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Dear Editor,
The recent social media post by the sister of Guyana’s Leader of the Opposition, placing his name alongside towering historical figures such as Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr, Václav Havel, Lech Wałęsa, Forbes Burnham, Dr Cheddi Jagan, Janet Jagan, and Dr Walter Rodney, is not merely an exaggeration; it is an affront to history itself.
How stupidly low one can go is inconceivable.
Such an unmeritorious comparison is almost inconceivable.
Those men and women did not become giants because they experienced imprisonment or persecution. They earned their place through decades of sacrifice, courage, and transformative leadership in the struggles for freedom, democracy, justice, equality, national independence, and human dignity. Their names are etched into history because they fundamentally changed the course of nations and inspired generations across the world. To compare someone whose political contribution remains largely unproven with such icons is intellectually indefensible, historically disrespectful, and, frankly, absurd.
The obvious questions therefore arise: What national struggle has he led? What democratic movement has he built? What freedoms has he secured? What enduring contribution has he made that justifies placing him in the company of those whose sacrifices reshaped history?
These are legitimate questions for which there are no comparable answers.
Public debate also continues regarding the true motivation behind the leader of the opposition’s entry into politics, including whether it followed the sanctions imposed by the United States Government or reflected a genuine desire to serve the people of Guyana.
Whatever one’s view on that matter, political ambition and financial success are not substitutes for historical greatness.
History cannot be purchased. It cannot be inherited through family loyalty nor manufactured through social media posts.
Nelson Mandela became an icon because he sacrificed 27 years of his life to dismantle apartheid and build a democratic South Africa.
Martin Luther King Jr transformed the moral conscience of America through non-violent resistance in the pursuit of racial equality.
Mahatma Gandhi led one of history’s greatest independence movements through disciplined civil disobedience and extraordinary moral courage.
Forbes Burnham led Guyana to independence and championed policies of national self-reliance, many of whose institutions and initiatives continue to shape the country’s development.
Dr Walter Rodney challenged systems of inequality through scholarship, activism, and fearless advocacy.
Dr Cheddi and Janet Jagan devoted decades of their lives to political struggle, nation-building, the advancement of democracy, free and fair elections, and improved public service.
These individuals changed history because history bears the unmistakable imprint of their sacrifices. It is against that standard and no lesser one that any comparison must be judged.
The names of Mandela, Gandhi, King, Havel, Wałęsa, Burnham, the Jagans, and Rodney represent lifetimes of sacrifice, achievement, and service to causes greater than themselves.
To casually insert another name among them without equivalent merit does not elevate the individual; it diminishes the gravity of the company in which he is placed.
Greatness is not declared by admirers. It is earned through service, sacrifice, principled leadership, and the judgement of history. By that measure, this comparison is not merely premature; it is wholly unmeritorious and deserving of unequivocal rejection.

Yours respectfully,
Jermaine Figueira
Former Member of
Parliament

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Housing is the foundation upon which families build security, stability and a better future. For many vulnerable Guyanese, however, the dream of owning a home is a way off due to financial hardship and in some instances social challenges. The proposed expansion of social housing is an important step in ensuring that economic progress translates into improved living conditions for those most in need.
The announcement of a dedicated social housing programme by President Dr Irfaan Ali targeting vulnerable groups, including single mothers facing economic difficulties, persons living with disabilities and the elderly, shows a recognition that national development is inclusive.
The planned construction of between 3,000 and 5,000 social homes provides an opportunity to address a critical area of need while advancing a more comprehensive housing strategy. Importantly, the initiative is expected to be guided by clear eligibility criteria, ensuring that support reaches those who require it most and that public resources are managed responsibly.
The focus on social housing complements the wider transformation taking place within Guyana’s housing sector. Over recent years, housing development has expanded significantly, moving beyond the traditional distribution of house lots towards the construction of complete homes that provide immediate solutions for families. This shift recognises the changing realities of citizens, many of whom require affordable, ready-built housing rather than simply access to land.
The government’s housing interventions have already reshaped communities across the country. Between 2020 and 2025, significant investment was directed towards the housing sector, resulting in thousands of house lots being distributed, communities being developed and squatter settlements being regularised. These measures have provided more citizens with access to secure land ownership while creating opportunities for families to invest in their futures.
The introduction of programmes such as the Steel and Cement Subsidy Initiative has also demonstrated the importance of reducing the financial burden associated with home construction. For low- and middle-income households, the cost of building materials often represents one of the greatest obstacles to homeownership. Assistance programmes that lower these costs provide practical support and help families move closer to achieving their housing aspirations.
Similarly, the removal of VAT on several construction materials and measures to improve access to affordable mortgage financing have contributed to reducing the overall cost of building homes. These interventions highlight the importance of a multi-faceted housing strategy, one that addresses land availability, construction costs and financing challenges.
The proposed social housing programme adds another important dimension by focusing specifically on citizens who may not have the financial capacity to independently enter the housing market. Providing housing support to vulnerable groups is not only a matter of shelter; it is an investment in human dignity, family stability and community development.
Projects such as the Hyde Park initiative, which combines housing support with opportunities for agricultural production, demonstrate the potential for housing programmes to create broader economic benefits. Linking homes with income-generating opportunities can help families achieve greater independence and long-term sustainability.
The decision to increase the supply of completed homes also reflects changing demands within the housing market. As more citizens seek turnkey solutions, the expansion of government-led construction programmes can help bridge the gap between demand and supply. The target of constructing 40,000 homes over the next five years represents an ambitious undertaking that will require effective planning, strong contractor partnerships and efficient implementation.
The reported increase in interest from contractors, including international firms, signals the scale of the construction demand currently emerging in Guyana. While challenges such as limited local capacity must be addressed, expanding the pool of skilled builders and developers can help accelerate housing delivery while creating employment opportunities within the construction sector.
The ultimate measure of any housing programme is its impact on citizens’ lives, and a secure home provides a foundation for children’s development, family stability and economic advancement. For vulnerable households, access to a safe and permanent home signifies a significant turning point.
A social housing programme that prioritises the most vulnerable, while complementing broader housing initiatives, is a commitment to inclusive development and shared prosperity.

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The Minister within the Housing Ministry, Vanessa Benn, has highlighted the Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development as a valued asset to national and international initiatives as the organisation commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Iwokrama Act. In a video message shared on Iwokrama’s Facebook page as part of the anniversary celebrations, Minister Benn reflected on some of the centre’s major achievements over the past three decades while congratulating the organisation on its milestone.
“Iwokrama’s work has earned the reputation of being a valued asset to national and international initiatives. I have had the privilege and pure joy of being part of the Iwokrama team for over 15 years,” she said. Congratulating the organisation on the anniversary, the Minister added, “Congratulations, Team Iwokrama, on your 30th anniversary. Continue to be an exemplar of sound, sustainable forest management and community partnerships for national and global benefit. Cheers.” Benn highlighted several landmark initiatives undertaken by the Centre. She noted that Iwokrama commissioned the first three-dimensional map of an Indigenous village in Guyana.

“Did you know that Iwokrama commissioned the first three-dimensional map of an Indigenous village in Guyana? That village was Fair View. And the model, drawn to scale, has been a fantastic tool to help the villagers in the management of their natural resources,” she said. The Minister also pointed to Iwokrama’s role in strengthening regional forest research. “Iwokrama served as the Caribbean’s focal point organisation in the establishment of the Forest Research Network project. That project has enabled countries across the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific region to collaborate on joint research projects, looking at the various economic services and ecological services derived from the forest and addressing the issues related to climate change,” she noted.
She further highlighted Iwokrama’s pioneering community-based forest monitoring initiative. “Iwokrama initiated the first community monitoring, reporting and verification project, where over 40 persons, taken from 20 communities across the North Rupununi, were trained on how to monitor and measure land uses and land use changes on their Indigenous lands and their villages, and that the data so collected was incorporated into the national monitoring, reporting and verification system that is managed by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC)…Now that data is important as part of the basis, actually, of our annual reporting on our forest cover and our rate of deforestation. And based on that as well comes our forest carbon credits,” she said.
Benn also recalled Iwokrama’s international recognition during the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai.
“In 2023 the Commonwealth Secretariat hosted a special event on the sidelines of the Conference of Parties on Climate Change in Dubai, focusing on and featuring Iwokrama and its community partnerships. And we had representatives from the North Rupununi District Development Board and the Makushi Research Unit being featured as part of a video that was launched and showcased at COP28,” she said.
The accompanying Facebook post thanked the Minister for her longstanding service to the organisation, stating, “We extend our heartfelt thanks for her unwavering dedication, commitment, and support. Thank you, Minister Benn, for being an important part of the Iwokrama story.”
In 2026, the Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development is celebrating 30 years since the Iwokrama Act came into effect, providing the legal mandate for the establishment of the Centre to oversee and manage Guyana’s one million acres of rainforest.
Established in 1996 through a partnership between the Government of Guyana and the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Centre manages 371,000 hectares of tropical rainforest dedicated to demonstrating how conservation and sustainable development can be successfully integrated.
Operating under the patronage of His Majesty King Charles III, Iwokrama is governed by an International Board of Trustees and maintains operations in Georgetown and at its River Lodge in Kurupukari.
The Centre promotes the conservation and sustainable, equitable use of tropical rainforests through research, training and the development and dissemination of innovative technologies, while serving as a living laboratory that demonstrates how biodiversity conservation and economic development can coexist for the benefit of Guyana and the wider world.

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Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister, SC Anil Nandlall, recently engaged a team from the Regional Security Service (RSS) to discuss a number of issues aimed at strengthening collaboration.
AG Nandlall was accompanied by Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond and a team of representatives from the two ministries. They met with the Director of the Asset Recovery Unit at the RSS, Keisha Sutherland, and the Director of Strategic Services and International Affairs at the RSS, Rhea Reid.

During the engagement held on Thursday at the AG’s Chambers & Ministry of Legal Affairs office in Georgetown, the officials discussed strengthening Guyana’s collaboration with the Regional Security System, which is a treaty-based defence and security organisation established to coordinate responses to crises, natural disasters, and transnational crime in the Caribbean.
The meeting focused on the enactment of a series of legislation which the RSS would like to be implemented across the region and the development of a regional model legislation dealing with artificial intelligence. It also explored how the RSS, as a regional law enforcement agency, can augment its presence and increase its capabilities across the Caribbean in the battle against organised crime and monitoring cyberspace for criminal activities.
This high-level engagement was held on the side-lines of the Ninth Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network for the Caribbean (ARIN-CARIB) annual general meeting held at Guyana Marriott in Georgetown earlier this week.
ARIN-CARIB is a network of Caribbean law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judicial practitioners who specialise in the recovery of proceeds of crime in the region.
Held under the theme “From Tracing to Transformation: Building an Asset Recovery-Ready Caribbean”, the two-day event hosted in Georgetown earlier this week saw stakeholders from across the region engaging in meaningful discussions on fighting transnational crime.
In fact, during his feature address at the opening ceremony on Wednesday, AG Nandlall highlighted how the RSS partnership has helped Guyana strengthen its regional security architecture as well as its domestic legal framework.
“The technical support provided by the RSS over the years, including the development of model legislative provisions on asset recovery and confiscation, has greatly assisted Guyana in modernising aspects of its legislative framework. That partnership exemplifies the true spirit of regional integration, where expertise is shared, capacity is strengthened, and collective security is advanced for the benefit of every Member State,” he posited.
Against this backdrop, the Guyanese AG called for enhanced cooperation and coordination among member states to combat transnational organised crime. He pointed out that regional law enforcement must recognise the evolving nature of criminal networks and reorganise their operations to respond to these changes.
“Criminal networks cooperate across borders with remarkable efficiency, exploiting differences between legal systems and jurisdictional boundaries to frustrate investigations and avoid prosecutions. Today, organised crime is rarely confined within national borders… Supported by international financial networks that move illicit wealth through multiple jurisdictions before it is ultimately integrated into the legitimate economy. The unfortunate reality is that criminals have become exceptionally good at working together.”
“If criminals have not collaborated without regard for borders, then governments, prosecutors, investigators, and financial intelligence units must collaborate even more effectively. This is why institutions such as ARIN CARIB have become indispensable. They remind us that international cooperation is no longer a desirable objective. It is an operational necessity,” AG Nandlall posited.
Similar sentiments were expressed by the Deputy Executive Director of the RSS Headquarters, Atlee Rodney, who stressed the importance of strengthening legislative and policy frameworks to keep pace with increasingly sophisticated criminal enterprises; continuing to build capacity, especially for criminal justice practitioners involved in financial investigations and asset recovery; and deepening regional and international collaboration.
“No Member State can effectively combat transnational organised crime alone,” Rodney said during the opening ceremony. “Ultimately, our work extends beyond recovering criminal assets. It is about restoring public confidence, strengthening governance, protecting our communities, and ensuring that the proceeds of crime are redirected to benefit our citizens rather than criminal organisations.”
Pointing to the RSS motto of “Strength Through Unity”, Rodney added that this “…serves as a reminder that our greatest achievements are realised when we work together with a shared purpose. By combining our expertise, resources, and commitment, we can ensure that the Caribbean is not only capable of recovering criminal assets but truly prepared to do so effectively and consistently.”
Meanwhile, Director of Public Prosecutions in Guyana, Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, underscored the importance of having legislation to support stronger inter-agency cooperation in the region.
The hosting of this year’s AGM in Guyana comes as the country currently occupies the presidency of ARIN-CARIB for 2026 – a position that is held by Deputy DPP Diana O’Brien.

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With ferocious heat closing in and flames rapidly consuming the building, 33 children were forced to run for their lives from the Hope Children’s Home on Friday morning. Built in 2001 as a place of refuge and hope for vulnerable children, the privately run Hope Children’s Home at Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was reduced to ruins in just over an hour after a fire of unknown origin tore through the facility. The fire started at around 11:00h in the boys’ dormitory. All 33 children residing at the orphanage, 15 girls and 18 boys, along with about seven staff members, escaped safely. Three children, however, sustained minor injuries and were taken to the Enmore Regional Hospital for treatment. At the time of the fire, the children were attending Vacation Bible School in the compound.
Fire Chief Gregory Wickham said the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) responded immediately after receiving reports of the blaze. “We received the call and dispatched five fire tenders to this location. Additional protocols were immediately activated, and the remaining tenders were deployed. All the children and staff who were in the building were evacuated safely; one of the children was traumatised by the incident, but our firefighters managed to prevent the fire from spreading. At the conclusion of the firefighting operation, we will be able to provide more information on the layout of the building and the ongoing investigation.”

Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who is performing the functions of president, also visited the scene, where he outlined the government’s next steps to assist those affected. “We took immediate action that resulted in saving lives. Everyone who was in that building is now out of danger because of the swift actions taken. The Human Services Ministry has already provided transportation and relocated the children to the Mahaica Children’s Home. The next step, of course, will be the investigation to determine the cause of the fire. But I want to end by saying that everyone is alive.”

The government has since committed to supporting efforts to relocate the children, with those displaced already being moved to alternative state care facilities.

Children out
Meanwhile, when the PM visited the hospital, one senior official at the home recalled the terrifying moments after the fire broke out. “When I saw the smoke, we tried to get all the children out. Nobody was injured during the evacuation. We even tried breaking down the gate to get the children out from the back.”
Another hero of the day was Kenneth Finlayson, the director of the home, whose quick thinking and decisive actions ensured every child was safely evacuated. Recalling the ordeal, Finlayson said, “We had a group of Americans helping us [in the VBS]. Children were in classrooms, while others were outside in the yard. I had just left the boys’ dormitory and gone over to the church when someone shouted that there was a fire. As soon as I heard that, I rushed to all the classrooms, telling everyone to get the children out. The team of volunteers and our staff immediately grabbed the children, and we also had children from the community attending the Vacation Bible School.” He said everyone was safely evacuated onto the public road before he returned to disconnect the building’s electricity.

Finlayson stressed that there was no indication the fire was caused by an electrical fault, noting that the GFS had only recently conducted an inspection of the home and issued it with a fire safety certificate. He explained that the building was equipped with fire extinguishers, which staff immediately used in an attempt to contain the blaze. He also noted that the smoke detectors and fire alarm system activated as designed, having been inspected during the recent assessment.

No lives were lost
Reflecting on the history of the Hope Children’s Home, Finlayson expressed gratitude that no lives were lost, stressing that while buildings can be rebuilt, lives cannot be replaced. He noted that since the home was established in 2001, more than 300 children have passed through its doors, with many beginning a new chapter of their lives there. Although saddened that part of the facility the children called home had been destroyed, he remained hopeful, pointing to an expansion project on the property that has been under construction since 2007.

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As the Private Sector Commission of Guyana Ltd (PSC) intensifies the fight against illegal trade, its chairman, Capt Gerald Gouveia Jr, has underscored the importance of coordination between the public and private sectors in combatting this issue.
Gouveia Jr emphasised that illegal trade continues to pose significant challenges to legitimate businesses, consumer protection and national economic development.

“Combating illegal trade requires a coordinated and sustained effort from both the public and private sectors. The PSC remains committed to working alongside Government, enforcement agencies and our private sector partners to strengthen enforcement, improve coordination and promote practical solutions that protect businesses and the wider economy,” the PSC Chairman stated.
He made these remarks as the PSC, through its Illicit Trade Desk, hosted a targeted informative session aimed at strengthening enforcement capacity and enhancing collaboration among the private sector, Government agencies, and other stakeholders in the fight against illegal trade. The event, held on Thursday at the Roraima Duke Lodge, brought together representatives from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU), and the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), along with representatives of leading private sector companies, including Demerara Tobacco Company (DEMTOCO), Banks DIH, Massy Distribution, and the ANSA McAL Group.
The session focused on equipping enforcement officers with the practical knowledge and tools needed to identify illicit and counterfeit products, understand supply chain vulnerabilities, and strengthen intelligence-sharing practices. Industry representatives delivered comprehensive presentations featuring recent market research, case studies, and insights to help attendees better understand the growing challenge of illicit trade in Guyana, its impact on businesses and consumers, and effective methods for detecting and responding to illicit trade activities. Meanwhile, a key highlight of the event was the formal handover of operational equipment, including tactical suits, flashlights, flotation and ballistic vests, safety boots, and LED traffic wand batons.

The equipment is intended to enhance operational effectiveness, improve situational awareness and strengthen the capacity of officers engaged in anti-illicit trade activities. Representatives from participating companies reinforced the importance of collaboration in addressing the challenges posed by illegal trade within their respective industries and highlighted the value of sustained engagement between industry and enforcement agencies.
The PSC reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its work with Government agencies, enforcement authorities, and private sector stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions that strengthen enforcement, improve coordination, and reduce the impact of illegal trade in Guyana. The Commission also looks forward to continued dialogue with the enforcement agencies on this issue and to the establishment of a dedicated task force to advance coordinated action against illegal trade. The event concluded with a networking reception, providing participants with an opportunity to foster stronger partnerships, continue discussions on the issue, and identify future areas of collaboration.
The PSC launched its Illicit Trade Desk in 2023 as a central private sector mechanism to identify trade-related threats such as smuggling and counterfeiting while promoting stakeholder collaboration, public awareness, and improved monitoring of enforcement efforts. Just over a year ago, the umbrella private sector body had called for stronger penalties, greater accountability and enhanced collaboration among agencies in combatting illicit trade. In fact, the Commission had also pushed for the establishment of a National Illicit Trade Task Force to focus on developing coordinated strategies, legislative frameworks and enforcement actions to combat the wide-ranging effects of illicit trade on the country’s economy and public well-being. In July 2025, private sector stakeholders had reported a 25 per cent market loss due to illegal tobacco products, as well as up to 80 per cent of premium products within certain sectors being smuggled onto the local market.

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