POLITICS – Sheriff News Network – Guyana

Housing demand surges — Gov’t moves to access NICIL lands

Staff Reporter — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 22:39:07 +0000

Government is intensifying efforts to secure additional lands for housing, with Ministers Collin Croal and Vanessa Benn engaging the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) on the transfer of state lands to support ongoing programmes.The meeting, held on Wednesday at the Ministry’s boardroom and led by NICIL Chairman Radha Krishna Sharma, focused on making lands under NICIL’s control available for housing development, while also addressing the regularisation of informal settlements located on those properties.Senior officials, including Permanent Secretary Bishram Kuppen, Chief Development Planner Germene Stewart, and Head of the Corporate Legal Secretariat Haniffah Jordan, were also part of the discussions.The move comes as the government continues to grapple with a significant demand for house lots. Housing Minister Croal had previously revealed that while more than 53,000 allocations have already been made, over 78,000 applications remain pending.To tackle this backlog, the Ministry has been working closely with multiple state agencies to identify and acquire lands nationwide.“…we are continuously working to find land [and] to engage with our partners… to be able to acquire additional lands to address these backlogs,” Croal had said, referencing collaboration with agencies such as the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission, NICIL, GuySuCo, and the MMA authority.Officials explained that Region Four accounts for the bulk of the demand, with more than 52,000 pending applications, making it the most challenging area to clear.The government has already surpassed its previous target of distributing 50,000 house lots and is now shifting focus toward construction, amid growing public demand for completed homes.President Dr Irfaan Ali had noted that many applicants are no longer seeking land alone but are asking for assistance to build, citing the challenges of sourcing materials, managing contractors, and the time required to complete homes.In response, the administration has set a target of constructing 40,000 houses in its current term, about 8,000 annually. To accelerate delivery, the Housing Ministry has expanded its contractor pool, moving beyond local builders to include firms from across the Caribbean.Authorities say the engagement with NICIL is a key step in unlocking additional lands to meet demand, while advancing a broader plan to deliver both house lots and turnkey homes across the country.

Digital driver registry to power tougher enforcement, AG Chambers says

Staff Reporter — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 22:34:16 +0000

The Government is moving to tighten road safety enforcement through a new digital system that will track the behaviour of drivers across Guyana, as part of a broader push to clamp down on traffic offences and improve public safety.In a statement, the Attorney General’s Chambers said it will spearhead the creation of a national digital registry containing “crucial information of road users,” including licensing details and their history of traffic-related offences. The initiative forms part of the Government’s wider “Safe Country” agenda, which has been highlighted in recent pronouncements by President Dr. Irfaan Ali.According to the Chambers, the registry will not operate in isolation. Instead, it will be accessible to multiple state agencies, including the judiciary, law enforcement, and prosecutorial bodies, allowing for more coordinated and efficient enforcement of traffic laws.Officials explained that the system is expected to strengthen the application of existing penalties, particularly the Demerit Point System, which allows for the suspension or revocation of driver’s licences for serious offences such as drunken driving and motor manslaughter. Beyond enforcement, the Government is also preparing to update the legal framework governing road use. The Attorney General’s Chambers indicated that a new set of legislative amendments is ready, targeting persistent issues such as noise nuisance, especially from vehicles, and littering in public spaces.While the statement did not provide a timeline for rollout, it underscored that the measures are part of a sustained effort to make roadways and public spaces safer.The move signals a shift toward data-driven policing and accountability on the roads, with authorities aiming to ensure that repeat offenders are more easily identified and penalised under the law.

U.S. says Mohameds’ extradition case is based on ‘hard, unequivocal evidence’…says Mohameds are guilty of the offences

Staff Reporter — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 17:11:15 +0000

U.S. Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot has dismissed claims by sanctioned Azruddin Mohamed and his father Nazar Mohamed that the extradition case against them is politically driven, insisting that the United States is proceeding strictly on the basis of evidence and law.Responding to suggestions that the matter is rooted in political persecution, Theriot made it clear that the U.S. does not bring criminal charges for political reasons.“The United States does not pursue criminal charges for political reasons. We do it because we have hard, unequivocal evidence against a person,” the Ambassador said.She added that the U.S. would not pursue a case unless it believed it had a strong chance of success.“Why would we take on a case we don’t think we’re going to win? That’s just a waste of the U.S. taxpayers’ money,” she said.Theriot said the United States firmly believes the Mohameds are guilty of the offences for which they have been indicted and noted that the matter is now before the Guyanese judiciary.“It’s in the Guyanese judiciary’s hands at this point, and we’re ready to move forward,” she stated.The Ambassador also addressed concerns that extraditing the Mohameds could trigger political instability in Guyana, saying she hoped that would not happen.“I hope that destabilisation doesn’t occur. I mean, that would be really tragic, because we’re simply holding people that we believe are guilty of a crime accountable for that crime,” she said.Theriot further suggested that the alleged wrongdoing was not only a matter affecting U.S. taxpayers, while stopping short of elaborating in detail.“It’s not just the United States taxpayers that were defrauded. I’ll just leave it at that,” she remarked.She emphasised that the case is being handled in accordance with the law and rejected any suggestion that the proceedings were politically motivated from the American side.“It’s not politically, certainly not politically motivated from our side,” the Ambassador said.She also stressed that the indictment was issued by the U.S. government, not the Government of Guyana.“It is our indictment. The government of Guyana did not indict the Mohameds,” Theriot said. “And I can assure you that there’s nothing political about it from the U.S. side.”Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed are wanted in the United States, where they face allegations linked to fraud and money laundering.

GECOM dismisses anonymous letter as “falsehoods”, defends sick leave policy changes

Staff Reporter — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:52:03 +0000

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has strongly rejected claims made in an anonymous letter published in the March 25, 2026 edition of the Kaieteur News, describing the allegations as baseless and misleading.In a formal response, the elections body said the letter, captioned “Arbitrary Policy Changes, Selective Enforcement, and Labour Rights Concern at GECOM”, was “not only startling” but amounted to “a direct attack on the Chief Election Officer (CEO) who heads the GECOM Secretariat.”GECOM stressed that no employee has formally raised such concerns with management and asserted that the claims were fabricated. The Commission stated that it “categorically dismiss[es] the falsehoods in the letter which can only be deemed as an effort to sow discord among employees in a well-run constitutional agency, create mischief, cause confusion, and undermine public trust and confidence in GECOM.”Addressing the issue of sick leave, one of the central complaints raised, the Commission said the adjustment from 28 days to 14 days for certain categories of staff was not arbitrary but aimed at ensuring compliance with existing rules.According to GECOM, the change aligns with the Public Service Rules, noting that “a non-pensionable employee may be granted… sick leave not exceeding 14 days in any one year,” while pensionable employees may access up to 28 days.The Commission explained that previously, all employees benefitted from 28 days by default, and the revision was made “simply to ensure compliance in line with Public Service Rule No. H42.” It maintained that “there is absolutely nothing arbitrary or selective in this action.”GECOM also dismissed claims of selective enforcement, describing them as “reckless and evidently mischievous,” while asserting that records would show staff continue to benefit from leave entitlements in accordance with established rules.Further, the agency underscored its engagement with staff, noting that management maintains an open-door policy and regularly meets with employees to address concerns. It pointed to a recent general staff meeting involving the CEO and Chairman, where issues, including sick leave, were discussed openly.“At that meeting the issue of sick leave concession was discussed with no question being left unaddressed,” the Commission stated, adding that employees were encouraged to raise concerns through the Human Resources Manager, with assurances of transparent handling.GECOM also noted that the CEO has been visiting Registration Offices to engage field staff, stating that “none of those engagements resulted in the airing of any of the issues mentioned” in the anonymous letter.While issuing its clarification, the Commission reaffirmed its commitment to effective management and staff welfare, assuring that its operations remain grounded in transparency and adherence to established rules.

Ali urges Guyanese to carry lessons of Ramadan into daily life, focus on inner peace

Staff Reporter — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 18:53:49 +0000

As Muslims across the country in celebrated Eid, President Dr Irfaan Ali called for a renewed focus on inner peace, family unity and compassion, reminding citizens of the deeper lessons of Ramadan.Delivering his Eid message, the Head of State noted that while Guyana continues to enjoy peace, many parts of the world remain affected by conflict, underscoring the importance of preserving harmony at home.“Today, as we gather here in Guyana to celebrate Eid, we do so under circumstances in a world where peace is elusive… sometimes, as people who enjoy peace, we forget how important and beautiful peace is for our existence, how beautiful peace is for our families, our communities, and our country,” President Ali said.He urged that the values cultivated during Ramadan, such as humility, charity and responsibility, must not end with the holy month but instead guide everyday life.“Ramadan was that period that allowed us to demonstrate and prove to ourselves that we are capable of executing these responsibilities… that we are capable of sharing love, that we are capable of being charitable, that we are capable of honoring our parents and honoring our elders,” he stated.The President placed strong emphasis on the concept of inner peace, outlining several principles rooted in Islamic teachings. Central among them, he said, is remembrance of God.Quoting from the Qur’an, he reminded, “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do the heart finds rest,” adding that this connection allows individuals to navigate both joyful and difficult moments in life.He further explained that contentment is key to achieving peace of mind, noting that individuals must accept life’s circumstances as part of divine will.“It is contentment. Contentment with the creator and pleased with his decree… when we become content with every circumstance… then we will not spend hours upon hours questioning ourselves,” he said.President Ali also spoke of the importance of patience and trust during hardship, encouraging citizens to remain steadfast even in moments of grief and loss.“Trust in his plan, accept his plan, and in even in those times of hardship, accepting it with patience… and in times when we are blessed, being thankful,” he urged.Another key message focused on purifying the heart by rejecting negative traits such as jealousy, pride and hate, while embracing kindness and mercy.“Peace… can only be achieved by us showing mercy,” he said, quoting the Prophet Muhammad, “Show mercy to those on earth so that those in the heaven will show mercy to you.”The President also reminded citizens of the importance of family, particularly honouring parents and maintaining relationships.“I want to remind myself and all of us that the highest door to paradise is service to our parents,” he said, referencing the Qur’an’s instruction on kindness to parents.Addressing family divisions, he made a heartfelt appeal for reconciliation during the Eid season.“Too many of our families are broken by siblings fighting against each other… Let this Eid be the one in which you bury your pride… pick up the phone and call your sibling and just say Eid Mubarak.”President Ali encouraged Guyanese to extend care not only to living parents but also to honour the memory of those who have passed by maintaining ties with relatives and friends.As he concluded, the Head of State expressed hope that the spirit of Eid will strengthen unity and bring renewed purpose.“May this joyous day of Eid bring us closer to the realization of the true meaning of life, brings us closer as family and allow us the joy… of the blessings of Ramadan.”

Labour shortage emerges as major challenge amid Guyana’s rapid economic growth -Ashni Singh

Staff Reporter — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 19:48:02 +0000

Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, has highlighted a growing labour shortage in Guyana, even as the country continues to generate thousands of new jobs driven by rapid economic expansion.Speaking during a panel hosted by the BBC World Service programme World Questions: Guyana, the Finance Minister said the pace of job creation over the last five years has been significant, particularly within key sectors such as oil and gas.“Over the last five years alone, we have created 104,000 new jobs. Now, in a population of a million, 104,000 jobs is a lot of jobs,” Dr. Singh stated.He explained that while the majority of these opportunities are being filled by Guyanese, the demand for labour is now exceeding the available workforce, creating challenges for businesses.“And those jobs, for the greater part, are being taken up by Guyanese people, but in fact, if you speak with members of the private sector, they will tell you that the jobs are being created at a rate at which one of the biggest challenges faced by the private sector is getting workers,” he added.Dr. Singh pointed to the oil and gas sector as a major driver behind the surge in employment, noting that its expansion has had ripple effects across multiple industries, further increasing demand for skilled and unskilled labour.His comments underscore a shifting labour market in Guyana, where economic growth is now outpacing the available workforce, placing pressure on employers to secure workers to sustain ongoing development.

Over 12,000 migrant workers registered in Guyana as Govt moves to strengthen monitoring systems -Min. Griffith

Staff Reporter — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 16:08:09 +0000

Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, has disclosed that more than 12,000 migrant workers were registered in Guyana in 2025, as the government continues to examine ways to strengthen monitoring systems amid the country’s rapid economic transformation.Griffith made the disclosure during an interview on the Starting Point podcast, hosted by Kiana Wilburg and Fareeza Haniff on Sunday, where he addressed questions about how the influx of foreign workers is being managed.According to the minister, the government already has mechanisms in place to monitor migrant labour, with the Ministry of Home Affairs playing a central role in the system, particularly in the issuing of work permits.“So I can tell you for 2020, we do have systems in place, right? It’s an inter-ministerial system,” Griffith explained.He noted that the Ministry of Labour works closely with the Ministry of Home Affairs to manage migration matters as they relate to employment.“Most of it is done by the Ministry of Home Affairs because it’s the Ministry of Home Affairs that has responsibility for security and for work permits,” he said.“And so the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Labor, we work on an inter-ministerial basis to try to manage the migrant workers or issues of migration in this country as it pertains to labor.”Providing updated figures, Griffith revealed that just over 12,000 migrant workers obtained work permits in Guyana during 2025.“For 2025, we had just over 12,000 migrant workers registered in Guyana through obtaining work permits,” he stated.Despite the systems already in place, the minister acknowledged that there is room for improvement and said steps are being taken to strengthen the existing framework.“Is there a system that can be strengthened? Yes, we acknowledge that,” Griffith said. “Are we taking steps to strengthen the system? Yes, we are.”He explained that discussions are already underway between his ministry and the Ministry of Home Affairs to review the current structure and explore ways of improving the system.“And so myself and the Minister of Home Affairs, we have started examining the issue, examining the current construct of the model, and looking at ways in which we can advance it towards a policy,” he said.Griffith also indicated that Guyana is monitoring developments at the regional level, particularly discussions surrounding a migration policy within CARICOM.“We’re also being cautiously optimistic about the policy that is about to come into fruition at the CARICOM level,” the minister said.While Guyana has not yet signed on to that regional framework, Griffith noted that the country’s approach could be informed by whatever policy eventually emerges.“And so we want to look at that as well… Guyana has not signed on to that policy. I don’t think the policy is complete, I should say,” he explained.“But the policy that we will enroll may be informed by the policy which is taken at the CARICOM level. So that’s how we’re trying to deal with it as best as we can for now.”

Min. Rodrigues says consumer protection key as Guyana’s economy expands

Staff Reporter — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:15:43 +0000

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Susan Rodrigues, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting consumers, noting that as Guyana’s economy continues to expand, safeguards must remain in place to ensure fairness and accountability in the marketplace.Speaking on Sunday in observance of World Consumer Rights Day, Rodrigues emphasised that the country’s rapid development must be matched by strong systems that protect citizens from unfair practices.“Today, Guyana proudly joins the rest of the world in observing World Consumer Rights Day,” the minister said, adding that “as our country advances along a rapid economic trajectory, the protection of our consumers remains paramount.”She stressed that economic growth alone is not sufficient if consumers are not adequately protected.“Growth must go hand in hand with fairness, transparency, and accountability,” Rodrigues stated, noting that under the current administration, “consumer education and protection are clear priorities.”The minister highlighted the work of the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC), which continues to conduct nationwide programmes aimed at educating citizens about their rights as consumers.According to Rodrigues, the commission carries out sensitisation programmes and school outreach initiatives throughout the year to ensure that Guyanese understand how to seek recourse if their rights are denied.However, she made it clear that education must be supported by enforcement.“But awareness alone is not enough. Enforcement is key,” she said.Rodrigues revealed that in 2025, the CCAC conducted 1,331 inspections across the country to ensure businesses were complying with the Consumer Affairs Act. During that period, 259 compliance certificates were issued to businesses that met the required standards.She also pointed to the mechanisms in place for consumers to seek redress when issues arise.“In 2025 alone, 428 complaints, representing 85% of matters received, were resolved, securing $157 million in redress for consumers,” the minister disclosed.“These are real outcomes that deliver real relief to citizens,” she added.This year’s World Consumer Rights Day is being observed under the theme “Safe Products, Confident Consumers,” which Rodrigues said highlights the importance of ensuring safety in both physical and digital marketplaces.She explained that the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) plays a critical role in this effort through inspections, testing and monitoring at the country’s ports of entry.Through these efforts, she said, authorities are working to ensure that unsafe and substandard products do not enter the local market.Closing her message, Rodrigues assured citizens that the government remains committed to safeguarding consumer rights.“Let me assure every Guyanese citizen, you have a government firmly committed to protecting your rights,” she said. “Together, we will continue building a marketplace that is fair, safe, and worthy of your trust.”

Labour Minister says he “jumped at the opportunity” when President Ali invited him to serve in Cabinet

Staff Reporter — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 14:24:59 +0000

Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning Keoma Griffith says he readily accepted the opportunity to serve in government after being personally invited by President Dr. Irfaan Ali.

Speaking on Sunday on the Starting Point podcast, Griffith recalled the moment he was contacted by the Head of State and asked to join the Cabinet.

“When His Excellency contacted me and invited me to serve in his cabinet, I don’t want to say it was a no-brainer, but of course, I jumped at the opportunity to be able to serve at this policymaking level,” he said.

Griffith, an attorney-at-law and one of the youngest members of the Cabinet, explained that his professional background in law had already drawn him toward policy work.

“In my previous profession as an attorney at law, I’ve always been attracted to policy and policymaking,” he noted.

He said the chance to contribute to national development through policy was a major motivating factor behind his decision.

“Knowing very well that there would be significant impacts in communities and in the lives of young people, the elderly, and so on,” he said.

According to Griffith, the role allows him to work directly on initiatives that affect citizens across the country.

“And so, I was happy to take the opportunity to be a part of His Excellency’s cabinet and serve the people of Guyana,” he added.

VP Jagdeo urges AI cooperation at global summit

Staff Reporter — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 15:42:03 +0000

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo warned Wednesday that global climate targets may be difficult to achieve without stronger U.S. participation, while urging developing nations to pursue aggressive national policies and prepare for rapid advances in artificial intelligence.Speaking at the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2026 in New Delhi, Jagdeo struck a blunt tone about the state of international climate diplomacy.“We are operating today in a different context. I’ve heard whispers on in the corridors, but often we are reluctant to confront the biggest issue that is affecting us right now, and that is the need to raise ambition to achieve the climate goals that we have set ourselves, and with the absence of the United States of America at the table… it would be very, very difficult for us to achieve the climate goals,” he said.Jagdeo said U.S. involvement remains critical to carbon markets and regulations affecting sectors such as shipping, aviation and methane emissions. “Without the United States again, that would be very difficult,” he added, calling on countries to “find ways where we can move forward even without the participation of the United States of America at this point in time.”Pointing to Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), he highlighted the country’s forest conservation efforts. “Guyana is about the size of the United Kingdom, 86 per cent of it is discovered with primary forest. We have one of the lowest deforestation rates in the world,” he said, adding that the country had monetized part of its forests: “We sold 30 per cent of our forest carbon for $750 million US dollars…”Jagdeo also addressed criticism of Guyana’s expanding oil production, saying economic realities must shape climate policy. “We’re going to be producing about 1.5 to 2 million barrels of oil within the next three years, per day, per day… we want to prove that you can do that and still remain have a sustainable strategy within the country,” he said. “I think we need now more and more to emphasise the economic arguments around climate issues, because you may have a climate outcome, but it’s good economics, and nobody argues with economics.”In a shift toward biodiversity politics, he argued that conservation framing could resonate with skeptics. “We just realised that in many parts of the world, including in the United States, that many people who were climate skeptics may also be strong supporters of biodiversity protection. They don’t believe the climate argument, but the biodiversity argument could be believed.”Focusing on artificial intelligence and its potential to widen global inequalities. “AI will bring great challenges to development, but it can also bring great rewards for development,” he said, warning that smaller states risk falling behind. Consequently, Jagdeo urged international cooperation to help developing nations adopt AI in sectors such as health care and education, citing Guyana’s own experience purchasing an AI medical imaging system without a clear evaluation framework. “We asked the Minister, how do you know that this is the best model… and the answer is, they came first,” he said.The remarks underscored a broader shift in global climate debates, as countries explore regional alliances, biodiversity initiatives and emerging technologies amid uncertainty over major-power leadership.