Speaking at the Ministry of Housing and Water’s “Dream Realised” outreach in Rosignol on Friday, Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal said the exercise marks the start of efforts to tackle pending applications during the Government’s current term.

“Our manifesto commitment says, for regions like yours, that we will intend to clear all of the pending applicants,” Croal told residents.

He added, “Today [Friday] is the day that we will start the process to implement our 2025 five-year mandate of ensuring we fulfil that commitment here in Region Five.”

According to the minister, the Central Housing and Planning Authority has more than 4,000 applications recorded for the region. However, he noted that some applicants may have migrated, relocated or already acquired housing elsewhere.

To meet demand, Croal said Government has been working with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission to secure additional lands.

The latest allocations are being made in the Experiment and Track A-O developments, with priority given to persons who attended the October 2024 allocation exercise but were unable to secure lots because of limited availability.

Beyond distributing house lots, the minister said work is already advancing to ensure the new developments are equipped with the necessary infrastructure.

“We have already completed the design, and within a month you will see the advertisement out for the infrastructure work for this area,” he said.Croal also disclosed that more than 550 certificates of title were available for distribution at Friday’s exercise. These included over 330 titles for lands at Experiment and 189 in the Blairmont-Shieldstown area, while another 20 titles are expected to be issued to residents in regularised areas of Blairmont.He said title processing has improved significantly in recent years, with more than 1,000 titles processed in Region Five.

“When we came in as a Government, your titles were taking longer than six months,” Croal said, noting that additional staff and improved systems have reduced the processing period to approximately three months.

The exercise also saw support being provided to persons constructing homes through Government’s steel and cement subsidy programme. More than 90 residents were expected to benefit, receiving a combined $21 million in assistance. To date, over $73 million has been distributed under the initiative in the region.Meanwhile, Croal announced plans to expand housing development further east in Region Five.

While lands remain available in the Borma area, Government is now pursuing additional acreage for a housing scheme in the Mahaicony area.

“We are currently working to identify or to acquire some lands to develop a housing scheme within the Mahaicony precinct,” the minister said. “For those who are listening in Region Five and asking what happened to them at that end, we haven’t forgotten you.”

The announcement is expected to bring relief to residents in eastern Region Five who have been calling for housing developments closer to their communities.

The floating power plants, located at Meadow Bank in the Demerara River and Everton in the Berbice River, have been supplying 60 MW and 36 MW of electricity respectively since 2024 under a two-year agreement between the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) and a joint venture involving Turkish firm Karpowership and Qatar-based UCC Energy International.

Reports have surfaced that the contract has expired and that discussions are underway on a renewal agreement.

Addressing the issue on Thursday, Minister of Public Utilities Deodat Indar said the Government is focused on securing favourable terms for Guyana.

“I would like to assure the public that the Government of Guyana is working in the best interests of the people of Guyana to get the best possible commercial rate for the renewal of the contract,” the minister said.

Recent reports suggested that the company had threatened to cease operations if a new agreement was not reached. However, Indar maintained that both vessels remain operational while negotiations continue.

“We continue to be in the negotiation process, while the power ship maintains an uninterrupted supply of electricity to the national grid… I want to reassure the population that no power outage is occurring due to a lack of power generation,” he stated.

The minister further explained that recent power interruptions experienced across the country were linked to grid maintenance works and disruptions caused by contractors, rather than any issues involving the power ships.

He noted that the public will be updated once negotiations between GPL and the operators are concluded.

The power ships were brought in as a temporary measure to help meet increasing electricity demand while Guyana awaits the commissioning of the Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project at Wales, West Bank Demerara.

GPL Team Lead Kesh Nandlall had earlier disclosed that Guyana’s peak electricity demand has reached 236 MW and is projected to increase dramatically over the coming years.

“By 2030, we estimated it to be 1650 MW, or one gigawatt (GW), 650 MW of peak demand output that we’ll have to have generation in place [to meet]…that means a 600 per cent increase in our generating capacity from now to 2030,” Nandlall said during the Guyana Energy Conference earlier this year.

Current peak demand has doubled from 120 MW in 2020, driven by both a growing customer base and increased electricity consumption among existing consumers.

GPL currently has about 260 MW of firm capacity available on the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS), with that figure expected to rise to approximately 285 MW this year.

The Wales Gas-to-Energy Project is expected to add 300 MW of generating capacity and significantly reduce electricity costs when it comes on stream later this year. The Government has also announced plans for a second phase of the project, which is expected to deliver an additional 300 MW by 2030 as electricity demand continues to rise.

The visit saw the Commander-in-Chief joined by Cabinet ministers, senior military officers and national security officials as Guyana and the United States continue to strengthen defence cooperation.

The USS Nimitz, which carries more than 4,000 personnel and some of the world’s most advanced military aircraft, is currently conducting exercises with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) as part of efforts to enhance security collaboration and military readiness.In a social media post on Thursday, President Ali described the United States as a reliable security partner whose support is reflected through tangible actions.

“The United States has long been a strong and dependable security partner for Guyana and the wider region. Its commitment to its allies is not expressed through words alone, it is demonstrated through action, partnership and a sustained presence in support of regional peace and stability,” the President stated.

He added that Guyana remains grateful for the support provided by the US Government, military and people in advancing regional security.

A video released this week also captured remarks made by President Ali during the visit, where he commended the role being played by the US in safeguarding the region.

“When the US Government says that it is committed to its allies, it is not only words. The United States are serious when they say they want to be locked in to the security of this region,” he said.

The President also highlighted the diversity of the US military, noting that three crew members aboard the vessel are of Guyanese heritage.The visit followed an invitation from US Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot.

In a statement issued after the engagement, the US Embassy said the visit underscored the growing defence partnership between Guyana and the United States.

“The United States and Guyana share a commitment to regional security and prosperity. The visit of the USS Nimitz demonstrates our dedication to working hand-in-hand with Guyana and our Caribbean partners to address shared challenges and build a safer, stronger hemisphere for all our citizens,” Ambassador Theriot said.

The embassy noted that the USS Nimitz is participating in joint exercises with the GDF under Southern Seas 2026, aimed at strengthening military cooperation and improving the ability of both countries to respond to shared security challenges.

It also pointed to Guyana’s membership in the Shield of the Americas initiative, a regional partnership launched earlier this year to tackle narco-trafficking and other transnational crimes.

The embassy further highlighted ongoing cooperation under the Shiprider Agreement, which allows Guyanese law enforcement officers to join US vessels during counter-narcotics operations in the region.

Also among the Guyanese delegation was Lieutenant Commander Clint Venture, who previously spent six weeks aboard the USS Nimitz as an embarked international staff officer, assisting with the planning and coordination of engagements between the vessel and partner nations across the US Southern Command region.

In an interview with the Dominican Republic-based energy publication Energía e Hidrocarburos Plus (EH+), the President said the government’s approach is focused on ensuring that oil wealth benefits future generations rather than providing short-term gains.

“We are defying the so-called “oil curse” by ensuring that our oil wealth is a down payment on our children’s future, not a lottery ticket for today,” President Ali said.

He pointed to the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) as a key mechanism for safeguarding the country’s finances while supporting national development.

According to the Head of State, revenues from the oil and gas sector are being directed towards education, healthcare, security, public services and infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening the economy and improving citizens’ quality of life.

“Oil revenues are our national seed capital. We are planting today the forests of opportunity that will shelter generations to come,” he said.

President Ali also stressed the importance of reducing reliance on a single industry, noting that the government is modernising and expanding other sectors of the economy to build resilience against future economic shocks.

With more than 11 billion barrels of oil reserves discovered offshore, he said Guyana has become an increasingly important player in the international energy market.

“We are not just an oil producer; we are a new global energy anchor. Our strategy is one of deliberate diversification aimed at serving our Caribbean and continental families, engaging Europe, and exploring Asian markets,” the President stated.

He added that Guyana is seeking to strengthen partnerships that promote energy security while creating new trade and investment opportunities.

Touching on relations with the Dominican Republic, President Ali said cooperation between the two countries continues to expand across a number of sectors, including energy, agriculture, tourism and trade.

His remarks come amid growing interest from the Dominican Republic in Guyana’s oil and gas industry. Last month, the Office of the President disclosed that officials from Refinería Dominicana de Petróleo S.A. held discussions with Guyanese authorities on expanding collaboration in the sector, including potential investment opportunities linked to the Berbice Block.

The engagement forms part of a broader cooperation framework established under a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding between Guyana and the Dominican Republic covering areas such as energy, oil refining, agriculture, tourism and petrochemicals.

The two countries have also welcomed increasing private sector partnerships, including joint ventures and consortiums in agriculture, energy and petrochemical development.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Hugh Todd and Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud led a Guyanese delegation during meetings on June 1 and 2 with senior United States officials.

Among those engaged were Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, Acting Assistant Secretary of War for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs Joseph Humire, and Chris Wright.

According to information released on the discussions, both sides examined a number of issues of mutual interest, including energy security, border security, regional stability, irregular migration and the fight against illicit trafficking.

A major outcome of the meetings was the United States’ reaffirmation of its support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The officials also explored opportunities to strengthen co-operation in the energy sector as Guyana continues to expand its presence in global energy markets.

Security matters featured prominently during the engagements, with discussions focusing on enhanced border security, tackling transnational crime and improving regional responses to emerging threats. Strategies to address irregular migration and disrupt illicit trafficking networks were also considered.

The meetings underscored the growing relationship between Guyana and the United States, particularly in areas such as energy, security, trade, investment and governance.

Accompanying Todd and Persaud were Ambassador Samuel Hinds, Advisor Wazim Mowla and Minister Counsellor Keishanna Sullivan.

The engagements form part of Guyana’s wider efforts to deepen ties with strategic international partners while advancing national priorities related to economic growth, security and regional stability.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Mohabir Anil Nandlall said the Depreciating Property Sale Order Bill of 2026 is among six bills scheduled to be tabled and read for the first time when the National Assembly meets on June 5.

Speaking during his Issues in the News programme, Nandlall explained that the proposed legislation was developed through the Regional Security System (RSS) and the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and is intended for implementation across the Caribbean.

According to the Attorney General, criminal matters involving offences under customs, narcotics and anti-money laundering laws often involve vehicles, boats, gold and other property that are seized and held for years while cases are being heard.

“And they are lodged all over the place, and they deteriorate. By the time the litigation is finished or the criminal charges are concluded, the properties are destroyed or damaged severely because they are stored not in a suitable manner or in a suitable place and they depreciate significantly in value,” Nandlall said.

He noted that when the State succeeds in obtaining forfeiture orders, the assets often have little value remaining. Conversely, when an accused person is acquitted and the property is returned, it may already be significantly damaged.

“And the state, after that, is often sued, and now have to compensate millions of dollars, have to pay millions of dollars in compensation for the depreciation, the damage, and or destruction of the goods, or the items, or the vehicles, as the case may be, that were the subject of the litigation or the criminal proceedings,” he explained.

The proposed legislation would allow the State to apply to the court for permission to sell seized property before it deteriorates. The proceeds from the sale would then be deposited into an interest-bearing account until the matter is resolved.

“This piece of legislation allows the state to go to a court and sell the item and lodge the proceeds in an interest bearing account, and when the case is determined, whoever is entitled to that vehicle or boat or goods or chattel, they get the value along with the interest,” Nandlall said.

He stressed that state agencies would not have the authority to sell property on their own. Instead, they would first be required to obtain a valuation, file court proceedings and serve notice on the property’s owner.

“The court has the power to make the order, not the state agencies. So not SOCU will determine whether they will sell a property or not; they have to go to the court,” the Attorney General stated.He added that the bill contains several safeguards designed to protect property owners while preserving the value of assets involved in legal proceedings.

If enacted, the legislation is expected to reduce the number of vehicles and other assets left to deteriorate in storage facilities operated by agencies such as the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) and the Guyana Police Force.

Nandlall described the measure as “a brilliant piece of legislation that will bring great reprieve to a serious problem that has plagued the legal system for an extraordinary long period of time.”

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, announced the initiative during his latest Issues in the News programme, noting that the first consultation was held on Tuesday at the World Trade Centre.

According to Nandlall, the exercise stems from an initiative by President Irfaan Ali and is being led by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira.

He said the government is seeking to establish a regulatory framework to shield children from harmful online content while preserving access to educational and beneficial materials.

“We have decided to start work on establishing a regulatory framework that will protect our children from the pernicious materials that are available on the world wide web and on social media for the protection of our children,” Nandlall said.

He stressed that the initiative is focused on safeguarding children and is not intended to restrict freedoms.

“I want to assure you that the government has no ulterior or nefarious motive. This is not an attempt to censor, this is not an attempt to interfere with anyone’s freedom of expression, or freedom of thought, or freedom to access the media. This is simply for the protection of our children,” he stated.

The Attorney General noted that while the internet provides valuable educational resources, there is also content that children should not be exposed to.

He argued that regulation of social media has become necessary, pointing out that several countries have already implemented measures to address the issue, particularly where children are concerned.

“Needless to say, that the time is here for us to regulate social media generally. I don’t think anyone can feel that we can continue with a social media that is completely unregulated,” Nandlall said.

He explained that Guyana will draw from legislation already enacted in countries across Europe, South America, Asia, as well as Australia and New Zealand, while adapting any framework to local realities.

According to Nandlall, the consultation process will be broad-based and involve stakeholders from across the country. Religious organisations participated in the first round of discussions, but additional engagements are planned with parents, teachers, social workers and other groups.

“We are going to go into other phases of consultations and engage every important stakeholders in the society, because we want the widest possible views to be expressed on this matter,” he said.

The Attorney General added that the success of any future legislation will depend heavily on the involvement of parents, guardians, teachers and others who interact with children, noting that government alone cannot monitor what children are exposed to within their homes.

He further announced that consultations will be held in all regions to ensure the proposed legislation reflects national input and receives broad public support.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, announced during his Issues in the News programme that the Guyana Development Bank Bill will be tabled and read for the first time when the National Assembly meets on June 5.

According to Nandlall, the creation of the bank fulfills a commitment made by the PPP/C during the 2020 General and Regional Elections campaign and is intended to address longstanding challenges faced by many Guyanese in accessing financing.

“You would recall that in our manifesto and on the elections campaign for the September 1 regional general elections the PPP civic party promised the establishment of a development bank,” he said.

The Attorney General explained that many individuals have struggled to obtain loans because they cannot provide the collateral required by traditional lending institutions, meet interest obligations, or satisfy other lending requirements.

“This development bank is intended to address that class of persons and those issues that those persons confront, which have prevented them from accessing easy finances,” he stated.

Nandlall said the institution is specifically designed to support small and medium-sized businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs, including small-scale manufacturers, farmers, restaurant owners, daycare operators, fabricators and contractors.

He noted that the bank will not only provide financing but will also offer guidance to applicants throughout the process.

“The bank’s staff will work with you in preparing your loan application, advising you on how to prepare the relevant documentations to qualify you for the loan,” Nandlall said.

He added that bank officials will also mentor borrowers and assist them in managing and growing their businesses.

Under the proposed framework, loans of up to $3 million will be available without interest and without the need for collateral.

“The loans will be up to $3 million maximum. It would be interest free, and no collateral is required, no collateral security is required,” the Attorney General explained.

Borrowers will still be required to outline how the funds will be invested and repaid, with assistance available from the bank’s staff.

Nandlall further revealed that businesses that successfully utilise the initial financing and require additional capital could gain access to larger sums through partnerships with commercial banks.

“The bank will also have a facility available where the bank will engage in bridging financing with commercial banks and to have available to you access to nearly to up to $10 million as a second loan, should your business expand and you require additional financing,” he said.

The Attorney General said the legislation will establish the bank as a corporate body operating under the Financial Institutions Act. It is expected to begin with a capital base of approximately $200 million and will be managed by a board.

Nandlall encouraged citizens across the country to take advantage of what he described as a major opportunity to start or expand their businesses.

Speaking during his Issues in the News programme, Nandlall explained that the Hire Purchase Amendment Bill is among six pieces of legislation scheduled to be tabled in the National Assembly on June 5.

The Attorney General said the amendments build on reforms introduced through the Hire Purchase Act passed in 2022, which strengthened protections for consumers purchasing goods through hire purchase arrangements.

Before those reforms, Nandlall said the law heavily favoured the owner of the goods.

“It was a harsh and very oppressive law, because a person can pay most of the installments, but misses one for whatever reason, and the owner can come and retake the goods, and that person would have lost all the payments made,” he said.

Under the previous legal framework, owners could repossess goods if payments were missed, often without notice, depending on the terms of the agreement.

Nandlall noted that the 2022 legislation introduced a range of safeguards for consumers, including requirements for written notices to be served before repossession and court oversight in certain circumstances.

“If a particular percentage of the installments are paid, then you can’t repossess without going to court,” he explained.

The Attorney General also highlighted provisions aimed at improving access to justice by allowing hire purchase matters to be heard in either the Magistrates’ Court or the High Court.

Prior to the reforms, such matters could only be brought before the High Court, creating challenges for persons living outside Georgetown.

“In the Hire Purchase Act, we provided that litigation can commence in the Magistrates Court, that is, in the district where the transaction occurred, or in the high court,” Nandlall said.

However, he explained that differing interpretations of the legislation by judges and lawyers created uncertainty regarding which court had jurisdiction to hear such matters.

“Some judges were interpreting the language to mean that the case can only be filed in the high court. Some judges were interpreting to say that the case can only be filed in the magistrates court,” he stated.

Following consultations with members of the judiciary and the legal profession, the government decided to amend the law to eliminate any uncertainty.

“I decided to make the necessary amendments to the Hire Purchase Act to ensure that it is clear, and there Is no ambiguity anymore in terms of which court one can go,” Nandlall said.

He added that the amendments will confirm that litigants can approach either the High Court or the Magistrates’ Court. Additionally, restrictions on the value of hire purchase claims that can be heard in the Magistrates’ Court have been removed.

“Any case of whatever value can now be instituted in the Magistrate court,” the Attorney General said.The proposed amendment is expected to provide greater clarity for consumers, businesses and legal practitioners involved in hire purchase disputes.

President Dr Irfaan Ali made the announcement during an engagement with residents of Karrau Village on Sunday, explaining that the facility will allow persons to access services such as National Identification cards, Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) transactions, National Insurance Scheme (NIS) services, licensing and birth certificates at a single location.

The centre is intended to reduce the need for residents to travel outside the region to conduct official business, saving both time and money. Toshao of Karrau Village, Shane Cornelius, will oversee the facility.

The President was accompanied by Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally, whose ministry is responsible for the initiative.

Government service centres have already been established in Regions Two, Three and Five as part of a wider effort to improve access to public services across the country.

Addressing transportation concerns, President Ali also announced that a second vessel will be added to the Bartica-Parika route. He said the move is aimed at improving travel along the corridor, which has long been a challenge for commuters.

The additional ferry will complement the vessel currently operating on the route.

The Head of State also outlined plans for hinterland and Amerindian communities to benefit from financing opportunities through the soon-to-be-established Guyana Development Bank.

“The Guyana Development Bank will allow us to target you directly, so that you can benefit from soft loans that will allow you to invest in your small businesses, that will allow you to come together in a consortium…and do larger projects,” President Ali told residents.

Beyond financing, the bank will provide business support through mentoring, coaching and financial management training. The institution is expected to begin operations after the necessary legislation is approved by the National Assembly.

Some US$100 million was allocated in the 2026 National Budget to establish the bank and provide seed capital.

During the outreach, the President also addressed several community concerns, including infrastructure works and electricity needs. He said assessments are underway to determine the most suitable power solution for Karrau.

Residents were also informed that the village will soon have a permanent dentist attached to the health centre. A dental chair has already been purchased and is being installed.

Following the engagement, President Ali said complaints from Karrau have declined significantly over the years, with residents now focusing largely on expanding development projects already implemented in the community.

He noted that the outreach would also be used to assess the performance of technical personnel serving the region.“…not only are we going to be looking at the opportunities and what we have to do, but we’ll also be assessing the performance of technical people. And wherever there are lapses in that performance, there will be a consequential effect. And from this outreach, you will see some of that effect taking place.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, along with Labour and Manpower Planning Minister Keoma Griffith and Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Pauline Sukhai, met separately with residents and leaders from Imbaimadai and neighbouring communities.

Among the issues raised were street lighting, old-age pensions, land titling, road and bridge rehabilitation, healthcare, education, agriculture, mining, a proposed solar farm and the development of community facilities.

The Prime Minister assured residents that the concerns raised would be examined and addressed through the relevant government ministries and agencies.