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Special investment venture for diaspora soon — President Ali tells large gathering at NY forum – News Room Guyana

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As he addressed hundreds of Guyanese gathered in Queens Village, New York, President Dr. Irfaan Ali said his government will launch an investment venture soon that will allow members of the diaspora to support major projects in Guyana.

“We are going to launch very soon a special investment vehicle to mobilise resources in the diaspora,” President Ali told the Guyanese gathered at the Jericho Palace Banquet Hall in Queens Village.

“Guyana tomorrow is going to create enough opportunities for Guyanese at home and in the diaspora.”

Projects that members of the diaspora can invest in, the President highlighted, include the forthcoming fertiliser plant and the gas bottling facility — both ventures associated with the gas-to-energy project.

This isn’t the first time the President has mentioned such a venture for the diaspora. As Guyana celebrated its 60th Independence anniversary earlier this year, Dr. Ali announced that his government would launch a diaspora bond, allowing Guyanese living abroad to raise funds and invest in public infrastructure projects.

President Ali and Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley had during the Independence anniversary celebrations that the two countries are working towards creating the new “Trident Arrow Investment Fund”, which will allow citizens of both countries to invest in critical infrastructure and long-term national projects.

Mottley said then that the fund will allow citizens to earn sound returns and become owners of projects in their respective countries.

Meanwhile, the Guyanese leader also told the diaspora meeting that his government is investing in several other major projects, including a new highway stretching from Linden to Lethem, and new hospitals for specialised care.

 

Source: NEW ROOMS SITE

Amerindian Heritage Games open with eyes on higher elevation for athletes – News Room Guyana

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More than 700 Indigenous athletes from all ten regions of Guyana have descended on the capital as the 2026 Amerindian Heritage Games officially got underway at the Everest Cricket Ground on Camp Road.

Widely regarded as the country’s premier multi-sport event, the flagship tournament kicked off on Thursday after an opening ceremony featuring a display by Guyana Defence Force paratroopers and a colourful march-past celebrating athletes from across the nation.

Permanent Secretary Ryan Toolsiram and Member of Parliament Alister Charlie formally initiated proceedings on the field.

Athletes who battled through rigorous regional qualifying tournaments will spend the coming days competing across four core disciplines: football, cricket, volleyball, and archery.

Every sporting category features dedicated male and female divisions competing for points, with all tournament finals set to culminate on Sunday.

For many competitors, the games represent far more than a weekend of silverware.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Sarah Browne-Shadeek—herself a former competitor who lined up on the pitch as a footballer in previous editions—emphasised the transformative power of grassroots competition.

From left: Minister Charles Ramson Jr., Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Minister Sarah Browne-Shadeek, Minister Steven Jacobs and Minister Pauline Sukhai at the Everest Ground on Thursday

“Sports in our villages have become indispensable in our daily lives,” Minister Browne-Shadeek said, noting that the national stage provides a critical platform for talent to be showcased and scouted to higher levels of competition.

Performing the functions of President, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips officially declared the games open, reaffirming the administration’s pledge to deliver resources, infrastructure, and elite coaching far beyond the coast.

“You have a government that is connected to the people—a government that will continue to support the development of sports in all your communities, in every region, every part of Guyana,” Prime Minister Phillips said. “No longer must development be centred only on the coastline. Development must reach the communities in the hinterland.”

Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, reinforced the focus on long-term athlete development, confirming that talent scouts are actively monitoring fixtures to integrate standout performers into national development programs.

“We have various talent scouts on the ground observing matches across all disciplines this weekend,” Minister Jacobs said.

“Our priority is to ensure that raw talent identified in our hinterland communities doesn’t stop at regional competition, but is channelled directly into the country’s national sports academy structures where athletes can access structured high-performance coaching and elite resources.”

Minister of Culture, Youth & Sport Charles Ramson Jr. echoed these sentiments, noting that the government continues to deliver on its promises to Amerindian communities by pairing grassroots access with structured pathways into elite sport.

Source: NEW ROOMS SITE

GRA brings back Customs badges to help public identify officers – News Room Guyana

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The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has reintroduced official identification badges for Customs Officers, with the move aimed at strengthening professionalism, accountability and public confidence at Guyana’s borders.

The badges, which were previously part of the Customs uniform before being discontinued following changes to the dress code, are now being issued to officers assigned to Customs, Excise and Trade Operations.

According to the GRA, the reintroduction followed about two years of planning and was guided by international standards established by the World Customs Organization.

The badges are intended to give members of the public a simple way to identify and confirm that someone is an authorised Customs Officer.

The move also comes as Guyana sees increased economic activity and more people entering the country through its airports, ports and other points of entry. Customs Officers are often among the first government representatives encountered by arriving passengers.

The GRA said the badges could also help address concerns about persons impersonating Customs Officers to carry out fraud or other illegal activities.

At a commissioning and distribution ceremony at GRA Headquarters on September 8, Commissioner-General Godfrey Statia urged officers to wear the badges with pride while recognising the responsibility attached to representing the Authority.

Comptroller of Customs Rohan Beekhoo reminded officers that their conduct while on duty is critical, stressing that the badge represents not only the individual officer but also the professionalism and integrity of the Customs Administration.

Officers receiving the badges have also been given guidelines on their proper use, handling and care.

Source: NEW ROOMS SITE

Manickchand reviews proposed designs for Bourda Market

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Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, Project Manager with responsibility for Markets Anjanie Ramlall, and Deputy Permanent Secretary Godfrey Monroe today met with Eliel da Fonseca Vieira of Contracta Construction UK to review initial designs for the redevelopment of the Bourda Market.

The engagement focused on ensuring that the proposed facility is not only modern and functional, but designed around the way Guyanese vendors operate and consumers traditionally shop at local markets.

During the review, Minister Manickchand raised concerns with aspects of the initial multi-storey concept.

She noted that the final design must account for local shopping habits, including the preference for easily accessible fresh produce and other everyday goods.

Following the discussions, the design team agreed to revisit the concept, including exploring a two-storey development utilising both available sections of the market area. The revised approach would also consider how the spaces could be connected while maintaining accessibility and functionality for shoppers and vendors.

Attention was also given to natural ventilation and lighting, accessibility, drainage and flood mitigation, traffic congestion, loading and unloading facilities, and the movement of vendors during the different phases of construction.

The Minister stressed that the redevelopment must minimise disruption to vendors and protect their ability to earn throughout construction. Further consultations with vendors will also inform the revised designs, recognising that international market concepts must be adapted to the particular needs and culture of Guyanese shoppers and traders.

The revised concept will be presented for further consideration as planning for the transformation of Bourda Market continues.

Source: INews Guyana

Nearly 1.5 million displaced in Haiti as violence spreads, UN says

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https://kiskadeewatch.com/world/caribbean/nearly-1-5-million-displaced-in-haiti-as-violence-spreads-un-says/

Caribbean

Nearly 1.5 million displaced in Haiti as violence spreads, UN says


By



Displaced persons (Reuters photo)

(Reuters) – Haiti’s displacement crisis is spreading beyond the capital, with nearly 1.5 million people uprooted across the ​country, the International Organization for Migration said ‌in a report published today.

• Nearly 80% of those internally displaced are now located outside the ​capital of Port-au-Prince, with the sharpest recent ​displacement increase in Artibonite department, once considered ⁠a refuge for families fleeing violence elsewhere, ​the report said.

• Armed gangs in Haiti have ​near-total control over Port-au-Prince and have been expanding into rural areas.

• Displacement in Artibonite rose between May and August 2026, ​as escalating insecurity forced new waves of ​movement and reduced safe options for the affected population, ‌the ⁠IOM said

• Near the capital, recent armed attacks in Kenscoff displaced more than 4,000 people, with reports of homes burned, kidnappings and killings, the report ​said.

• Hundreds ​of thousands ⁠of displaced people are living in informal settlements, collective sites or ​other precarious conditions, increasing their vulnerability during ​the ⁠Atlantic hurricane season, the IOM said.

• “For families already displaced by violence, a major storm could trigger ⁠another ​humanitarian emergency,” IOM Haiti Senior ​Emergency Coordinator Elise Verron said in the report.

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Heritage Games 2026 officially opens

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The 2026 Amerindian Heritage Games officially got underway on Thursday evening at the Everest Sports Ground, Georgetown, bringing together athletes from across Guyana’s ten regions for four days of sports competition, while making way for talent development.

The ceremony, held under the theme “Observing Our Cultural Heritage During Our Diamond Jubilee,” featured a march past by the participating teams, cultural performances, and a parachuting display by the Guyana Defence Force.

Prime Minister, performing the duties of president, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips officially declared the Games open.

He highlighted the importance of such an event in advancing the government’s One Guyana development approach and expanding opportunities for young people across the country.

“No longer must development be centred only on the coastline. Development must reach the communities in the hinterland,” the prime minister said.

He noted that the government has invested in sports infrastructure, equipment, trainers and coaches across hinterland communities, which has helped to strengthen sporting opportunities for young people.

The prime minister noted that the participation of hundreds of indigenous athletes is a demonstration of the government’s efforts to bridge the development divide.

“You have a government that is connected to the people. A government that will continue to support the development of sports in all your communities, in every region, every part of Guyana,” he said.

Also attending the opening ceremony was Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah Brown-Shadeek who also welcomed the athletes and highlighted the importance of sports in creating opportunities for young people from hinterland communities.

She said sports can serve as a stepping stone to wider opportunities, noting that several athletes who participated in previous editions of the games have gone on to represent Guyana at different levels.

Minister Brown-Shadeek said the 2026 Games will feature football, cricket, volleyball, archery and novelty events, while also welcoming the participation of new teams and defending champions.

Meanwhile, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. added that the Heritage Games represent more than a sports competition, describing them as a platform to recognise the talent that exists throughout Guyana.

“The games started as an idea, an idea that represents a belief in talent that exists in every single one of us as Guyanese people,” Minister Ramson said.

He pointed to continued investment in community grounds, noting that more than $1 billion has been invested in hinterland community grounds over the past five years.

Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, during his brief remarks noted that the games also provide athletes with opportunities to be identified by national sporting associations.

“This is not only about competition, it’s about opportunities,” Minister Jacobs said, noting that representatives from football, cricket, volleyball and archery will be present to scout emerging talent.

The first night of competition continued with football, with Mahdia facing Paramakatoi, as the participating teams began their quest for honours in this year’s Games.

The 2026 Amerindian Heritage Games continue through Sunday, providing a platform for just over 700 male and female Indigenous athletes to compete, showcase their abilities and celebrate their heritage through sport and culture. [DPI]

Source: INews Guyana

GRA introduces official badges for customs officers

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The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Thursday stated that it has introduced official identification badges for Customs Officers, adding a new and important element to the professional attire of officers assigned to Customs, Excise and Trade Operations.

The GRA, in a release, stated that while Customs badges are not new to the profession, as they were previously part of the officer’s uniform, changes to the dress code over the years saw their use discontinued.

The reintroduction of the badges therefore forms part of the GRA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen professionalism, accountability, and public confidence in Customs operations.

“The new badges were introduced following approximately two years of careful consideration and planning. They were designed with reference to international standards established by the World Customs Organization (WCO), providing members of the public with a simple and recognisable means of identifying and confirming the identity of Customs Officers,” the release added.

Further, it stated that with Guyana experiencing rapid economic growth and an accompanying increase in visitor arrivals, customs officers are often among the first points of contact for persons entering the country through its borders and ports of entry.

“Their appearance, conduct and overall presentation are therefore critical to creating a professional and welcoming first impression of Guyana. The initiative is also intended to help address growing concerns surrounding individuals impersonating customs officers to perpetrate fraud and other illegal activities. The Customs Officer’s uniform remains an important component of Customs’ identity and representation.”

The GRA stated that officers receiving their badges have been provided with guidelines governing its proper use, handling and care.

Meanwhile, at a simple commissioning and distribution ceremony recently held at GRA Headquarters, Commissioner-General of the GRA, Godfrey Statia, encouraged the officers to wear their badges with pride and to recognise the responsibility associated with representing the Authority.

Comptroller of Customs Rohan Beekhoo also urged officers to always remember the importance of exercising good conduct in the execution of their official duties, emphasising that the badge represents not only the officer but also the professionalism and integrity of the Customs Administration.

Source: INews Guyana

China Railway First Group leads clean-up efforts at fire-ravaged Hope Children’s Home

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A few months after a ravaging fire tore through the Hope Children’s Home in Enmore, China Railway First Group (Guyana) Inc stepped in to provide clean-up assistance at no cost, helping to clear the severely damaged facility and prepare the site for reconstruction.

China Railway First Group (Guyana) Inc has provided clean-up assistance at no cost to Hope Children’s Home in Enmore after a fire severely damaged the facility in July.

Over nine days, the company deployed workers and equipment to remove fire-damaged materials and construction debris, helping prepare the site for reconstruction.

The fire caused extensive damage to the children’s home and left large amounts of burnt materials and debris at the property. With limited financial resources, the home was unable to undertake the clean-up on its own. Following coordination with the Chinese Embassy in Guyana, China Railway First Group mobilised personnel and machinery to assist with the work.

The team removed damaged roofing materials and wooden beams and cleared large quantities of construction debris from the site. Kenneth Finlayson, Director of Hope Children’s Home, later expressed his appreciation to the company and its workers in a letter, describing their work as “excellent”.

He also thanked the Chinese Embassy in Guyana and Ambassador Yang Yang for helping arrange the assistance.

The initiative also reflects China Railway First Group’s continued participation in community and public-welfare activities in Guyana. Alongside its infrastructure projects, the company has taken part in local initiatives aimed at supporting communities and fulfilling its corporate social responsibility.

Source: INews Guyana

Sandals to earn about US$600m a year, Royal Caribbean deal implies

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https://kiskadeewatch.com/guyana/business/sandals-to-earn-about-us600m-a-year-royal-caribbean-deal-implies/

Business

Sandals to earn about US$600m a year, Royal Caribbean deal implies


By



Adam Stewart

(Jamaica Gleaner) Royal Caribbean Group’s agreement to buy half of Sandals Resorts International implies the Jamaican hotel chain will earn roughly US$600 million a year in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA), which puts it on par with some of Europe’s largest resort groups.

Royal Caribbean said on Wednesday it will pay about US$3 billion for a 50 per cent equity interest in Sandals and Beaches resorts, “representing a forward EBITDA multiple of approximately 10x”.

Those two figures give the market its first public measure of the privately held group’s profitability. A 10-times multiple on a US$3-billion price for half the business points to about US$300 million in annual forward EBITDA for that stake, or roughly US$600 million for the whole group. The deal values Sandals at about US$6 billion. Sandals did not respond up to press time on the figures.

Neither company has disclosed Sandals’ revenue or profit, and the forward multiple refers to expected earnings rather than past results.

That puts Sandals roughly level with Spain’s Meliá Hotels International, which reported 2025 EBITDA, excluding capital gains, of €544.7 million, up 2.1 per cent. Meliá targets at least €565 million this year.

Riu Hotels & Resorts, the Spanish family-owned chain and one of Sandals’ main rivals in the Caribbean, earns more. Riu reported EBITDA of €702 million for 2024, covering the 51 hotels in its newly merged operating company.

Sandals earns about half as much as Hyatt Hotels, which operates several all-inclusive resorts in the region. Hyatt reported 2025 adjusted EBITDA of US$1.16 billion, up 5.8 per cent, and said Hurricane Melissa contributed to a fourth-quarter fall in its distribution earnings.

The largest chains operate on a different scale. Marriott International’s 2025 adjusted EBITDA rose 8.0 per cent to US$5.38 billion and Hilton Worldwide reported US$3.73 billion. Both earn most of their income from franchise and management fees, while Sandals owns and operates its roughly 17 resorts.

Butch Stewart founded Sandals in Jamaica in 1981, and the company has since grown into one of the Caribbean’s best-known hospitality brands. It operates the Sandals and Beaches resort brands across the region and employs about 20,000 people.

A completed deal would mark a major push by Royal Caribbean beyond its core cruise business into the all-inclusive resort market, and would likely rank among the largest transactions involving a Caribbean tourism company. Royal Caribbean already operates private destinations for its cruise passengers and has sought to expand its land-based offerings.

Royal Caribbean has secured committed debt financing from Morgan Stanley to fund the purchase. It expects the deal to close in early 2027, subject to customary approvals, and to add to its earnings next year.

Royal Caribbean Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jason Liberty and Sandals Executive Chairman Adam Stewart will jointly lead the joint venture’s board. Stewart will keep his role guiding the resort group’s long-term strategy. Existing reservations, loyalty programmes and resort operations will continue unchanged. BofA Securities and PJT Partners advised Sandals, while Perella Weinberg Partners and Morgan Stanley advised Royal Caribbean.

You reached the end of this article without encountering a paywall.

That is deliberate. We believe reliable journalism about Guyana should be available to everyone from the hinterland to the coast, including those who cannot afford to pay for it. But investigating, reporting and publishing every story takes time, energy and resources. Keeping our journalism open depends on the commitment of readers who can chip in and contribute to help cover the cost for everyone.

Please join the Kiskadee family by taking a subscription. Every contribution counts to our commitment to our journalists, to our readers, and to independent, public-interest journalism.

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One Communications mobile, internet services restored at reduced capacity after destruction of fibre cables

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One Communications stated on Tuesday that its mobile data and fibre internet services were restored at a reduced capacity following a disruption caused by a private company carrying out construction works along Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown.

According to the telecommunications company, contractors damaged a critical section of its fibre network at approximately 15:16h on Wednesday, affecting both mobile data and fibre internet services.

Technical teams responded immediately after the damage was identified, launching restoration efforts and implementing network rerouting measures to reduce the impact on customers.

Services were restored at reduced capacity approximately one hour after the incident, with temporary full restoration achieved at 12:05h.

One Communications said the damaged cable remains in a temporary configuration, and its engineering teams are currently assessing the most suitable time to carry out a permanent repair while minimising any potential disruption to customers and businesses.

“Telecommunications infrastructure is critical to modern life, supporting personal communications, businesses, financial services, healthcare, education, Government operations, and emergency communications. Protecting this infrastructure is essential to national resilience, public safety, and economic stability,” the company stated.

One Communications related that, as a long-standing partner in Guyana’s development and digital transformation, it remains committed to providing reliable connectivity to support economic growth, business operations and communities across the country.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of One Communications, Abraham Smith, expressed gratitude to the Government and the company’s technical teams for their support throughout the incident.
“I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Office of the Prime Minister, the Telecommunications Agency, and Minister Juan Edghill for their support and engagement throughout the restoration process. We are also deeply grateful to our engineers, technicians, and operations teams who worked tirelessly through the night to restore services as quickly and safely as possible. Their dedication, professionalism, and commitment were instrumental in returning our customers to service.”

Meanwhile, Community and Government Relations Manager Jasmin Harris underscored the importance of protecting critical telecommunications infrastructure.

“Our telecommunications network spans communities and businesses throughout Guyana, with critical infrastructure located both above and below ground. Damage to these facilities can result in widespread service disruptions affecting thousands of customers. We encourage all contractors, developers, and individuals planning excavation or construction work to contact us before digging so that these assets can be properly identified and protected.”

One Communications said it remains committed to strengthening and protecting the infrastructure that keeps Guyana connected.

Source: INews Guyana

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