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In a political debate that has ignited reactions across the country, Attorney General Anil Nandlall has come to the defense of Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, following the recent ban on the use of the word “corruption” in parliamentary debates.

The controversy began when the Speaker of the House placed a restriction on the use of the term “corruption” in parliamentary discussions. This move was met with strong criticism, especially from the opposition APNU+AFC.

Member of Parliament Amanza Walton-Desir sent a letter to the Speaker, labelling the ban as “frankly absurd” and detrimental to the very purpose of the parliamentary system.

“How does one discuss combating corruption without being able to say the word?” Walton-Desir asked.

Nandlall, however, used his Tuesday night ‘Issues in the News’ commentary to clarify that the restriction on certain words, including “corruption,” is not an arbitrary decision by the Speaker but a longstanding practice rooted in parliamentary procedure.

According to Nandlall, every parliament, including Guyana’s, operates under a set of rules that govern language use, known as the “Standing Orders.” These rules, which date back to Guyana’s independence in 1966, include a glossary of prohibited words and expressions.

The Attorney General stressed that this practice is not unique to Guyana but is shared by parliaments across the Commonwealth, many of which inherited their parliamentary systems from Great Britain.

Nandlall referred to a book titled Parliamentary Practice by Sir Erskine May, which serves as a standard reference for parliamentary conduct. He explained that the restriction on words like “corruption” stems from a collective decision made by members of Parliament, not an individual action by the Speaker.

“It is hypocritical to blame the Speaker for enforcing rules that were created collectively by the members of Parliament,” Nandlall remarked.

“The Speaker is simply performing a role that has been assigned to him by the very rules that we, as members, agreed upon.”

According to Nandlall, the prohibition of certain terms is meant to maintain decorum and prevent inflammatory language during parliamentary debates. He also pointed out that any attempt to change the list of prohibited words must come from within Parliament itself, through a consensus among lawmakers.

Nandlall’s defense extended beyond the use of the word “corruption” to address broader concerns about parliamentary decorum.

He criticized those who have accused the Speaker of muzzling debates, emphasizing that the decision to ban specific words is not unilateral but a product of collective agreement among lawmakers.

The Attorney General also dismissed claims that the Speaker’s actions were politically motivated, calling out critics for unfairly targeting him.

Nandlall also addressed comments made by presidential aspirant Nigel Hughes, who criticized the Speaker’s decision on social media.

Nandlall expressed his disappointment, stating that Hughes, who once enjoyed considerable political goodwill, had recently made a series of controversial statements that, in his view, diminished his credibility.

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Dozens of schools have streamlined the distribution of school grants by opening bank accounts, ensuring funds are transferred efficiently and securely.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand revealed this at a recent press conference. Manickchand revealed that over the past year, $3.7 billion has been disbursed to schools, easing the financial burden on teachers who previously had to purchase classroom materials like chalk and teaching aids out of pocket.

“We have asked schools to open bank accounts so we go to the bank and at the click of the finger we send off these grants to more than 500 of our schools without having to walk around with cash and share it out,” Manickchand said.

Hinterland schools receive $5,500 per student, while coastal schools are allocated $4,500 per student. In hinterland areas with smaller student populations, a minimum of $220,000 was provided to the school.

“There is no longer any need to give a list to parents and there is no longer any need for teachers to go into their pockets and expend for resources in the classroom.”

However, the Minister highlighted some challenges, such as electrical overloads from the purchase of electrical equipment.

“In fact while this was a really good initiative and meant to do everything good, what started happening is schools, transformers started blowing because the schools were buying too many electrical items that couldn’t be taken off by the capacity of the current electrical capacity in the buildings,” Manickchand explained.

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See below the full statement issued by the Ministry of Education: 

In its unwavering commitment to inclusive education and the development of all learners, the Ministry of Education today took historic step in Guyana’s educational landscape as the Honourable Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, turned the sod to mark the commencement of construction of the country’s first dedicated school for the deaf.

She was joined by the Assistant Chief Education Officer responsible for Special Education Needs and Development (SEND) Dr. Keon Cheung and Senior Education Officer -SEND, Ms Nikoya Alleyne.

This landmark project, valued at G$194,472,570, will be executed by Superior Supplies and General Construction and is scheduled to be completed within nine months. Located in Cummings Lodge, the state-of-the-art facility will cater to 30 learners who are deaf, providing a nurturing environment that celebrates and supports deaf culture. The contract for the construction of the building was awarded after it went through the procurement process by way of public tender. Beyond being a school, the facility will serve as a resource hub for deaf youth, fostering community connections and enabling personal growth.

In brief remarks, the Education Minister stated “this school is a testament to our government’s dedication to inclusivity and equal opportunities for all learners.” Minister Manickchand commended the work the Deaf Association of Guyana has been doing over the years and noted that the Government is working towards establishing more inclusive spaces across the country.

Ms Sabine McIntosh, who is Director of the Deaf Association of Guyana was presented during the momentous occasion. Ms McIntosh was invited by Minister Manickchand who recognized the significant contributions she made in the sector for more than a decade.

Meanwhile, Dr Cheung noted that the initiative underscores the Ministry’s holistic approach to education, recognizing the importance of specialized support for learners with special education needs and disabilities (SEND).  He highlighted that As part of this effort, the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) has incorporated deaf education into its curriculum. Deaf youth enrolled in the SEND program are now teacher candidates, with additional programs being offered by CPCE’s Disability Studies Department to train educators interested in teaching learners who are deaf.

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Serving as both the culmination of the 2024 season and commencement of 2025 activities, the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will stage the Terrence Ali National Open Championship from January 17-19 at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue.

The event, which was postponed from its initial start date of December 12, 2024, is expected to feature participation from notable gyms such as the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana Police Force, Young Achievers, Pace and Power, Forgotten Youth Foundation, Rose Hall, Andrew Lewis Gym, Pocket Rocket, New Amsterdam Academy, Vergenoegen, and Republicans.

Among the notable names that will enter the ‘squared circle’ are world-rated pugilists Desmond Amsterdam and Abiola Jackman, as well as Colin Lewis.

The tournament, which is the most important competition on the sport’s local calendar, will be the first major championship under the GBA umbrella since the unexpected passing of the entity’s long-serving technical director, Terrence Poole, on October 3, 2024.

It will also be the first tournament for GDF without the services of Poole, who served in the capacity of head trainer and was directly responsible for their overall dominance on the local circuit.

This will be a major angle and talking point as to whether GDF can maintain their hegemonic status.

Post-Poole era commences 

GBA President Steve Ninvalle said, “As the most important local event in our discipline, the Terrence Ali National Open Championship has the distinct honour of serving as the conclusion of the 2024 season and the beginning of the 2025 calendar of activities. The championship has historically functioned as a link or conduit between amateur and professional competitions, and its significance has appropriately increased with each iteration, given that it showcases the best of Guyana and provides an insight into our current and near future in the amateur or potential professional ranks.”

The late Terrence Poole

According to Ninvalle, “In light of coach Terrence Poole’s recent death in October 2024, one of the main topics that will be covered and examined during the tournament is whether GDF can continue to dominate. Although everyone has experienced loss, boxing is a competitive sport where losing a coach can be especially distressing. In contrast to team sports, where established roles offer a structure for continuity, boxing is often based on the intensely intimate and frequently complex bond between a trainer and his fighters. In addition to being a strategist, the coach serves as a confidante, mentor, source of inspiration and objective critical eye.”

President of the Guyana Boxing Association, Steve Ninvalle

Ninvalle added, “Unquestionably, behind the success of every champion or successful pugilist is a dedicated team, and the coach is the central figure of that group and, in this case, the person who engineered their success. Terrence Poole has guided the GDF time to the top in his time.  We will have to see how current champions carry on from here.”

The National Open will commence at 19:00h each evening. The boxers will weigh-in on Thursday (January 16) at the same venue.

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Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat said Guyana is “poised and set” to receive its Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) License “in another year, or year and a half.”

“This will significantly boost our credibility as a timber producing country and aid in traceability, legality of our timber, as well as sustainability in terms of harvesting,” he said.

In 2022, Guyana signed the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) on FLEGT with the European Union (EU) along with other selected countries from Asia, Africa, and the Americas, committed to the protection of their forests.

Currently, Indonesia is the only country to have implemented the FLEGT licensing system. Other VPA countries, including Guyana, are in different phases of the process.

Commissioner of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), Edward Goberdhan said, “In 2024, the implementation phase continued where we worked with other agencies in building capacity to ensure that in 2026 we are on stream.”

Commissioner Goberdhan said implementing this system will “ensure transparency and traceability” in the forestry sector.

FLEGT Licences will be issued when it is verified by both the EU and Guyana that the Guyana Timber Legality Assurance System (GTLAS) works. Once FLEGT Licensing begins, a valid FLEGT Licence must accompany all exports to the EU of Guyanese timber-based products listed in Annex I of the VPA.

 

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After two gruelling days of trials at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, the Guyana National Basketball Team has been narrowed down to 15 players, signalling the first step towards a critical international campaign.

Head Coach Adrian Hooper, alongside assistant coach Marlon Rodrigues, has the challenging task of leading this talented squad to the Nations Cup tournament in Paramaribo, Suriname, from January 24–27.

There, Guyana will square off against Suriname and Grenada in what the Guyana Basketball Federation promises to be an exciting start to the year.

The shortlisted players are Stanton Rose (Untouchables), Orlan Glasgow (Royals), Harold Adams (Royals), Travis Belgrave (Eagles), Nikkoloi Smith (Ravens), Domair Gladstone (Untouchables), Shane Webster (Colts), Jermaine Slater (Kobras), Denzel Ross (Eagles), Oquacey Shortt (Colts), Kimol Grimmond (Untouchables), Zian Gray (Eagles), Jushawn Bayley, Yannick Tappin (Royals) and Shamaar Huntley (Ravens).

Eagles forward Travis Belgrave (left) and Kobras ‘Big Man’ Jermain Slater go head-to-head during the GBF two-day trials (Photo: GBF)

Initially, 23 players were invited to trials, making the final selection process an exceptionally competitive one.

Reflecting on the trials, Coach Hooper said, “These two days have been intense. The players brought their A-game, making my job of narrowing down the roster extremely difficult. But that’s a good problem to have. It shows the depth of talent we have in Guyana.”

The selection is far from over, however. The team will undergo two more training sessions this week before the final 12 players are announced on Friday.

“We’re committed to selecting the best-possible team, not just to compete, but to win,” Hooper added.

“I’m confident that when we regroup this weekend and head to Suriname, these players will be ready to give their all and make Guyana proud.”

The tournament in Suriname holds immense significance, not just for the players but also for the broader basketball community in Guyana.

Michael Singh, President of the GBF, expressed his excitement for the Nations Cup, emphasizing its importance as a developmental and preparatory event.

“This tour is the start of early preparations for our national team, and it provides an excellent opportunity to measure the standard of our local game,” Singh said.

“By focusing on our locally based players for this tournament, we aim to identify and develop talent here at home, giving them the exposure needed to compete at the international level. This approach will allow us to integrate overseas-based players into future engagements with a stronger foundation.”

Singh also highlighted the impact of the ongoing One Guyana Premier Basketball League, adding that “Our players have been competing at a high level domestically, and this has provided the GBF with a robust pool of talent to work with. The Nations Cup will give us valuable insights into how our local players match up against regional competition.”

The Nations Cup serves as a critical step in Guyana’s preparations to defend their title at the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championship, with Singh revealing that the GBF is planning its own version of the Nations Cup in May, with three other CBC teams competing in Guyana.

“This year promises to be one of the most active and exciting periods for Guyana’s National Basketball Team,” Singh said.

“We’re eager to see how this team performs and how these tournaments will shape the future of basketball in our country.”

Both Singh and Coach Hooper believes that the Nations Cup will undoubtedly test Senior Men’s Team as they prepare for back-to-back games against regional rivals.

According to Hooper, with a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent, Guyana is poised to make a strong statement in Paramaribo, and the players are eager to seize the opportunity to represent their nation on the international stage. (GBF Press Release)

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By Faith Seabra

Just off the coast of Pomeroon-Supenaam, where winds carry the whispers of the sea and lush rice fields sway in harmony with the breeze, lies Vaksana—a transformative women’s retreat set to open its doors in 2025.

Inspired by the Sanskrit words for ‘fertile land’ and ‘rejuvenation,’ Vaksana is more than just a retreat. It promises to be a beacon of resilience, healing, and hope, standing as a testament to the strength and spirit of women in rural Guyana.

Savannah lands of Vaksana Photo: Vaksana/Menakshi Babulall

Located between the vibrant communities of Capoey and Queenstown, Vaksana is surrounded by nature’s embrace. Expansive savannahs, gusty sea winds, and tranquil shores provide a setting where visitors can disconnect from the world and reconnect with themselves. It’s a place where the rhythm of nature meets the pulse of the human spirit.

At the heart of Vaksana is a culinary experience that celebrates the rich tapestry of Guyanese culture. Traditional vegetarian dishes, prepared with love and care, are often made in collaboration with local villagers—each meal a reflection of the community’s involvement in the retreat’s creation.

The retreat’s architecture is a tribute to Guyana’s Indigenous roots, with buildings crafted using traditional techniques. Troolie leaves and round wood stilts blend seamlessly with the environment, offering guests an authentic experience of both form and function.

After school programme held by Vaksana Photo: Vaksana/Menakshi Babulall

Complementing this are Ayurvedic practices, such as yoga and meditation, that form the backbone of Vaksana’s wellness program and honor the region’s deep Indo-Guyanese heritage.

The vision for Vaksana began with Indo-Guyanese founder Menakshi Babulall, whose determination to create a space that would serve both as a sanctuary and a catalyst for change led to the birth of this unique retreat.

Originally conceived as a community hub, Vaksana quickly evolved into a women’s retreat center after Babulall witnessed the urgent need for safe spaces for women in rural areas, many of whom suffer from gender-based violence and societal marginalization.

Peace corp affiliate teaching gardening Photo: Vaksana/Menakshi Babulall

The retreat’s foundation rests on three interconnected pillars: community outreach, regenerative farming, and eco-tourism—each fostering growth and healing for both the environment and the women it serves.

Vaksana is already making a meaningful impact. Last year, through a “Give a Gift” campaign, volunteers distributed clothing and essentials to those in need. During the pandemic, Vaksana’s educational initiatives helped provide children with learning resources, sparking positive change in the lives of youth from Queenstown and beyond.

At the core of Vaksana’s mission is regenerative farming, a commitment to restoring the land through sustainable practices. Techniques like composting and the use of natural fertilizers aim to counteract harmful agricultural practices and promote a healthier, more resilient environment. Additionally, the retreat provides women with the tools and knowledge needed to embrace eco-friendly farming, creating opportunities for both personal and community growth.

Multi-purpose centre Photo: Vaksana/Menakshi Babulall

Vaksana’s ecotourism approach is designed to immerse visitors in the beauty and culture of Essequibo. Accommodations and facilities are built with sustainability in mind—integrating passive cooling systems and minimizing the need for artificial energy sources. Guests are invited to explore the retreat’s expansive grounds, forging a deeper connection with the land and its stories.

Sustainability is more than a buzzword at Vaksana—it is a guiding principle. Early challenges, such as the deterioration of structures made from purely natural materials, have shaped the retreat’s focus on creating durable, environmentally conscious buildings that stand the test of time. With plans for water harvesting, solar, and wind energy, Vaksana is committed to creating a self-sustaining model that benefits both the environment and the people it serves.

Photo: Vaksana/Menakshi Babulall

More than just a retreat, Vaksana is a bridge between cultures and generations. Its location, and the experience it offers, invite members of the Guyanese diaspora to reconnect with their roots while fostering meaningful exchanges with the local community. For Babulall, Vaksana is not just a place—it is a movement, one that empowers women to heal, reclaim their power, and inspire lasting change.

Though the journey to bring Vaksana to life has been fraught with challenges, the impact it has already made speaks volumes. As one child remarked, “I really wish school was like your school; I learn so much.”

As Vaksana’s grand opening draws near, its purpose remains unwavering: to be a sanctuary where women can heal, find strength, and build a brighter future.

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More than 180 illegal firearms were seized by local law enforcement officials during 2024 and according to the Minister of Home Affairs, investigations have revealed that the weapons are not manufactured here in Guyana.

“We have had over, I think 180 firearms seized over last year. They are not made in Guyana. We barely could make a bicycle spokes.

“These firearms come from the North and the North East and are a pervasive issue in relation to criminal activities being done in the country,” Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn said.

Speaking at the ministry’s end-of-year press conference on Monday, Benn said the firearms originated from countries in the North East.

However, he said focus is still on removing illegal firearms from the streets as they continue to contribute to criminal activities.

“While we speak to the country of origin where the firearms come from we have to work with those who may have or have illegal firearms here and to up the screening at the ports in relation to firearms,” Benn said.

The figure represents a significant increase when compared to 2023 which saw the seizure of 128 firearms.

During a presentation last year, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum had indicated that the countries of origin include Brazil, Austria, Italy, Russia, Belgium and Germany.

 

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The family of seven-year-old Kareena Persaud is mourning the loss of a vibrant and cheerful child, whose life was cut short in a heart-wrenching accident on Sunday evening.

Kareena, a student at Skeldon Primary School and a resident of No. 77 Village Housing Scheme in Corriverton, Berbice, was tragically crushed by a heavy iron gate at the TejMohall Hotel and Bar, where she had been living with her aunt, Maharanie Ramnarine.

The tragic incident unfolded around 20:30 hrs when Kareena, who had been playing near the gate, became trapped beneath the 250-pound iron structure. Maharanie, who works as the manager of the hotel, had been closing up for the night when she heard her niece call out. Turning around, she was horrified to see the young girl lying unconscious, injured, and bleeding from a head wound.

Describing the devastating moment, Maharanie recalled her niece’s joyful and infectious personality. “She was such a happy child,” she said.

“Her laughter would light up the whole room. Kareena brought so much happiness to all of us. It’s heartbreaking to think of what we’ve lost.”

Kareena had been living with her aunt since she was just four months old.

Maharanie lovingly took her in, and since then, the bond between the two had grown stronger each day. “I’ve raised her as my own,” Maharanie said. “She was so full of life, always eager to learn, to play, and to make others smile.”

Despite the best efforts to save her, Kareena was rushed to Skeldon Public Hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

The loss has left the community in shock, with neighbours and friends struggling to come to terms with the death of such a young and promising soul.

The authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, and detectives are carefully reviewing CCTV footage from the hotel to determine the exact cause of the tragedy.

The scene has been processed, and statements have been taken from witnesses, but the family and friends remain in disbelief over the sudden loss.

Kareena’s story is one of a child with much potential, whose infectious energy and zest for life made her a bright light in the lives of those who knew her. While her life was tragically short, the memories of her laughter and her warmth will live on in the hearts of all who were touched by her.

As her aunt Maharanie puts it, “She was a very joyful child, and I can’t believe she’s gone.”

 

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