With key stakeholders in the gold industry restarting and expanding their operations, Guyana in 2024 saw an increase in gold production, earning US$989.9 million.
In 2024, the sector produced 434, 067 ounces of gold and 432, 113 ounces in 2024. Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat revealed an increased revenue of over US$180 million.
“This is an encouraging sign for our country, for the sector and stakeholders,” Bharrat said at a yearend press conference on Tuesday.
Despite the successes, there have been challenges such as flooding, drought, and labour shortages.
Bharrat stated that several medium-scale miners had left the sector to pursue other opportunities in oil and gas and construction sectors but are returning now to the mining sector.
“We are working with stakeholders to increase and restart their operations once again,” Bharrat said.
Meanwhile, in 2025, special attention will be placed on assisting small and medium-scale miners to increase the recovery rate.
Minister Bharrat revealed that in 2024, the small and medium miners only achieved about 40 to 45 per cent recovery rate while the large-scale miners achieved a 95 per cent recovery rate.
The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission is now tasked to improve monitoring across the mining sector which is key and critical to ensure increased production.
Bharrat further revealed that several new small-scale mining lots were allocated in 2024 in Regions One, Seven and Eight.
“Almost 500 small miners had access to their own lands,” Bharrat said.
Plans are afoot to construct three additional state-of-the-art recording studios, which will be free of cost for local artistes to use.
According to information released by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, these new studies will be built in designated areas in Regions 2, 3, and 10. One similar studio has already been constructed in Region 6; it is currently in the contracting process before it becomes operational.
Subject Minister Charles Ramson explained that the investment in these studios will improve the sound quality of locally produced music.
The Ministry’s goal is to give musically gifted Guyanese the support to explore, advance and develop their craft.
“The environment or infrastructure is not enough, you [have to] do it consistently, there is a lot of backroom work that goes into the development so that you get a good outcome, the Ministry is providing that,” Ramson stated while speaking at a year-end press conference at the weekend.
He reminded that in 2024 workshops were held to ensure Guyanese artistes improve their craft. These workshops were conducted by experienced overseas musicians with lessons on stagecraft and performance, music production, audio engineering and song writing.
This was backed by investments made by the Ministry into some ‘bottom house’ studios. Singers at the ground level were able to record and produce their music at these facilities instead of having to pay $40 to $60 to record music in a private studio.
Guyana’s music is being played across the Caribbean and other North American and European destinations with the most popular genre to date being chutney. Artists like Samuel Medas and Calvin Burnette are also making waves with their music and are recognized and awarded internationally including being mentioned on the Caribbean’s Top Ten List.
Ramson describes Guyana’s music industry as being on a transformative uprise. He recognised that in the past it was linear and somewhat stagnant.
Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat on Tuesday announced a significant increase in the production of bauxite for 2024, ntoing that the year ended at 1.7 million tonnes.
“An increase of 225 per cent in bauxite production in 2024 in comparison to 2023 way above the target set by the company itself.
“Bauxite has been a success story over the last few years,” Bharrat added while addressing a yeared press conference on the performance of the Ministry of Natural Resources.
In 2023, bauxite production was just at 523, 732 tonnes.
Bharrat said the remarkable achievement is credited to the investment and confidence of Bosai as the country is still recovering from the withdrawal of Rusal in the Berbice River.
The bauxite sector has also generated over 1000 employment and economic opportunities.
Bharrat said the company made a commitment to continue investing in bauxite in Guyana.
The increase in production is also credited to Bosai acquiring more barges to ship larger quantities of bauxite.
Luton Town have signed Isaiah Jones from Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee.
The 25-year-old Guyana international made 149 appearances for Boro, scoring 13 goals, after making his debut in 2020.
Jones has played 23 times this season for Michael Carrick’s team, who are fifth in the Championship.
“I think it’s the perfect move for both parties. This season’s been tough for Luton so far but there’s a really strong squad here and hopefully I can put a smile onto the fans’ faces,” he said.
Earlier on Friday, Luton forward Joe Taylor made a permanent move to League One Huddersfield Town.
The Hatters have endured a difficult return to the second tier following relegation from the Premier League and parted ways with head coach Rob Edwards on Thursday after a run of four losses in a row, and 10 consecutive away defeats.
“I think it’s the perfect move for both parties,” Jones told the club’s website.
“The project here, the success the club’s had over the past couple of years and moving back down south is an attractive proposition for me.
“This season’s been tough for Luton so far but there’s a really strong squad here and hopefully I can put a smile onto the fans’ faces.
“I’m direct, skilful and I like to give the crowd something to cheer. I can’t wait to get started.”
Boro signed Jones from Tooting & Mitcham in 2019. He spent time north of the border on loan at St Johnstone and Queen of the South.
Luton did not state the length of Jones’s contract. He is available for selection for Saturday’s FA Cup third round visit to high-flying Nottingham Forest. (BBC)
The Guyana Bar Association has once again voiced its frustration over the prolonged absence of a substantive Chancellor and Chief Justice in Guyana, declaring on Tuesday that the current situation is “untenable”.
For over two decades, the roles of Chancellor and Chief Justice have been filled by acting officials with Justices Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Roxane George holding the respective acting positions since 2017.
According to Kamal Ramkarran, President of the Bar Association, it’s time for a permanent resolution.
Speaking at the opening of Law Year 2025 on Tuesday, Ramkarran emphasized that the delay in confirming a substantive Chancellor and Chief Justice was damaging to the legal system.
“The situation is untenable and unacceptable, and it is not something we can continue to happen,” he said.
“There is no reason that we should be here 20 years later without a Chancellor or CJ. This is something that should be accepted by anyone.”
Ramkarran made it clear that the two acting justices, who have served the judiciary with distinction, are more than qualified to be confirmed for the positions they currently occupy.
Attorney Kamal Ramkarran
“I certainly believe that the people who are performing the role of the Chancellor and CJ are the people who should be confirmed for the positions and it should happen as soon as possible,” he added.
At the heart of the issue lies the power vested in Chapter 127 (1) of Guyana’s Constitution, which designates the President as the authority responsible for these crucial appointments. However, the process has been stymied by a lack of consensus between the President and the Leader of the Opposition.
As Ramkarran pointed out, the situation has dragged on for over 22 years, a timeline so long that, “During that time a child could have been born… complete school and even get a Degree.”
Guyana’s failure to confirm a substantive Chancellor and Chief Justice has been a persistent issue, stretching across four consecutive presidential terms. This ongoing impasse is a result of the constitutional requirement that the President must secure the approval of the Opposition Leader before making such appointments—a provision that has consistently led to deadlock.
Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, and previous Bar President Pauline Chase had previously remarked that this constitutional formula is broken and should be reconsidered as part of a broader package of reforms that will take place during Guyana’s long-awaited constitutional review.
Since the constitutional amendment in 2001, no Chancellor or Chief Justice has been appointed permanently, leaving the judiciary in a state of uncertainty. With the legal community now pushing for decisive action, the call for a permanent resolution to this issue has never been louder.
Currently, Justice Yonette Cummings Edwards is performing the duties of Chancellor and Justice Roxane George is performing the duties of the Chief Justice.
Guyana’s Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonnette Cummings-Edwards and Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George (front left) along with Appeal Court Judges Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud (behind) engages Justices from the Caribbean Court of Justice led by CCJ President Adrian Saunders at the Arthur Chung Conference Center in Georgetown.
They were both appointed by former President David Granger in 2017. Failure by the former Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon to recognise President Irfaan Ali as legitimately elected, has prevented any form of consultation between the two.
But even during the Granger presidency, no consultations occurred between him and the then Leader of the Opposition Dr Bharrat Jagdeo.
Former Chancellor Carl Singh and Chief Justice Ian Chang both acted in the position for years amid failed attempts by former Presidents Donald Ramotar and Granger to reach a consensus on confirming them.
Guyana’s last substantive Chancellor of the Judiciary was Justice Desiree Bernard. She served until 2005 and was in position before the constitution was amended.
West Indies Under-19 Women secured a tense nine-run win over Nepal Under-19 Women in their opening ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Warm-up match at the Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar Ground in Malaysia on Monday.
The young West Indians posted 109-4 from their 20 overs after winning the toss and choosing to bat.
Captain Samara Ramnath led the way with 25, while Asabi Callender and Jahzara Claxton made 23 and 22*, respectively, with Abigail Bryce also contributing 19* off 11 balls.
Rachana Chaudhary and Seemana KC split two wickets for Nepal, while the others fell via the run-out route.
Trisha Hardat, Aaliyah Weekes, and Amiah Gilbert combined for six wickets to help the West Indies bowl out Nepal for 100 with five balls left in the innings.
Seemana KC hit 23, while captain Puja Mahato and Kiran Kunwar made 18 each.
On Tuesday, the West Indies will face New Zealand in their second warm-up game. (SportsMax)
In a bold move to revitalise Guyana’s entertainment industry, the Ministry of Culture has announced several key initiatives aimed at creating more opportunities for performers and entertainers throughout 2024 and beyond.
The country’s cultural scene has seen a resurgence, with the Ministry taking concerted steps to address concerns raised by Minister Charles Ramson Jr., who highlighted the decline of theatre in Guyana.
He noted that productions at the National Cultural Centre had not fully embraced the diverse and rich potential of theatre as an art form. In response, the Ministry joined forces with the local drama community to launch the ‘Write to Stage’ initiative, a platform designed to showcase Guyanese talent and elevate the theatre scene.
Since its inception in 2023, ‘Write to Stage’ has already delivered six successful stage productions, each receiving strong attendance and acclaim from audiences. Director of Culture, Tamika Boatswain, explained that the plays selected for performance came from the prestigious Guyana Prize for Literature Competition.
Notable productions included SAUDA, Makantali, Last of the Red Men, Father of the Man, Children of Baby, and Requiem for the Living. These performances have been widely praised for their high quality, family-friendly content, and cultural relevance.
In a historic move, the Ministry also funded the initial costs for these productions, allowing producers to retain the proceeds, which were then shared among the cast members. This innovative approach has not only provided financial support but also nurtured local talent by ensuring that the performers benefit directly from their work.
But the Ministry’s efforts don’t stop there. In 2024, a new and exciting competition, the Dancehall Monarch, was introduced as part of the Mashramani celebrations.
This addition has already garnered an impressive number of entries, offering even more opportunities for Guyanese artists to showcase their craft and earn from their performances.
The Ministry’s overarching goal is to create a sustainable environment where artists have a platform to perform year-round, not just during seasonal events like Mashramani or Carnival.
The expansion of performance spaces has been further supported by events like GuyExpo and the Building Expo, both of which have featured diverse exhibitions and performances, providing more avenues for creatives to connect with audiences and showcase their talents.
These festivals are just one part of a broader vision to ensure that Guyanese artists can thrive in both local and international arenas.
The Ministry’s commitment to fostering the growth of the creative sector is also reflected in its support of the Institute of Creative Arts, a unique fusion of The National School of Theatre Arts and Drama, The National School of Dance, and The National School of Music.
These institutions are at the forefront of developing young talent, with the Ministry actively working to create opportunities for alumni to make their mark in the entertainment industry.
Additionally, the Ministry is rolling out a Creative Industry Online Registry, which will make it easier for creative professionals to connect with potential collaborators and employers, both locally and globally.
This digital platform is set to boost the visibility of Guyana’s creative sector and open up new pathways for international recognition.
Le Président du conseil présidentiel de la transition, Leslie Voltaire a dénoncé, la semaine dernière, les structures politiques qui ont concocté et paraphé un document destiné à la CARICOM via lequel elles ont exigé l’intégration de l’association criminelle « Viv ansanm » à la table des négociations pour une sortie de crise. Une initiative qualifiée de menace pour la République par le Président-conseiller.
Comme tous les chemins mènent à Rome,les politiciens haïtiens pensent que toutes les voies sont bonnes pour parvenir à prendre le pouvoir. L’histoire même de la politique haïtienne s’est basée sur des alliances fragiles, irrationnelles, corrompues et malsaines visant la prise du pouvoir.
Que ce soit entre le parlement et l’exécutif, entre l’exécutif et le judiciaire ou entre les partis politiques et d’autres structures de la société civile, les pactes conclus ne sont jamais au profit de la classe défavorisée.
Pour preuve, le Collectif 30 janvier, les Engagés pour le développement (EDE) et une frange de l’accord du 21 décembre ont frabriqué un document pour être envoyé à la CARICOM. Via ce document, ces politiques ont opté pour que la coalition criminelle « Viv ansanm » soit partie prenante dans les discussions devant mener à une sortie de crise. Une alliance dénoncée par Leslie Voltaire qui, dans la même veine, a indiqué qu’il s’agit d’une menace pour la République. En agissant ainsi, ces partis politiques ne font que s’écarter des principes républicains.
Le Président-conseiller, sur un ton ferme, a fait savoir que ces acteurs signataires du document doivent être traduits devant la justice. Le Lavalasien de souche, sans langue de bois, a laissé entendre qu’un tel comportement est une trahison de la mémoire des victimes et cela porte également atteinte à la souveraineté nationale.
La police nationale d’Haïti a procédé, le dimanche 12 janvier 2025, à l’arrestation de l’ancien député de la circonscription de Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite Prophane Victor. Cette arrestation survient suite aux dénonciations faites par Magalie Habitant, également appréhendée par la police en date du 10 janvier 2025. Sous la supervision du Directeur général de la PNH, Normil Rameau, les forces de l’ordre ont perquisitionné le domicile privé de Prophane Victor où vingt autres personnes ont été également arrêtées, des documents et d’autres matériels saisis.
L’ancien élu sous la bannière de la plateforme Bouclier à l’issue des élections de 2015 n’est pas à sa première dénonciation. Alors qu’il siégeait encore à la chambre basse, Odma, ancien chef de gang de Savien, avait avili le parlementaire dans une vidéo devenue virale depuis son arrestation. Le caïd avait avoué à la population que c’est Prophane Victor qui lui avait fourni des armes et des munitions, le traitant de chef de gang également.
Si les révélations d’Odma ont été ignorées par les autorités haïtiennes, les Nations unies, le Canada et les États-Unis d’Amérique avaient déjà sanctionné Prophane pour son implication dans la formation et le soutien indéfectible des groupes armés qui violent à tout bout de champ les droits humains en Haïti.
L’ex-directrice du SNGRS, Magalie Habitant, ainsi que son chauffeur sont actuellement en détention. Ils ont été arrêtés le 10 janvier dernier pour association de malfaiteurs et financement des gangs armés après que la police a perquisitionné son domicile à Laboule. Actuellement, Magalie Habitant dénonce et veut collaborer avec l’institution policière en vue de procéder à l’arrestation d’autres individus de connivence avec les gangs armés.
In 2024, a remarkable surge in the discovery and destruction of illegal narcotics was recorded by the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU), with approximately 6,000 kilograms of drugs seized.
This figure includes 5,094 kilograms of cocaine, among which four and a half tonnes were found buried in hand-dug pits in Region One (Barima-Waini). These cocaine seizures alone are estimated to have a street value of US$195 million.
The haul also comprised 1,643 kilograms of cannabis and 992 grams of methamphetamine, further highlighting the diversity of illegal substances circulating within the region. In total, 71 individuals were arrested in connection with these operations.
Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn provided an assessment of the situation during the Ministry’s end-of-year press conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Center, Liliendaal on Monday. He described the findings as “dramatic,” pointing to the significant increase in cocaine seizures, which he attributed to heightened efforts against drug trafficking.
“So we have had a dramatic increase in the cocaine seizures and also the work in relation to drug trafficking,” Benn remarked.
He was clear, however, on one critical point: the local demand for cocaine and marijuana remains minimal.
“The demand is not in Guyana for cocaine, marijuana that is being produced in some places,” he stated, hinting at the export-oriented nature of the narcotic trade.
The fight against the pervasive drug trade has involved not only local law enforcement but also international collaboration.
According to Benn, foreign nationals have been charged, and several aircraft linked to drug smuggling have been destroyed in the course of these operations.
While acknowledging the successes, Benn also emphasised the need for increased international cooperation, noting that local authorities require “more physical support” from their overseas counterparts to more effectively tackle this growing issue.
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Attorney Kamal Ramkarran, Justice Yonnette Cummings-Edwards and Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George (front left) along with Appeal Court Judges Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud (behind) engages Justices from the Caribbean Court of Justice led by CCJ President Adrian Saunders at the Arthur Chung Conference Center in Georgetown.</p>
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Guyana’s Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonnette Cummings-Edwards and Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George (front left) along with Appeal Court Judges Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud (behind) engages Justices from the Caribbean Court of Justice led by CCJ President Adrian Saunders at the Arthur Chung Conference Center in Georgetown.
