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The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has officially opened its Geographic Information System (GIS) and Drone Operations Centre, a cutting-edge facility that aims to enhance its operational capabilities. The centre was constructed this year and will serve as the central hub for all drone operations within the force, the GDF said in a release.

“The facility is designed to support real-time data collection, analysis, and mapping, enabling precise decision-making and enhanced mission planning,” the release stated.

It represents a significant step toward modernising the GDF, aligning with global military and security innovation trends, and positioning the force to address emerging challenges while contributing to Guyana’s safety and development.

The centre further equips the GDF to address national security challenges, conduct surveillance missions, and safeguard Guyana’s borders with cutting-edge technology.

To support the development at the new centre, seventeen soldiers have successfully completed the first Grade Three Drone Pilot Course

To support the development at the new centre, seventeen soldiers have successfully completed the first Grade Three Drone Pilot Course, earning certification as drone pilots.

The five-week training, conducted at Headquarters Base Camp Ayanganna, Thomas Lands, provided essential knowledge and practical skills in drone technology, operation, care, and maintenance.

The programme covered vital topics, including drone regulations, airworthiness inspections, environmental assessments, and navigation using advanced systems. Participants also learned emergency response procedures, no-fly zone identification, and the application of appropriate sensors and flight settings. Hands-on sessions focused on advanced maneuvers, enhancing operational expertise.

Lance Corporal Mark Trotman of the 31 Special Forces Squadron was named the Best Graduating Student for the programme, while Private Jyrom Elliot of the Guyana National Reserve earned the Runner-Up award.

 

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A young mother passed away after giving birth to a stillborn child at New Amsterdam Hospital at the weekend.

On December 6, 24-year-old Toshana Wilson was admitted to the hospital for observation after her blood sugar levels were found to be dangerously low during tests linked to her diabetes.

Toshana’s mother, Melena Wilson, says that her daughter, who had been attending a high-risk clinic for her condition, was administered six units of insulin on the Saturday prior.

Toshana had reportedly voiced concerns, feeling that the dose was inadequate compared to the amount she normally took at home.

Melena also claimed that Toshana’s blood sugar levels were not monitored by the hospital staff. In response, family members brought Toshana’s personal blood glucose meter to the hospital, revealing a dangerously high reading of over 600 millimoles per litre.

Despite this, Toshana was given a smaller insulin dose than what she would typically require. Early on Sunday morning, she was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU).

At around 6:00 hrs, Melena visited the hospital for an update, only to be informed by medical staff of the devastating news that her unborn child had died.

By the afternoon, however, hospital staff reportedly reassured her that Toshana’s blood sugar levels had returned to normal. Later that evening, at approximately 19:00 hrs, Melena was unable to reach her daughter by phone and requested that Toshana’s father visit her before his shift.

Melena stayed at the hospital overnight, and just after midnight, she was informed of her daughter’s tragic passing.

The family now believes that negligence and potential malpractice may have played a role in Toshana’s death.

Dr Vineshri Khirodhar, the Regional Health Director, has confirmed that an investigation into the incident is currently underway.

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The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has issued a statement addressing misconceptions in the media regarding a recent ruling by the Chief Justice on the source of funding for tax exemptions related to duty-free vehicles for re-migrants from the United States.

While the GRA respects and will adhere to the court’s decision, the authority has clarified its stance on the matter and outlined concerns over the potential abuse of the re-migrant vehicle concession system.

The GRA emphasized that re-migrants are entitled to duty reductions on vehicle imports for personal use, subject to specific conditions.

These exemptions, which vary depending on the engine capacity of the vehicle, allow re-migrants to pay significantly reduced taxes—between 10% to 30% excise tax. For instance, a regular taxpayer importing a high-end luxury vehicle could pay upwards of $44 million in taxes, while a re-migrant could be taxed as little as $6 million for the same vehicle, depending on its engine size.

However, this concession has been increasingly exploited by unscrupulous individuals, including auto dealers, who lure potential re-migrants into the system for monetary gain. These individuals often travel to Guyana, apply for re-migrant status, and acquire luxury vehicles only to leave the country soon after. Alarmingly, many applicants lack sufficient financial resources, and some even fail to meet basic legal requirements, such as having a bank account, tax records, or a driver’s license in their country of origin.

The GRA has identified a troubling pattern where applicants, initially showing little to no financial activity, suddenly experience large cash deposits in their accounts—often from unknown sources—just before or after receiving approval for the tax concessions. This has led to significant revenue losses for the state, as high-end vehicles are then sold or transferred to ineligible individuals through powers of attorney or possession.

The authority is also concerned about the involvement of employees from certain treaty-exempt organizations and public servants in this growing trend. As a result, the GRA has invoked the principle of “he who asserts must prove,” requiring applicants to provide a verifiable source of funds for the vehicle purchase.

The GRA has made it clear that it takes its role as a supervisory body seriously, especially in relation to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act. The authority is legally obligated to monitor suspicious transactions and report them through Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) in line with international tax and financial information-sharing agreements.

In light of the ruling, the GRA is appealing the decision, citing the significant tax implications for the state and its responsibility under the relevant acts. The authority is committed to exploring all available legal avenues to protect public revenue and ensure the integrity of the re-migrant concession system.

The GRA has also urged the public to report any suspected abuse of the system, stressing that individuals found guilty of defrauding the state could face severe penalties, including fines or imprisonment. The public can confidentially report such activities by calling the GRA at the designated numbers, and those who provide information leading to successful investigations may be rewarded in accordance with the provisions of the Customs Act.

The GRA reiterated its commitment to upholding the nation’s tax laws and ensuring that any attempts to undermine the system through fraud or exploitation are met with the full force of the law.

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According to report in Wednesday’s Trinidad Guardian, 45-year-old Deon Marshall, a Guyanese national and businessman, was gunned down at his vending stall, Mix Master Punch Bar, on Tuesday in Arima, Trinidad.

Marshall, who left Guyana several years ago in search of a better life in Trinidad, was operating his business – Mix Master Punch Bar – which sold a variety of drinks as well as hotdogs, burgers and ice-cream, close to the rear entrance of the Arima Police Station when the shooting occurred.

The Guardian reported that the incident took place sometime around evening hours on Green Street, Arima. Marshall died on the spot.

Marshall had been operating his business in Arima for several years, and was well-known and loved by his customers. His death has sent shockwaves through the town, leaving many to mourn the loss of a dedicated entrepreneur.

He leaves to mourn, his wife and four children.

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The government, through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, launched a senior citizen engagement programme dubbed the Golden Generation Hub in Victoria on Tuesday to combat isolation and celebrate the contributions of Guyana’s elderly.

The community programme is the brainchild of Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud. It will connect the seniors with resources, opportunities and most importantly, each other.

During her address at the launch ceremony, Minister Persaud highlighted the significance of the programme and the rationale behind its name.

“Golden as a tribute to your time on this earth, Generations because there are many different generations in this room and hub, so in all the communities across Guyana we are going to be creating these golden generations hubs.

“So, that you can come out like this and come out regularly so that you can have the opportunity to enjoy many different things,” the minister pointed out.

The initiative speaks to the heart of the nation and is designed to honour senior citizens’ contributions to society by ensuring they live with dignity and fulfilment.

The programme also bridges generational divides, creating spaces where seniors can share their knowledge and experiences while fostering a sense of belonging.

The hub will feature a variety of activities to enhance their quality of life, including social engagement comprising regular movie nights, workshops, games, and group outings to help seniors connect, share stories, and form friendships.

Active ageing initiatives such as monthly yoga, tai chi, and light aerobics sessions aimed at improving flexibility, balance, and overall health.

In addition, seniors will benefit from weekly sessions of mental stimulation through puzzles, memory exercises, book clubs, and brain games to promote cognitive health.

Also, technology literacy introductory classes on smartphones, computers, and internet use, are set to begin in January, to help seniors navigate the digital age.  This training class is being offered through a collaboration with the ministry and the National Library.

Minister Persaud noted that the Golden Generations Hub represents a step toward a more inclusive society, ensuring that seniors remain an integral part of their communities while enjoying their golden years of health and happiness. [DPI]

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Team Guyana is set to begin their campaign at the 2024 FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup tournament today with back-to-back matches against Haiti and the Cayman Islands in Group A qualifiers.

The Guyanese team, featuring Nikkoloi Smith, Travis Belgrave, Harold Adams, and Dominic Vincente, will face Haiti at 3:00 PM, followed by a crucial encounter with the Cayman Islands at 5:00 PM.

The stakes are high for Guyana, as only the top team from Group A will advance to the main draw, where they will meet regional powerhouses Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

The Guyanese players are aware of the task ahead and are determined to make their mark in FIBA Americas marquee 3×3 tournament.

The Government of Guyana, in collaboration with the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), has made Guyana’s participation in the prestigious event possible.

The team has also received significant support from VSH United (Guyana) Inc., who provided the entire squad with specialized footwear to enhance their performance on the court.

The FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup, which started in 2021, is an annual tournament featuring the best basketball talent from across the Americas.

Played in a fast-paced half-court format, each game lasts just 10 minutes or until one team scores 21 points, creating intense matchups that test players’ skills, stamina, and strategy.

Guyana debuted in the tournament in 2021 and has steadily improved over the years, showcasing promising performances despite facing some of the strongest teams in the region.

While they are yet to break through to the knockout stages, the team remains optimistic about their chances this year, having worked diligently on their chemistry and preparation.

Haiti and the Cayman Islands, Guyana’s Group A opponents, are both formidable.

Haiti boasts a physical, defensive style of play, while the Cayman Islands are known for their sharpshooting and disciplined team play.

Guyana will need to bring their A-game to outmaneuver these teams and secure the top spot in the group.

Team Coordinator Rawle Toney emphasised the importance of maintaining focus throughout the qualifiers: “We need to take it one game at a time. Winning the group is the goal, but it starts with executing the fundamentals against Haiti and carrying that momentum into the Cayman Islands game.”

Should Guyana win their qualifiers, they will face even tougher competition in the main draw.

Hosts Puerto Rico, known for their dominance in 3×3 basketball, and the Dominican Republic, a rising force in the region, await in Group D.

The challenge is steep, but Guyana’s team is eager to prove they belong among the elite.

As the 2024 FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup tips off, all eyes will be on San Juan, where Team Guyana looks to make history and bring pride to their nation.

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Dennis DeRoop’s Simply Royal Racing Stables is gearing up for the upcoming Showdown of Champions Horse Race meet at the Port Mourant Turf Club.

The stable’s horses, Stormy Victory and Morning Colors, are primed to compete in the co-feature event.

“They [Stormy Victory and Morning Colors] are doing well. I took them both to training early this [yesterday] morning and they are both in good shape and ready for competition,” De Roop said.

According to him, both were getting along well on the surface, and he expected them to fight to the end.

“Both of them should give a good performance. They have been exercising well. Especially Stormy Victory to last race to now has been advancing in training,” He added.

The stable owner/trainer continued, “Since the last race, we have kept them in training, and we have seen improvements. They only came down in August, and of course, they needed to acclimatize to the conditions here.”

Looking at the overall year for the Simply Royal Stables, DeRoop contended, “We started well the first half of the year, but the last few races were not well, but we hope to finish the year on a high. We have three races more to finish the year and we are hoping for some victories.”

The day’s feature event, the Metro Mile, Sponsored by Metro Office Supplies, will headline the eight-race card.

The 1600M event will be for a GYD 4M Prize, with the winning horse pocketing $2M.

It is open to all horses.

The co-feature event will be the E-Class non-winners in Guyana and F-Class & Lower with a combined purse of $2M in the 1300M dash.

The Two-Year-Old Guyana and West Indies-bred horses over 1200M are sure to attract the attention of horse racing fans along with a race for Three-Year-Old Guyana-bred horses over 1700M.

The G-Class horses over 1200M, H-Class Non-Winners of 2024 open to Guyana Bred horses will run for 1300M with another 1600M Race set for all K-Class and L-Class horses.

A 1300M sprint is also carded for J, K, and L class Maidens.

The event is also sponsored by J’s Supermarket, Jumbo Jet, Shi-Oil, AJM, GUYAMERICA Construction, Rohan Auto Spares and Armco, OBL, KP Jagdeo General Contractor, Permaul Trading, Laka Rambrich Rice Farm, Big G Sawmill & Lumber Yard, Shook Shivmangal & friends of USA.

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Deryck Carl Holder, a 40-year-old taxi driver from Lot 9, Second Street, Meadow Bank, Georgetown, has been charged with ‘Robbery Under Arms’ following an alleged armed robbery at the home of a Lusignan businessman.

Holder was arrested on Monday and faced the charges in court yesterday.

The incident, which occurred on October 12, 2024, saw the businessman’s residence in Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, targeted by armed assailants at approximately 3:00 a.m.

Holder is accused of being one of the gunmen who forcibly entered the home and, at gunpoint, stole a staggering $50,160,000 in cash from the businessman.

The case was brought before the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, where Magistrate Sunil Scarce heard the proceedings. However, Holder, who is currently on remand for another armed robbery charge, was not present in court, and the matter was adjourned to December 19 for the charge to be formally read to him.

Investigations revealed that the victim, a businessman, resides in a two-storey concrete building in Lusignan, with the lower flat serving as a hardware store. On the night of the robbery, the businessman’s brother, a doctor, was asleep in his bedroom when he was confronted by three armed assailants. The gunmen demanded money, and the doctor handed over the approximately $100,000 he had in his possession.

Unsatisfied with this amount, the gunmen threatened the doctor, forcing him to lead them to the hardware store located on the lower level of the building, where the businessman kept his substantial cash stash. The men ransacked the store and found the $50M in a black plastic bag, which they seized before fleeing the scene in a getaway car.

This brazen robbery has shocked the Lusignan community, and authorities are continuing their efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects involved in the crime. Holder’s arrest marks a significant development in the investigation, with further updates expected following the adjourned court date.

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As Donald Trump’s administration prepares to take office next month, a wave of uncertainty is sweeping through the immigrant communities in the United States, particularly among those living in the country without documentation.

With Trump’s vow to commence mass deportations, immigration attorneys like Kinda Velloza are advising immigrants—especially those from the Guyanese diaspora—to act swiftly in order to safeguard their futures.

Velloza, a Guyanese-American immigration lawyer, says already she has seen a significant rise in inquiries from concerned immigrants seeking to understand their options under the new administration.

“The mood is tense,” she says.

“People are scared, worried, and feeling overwhelmed by the potential changes.”

However, while the situation is certainly serious, she reassures individuals that there are legal avenues available to protect their status, provided they act promptly.

Stay or Go?

According to Velloza, the first step for undocumented immigrants is to determine whether they wish to stay in the U.S. or return to their home countries.

For those who wish to remain, she stresses the importance of filing legal petitions as soon as possible.

“If you have a family member who can sponsor you, such as a U.S. citizen spouse, child, or parent, now is the time to begin the process,” she advises.

One of the primary concerns among immigrants is Trump’s promise to eliminate “chain migration,” which allows U.S. citizens and green card holders to sponsor family members for immigration.

Velloza highlights the urgency of filing applications for extended family members—such as siblings and parents—before the policy changes, as it is unclear whether these opportunities will exist under the new administration.

While the situation may appear daunting, Velloza offers some comforting news for those already in the U.S. with pending immigration cases, such as asylum applications.

“Asylum is one of the most protective statuses in immigration law,” she explains. “Once an asylum case is pending, it provides a degree of protection from deportation, as officials cannot remove someone who has a pending asylum application.”

Velloza also urges those unsure of their status or eligibility to consult with an immigration lawyer.

“Immigration law is complex and ever-changing. Navigating it alone can lead to costly mistakes, including denial of applications or even deportation,” she warns.

“If you file an application incorrectly, it can trigger removal proceedings, which could make the situation much worse.”

For those who choose to file on their own, the risks are high. Velloza stresses the importance of professional legal assistance, particularly in light of Trump’s stricter immigration policies.

“In the past, people might have been able to handle their cases without legal aid, but under this administration, errors in paperwork can be disastrous,” she says.

“Once your application is denied, you risk immediate deportation.”

However, Velloza remains optimistic, offering hope to those who may feel overwhelmed by the process.

“The most important thing is to speak with an immigration lawyer,” she advises.

“Don’t let fear of the unknown paralyse you. By consulting a professional, you can learn about your options and create a clear plan for your future. There are pathways to remain in the U.S. if you know where to look.”

In this period of heightened anxiety, Velloza’s message is clear: don’t wait.

The earlier immigrants begin addressing their legal status, the more likely they are to avoid the harsh consequences of deportation. By taking proactive steps now, individuals can relieve some of the stress and uncertainty they face as the new administration takes shape.

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Efforts are in full swing to connect the second power ship, docked at the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) terminal at Ruimveldt, Georgetown, to the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS).

This power ship will add a crucial 60 MW of power to the national grid. Currently, a 3.9 km double-circuit 69 kV transmission line is being constructed from Ruimveldt to the New Georgetown Substation to facilitate the transfer of power from the ship.

On Wednesday, Kesh Nandlall, Head of the Executive Management Committee at Guyana Power and Light (GPL), provided an update on the project’s progress.

“We have already constructed most of the lines and foundations. We are putting up most of the structures, and we are making preparations to string the conductors,” Nandlall explained.

The installation process includes modern steel structures and a new substation in South Ruimveldt Gardens, ensuring that the infrastructure can handle the additional power load.

“Our target is to interconnect the power ship to the grid before Christmas,” Nandlall assured.

Kalpataru Projects International, one of India’s largest engineering and construction companies, has been contracted to manage the power ship. Project Manager Gaurav stated that the team is working tirelessly to ensure the connection is completed on schedule.

“We are around 70 per cent through with the line connection, and we are working day and night to get it done. We will deliver power from the power ship to the substation before Christmas,” Gaurav confirmed. He also mentioned that their team would train GPL engineers to operate the power ship once it’s integrated into the grid.

Meanwhile, Nandlall highlighted that construction is ongoing at several sites, including the installation of a conducting structure at the GuySuCo terminal and the utilisation of Banks DIH reserve land. A new wharf at the sugar terminal is also under construction and is expected to be completed within a few days.

Once all construction is finished, thorough testing will be conducted to ensure seamless integration into the national grid.

Initially, the power ship will contribute 60 megawatts of generating capacity to the grid. In its second phase, an additional 15 megawatts will be added, bringing the total to 75 megawatts.

“It is expected to provide more than sufficient reserve capacity into the DBIS, enhancing our generating capacity,” Nandlall added.

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