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Scotiabank has been named Guyana’s Best Consumer Digital Bank 2024 by Global Finance (New York). The Bank has also been awarded in the sub category for the Best Mobile Banking App in the country. 

The Global Finance Best Digital Bank Awards winners are chosen based on entries provided by financial institutions. Entrants are judged on the breadth of product offerings, success in migrating customers to digital platforms, acquiring and retaining new customers, and using digital technologies to improve business processes, and deliver other benefits. Sub-category winners were selected based on the relative strength and success of those web products and services. 

“The rapid advancements in fintech, the rise of digital currencies, and the increasing importance of cybersecurity are continually redefining the benchmarks for exceptional digital banking services,” said  Joseph Giarraputo, founder and editorial director of Global Finance. “Global Finance’s Best Digital Bank  Awards celebrate the financial institutions that are leading the way with innovative digital solutions and  setting new standards in the industry.” 

Nafeeza Gaffoor, Country Manager, Scotiabank Guyana commented “We’re pleased to be recognised for  our digital leadership, achieving the title of the Best Digital Consumer Bank in Guyana. We have come a  long way and made significant investments in our digital transformation. It’s also exciting that the newly  introduced Scotia Caribbean App has been named the Best Mobile Banking App. This updated mobile  App here in Guyana is part of our commitment to offering clients secure, fast and more convenient  solutions, through innovative use of technology. Furthermore, our continuous automatic upgrades to the  App and its enhanced security and accessibility features help clients bank anytime, anywhere.” 

Scotiabank was also named the Best Digital Bank 2024 in Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Trinidad &  Tobago and Turks and Caicos. The Scotia Caribbean App was also named the Best Mobile Banking App  in these countries, as well as in Barbados. 

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A Brazilian National is among three persons who were charged on Monday with illegal entry and drug trafficking. The three men were arrested after being found at an illegal airstrip in Bashaizon Village, South Rupununi, Region Nine on October 6.

Those charged are Robintaine Peixoto Saraiva, a 48-year-old Brazilian miner of Boa Vista, Brazil; Hamlet Da Silva, a 53-year-old self-employed man of Bonfim, Brazil, and Achiwib Village, South Rupununi and Evander Phonix, a 27-year-old miner also of Achiwib Village.

All three men were charged with Trafficking in Narcotics, while Saraiva was also charged with illegal entry.

The defendants appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court where they all pleaded not guilty.

The men were represented by attorney Bernard Da Silva.

The next court date is set for October 29 for disclosure of statements and report.

On October 6, the Guyana Police Force uncovered a suspected mercury smuggling operation involving the men.

Commander of Regional Police Division Nine, Senior Superintendent Raphael Rose, was alerted to the presence of an aircraft attempting to land on an illegal airstrip located in Bashaizon Village. The Commander quickly mobilised a team to investigate the situation.

At the location, the ranks discovered the illegal airstrip along with a black, gold, and white Islander aircraft, bearing the registration #PU-MBN and a dark-coloured, fully tinted four-door pickup truck.

As police approached, they saw two men disembark from the aircraft and board the pickup. The pickup attempted to flee, colliding with the plane in the process. The vehicle then drove off at speed, heading southward, but not before Saraiva fell from the truck.

He was captured and the other two men were later arrested on October 8.

During subsequent questioning, Saraiva revealed crucial information regarding the operation. He stated that the pilot of the aircraft, known to him only by the alias ‘Wallefi Kayck,’ had fled into Brazil. Saraiva further disclosed that he had chartered the aircraft from the Santa Len De Para Company in Brazil earlier in the week and had been involved in the transportation of mercury, a key component used in gold mining.

According to Saraiva, the plane made a stop in Venezuela on October 4, where they dropped off ten cylinders of mercury before flying to Guyana. The plan was to procure additional mercury from a Brazilian contact known only as ‘Mute’ for use in his gold mining operations in Brazil.

A search of the aircraft revealed several electronic devices, including an iPhone 13 Pro Max, a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and a Samsung Galaxy A03, alongside a number of navigational tools such as Garmin GPS devices. The police also discovered two black haversacks, a quantity of male clothing, and other personal items aboard the plane.

Notably, the authorities found a black-and-white NK 150 CC motorcycle, registered #4693, hidden in nearby bushes approximately 200 feet from the airstrip. It is believed that this motorcycle may have been used in the operation.

 

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By Kurt Campbell

Kurt@newsroom.gy

The inaugural International Business Conference, which opened Tuesday evening in Georgetown, sparked discussion on the country’s economic future, particularly its burgeoning oil sector.

Speaking to a packed audience of diplomats, business leaders, and local stakeholders, U.S. Ambassador Nicole Theriot championed Guyana’s oil and gas industry, urging American businesses to continue investing in the sector, which she described as a key area of collaboration between the two nations.

“We are very much involved in oil,” Ambassador Theriot said, addressing the importance of the energy sector in Guyana’s economic transformation.

“The U.S. is the largest source of foreign investment here, and while the government and President Ali are keen to diversify Guyana’s economy, we are also heavily engaged in oil and gas,” she added.

Theriot encouraged investors to take advantage of the sector’s opportunities, noting that U.S. companies were not only leading in oil exploration but were also active in workforce development and training within Guyana.

Head of the EU Delegation in Guyana Rene Van Nes engages with President Dr. Irfaan Ali

Her comments came on the heels of remarks from other international representatives, particularly the British High Commissioner Jane Miller and the European Union’s Head of Delegation, Rene Van Nes, both of whom advocated for a pivot away from fossil fuels and towards sustainable energy alternatives.

Miller, who noted that the UK’s trade with Guyana has grown significantly, emphasized that while the UK was actively engaged in a broad range of sectors—including agriculture and infrastructure—oil and gas was not a focus for British businesses.

“We work in all sectors except for oil and gas,” she said, underscoring that the UK’s interest lay in long-term, sustainable development.

“We want to invest in renewable energy, in agriculture, and in infrastructure. We are looking at the future, not just the present,” she added.

UK High Commisisoner to Guyana Jane Miller

Meanwhile, Van Nes from the EU echoed similar sentiments, pushing for a green transition in the region. He stressed that the European Union’s involvement in Guyana was part of a broader effort to drive investments in sustainable sectors like renewable energy and agriculture.

“The European Union’s global gateway initiative focuses on infrastructure, digital connectivity, and renewable energy,” Van Nes said, before advocating for an increased focus on climate resilience.

“We are pushing for investment in renewable energy and the protection of the environment,” he said, pointing to the EU’s long-standing commitment to sustainability.

Diplomats attentive as President Ali address the gathering. From L – R: Nicole Theriot, Jane Miller Rene Van Nes. Photo: Delano Williams

These contrasting viewpoints highlight the pressures surrounding Guyana’s rapid economic growth driven by oil discoveries, which have made the country one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

With major oil companies like ExxonMobil leading production, the sector remains a major contributor to the nation’s GDP, and it is expected to continue playing a pivotal role in Guyana’s development.

However, environmental and climate change concerns have made a strong case for diversifying the economy, with advocates calling for an emphasis on greener industries.

Guyana’s position has consistently been that it can balance the exploitation of its natural resources and protect the environment; the country has demonstrated this.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali who spoke after the diplomats reinforced this position.

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The body of a 66-year-old pensioner was discovered in her home at Lot 3 Brighton Village, Corentyne, Berbice on Monday.

The body was identified as Shrimattie Dowlat called “Leila” and was discovered by her niece in an advanced state of decomposition.

Police said Dowlat lived alone but suffered from diabetes and would frequent the Port Mourant Hospital Clinic.

However, two weeks ago she was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital where she was admitted for two weeks.

At some point, she was discharged and returned home but a visit by her niece Jasodra Seegobin called “Jamin” on Monday at approximately 17:00 hrs revealed the gruesome discovery.

Seegobin told police that there was a foul scent emanating from her aunt’s home. Upon checking, she alerted neighbours as she found the woman on the ground, on her back with her face upwards.

The body she said was swollen and had appeared to be taken over by flesh-eating maggots. However no marks of violence were seen.

The police were contacted and the body was escorted to the Skeldon Public Hospital. It was subsequently moved to Anthony’s Funeral Parlour and is awaiting an autopsy.

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An accident involving a motor Lorry and a tractor on the Lichfield Public Road, West Coast Berbice on Tuesday resulted in the death of Gokaran Lackram, 65, the owner and driver of the lorry (GAE 4037).

Lackram was a resident of Cortton Tree Village, WCB.

According to information, the accident occurred at approximately 17:45 hrs. Lackram was proceeding east on the Lichfield Public Road and was negotiating a right turn when motor tractor 35473 driven by Sherlock George, 52 of Lichfield with an unregistered trailer emerged from an access road without stopping and entered the path of the lorry.

The front of the lorry collided with the right side of the trailer and as a result both vehicles were damaged.

Gokaran Lackram, and two porters, Havano Ally, 65 and Mohamed Ramall, 36, who were seated in the tray, sustained injuries.

All three were taken to Fort Wellington Hospital. Lackram died while receiving medical attention, while the two porters were admitted in stable condition.

Meanwhile, a breathalyzer test was done on the Tractor driver and it revealed no alcohol in his system.

An investigation is ongoing.

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By Kurt Campbell

Kurt@newsroom.gy

At the inaugural International Business Conference held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Georgetown Tuesday evening, President Dr. Irfaan Ali outlined a clear vision for the country’s future: to build long-term sustainable growth, not to establish itself as a regional powerhouse.

Speaking to a room of investors and business leaders, he emphasized that while Guyana is strategically positioned as a competitive partner, its primary objective is to foster enduring growth across the region.

“Let me be clear, we are not trying to be a regional powerhouse,” President Ali stated.

“Our goal is to build long-term, sustainable growth, positioning ourselves as a competitive partner in this region and beyond.”

He pointed to the necessity of regional cooperation, noting that no country can succeed alone in today’s interconnected global economy.

“We must work together, as a region, to move forward,” Dr. Ali opened his presentation by saying.

He would soon after allow a dozen spontaneous questions from those investors and policy makers in the room, the answers to which formed the basis of his presentation.

The President was pointed to note the ongoing collaboration between Guyana and Suriname even as Guyana makes strides in establishing a training hub for deep-water offshore industries.

This ambitious initiative will position the country as a leader in energy, particularly within the oil and gas sectors.

To this end, President Ali highlighted the importance of partnerships in enhancing regional capabilities.

“This will not just be a facility for oil and gas training; it will be a center for everything offshore, serving as a global hub,” he said.

With an investment exceeding $1 billion, the hub will offer advanced training programs, fostering human resource development to support offshore energy operations across the region.

The hub is expected to provide state-of-the-art simulations and training infrastructure, including the world’s largest Full-Scale Floating Offshore Simulator (FESO), which will be pivotal in preparing the workforce for future deep-water exploration and production.

“This investment is not just about enhancing our local industry; it’s about setting up a globally competitive center for energy excellence,” Ali emphasized.

President Ali also spoke about the critical need to integrate regional energy infrastructure, transport, and logistics. He underscored that Guyana’s growing energy capacity, particularly in renewable energy, offers a unique opportunity to create a sustainable energy network across the region.

“Energy resilience is key to our future,” Ali remarked, highlighting plans to connect energy grids across countries like Brazil, Venezuela, and Suriname.

He explained that integrating these infrastructures would not only provide energy security but also lower costs for industries and consumers alike.

“We are already seeing energy demand outstripping supply, and we must act now to create a regional energy mix that supports growth,” he said.

In addition to energy integration, the President spoke about the importance of transportation and logistics.

Guyana and Suriname are working to improve their physical connectivity, including the construction of a bridge across the Corentyne River, to facilitate smoother trade and investment flows.

Ali also touched on the development of deep-water ports and logistics hubs, which would bolster the region’s manufacturing and industrial capacities.

“Imagine the possibilities with reliable, competitive energy and integrated logistics. We could transform the region into a manufacturing and industrial hub, serving a market of over 400 million people,” he said, referring to the economic potential of the wider South American market.

President Ali circled back several times during his presentation to reiterate the importance of regional cooperation for long-term success.

He noted that the Caribbean and Latin America have a collective GDP of over $5 trillion, and with strategic policy making, the region can transform itself into a competitive global player.

“We must ensure that we create a platform based on shared values, common goals, and mutual respect to build long-lasting and resilient partnerships,” he said, calling for continuous dialogue and collaboration among regional leaders.

This speech set the tone for the conference, as business leaders and policymakers look to the future of energy, infrastructure, and regional collaboration.

 

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By Telesha Ramnarine

President of the Guyana Marketing and Services Association (GMSA), Ramsey Ali has highlighted the critical role that quality electricity will play in the manufacturing sector’s continued growth and success in Guyana.

He was speaking at the opening of the inaugural International Business Conference (IBC), a major event focused on fostering global business connections.

Held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, the event was a vibrant gathering of international investors and businesses, many of whom were exploring the opportunities in Guyana for the first time.

Ali, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Products Limited, praised the significant reduction in electricity costs, by a promised 50 per cent, by next year. He noted that a 50 per cent drop in energy prices is a positive development for the manufacturing industry.

However, he emphasized that the quality of energy supply is equally crucial to ensuring the sector’s sustained progress.

“Most manufacturing companies operate with very sensitive equipment and unfortunately for us over the years, the power company was not able to supply us with the kind of quality energy we need in this country,” Ali said.

He expressed optimism about recent efforts to enhance the energy grid, which will help to support manufacturers who are considering expanding their operations in Guyana.

“There’s been a lot of investment in improving the grid,” Ali added.

“We’re seeing progress, and this gives manufacturers confidence to bring their high-tech equipment to Guyana.”

Nearly half of this year’s speakers at the IBC are from international markets, bringing fresh perspectives and expertise to the event. (Photo: IBC Facebook page)

This year’s IBC has attracted nearly half of its speakers from international markets, showcasing the growing interest in Guyana as a hub for business.

With a focus on sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, finance, logistics, and business services, the conference will feature 17 engaging sessions, 30 diverse exhibitors, and more than 600 delegates, with over 1,000 trade visitors expected to attend.

Vishnu Doerga, Organiser and Chairman of ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc., highlighted the global nature of the event, stating, “We look at this mix of expertise that is coming to Guyana that will present what is happening in both countries, but also some of the opportunities and technologies that can be brought to bear in these two countries.”

The IBC is designed to foster cross-border collaborations and investment opportunities, aiming to enhance the ease of doing business and strengthen partnerships between international firms and local businesses in Guyana and Suriname.

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Guyana’s business sector is experiencing significant growth, largely driven by an increase in local consumption, which is providing new opportunities for manufacturers.

The rising demand for goods is helping to expand the manufacturing industry, according to Ramsay Ali, President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA).

Ali, who also serves as the President of the Caribbean Manufacturers Association (CMA) was speaking at the opening of the inaugural International Business Conference on Tuesday evening at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown.

Ali pointed out that as the local population continues to grow, with both locals and foreigners alike, and incomes rise, there is a noticeable increase in consumer spending.

This has resulted in higher demand for locally produced goods, benefiting businesses across various sectors – from food production to construction materials.

“Guyana has seen a significant increase in its population, and with that, more people are consuming more products.

“This has created a boom for local manufacturers as the market for domestic goods expands,” Ali reasoned.

The increase in local consumption is not only helping large manufacturers but also smaller businesses.

With more people buying products, there are more opportunities for companies of all sizes to grow and meet the demand.

Ali noted that this surge in demand is a positive development, but it also brings with it challenges, especially in terms of labour.

Ali highlighted that the shortage of skilled and semi-skilled workers is becoming a major concern for businesses looking to expand.

As demand for goods increases, many companies are struggling to find the workforce they need to meet production targets.

“What’s the biggest challenge for businesses today? It’s labour.

“We need more skilled workers to keep up with the growing demand,” Ali said.

The labour shortage is being felt across the manufacturing sector, with many companies reporting difficulties in filling key roles.

Some businesses have been forced to slow down production or delay expansion plans due to the lack of available workers.

Ali pointed out that the issue is not just about the number of workers but the quality of skills available.

Many workers are not trained for the specific needs of the manufacturing industry, which requires a higher level of technical expertise.

Ali urged for greater investment in training and education to help bridge this gap and ensure that the local workforce can meet the demands of the growing economy. Without a properly trained workforce, Guyana risks losing momentum in its manufacturing sector and overall economic growth.

“The future of our manufacturing sector depends on addressing the labour shortage,” he said.

 

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Please see full statement from EPA:

On October 10, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) received a report from Crane Village, West Coast Demerara, regarding a substance seeping from the ground.

In response, the EPA’s Emergency Response Unit promptly mobilized to the site to conduct an initial investigation. The Agency is currently collaborating with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), GUYSUCO, and the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) to identify the cause and nature of the seepage.

The EPA urges residents, particularly those in the immediate vicinity, to remain calm and exercise patience as the investigation proceeds. Affected residents are advised to avoid the impacted areas within their homes for their safety.

Additionally, the Agency has engaged ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, and they will be investigating as part of their grievance mechanism.

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The Carnegie School of Home Economics, established in Georgetown in 1933, has made significant contributions to the field of home economics and hospitality in the region. Among its many initiatives, its Hibiscus Training Restaurant equips students with the comprehensive skills necessary to be successful in the culinary and hospitality industry.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant, located in Carnegie, at High Street, Georgetown had closed its doors, but re-opened last September 19. It is open to the public from 12 to 14:30 hours, Tuesday to Friday.

The Principal, Dr Sharmaine Marshall, told the News Room on Tuesday that this represents the school’s commitment to providing students with real-world experiences, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Principal, Dr Sharmaine Marshall

“We have labs where students apply the techniques and food preparation presentation skills that were leant in the classroom. This hands-on experience is invaluable for students for fostering the confidence they need in a professional kitchen environment,” Marshall said.

The school is funded by the Ministry of Education even as revenue is generated from sales. Menus are focused on developing the skills that the students learnt in the classroom so that whatever techniques are in the curriculum are emphasised through production.

“What we focus on is a wide base of dishes that incorporate those techniques or even integrate new ones so when the students go out there, they are well equipped for the culinary or hospitality industry.”

Another critical objective of the restaurant is to promote the appreciation and incorporation of local cuisine and ingredients, thereby supporting local farmers and producers. This not only contributes to the local economy but also encourages students to explore and innovate within the realm of Guyanese and Caribbean cuisine, preserving culinary heritage.

The training restaurant aims to instil a deep understanding of restaurant management, including operational aspects such as inventory management, customer service, and financial management. By managing the day-to-day operations of the restaurant, students gain a first-hand understanding of what it takes to run a successful food service establishment.

“When you support our restaurant, you are supporting local skill development. You are supporting a worthy cause. So come down to Carnegie, where you’re sure to enjoy a delectable array of meals that are locally prepared and of a wide variety of skills showcased in our culinary arts,” Marshall appealed.

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