between communities,” the minister stated.

The project is closely aligned with Guyana’s national development strategy and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C) 2025–2030 manifesto, targeting six key objectives:

• Boost agricultural exports and food security through improved market access.
• Unlock housing and tourism potential by opening access to new development areas.
• Reduce traffic fatalities through better road design and safety features.
• Facilitate economic growth by enhancing the efficient movement of goods and people.
• Improve access to essential services such as health and education.
• Strengthen climate resilience through sustainable infrastructure solutions.

The project forms part of the government’s wider strategy to sustain rapid modernisation and economic expansion. Over the past five years, the PPP/C administration has implemented some of the most transformative infrastructure projects in Guyana’s history, including new bridges, highways, and urban corridors that have reshaped national connectivity.

Among recent achievements is the new Demerara River Bridge, linking Regions Three and Four, which was commissioned earlier this year. Construction of a new Berbice River Bridge—designed to support cargo transport and industrial expansion in Region Six—is expected to begin shortly.

Looking ahead, the government plans to continue its aggressive 2025–2030 infrastructure agenda, which includes:

• The Linden–Lethem Highway upgrade, with new bridges at Kurukupari and Puruni.
• Completion of the Linden–Soesdyke Highway upgrade.
• Construction of a four-lane highway from the East Bank of Demerara to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).
• Completion of the Land of Canaan–Silica City–CJIA corridor.
• And the highly anticipated Corentyne River Bridge, being built in partnership with Suriname to enhance trade and cross-border cooperation.

Through the ITCP and its broader infrastructure programme, the Government says it remains committed to ensuring no region is left behind in the push toward national transformation, economic diversification, and improved quality of life for all Guyanese.

The post US$156M World Bank loan to help modernise Guyana’s transport corridors, boost connectivity and resilience appeared first on News Room Guyana.