Guyana’s tourism sector is poised for further growth, with the country’s accommodation capacity projected to approach 6,000 rooms by the end of 2026, as increased hotel investment positions the destination to welcome more visitors and accommodate a growing conference and leisure travel market.
Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Kamrul Baksh, outlined the sector’s expansion while addressing the State of the Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026, noting that the country’s room stock has grown significantly from the relatively small number of rooms available in 2020.
AC Hotel by Mariott
The expansion has been supported by increased investment in the hospitality industry, including the entry of international hotel brands such as Hyatt, AC by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton and others, alongside the development of additional accommodation properties.
The director said a further 15 hotels are expected to come on stream after 2026, signalling continued growth in the country’s capacity to accommodate visitors.
The increased room stock is particularly important as Guyana strengthens its meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) market.
Baksh noted that the country had hosted more than 20 conferences and exhibitions during 2026, attracting significant numbers of visitors and generating business for restaurants, bars and other tourism-related services.
The expansion of accommodation is also expected to support the growth of leisure travel and diaspora tourism, while providing greater capacity to accommodate visitors attending major events and exploring Guyana’s natural and cultural attractions.
He emphasised that the development of the sector must be matched by improvements in service delivery and workforce capacity to ensure that visitors receive quality experiences.
“At the heart of this, Guyana is at a place where we need to upscale our human capacity” he stated.
In this regard, the Hospitality and Tourism Institute is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, providing an important foundation for developing the skilled workforce required to support the expanding industry.
The Tourism and Hospitality Institute under construction
He also highlighted the introduction of approximately 80 new tours and experiences across Guyana over the preceding six years, developed in collaboration with the private sector to give visitors more opportunities to explore the country.
As hotel investment continues and new tourism products enter the market, Guyana is positioning itself to accommodate increased visitor demand while strengthening the infrastructure, services and human resources needed to sustain long-term tourism growth.
Seventy-five-year-old pensioner Abdool Nazir and his wife, Zanita Persaud, are now homeowners after receiving a newly constructed house through the Men on Mission (MoM) initiative, providing the couple with greater security and improved living conditions.
Nazir, who has been living with end-stage kidney disease, had been struggling to build a home on land allocated to him by the government before reaching out to MoM for assistance.
At centre, Zanita Persaud receives the keys on behalf of her husband to their brand-new home. she is flanked by (L) National Coordinator Lieutenant Colonel Bhageshwar Murli and Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, (R) Region Four Chairman, Juan Edghil and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Labour and Manpower Planning, Indranie Ramnaraine
Expressing gratitude for the assistance, Nazir said the support had made a life-changing difference for him and his wife.
“If it wasn’t for the Men on Mission, I would never own a home,” he said, thanking the initiative, the contractors, workers and everyone who contributed to the construction.
At the handover ceremony at Providence on the East Bank of Demerara, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith said the handover demonstrated how the President’s vision of men playing a more active role in society was being translated into meaningful support for communities.
He commended the men from the public and private sectors who volunteered their time and resources to improve the lives of vulnerable citizens, while encouraging other eligible families to seek assistance through the initiative.
“We can continue to build bridges and schools and hospitals and infrastructure. But if we don’t work now on the people who will inherit the Guyana that we are building, we are preparing for an unfortunate future,” the minister said.
Minister Griffith also stressed on the impact the MoM has had in the various communities across Guyana since its debut.
He said, “I am extremely proud of the work that the Men on Mission has achieved so far. 161 homes within four years is no easy endeavor, they are governments which are unable to achieve that. It represents the families who were impacted and their lives are forever changed.”
National Coordinator Lieutenant Colonel Bhageshwar Murli highlighted the significance of the initiative, noting that the latest handover brings the number of homes delivered to approximately 161 since the programme began four years ago.
Lt Col Murli also encouraged other vulnerable families who meet the eligibility criteria to seek assistance, emphasising that the initiative remains committed to supporting those in need.
He described the newly constructed house as more than a physical structure, highlighting the security and stability that homeownership provides.
Minister Keoma Griffith shares a moment with Abdool Nazir
“This is more than a structure, Mr. Nazir. This is now your sanctuary. This is your place of refuge. This is your place of protection,” he said.
Since its launch by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali in October 2022, Men on Mission has expanded its work beyond mentoring boys and men to include house construction, repairs and the provision of building materials for vulnerable households.
The initiative has constructed more than 170 homes, with approximately 161 handed over to beneficiaries.
Further, Men on Mission operates Youth Empowerment Programmes (YEP) in Georgetown, Region Nine and Region Six, offering children meals, homework assistance, literacy and numeracy support, life skills training and sporting activities.
The initiative is also advancing a Men Empowerment and Mentorship Programme (MEMP) targeting incarcerated men and their children, with the aim of strengthening family relationships, providing guidance and helping to break cycles of offending.
Men on Mission continues to assess applications for housing assistance, with priority given to vulnerable individuals and families who meet the programme’s eligibility criteria.
Guyana has maintained its Tier 1 ranking in the United States Department of State’s 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report, with the country recognised for fully meeting the minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking and sustaining efforts to prosecute offenders, strengthen victim protection and prevent exploitation.
The report highlights several measures undertaken by the Government of Guyana during the reporting period, including the prosecution of alleged traffickers, training for law enforcement and judicial officials, the establishment of a transition home for trafficking victims and public awareness initiatives targeting vulnerable communities.
Guyana’s Tier 1 status reflects the country’s continued compliance with the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking in persons, placing it among countries whose governments fully meet those requirements.
Among the key developments was the continued application of the Combating Trafficking of Persons Act of 2023, which strengthened the legislative framework by increasing penalties for trafficking offences, extending criminal liability to corporations and expanding the definition of trafficking to cover additional forms of exploitation.
The legislation prescribes penalties ranging from five years to life imprisonment, providing for stringent punishment for persons convicted of trafficking-related offences.
Generic image of human trafficking
During 2025, the government initiated 16 trafficking investigations, prosecuted four suspects and secured one conviction for sex trafficking, resulting in a prison sentence of at least 48 months. Authorities also detained a trafficker who had been convicted in absentia during the previous reporting period.
The report also recognised efforts to improve the capacity of officials to identify and respond to trafficking cases. Police officers, judges, immigration officers and other officials received training in identifying indicators of trafficking, conducting victim-centred and trauma-informed investigations, protecting victims, interviewing potential victims and handling evidence.
In July 2025, the government completed construction of a 30-person transition home to accommodate trafficking victims during a voluntary 10-day reflection period, providing an opportunity for them to access support without being subjected to law enforcement interrogations during that time.
The government also continued to provide shelter, healthcare, counselling, legal assistance and repatriation support, both directly and through partnerships with civil society organisations.
The report recorded 390 trafficking victims identified in 2025, including 15 Guyanese nationals and 375 foreign nationals. Victims came from countries including Venezuela, Brazil, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, India and Colombia.
In addition, four foreign trafficking victims were granted work permits, providing them with a legal alternative to removal in circumstances where they could face retribution or hardship. The government also provided victim-witness assistance, including legal counselling, transportation and preparation for court proceedings, while victims were permitted to give evidence through video or pre-recorded statements.
Guyana’s prevention efforts were another area highlighted in the report. The government maintained its interagency anti-trafficking task force and continued to use its 2021–2025 National Action Plan to guide activities while initiating consultations on a new plan.
Public awareness initiatives targeted groups and communities considered vulnerable to trafficking, including hotel operators, miners, Indigenous community leaders, policing groups, private security firms and schools.
Services the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security offer to survivors of trafficking
Authorities also operated three anti-trafficking hotlines, including two for English speakers and one for Spanish speakers. These recorded 15 reports of alleged trafficking during the reporting period. In July 2025, a QR code reporting system was introduced to make it easier for members of the public to report suspected cases.
The government also pursued measures to reduce demand for commercial sexual exploitation by educating workers in the extractive and hotel industries about the illegality of commercial sex.
Another significant development was the government’s response to concerns about the labour conditions of Cuban workers affiliated with the Cuban regime. The report noted that Guyanese authorities sought to establish fair labour conditions and address forced labour concerns. Following the end of the bilateral health cooperation agreement by the Cuban regime in early 2026, Guyana offered workers remaining in the country direct employment and protection. Approximately 110 Cuban workers stayed in Guyana, while the others returned to Cuba.
The Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning also conducted inspections at worksites, including projects employing Chinese nationals, as part of efforts to address labour-related concerns.
While acknowledging these developments, the report identified areas requiring further attention, including strengthening investigations, improving victim identification and referrals, increasing resources for protection and prevention, and improving oversight of recruitment agencies and labour practices.
The new West Demerara Hospital is expected to open in late 2027, expanding access to advanced diagnostic and specialist healthcare services for residents of Region Three and surrounding communities.
Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, provided the update in a recent post on his Facebook page, following a visit to the construction site, where he noted that work on the modern healthcare facility is progressing steadily.
Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony during his site visit
The new state-of-the-art hospital is expected to significantly improve healthcare delivery in Region Three by bringing advanced medical services closer to residents, reducing the need for patients to travel to Georgetown for certain diagnostic procedures and specialist care.
The facility will be outfitted with advanced diagnostic technology, including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners, as well as cardiac catheterisation capabilities.
These services will strengthen the hospital’s capacity to diagnose and manage complex medical conditions, support timely treatment and improve patient outcomes.
For residents, the expanded services are expected to mean greater convenience, improved access to specialised medical investigations and a more modern environment for receiving care.
The hospital will also provide improved working conditions for healthcare professionals, supporting the delivery of quality patient care.
This hospital will add to the list of regional facilities constructed by the government, while advancing wider efforts to modernise Guyana’s healthcare sector by expanding infrastructure, strengthening diagnostic capacity and improving access to advanced medical services across the country.
Through investments in new hospitals, upgraded facilities and modern medical technology, the President Irfaan Ali-led Government is working towards its stated goal of establishing a world-class healthcare system that delivers accessible, efficient and quality care to all Guyanese.
While construction work remains ongoing, the anticipated late-2027 opening of the new West Demerara Hospital represents a significant step towards strengthening healthcare services for Region Three and easing the pressure on other major public health facilities.
Guyana’s expanding meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) tourism market is creating new opportunities for local businesses, with more than 20 conferences and exhibitions hosted in 2026.
Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Kamrul Baksh, highlighted the sector’s growing contribution to the tourism industry while addressing the State of the Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026, noting that the benefits extend beyond hotels and conference venues to restaurants, bars and other complementary services.
“When we have the discussions with the restaurants and bars, and the complementary services for tourism, they are experiencing a lot of the benefits, so they want to see more of this market,” he explained.
Towatuma women’s group at the SOTIC 2026 conference
The growth in conference tourism is providing opportunities for businesses across the wider economy, as delegates require accommodation, transportation, food, entertainment and other services during their stay.
This creates potential for increased sales and income for local entrepreneurs while supporting employment across the tourism and hospitality sectors.
He highlighted that Guyana hosted over 20,000 attendees, including more than 12,000 persons who travelled specifically for conference-related activities.
The market is also creating opportunities for Guyanese tourism operators to showcase the country’s attractions and develop partnerships with international visitors and industry stakeholders.
As Guyana hosts more regional and international events, local businesses can use these engagements to promote their services, establish new business relationships and attract future visitors.
attendees supporting small businesses at the SOTIC 2026 conference
The director noted that Guyana must continue investing in key tourism markets to attract more conferences and exhibitions, while developing additional experiences that encourage delegates to explore the country beyond their official engagements.
He emphasised the importance of providing activities for visitors, pointing to the need for continued product development alongside improvements in accommodation and connectivity.
The expansion of the MICE market is taking place as Guyana’s tourism infrastructure continues to develop, with close to 6,000 hotel rooms projected by the end of 2026 and additional hotels expected to enter the market after this year.
The growth in accommodation capacity, together with increased air connectivity, is expected to strengthen Guyana’s ability to host larger events and accommodate more visitors, while creating further opportunities for businesses to benefit from tourism expenditure.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen took his second pole position in a week by beating the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton in qualifying at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Verstappen’s first lap in final qualifying was enough to take pole, his time fending off a second lap from Leclerc that was 0.054 seconds off pole.
Hamilton was closest to Verstappen after the first runs but was unable to improve on his second run.
In fact, most of the front runners struggled to improve on their second runs, as Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli took fourth on the grid, from McLaren’s Lando Norris.
Antonelli’s team-mate George Russell was sixth fastest but will drop to the back of the grid with a penalty for using too many engine parts.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was the only driver in the top four teams other than Leclerc to improve on his second run but could do no better than qualify seventh.
Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and the Racing Bulls of Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad completed the top 10.
Verstappen came to Singapore fresh from his and Red Bull’s first victory of the season at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia and he has continued where he left off.
Max Verstappen won the sprint race earlier on Saturday (PA Media)
The four-time champion has looked the man to beat all weekend, and took pole for the grand prix a few hours after winning the sprint, following Russell crashing out of the lead.
Verstappen said: “This was the one I really wanted. The car has been really strong all weekend.
“We have been on a really on a positive trend and it’s really special to take the pole here.”
Leclerc felt pole had been on the cards if he had not made a few small mistakes on his final lap.
He said: “Q1 and Q2 were really difficult. I had some weird struggles under braking. Q3, the lap was OK. I did some mistakes. I think there was a potential to be on pole today but Max just did a better job.”
Hamilton, second to Verstappen in the sprint, was quickest in the first and second parts of qualifying but could not repeat that pace when it mattered during what he described as “another difficult Q3”.
He added: “The car was feeling much better. I really felt she had more in her, pushing her through the laps and sessions. Q1 and Q2 were awesome, but got to Q3, snaps through (Turns) One and Three (on the first lap) put me down and rest of the lap was good, and then the second lap too many snaps.
“I think there’s a really fine line with our car whether you are over or under the sweet spot and I didn’t get it quite right today.”
Hamilton said he had adjusted brake balance on his car for the final part of qualifying and he thought it had “just tipped it a little over the edge”. (BBC)
The Ministry of Health will be introducing random checks at hospitals and healthcare facilities to ensure doctors and nurses are following established clinical guidelines, as the government intensifies efforts to improve the quality of healthcare delivered to Guyanese.
Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, recently announced the initiative while addressing a graduation ceremony for medical professionals.
He explained that teams from the ministry will randomly review patient records to assess compliance with guidelines developed for conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
“If you are compliant with the guidelines, then you get a star. If you are not compliant, then we will point out to you where you have deficiencies and we will give you some time to make sure that you comply,” Dr Anthony stated.
He said the process will include follow-up checks to determine whether identified deficiencies have been corrected, with the aim of improving clinical practices and ensuring patients receive appropriate treatment.
The minister emphasised that building a world-class healthcare system requires more than modern hospitals and upgraded infrastructure.
He said it also demands consistent standards of care, competent professionals and accountability across the health sector.
“We cannot want a world-class system where we have nice hospitals and so forth, but we are not improving the quality of care,” he stressed.
Dr Anthony also underscored the importance of continuous professional development.
The minister noted that healthcare workers must apply the knowledge gained through training to improve patient outcomes and strengthen the delivery of services.
He further urged medical personnel to demonstrate empathy, professionalism and a willingness to assist patients.
Dr Anthony warned that poor attitudes and failure to follow established procedures undermine the quality of care.
This initiative is one of many that further advances the government’s broader efforts to strengthen Guyana’s healthcare system through improved clinical standards, expanded training opportunities and greater accountability.
This ensures that investments in health infrastructure translate into better care and outcomes for patients across the country.
The National Sports Commission (NSC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, will take its ‘Learn to Swim’ programme to Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), from Monday, October 12, providing more than 200 children with hands-on training from certified swimming coaches.
The initiative represents an extension of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to expand access to sporting opportunities across Guyana, while promoting water safety and developing swimming skills among children in communities where the sport is an important part of everyday life.
The programme’s arrival in Potaro-Siparuni also fulfils a commitment made by Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, during a previous visit to the region.
Jacobs had promised to facilitate the deployment of NSC-attached swimming coaches following a request from residents, who highlighted the importance of swimming in the area and the need for structured training to help children develop their abilities safely.
With more than 300 children expected to benefit, the programme will provide participants with practical instruction and guidance from qualified coaches, helping them build confidence in the water while learning fundamental swimming techniques.
Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle described the initiative as an important undertaking for the NSC, emphasising that the Commission’s broader objective is to ensure that the benefits of organised sporting programmes reach communities throughout the country.
He stated that NSC coach Paul Mahaica has been dispatched to Region Eight to spearhead the programme, which will conclude at the Roger Hinds Pool on Friday.
“Our aim is to have the ‘Learn to Swim’ programme in all 10 administrative regions of Guyana, and taking it to Region Eight is particularly important to us,” Ninvalle said.
He noted that extending the programme beyond the more accessible coastal communities is essential to ensuring that children in hinterland regions are not left behind when it comes to accessing sporting opportunities and professional coaching.
Ninvalle also underscored the wider significance of the initiative, pointing to swimming’s value not only as a competitive discipline but also as an essential life skill.
“For us at the National Sports Commission, this programme is about more than just teaching children how to swim. It is about equipping them with a skill that can protect their lives, building confidence and creating opportunities for young people to develop an appreciation for sport,” he said.
He added that bringing certified coaches to Potaro-Siparuni demonstrates the Commission’s commitment to making sports development more inclusive and responsive to the needs of communities across Guyana.
The initiative is particularly relevant in Region Eight, where swimming is a familiar activity for many residents.
However, access to structured instruction can make a significant difference in helping children develop proper techniques, understand water safety and build the foundations necessary for further advancement in the sport.
Through the programme, the NSC and the Ministry are seeking to bridge that gap by bringing professional expertise directly to the children, rather than limiting training opportunities to communities with established sporting facilities and resources.
The ‘Learn to Swim’ initiative forms part of the wider national sports development agenda, which seeks to introduce children to different sporting disciplines, identify emerging talent and strengthen grassroots participation.
interCaribbean today announced that it will be flying between Barbados and the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Ogle every day from now on.
“More flexibility between Barbados and Guyana.
interCaribbean now flies between Barbados and Ogle seven days a week, giving you more options for business, family, a quick trip, or a little more time in Georgetown”, a statement from the airline said on its Facebook page.
Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) continues to express concern after the company’s electrical infrastructure was damaged in another vehicular accident, this time along the Mahaica Public Road, East Coast Demerara.
The incident occurred at approximately 13:00h today (Saturday, October 10, 2026), when a motor canter, registration number GAJ 7505, was proceeding east along the Mahaica Public Road and collided with GPL’s electrical infrastructure, causing damage to the network.
The driver, identified as Mohan Deonarine of Kumaka, Mabaruma in Region One (Barima-Waini), was taken into custody at the Mahaica Police Station.
According to GPL in a statement, the matter is being investigated by the Guyana Police Force, with the Mahaica Police Station handling the case.
GPL’s investigator also visited the scene, and photographs were taken as part of the investigation. The driver has indicated a willingness to compensate for the damage caused. The investigation remains ongoing.
Nevertheless, the power company is concerned about the potential consequences of vehicular accidents involving its electrical infrastructure.
It reminded that such incidents can result in serious injury or loss of life, damage to critical network components, and service interruptions affecting customers.
Additionally, damaged electrical infrastructure can pose significant safety risks to other road users and members of the public.
GPL is therefore urging all motorists to exercise caution and remain alert while using the nation’s roadways. Drivers are reminded of the importance of operating vehicles responsibly, as careless driving can increase the risk of accidents.
GPL remains committed to maintaining a safe and reliable electricity network and will continue to cooperate with the Guyana Police Force and other relevant authorities as the investigation progresses.
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