The US Embassy in Guyana has not been notified of any deportation of Guyanese citizens amid the crackdown by the Donald Trump administration on illegal immigrants.
However, routine deportations will continue as it has for the entire region and beyond.
“I have heard nothing at this point about that from the new administration in Washington.
“We have always had routine deportations of citizens followed for the Caribbean and all over the world and that’s not something new,” U.S Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot told reporters at the sidelines of an event on Wednesday.
Upon assuming office, President Trump had issued an executive order aimed at tightening immigration policies.
This follows a wave of deportation flights that have already landed in various Latin American countries, as part of Trump’s promised crackdown on illegal immigration.
A significant portion of the Guyanese diaspora resides in the United States, with over 230,000 Guyanese Americans recorded as of 2019.
The majority live in New York City, where the Guyanese community is the fifth-largest foreign-born population in the city, with approximately 140,000 individuals.
Ambassador Theriot told reporters that the deportation of large groups of people which has occurred in other countries will not occur in Guyana.
Instead, she said “routine” deportation which has been happening for decades will continue.
“You won’t be seeing something like you have seen for like Colombia and some of the other countries, a large group.
“That’s not something that will be happening for Guyana. It will just be a routine process that’s been going on for decades,” Ambassador Theriot said.
Guyana Harpy Eagles will likely have Tagenarine Chanderpaul back in their lineup for their vital fourth-round clash against Jamaica Scorpions, beginning March 5.
Captain Tevin Imlach announced this at a virtual press conference organised by Cricket West Indies.
Chanderpaul missed the previous round of the West Indies Four-Day Championship after suffering a burst webbing on his hand while fielding against Combined Campuses and Colleges in the second round.
The left-handed opener, aiming for a Test recall, has scores of 40, 40*, and four in his three innings this season.
However, the Harpy Eagles will likely be without fast bowler Shamar Joseph, who is nursing a shin splint injury.
Imlach confirmed that Joseph will unlikely travel to Sabina Park for the Scorpions match and may miss the rest of the season.
The injury resurfaced during the second round, and his upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) commitments further complicate his potential return.
The IPL is scheduled to begin on March 22, and Joseph is set to join the Lucknow Super Giants. At last year’s draft, the franchise matched the Mumbai Indians’ bid of approximately US$91,000 for the pacer.
The unbeaten Harpy Eagles currently lead the championship standings with 57.6 points, holding a narrow 2.2-point lead over Trinidad and Tobago Red Force.
Their match against the fifth-placed Scorpions (32.6 points) at Sabina Park will be their first away game of the season.
He was earlier in the day imbibing and liming with a group of friends at a popular city spot. Whilst there Vaughn reportedly called him and asked that he come home; he became annoyed.
According to a Police report, DaSilva and Vaughn had an argument during which the businessman reportedly slapped her.
In retaliation, Police said Vaughn reportedly reached for a knife and approached the suspect.
It was at this point that DaSilva pulled out his licensed firearm from the waist of his pants and discharged several rounds in Vaughn’s direction hitting her about the body. She immediately fell to the ground.
DaSilva then contacted the Police, who responded and rushed Vaughn to the Diamond Hospital, where she died while receiving treatment.
The scene was processed and Police said four 9MM cases and three suspected projectiles were recovered.
Upon examination, Vaughn’s body bore twelve injuries, suspected to be gunshot wounds.
At the time, DaSilva was under the influence. In fact, the Police said a breathalyzer test showed he was 83% of alcohol content in his blood. This is way beyond the legally prescribed limit which is 35%.
Sanjay Khan, a 23-year-old fisherman of Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice, has been missing since February 16, after going to sea from Number 66 Fisherman’s Cooperative.
Reports indicate that he fell overboard while hauling in fish; the seine hook reportedly caught on his foot. The incident reportedly occurred in Suriname waters.
Khan was expected to return later this week.
During an interview with reporters, Khan’s mother, Padmini Deanasiame, expressed her concerns that not enough is being done to find her son. She mentioned that a crew member was rescued, but Khan was cut loose from the seine and has not been found.
“I want them to search and find my son because he went out with them, and only they returned. One of them has a mark on his hand; he said the seine cut his hand. I don’t know if they left my son behind and threw him overboard because if the seine had hooked his foot, they could have hauled it back, but they cut the seine and let him go… That’s why I want to know what happened to my son,” the distraught mother said.
The Police have confirmed that a missing person report has been filed, but they have no further details on the ongoing investigation.
On Tuesday, the National Under-20 Women’s Football Team qualified for the Concacaf Championship with a hard-fought 1-0 win against the powerful Haiti at the Antigua and Barbuda Technical Centre.
Myanne Fernandes scored the crucial goal, securing Guyana’s place in the tournament’s main draw for the second time.
Guyana needed a victory to progress from Group A, as only the top team advanced.
Their campaign began with a scoreless draw against Belize but was disrupted when five players were declared ineligible due to passport issues.
Despite the off-field challenges, the team rallied to achieve this vital win.
This is Guyana’s second appearance at the Championship. In 2020, they reached the quarter-finals, but Haiti eliminated them. Now, they have the chance to go further.
Guyana will participate in the Championship with five other qualifying nations and CONCACAF giants the United States and Mexico.
The top four teams from the tournament will qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
For the year 2024, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) certified a total of 28 businesses including medical laboratories, GNBS Executive Director, Trevor Bassoo said.
This is indicated by a “Made in Guyana” certification mark on their products.
This signifies that those businesses met the required quality standards, giving them a competitive advantage among consumers.
“More and more businesses and organisations are recognising the need and the benefits of embracing standards which results in quality output, more business and loyal customers,” Bassoo said on Tuesday.
He also noted that the GNBS provided technical assistance to 79 organisations by helping them to become certification-ready.
Meanwhile, 924 persons were trained in various areas ranging from quality management system to health and safety.
Noting that the aim is to increase the figures this year, Bassoo said certification serves as an encouragement for other businesses.
Students, staff, and the surrounding community of the University of Guyana will soon benefit from dental services at the Turkeyen Campus with the launch of the University’s College of Medical Sciences’ first dental teaching clinic.
A new state-of-the-art Dental Training Clinic and Laboratory will double the number of dentists the University can admit to the dental programme from this year. This will significantly strengthen the institution’s capacity to produce more highly skilled dental professionals, provide opportunities for research, serve the community, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
The Dental Training Clinic and Laboratory was gifted by the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI), which comprises the Stabroek Block partners – ExxonMobil Guyana, CNOOC Petroleum, and HESS Corporation. This gift is part of the GGI’s larger development partnership with the University of Guyana.
The ribbon to the facility was cut in a simple but impactful ceremony on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
During a simple launch of the facility, the University of Guyana’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin, expressed deep appreciation to the GGI for their generosity to the University and noted the significant impact the project will have on the students, staff, and the country as a whole.
Prof. Mohamed Martin recalled that in the 30 years of the dental programme’s existence, the University was faced with the challenge of accepting a dwindling number of applicants to the dentistry programme because of the small number of training chairs available. Often, the University had to take the difficult decision to turn away eligible students due to limited space.
Director of UG’s Dental School, Dr Zoe Perreira giving a tour of the state-of-the-art facility to development partners and UG staff and students (Photo: UG)
“We were doing at that time two dental students to a chair and still only able to take six students in, and so students who had worked all their lives trying to get into a dental school had to be turned away,” the VC explained. “This could not continue. We had to do something. And together we did. Today, we have added 10 chairs here at UG to add to the excellent training support we have received throughout the years from the Cheddi Jagan Dental School of the Ministry of Health.”
Additionally, the VC explained that eventually, the clinic will not only train more dentists, but it will also provide the University’s students, staff, their families, and communities with dental services at no cost or at a nominal fee.
Occupational Health Manager/Medical Director for ExxonMobil Guyana, Dr Sonya Lord, who spoke on behalf of the GGI, expressed how delighted the partners were to be celebrating this milestone with the university community, noting the significant positive impact the project will have on students and the wider community.
Dr Lord added that the GGI’s partnership with UG has led to quite a few key notable achievements, such as the recently launched Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing Lab, which is expected to revolutionise not only research but analysis in the country; the Medical Diagnostic Lab and the DNA Barcoding Laboratory, which are expected to provide advanced healthcare solutions and continue to preserve Guyana’s rich biodiversity, among others. In fact, the new genetics lab has already helped identify several new species of plants, fish, and wildlife that were unknown to the world a few months ago.
“These initiatives and today’s launch of this Dental Training Clinic and Lab demonstrate GGI’s commitment to fostering innovation and continued advancement in medical technology,” she said.
“As we celebrate the launch of this facility, I do encourage students and professionals to ensure that they take advantage of this opportunity that the initiative brings. It’s not only an investment in the expansion of facilities, but it’s an investment in building the capacity of our Guyanese people and the country’s health sector,” Dr Lord said.
Dean of UG’s College of Medical Sciences, of which the Dental programme is a part, Dr Cecil Boston, expressed deep appreciation to the donors on behalf of the Faculty, noting that the realisation of the project shows a strong commitment to improving dental education in Guyana. He also noted that the initiative fits neatly with the government’s plan to improve healthcare in Guyana, of which training is a major component.
“We can guarantee that when our students get into the world of work that they are fully equipped to handle anything that comes to them,” he said.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Engagement, Prof. Emanuel Cummings, in his remarks, underlined the high quality of dentists UG produces. He, like other speakers, echoed similar words of appreciation to the GGI for their support in ensuring the university continues to build its capacity to produce more highly skilled graduates in the dental field and other key areas. He noted that UG’s programme “has produced over 130 dentists for Guyana and the region; 90% of the dentists in Guyana are UG trained.”
Director of UG’s School of Dentistry, Dr Zoe Perreira, who provided a tour of the facility, explained that the Dental Training Clinic and Lab is a well-equipped facility featuring seven fully functional dental chairs, each fitted with light-curing units and ultrasonic scalers for efficient restorative and prophylactic procedures. The clinic is designed to accommodate multiple patients simultaneously, ensuring a smooth workflow and high-quality patient care.
It consists of three dental operatory areas: one with four dental chairs, another with two, and a single-chair operatory for specialised treatments. The clinical area also includes a fully equipped sterilisation room to maintain strict infection control protocols and a digital X-ray unit to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning.
The training clinic will support training for a range of dental procedures, including restorative dentistry (fillings), endodontics (root canal treatment), oral surgery, and preventive care such as cleanings, sealants, and fluoride therapy. Beyond the clinical area, the facility features a reception area with a visitor’s restroom, a storage facility, and separate rooms for doctors and students, ensuring privacy and a comfortable workspace. Additionally, washroom facilities and secure lockers are available for both students and staff, promoting convenience and organisation within the learning and treatment environment.
Gavin Matthews, a fourth-year dentistry student and the first indigenous person pursuing the dentistry programme, and Kurt Booker, a fifth-year dentistry student, expressed thanks on behalf of the students to the GGI partners for the gift. They noted that this invaluable facility will significantly enhance the academic and practical training of students, equipping them with cutting-edge skills and the knowledge to excel in the field of dentistry.
Those present at the ceremony included Mrs Alicia Bess-Anderson, GGI Lead; Falicia Adams, Project Coordinator, GGI; Representatives from HESS – Clare Gardner, Vice-President, Guyana & Suriname, who cut the ribbon along with students and Dr Perreira; Will Sparker, Commercial Manager; Tim Chapman, Appraisal Director; Benn Hansen, Subsurface Director; Jeni Tule, Development Director; Simon Prucnal, Stabroek Manager; Jason Olson, Project Manager; Representatives of CNOOC Petroleum – Bayney Karran, Senior Manager; Olive Gopaul, External Relations Analyst; and members of UG’s senior management team, staff, and students.
The ceremony was chaired by Mr Jainarine Deonauth, Director of UG’s Department of Events, Conferences and Communication (DECC).
City businessman, Marlan DaSilva remains in custody as Police probe the brutal murder of his partner, Kenesha Vaughn, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said.
Contacted for an update on Tuesday, Blanhum told the News Room that investigators are in the process of wrapping up their investigation.
Once the case file is completed, it would be forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.
Vaughn, a 27-year-old mother of a three-year-old boy, was shot and killed last Saturday night.
The incident took place at the couple’s Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara house, shortly after DaSilva returned home.
He was earlier in the day imbibing and liming with a group of friends at a popular city spot. Whilst there Vaughn reportedly called him and asked that he come home; he became annoyed.
According to a Police report, DaSilva and Vaughn had an argument during which the businessman reportedly slapped her.
In retaliation, Police said Vaughn reportedly reached for a knife and approached the suspect.
It was at this point that DaSilva pulled out his licensed firearm from the waist of his pants and discharged several rounds in Vaughn’s direction hitting her about the body. She immediately fell to the ground.
DaSilva then contacted the Police, who responded and rushed Vaughn to the Diamond Hospital, where she died while receiving treatment.
The scene was processed and Police said four 9MM cases and three suspected projectiles were recovered.
Upon examination, Vaughn’s body bore twelve injuries, suspected to be gunshot wounds.
At the time, DaSilva was under the influence. In fact, the Police said a breathalyzer test showed he was 83% of alcohol content in his blood. This is way beyond the legally prescribed limit which is 35%.
Speaking at the recent Youth Forum of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo emphasised the need for a transformative business model to elevate sports in Guyana.
Responding to a question from national footballer Curtez Kellman, Dr. Jagdeo underscored the importance of government investment in sports, insisting that it must go beyond mere facility upgrades to foster a sustainable economic framework.
“Investment in sport is crucial, and it has to be transformed into a business model,” Dr. Jagdeo asserted, highlighting the need for a sustainable economic strategy that can generate income and professional opportunities for athletes.
He noted that while the government has initiated significant infrastructure projects, these efforts do not constitute a comprehensive economic framework for sports development.
The Vice-President pointed out that a significant barrier to progress lies within the voluntary national sports associations and federations, many of which have yet to broaden their perspectives on transitioning from basic amateur models to professional, income-generating entities.
“Many of the associations still have archaic thinking,” he lamented. “We want to work with them, but many don’t have a vision for the sector. This makes it immensely harder when we have to take a top-down approach to address these issues.”
Dr. Jagdeo highlighted the government’s commitment to improving sports infrastructure. Five new stadiums—located in Anna Regina, MacKenzie, Bayroc, New Amsterdam, and Palmyra—should open in 2025.
Additionally, extensive upgrades to hundreds of community sports grounds are planned, featuring the installation of quality floodlights.
There are also ongoing projects for multipurpose indoor facilities outside Region Four, alongside international-standard upgrades to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
However, Dr. Jagdeo stressed that improved facilities alone will not suffice. He emphasised the need for effective programmes that will lead to meaningful transformation and tangible benefits for the community.
“We have to support this with programmes that professionalise sports and create a business environment where people can earn a living from their passion,” he explained.
The Vice-President expressed concern that while the government has provided assistance to standout athletes, a broader, more equitable system is required to ensure that all athletes can achieve a sustainable livelihood.
“We may need to find jobs for them in government to help supplement their income, but that’s not the model we’re talking about. We need to create opportunities where individuals can earn a living solely through their sport,” he stated.
A section of the gathering at the Youth Forum
Dr. Jagdeo acknowledged the challenges posed by Guyana’s small population and audience size, which complicates efforts to sustain a professional sports ecosystem.
“We may find a job for them in government to help buttress their income, but that is not the model we are taking about, where we can make good money from sports.
The problem, though, is the size of our population and the audience size is small, so we have to internationalise it…we have to make a place where a person can earn a living just by doing by sport and not just get small time job and have to hustle elsewhere and can’t dedicate their time.”
He also revealed plans for an international boxing event in the coming months, aimed at showcasing Guyana on a global stage.
Echoing this sentiment, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, during the recent opening ceremony of the international doubles courts, emphasised the vital role of sports tourism in national development.
He urged sports associations to develop a robust business model that capitalises on the growing global tourism market.
(Reuters) – Guyana’s government expects a consortium led by U.S. oil major Exxon Mobil to brief officials by the end of March on plans to develop offshore gas, the country’s vice president told Reuters.
“They said: ‘by end March, we will tell you what we will do.’ And that’s what we’re waiting (for),” Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said in an interview on the sidelines of Guyana’s Energy Conference in Georgetown.
Guyana is the fastest-growing economy in the world thanks to rapid expansion of output from offshore oilfields controlled by the Exxon-led consortium, in which Hess and CNOOC also participate.
“Clearly for us, there shall be a project. We have to monetize the gas, and if Exxon doesn’t want to do it, we already said to them… we have a lot of people who are interested in doing this on their own,” Jagdeo added.
The government, which wants to use natural gas to drive growth in the domestic economy, has progressed to award contracts for power and petrochemical projects that will receive gas supplies. It is also exploring options to develop liquefied natural gas facilities to export the fuel.
The government says there is enough gas at Exxon’s massive Stabroek block for commercial development, while Exxon says it has yet to complete its assessment of the gas resources in the area.
Exxon last week announced the “Wales Gas Vision”, which outlined what could be done with the offshore gas the consortium is planning to produce, if its assessment shows commercial development is viable.
Exxon did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
One of the possibilities could be to jointly develop some gas fields with neighbour Suriname, where offshore reserves have also been discovered, Jagdeo said.
Guyana, which will be entitled to about 50% of gas produced at Stabroek after the Exxon group takes some of the output to recover expenses, last year chose little-known U.S. company Fulcrum LNG as its preferred partner for a project to process and export the gas.
The startup, which the government expects to partner with the Exxon consortium for that development, has since faced questions over its capacity to execute a project that could need as much as $30 billion.
Jagdeo acknowledged external concerns about Fulcrum LNG’s capacity, but said the government believes the company’s team has the potential.
“They (Fulcrum LNG) demonstrated to our team that they had substantive backing, both to take the gas… and also for equity investment and raising the capital. So we are hoping that we could continue the tripartite discussion to make this work, Exxon, Fulcrum and the government of Guyana,” he said.
GAS TO SHORE
The Exxon group reinjects the gas it produces into the oilfields already in operation to maintain pressure at the reservoir. The consortium expects to send a small volume of gas back to shore for power generation as soon as this year, depending on when the power plant is ready.
Last year, it completed a $1 billion pipeline from the fields.
The bulk of future gas supply is expected to come from the Pluma and Haimara projects, rich in gas resources and seen starting output after 2030.
The power project, to be built by a consortium between Texas-based Lindsayca and Puerto Rico-based CH4 Systems, faces problems after a three-month delay to hand over the site. The parties could go to arbitration over the delay, but the project will be completed, Jagdeo said.
A separate plan to build a fertilizer plant also connected to Exxon’s pipeline could be offered this year through a tender for companies interested, Jagdeo said.
Guyana is also trying to clear a standoff with Canada-based firms Frontera Energy and CGX Energy over the expiration of an exploration license for a key offshore block where oil reserves were found. The dispute could also end up in arbitration after the government notified Frontera and CGX that it had canceled the license.
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A section of the gathering at the Youth Forum