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Guyanese born educator, Krystal Astwood was recently recognized at New York City’s inaugural Excellence in Human Service Delivery Awards (EHSDA). This historic event, hosted at Gracie Mansion by Mayor Eric Adams and the Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services, honored outstanding nonprofits and public servants whose work uplifts vulnerable New Yorkers.

Astwood, a proud Guyanese American professional, was spotlighted among this year’s honorees for her exceptional commitment to community service and innovation within the human services sector. Her recognition not only underscores her individual dedication and leadership, but also highlights the meaningful impact of Guyanese women on international stages of public service and advocacy.

“This award is a testament to the resilience, compassion, and vision of women from Guyana who continue to shape communities far beyond our borders,” said Iman Cummings, Vice President of AMCHAM Guyana. “Krystal Astwood embodies the very best of our diaspora: service, strength, and a deep sense of responsibility to others.”

The EHSDA ceremony drew leaders from across New York’s nonprofit and public sectors, with more than 100 nominations reviewed by a selection committee. Honorees included both nonprofit organizations and city employees who demonstrate excellence in customer service, innovation, operational efficiency, and community impact.

Astwood’s recognition places her among an esteemed group of changemakers driving equity and support for underserved populations in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. For Guyanese at home and abroad, her achievement serves as an inspiring reminder of the far-reaching influence of the nation’s women leaders.

The EHSDA is part of NYC Nonprofit Week and celebrates the critical collaboration between nonprofits and city agencies. The awards shine a spotlight on individuals and organizations that advance the wellbeing of New Yorkers through housing, healthcare, youth programs, legal aid, and more.

Krystal Astwood is the Founder of the Reggio Emilia Montessori Center (REMC). Originally from Guyana, South America, she currently lives in Brooklyn, where her formal work in schools began. She holds a BA in Philosophy from Boston College and a Master of Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Krystal hopes to one day establish similar programs in Guyana, focused on fostering child development, strengthening education, and building social safety systems.

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Construction on the landmark Wales Gas-to-Shore Project has reached 68% completion, with contractors now working on an accelerated 120-day schedule to finish all foundation works by the end of the year.

The development marks a pivotal phase for the multi-billion-dollar initiative, widely described as one of Guyana’s most transformative projects. Despite earlier management and operational delays, government and contractors are moving with urgency to bring the venture back on track.

On Monday, Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips and Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, toured the site at Wales, West Bank Demerara, where they were updated on progress by contractors and shown the scale of ongoing works.

Ruben Figuera, Director of Special Projects at Lindsayca, the project’s engineering and construction partner, said the new timetable is designed to fast-track delivery.

Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips and Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, toured the site at Wales, West Bank Demerara on Monday (Photo: News Room/ September 15, 2025)

“We set forth a 120-day schedule to bring the project up to speed. At this point, we continue to install piles. We have acquired 90,000 metres of steel piles, with an additional 70,000 metres purchased last week. The plan now is to install steel pipes across all remaining foundations,” Figuera explained.

He noted that work on the turbine foundations is advancing steadily, with the first concrete pour already completed and the second scheduled for next Monday. Thereafter, foundation pours will be done every 11 days until all turbine bases are finished.

The power plant will house four gas turbines, two steam turbines, and a heat recovery turbine, together generating 228 megawatts of electricity. According to Figuera, 95% of the equipment required for the plant is already on site.

Construction on the landmark Wales Gas-to-Shore Project has reached 68% completion, with contractors now working on an accelerated 120-day schedule to finish all foundation works by the end of the year. (Photo: News Room/ September 15, 2025)

Supply Chain Manager Jorge Castillo added that the accelerated schedule will ensure the project is ready to move into its next stage on time.

“We aim to complete the main foundation works for all equipment within 120 days. By the end of this year, we will be ready to start installation of the major components,” Castillo said.

Prime Minister Phillips, describing the project as “perhaps the most important to the people of Guyana,” reaffirmed government’s commitment to expanding reliable and affordable energy access by 2026.

“We are on target, as promised in our manifesto, to bring adequate and reliable electricity to the people of Guyana. By the latter part of 2026, Guyanese will begin to benefit from cheaper electricity from this project. We are pleased with the progress being made,” the Prime Minister said.

Construction on the landmark Wales Gas-to-Shore Project has reached 68% completion, with contractors now working on an accelerated 120-day schedule to finish all foundation works by the end of the year. (Photo: News Room/ September 15, 2025)

Minister Indar, however, stressed the urgency of maintaining the new pace, noting that construction had fallen behind schedule.

“Construction is around 45 percent in deficit. We campaigned on this plant, we placed it in our manifesto because electricity costs must be cut in half. That is how important this project is to us. We want it completed in 2026 so every Guyanese can feel the benefits of reduced costs,” Indar stated.

Contractors are expected to ramp up operations further in the coming months, with hundreds of additional workers to be mobilised on site.

Once completed, the Gas-to-Shore Project is expected to be a cornerstone of Guyana’s energy security and industrialisation drive, delivering 228 megawatts to the national grid and significantly reducing the cost of living while creating new opportunities for manufacturing and other industries.

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Two men who pleaded guilty to possession of large quantities of illegal drugs for the purpose of trafficking were on Monday sentenced to terms of imprisonment and ordered to pay fines after separate appearances at magistrates’ courts in Georgetown and Sparendaam.

Jason Bascom appeared before Magistrate Azore at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court and pleaded guilty to possession of 4.078kg of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. He was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment and fined GYD$30,000.

In a separate matter at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, Colin Moore pleaded guilty to possession of 16.784kg of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking before Magistrate Nurse. He was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment and fined GYD$25,170,000.

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After years of renting and moving between relatives, Ms. Colleen Benn and her three children, ages 13, 14, and 5, finally have a place to call their own. On Monday, she received the keys to her new home at Lust-en-Rust, West Bank Demerara, under the Ministry of Housing and Water’s Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility, Core Home Support Programme.

To date, 124 families have been selected to benefit from the Core Home initiative on the West Bank of Demerara. Of these, 51 homes have been handed over, 50 are already occupied, and 43 remain under construction.

Housing Minister, Collin Croal, and Minister within the Ministry, Vanessa Benn, joined Ms. Benn in celebrating the milestone. Both officials commended the programme’s impact, noting its role in transforming the lives of vulnerable Guyanese by providing safe and affordable housing solutions.

For Ms. Benn, the handover marked the end of decades of uncertainty.
“I had been renting for decades and also staying with relatives, but those days are gone. I feel more relaxed now having my own space,” she said, expressing relief and gratitude.

The Core Home Support Programme targets vulnerable families, offering durable housing while also promoting improved urban accessibility and community development.

For Ms. Benn and her children, the new home is more than just shelter—it represents stability, comfort, and hope for a brighter future.

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The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) has suffered another resignation, this time from Robert Wayne Maison, a longstanding party activist whose involvement dates back to the era of former leader Desmond Hoyte.

Maison, who serves as the People’s Representative Councillor for Constituency Seven (Stabroek-Bourda) at the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and is also an Executive of the Georgetown District, confirmed to News Room on Monday that he is stepping away from the PNCR.

He currently functions as Liaison Officer to the Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, with responsibilities for mobilisation and outreach.

Maison said he has already informed the party’s General Secretary of his decision and will submit a formal letter of resignation later today. Importantly, he noted that while he is cutting ties with the PNCR, he will not be resigning from his elected post at City Hall.

Explaining his reasons, Maison said he felt disrespected after his name was removed from the PNCR’s national top-up list by Carol Joseph and knowing to Norton, who instead placed him only on a regional list. Maison, who was campaign manager for Kitty, accused Norton of sidelining members and favouring “friends, family and favourites” in the candidate selection process.

“I find it disrespectful that Chairman [Shurwayne Holder] didn’t get selected. They undermine a lot of people like Rovaldo [Birbal] and instead put his friend Riaz,” Maison said.

He added that Norton, whom he once supported and even served as Deputy Campaign Manager during his leadership bid, has proven “not a man of his word and disrespectful.”

Maison’s departure follows a series of resignations from senior PNCR figures in recent days. On Saturday, Executive Member Mervyn Williams stepped down, citing “unfortunate occurrences” within the party. Just a day later, PNCR Chairman Shurwayne Holder tendered his resignation, despite being a strong public defender of Norton.

Maison, who has been part of the party for decades, said the current trajectory of the PNCR under Norton has left many members disillusioned.

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Chairman of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Shurwayne Holder, has resigned from his post, becoming the latest senior figure to part ways with the party’s leadership.

His departure comes just one day after former Executive Member Mervyn Williams announced his resignation, citing “unfortunate occurrences” within the party.

Holder, who has been at the centre of the APNU+AFC campaign on the Essequibo Coast and across Region Two, was not among the 12 candidates selected to represent the coalition in the 13th Parliament.

Efforts to contact Holder for comment proved unsuccessful, but his resignation was confirmed by a senior party source.

The back-to-back resignations have stirred unease within sections of the PNCR, with concerns mounting that long-serving and high-profile members are leaving due to dissatisfaction with the distribution of senior and parliamentary positions following the party’s electoral defeat.

The PNCR has not yet issued an official statement on Holder’s resignation.

Holder was known as a staunch supporter of PNCR Leader Aubrey Norton and had even come to his defence publicly when he was criticised by party stalwart, the late Amna Ally.

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The multi-talented Guyanaese Zion Hickerson has caught the attention of two of the world’s most prestigious football clubs.

The young athlete from the Vurlon Mills Football Academy has received offers to join the Juventus Academy New York and the BVB Academy New York.

Hickerson, 10,  showcased his skills at a recent Juventus Academy tryout on Randall’s Island in New York, where he immediately impressed scouts with his abilities.

Both academies are eager to have him join their ranks for the 2025/26 season, which will begin in September.

However, his father, Orin Hickerson, stated that they are in discussions to postpone the move to the 2026/27 season to allow Zion to complete his National Grade Six Assessment first.

The young talent, a student at St. Gabriel’s Primary, is also set to captain his team at the upcoming Courts Optical Pee Wee Football Competition in Guyana.

In addition to football, Hickerson is a promising tennis player and is scheduled to compete in the Little Mo International tournament in Florida from December 5-10.

His participation in these international opportunities was made possible with the support of several sponsors, including the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport, Enet, Beacon Cafe, BK SuperMix, Demerara Mutual, Guyoil, Guywillship, Tri-Stone, MVP Sports, Smalta, C&L Construction, Bumper to Bumper Service, Mike’s Pharmacy, Shi-Oil, Fireside, and Jai Signs, Acado Guyana, and Toucan Industries.

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The curtains came down on the 4th Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) in Algiers, Algeria, with organisers hailing the event as a record-breaking success that secured nearly US$50 billion in trade and investment deals. For the Caribbean, which has been deepening ties with Africa in recent years, the outcomes present new opportunities to strengthen economic and cultural linkages under the Africa-Caribbean trade agenda.

The fair attracted more than 112,000 participants and 132 countries, positioning it as one of the largest trade gatherings in Africa’s history. Delegates emphasised that the IATF has become a catalyst for integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), driving cooperation across borders and opening space for international partners—including the Caribbean.

A major theme emerging from the closing press conference was the role of youth and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in shaping Africa’s trade future. With many Caribbean economies also driven by SMEs and young entrepreneurs, stakeholders stressed the potential for collaboration, especially through knowledge exchange, innovation, and joint ventures. The AU Youth Start-up Awards and SME Pitch Awards showcased a new generation of African entrepreneurs—an inspiration for counterparts in the Caribbean.

Still, concerns were raised about the limited presence of African financial institutions at the fair. Calls were made for stronger involvement from banks, insurers, and credit providers to close financing gaps—a message that also resonates in the Caribbean, where access to trade finance remains a persistent barrier.

As the IATF prepares for its next edition in 2027, leaders urged that attention now shift to implementing the agreements reached in Algiers and strengthening institutions to sustain long-term impact. For Caribbean states, already exploring deeper engagement through platforms such as the Afreximbank-Caribbean initiatives, the fair’s momentum underscores the urgency of tapping into Africa’s expanding trade landscape.

The IATF’s success, organisers said, is not just about billions in deals signed, but about building bridges of cooperation and integration. For the Caribbean, those bridges are increasingly within reach.

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On August 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India would undertake far-reaching reforms in India’s Goods & Services Tax (GST) aimed at further simplifying the taxation system with significant positive impact on India’s foreign trade, especially in sectors like pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, agricultural commodities and equipment, textile and apparel and other commodities with major share in India’s exports.

These reforms would come into effect from 22 September 2025, coinciding with the festive season in India. The new GST reforms envisage revamp of the GST structure by rolling out GST 2.0 based on three core pillars: structural changes, rate rationalization, and procedural simplification.

The new GST regime seeks to streamline the system into two main slabs: 5% and 18%, besides a new 40% rate for luxury and sin goods. The previous 4-tier GST system, which commenced in 2017 and included higher 12% and 28% slabs, stands abolished. This rationalization is undoubtedly a bold step in tax reforms, reinforcing India’s intent to emerge as a major exporter of commodities including pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, agricultural commodities and equipment, textile and apparel. India has proven expertise and strengths in these sectors. The new reforms would facilitate new investment and growth sustaining India’s impressive growth trajectory. It also signals to global markets that India has a predictable investor-friendly tax environment.

India’s GST 2.0 reform, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is seen as a significant step in tax policy, aiming to remove complications and establish a robust and reliable investor-friendly tax climate. The reform aims to simplify the GST system into two main tiers: 5% and 18%, with a new 40% rate exclusively for luxury items. The GST system, which was commenced in 2017, aims to create a more straightforward, equitable, and growth-focused tax system, enhancing the quality of life for citizens, facilitating business operations, and boosting economic development.

GST 2.0 also aims to make basic necessities more budget-friendly, enhancing accessibility to healthcare, social security, medicines, and agricultural requirements. The reforms have reduced GST on tractors, farming equipment, and fertilizer components, directly benefiting household finances and promoting economic growth. Stock markets reflected the positive sentiment among businesses and industry. GST 2.0 would foster growth, attract fresh investments, ensure compliance, and contribute towards Viksit Bharat by 2047, enhancing India’s heft in the global economy.

GST 2.0 is part of India’s broader push to simplify trade and boost global competitiveness, and as a growth enabler, it seeks to deepen trade ties with our reliable partners from the Global South including Guyana and other CARICOM member states. These reforms would create newer opportunities for trade and commerce with Guyana- India’s most important partner in the region. Guyana’s impressive economic growth trajectory and phenomenal developmental transformation have created new opportunities to intensify our trade and commerce. The tax simplification as part of GST 2.0 would boost competitiveness of Indian goods and services in Guyana, reducing transaction costs and avoiding supply chain delays.

In particular, GST 2.0 would benefit export of tractors, harvesters, composters and fertilizers, which are crucial towards implementing ambitious reforms and plans in developing Guyana as the food-basket in the Caribbean region. It will also complement Guyana’s vision of emerging as one of the important global players in agriculture and food processing sector. India, given our time-tested partnership, is looking at untapped potential to further intensify our engagement through exploring joint ventures or technology transfers in agriculture and food processing industry.

Textile and apparel are among major sectors benefitting from GST 2.0. Importers would get quality products at affordable prices, boosting the ongoing trade in this sector. There is considerable demand for ethnic Indian garments and sustainable products including natural fibers and high-end textiles and apparel products among fashion-conscious people in Guyana, which would receive further impetus as part of GST 2.0. Pharmaceuticals and medical equipment sectors also significantly contribute to our bilateral trade with Guyana. These sectors, too, would greatly benefit from GST 2.0.

As President Irfaan Ali’s new government assumed office, India is looking forward to a productive and mutually beneficial engagement with Indian and Guyanese businesses and industry intensifying our bilateral trade and commerce. We are confident that it would provide further impetus to our historical, people-centric, future-oriented partnership. India stands ready to join hands with Guyana as the new government embarks on a fascinating journey towards a brighter, inclusive, promising and sustainable future, based on the vision of One Guyana.

India, too, has made impressive strides in our transformational journey, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, emerging as one of the fastest growing major economies with a strong foundation of an equitable, inclusive, progressive and sustainable society. I am confident that given our historically strong partnership and shared vision, India and Guyana are poised to begin an interesting journey of development and societal transformation, energized by the new reforms in the form of GST 2.0 as well as the vision shared by Prime Minister Modi and President Ali for a strong, sustainable and people-centric India-Guyana partnership.

[By Dr Amit Telang, High Commissioner of India to Guyana]

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Police in Region Seven are investigating the alleged murder of 28-year-old miner Fitrawle McLeannon, called “Cripple”, of Lot 106 Ocean Garden, Meten-Meer-Zorg, East Bank Essequibo. McLeannon was fatally stabbed during an altercation at Blue Mountain Backdam sometime between 23:45 hrs on September 13 and 00:30 hrs on September 14, 2025.

The suspect, 24-year-old gold miner Shamer “Shortman” Tobin of Moruka, North West District, has since been arrested during a police operation at Marawah Backdam, Cuyuni River. He remains in custody and has reportedly admitted to the killing.

When investigators arrived, McLeannon’s body was found with multiple stab wounds — one to the abdomen, one to the left hip, and one to the centre of the back near the spinal area. His left hand was observed to be disabled, and he bore tattoos on his right shoulder and left hand.

A crime scene search turned up a black rubber slipper about three feet from the body and a small pink-handled pair of scissors lying on the trail near the deceased. Police collected samples of blood using swabs, photographed and video recorded the area, and secured the items as evidence.

Investigations revealed that earlier in the night, McLeannon, Tobin, and other workers employed by dredge owner Frankie Wessel, 33, had gone to the camp of another miner, Davan Melville. While there, McLeannon and Tobin consumed alcohol together before returning with the others to their camp.

At around 23:45 hrs, one of Melville’s workers, while in bed, overheard a loud scream. On checking, he saw McLeannon bleeding on the ground near the kitchen area of the trail while Tobin was walking away.

Reports suggest that McLeannon had slapped Tobin three times, prompting Tobin to retaliate with three stab wounds. Another miner later told police that Tobin confessed to stabbing “the one-hand man” after being struck.

Following a cordon and search at Marawah Backdam, police arrested Tobin, who gave a video-recorded statement. In his own words, he admitted:
“Me and the man was drinking, and I was high, and de man box me, and I bore him about three times. Afterward, I went back to camp and put on my long boots, and I roll out.”

Tobin remains in custody as investigations continue. McLeannon’s body has been removed for a post-mortem examination.

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