The Guyana Oil & Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC) commends President Dr. Irfaan Ali and the Government of Guyana on the official operationalisation of the Guyana Development Bank (GDB).

Backed by an initial capital investment of US$100 million, the establishment of the GDB represents a landmark milestone in modernising the nation’s financial architecture. GOGEC strongly praises the administration for delivering on its vision of an inclusive economic landscape that directly dismantles long-standing financial barriers for local entrepreneurs, youth, women, and emerging enterprises.

To steer this transformative institution, the Government has appointed a high-calibre, seven-member Board of Directors led by Chairman Abu Zaman and Deputy Chairperson Kathy Smith.

Comprising seasoned professionals with deep expertise spanning retail and SME banking, private sector advocacy, financial regulation, legal affairs, aviation, and institutional governance, this distinguished leadership team is exceptionally well-positioned to govern with integrity, inclusivity, and strategic vision.

For micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), access to capital has historically been one of the steepest hurdles to growth. The Guyana Development Bank addresses this systemic challenge head-on:

1. 1. Zero-Interest & Zero-Collateral Loans: Qualified individuals and MSMEs can access up to G$3 million with no collateral requirements and zero interest, removing high upfront barriers to market entry.
2. Co-Financing Pathways: Through strategic co-financing arrangements between the Government and traditional commercial lending institutions, beneficiaries can unlock up to an additional G$7 million at preferential interest rates, establishing strong credit profiles.
3. Comprehensive Business Ecosystem: Beyond direct funding, the bank provides technical assistance, business mentorship, capacity-building, and operational guidance to prepare grassroots enterprises to scale sustainably and eventually integrate into commercial banking.
4. Nationwide Accessibility: A dedicated mobile digital platform ensures micro-entrepreneurs and suppliers across coastal, hinterland, and riverain communities can seamlessly apply and access capital.

As Guyana’s energy sector continues its rapid expansion, meeting stringent local content targets requires robust capitalisation and capacity-building. The Guyana Development Bank serves as a powerful catalyst for GOGEC members; particularly emerging subcontractors, fabrication shops, logistics providers, and professional service suppliers.

GOGEC stands ready to collaborate with the Guyana Development Bank and the Government to ensure that local energy enterprises and small suppliers fully harness these financial tools, fostering shared prosperity and driving sustainable Guyanese participation in the national transformation.

Source: INews Guyana

Source: Village Voice News

By GHK Lall–If no apology for serial crimes is so hard to make, then I can only imagine the resistance to calls for reparations.  If there is nothing to apologize for, then what is there to make reparations about?  The issue is that ‘odious institution’ slavery.  Though centuries later, the stench is stronger.  Of man’s inhumanity against man.  Specifically, the white man’s crimes against the Black man.  Those are not some slivers of an overwrought imagination.

Those crimes are real as in millions of dead, a continent hemorrhaged, and a people still trying to rise from the destruction inflicted.  If there’s so much difficulty in extending a sincere apology for those monstrous crimes, then does any other apology for any depravity mean anything?  When Buckingham Palace can wear its best Oxbridge accents, and declare ‘no apology’ for slavery, then why is Guyana welcoming King Charles III?  If he can’t humble himself, then he should be quietly counseled to find hospitality elsewhere.

Whenever I think that the world has progressed, regret comes.  Whenever I harbor ideas that the essence of man has changed, I’m fooling myself.  Behind the forced embraces, artificial smiles, lurk some old, venomous snakes.  It’s known that blood attracts sharks.  Oil attracts scoundrels at every level, from every walk, and all cardinal points.

Frankly, some of the people who shake the hands of Pres Ali and Vice President Jagdeo would soon as spit on them.  Old prejudices die hard, often never.  I try to drum these realities in their heads.  I fail.  They believe they are beloved.  It’s the black gold, my brothers, and the sooner there’s awareness of that magic, and the manipulators that come to Guyana’s doors, the better Guyana is for it.

I suppose that in the eyes of Buckingham Palace, an apology for slavery would be bad form, set a ghastly precedent, and just not done.  In the mind of Buckingham Palace, a n—a is always a n—a and a c—e from the subcontinent is still a c—-e.  I have a challenge for white people and nonwhite folks.  What else can it be?  When a man can’t look another man in the eye and bring himself to utter a heartfelt apology, then somewhere in that formula is one who is not seen as a man, but as a lesser life form.

One unworthy of basic human dignity.  One underserving of a fundamental human consideration.  Sorrow.  Shame.  On behalf of the British people, a full, unqualified apology extended to the descendants of slaves treated so heinously by our forebears.  If that kind of respect doesn’t exist, then that man or woman should not be in my house, in my space, in my land.

It goes without saying that calling upon Pres Ali and Vice President Jagdeo to stand tall for once, to stand straight, is asking too much.  I know a lost cause when I see one.  When Guyana was destitute and ragged, people walked over it.  Now that Guyana is rich, everyone wants to win its hand, smell its perfume, taste its riches.  Those must mean something.

If the man enslaved cannot be given an apology, then what about the lesser crimes committed against the indentured of Guyana?  Indeed, there are the impotent in Guyana who paste silly grins across their faces, when the kicks to the nuggets rain like before, only in a more velvety, silky manner nowadays.

Those who treat my brothers right, do justice by them, they are my brothers, too.  Those who hide behind clever words and postures, play their believed sophisticated games, I keep far from them, don’t want to be anywhere around me and mine.

To the British monarchy, this I deliver: no apology for slavery, then expect nothing resembling hospitality.  Guyana doesn’t need Buckingham Palace.  Buckingham Palace needs Guyana.  Slavery is still alive and well.  It’s not called that, just not recognised as being such.

Source: Village Voice News

Min Parag hails teachers as key to national development

Minister of Education Sonia Parag has paid tribute to teachers for the lasting impact they have on children, stressing that their responsibility extends beyond the classroom to nurturing confidence, character and the overall development of the nation’s future.

Minister Parag made the remarks on Monday as Guyana joined the global community in observing World Teachers’ Day 2026 under the theme, “Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status and shaping our futures.”

Recognising educators who consistently go beyond their classroom duties, the minister said teachers have a unique opportunity to influence children from their earliest experiences in education.

“I have always believed that when a teacher enters a classroom, that teacher is not just an instructor,” she said.

She acknowledged teachers who invest in their students’ success, provide encouragement and compassion, listen to their concerns and continue to give their best even beyond the school environment.

According to Minister Parag, such efforts are integral to preparing students not only for academic achievement but also for responsible participation in society.

She also called on educators to uphold the values and standards associated with teaching, while remaining accountable for the responsibilities entrusted to them.

“I want you to recognise what accountability and integrity means, and upholding the standards of this noble profession, because it is a noble profession,” Minister Parag said.

The minister said the importance of teachers to national development has informed government’s continued investment in their professional advancement.

She noted that thousands of teachers have been trained at no cost through the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and the University of Guyana (UG), while others are currently pursuing training as government works towards ensuring that all educators are professionally trained.

Support for teachers also includes the continuation of the teachers’ grant, which assists educators in obtaining materials for their classrooms.

Minister Parag further noted that teachers are benefiting from support that extends into their personal and family lives, including homeownership opportunities and the Because We Care cash grant for their children who are part of the education system.

As Guyana honours its teachers, Minister Parag expressed appreciation for their continued dedication and wished educators across the country success throughout the 2026 to 2027 school year.

WhatsApp

Print

Email