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See below the full statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs:

The Ministry of Home Affairs welcomes the significant development in the actions taken today (Thursday, June 5, 2025) by the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in sanctioning a number of named Guyanese and foreign nationals as a result of continuing investigations into the use of Guyana as a place for transhipment of drugs to the United States of America.

The OFAC imposed sanctions against Guyana Police Force Senior Superintendent Himnauth Sawh, among LI others, for drug trafficking. In reference to this development, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has taken note and sent Senior Superintendent Himnauth Sawh on Administrative Leave with immediate effect to facilitate further investigations. Further action will certainly follow.

The Government, through the Attorney General’s Office, will request details from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) via the Department of Justice, a Component of the United States government, to facilitate further investigations. The details will guide the actions of the Police Service Commission (PSC) and, by LI extension, the Government of Guyana.

The Government of Guyana remains unwavering in its commitment to eradicating drug trafficking and dismantling criminal networks that facilitate these illegal activities. Through robust enforcement strategies and enhanced monitoring measures, authorities will continue to fully pursue and prosecute offenders. This underscores the government’s dedication to preserving the integrity of the nation’s security interests.

Further, the government of Guyana, with the support of the government of the United States, will continue to pool efforts to combat this threat. Guyana will continue to demonstrate its commitment to working with the US in the fight against drug trafficking. This was evident when the US and Guyana’s Joint Inter-Agency Task Force, including the Guyana Defence Force, collaborated to seize 4.4 metric tonnes of cocaine worth approximately USD 195,000,000 in September 2024- our largest ever drug seizure.

The government of Guyana will continue to work diligently with the US counterparts on this matter and other matter of mutual interests.

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In keeping with the Guyana Police Force’s Standard Operating Procedure, Senior Superintendent Himnauth Sawh has been sent on administrative leave following his sanctioning by the United States for alleged involvement in drug trafficking.

The development comes after the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Thursday announced sanctions against ten individuals, including four Guyanese nationals. Sawh, who was most recently assigned to the Force’s Projects Office, is now under scrutiny for his alleged links to a massive drug trafficking operation.

The Police Force confirmed the move in a brief statement, noting it had “taken note” of the OFAC report. Sawh, who joined the Force on 3 June 2008, previously served as the Divisional Commander for Region One (Barima-Waini)—an area where a significant drug bust was made under his watch.

That bust, led by Special Forces, unearthed approximately 4.5 tonnes of cocaine concealed in four hand-dug pits and camouflaged with wood, tarpaulin, and vegetation. The stash, discovered deep in the jungle, was estimated to be worth €176 million (US$195 million), raising questions at the time about how such an operation could have been carried out undetected.

Sawh is among four Guyanese nationals now facing sanctions from OFAC. The others are:

• Paul Daby Jr., son of the late Paul Daby Snr., who died in Colombia in 2021. Daby Jr. was once a person of interest in a local murder case, though he was never charged.

• Mark Cromwell, also known as ‘Demon’ and ‘Diamond,’ a name long linked to criminal elements in Guyana.

• Randolph Duncan, for whom little public information is available, but who is included among the sanctioned individuals.

These latest sanctions follow a previous OFAC action against prominent Guyanese businessman Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed, his son Azruddin Mohamed, and their businesses. Around that time, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mae Thomas, was also blacklisted by the U.S.

Under OFAC’s sanctions, all property and interests belonging to the named individuals that fall under U.S. jurisdiction are to be blocked, and U.S. persons are prohibited from dealing with them. The U.S. government has framed these measures as part of its ongoing fight against transnational crime and narcotics trafficking in the Western Hemisphere.

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Another statutory meeting of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) ended on Thursday with division, as APNU+AFC nominated commissioners raised concerns and objections on several electoral matters.

The discord follows a walkout by the opposition during last Tuesday’s meeting, which ended abruptly. The central issues raised this week revolved around voting rights for prisoners, the ability of polling agents to vote and voting eligibility of Commonwealth citizens residing in Guyana among others.

Commissioners Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin and Desmond Trotman were vocal in their calls for GECOM to implement systems that would allow prisoners to vote. They also raised renewed concerns about the long-standing issue of polling agents being unable to vote at polling stations where they are not registered but are assigned to work on polling day, as well as the legal status of Commonwealth citizens voting in Guyana.

PPP/C-nominated commissioner Sase Gunraj, during a virtual engagement with the press Thursday afternoon said two critical issues dominated Thursday’s discussions.

“The matter of polling agents voting where they’re not registered has been around since at least 2011,” Gunraj noted.

“It was resolved in the 2015 and 2020 elections, where no facilities were made for such agents to cast their ballots.”

Gunraj pointed out that while the issue seems straightforward, it consumed nearly two hours of the meeting.

He explained that the matter was already addressed through legislative amendments that now allow political parties to appoint both a primary and an alternate polling agent. This enables one agent to vote at their place of registration while the other maintains presence at the polling station.

Another issue discussed was the stamping of ballots. Gunraj explained that commissioners agreed on a process where, once a ballot is unfolded, if only one half is stamped before separation, the presiding officer will ensure the second half is also stamped prior to final separation.

On the matter of Commonwealth citizens voting, the discussion centred around the legal definitions of “domicility” versus “residency.”

The current law allows for Commonwealth citizens residing in Guyana for a year or more to vote.

 “This is not unique to Guyana; it is a provision mirrored in several other Commonwealth jurisdictions,” Gunraj said.

As for the proposal to enable prisoners to vote, Gunraj was clear that GECOM’s role is limited.

“GECOM’s hands are tied. We’re not taking away anyone’s right to vote, but in the absence of legislation covering voting rights for incarcerated persons, we cannot make up rules to facilitate that. GECOM doesn’t make laws,” he stressed.

Asked whether the matter remains open for discussion, Gunraj stated firmly:

“In my mind, this is a concluded matter.”

Walkouts won’t derail GECOM’s work – Nandlall warns opposition

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Two men accused of hijacking a taxi and assaulting its driver were on Wednesday remanded to prison after appearing before the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court.

The accused have been identified as 22-year-old Shawn Prince, an auto bodywork technician of Lusignan, and 26-year-old Nick Sumair, a construction worker of Good Hope Phase 2—both from the East Coast of Demerara.

The men were arrested on Sunday night (June 1) and later charged with robbery under arms, contrary to Section 222(c) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01. The charge relates to the attack on 29-year-old Kumar Isree, a taxi driver from Bushlot Village, West Coast Berbice.

According to reports, Prince and Sumair were caught by police while sleeping in the very vehicle they had stolen. The car was discovered in the Lusignan backlands, partially covered with a tarpaulin and already stripped of several parts.

Investigations revealed that the men had hired the taxi driver on Sunday afternoon at Bath Settlement for a trip to Mahaica. However, during the journey, they reportedly brandished a firearm, threatened the driver, and instructed him to continue driving. Upon reaching a secluded area in Lusignan, the men allegedly tied up the driver, assaulted him, and dumped him out of the vehicle before fleeing with it.

Fortunately, the driver managed to untie himself and sought help from a passerby, who lent him a phone to contact his relatives and alert authorities.

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Rise Guyana has announced the final close of its first private investment fund, securing US$29 million. The fund is the first of its kind—an institutional real estate and infrastructure vehicle dedicated exclusively to Guyana.

Backed by international investors from the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, South America and the Middle East, the fund aims to capitalise on Guyana’s status as the world’s fastest-growing economy. The announcement comes against the backdrop of a major arbitration battle between oil giants ExxonMobil and Chevron over a US$1 trillion oil discovery in the Stabroek Block—highlighting Guyana’s rising importance on the global energy map.

“This fund reflects our confidence in Guyana’s transformation and our commitment to building long-term value with local roots and global vision,” said Kristine Thompson, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Rise Guyana.

Guyana’s meteoric economic ascent has been powered by vast offshore oil reserves. The Stabroek Block alone is estimated to contain some 11 billion barrels of recoverable oil. According to industry analysts and Wood Mackenzie, the project is expected to generate US$182 billion in profits for Exxon and its partners, and over US$190 billion in revenues for the Guyanese government over the next 15 years. With production costs below US$30 per barrel, the field is regarded as one of the most valuable oil and gas assets in the world.

The International Monetary Fund projects Guyana’s economy to continue expanding by nearly 15% annually, further reinforcing its appeal to frontier-market investors.

Rise Guyana positions itself as a first mover in translating oil-driven growth into long-term infrastructure and real estate development. Operated by a Caribbean-based team with decades of experience in emerging markets, the firm blends local insight with international governance standards.

Among the fund’s early development plans are:

• A dual-branded Marriott City Express and Marriott City Suites hotel near Ogle Airport and Exxon’s headquarters;

• Modular housing manufacturing facilities to enable rapid, cost-effective construction;

• A private aviation services hub at Ogle and Timehri airports;

• Multi-phase greenfield residential projects along new highway corridors;

• A series of built, multi-family housing developments.

The fund targets a net internal rate of return (IRR) of 30%, employing a strategy that balances stable income-producing assets with high-growth opportunities.

“This is more than a real estate fund—it’s a platform for national transformation,” Thompson added. “We’re combining frontier returns with institutional governance to help shape the physical, economic and social future of Guyana. This is the first of many funds to come.”

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Earlier Wednesday, between 15:00 and 16:00 hrs, ranks of the Guyana Police Force conducted a targeted operation at Lot 18 Victoria Road, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, based on intelligence received regarding possible illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and narcotics.

The operation was led by Superintendent Dufu, who, upon arrival at the premises with other officers, observed a male of African descent—clad only in green trunks—fleeing the scene. Despite a swift attempt to apprehend him, the suspect successfully evaded capture and remains at large.

A thorough search of the premises revealed a quantity of ‘fronto’—a type of tobacco often associated with the use and distribution of marijuana—found in a yellow plastic bag, accompanied by several transparent ziplock bags.

In addition, officers discovered a stash of cash in mixed denominations, including Guyana currency notes of $5,000, $2,000, $1,000, $500, $100, and $20, as well as two US$50 notes and one US$20 note. The total value of the seized cash was calculated at $113,500.

The search continued and uncovered a black plastic bag containing a bulky parcel with a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis. The suspected narcotic was transported to the Sparendaam Police Station, where it was weighed and confirmed to amount to 304 grams.

All items, including the cash and suspected cannabis, were lodged as investigations continue. Police are currently seeking the unidentified male suspect and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

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The Georgetown Mayor and City Council (GM&CC) on Tuesday presented a $4.28 billion budget for 2025, placing strong emphasis on improved drainage, urban development, and achieving the city’s long-term strategic goals.

Finance Committee Chairman, Lelon Saul, delivered the budget presentation, highlighting new revenue streams—particularly measures to regulate street vending—as key components of the Council’s 2025 agenda. He also pointed to several persistent challenges hampering the Council’s ability to implement projects effectively.

The presentation came several months behind schedule; it was originally due in November 2024 but was delayed due to administrative setbacks.

“In 2025, this year, our projected revenue is estimated at $3,837,518 and the expenditure is $4,282,490,755. The key objectives of our budget is to maintain in good order approximately 645 miles of drainage networks necessary for effectual drainage in the city,” Saul stated.

Notably, the budget reveals a significant deficit of $4.44 billion, prompting concerns about the city’s ability to meet its targets.

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Councillor, Alfonso De Armas.

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Councillor, Alfonso De Armas, expressed scepticism about the ambitious revenue projections.

“Last year the city generated, collected about $2.1 billion in revenues…but this year we are projecting an 81 per cent increase in revenues, halfway through the fiscal year none of those proposals have been implemented yet,” De Armas noted.

He added that it remains unclear where the expected funds will come from.

Saul explained that a major focus for 2025 will be on reducing mosquito breeding in the city, improving garbage disposal, and enhancing drainage systems. Public engagement is also set to increase, with more activities planned to educate and sensitise residents.

Revenue collection remains a cornerstone of the Council’s ability to finance projects. In this regard, the GM&CC will be looking to bolster income through general rates, market fees, billboard and advertising fees, leases, sanitation certificates, building permits, as well as street vending and public event charges.

Reflecting on 2024, Saul outlined several challenges that plagued the Council, including financial constraints, a shortage of manpower, and a lack of materials to execute key projects. Despite initiatives such as the regularisation of street vending and the introduction of a system to collect billboard and advertising fees, many of these efforts fell short of expectations.

One of the most critical issues, Saul admitted, was the Council’s failure to collaborate and communicate more effectively.

 

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In a groundbreaking step toward building a more inclusive society, First Lady Arya Ali on Wednesday commissioned the Center for Equity, Opportunity and Innovation at Palmyra, Canje, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). The facility—the first of its kind not just in Guyana but the entire Caribbean—is housed within the Empower Guyana building and is expected to directly employ 120 persons with disabilities.

According to the First Lady, the Center represents more than just employment; it embodies a national shift in recognising inclusion as a right rather than a privilege.

Delivering the keynote address, Mrs. Ali painted a stirring vision of the Guyana she believes this project brings closer to reality.

“We are building a society where the child in Mahaica with a hearing disability can dream of being a coder. Where the woman in Albion with limited mobility can become a business owner. Where the young man in Rosignol, who once felt cast aside, can now earn his own living with pride. That is what revolution is. Quietly. Powerfully. Irreversibly.”

First Lady Arya Ali speaking at the commissioning (Photo: Office of the First Lady)

More than a workplace, the Center promises dignity, purpose, and the opportunity for persons with disabilities to contribute meaningfully to Guyana’s development. It will also support entrepreneurs with disabilities who produce items such as snacks, paintings, and crafts. Their products—alongside others made at the Center—will be featured in a retail space on site.

“To my Guyanese family, I urge you: support this Center. Visit it. Buy from it. Talk about it. Celebrate it. This is your Center too,” the First Lady appealed.

(Photo: Office of the First Lady)

She also spotlighted Region Six as an emerging hub for social innovation:

“The East Berbice-Corentyne region—often spoken about as a rice and sugar belt—is today the frontier of inclusion. It is now the home of a business center built not as a token, but as a tool—for empowerment, for agency, for pride.

“You see, this is just the first project of its kind in our Region. And, by region I don’t mean Region Six. I mean that this Business Center is the first of its kind in the Caribbean. So, today in making history… is something we should all be immensely proud of.”

The project traces its roots to 2022, following the First Lady’s interactions with members of the disability community. Many expressed a strong desire to contribute to society but faced systemic barriers—chief among them, access to employment.

“I even tried, in futility, to lobby companies to hire persons with disabilities over the last few years. Without a job, there is no income. Without income, there is no independence. And without independence, how can one truly thrive?”

This realisation, she explained, led to the birth of the Center through her Office’s InclusAbility initiative.

(Photo: Office of the First Lady)

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to equitable development, Mrs. Ali stated:

“Our President, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and by extension the government have made it clear that development must include every citizen. That we must not just build roads and bridges, but also open pathways of opportunity for those who didn’t previously have access. And that is a commitment we are very serious about.

“This Center is an embodiment of that promise. It reflects our government’s steadfast belief that social services, infrastructure, and innovation must come together in ways that transform lives, especially for those most vulnerable among us.”

(Photo: Office of the First Lady)

The facility includes five specialised workstations, each designed to showcase the creativity and potential of its staff:

• Workstation 1: Web services, including online marketing and small electronics repair
• Workstation 2: Arts, crafts, and souvenir production
• Workstation 3: Garment construction and screen printing
• Workstation 4: Catering and commercial food preparation
• Workstation 5: General-purpose creative work

Additional features include a therapy room for mental health and wellness, a cafeteria to foster community, an administrative office, and a training room to promote leadership and innovation from within.

The compound also houses a shade house, managed by staff, for additional skills development and sustainability.

“This center will provide continuous skills and business development training not only to those employed here, but to persons with disabilities across the country,” Mrs. Ali noted.

The event saw attendance from several key officials including: Mr. Ganesh Singh, Chairman of the National Commission on Disability; Mr. David Armogan, Regional Chairman of Region Six; Dr. Ashni Singh, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and Public Service and Minister Susan Rodrigues, from the Ministry of Housing & Water.

(Photo: Office of the First Lady)

Each echoed the First Lady’s sentiments, applauding the initiative and commending the government’s growing efforts toward true inclusivity.

 

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In what has been described as an extraordinary medical feat, the Neurosurgery Department at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has successfully treated and saved four patients who sustained direct gunshot wounds to the head between January and April 2025.

Each of the patients presented with severe and often fatal injuries, including open, penetrating skull fractures, brain contusions, and embedded fragments of metal or bone. Yet, through swift emergency neurosurgical intervention, all four survived and were discharged in improved condition—an outcome rarely achieved even at leading trauma centres globally.

The first case, operated on February 17, involved a 21-year-old man who suffered a right frontal comminuted depressed skull fracture, with injuries suggestive of a warhead-type impact. He was successfully operated on and is now recovering at home.

The second case was a 46-year-old man who presented on April 8 with a penetrating skull fracture and brain contusion. He underwent emergency surgery and was discharged into state care on April 15.

Just days later, on April 14, a 27-year-old male was rushed in with a similar right frontal penetrating injury and contusions. Following surgical management, he too made a successful recovery and was discharged.

The fourth case, treated on April 22, was perhaps the most complex. A 19-year-old man arrived with a left occipital open skull fracture, extensive haemorrhagic contusions, and multiple bone and metal fragments lodged in his head. Emergency surgery was again successful, and he is now in recovery.

All four cases were handled by GPHC’s dedicated neurosurgery team, whose skill and decisive action made the difference between life and death.

Successfully managing even one such case is considered a rare achievement. To treat and save four patients with gunshot wounds to the head within a four-month span is an extraordinary testament to the clinical excellence and growing trauma care capacity at GPHC.

The hospital commended its neurosurgery unit for its precision, resilience, and unwavering commitment to saving lives, reaffirming its goal to deliver world-class trauma and emergency care to the people of Guyana.

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