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In a landmark move, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced the abolition of tuition fees not only for the University of Guyana but also for all government and technical institutions, including the Carnegie School of Home Economics and the Guyana School of Agriculture.

The announcement was made on Wednesday, marking a significant expansion of the government’s plan to make tertiary education more accessible to students nationwide.

President Ali, during a special address, revealed that the tuition fees at these institutions will be eliminated starting in January 2025.

This is part of a broader initiative aimed at making education free for all students in technical and vocational programs, in addition to university-level education.

“It would be recalled that I also announced the abolition of tuition fees at the University of Guyana with effect from the 1st of January 2025 in response to feedback received. The gratitude is overwhelming. Tuition fees will also be abolished at all government technical and vocational training institutions, including all of the technical institutes, the Guyana Industrial Training Center, the Carnegie School of Home Economics, and the Guyana School of Agriculture,” President Ali said.

This new measure is expected to benefit over 3,000 additional students, expanding the reach of the government’s free education initiative. The President emphasized that this move is part of a broader effort to provide equitable access to education for all Guyanese citizens.

The announcement builds on previous plans set by the government. In December 2023, President Ali had committed to making university education free in Guyana, outlining a phased approach that would begin in 2024.

The total cost of making university education free for approximately 11,000 students at the University of Guyana alone is estimated to be around $8 billion.

This initiative also marks the government’s step-by-step approach to abolishing tuition fees for students in various institutions, with the first phase having already been implemented.

Earlier this year, about $203.7 million in student loans were written off, benefiting 346 students—a move that had been seen as a precursor to making higher education completely free.

The move to include technical and vocational institutions under this free education initiative comes as the government seeks to broaden the scope of accessible education. I

nstitutions like the Guyana School of Agriculture and the Carnegie School of Home Economics play a vital role in the country’s economic development, particularly in fields like agriculture, home management, and technical skills.

By abolishing tuition fees at these institutions, the government aims to encourage more students to pursue careers in these sectors, which are crucial for the country’s growth. The President stated, “This measure will benefit in excess of 3,000 additional persons in our population.”

 

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In a move aimed at bolstering disposable income and creating better opportunities for all citizens, President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced a revised cash grant initiative on Wednesday.

The new measure will provide a one-off cash grant of $100,000 to every citizen aged 18 and above.

The President made the announcement after receiving substantial feedback and concerns regarding the previous plan, which proposed a $200,000 cash grant to every household.

According to Dr. Ali, the government’s decision to revise the scheme comes after careful consideration of challenges related to its implementation, including complications within families regarding the distribution of the benefit and issues with verifying households.

“In the past week, my government has received thousands of favourable responses to the measures announced last Thursday. However, we also received valuable feedback about the potential complications in implementing the $200,000 per household grant,” said Dr. Ali.

Some citizens expressed concerns about being left out, while others raised internal family conflicts over the distribution of the funds.

Dr. Ali explained that while the original $200,000 grant aimed to help households, it also created complexities in verifying and administering the benefit. He noted issues such as the rush to register utility meters and prepare tenancy agreements, which added unnecessary strain to the process.

After careful review, the President instructed a re-examination of the initiative, which led to the decision to scale down the grant to $100,000 per citizen, but expand its reach by ensuring that every eligible person, aged 18 years and older, would receive it.

The revised plan, according to Dr. Ali, will simplify the verification process, reduce administrative burdens, and minimize the potential for conflicts within families and communities. Eligibility for the grant will be based on simple documentation, including possession of a national identification card or a valid passport.

“The new approach will allow for a more equitable distribution and improve access across all communities,” the President added. “It is designed to be transparent, easy to implement, and will ensure that the maximum number of citizens benefit.”

Dr. Ali emphasized that this move is in line with his government’s vision of building a prosperous society for all Guyanese, where everyone, regardless of their location or background, has the opportunity to share in the country’s economic progress.

 

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By Vishani Ragobeer in La Jolla, San Diego

vishani@newsroom.gy 

A 165 megawatts (MW) hydropower project at the Amaila Falls in Guyana’s Potaro- Siparuni region is still being pursued but the country’s Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud said a second hydropower venture is being seriously considered.

“The Government of Guyana plans to establish two hydropower projects including the Amaila Falls Hydro Project which is anticipated to provide approximately 370 MW of capacity by 2035 and an additional 150 MW of capacity by 2040,” Persaud said at the La Jolla Energy Conference in San Diego.

The Amaila Falls project was first identified in 1976 during an extensive survey of hydroelectric power potential in Guyana.

Though hydropower has been a serious pursuit for successive People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) governments, the project has not yet taken off. The current Irfaan Ali- led administration last year requested proposals for a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model but it may again look for favouable proposals, in hopes of getting hydropower in Guyana’s growing energy supply before the end of the decade.

Guyana plans mega increase in energy production

Persaud told the News Room that the government envisions the 370 MW of power coming from a second hydropower project, not the Amaila Falls venture.

This is detailed in Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, the country’s blueprint for its development. The LCDS states that the new site for this second project should be identified in 2025, with the goal of providing power by 2030.

It is unclear if the delays at the Amaila Falls project would affect the timeline for this second project.

Smaller hydropower projects are already conceptualised and being developed in Moco Moco, Kato and Kumu- three hinterland communities. Those projects will have a combined capacity of about 2.35 MW, Persaud told those gathered at the conference.

He also said that energy production in Guyana would move from just over 200 megawatts (MW) now to a whopping 3,000 MW, possibly by the end of the decade.

That increased production will come from an energy mix of hydropower, solar energy and natural gas. Solar energy projects are being developed around the country and Guyana is banking on a mega 300-megawatt (MW) gas project that will harness the natural gas produced in the prolific, oil-producing Stabroek Block offshore and generate power at about half the current cost. A second power plant of this nature is being considered too.

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The Concacaf Women’s U-17 Qualifiers 2025 groups are set, and Guyana has been drawn in Group C alongside Panama, Cuba, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The World Cup qualifying competition will take place from January 27 to January 31, 2025, across four venues, and 22 Concacaf Member Associations will participate.

The 2025 Concacaf U-17 Women’s Qualifiers are the first to be played under a new two-round format.

For Round One, the 22 participating teams, all ranked fifth and below based on the Concacaf U-17 Women’s Ranking, were split into six groups.

Round One matches will be divided across four venues. Puerto Rico will host Group A, Trinidad and Tobago Group B, Nicaragua Group D and E, and Dominican Republic Group C and F.

After round-robin play, between January 27 and February 1, the six group winners and the two best second-place finishers will advance to the Final Round, joining the four top-ranked teams, USA, Mexico, Canada, and Haiti (twelve in total).

The 2025 Concacaf U-17 Women’s Qualifiers Final Round will also be played in a group format, consisting of three groups of four teams each.

After round-robin play, between March 31 and April 6, 2025, the three group winners and the best second-place finisher (four teams) will qualify for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Further details about the tournament’s Final Round will be published at a later date. (Modified release from Concacaf)

The six groups for Round One are as follows:

Group A: Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Group B: Trinidad and Tobago, Honduras, Belize, and US Virgin Islands

Group C: Panama, Cuba, Guyana, and Turks and Caicos Islands

Group D: El Salvador, Guatemala, Curaçao, and Anguilla

Group E: Jamaica, Nicaragua, and Saint Kitts and Nevis

Group F: Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and Grenada

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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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