Blog

– as 6 new Puisne Judges sworn in

Guyana’s judiciary has been further strengthened with six additional Puisne Judges – a move that President Dr Irfaan Ali says is a direct response to addressing challenges within the justice system, especially the backlog of cases.
The six new Judges appointed by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) are Registrar of the Supreme Court Sueanna Lovell; Registrar of Deeds Azeena Baksh; Commissioner of Title Renita Camille Singh; Commissioner of Title Christel Lambert-Meertins; Magistrate Sunil Scarce; and Attorney-at-law Mandisa Breedy.
They took their oath of office on Wednesday before President Dr Irfaan Ali, who explained that these appointments reflect efforts to enhance the capacity of the judiciary to meet the demands of the country.

According to the Guyanese leader, “The executive branch has fulfilled its constitutional duty in facilitating these appointments, recognising that a well-resourced judiciary is indispensable to the rule of law.”
However, the President noted that while the Government provided the mechanism for these appointments, it does not direct the exercise of judicial functions. This responsibility, he stated, rests solely with the judicial officers, who ought to act as impartial guardians of the rights of ordinary citizens.
“You have now entered an office of solemn responsibility. The authority you wield is not your own. It is derived from the Constitution. You are now arbiters of right and wrong, guardians of fundamental freedoms, and interpreters of the law,” Ali posited.

Backlogs
These appointments come at a time when the judiciary of Guyana has been building its capacity to not only meet the needs of the local court system but also to address the backlog of cases.
While Guyana has significantly reduced the number of pending cases in the courts, President Ali charged the six newly appointed Judges with their responsibility in ensuring timely justice for a public that is weary of delays.
“Litigants are frustrated by years of waiting, and the credibility of the justice system is strained by the perception that justice is available only to those who can afford to wait. This is not a criticism of the judiciary but a recognition of the challenges that have accumulated over time. The addition of six new Judges is a direct response to these challenges,” he posited.
But according to the Head of State, the mere presence of additional judicial officers would not cure this situation. He added that how these new Judges apply their time and resources will determine whether this situation improves.
“I need not remind anyone here that the right to a fair hearing includes the right to a hearing within a reasonable time. Undue delays in the disposition of proceedings can itself constitute a denial of justice. I therefore encourage you to approach your docket with a sense of urgency. Backlogs will not vanish overnight, but every case you dispose of is a citizen who receives closure. Every judgement you deliver promptly restores confidence in the system. The public deserves satisfaction that their cause has been heard and their case has been determined in a timely manner,” he added.
The Guyanese leader further reminded the newly sworn-in Judges that their actions and decisions would have a far-reaching impact beyond the courtrooms.
“Your Honours, you now stand at the threshold of a noble calling. I remind you of the high calling you have accepted. When you ascend to the bench, remember that your decisions will echo through the lives of litigants, their families, and their communities. Render them with courage, clarity, and compassion, and render them with expedition. The people have waited. The delays must be curtailed, and the promise of timely justice must be fulfilled.”
These six new judicial officers will complement the ten puisne Judges appointed to the High Court back in June 2024. Also, during that year, three commissioners of title to the land court were appointed.
Moreover, just last year, Guyana made history by appointing seven new Judges to the Court of Appeal to strengthen its justice administration.

The post Render decisions with sense of urgency – Pres Ali charges appeared first on Guyana Times.

A Cuban national met his demise early Wednesday morning after he was struck while attempting to cross the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge Access Road, Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

The deceased has been identified as 65-year-old Gerardo Machado Valdivia of Providence, EBD.
Based on reports received, motor car PAG 6631, which was being driven by a 22-year-old man from Hague Front, West Coast Demerara (WCD), was proceeding west along the access road when the pedestrian reportedly attempted to cross the road.
The driver reportedly applied the brakes and swerved to avoid a collision, but the right-side front portion of the vehicle collided with the pedestrian.
As a result of the collision, Valdivia was flung onto the other side of the access road, where he sustained injuries to his head and body.
The driver of the motor car that struck the pedestrian reportedly lost control, collided with the concrete median, spun, and ended up on the other side of the roadway, thus colliding with two other cars: PAM 2461, driven by a 28-year-old female from Recht-Door-Zed, West Bank Demerara, and HC 723, which was being driven by a 54-year-old male from Onderneeming, WBD.
Emergency medical technicians were summoned to the scene, where they pronounced Valdivia dead. Breathalyser tests were conducted on the drivers involved, but there were no traces of alcohol in their systems. The drivers remain in Police custody, assisting with investigations.
Following the accident, the Public Works Ministry clarified that the unfortunate incident, which sadly resulted in a fatality today, took place outside the bridge structure and, as such, caused no damage to the bridge.
Further, the Ministry stated that the accident occurred within the vicinity of the eastern approach road, specifically around the connecting road that links Red Road and the Approach Road to the bridge.
Meanwhile, the Ministry has urged motorists to take extra care, observe speed limits, and remain vigilant when navigating approach roads and connecting routes to ensure everyone’s safety.

The post Cuban national killed while attempting to cross BJRB access road appeared first on Guyana Times.

– maintains Guyana’s position of joint project

Even as Guyana is open to hearing proposals from Suriname regarding the construction of a bridge across the Corentyne River, President Dr Irfaan Ali has made it clear that his Government is only interested in a joint project.
The Guyanese leader’s statement comes on the heels of reports that Suriname’s Minister of Public Works and Spatial Planning, Stephen Tsang, said that the Government intends to fully finance and construct the Corentyne River bridge on its own.
But President Ali told reporters on the side-lines of an event on Wednesday that he has not received any official communication from Suriname indicating such an intention to solely finance the construction of the bridge that will link the two neighbouring countries.
“I have not received anything officially… I know the Minister of Finance reached out,” he informed reporters.
Nevertheless, Ali pointed out that Guyana’s position is clear and consistent with initial plans to have the bridge built as a joint project between the two Governments – a model he insists should be the way forward.
“Guyana is interested in being part of a project that covers two sovereign spaces in a joint manner. That has always been our position. There is no other official position that is before me. There is no other official request that is before me. The only official position I know is a joint project between the Government of Guyana and the Government of Suriname. If any other request is made, then at that time, I will be in a position to pronounce on it, and you can rest assured that I’ll pronounce decisively on it,” the Guyanese president declared.
Based on reports coming out of Suriname, Minister Tsang, while responding to questions from the Parliamentary opposition in the National Assembly on Monday about the progress of the project, announced that Suriname intends to finance the Corentyne River Bridge with its own funds.
However, he indicated that the financing structure has not yet been finalised and that they are looking at various models, including toll collection for bridge users. Moreover, the Minister added that a new tendering process may be necessary depending on the final choice.
According to the Surinamese Minister, the bridge must be a Surinamese project.
But President Ali pointed to previous engagements with his Surinamese counterpart, President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, who has indicated that her country is in the process of finalising its part of the agreement. Guyana had long completed its preparations and was awaiting the Dutch-speaking nation to advance the bridge project.
Only in May, Presidents Ali and Geerlings-Simons met virtually to deal with a number of issues, including movement along the Corentyne River. That came months after the two presidents met in Paramaribo last September and reiterated their commitment to advance the bridge project.
“Madam President and I have expressed commitment from both Governments to having this signature project completed. We have agreed to have a specific coordinating group look at addressing all outstanding issues, including technical, financial, and legal issues, so that we can advance this project in an efficient manner,” President Ali stated at a joint press conference on September 13, 2025, in Paramaribo.
Meanwhile, President Geerlings-Simons also shared during the press briefing that since 2010, Suriname had indicated its interest in bridging the Corentyne River, which largely falls within the territory of the Dutch nation, to connect the two neighbouring countries.
She pointed out that once the various technical, financial, and legal matters are sorted out, works will be fast-tracked to implement this significant infrastructure project, which will be key for further connections into South America and the Amazon region.
It was previously agreed that both Guyana and Suriname would share the cost of the bridge construction, which was initially pegged at around US$300 million, in a 50-50 arrangement.
The proposed Corentyne River bridge was designed as a high-span structure that will run approximately 3.1 kilometres, connecting Moleson Creek in Guyana to South Drain in Suriname, with a landing on Long Island in the Corentyne River, where a commercial hub and tourist destination will be established. That free zone will see major infrastructural development such as hotels, recreational parks, entertainment spots, tourist attractions, malls, and farmers’ markets.
This joint bridge project is one of the first agreements that were signed between President Ali and former Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi in their August 2020 cooperation pact. At the time, both leaders underscored the critical role the bridge across the Corentyne River would play in advancing cooperation and creating more opportunities for development for the two nations.
Since then, both Guyana and Suriname have settled on the Chinese construction company, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), as the preferred contractor to build the new bridge.
Meanwhile, stakeholders, including the private sector, have recognised that this proposed infrastructure would play a critical role in advancing cooperation, trade, tourism, and traffic between Guyana and Suriname, replacing the current ferry service between the two neighbouring countries.

The post Corentyne River Bridge: Will make decisive pronouncement if any other request is made – Pres Ali appeared first on Guyana Times.

Here we are in a new month – imagine half the year’s already gone!! – so you’d think there would be some new news!! But no!! It’s still about Suriname once again giving us the finger – and then sticking it into our eyes!! This time it’s about the Corentyne River Bridge – which your Eyewitness had written about only a week ago – advising that we have nothing to do with it!! So, what did the Surinamese do?? Well one of their government’s officials – having been asked by the Opposition about the status of the joint venture between them and us – announced the deal was off!! They’re gonna be proceeding with the structure all by themselves!! Your Eyewitness wondered whether the Surinamese official had read his column and reacted by throwing a hussy fit!!
Well, over here, our Pressie seemed to’ve been taken by surprised and recollected that just last month he’d hosted the Suriname President where she’d reaffirmed that the joint bridge venture was still on!! She, like Pres Ali, was waiting for the financing details to be worked out – the challenge ever since the Bridge was floated (pun intended!!) since 2013!! It was finally decided that a specific type of Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement – the “Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain model” (DBFOM) – be used. Meaning that the successful contractor of the joint venture would be responsible for the Bridge’s final design, construction, operation, financing of operations and maintenance.
The US$236M cost of the bridge was supposed to’ve been split 50-50 and last year our govt budgeted GY$5Billio or US$23M as a start for its commitment while the VP had assured that “financing wasn’t gonna be a problem” for our portion. Of the five contractors shortlisted, China Road and Bridge Corp (CRBC) were selected by both Guyana and Suriname. But Suriname had a hitch in securing their financing portion since they were in the throes of an IMF program to deal with their overhanging debt – most of it with the Chinese!!
So, for the Surinamese to now say they’ll be financing the total costs its just a matter of them blowing smoke up our posterior orifice – in pursuance of their seeming national mission to stick it to us!! As far as your Eyewitness is concerned now’s the time for us to call the Surinamese’ bluff!! With the IMF noting in Jan this year, “fiscal and monetary slippages in 2025 reduced cash buffers, weakened the currency, and increased inflation back to double digits…(plus) an increase in gross debt to an estimated 106 percent of GDP” Suriname’s chances of getting a loan right now is zilch!!
Finally, even if we concede they own the entire width of the Corentyne, the Bridge still gotta land on our bank!!
We should deny permission!!

…US citizenship
For many Guyanese, obtaining US citizenship far exceeds a secure place in heaven!! Wasn’t there a time when our per capita income was around US$800 yet- we were willing to pay more than US$10,000 to get there by the “back track” or by bribing that US Consular Officer Carroll?? For most of those folks to overcome their illegal status – and not live constantly looking over their shoulders for Immigration Officers – there were two paths open.
Marry a US citizen and become “sponsored” for citizenship as a “spouse” or – while illegal -deliver a baby who then became a citizen via US Birthright citizenship via their 14th amendment to their constitution. The child could then sponsor their parents when eighteen. Pres Trump – in his determination to rid the US of illegal or illegally-obtained citizens – had confined the birthright citizenship to babies with at least one parent who is a US citizen or green-card holder!!
The US Supreme Court just rescinded that order. Joy in the Guyanese community!!

…new warfare
With our existential invasion threat from Venezuela, we should follow South Korea – with their similar threat from N. Korea – plan to train every single member of its military to operate drones – just like personal firearms!

The post Dealing with… Suriname’s eye-pass appeared first on Guyana Times.

In response to critically needed aid for Venezuela following last week’s powerful earthquakes, Guyana has managed to mobilise almost 100 containers of relief supplies that are being prepared for shipment this weekend.
“The efforts continue. We’re hoping to have that ship loaded by this weekend. I know it’s almost over 100 containers,” President Dr Irfaan Ali told reporters on Wednesday when asked about the humanitarian donation drive that was being held. Last Saturday, it was announced that the Government of Guyana is organising a large-scale donation drive to mobilise humanitarian assistance for Venezuela after the 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes on June 24, which have caused extensive damage in parts of the country, including the capital.
It was reported that Guyana has made available an 8000-tonne vessel to transport the aid to the neighbouring country. At the time, five containers of critically needed pharmaceutical items had already been procured, as well as several containers of food items.

Since then, the Government has seen a tremendous response from the public as well as the private sector. On Wednesday, preparations intensified ahead of the expected departure of the relief vessel this Friday.
In fact, Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who is leading the humanitarian response, on Wednesday visited the John Fernandes Limited Container Terminal to observe the packing of essential items, including rice, destined for affected communities in Venezuela.
“What is happening now is that we are packing these containers. In this instance, they are being packed with rice and packaged in such a way that, upon arrival, the supplies will be easy to distribute,” the PM explained.
During the visit, PM Phillips was joined by private sector representative Komal Singh and director-general of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Colonel Nazrul Hussain.

The PM also toured the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) facility on Woolford Avenue, where relief supplies are being received, sorted, and prepared as part of Guyana’s coordinated humanitarian response to its South American neighbour.
There, PM Phillips interacted with and thanked 18 volunteers who joined the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and CDC staff in supporting the relief exercise.
Meanwhile, in addition to mobilising aid, Guyana is also planning to deploy a GDF contingent to aid in the recovery efforts in Caracas. Moreover, Guyana is also coordinating support to Venezuela on behalf of several Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries.
President Ali told reporters on Wednesday, “So, a lot of the CARICOM countries are also going to be supporting [Venezuela], and Guyana is coordinating that support… Quite a number of them have already committed. I don’t know how many would have already transferred resources, but I know there is a lot of commitment.”
Among the relief items listed for donation are drinking water and non-perishable foods such as canned vegetables, beans, fruit, soup, tuna, chicken, dry pasta, rice, oats, cereal, peanut butter, shelf-stable or powdered milk, pasta sauce, canned tomatoes, crackers, granola bars, trail mix, instant noodles, boxed meals, baby food or formula, cooking oil, flour, sugar, salt, spices, tea, coffee, and hot chocolate mix.
Personal hygiene items, including soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorant, toilet paper, sanitary napkins, nappies, and other essential hygiene supplies, are also required. Additionally, sleeping items such as sleeping mats and/or mattresses, blankets, and sheets, as well as flashlights, batteries, solar chargers, and cutting equipment, are needed.
Based on the latest reports coming out of Caracas, at least 2295 persons have died and another 11,267 were injured from last week’s twin quakes, while nearly 50,000 others are still unaccounted for and thousands more displaced. Rescues are still combing through collapsed buildings in the hopes of finding survivors. So far, more than 6000 survivors have been pulled from the rubble.

The post Support for Venezuela: Nearly 100 containers being packed as Guyana prepares to ship off relief supplies appeared first on Guyana Times.

Dear Editor,
One can easily argue that Guyana is not going through economic transformation but instead is experiencing a period of economic recovery with the addition of the oil and gas sector. Most of the expenditure over the last five years has been focused on fixing long-lasting problems in infrastructure, education and housing that have taken root since we gained independence.
It should also be noted that if our economy had kept pace with the world’s economic growth since gaining independence, our economy’s size would be in the lower double digits today versus the paltry lower single digits we have experienced for decades due to wasteful spending, poor investments, and corruption.
Our economy’s recovery must be built on a foundation of strong fiscal management that ensures that the natural resource fund expands at a rate that outpaces national spending. It’s premature, and accelerated depletion has resulted in the fund foregoing an annual rate of return that ranges from 13.4 per cent to 14.4 per cent. This would have been easily gained by investing in the American stock market. The result could have been an NRF equivalent to what our economy would have been if Guyana’s growth had kept pace with the world’s economic growth over those last 60 years. That’s an amount just short of US$12 billion.
An amount that allows for the sustainable distribution & increase in cash grants for our citizens over 18 years of age, the “Because We Care” cash grants for schoolchildren and monthly payments to pensioners. Instead, Government spending has ballooned beyond Government tax revenue, and corruption has become widespread. We need a Government that can do a much better job managing the finances of the nation.
Thus, what is being termed economic transformation is nothing more than a squandered opportunity for robust economic recovery that can be sustained. What Comrade Ali outlined in his recent visit to the Baker Institute at Rice University does not add confidence that his vision for economic diversification and global leadership will be accomplished.
China, on the other hand, has accelerated their adoption of renewable energy with the help of their economic growth and development strategy. Diversification of their economy has also been stellar. Unfortunately, Comrade Ali’s administration has yet to show that they can successfully diversify our economy to replace the growth gap that will be left after the hydrocarbons are consumed.
Instead, “transformation” and urgency are being used as an excuse to raid the nation’s coffers and to justify poor project selection and wasteful spending, as seen in the Gas-to-Energy saga and the power ship fiasco. We must demand better of our fellow comrades, and a clear message must be sent at the upcoming local Government elections that if they do not perform, they will be replaced!

Best regards,
Jamil Changlee

The post Economic recovery vs economic transformation appeared first on Guyana Times.

Dear Editor,
I write to express my sincere appreciation for the remarkable leadership demonstrated by His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo in advancing Guyana’s development and improving the lives of ordinary citizens.
Over the past several years, Guyana has experienced significant transformation through ambitious investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing, agriculture, energy, and public services. These initiatives have contributed to expanding economic opportunities while laying a stronger foundation for sustainable national development.
Particularly noteworthy is the Government’s continued commitment to addressing the concerns of everyday Guyanese. Through community engagements, public consultations, and targeted interventions, many longstanding challenges have been met with practical solutions designed to improve livelihoods and ensure that development reaches citizens across all regions.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s outreach engagements deserve special recognition. His willingness to meet directly with communities, listen to their concerns, and facilitate timely responses has strengthened public confidence in governance.
These outreaches have become an important avenue for identifying challenges, resolving issues, and ensuring that citizens have meaningful access to Government support and services. The emphasis on practical, results-orientated solutions reflects a responsive approach to public administration.
Similarly, President Dr Irfaan Ali’s vision for national development has guided transformative projects that continue to modernise Guyana’s economy and infrastructure while promoting inclusive growth. Under his leadership, the country has pursued initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for youth, strengthening healthcare delivery, improving educational facilities, enhancing transportation networks, and positioning Guyana as a leading economy within the region.
The combined leadership of President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo has demonstrated a commitment to balancing economic progress with social development, ensuring that the benefits of national growth increasingly reach ordinary Guyanese. Their continued focus on investment, innovation, and community engagement has contributed to building confidence in Guyana’s future.
As Guyana continues on its path of rapid development, it is encouraging to witness leadership that remains engaged with the people and dedicated to addressing their needs through constructive dialogue and decisive action. Such efforts play an important role in fostering national unity, promoting prosperity, and creating opportunities for future generations.

Yours sincerely,
Rajiv Kadarnauth
Regional Councillor
Essequibo Islands/
West Demerara

The post Outstanding leadership, commitment to Guyana’s development appeared first on Guyana Times.

Dear Editor,
The unique distribution of the cash grant, which began this week, is a welcoming spectacle for parents. The package, which amounts to $85,000 for each child, is designed to help alleviate the level of poverty in Guyana.
This grant, which has been incremental, was taken away from poor families by the Granger Administration, which replaced it with the Four Bs: Boats, Books, Bicycles, Boots.
A complicated nonsense to promote the now-hibernated leader of the struggling PNC as a saviour.
This abrupt arrangement by the PNC created a platform for rank discrimination, resulting in the suffering and discomfort of some students; some were more privileged in this lopsided operation.
This cash grant requires a lot of discipline among parents to ward off the temptation of depriving the children of their rightful access to enjoy their intended benefits.
We all hope for a smooth distribution, and we also hope that no violence will erupt between the parents. We also wish that, in the final analysis, the children will benefit.
Some parents who did not make their children’s attendance at school a priority may find it difficult to receive the grant. This should be a lesson to those parents who want to deprive the innocent child of his or her acquired privilege.
This lawlessness of parents coveting the money must cease, and their children must not be deprived of their entitlements.
This grant will provide great relief to the poorer class of people who will want to ensure that their children are educated in a comfortable environment that is highly conducive to learning.
The construction of numerous schools has positively complemented the delivery of the grant because our students now attend state-of-the-art educational institutions that give them a sense of pride and self-worth.
The groundwork has been laid by the Government, and the positive reciprocal response from parents, teachers, and students is now left to be continued at a higher level.
The intended implementation of social media control by the Government, which will become law after consultation with the public to protect our children, is timely and most relevant.
In Guyana, there will be the unfounded usual political resistance, but this is an international phenomenon that many countries are addressing, and it is now controlled by legislation.
The school is an institution of learning and has the sole responsibility of moulding individuals so that positive outcomes can result in a progressive society.

Yours sincerely,
John Marcus

The post The importance of Cash Grants to our students appeared first on Guyana Times.