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New Year statement from the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union

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NEW YEAR STATEMENT BY NEW CHAIR OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM) MIA AMOR MOTTLEY, PRIME MINISTER OF BARBADOS:

My beloved brothers and sisters of the Caribbean,

As we step boldly into 2025, I greet you with hope, determination and an unyielding commitment to serve as your Chair of CARICOM.

Today, we stand at the crossroads of immense challenges and extraordinary opportunities. How we act, united as a people, and as nations will define not only this year, 2025, but the legacy of our generation.

The Caribbean is far more than a geographic space. We know it. It is a living testament to the power of courage, creativity, and our collective strength. Ours is a history marked by resilience, a word that we will have to embrace more and more in our future.

Time and again we have faced storms most natural and manmade and risen stronger, more determined than ever, united in shaping our destiny; especially in this year as we saw the ravages of Hurricane Beryl make history not just for the history books, but regrettably, in the lives of too many families across our region.

I extend heartfelt thanks to the outgoing chairman, the Honourable Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada, for his wise and steady leadership. Together with my fellow leaders, I reaffirm our shared commitment to ensuring the prosperity, security and well-being of every citizen in our region.

A Region at an Important Juncture

We begin 2025 against that backdrop of global uncertainty.

The aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic linger. The worsening climate crisis endangers our homes and livelihoods – as I just referred to our experience with Beryl this year.

The devastating conflicts in Sudan and Ukraine and Gaza and Lebanon reverberate far beyond their borders, while in our community, the multifaceted crisis in Haiti demands urgent, thoughtful and compassionate solutions, and we pray for the continued stability of our relations between Guyana and Venezuela.

These challenges, my friends, test our resolve, but they also underscore the urgency of adaptation, resilience and bold action. The Caribbean must not only weather these storms, but we must lead in crafting solutions for a changing world.

Advancing Regional Unity and Development

Central to our mission must be resuming the full implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. We paused our coordinated actions on this noble but critical mission as we applied all that we could muster to fight COVID and its trail of economic and social upheaval.

But five years on, we must resume our work on the CSME. For this is not merely an economic agenda. It is a vision of unity and opportunity for small states who know that we can achieve so much more together than we do so individually. Full realization of the CSME, including above all else, yes, the free movement of our nationals is essential for unlocking the true potential of our people and our economies.

So is the necessity for us to attain and go beyond the target that we set ourselves for food and nutritional security, best exemplified by the “Vision 25 by 2025” agenda, which we set in 2021.

We must now focus, my friends, to apply the few but necessary recommendations of the distinguished CARICOM Commission on Economy, who reported to us in the middle of the pandemic, when we were justifiably distracted. The pooling of our sovereignty must also be better addressed by the pooling of our efforts, from investment to skills to procurement. We can do better together.

We must also confront the injustices of the global financial system, which continue to marginalize Small Island and Low-lying Developing States. Unjust blacklisting practices, and insufficient access to concessional financing hinder our sustainable development efforts.

CARICOM will persist in advocating for reforms championed in the Bridgetown Initiative and working with others, like the 73 vulnerable countries in the Climate Vulnerable Forum as we fight for a better financial landscape regionally and globally, within which we can build resilience, prosperity and yes, equity – fairness – for all our people. We also urge the adoption and the laser like refining of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) to secure critical resources for our region’s future as we face these crises that are often beyond our control to avoid, but for which we must strengthen our resilience to survive.

In so doing, my friends, we must urgently settle a floor of rights as a community for our people so that we agree on what must be the minimum protection and the opportunities that each and every Caribbean person must benefit from while we instill as well in all of us the need for each to live our daily lives to do better by our family, our communities, our country, and yes, our region. Our home will only be as good in this region as we collectively make it. We remain inspired by the principles of Ubuntu – “I am because we are”.

In tandem, we must deliver on the commitments of the recently concluded George-Bridge Declaration, which built on the regional symposium in Port of Spain that recognized crime and violence as a public health issue in the Caribbean. This declaration reached at in Georgetown, Guyana, under the chairmanship of Barbados, prioritizes citizen security and safety by addressing it as a public health challenge while innovating and strengthening our efforts nationally and regionally in law enforcement and the modernization of our criminal justice systems.

This is absolutely critical for the majority of our people who simply want to ensure that the zone of peace that we aspire to as a region for the Caribbean is a lived reality in each of our communities. We look forward to the meeting in Saint Kitts and Nevis this year, which will add to the meetings in Trinidad and Guyana on this most critical of issues that affects each and every Caribbean person.

Championing Global Justice

We also welcome as a community, the declaration of the second decade for people of African descent, beginning today, the 1st of January, 2025. This achievement reflects the tireless advocacy of our region and the strides made during the first decade, including global recognition of our ten point plan for reparatory Justice and the establishment of the United Nations Permanent Forum for People of African Descent.

Yet, my friends, so much remains to be done in this area. We must continue to press the international community for a mature, face to face conversation at all levels, so that we may see them repair the damage from the exploitation through the immoral institutions of slavery and colonialism which our people suffered from.

We must also urge the international community to provide resources necessary to improve the dignity, security and material conditions of African descended people worldwide. The spectacle of 600 million Africans without electricity in an age of AI is in no way morally acceptable to us as a community, which is part of the African diaspora that is a six region of Africa. Yes, us CARICOM people. In this regard, we will further continue our work to strengthen our relationship with the African Union as a community of Caribbean people.

Seizing Opportunities for Transformation

So, my friends, this year, let us seize the boundless opportunities before us. The world is racing into a digital future, and the Caribbean must not be left behind. From green energy to artificial intelligence, we must lead with alacrity as innovators, not blindly but responsibly equipping our young people with the tools to drive change and to position our region as a hub for sustainable industries.

This is even more so when we consider that we equally face the challenge of many developed countries. That is, an aging and declining population.

It is for that reason that our young people, therefore, must be given every opportunity to ensure that when they to age, that there are those who are young enough to help them mature in their gray and silver years.

Our creativity, my friends, has long been our greatest asset. From the arts to technology. Let us inspire the world with our ingenuity and originality that every child, and entrepreneur and national, know they are part of a community that supports and uplifts them. And let us celebrate all that is good and is possible for our Caribbean civilization, as we do what we do best in the expression of our Festival of Arts CARIFESTA.

My friends, my brothers and sisters. CARIFESTA XV will be held in Barbados from August 22nd to 31st, 2025. I’m inviting you, God willing to create, to participate and simply to come. I speak to each and every one of us as Caribbean people, not just as members of Caricom, but everyone of the Caribbean people that can hear my voice, come.

As we would say in Barbados, “miss this and blame yourself”. Food and fashion. Music and dance, art, craft, sculpture and good old Caribbean talk from philosophy to attitudes from religion to development. Let us use this as an opportunity to build resilience in our region spiritually and psychologically each of us individually. Let us gather and feed our souls and nurture our spirit as Caribbean people.

The Power of Unity

In our unity lies our strength. This must be our truth and our rallying cry. Whether tackling the climate crisis, addressing gun violence, or championing equitable global financial reforms, we must act with one voice and one purpose.

To our Caribbean people, let us put aside what divides us and focus on what binds us together. I call on us to stay engaged. I say hold us, yes, as leaders accountable.

But remember, building this region we love is not only about the governments and its work. It is the responsibility of each and every one of us as Caribbean people, as Caribbean institutions. So, my friends, let us contribute our energy and our talents to this cause that matters most to us.

This must not, however, be our cry alone, but it must be the actions of our generation of Caribbean people.

We know better. We can do better. Together we can build a Caribbean that is resilient, prosperous, healthy and united. A beacon of hope in a world yearning for solutions. And we do so in our own, indomitable style with a smile on our face and a pep in our step.

Happy New Year, CARICOM The future is ours.

Yes, ours to create. Thank you.

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The following is the full text of President Irfaan Ali’s New Year’s message:

A Happy New Year to you all! Whether you are here at home or within our expanded diaspora, I extend warm and heartfelt wishes to you and your families for a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.

The New Year is always favourable to reflect on our shared journey, celebrate our accomplishments and set our sights on the incredible possibilities that lie ahead. This year, my friends, is no ordinary year. As we step into 2025, we enter what is undoubtedly one of the most exhilarating and transformative periods in our nation’s history.

The promise of a better life for every Guyanese is no longer a distant dream; it is becoming an irreversible reality. By the end of this decade, we should be able to enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the hemisphere, banish poverty and reduce inequality.

In just a few weeks, the Minister with responsibility for Finance will lay before our nation a bold and comprehensive agenda packed with measures to fuel economic growth, strengthen social development, uplift our communities and improve personal well-being. These initiatives will reflect our commitment to creating opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for everyone.

But before I mention what is ahead, let us take a moment to celebrate the incredible progress we made together since 2020. From then, we have been singularly focused on the rapid transformation to a modern, prosperous Guyana for all – one where national prosperity translates into community, household and individual well-being.

We have been pursuing this objective by creating opportunities for economic and personal upliftment, including education and training, employment and opportunities for excellence in sporting and cultural endeavours.

This is the future we’re working toward—a Guyana where every citizen has a fair shot at success and every family has the chance to live their best life. I am proud to say that we are delivering on that promise.

Let’s start with our economy. Guyana continues to be the shining star of global economic growth. The numbers speak for themselves: for the fifth consecutive year, our economy grew at an extraordinary pace, leading the world in economic performance.

But here’s the best part: this growth is not confined to oil. Our non-oil sectors have expanded by more than 40% since 2019 and our non-oil exports are steadily climbing. This is the result of deliberate planning and diversification of our economy, ensuring that our growth is broad-based.

Even as we celebrated this growth, we made it our mission to cushion the effects of rising costs of living globally.

We subsidised fuel and electricity, increased wages for public servants, teachers, and members of the Disciplined Services and raised pensions for our elderly. Every school-aged child was eligible for the reintroduced ‘Because We Care’ cash grant to aid their education, and, in an unprecedented move, we began last month rolling out a $100,000 cash grant to every adult citizen.

This process will continue in the months ahead. And let me signal that this cash grant is not intended to be a one-time payment. We are committed to ensuring that our people benefit from the proceeds derived from the exploitation of their natural resource wealth, and as such, we are committed to making future direct cash transfers to our citizens. In 2024, we also allocated sums earned from the sale of carbon credits to our hinterland communities. That’s real empowerment.

The physical transformation of our country is very much underway and visible for all to see. New bridges, roads, hospitals, schools, factories, warehouses, hotels and restaurants, offices, and homes are there for all to see. The speed with which our physical landscape is being transformed serves as abundant evidence of the pace at which this new Guyana is unfurling before our eyes. These investments are not just about infrastructure—they’re about improving the lives of ordinary Guyanese, making sure they have access to the services they need.

And now, we look ahead to 2025, a year of boundless possibilities. This year, we will deliver universal secondary education—ensuring that every child in Guyana has access to quality secondary schooling. Every teacher will either be trained or will be in training, and the University of Guyana will become tuition-free from this month. By the end of the year, more than 35,000 persons would have secured scholarships under the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL).

On top of that, we will soon launch a digital school, expand interventions in core subjects like mathematics and find an enhanced pathway to relieving the burden of student loan repayments. Our children are our future, and we are putting in place the building blocks of a world-class education system.

In healthcare, 2025 will be revolutionary. Six new regional hospitals and two state-of-the-art nursing schools will be completed, paving the way for thousands of nurses and other medical professionals to join our workforce. Telemedicine sites will be rolled out to ensure high-quality medical services, no matter where you live. Our goal is simple: to ensure that every Guyanese, from our hinterland to our coastland, has access to high-quality healthcare.

By the end of 2025 we will surpass our goal of distributing some 50,000 house lots. The fulfilment of this promise will allow us to move closer to the goal of every Guyanese family owning their own home.

By the end of 2025, the new Demerara River Bridge will be operational, and the East Bank to East Coast Bypass Road will be completed within months. This year, we will commence the construction of a new bridge across the Berbice River, and advance works on the Wismar Bridge.

These river bridges will attract no tolls, will improve connectivity and open new economic opportunities for all. Added to this is our ongoing investment in technology for public safety and we are creating a Guyana where you can move about your daily lives with ease and security.

But in addition to this physical transformation, there is a parallel transformation occurring. In 2025, we will continue to work for a safer country and safer communities – where people and their property are safe. This year we will accelerate the rollout of the Smart Country Programme and the deployment of smarter technology and intelligence-driven policing.

In this new year, we will launch a safer roadways initiative that will involve better designed highways and roadways, strengthened enforcement of road-safety laws and the use of technology-based solutions to stem the unacceptable level of road accidents and fatalities.

In 2025, we will also work towards cleaner and more appealing physical surroundings, nationally. We will do this by improving solid-waste management, including garbage-collection services, increasing the number of waste-disposal dump sites and promoting an improved sense of civic responsibility as well as the construction of attractive play parks and public spaces such as the transformed Kingston Seawall Esplanade, the Lamaha Street Walkway, and the Corriverton Play Park.

For those in receipt or eligible for pensions, social assistance and disability grants, you can expect further increases to these essential supports. Public servants, teachers and members of the Disciplined Services are assured of further salary increases this year.

A programme to digitise our public services will aim at ensuring greater efficiency in the provision of public services. This is why when we say we are building a better Guyana, we mean a Guyana where no one is left behind.

In 2025, Guyana will launch the Global Biodiversity Alliance, which will continue to place us in the forefront of efforts to protect our environment. We have already made history through the sale of jurisdictional carbon credits, 15% of the proceeds of which are reserved for our Indigenous communities.

Our economy is exploding with opportunities for our young people. This is their moment to shine. From technology and agriculture to tourism, energy, and the creative industries, the doors are wide open for our youth to step forward and make their mark. Whether it’s starting your own business, pursuing a trade, or joining one of the many sectors driving our growth, the possibilities are endless to build a secure and prosperous future for themselves and their families.

Our women are making remarkable strides. We couldn’t be prouder of the impact they are having. But we’re not stopping here—our aim is to ensure that every woman has the support she needs to leave an even greater imprint on our economy and to have a stronger voice at every decision-making table. Whether it’s through access to financing, training, or leadership opportunities, we are committed to empowering our women because when our women succeed, our nation succeeds.

But beyond the plans and policies, what excites me most about 2025 is the prospect of democratic renewal – an imperative in any democracy. This is an Election Year—a time when each of you will have the power to shape the future of our democracy.

Elections are not just about choosing leaders; they are about affirming our commitment to a free, fair, and vibrant democratic process. Let us show the world that Guyana’s democracy is not only resilient but robust. Your voice matters, and your vote is your strength.

Democracy is our ally, not our foe—it must always be a source of strength, never a weakness. It’s the foundation upon which we build a just and inclusive society. We must protect it fiercely. This is why we must stand firm in rejecting any return to the sordid past of electoral rascality.

Our future depends on fairness, transparency, and the trust of the people, and together, we will ensure democracy remains our guiding light.

Allow me in this regard to once again express our nation’s appreciation for the role played by former United States President Jimmy Carter in helping to broker the reforms that led to free and fair elections in October 1992 after almost a quarter of a century of political dictatorship.

Sadly, President Carter passed away a few days ago. As I said in my message of condolence, President Carter’s standing in Guyana’s history is etched in gratitude and respect.

As we protect our democracy, we must remain ever-vigilant in safeguarding our sovereignty and territorial integrity. Guyana is no one’s pawn and certainly no pushover when it comes to defending what is rightfully ours.

While we always seek peaceful resolutions to controversies, we stand resolute in our trust in the rule of international law and the solidarity of well-meaning friends. Together, we will ensure that our nation’s borders are upheld without compromise.

Fellow Guyanese, the journey we are on is nothing short of remarkable. Together, we are building a Guyana where every family can live with dignity, where opportunities for wealth creation are within reach and where we are fully integrated into the global economy.

We are building a One Guyana that is both democratic and inclusive. The One Guyana enterprise is not just about statistics or projects; it’s about people. It’s about you, your family, and the generations to come.

Therefore, as we march boldly into this new year, let us do so with confidence and optimism. The road ahead will not be without challenges, but I have no doubt that together, we will overcome them. Let us hold fast to our shared vision, our shared hope, and our shared determination to build a brighter, stronger, and more united Guyana.

Happy New Year to you all! May 2025 be a year of health, happiness, and extraordinary progress for you and your loved ones. Together, let us continue to lift Guyana to greater heights.

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Below is the full statement from General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo in his 2025 New’s Year’s Message: 

As we step into 2025, a pivotal year for Guyana and our democracy, I extend warm and heartfelt New Year greetings to all Guyanese, both at home and abroad.

This year is a defining moment for our nation. As we prepare for the upcoming elections, I urge every citizen to reflect on the progress we have made together, despite the challenges, and the prosperous future we can look forward to as a people.

Over the past four years, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has worked tirelessly to fulfil—and even surpass—the commitments made in our 2020-2025 Manifesto. In 2024, the PPP/C government achieved significant milestones across multiple sectors.

Over 3,000 community roads and 200 bridges were constructed, while major highway expansions reduced traffic congestion and boosted economic zones.

The energy sector advanced through ongoing work on the transformative Gas-to-Energy Project, alongside investments in solar energy for electrification in multiple hinterland communities. Employment surged with the creation of over 60,000 jobs, while increased public sector salaries boosted disposable incomes.

Approximately 38,000 house lots were distributed, and affordable housing programmes improved living standards. Education saw the distribution of 50,000 scholarships and expanded cash grants for students, while healthcare infrastructure grew with ongoing efforts to construct 12 new hospitals and expand telemedicine services.

The agricultural sector benefited from billions of dollars invested to enhance food security and exports, while social welfare measures included increased pensions and bonuses for members of the Disciplined Services.

In response to global increases in the cost of living, our citizens also benefited from several interventions throughout the year, including the $100,000 cash grant.

Successful carbon credit agreements injected billions in direct support to over 240 Amerindian village economies, alongside advancements in the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, highlighting Guyana’s environmental leadership.

Tax reforms alleviated financial burdens, and initiatives in technology, tourism, and digitized public services further modernized the country.

These achievements reflect our unwavering dedication to the betterment of every Guyanese community, regardless of size or location. Our achievements speak for themselves.

From advancements in women’s and youth empowerment to the robust development of infrastructure and the empowerment of every sector of society, we have delivered not only on our promises but also on the trust you placed in us when we were given a mandate to govern.

Yet, as we celebrate these milestones, we must also recognize the responsibility that lies ahead.

The upcoming 2025 elections are not just about choosing a government—they are about safeguarding the freedoms, rights, and democratic principles that form the foundation of our nation. The preservation of democracy demands vigilance and unity.

To this end, I wish to emphasize that a united Guyana is the only path forward. I call on every Guyanese to look beyond race, ethnicity, and divisive rhetoric when choosing leaders and judge leadership by its track record of delivering for the people.

The PPP remains proud to be the only multi-ethnic political party in Guyana, representing and uplifting the rich diversity of our nation.

At the same time, we cannot ignore the lessons of the past. The transgressions of the PNCR, APNU, and AFC—whether through undermining democracy, mismanaging resources, or harming our people—must not be forgotten or excused.

Accountability is critical to maintaining justice, transparency, and good governance for future generations. As we move into this critical year, let us commit to working together for a stronger, more inclusive, and prosperous Guyana.

Your support will be essential as we continue to build a nation that offers opportunity, unity, and hope for all.

On behalf of the People’s Progressive Party, I wish you and your families a Happy New Year. May 2025 bring continued progress, peace, and success to our beloved Guyana. Bharrat Jagdeo General Secretary, People’s Progressive Party.

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Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony revealed during the ministry’s yearend press conference on Tuesday that Guyana is expected to access the US$22 million Pandemic Fund from March 2025.

The funding includes a US$15 million grant from the Pandemic Fund, facilitated by the World Bank in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), with an additional US$7 million in co-funding from the World Bank.

“The Pandemic Fund was established after COVID to look at how countries can better for future pandemics and right now the fund has about US$1.5 billion and they have been doing calls for proposals from different countries,” Dr. Anthony said.

In 2024, Guyana submitted its proposal and were successful in securing funding.

“So, Guyana now has access to US$15 million which by March [2025] we should be able to start accessing,” the health minister said.

Dr. Anthony revealed that Guyana will focus on disease surveillance in both human and animal populations.

“We want to make sure that if there is a disease in the animal population that jumps over to the human population that we will be able to detect that,” he explained.

Key initiatives include enhancing laboratory capacities, particularly at the National Public Health Reference Lab.

“We will be investing approximately US$2 million dollars to upgrade the National Public Health Reference Lab to a level three facility,” Dr. Anthony stated.

The lab will also gain a new division dedicated to molecular surveillance.

“This is absolutely essential if we want to work with viruses and understand the types of viruses circulating,” the minister said.

Dr. Anthony further highlighted collaborative efforts with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) during last year, enabling influenza and other virus tracking.

“So, that we can be able to tell you the types of virus that are circulating in Guyana,” he said.

Additionally, the ministry is working toward certification by PAHO as a collaborating centre for influenza, further strengthening Guyana’s capacity to monitor and respond to viral diseases.

 

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Cancer continues to be a major health concern in Guyana, with breast cancer standing out as the most prevalent form. This was revealed by Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, during the Ministry of Health’s yearend press conference on Tuesday.

Additionally, cervical cancer and prostate cancer are among the leading types of cancer in the country.

“In terms of cancer, as you know, this is one of the big challenges that we have in our country and again we have done quite a lot of work in terms of cancer care,” the health minister stated.

Breast cancer remains the leading type of cancer among women, with at least 253 new cases diagnosed in 2024.

Prostate cancer follows closely, with 200 cases reported, while 107 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer. Additionally, 98 persons were diagnosed with colorectal cancer last year.

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony

Dr. Anthony emphasised the importance of prevention and early detection, particularly for breast cancer. To aid in this effort, mammography services will be expanded with the acquisition of four mammography machines through a collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Currently there is only one mammography machine operational at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The four new machines will be installed at the New Amsterdam Hospital, Suddie, Lethem, and Linden Hospitals.

“The four machines, by end of January we should have them operational so we will be able to screen more persons,” Dr. Anthony said.

A critical advancement in breast cancer care for last year, the health minister revealed is the ability to differentiate between cancer types through fine needle biopsies.

“That is important because the treatment differs and prior to this year we were unable to do those differentiation and therefore the way that we were treating patients was not ideal.”

For prostate cancer, in addition to the standard (Prostate-Specific Antigen) PSA test, the health ministry has significantly scaled up testing.

Last year, 13,688 PSA tests were conducted across all regions, with 2,607 cases identified with elevated PSA levels. Of these, 536 individuals underwent biopsies, resulting in 126 new prostate cancer diagnoses. Dr. Anthony noted that these numbers are expected to rise as more testing is being done.

In addressing cervical cancer, HPV testing was introduced, with 9,962 tests conducted. Among these, 1,755 individuals tested positive. The ministry expects more cases to be identified through continued routine surveillance.

Colorectal cancer remains a concern, as cases are often detected at advanced stages when symptoms become severe and treatment options are limited.

“We are now working on a programme where we will be able to screen for colon rectal cancer and hopefully we can be able to reduce the amount of colon rectal cancer we are seeing,” Dr. Anthony said.

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The year 2024 saw Guyana’s highest number of pensioners, with a 17% increase from 2023.

This was disclosed by Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, at the ministry’s year-end press conference.

Minister Persaud spoke extensively on the Ministry’s work toward improving the quality of life for senior citizens, including the restoration of water and electricity subsidies.

Various programmes and vouchers were also available for seniors to benefit from. The ministry was also able to provide 1,000 seniors with tested spectacles through the eye care programme.

Dr Persaud made mention to a “transformational” programme launched this year. It entails a team from the Ministry going into communities and having weekly sessions to engage seniors in recreational and educational activities.

Seniors are also being involved in developing digital literacy so they will be able to use smart phones, fill forms online, and engage in other practical digital activities. This is a part of the Ministry and Government’s aim to narrow the digital divide globally.

Additionally, for pensioners who made it to 100 years old and above, there is The Century Club, which was established in 2022. Minister Persaud noted that the Ministry “will continue to commit to this programme.”

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The emergency department at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has faced a consistent rise in patient volume over recent years, exacerbating challenges posed by limited space and staffing.

Despite these constraints, Dr. Zulfikar Bux, Head of the Accident and Emergency Department, Monday said the hospital is managing the situation through an overcrowding plan and the efforts of its dedicated doctors and teams, who work to maintain effective coordination.

For the past four years, the department has almost doubled the patient volume, moving from about 37,000 patients in 2020 to now more than 60,000.

The challenges with such an increase are real for the doctors and teams at the hospital who must often endure sleepless nights, burn out, and increased work to manage this number of patients with just 18 beds.

“Ideally, we should be at 45-50 beds to manage the patient volumes that we have. If only those beds could speak, they will tell you of the abuse that they go through,” Bux told an end-of-year press conference at the hospital’s Resource Centre on New Street, Georgetown.

The more than 60k patients seen for 2024 represents a nine percent increase from 2023 and includes 7,300 referrals, most of which have been very critical cases.

“Sometimes when we have to examine patients on a bed, we have to examine their abdomen on a chair when we don’t have that choice,” Bux explained, adding, “Sometimes because of lack of bed spaces, it affects our timings and turn over. I do think that our average disposition time of four hours and five minutes can come down once we have more bed space to turn over these patients.”

Bux said the hospital has been striving to ensure that this challenge does not affect the effectiveness of care. As such, the teams have been improvising as much as possible, and using their overcrowding plan.

“But there are times when a patient just have to wait until a bed opens. And that’s the reality of the situation,” Buz said.

He noted that he is very concerned should these numbers continue for 2025/2026, and that increases in staff members and space will definitely have to be looked at.

Even with such challenges, though, he pointed out that the hospital’s waiting time has been better than world average.

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Young Guyanese track star Malachi Austin has received support from the National Sports Commission (NSC) that will enable him take up a scholarship at the Louisiana State University (LSU) in 2025.

Austin recently met with Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, who facilitated the acquisition of airfare for the 17-year-old, who is a silver medalist at the Youth Commonwealth Games and the 2024 CARIFTA Games Under-20 400m champion.

Austin was also a member of the record-breaking Youth Commonwealth and CARIFTA Games 4x400m Mixed Relay teams.

Ninvalle said the NSC willingly embraced the opportunity to assist the athlete, using the opportunity to extend best wishes on his stint at LSU.

Austin was understandably elated to receive the boost and expressed gratitude to Ninvalle and members of the NSC for acceding to his request for support.

Ninvalle took the opportunity to remind the standout athlete of the importance of remaining focus, as he cited instances of local athletes not fulfilling their potential on overseas scholarships.

Austin has credited his coach, Julian Edmonds, for playing a crucial role in his development and instilling the self-belief that has propelled him to international success.

He also thanked the U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole D. Theriot for making the opportunity at LSU possible.

The former Tutorial High School student recently won the runner-up award for the NSC Junior Sportsman-of-the-Year 2023.

This scholarship represents a significant step forward in Austin’s athletic career, allowing him to train at a world-class institution and compete at the highest level.

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Neil Patterson, a 26-year-old man of Kwakwani Park, Berbice River, was Tuesday morning nabbed with 62 kilogrammes (or about 136.7 pounds) of marijuana.

Police Headquarters reported that the man was caught with the narcotics at Craig, East Bank Demerara. He was driving a white Toyota 212 motorcar (#PRR 2536).

When the vehicle was searched, Police found six bulky parcels wrapped in transparent plastic, containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be narcotics. The suspected narcotics were found in the baggage compartment and back seat of the car.

Patterson, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was informed of the offence, arrested, and cautioned. He was then escorted to Regional Police 4’B’ Headquarters (Narcotics Department), along with the suspected narcotics.

The narcotics were weighed in Patterson’s presence and found to weigh 62 kilogrammes. Investigations continue.

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