Oct 8 (Food and Agriculture Organization) – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and other key partners will soon complete the FISH4ACP programme in Guyana. The main aim for this programme was to build a stronger Atlantic Seabob shrimp value chain.

At the closing Legacy Event on October 8 in Georgetown, representatives from government, the private sector, fisherfolk organisations, development partners and project beneficiaries reviewed the results and discussed future efforts to build on these achievements.

Achievements highlighted

The FAO Representative for Guyana, Dr. Gillian Smith, highlighted the concrete achievements of the work to boost the country’s shrimp value chain.

“FISH4ACP has significantly advanced the plan to upgrade the Atlantic Seabob value chain and make it more sustainable, well-managed and resilient. It has improved data collection, stock management, food safety and quality, and safety at sea, with a focus on reinforcing fisheries cooperatives,” she said.

FISH4ACP introduced CALIPSEO, a digital fisheries information system developed by FAO. Data from it enables the fisheries department to make decisions that support fishers, strengthen the sector and protect fish stocks for the future. The programme has also delivered training on the safe and healthy handling of Seabob products. To help fishers stay safe at work, it has developed a manual containing practical advice, the Safety Guide for Artisanal Seabob Fishers in Guyana.

The programme has also supported cooperatives made up of artisanal fishers and worked with informal groups. This was made possible by working with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Cooperatives Department of the Ministry of Labour. The support provided included training in governance, membership engagement, financial management and organizational planning.

Joni Musabayana, Director, ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean, stressed the transformative power of developing cooperatives. “One fisher or processor alone may struggle to secure finance, reach better markets, buy inputs at a reasonable cost, influence decisions or access services,” he said. “However, as organised groups, you can pool resources and knowledge, strengthen governance, negotiate from a stronger position and make your voices heard much louder.”

Handing over the baton

Participants at the legacy event discussed how institutions, fishing communities and industry partners could continue the work that the programme has done over the years.

Dr. Richard Blair, Advisor to CARICOM and the Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted the Government’s continued support for the fisheries sector, having invested almost $4 billion from 2025-2026, including the refurbishment of landing sites and direct assistance to almost 6,000 fishers. He also highlighted the Seabob Working Group as a key FISH4ACP achievement, bringing government, fishers, processors, exporters and researchers together to address sector challenges. “This collaborative approach will be crucial going forward,” he said.

Future efforts will be guided by a vision statement that outlines a 10-year period ending in 2032. The aim is to strengthen Guyana’s position as a leading exporter of seabob shrimp globally. The plan is to do this by ensuring a sustainable and resilient industrial and artisanal value chain that is well-regulated and supported by data, with improved infrastructure for artisanal fishers, expand fish cooperatives and continue empower women and youth.

“Cooperatives are not social organisations; they are businesses that create opportunities for their members,” said Mr. Aslin Singh, Advisor to the Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning. He noted that the Department of Cooperatives will continue to support cooperatives with registration, management and proper record-keeping. “We will also continue to work hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Seabob Working Group, the ILO and FAO to protect and build on the achievements of FISH4ACP,” he said.

Mr. Singh reminded fisherfolk that cooperatives belong to their members and encouraged them to manage with integrity and transparency, involve members in decision-making, and continue learning from one another.

Luca Pierantoni, the EU’s Ambassador to Guyana, Suriname and CARICOM, said, “FISH4ACP has done impressive work to make the shrimp value chain stronger and more sustainable, especially in areas like digital infrastructure upgrading which is critical for ensuring accurate information and informed decision-making. In future, it would be great to see Guyana spread its expanded capacities to other countries in the region.”

About FISH4ACP

FISH4ACP is an initiative of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) to improve the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture value chains in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. It is implemented by FAO with funding from the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Source: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (Guyana)

Source: NEW ROOMS SITE

See below the full release from the Guyana Police Force: 

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) wishes to inform the public that Deputy Commissioner of Police Fizal Karimbaksh has been sent on leave pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of rape and threatening behaviour made against him.

Following receipt of the report, Commissioner of Police, Dr. Clifton Hicken, established a team to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations.

Additionally, the female Police Inspector who made the report has been transferred from the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) to Regional Police Division 4 ‘A’.

The Guyana Police Force wishes to assure the public that the allegations are being treated with the seriousness they warrant and that the investigation will be conducted professionally, impartially and in accordance with established procedures.

The Force remains committed to ensuring that due process is afforded to all parties involved.

Investigations are ongoing and further information will be provided as necessary.

Source: NEW ROOMS SITE

A $500,000 individual prize has been added to the upcoming Kashif and Shanghai Football Tournament, with long-time benefactor Monty Lewis stepping forward to reward the competition’s leading goal scorer.

The incentive comes as Guyana’s premier 16-team showpiece prepares for a high-profile return to its traditional home in Linden, competing for a share of an overall $8m prize purse between December 13,  2026 and New Year’s Day 2027.

Speaking at a presentation ceremony alongside tournament co-founders Kashif Muhammad and Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major, Lewis commended the decision to bring the event back to its roots in the mining town while encouraging local stakeholders to rally behind the initiative.

Both Muhammad and Major acknowledged that the top-scorer windfall would provide added motivation for the region’s sharpest forwards.

Launched under the banner “Destination Linden, Football Means Business”, the competition will be staged exclusively in Linden across two venues.

The redesigned Mackenzie Sports Club—where the tournament was first held in 1992—will host the opening matchday on 13 December, as well as fixtures on 20, 25 and 29 December.

Meanwhile, the Bayroc National Stadium will host games on 18, 22 and 26 December before taking centre stage for the grand final on 1 January.

Beyond the action on the pitch, tournament organisers and government officials expect a substantial economic boost for local hospitality, transport, and small business operators throughout the festive period.

The participating clubs, official tournament draw, and full prize breakdown will be unveiled at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Saturday. (Modified Press Release) 

Source: NEW ROOMS SITE

Guyana has selected a six-member athletic team for the South American U23 Championship, scheduled to take place in Santa Fe, Argentina, from October 16-19.

The squad, ratified by the Council of the Athletics Association of Guyana, will depart for the tournament on October 14 after each athlete successfully achieved the required qualification standards.

Tishawn Easton leads the track lineup with double entries in the 200m and 400m, while Robert Marcus is set to compete in the 100m and 200m. Jeremiah George will compete in the 100m.

Field events will feature Yohance Bourne in the long jump, alongside triple jumpers Rodel Greene and Krystal Morris.

The delegation will be managed by Dr. James Cole alongside Team Coach Moses Pantliz.

Coach Trishel Thompson will also join the travelling party and is slated to attend a development course for female coaches specialising in combined events from October 15-27.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport—led by Ministers Charles Ramson Jr. and Steven Jacobs—and the Executive Council of the Guyana Olympic Association supported the campaign’s funding. (Modified Press Release) 

Source: NEW ROOMS SITE

Esan Rose, a 37-year-old security guard from Laing Avenue, Georgetown, was fatally shot on Thursday afternoon at a Chinese supermarket located on Sussex Street, Georgetown.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Rose was performing security duties at the supermarket when he was approached by two men, one of whom was reportedly armed with a handgun.

The armed suspect allegedly discharged a round in Rose’s direction, striking him in the chest and causing him to fall to the ground. Both suspects subsequently fled the area.

A firearm that Rose was carrying in connection with his duties as an armed security guard was recovered at the scene and lodged.

Police said investigations are ongoing and an update will follow

Source: NEW ROOMS SITE

Kurt Beckles, a 23-year-old labourer of Sophia, Georgetown, was found dead on Thursday with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to his head.

According to a Police statement, the man’s body was found at about 08:15 hrs, at his residence.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that Beckles, who lived alone, was discovered lying motionless in his yard with blood about his head and what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the right side of his head.

“Emergency Medical Technicians were summoned to the scene, where Beckles was examined and pronounced dead by a doctor on duty,” Police said.

CCTV footage from the area is being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.

Beckles’ body was taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.

Investigations are ongoing.

Source: NEW ROOMS SITE

Vitor Leca De Alencar, a 16-year-old resident of Green Acres, East Bank Demerara, died on Wednesday afternoon after the motorcycle he was riding crashed into a lamp post.

In a release, Police Headquarters said, “Initial enquiries revealed that the motorcycle was proceeding west along the southern carriageway of Eccles Access Road, reportedly at a fast rate of speed, when the rider lost control while negotiating a right bend and collided with a lamp pole situated on the median separating the two carriageways.

“As a result of the collision, Alencar fell onto the road surface and sustained injuries to his head and other parts of his body.”

Emergency Medical Technicians were summoned to the scene, where Alencar was examined and pronounced dead by a doctor on duty.

His body was subsequently escorted to Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.

Police said investigations are ongoing.

Source: NEW ROOMS SITE

See below the full release from the International Monetary Fund: 

Guyana’s economy continues to expand at one of the highest rates in the world, supported by strong oil production and robust, broad-based non-oil activity. Real GDP grew by over 19 percent in 2025, with oil and non-oil GDP increasing by 21 percent and 14 percent, respectively, as oil production exceeded 900,000 barrels per day, labor market conditions strengthened further, and private credit supported economic activity. These trends broadly continued in the first half of 2026. Average inflation remained contained at 3.3 percent in 2025 but edged up in 2026, reflecting higher global energy and food prices. The external position strengthened further, with the current account surplus widening, gross international reserves reaching about US$1.4 billion, and the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) accumulating about US$3.3 billion (over 12 percent of GDP) by end-2025.

Strong oil revenues helped narrow the overall fiscal deficit to 5.5 percent of GDP in 2025 while large public investments continued. The non-oil primary deficit as a share of non-oil GDP also declined slightly. The accumulation of oil revenue in the NRF has helped build external and fiscal buffers, and investments in physical and human capital have supported non-oil growth and social outcomes. Monetary operations have helped contain liquidity and exchange rate pressures, while fiscal and supply-side measures have cushioned near-term price pressures. Economic fundamentals remain strong, while wage and competitiveness indicators warrant continued monitoring.

Executive Board Assessment[2]

Prudent macroeconomic policies continue to support Guyana’s strong growth. The authorities’ development strategy appropriately emphasizes diversification, resilience, and sustainability, while building buffers through continued rapid NRF accumulation and maintaining one of the lowest debt-to-GDP ratios in the Western Hemisphere. Large public investments in physical and human capital are supporting non-oil growth and social outcomes. Monetary operations have helped contain liquidity and exchange rate pressures, while fiscal and supply-side measures have cushioned near-term price pressures. Against this background, available indicators do not point to clear overheating or competitiveness pressures, though strong wage growth and wage-based real exchange rate measures warrant close monitoring.

Guyana’s economy continues to expand at a very rapid pace, supported by robust oil and non-oil activity. Real GDP grew by over 19 percent in 2025, following average growth of nearly 40 percent during 2023–24. Oil production exceeded expectations, while broad-based non-oil growth remained robust, led by construction and supported by agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. Labor market conditions improved, and credit growth remained strong. Inflation remained contained in 2025 but picked up by mid-2026, reflecting higher global energy and food prices. The overall fiscal deficit narrowed by nearly two percentage points to 5.5 percent of GDP in 2025, reflecting strong oil revenue while large public investment continued. Rising oil production and a decline in oil-related service imports strengthened the external position, which is assessed to be broadly in line with the level implied by fundamentals and desirable policies in 2025.

The outlook remains highly favorable amid broadly balanced risks. Oil production is expected to continue expanding, and non-oil growth is projected to average about 7 percent over the medium term. The external and fiscal positions should strengthen as new oil fields come onstream. Amid elevated global uncertainty, upside risks stem from further oil discoveries, stronger construction, and higher oil prices, while downside risks include oil price volatility, overheating pressures, and climate shocks.

The fiscal deficit is expected to widen somewhat in 2026 due to transfers and electricity subsidies before improving in 2027. If oil prices remain persistently high, a larger share of additional revenue should be saved in line with absorptive capacity. Spending should continue to prioritize productivity-enhancing projects and support for the vulnerable, while strengthening spending oversight and the performance of some key public enterprises. Consideration should be given to improving the targeting of subsidies, and broad price-mitigating measures should be gradually replaced with targeted support.

Building on the authorities’ strong commitment to fiscal responsibility, a comprehensive medium- and long-term fiscal strategy would help preserve fiscal sustainability and intergenerational equity. Existing budget frameworks provide a strong basis for further developing medium- and long-term fiscal guideposts. The non-oil primary balance could serve as the main operational target, strengthening gradually over the next decade to a level consistent with a chosen long-run anchor, such as preserving the real per capita value of NRF assets. During the transition, public spending should remain aligned with development needs and absorptive capacity, accounting also for the high cost of public service delivery in a low population density country such as Guyana.

Monetary policy should remain consistent with the stabilized exchange rate arrangement and price stability. Liquidity should be managed through FX operations, as needed, and greater use of treasury bills and reserve requirements, to keep broad money growth broadly aligned with nominal non-oil GDP growth. Additional tightening would be warranted if demand, credit, or exchange rate pressures intensify. Over time, strengthening the monetary framework by activating the interest rate channel, deepening financial markets, improving macroprudential tools, and gradually reducing broad price-mitigating measures would enhance transmission. The current exchange rate regime remains appropriate, while greater flexibility could be considered over the medium term to facilitate macroeconomic adjustment and enhance resilience to shocks.

The banking system remains well capitalized, liquid, and with improving asset quality. Staff welcomes continued vigilance in safeguarding financial stability, including with respect to concentration risks. Developing a comprehensive macroprudential framework would further help safeguard financial stability and enhance policy formulation and implementation. Rapid housing market growth warrants continued close monitoring, supported by developing a real estate price index. Cybersecurity standards should also be enhanced as financial services become increasingly digital.

Staff welcomes ongoing efforts to strengthen public sector transparency, service delivery, and governance. Priorities include resolving outstanding cost-oil audits, improving the timeliness of public enterprise and agency accounts, further strengthening audit capacity, especially in the oil and gas sector, and ensuring consistent compliance with the procurement framework as public spending expands. Efforts to strengthen AML/CFT and anti-corruption frameworks should continue, including by strengthening the Integrity Commission and the asset declaration regime.

Guyana is advancing toward a cleaner and more cost-effective energy mix while remaining at the forefront of market-based forest conservation. The Gas-to-Energy project is expected to reduce reliance on fuel-based power generation, lower energy costs, and support competitiveness. Broader diversification efforts should continue to strengthen human capital, expand employment opportunities, address labor shortages, and improve food security. Strengthening resilience to climate risks, through investments in sea defenses, drainage, and climate-resilient agriculture, remains key.

Staff welcomes continued efforts to strengthen official statistics. Priorities include updating national accounts and price statistics, further strengthening external statistics, maintaining regular labor force surveys, publishing more complete census results, and rolling out a new household budget survey. These improvements are critical to strengthen the evidence base for policymaking and assess the impact of policies. 

Sources: Guyana’s authorities; UNDP Human Development Report; World Bank; and IMF staff calculations and projections.

[1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with its members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff team prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

[2] The Executive Board takes decisions under its lapse-of-time procedure when the Board agrees that a proposal can be considered without convening formal discussions.

Source: NEW ROOMS SITE

(Kaieteur News) – A 16-year-old musician, Vitor Leca-De Alencar of Green Acres, East Bank Demerara, died on Wednesday afternoon after the motorcycle he was riding crashed into a lamp pole on Eccles Access Road, East Bank Demerara.

Dead, Rock guitarist, Vitor Leca-De- Alencar

According to the police, the accident occurred around 16:00 hrs and involved motorcycle CL 5461, which was being driven by Alencar.

Initial enquiries revealed that the motorcycle was proceeding west along the southern carriageway of Eccles Access Road (Dumpsite Road), reportedly at a fast rate of speed, when Alencar lost control while negotiating a right bend and collided with a lamp pole on the median separating the two carriageways.

As a result of the collision, Alencar fell onto the road surface and sustained injuries to his head and other parts of his body.

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) were summoned to the scene, where Alencar was examined and pronounced dead by a doctor. His body was taken to Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, for a post-mortem examination.

Source: Kaieteur News

Press Release: PM Phillips calls for stronger regional energy cooperation at OLACDE meeting