In an advisory, CANU cautioned that drugs can be concealed in drinks, pills, powders, vapes, candy and other substances, exposing unsuspecting persons to potentially serious consequences.

“One pill, one drink, and one careless decision can change a life forever,” the anti-narcotics agency warned.

According to CANU, drug use at social events can result in overdose, unconsciousness, permanent injury, sexual vulnerability, violence and possible death.

Patrons are being advised not to accept drinks, pills, vapes or other substances from strangers and to never leave their drinks unattended.

CANU also urged persons to trust their instincts and immediately seek assistance if they believe something is wrong.

The agency has meanwhile placed some responsibility on event promoters and organisers, stressing that adequate measures should be in place to protect patrons.

“For event promoters and organisers: safety is not optional. It is your duty,” CANU said.

Promoters were urged to ensure drug activity is not tolerated, suspicious behaviour is addressed and adequate security is visible. Staff should also be prepared to respond to incidents, while medical assistance should be readily accessible and safe transportation encouraged.

“A successful event is measured not only by the crowd or the music but also by whether everyone gets home safely,” CANU added.

The agency concluded its warning by urging persons to remain alert and responsible, declaring that drugs have no place at social events.

According to a government statement, those accepted must have no criminal record, possess skills and voluntarily choose Guyana as their temporary destination.

The arrangement will be implemented through the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Assisted Voluntary Return Programme following more than a year of discussions between Guyana and the US.

Importantly, Guyana will have the authority to assess each person proposed under the programme and can reject any individual it does not wish to admit.

The United States will cover the full cost of the arrangement, while the IOM will be responsible for receiving, accommodating and providing support services to those who arrive.

The government said Guyana will not be required to finance the programme, while its existing authority and responsibilities regarding admission, legal status, protection and removal will remain unchanged.

The arrangement is not intended to provide permanent resettlement in Guyana.

Instead, those admitted will remain here under established conditions while their immigration status is determined. They will subsequently be expected to return to their country of origin or move to another destination of their choice.

Persons who wish to seek international protection will retain that right. The IOM is expected to assist in referring such cases to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in coordination with local authorities.

The framework also provides for those relocated to have access to legal representatives and communication with family members.

Government said the agreement reflects Guyana’s human rights commitments and its expanding relationship with the United States, which includes cooperation in security, energy, trade, investment and diplomacy.

It added that it will work with the IOM, UNHCR and local stakeholders to ensure the arrangement is carried out in keeping with Guyana’s laws, human rights obligations and national development priorities.

Orientation for new students commenced on Monday, August 31, and will continue through September 4 at the Turkeyen and Berbice campuses, as well as the university’s IDCE regional locations.

Orientation for continuing students will take place from September 9 to 11.

Registration remains ongoing as the university prepares to accommodate the incoming cohort.

The new-student orientation programme will be delivered in a blended format, allowing students to participate either in person at the George Walcott Lecture Theatre at the Turkeyen Campus or virtually after registering online.

Daily Registry sessions will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will be followed by faculty-specific activities organised by the university’s academic divisions. 

Students will receive registration and access information from their respective faculties and through UG’s official communication channels.

The orientation programme is designed to familiarise students with UG’s academic and administrative systems, policies, facilities, personnel and support services. 

Students enrolled in online and blended programmes will also receive guidance on using the university’s digital learning environment.

UG said the activities are intended to give students the information, connections and practical support needed to begin university life with greater confidence.

The university’s formal Ceremonial Opening for the 2026/2027 academic year is scheduled for Friday, September 4, at the Ameena & Sattaur Gafoor Multipurpose Auditorium at the Turkeyen Campus.

The day’s activities will begin at 10:00 a.m. with an open-campus experience, giving students an opportunity to meet faculty, staff and fellow students, explore the campus, learn about student clubs and societies, and participate in activities marking the start of the academic year.

The formal ceremony will begin at 2:00 p.m. and is expected to feature presentations from senior university officials, including Chair of the Transitional Management Team Professor Stafford Griffith, Registrar Dr. Nigel Gravesande, Deputy Registrar Dr. Juneann Garnett and Senior Assistant Registrar Dr. Daniella King. 

Cultural presentations by the university’s talent ambassadors are also planned.

The university said faculty members, students and their families are invited to attend the ceremonial opening, with a virtual participation option also available.

The warning comes as the Commission says the practice of persons selling, or attempting to sell, mining lands granted by the GGMC is now “seriously engaging” its attention.

In an advisory issued on Tuesday, the Commission reminded mining stakeholders and the public that mining lands and related tenures are granted for the specific purpose of carrying out mining activities, subject to Guyana’s laws, regulations and the conditions attached to those grants.

As such, tenure holders have been cautioned against selling, assigning or transferring mining lands where those transactions are not permitted under the relevant legal and regulatory framework.

Of particular concern to the Commission is the use of IPOAs in transactions involving mining properties.

“The GGMC is also discouraging the use of Irrevocable Powers of Attorney (IPOAs) as a means of effecting or facilitating the purported sale, transfer, or acquisition of mining lands,” the Commission said.

It stressed that an Irrevocable Power of Attorney, by itself, is not acceptable proof that someone owns or lawfully holds tenure over a mining property.

The GGMC is therefore urging persons considering the purchase or acquisition of an interest in mining lands to first verify the status of the property with the Commission before handing over money or signing agreements.

“Persons should not rely solely on private agreements, powers of attorney, receipts, or other instruments as evidence that an individual has the legal right to sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of a mining property,” the Commission warned.

However, the GGMC noted that legitimate avenues remain available for miners, investors and other stakeholders who want to work together to develop mining properties.

It pointed to properly structured Joint Venture arrangements and other lawful mechanisms which can allow parties to collaborate in mining operations. Such arrangements, the Commission said, should be properly documented and submitted to the GGMC for consideration and approval.

The Commission said it will continue monitoring the issue and could take regulatory or other action where necessary to protect the integrity of the mining sector and prevent persons from becoming involved in unauthorised or irregular transactions.

The GGMC reiterated that mining lands granted for mining purposes should not be sold or purportedly sold, while IPOAs should not be regarded as proof of ownership or lawful tenure.

Persons considering transactions involving mining properties are being encouraged to seek clarification directly from the Commission before making financial commitments.edited 13:47

In a letter published on Wednesday, the ministry described Mohamed’s claims as “false” and “misleading”, while accusing sections of the media of repeating the assertions without adequate verification.

According to the ministry, Swan, located along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, has access to the national electricity grid and residents are able to obtain formal electricity services.

It pointed to reports in which residents reportedly complained about being disconnected and sought assistance with having their electricity restored.

“How can residents be disconnected from an electricity service that supposedly does not exist, and how can they seek restoration of a service to which the community supposedly never had access?” the ministry questioned.

The letter stated that solar panels were also provided to households that were not yet prepared to transition to the formal electricity grid, allowing them to continue accessing electricity.

The ministry made a similar argument regarding water, stating that Swan has access to a formal water supply system.

It acknowledged, however, that individual households may face challenges related to connections, payments or other circumstances that could leave them without access to the service at a particular time.

According to the ministry, those individual cases should not be interpreted as evidence that the entire community lacks access to water.

“The Opposition leader has manipulated and repackaged the information to create the false impression that basic infrastructure has not been extended to Swan,” the letter stated.

The ministry said the government will continue working with residents to facilitate formal connections to electricity and water, adding that efforts are already underway to bring more households onto the existing systems.

Greaves was convicted of murder by a jury following a trial before Justice Deborah Kumar-Chetty at the High Court in Demerara.

Greaves was charged alongside her 25-year-old sister, Jamacy Jason, over Anderson’s August 8, 2022 killing.

The court ultimately imposed a 23-year term of imprisonment on Greaves, while Jason was separately sentenced to 24 years after pleading guilty to the crime.

The prosecution’s case was presented by State Counsel Joy Williams.

The evidence established that Anderson was returning from a nearby shop when she encountered Greaves and Jason, both of Sophia, Greater Georgetown, near the bridge leading to their homes.

Greaves was found to have handed a knife to her sister, who subsequently used it to stab Anderson in the back.

Anderson of ‘B’ Field, Sophia Squatting Dam, Greater Georgetown, was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where she was pronounced dead.

A post-mortem examination subsequently confirmed that she had suffered multiple stab wounds, including injuries that penetrated her aorta and lung.

Justice Kumar-Chetty found Greaves to be a secondary participant in the joint enterprise, with the fatal wounds having been inflicted by Jason.

Greaves had no previous convictions and was noted to have had a favourable probation report. She had also completed vocational training and obtained certificates in plumbing and craft.

The court further ordered that the time Greaves spent on remand be deducted from her sentence.

The presiding judge also directed that Greaves be given access to educational and vocational training programmes during her incarceration to support her rehabilitation and eventual return to society.

The sisters were initially remanded to prison when they were arraigned before a magistrate in August 2022.

Following a Preliminary Inquiry (PI), they were committed to stand trial at the Demerara Criminal Assizes for the capital offence of murder.

Anderson was reportedly a neighbour of the sisters.

Speaking at the opening of Amerindian Heritage Month 2026 at Sophia, Greater Georgetown, the President urged Amerindian communities to examine the motives of those who claim to represent them, especially during difficult moments.

The Guyanese Leader said there will always be persons who seek to use the legitimate aspirations of Indigenous peoples for their own interests.

“They may speak the language of empowerment, justice and representation, but ask yourselves, whose interests are they really advancing?” the President said.

He warned that some persons attempt to turn legitimate concerns into grievances, and grievances into political instruments.

“Be wary of those who come among you seeking to sow division, distrust and disaffection,” Ali said.

The President described such persons as “wolves,” quoting from Matthew 7:15, which warns of false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing but are inwardly “ravening wolves.”

Ali said these persons often become active during crises, arriving with accusations, promises and criticism. However, he questioned whether they remain after the crisis has passed.

“When the cameras have gone, and the headlines have faded, who remains?” he asked. “Who is still there to help rebuild, to solve the problem and to stand with you?”

The President later sharpened the warning, telling Indigenous communities to be cautious of persons who appear suddenly during tragedy or crisis.

“So I say to you, our Indigenous brothers and sisters, be careful about those who suddenly appear among you when there is a crisis, arriving in fast boats, bearing hampers and expressions of sympathy, presenting themselves as champions of your interests,” Ali said.

He urged communities not to allow their grievances and aspirations to become “somebody else’s escape route for their own legal troubles.”

“Do not allow your concerns to be used as a ticket to avoid jail,” he said.

He said gifts can be temporary, sympathy can be convenient and political promises can disappear when a crisis has passed.

“Sometimes the gravest danger is the person who comes smiling, bearing gifts and claiming to be your friend,” the President said.

Ali told the gathering that representation should not be judged by who speaks the loudest when trouble occurs, but by who remains with communities after the crisis is over.

“Representation is not merely about who speaks the loudest when trouble knocks,” he said. “Representation is about who stands beside you when the trouble is over.”

Speaking on his “Issues in the News” programme, Nandlall said he was concerned by reports that City Hall had written off billions of dollars in rates and taxes allegedly owed by Maikwak Limited, which he said is connected to the business interests of the PNCR.

It was reported that the PNCR’s business arm, Maikwak Limited, now owes about $20 million to $25 million in rates and taxes for the Congress Place property.

Nandlall, however, questioned the legality and fairness of the alleged reduction, saying the matter involved a politically connected entity and a City Council controlled by the PNCR.

He alleged that the amount owed was reduced from about $6 billion to roughly $20 million to $25 million by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council.

“This decision cannot stand,” Nandlall said, describing it as “absolutely unlawful.”

The Attorney General argued that even if the City Council has the power to waive or adjust rates and taxes, it cannot single out one ratepayer, particularly one allegedly linked to its political leadership, for such a benefit.

“There can be no justification whatsoever for this,” he said. Nandlall said any taxpayer could move to the court to challenge the decision, adding that legal proceedings could be filed to quash it.

He also called for the matter to be investigated, describing the alleged write-off as a serious financial issue involving billions of dollars in taxes.

Last week, PNCR Leader Aubrey Norton said his party’s business arm had been activated to generate much-needed revenue.

Education Minister Sonia Parag has rejected claims that some schools experienced delayed reopening as the new academic term (2026-2027) got underway Monday.

According to her, all of the country’s approximately 1,200 schools opened, although a small number have temporary arrangements in place.

Parag said about 98 per cent of schools resumed normal operations, with students and teachers reporting as expected, while construction and repair activities at a few facilities necessitated alternative arrangements.

She pointed to the Airy Hall Nursery School, where construction is being undertaken to add another level to the building.

Rather than expose students to an unsafe environment, Parag said the ministry consulted with regional officials, parents and teachers on relocating the children temporarily.

“We don’t want children to be in an unsafe environment, but we also don’t want to have disruption in the learning process,” she said.

The minister also referenced works at Mackenzie High School in Linden, which she said have generated what she described as negative narratives about the reopening of those schools.

However, Parag said the Ministry of Education, regional education officials and the Regional Education Unit have been coordinating efforts to address the outstanding works while ensuring that learning continues.

She said, “I can tell you that the Regional Education Officer and the Regional Education Unit have been working along with the Ministry of Education to make sure that we make the buildings safe, as well as students continuing the learning process.”

She urged parents and students not to be alarmed by the situation, stressing that the ministry is actively addressing the concerns.

Parag also made it clear that the maintenance programme will not end with the reopening of schools. Crews will remain engaged throughout the academic year to deal with routine repairs and emerging problems.

She noted, “Maintenance is something that all schools need.”

According to the minister, the schools were prepared to receive students at the start of the term, but maintenance teams will continue responding to issues ranging from broken toilets and doorknobs to leaking roofs.

“While we have our schools in a prepared state for reopening today [Monday], we also have maintenance crews that will be working throughout the year,” she said.

Parag appealed to parents, teachers and other stakeholders to exercise patience and cooperate with the ministry as it continues improving school facilities.

“So, I say to the nation, just have a bit of patience with us,” she said, while assuring that the ministry is working to ensure schools have the resources needed to provide a suitable environment for both students and teachers.

The minister assured that the ministry will continue to work with regional authorities and other stakeholders to ensure schools remain safe, functional and conducive to learning throughout the academic year.

He argued that the State had observed its duty of care to the students and had put fire-safety measures in place.

The position is contained in a Defence filed on August 31, 2026, in the High Court in Demerara in response to an amended Statement of Claim filed on July 20, 2026. The proceedings involve the estates of several deceased students and the Attorney General of Guyana.

The estates of 11 children are among the claimants in the action.

They are Ariana Arlene Edwards, Delecia Tramaincy Edwards, Cleoma Felicia Edwin, Lorita Raymean Williams, Nicholeen Natasha Robinson, Andrea Cynthia Dorian Roberts, Lisa Roberts, Shorlin Bellarmine, Thracial Angelica Thomas, Sherena Emilla Valeanna Daniels and Natalie Shanta Bellarmine.

The State has denied the allegations contained in the claim and contended that the duty of care owed to the deceased students “were observed and upheld in accordance with established practices.”

It also denied that it created or permitted any danger to befall the students, maintaining that emergency escape measures were available and communicated through fire-drill training.

According to the Defence, a fire erupted at approximately 11 p.m. on May 21, 2023, in the female dormitory at the Mahdia Secondary School.

The State said school personnel, including the House Father and House Mother, took “swift and reasonable action” after being alerted by screams coming from the dormitory.

Several students escaped before the arrival of the Mahdia Fire Service, with assistance from school personnel and members of the public.

The Defence said the fire was reported to the Mahdia Fire Station at around 11:12 p.m. and firefighters subsequently proceeded to the scene.

It stated that the House Father, House Mother, firefighters and civilians rescued 28 people from the burning building. The students were rescued through doors and windows, as well as through a hole made in the wall.

According to the State, “a jet of water was also used to create a rescue path through these exits.”

The rescued students were taken to the Mahdia District Hospital for emergency treatment.

The Government said it then mobilised medical personnel and resources to assist with the evacuation of the injured to Georgetown.

Doctors from the Burns Unit and Emergency Room were assembled at Eugene F. Correia International Airport at Ogle for transportation to Mahdia.

The Defence stated that Government officials, including President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn and National Security Adviser Captain Gerry Gouveia, were alerted to the fire, prompting swift arrangements for the evacuation of injured students.

By approximately 1:15 a.m. on May 22, President Ali, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, and other Government ministers were at Ogle Airport as preparations were made to transport medical personnel and supplies to Mahdia.

Doctors, nurses, pilots, flight crews, Guyana Defence Force personnel and other officials were mobilised as part of the response. Additional aircraft were dispatched, while the Roraima Airways hangar at Ogle was converted into an emergency operations centre.

The State said critically injured students were prioritised during the evacuation.

By approximately 3 a.m., the fire had been extinguished and firefighters discovered the bodies of 14 deceased persons in the female dormitory. Nineteen injured students remained at the Mahdia District Hospital, with 13 considered stable and six in guarded condition.

They were subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for further medical treatment.

The Defence also highlighted assistance provided to survivours and their families following the tragedy.

It stated that relatives were transported to Georgetown, while accommodation, meals, transportation, medical care and other expenses were covered by the Government.

The State said facilities were also provided for medical, social and psychiatric support and counselling for survivours and families of the deceased. A Cabinet member was assigned to each affected family to ensure their needs were addressed.

The assistance included laptops, cellular phones, clothing, food hampers, school supplies, medication and other items. The Government also stated that it covered funeral and burial expenses.

On fire preparedness, the Defence said members of the Guyana Fire Service visited Government agencies in Mahdia, including the school dormitories, during the first week of October 2022.

The officers conducted fire-safety training, taught students and teachers how to use fire extinguishers and provided evacuation plans for the school and dormitories.

The State further said fire drills were conducted monthly at Mahdia Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools.

The Defence also placed significant emphasis on the alleged cause of the fire.

The State contended that it did not expose the students to “any unreasonable, foreseeable or avoidable risk of death and serious bodily injury.”

Instead, it submitted that a Guyana Police Force (GPF) investigation found that the fire was caused by “the deliberate, intentional and malicious act of a third party” — a student housed in the female dormitory — following the confiscation of her cellular phone.

The Defence stated that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) subsequently recommended that the student be charged with murder and that, by July 4, 2023, she had been charged with 20 counts of murder under the Criminal Law (Offences) Act.

The student was subsequently committed to stand trial in the High Court.

The State also outlined the financial assistance offered to families.

According to the Defence, the Government offered families of the deceased persons a lump-sum payment of $5 million, separate from assistance provided immediately after the fire.

The Defence stated that the Government offered lump-sum payments of $3 million to students whose injuries were deemed serious by medical doctors and $500,000 to those whose injuries were deemed less serious.

The assistance was offered in addition to the support provided immediately after the fire and was intended to help with ongoing medical treatment and medication outside public healthcare facilities.

The Government said independent legal advisers were retained to advise on the financial assistance, while the Attorney General and his team, social workers and an independent legal adviser travelled to Mahdia on July 3 and 4, 2023, to meet with families.

The Defence said written agreements were required because public funds were being expended and had to be transparently accounted for. Families accepting the offer were also allowed to obtain independent legal advice.

The process was repeated on July 31 and August 1, 2023, and the State said all families except two had accepted the offer at the time the Defence was filed.

It further maintained that the claimants were not excluded and remains eligible to receive the financial assistance.

The Attorney General has also rejected constitutional allegations contained in the claim, describing them as “wholly unmeritorious and unsubstantiated.”

Ultimately, the State denied negligence, constitutional violations and other wrongdoing, and “accepts no liability for the fire and/or for any injury, loss or damage” alleged in the Statement of Claim.

The Defence asked the court to dismiss the case, declaring: “This Claim is specious, misconceived in law and ought to be dismissed with costs in favour of the Defendant.”

The Defence was filed by Omar Hoppie on behalf of Attorney General Nandlall, King’s Counsel Darshan Ramdhani and attorney C.V. Satram.

Attorney-at-Law Darren Wade is representing the claimants in the High Court action.

The Defence comes as the compensation dispute returns to the High Court, after Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh previously ordered a full hearing rather than striking out the families’ claims.

The hearing is expected to examine the legal validity of the settlement agreements and whether the families were legally bound by the Government’s compensation offers.

The cases will next come up for a Case Management Conference (CMC) in November 2026.