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As Guyana’s economy continues to evolve, the newly launched World Trade Center Georgetown is stepping up to help local businesses navigate the complex work of exporting goods to international markets according to Chairman of the Center, Komal Samaroo.

During a tour of the seven-storey high building at Kingston on Friday, Samaroo said he believes the facility can play a pivotal role in bridging the knowledge gap and preparing Guyanese entrepreneurs for global trade.

“Exporting requires a whole different set of regulations that you have to comply with.

“It’s not just about having a good product – it’s about meeting international standards and being fully compliant with trade laws,” Samaroo said.

Komal Samaroo

Through its affiliation with the World Trade Centers Association, the Georgetown Center now connects with over 300 trade hubs worldwide. It has already signed 16 Memoranda of Understanding with international Centers to support training, information sharing, and access to potential global partners.

Samaroo noted that building an export-ready business requires a complete mindset shift and a willingness to adapt to global norms. Areas of focus includes food and drug regulations to trade financing to offer targeted training sessions and access to expert knowledge to help businesses understand and meet the demands of foreign markets.

Additionally, Samaroo said with its growing global network and targeted focus on compliance, trademarking, and market readiness, the World Trade Center Georgetown is positioning itself as a launchpad for Guyana’s next generation of exporters.

One of the most critical and often overlooked steps in preparing for export is trademark registration. He emphasised that protecting intellectual property is not just a legal safeguard, but a strategic advantage.

“Once you are registered, you are protected.

“We will try as much as we can to bring the knowledge of the regulations to bear and then it is up to individual entrepreneurs to follow through,” Samaroo said.

Registering trademarks ensures that Guyanese products maintain their identity, integrity, and ownership once they enter foreign markets, a vital step in brand building and long-term export success.

 

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Construction of the multi-million-dollar Chateau Margot Mall has officially begun following a sod-turning ceremony on Friday, marking the start of a project expected to be completed within 15 to 18 months.

The 110,000-square-foot mall, located next to the iconic Chateau Margot chimney, is set to become a landmark of growth and opportunity for the East Coast corridor.

The project is being executed by Ansa McAL and is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy. President Dr Irfaan Ali joined officials to turn the sod to mark the commencement of construction on Friday.

Managing Director of Ansa McAL Distribution Inc, Troy Cadogan said the mall will preserve the historic chimney while providing hundreds of construction and long-term jobs.

“For decades Ansa McAL has stood proudly in Guyana. This project is just another chapter in that legacy, reaffirming our commitment to being not just a business but a true partner in national development.

President Dr Irfaan Ali joined officials to turn the sod to mark the commencement of construction on Friday.

“This mall will not only transform the East Coast corridor into a hub of activity and opportunity but also demonstrate how the private sector can partner with businesses and communities to build a brighter, more prosperous Guyana,” Cadogan said.

The Chateau Margot Mall will feature a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options, including more than 60 stores, food courts, office spaces, and convenient parking.

It is designed by internationally acclaimed architect Varchi. The development will also preserve the historic Chateau Margot chimney .

Chairman of Ansa McAl Group of Companies, Norman Sabga said the mall will allow the real estate sector to showcase its capabilities and provide new opportunities for business ventures aligned with Guyana’s future growth.

“Today is a milestone for both Ansa McAL and the communities around Chateau Margot. For us, this project allows the real estate sector to highlight its expertise.

The development will also preserve the historic Chateau Margot chimney

“We envision a vibrant and exclusive environment that brings families together, one that promotes healthy social interaction and celebrations. By doing so, we aim to attract visitors, boost trade, and uplift economic activities,” Sabga said.

In his remarks, President Ali challenged Ansa McAL to leverage its regional distribution network to promote Guyanese products.

“The mall reflects a maturing economy where people have choices, where commerce is organised, and where local prices meet consumers’ demand. Ansa McAL has the greatest distribution footprint in the region. Your products are in every supermarket…Guyana has taken a deliberate decision to invest heavily in agro-processing and packaging.

A section of the gathering at the sod turning ceremony

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

The mall will also include over 24,000 square foot of premium office suites and nearly 500 parking spaces, ensuring accessibility and convenience for visitors.

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Defending champions Demerara hold a healthy lead at the top of the points table heading into the final weekend of preliminary matches in the Queensway Security Service Inc. Senior Super50 Inter-County Cup.

With commanding victories in the opening two rounds, the Matthew Nandu-led Demerara team is on 17 points, five more than Berbice, who have one win and a defeat.

Essequibo, with a win in their last game after an opening loss, are in third spot on 11 points, with the Guyana Cricket Board Select XI in the cellar spot without a point.

Four points are awarded for a win, while teams can secure bonus points during the games.

With Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo all in with a chance of making the final, the matches this weekend should produce some intense, exciting and competitive cricket.

Upcoming games (All starting at 09:00h) 

• October 18- Essequibo vs GCB Select XI at Lusignan
• October 19- Berbice vs Demerara at Number 69 Ground
• October 26- FINAL at Hampton Court or Albion

Tournament results so far (click on link to read match report)

GAME ONE: Demerara defeated Essequibo by 50 runs at Joe Jagmohan Ground, Hampton Court

SUMMARY: Demerara 229 all out from 45.2 overs (Matthew Nandu 73, Ushardeva Balgobin 40, Raymond Perez 40; Thaddeus Lovell 4-43, Ronsford Beaton 2-29, Ricardo Adams 2-39) vs Essequibo 179 all out from 37.3 overs (Keemo Paul 30, Kevon Boodie 29, Antony Adams 25, Thaddeus Lovell 24, Myheim Khan 22*; Jonathan Van Lange 4-35, Richie Looknauth 3-26)

GAME TWO: Berbice defeated GCB Select XI by seven wickets at Lusignan

SUMMARY: Select XI 139 all out from 37.3 overs (Kwesi Mickle 49, Joshua Jones 16, Nityanand Mathura 15, Jayden Dowlin 14, Romeo Deonarine 13; Junior Sinclair 5-25, Clinton Pestano 2-18, Zeynul Ramsammy 2-29) vs Berbice 141-3 from 29.1 overs (Kevin Sinclair 75*, Zeynul Ramsammy 23*; Joshua Jones 1-19, Kwesi Mickle 1-27, Nityanand Mathura 1-36)

GAME THREE: Demerara defeated GCB Select XI by nine wickets at Enmore

SUMMARY: Select XI 185 all out from 50 overs (Romeo Deonarain 52, Brandon Jaikarran 26, Afraz Budhoo 23, Kwesi Mickle 21, Joshua Jones 19; Ronaldo AliMohamed 4-53, Jonathan Van Lange 3-36, Chandrapaul Ramraj 2-27) vs Demerara 188-1 from 43.5 overs (Matthew Nandu 103*, Raymond Perez 51*, Ushardeva Balgobin 27; Jayden Dowlin 1-26)

GAME FOUR: Essequibo defeated Berbice by 118 runs at Lusignan 

SUMMARY: Essequibo 288-9 from 50 overs (Kevon Boodie 74, Quentin Sampson 55, Keemo Paul 37, Thaddeus Lovell 31; Omesh Mathura 3-51, Kevin Sinclair 2-26, Zeynul Ramsammy 2-38) vs Berbice 170 all out from 39.5 overs (Tomani Caesar 57, Garfield Benjamin 33, Kevin Sinclair 27; Golcharran Chulai 4-48, Antony Adams 3-48)

Top performers so far (Most Runs)

Matthew Nandu (Demerara)- 176 runs

Kevon Boodie (Essequibo)- 103 runs

Kevin Sinclair (Berbice)-102 runs

Top performers (Most wickets)

Jonathan Van Lange (Demerara)- 7 wickets

Junior Sinclair (Berbice)- 5 wickets

Ronaldo AliMohamed (Demerara)- 5 wickets

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(Reuters) – President Donald Trump said on Friday that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro does not want to “f**k around” with the United States, amid escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas.

Trump’s comments followed a Reuters report, citing three sources, that the U.S. military was holding two survivors on a Navy ship after a U.S. strike on their suspected Caribbean drug vessel killed two others.

Thursday’s strike was the latest in a campaign declared by Trump against a “narcoterrorist” threat he says is emanating from Venezuela and is linked to Maduro.

In response to a reporter’s question about a report that Maduro had offered “everything,” including the OPEC member’s natural resources, to secure a deal with the U.S., Trump said: “He’s offered everything. You’re right. You know why? Because he doesn’t want to fuck around with the United States.”

Trump’s remarks, during a joint appearance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the White House, came against the backdrop of a U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean that includes guided missile destroyers, F-35 fighter jets, a nuclear submarine and around 6,500 troops.

The Venezuelan communication ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but the Venezuelan government has scoffed at media reports of negotiations by high-ranking officials to oust Maduro.

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez posted a selfie with Maduro to Telegram on Thursday in response to what she said were “liars.”

On Wednesday, Trump disclosed he had authorized the Central Intelligence Agency to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela, adding to speculation in Caracas that the United States is attempting to oust Maduro.

Maduro has denied any connection to drug smuggling and denounced the U.S. boat strikes as a pretext for regime change, portraying them as violations of sovereignty and international law.

Trump, who had campaigned unsuccessfully for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, also brought up this year’s winner, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. The 58-year-old industrial engineer was awarded the coveted prize last Friday.

“I didn’t get a Nobel Prize. Somebody got it, who’s a very nice woman, very nice,” Trump said. “I don’t know who she is, but she was very generous. So I don’t care about all that stuff. I just care about saving lives.”

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The long-awaited re-commissioning of Georgetown’s iconic City Hall building is expected soon, but Mayor Alfred Mentore said the compound’s grounds are in urgent need of restoration after the work done during the renovation phase.

During an interview at his office, Mentore told the News Room that while he has not yet toured the fully restored building, he plans to write to the Ministry of Public Works to request assistance with rehabilitating the surrounding tarmac.

“During the period of construction, a lot of trucks and heavy vehicles came in and they damaged the tarmac.

“I asked for the tarmac to be rehabilitated and maybe around the building itself by the Ministry of Public Works,” Mentore said.

The $780 million restoration project, funded by the European Union, has returned the century-old Gothic Revival structure to its former glory, following years of deterioration.

In addition to the City Hall project, Mentore recently engaged with the Minister of Local Government, Priya Manickchand on a series of urban development initiatives.

High on the agenda are vendor support and market infrastructure upgrades, particularly at Stabroek Market and Bazaar. Mentore said he is hopeful that the feasibility studies and urban planning proposals previously submitted can be prioritised.

“Vending is a way of life, it’s a business, it’s an enterprise, it’s something that persons pay their bills, mortgages, car payments and we want to be able to have workable solution so that those persons have a place that they call their own, not the street,” he said.

The feasibility plan conducted by a British company will allow for extensions at the market. Mentore said he is committed to working with Minister Manickchand and her ministry to develop the city.

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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.

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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.

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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.

 

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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.

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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.”

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