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ExxonMobil Guyana and its contractors have spent over US$2.9 billion with Guyanese businesses since operations began in 2015. In the first half of 2025 alone, US$419 million was spent directly with 1,800 local vendors, reinforcing the company’s dedication to local content development through significant investments in local businesses, workforce training, and community-development initiatives.

This year also marked a significant milestone with the start of in-country fabrication services at the Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base Inc. (VEHSI), including the fabrication of quad joints and Pipeline End Terminations (PLETs), a major step in supporting the development of local industrial capabilities.

As of mid-2025, more than 6,200 Guyanese are employed by ExxonMobil Guyana and its contractors, making up 70% of the workforce. Notably, one in three employees are Guyanese women, and 1,800 Guyanese are currently working offshore.

Guyana’s oil-and-gas employees benefited from receiving over 370,000 hours of leadership, technical and professional, health, safety, and security training.

“We are proud of the progress we’ve made in building local talent,” said Alistair Routledge, President of ExxonMobil Guyana. “Seeing more Guyanese take on key roles in the oil-and-gas industry is a clear sign that our commitment to capacity building is working.”

With financial support from ExxonMobil Guyana, the Stabroek Block co-venturers, and the Government, the Guyana Technical Training College Inc. (GTTCI) is preparing to welcome the first cohort of students, to be fully trained locally, starting in October 2025— a major achievement in technical education.

ExxonMobil Guyana’s internship programme is also yielding results. Of the inaugural class, five interns have already been hired by the company. The 2025 internship program is currently underway, continuing to provide valuable career opportunities for young Guyanese professionals. [ExxonMobil Guyana Press Release]

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Trevi Leung, the Mayor of Mabaruma in Region One is under investigation following allegations of sexual assault.

Director of Communications at the Guyana Police Force, Mark Ramotar on Wednesday, confirmed this.

The News Room understands that a female made a report of sexual assault from the region.

Leung was elected as Mayor in 2023.

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West Indies have named five uncapped players in a 15-member squad to face Nepal in three T20Is in Sharjah later this month. With several first-choice names, including regular captain Shai Hope, rested, West Indies will be led by left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein.

The five uncapped players are top-order batter Ackeem Auguste, batting allrounder Navin Bidaisee, legpsinner Zishan Motara, left-arm quick Ramon Simmonds, and wicketkeeper-batter Amir Jangoo.

Also picked is batter Karima Gore, who has represented USA in eight T20Is, but is yet to play for West Indies.

Gore impressed for his franchise Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the ongoing CPL 2025, where he scored 219 runs in 11 matches.

Apart from Hosein, the experienced members of the squad include Fabian Allen, Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers. Hosein, who has played the most T20Is among the squad members, will be leading West Indies for the first time across formats.

In April 2024, West Indies A had toured Nepal for five T20s. Although the hosts lost the series, they still beat the visitors in two matches.

The first T20I between West Indies and Nepal begins on September 27, with the next two matches on September 29 and 30. (ESPNcricinfo) 

West Indies squad for Nepal T20Is: Akeal Hosein (capt), Fabian Allen, Jewel Andrew, Ackeem Auguste, Navin Bidaisse, Jediah Blades, Keacy Carty, Karima Gore, Jason Holder, Amir Jangoo, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Zishan Motara, Ramon Simmonds and Shamar Springer

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Newly appointed Home Affairs Minister, Oneidge Walrond, has pledged to crack down on illegal firearms and intensify efforts to combat domestic violence, signalling a firm approach to public safety under her leadership.

“What we are concerned about and what we are addressing is the issue of domestic crime, which remains a serious challenge. One person being killed or seriously injured in a domestic incident is one too many,” Walrond told reporters on Wednesday.

Her comments align with President Dr Irfaan Ali’s call during his recent inauguration speech for the complete elimination of domestic violence in Guyana.

Walrond, a former magistrate who previously served as Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, made the remarks while touring the reconstruction site of the Brickdam Police Station. She noted that overall crime has declined by 26 per cent but stressed that sustained action is needed, particularly against illegal guns.

“In terms of illicit firearms on our streets, that work continues. The police force and other agencies have been working to get illicit firearms off the streets. I’ve also engaged with agencies and community leaders to understand the true scale of the problem,” she said.

Drawing on her judicial background, Walrond emphasised that stricter law enforcement and successful prosecutions will be central to her tenure. She also revealed plans to introduce digital systems to ensure greater accountability and transparency in firearm licensing, eliminating bias in the approval process.

“It should be based on clear criteria, and that is what we will set under my administration. I’ve spoken with the secretary of the Firearm Board and will soon engage the chairman once the Board is renewed. Together, we will establish guidelines that remove human bias,” the minister explained.

Looking ahead, Walrond said citizen safety will remain at the heart of her agenda over the next five years. This includes further investment in the “Safe City” initiative pioneered by her predecessor, Robeson Benn, as well as stronger enforcement of traffic laws.

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The Alliance For Change (AFC) says its National Executive Committee (NEC) will meet in an emergency session to deliberate on whether to accept the resignation of its leader, Nigel Hughes, who has stepped down less than one month after the party’s heavy defeat at the September 1 general and regional elections.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the party confirmed that its General Secretary had received an updated letter from Hughes tendering his resignation “with immediate effect.”

“The National Executive Committee will be meeting in emergency session to discuss the ramifications and consequences of such a letter and will be encouraging Mr. Hughes to retract same,” the release stated.

The party added that should Hughes remain firm in his decision, its constitutional provisions would guide the way forward.

Just days earlier, the NEC had met and expressed renewed confidence in Hughes’ leadership, following the AFC’s dismal performance at the polls where it secured only 3,610 votes nationally—its lowest tally since its formation in 2005.

“The Party thanks its members and supporters for their well-wishes and courage shown in the face of fortitude and challenges,” the statement concluded.

Hughes was elected leader of the AFC in June 2024. His resignation comes amid questions about the party’s political future and its continued decline since leaving the APNU+AFC coalition.

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President Dr. Irfaan Ali has called on private farmers in Berbice to commit fully to large-scale food production, warning that Guyana cannot afford idle lands or absentee landlords at a time of growing opportunities in agriculture.

The Head of State, accompanied by several Cabinet Ministers, met on Wednesday with cane and rice farmers from Skeldon and surrounding communities to discuss plans for revitalising abandoned farmland.

He revealed that between 8,000 and 12,000 acres could be put into productive use for crops such as sugarcane, citrus and coconuts.

“We can’t have people holding on to land while government is making heavy investments in drainage, irrigation and infrastructure. All of this must be tied to production and productivity. That is how we expand business opportunities, create jobs and grow the economy,” President Ali told the farmers.

The President outlined a vision for a “multi-crop” approach, where sugarcane could co-exist with citrus and other cash crops, backed by modern technology and market-driven planning. He disclosed ongoing discussions with investors from the Dominican Republic and Brazil’s Roraima State to provide expertise and technology transfer.

Within days, soil samples will be collected and tested to determine the best crops for specific tracts of land. A dedicated website is also being built to give farmers and investors access to real-time information.

President Ali confirmed that Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) has expressed interest in establishing a juice processing plant at Skeldon, which could be operational within eight to 12 months if farmers commit to large-scale citrus cultivation.

“We want this to be science-driven, market-driven and profitable. Whatever we do must make sense in the long term,” he stressed.

Several farmers signalled their readiness to re-enter production. One farmer, Rabindranath Prasad, said he was prepared to invest in a small sugar factory on his 4,000 acres, with financing already secured.

“We are ready to start tomorrow. The factory is already negotiated, and we just need your blessing,” Prasad told the President, adding that his model would also allow him to buy cane from other farmers.

Others leaned towards alternative crops, with some already cultivating hundreds of acres of citrus. “We have approximately 200 acres of citrus now, with another 600 acres ready for planting. Our main product is Valencia oranges,” one farmer explained.

Another, Jyoti Singh, expressed willingness to return to cane cultivation but raised concerns about the impact of privately-owned mills. “I would prefer if any mill is owned and operated by the government, to avoid fragmentation of the industry,” Singh noted.

President Ali said the government welcomes both private and state-led initiatives, provided they are viable and focused on production. He announced that a representative group of cane farmers, government officials, investors and financial institutions will be formed to chart the way forward.

“This is about commitment. We can’t have land left idle. Everyone here must be serious about farming. If we get that commitment, the government will provide the infrastructure and incentives needed for success,” Ali said.

The meeting at the Skeldon Estate included senior government officials such as Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, Tourism Minister Susan Rodrigues, and Minister of Public Service Sonia Parag, along with regional leaders and Members of Parliament.

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The reconstruction of the US$28 million Brickdam Police Station is progressing steadily and remains on track for completion by June 2026, with works already 65 per cent finished.

Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond, who assumed office just three days ago, received the update during her first visit to the project site on Wednesday. She also toured several other police stations and met with ranks across different departments.

“As you know, as a government, we have been speaking of building a world-class police force, and this facility is befitting of that vision—where we expect cutting-edge policing, free from bureaucracy and outdated methods,” Minister Walrond said.

From Left: The Ministry of Home Affairs engineering consultant Rawlston Adams, the Permanent Secretary, Andre Ally and the Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond (Photo: News Room)

Providing the update during the tour, Ministry of Home Affairs engineering consultant Rawlston Adams reported that key systems were already in place.

“As of today, we are just about 65 per cent completed. The building is enclosed and we are starting the framing of the walls. We’ve already installed about 90 per cent of the A.C. ducts and sprinkler systems, along with most of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing works. That puts us well ahead of schedule,” Adams explained.

The new 12-storey concrete, glass and steel complex—designed to be earthquake-resistant—will replace the centuries-old structure that was destroyed by fire more than two years ago. It is being built by R. Bassoo & Sons Construction Company in partnership with Qing Jian Group Company Guyana Incorporated.

An artist’s impression of the new Brickdam police station

Once completed, the state-of-the-art station will house key departments including Traffic, Finance and Impact Base, and will serve as the new headquarters of the Guyana Police Force.

“This will be the headquarters of the police force—the Commissioner, senior leadership, and divisional command. All of the services currently offered at Eve Leary will now be accessed here,” Minister Walrond noted.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Andre Ally, also confirmed that some existing structures, including lock-up facilities, will be rehabilitated as part of the broader redevelopment.

“What needs to be demolished will be demolished, but we do have other buildings like the lock-ups that will be rehabilitated,” Ally stated.

The project is scheduled to be completed by June 2026, marking a significant step in modernising Guyana’s law enforcement infrastructure.

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Nigel Hughes has resigned as leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), just one year after assuming the position and less than a month following the party’s poor performance at the September 1 general and regional elections.

Hughes, who was elected leader in June 2024, confirmed his decision in a letter of resignation in which he accepted full responsibility for the outcome.

He said the results were beyond disappointing, the responsibility for which rests solely on his shoulder while thanking the party for the opportunity to serve.

The AFC secured just 3,610 votes across all ten electoral districts in the 2025 polls. This marked the party’s weakest performance since it was formed in 2005. At its electoral debut in 2006, the AFC had won 28,366 votes and five seats, increasing to 35,333 votes and seven seats in the 2011 elections.

According to party sources, the resignation was undated and discussions are ongoing about whether Hughes should remain in place until a new leader is selected. In his letter, Hughes said he still believes the AFC has a role to play in Guyana’s political landscape and extended best wishes to the party’s executive.

The resignation comes at a time when the AFC is facing questions about its relevance and future direction, having seen a steady decline in support over the last decade.

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Retold by Danielle Swain; danielle@newsroom.gy

Photography by Shatanand Anude

When I was small, Orealla was thatch and manicole. Some houses stood with walls of Baromalli, bound together with bush rope. No nails, no screws, only wood and leaf and rope, everything cut and peeled by hand. Some people managed boards for floors, but most of us lived on manicole. That was tradition.

When school was out, my sister and I went on holiday with my aunt in Suriname. She had no daughters of her own, so we were hers for Easter and August. But for me, it was like jail. In Suriname, you were in the car, back in the house, to the market, then back again. You sat indoors, watching television. If I slipped outside to watch the street, boys would whistle at me, and my aunt would call loudly and say “Come in now. You got them boy whistle, whistle and walk, walk in front there.” I would laugh, but I knew, Orealla was freedom.

Here, I paddle to the pond with my parents. We roasted fish, ate it with cassava bread and a little salt and pepper. That was sweetness.

I married at sixteen. I made twelve children. Five boys and two girls lived. I lost three before they were born, and two more as babies. Even now, it hurts me. I would have had two more sons.

Today, my daughters are big. One lives in Paramaribo. The other built her house near me. My sons are still here in Orealla, though they’re not as easy as the girls. But I don’t quarrel.

I glad I stay. Orealla is home.

Orealla is an Indigenous village on the Corentyne River, along Guyana’s eastern border with Suriname, where the Lokono and Warrau peoples have made their home for generations.

About People of the Republic

The News Room team travels across Guyana, capturing stories from Guyanese to highlight our collective identity. ‘People of the Republic’ showcases these tales, connecting us as a nation and celebrating our shared humanity, one story at a time.

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Police ranks from Regional Division #2 and other units carried out separate operations on Tuesday resulting in the seizure of significant quantities of narcotics and the arrest of two individuals.

Earlier in the day, during an intelligence-led operation at Charity Back Street, Essequibo Coast, ranks found 28.8 grams of cocaine and 115.6 grams of cannabis. Osay Tobin, a 19-year-old resident who owns a stall in the area, was taken into custody.

A team led by a Superintendent searched Tobin’s shop and the surrounding area. While nothing illegal was found inside the shop, a search in a nearby bushy area uncovered a transparent plastic bag containing a whitish rock-like substance suspected to be cocaine. Officers also found a black bag containing several smaller transparent bags filled with leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis. Tobin denied any knowledge of the substances and was subsequently taken into custody at the Charity Police Station, along with the seized narcotics, pending further investigation.

Meanwhile, at about 09:30 hrs, police stopped and searched minibus #BVV 887, en route from Georgetown to Lethem, and discovered 25.6 pounds of narcotics belonging to passenger Clive Thornhill, a 48-year-old fisherman from Lethem. Thornhill admitted ownership of the narcotics and was arrested for Possession of Narcotics for Trafficking.

During the search, police inspected Thornhill’s person and a black side bag, which contained $703,180 in Guyanese dollars, 1,798 Brazilian Reais, 3,260 Cuban dollars, and $1,137 US dollars. Officers also searched a white cardboard box and a white ten-gallon bucket inside the minibus, identified by Thornhill as his property. These contained twelve transparent parcels of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis, as well as two small plastic bags with 40 suspected ecstasy pills. A red five-gallon bucket on the minibus rack, also belonging to Thornhill, contained five additional parcels of suspected cannabis.

The minibus was driven by 44-year-old Jacob Lowe from South Ruimveldt, and two Brazilian nationals were also passengers. Nothing illegal was found on the driver or the two Brazilians.

Thornhill was cautioned about the allegations, to which he reportedly responded: “Sir, give yuh boy a chance, is a lil hustle… tek the money.” He remains in custody pending further investigation.

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