(Kaieteur News) – Indigenous leaders representing the Upper Mazaruni District Council (UMDC), the North Pakaraimas District Council (NPDC), the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC), and the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) issued a joint statement following the conclusion of the Global Biodiversity Alliance Conference in Georgetown, raising concerns over their exclusion from international decision-making processes and the ongoing violation of their land rights.

Addressing the media and public, Alma Marshall, chair of the UMDC and Toshao of Kamarang Village, highlighted the persistent struggles Indigenous communities face regarding territorial integrity and state-driven resource extraction.

“Today I would like to make mention of the struggles that we go through as Indigenous people in the Upper Marshall District,” Marshall stated. “We have troubles with land, whereby lands are being given up for extractive activities, and I would like to say that the government of today needs to consult with the people, or with us the Indigenous people, whenever there are activities that are being taken. We would like to be a part of the decision-making processes, and the principle of free, fair, and informed consent is missing, and that is a concern to us people.”

UMDC Chair and Toshao of Kamarang Village, Alma Marshall; Chair of the NPDC and Toshao of Chenapou Village, Edward McGarrell; SRDC’s Programme Manager, Kid James; and APA’s Executive Director, Jean La Rose.

Marshall pointed directly to unresolved legal disputes, noting, “We have a land case that is pending for almost 26 years, 28 years now, and we ask the state that resolution be made so that we can have full ownership of our land, and have full ownership of subsurface rights that are within our lands.” She further criticised the exclusion of traditional authorities from the high-level talks taking place in the capital: “I would also like to make mention of the present happening in Georgetown, whereby our leaders are not present to make their presentation regarding the Global Biodiversity Alliance Conference. We need to be consulted, we need to be a part of decision-making processes as people, because we’re the ones, the true custodians of the forest, and that is our concern.”

Echoing these concerns, Edward McGarrell, Chair of the NPDC and Toshao of Chenapou Village, pointed out the striking disparity between the speed at which external commercial ventures receive land approvals compared to the decades-long delays Indigenous villages face when requesting titles and extensions.

“Today I want to say that us as the Indigenous peoples of Guyana, we would like our lands to be recognized and respected by governments,” McGarrell emphasized. “It’s been too long. We’ve been making applications for demarcation and extension, and have to be waiting for years to receive it. Sometimes we do not receive it at all, but people are applying to get mining blocks, concessions, they get it within weeks, within days. This is something we want to fix as Indigenous people.”

McGarrell pushed back against narratives framing Indigenous land rights as barriers to national progress. “We are not obstacles of development. We are the true protectors of our lands, our forests, and should we be given our territory, we want our lands to be recognised as our territory, and not just these small pieces of lands, but the territory we prefer, because we are the best protectors of these lands for generations. We know that these forests that are on the land are our supermarkets. Those places we go for our medicine, our gatherings, our hunting, fishing, and I believe should these lands be given to us, it will be well protected.”

Representing the SRDC, Programme Manager Kid James stressed the deep, intrinsic connection between Indigenous identity, territorial stewardship, and global biodiversity conservation goals.

“I am Kid James, a Wapichan from the Wapichan territory in the southern part of Guyana,” James said. “Wapichanuige is where we live. Wapichanuige is what we know. Wapichanuige is what we feel. Wapichanuige is what we were, what we are, and what we will continue to be and relate to into the future. Wapichanuige is our territory.”

James called for structural changes in how governments and international environmental organizations engage with native communities. “One of the things that we have been struggling with all along is exactly what Toshao Marshall would have just mentioned. Toshao from the NPDC would have just mentioned. That is one of the biggest struggles, and as we are having a huge international gathering, it is very important that us as indigenous peoples, the custodians of huge tracts of ecosystems that are very rich in biodiversity, should be part of discussions, should be part of decisions. We are very willing to sit at that table, to share, to contribute, to make sure that the future is for the benefit of everybody, for the benefit for those who are coming behind us, for the benefit of the country, for the benefit of the world. So with this, I would like to say that as indigenous peoples, consider us as equal partners, consider open a space where we can contribute to those ongoing dialogue and discussions with the government, with the conservation bodies, with us as indigenous peoples, as those who are and are experienced and are one with nature back at our home.”

Closing the joint declaration, Jean La Rose, Executive Director of the Amerindian Peoples Association, addressed the alignment, and current contradictions, between international conservation promises and on-the-ground realities.

“Over the years, the Amerindian Peoples Association has raised numerous concerns regarding respect for indigenous land and territorial rights,” La Rose explained. “Our government has made a commitment, a 30-30 commitment for conservation. And in that, we urge our government to respect our rights to our lands and territories. Increasingly, however, we see our lands are being given away to mining companies. We see various countries are talking about how they are going to operate in our country, yet the speed at which they are granted their concessions is not the same speed at which our indigenous communities are having their various land titles rectified or having titles granted.”

La Rose emphasized that lasting solutions require direct inclusion and legislative reform. “We have numerous problems that communities have encountered through poor demarcation, sometimes through poor descriptions, sometimes through overlaps with conservation activities. And we want all of these addressed. We want them to be addressed by the communities, with the communities, in consultation with the communities, through decision-making by the communities and their leadership. And therefore, we urge the government to respect indigenous land and territorial rights. We urge the government to work with us to improve legislation governing our lands and territories, and we urge the government to do the same when it comes to policies with respect to indigenous peoples.”

As the Global Biodiversity Alliance Conference wrapped up, the collective leadership of the district councils and the APA continue to demand that future global and national policy discussions center Indigenous land rights, free prior and informed consent, and equitable representation.

Source: Kaieteur News

Source: Village Voice News

(Kaieteur News) – Salome Boyce, the mother of security officer Nicholas Boyce, who was allegedly stabbed to death on Friday, is seeking answers and justice as she remains unclear about the circumstances surrounding her 38-year-old son’s death.

Boyce, of La Retraite, West Bank Demerara (WBD), died following an alleged stabbing incident on Friday, October 30, 2026, between 21:00hrs and 22:30hrs along La Retraite Public Road.

Police confirmed that Boyce and his common-law wife were involved in a physical confrontation that resulted in his death.

Killed: Nicholas Boyce

After receiving news of the incident, his mother travelled from her home in Corriverton, Corentyne, Berbice, to the West Bank Demerara, where her son reportedly met his demise.

She told reporters that around 23:15hrs on Friday night, she received a telephone call informing her that her son had died. Shocked by the news, she began seeking answers about what had happened, having been told that he was murdered.

“I asked where is his wife, and they said the girl and her brother kill he. I want to know if they had a problem, or what occurred,” she said.

From what she has gathered so far, her son had just returned from work after completing his shift as a security guard attached to Sheriff Security. She said he was still wearing his uniform and had his haversack with him when he died.

At the mortuary, where she positively identified his body, the grieving mother said she observed what appeared to be knife wounds to his neck, while an area behind one of his ears was also lacerated.

Salome Boyce, mother of Nicholas Boyce

She further recounted that she visited the police station, where an officer asked whether she knew her son’s common-law wife.

“I said ‘by talking on the phone’, but if I see her, I know her. Same time she was going down the step and I said ‘this is the girl’,” the mother recalled.

She said her son relocated from Corentyne to Georgetown approximately three years ago and had been in a relationship with the woman for about nine months.

According to her, she had never heard of any dispute between her son and his partner. She believes his death could have been avoided if the woman had contacted her about any problems in the relationship.

“I need justice for my baby. He is just 36 and 11 months. If he had a problem with her, she could have called me and tell me. I would have collect my son, than killing he. It hurt me very much. This is the first child out of ten that I got to bury. I’m vex. They could’ve given me him back alive without killing he. It’s very, very hard. I need justice,” she said.

The mother maintained her belief that her son’s common-law wife and her brother were responsible for his death.

However, according to the police’s preliminary investigations, Boyce was at a shop situated in front of his home when an argument reportedly broke out between him and his 31-year-old common-law wife, who was attending to customers.

During the confrontation, Boyce allegedly assaulted the woman, prompting three male customers to intervene. Police said Boyce then pulled a knife from his pocket, after which the men began pushing him away.

Police ranks who responded to the scene reportedly found Boyce lying motionless in a pool of blood with what appeared to be a stab wound to the left side of his neck.

A knife was recovered a short distance from where his body was found and was lodged as part of the investigation.

Boyce was subsequently taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

His common-law wife was also taken to the hospital for medical attention and remains in stable condition.

A 38-year-old man of La Retraite Backdam, WBD, who was reportedly present at the scene, was arrested and placed in police custody.

Police also observed CCTV cameras in the area, which will be reviewed as investigations continue.

Source: Kaieteur News

(Kaieteur News) – Former President Donald Ramotar has called on the government to consider developing nuclear power plants using Guyana’s uranium resources, arguing that this could provide a solution to the country’s longstanding energy challenges.

In a letter to the editor, Ramotar said, “We have now discovered that we have a very important mineral in our country, Uranium. That discovery has many implications. Today though it should be looked at from our country’s interest.”

He described uranium as one of the best, cleanest, cheapest and most reliable sources of energy, and suggested that the government consider building one or more nuclear power plants.

“We should think about building a nuclear power plant or plants in our country. This would be the most viable solution to the energy question in Guyana,” he added.

Former President Donald Ramotar

Ramotar also suggested that the government invite companies with experience in developing nuclear power facilities to undertake such a project, pointing specifically to Russian companies. “Therefore, we should invite them to work with us on such a project,” he said.

He further urged the government to examine the agreements signed in relation to uranium and ensure they “have a handle on it.”

The former president identified energy as one of Guyana’s biggest challenges, noting that the issue has plagued the country since the 1970s. He pointed to the reliability of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and the significant costs associated with renting power ships.

He also raised concerns about the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project, which the government has said will reduce consumers’ electricity bills by 50 per cent. However, the project has experienced several delays and remains behind its initial timeline.

“The Gas-to-Energy project is way behind schedule. Moreover, who knows when Exxon Mobil will tell us that they cannot give us any gas and that they need to use it to reinject in the oil wells. After all it is not in the contract of 2016 that we get gas, and we believe in sanctity of contracts,” he added.

Ramotar’s remarks on uranium come as the Environmental Assessment Board (EAB) reviews a decision by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to waive the requirement for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for exploration activities at the Kurupung Uranium Project in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The review was triggered by appeals filed by seven organisations and over 50 citizens including former Executive Director of EPA Dr. Vincent Adams, against EPA’s decision. As a result, the exploration work at the Kurupung property is stalled until the EAB rules.

The project is controlled by Canada-based U92 Energy Inc. through its wholly owned subsidiary, LIA (Guyana) Inc.

LIA Guyana holds exclusive rights to occupy and explore the property under two Prospecting Licences (PLs) issued by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) on April 19, 2024. The licences permit exploration for uranium, other radioactive minerals and rare-earth elements for an initial period of three years, ending April 18, 2027, with an option for two additional one-year extensions through April 18, 2029.

The project area covers approximately 92.2 square kilometres and has an estimated historical resource of 20.6 million pounds of uranium.

Source: Kaieteur News

(Kaieteur News) – The family of 32-year-old Gavin Kennard Douglas is demanding transparency and accountability from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) following his death in police custody at the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station on Saturday, October 31.

Speaking with Kaieteur News on Sunday, Douglas’ sister, Reanna Douglas, described her brother, a labourer of Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara, as a hardworking man who was devoted to his family.

She recalled that police ranks had been closely monitoring him at a local gathering before intercepting him in a private, silver unmarked vehicle and directing him to drive to the station.

“He is a hardworking person,” Reanna said. “Right now, his niece is like his daughter to him… Every time he comes around, if she needs anything, they call him and he’s going to show up… no matter what time, even if he has to get a ride.”

Reanna Douglas and her now deceased brother in happier times

The family’s account of what transpired at the station differs significantly from the official explanation provided by the police.

A passenger who was taken into custody alongside Douglas, identified as 57-year-old Terence Kishore, gave an eyewitness account of the incident to Big Smith News Watch.

Kishore said he was arrested alongside Douglas on New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, at approximately 11:20 hrs. on October 31. He referred to Douglas affectionately as “Tall Man” or his buddy.

According to Kishore, upon arriving at the station, the two men were made to sit on chairs near the sergeant’s office.

He said Douglas had not surrendered his vehicle, which had been searched or handed over his phone and other personal belongings. Instead, Douglas repeatedly asked to make a telephone call to his family before being placed in the lockups.

Kishore identified three ranks involved in the confrontation as an officer named Green, a heavy-set officer and a sergeant wearing a white belt, whom he described as a traffic police sergeant.

He recalled that Douglas had initially complied with the ranks when they approached him in the unmarked vehicle. However, when he was subsequently instructed to remove his clothing before being placed in the lockups, Douglas reportedly refused and remained in the cell wearing his own clothes.

Kishore said Douglas continued asking to contact his mother.

He alleged that within an hour of their arrival at the station, four policemen retrieved four tasers from a cupboard and used electrical wiring to tie Douglas’s hands behind his back.

Kishore, who said he was seated near the sergeant’s office, where the station’s digital video recorder (DVR) system is located, recalled hearing Douglas shouting from the back of the building.

However, he said the shouting suddenly stopped.

Within approximately 20 minutes, Douglas was dead.

Terence Kishore

Kishore alleged that four officers armed with tasers were directly involved in restraining Douglas. He further claimed that after the incident, the uniforms of some ranks were stained with blood and human waste.

According to him, a member of the station’s store was subsequently called to bring replacement jerseys for the officers. He described the clothing as a white jersey, a red jersey for the sergeant, another white jersey and a black jersey with a design for a younger rank.

Kishore also alleged that the sergeant spent approximately 25 minutes alone in the office housing the DVR system before the station commander arrived.

He claimed that more than 13 cameras were installed around the building and could provide evidence of what transpired.

Meanwhile, Reanna said when she arrived at the station to check on her brother, she immediately sensed that something was wrong.

“One officer came out back and told them, ‘Come, get the vehicle moving… I can’t wait,’” she recalled. “Right away, I had a feeling something happened to my brother.”

Moments later, an ambulance reportedly left the compound with its sirens blaring. Kishore, meanwhile, said he saw Douglas being taken out through the back of the station in a van.

At the West Demerara Regional Hospital, relatives were reportedly informed that Douglas was already dead when he was brought in by police ranks.

“They just brought him on the stretcher… left him there, said he was a junkie who had no family, and went back to the station,” Reanna alleged.

She also rejected any suggestion that her brother had died while receiving medical attention.

Photographs and videos circulating on social media, which relatives said they later viewed and recognised as showing Douglas’s body, appeared to show marks of violence.

The family said their ordeal continued when they returned to the station seeking answers about what had happened.

According to Reanna, ranks refused to account for her brother’s gold jewellery and cash, and handed over only the key to his vehicle before locking the station compound gates against the relatives.

“They aren’t telling my mother anything… they aren’t giving any answers. Right now, it looks like they’re cooking up stories on what to tell the media,” she told Kaieteur News.

The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has since commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Douglas’s death.

In a statement, the GPF said Douglas was arrested in connection with an alleged robbery under arms committed on October 28 at New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop.

Police stated that Douglas was escorted to the station at 11:36 hrs. and subsequently became aggressive and resisted ranks while being placed in the lockups at approximately 12:00 hrs.

According to the police, he was restrained and, during a subsequent check at 12:45 hrs., was observed frothing at the mouth. He was then rushed to the hospital.

A post-mortem examination is scheduled to determine the official cause of death.

Douglas’s relatives and eyewitness Kishore have indicated that they intend to closely monitor the investigation and post-mortem proceedings, insisting that the circumstances surrounding his death must be fully explained and that those responsible, if any wrongdoing is established, must be held accountable.

Source: Kaieteur News

(Kaieteur News) – Dennis Chabrol has published photographs of the Cummings Canal, popularly known as the Forty Feet Trench. And dem boys had to stop and look twice, because dem boys remember when that trench was a different story altogether.

When dem boys was small, dem used to swim in that trench. But if yuh parents ever find out, yuh was sure to get licks. Dem parents know the water was black, the trench was extremely deep, and nobody could see what was lurking beneath. It was one of them places where yuh jump in as a boy and pray that yuh come up as a man.

Dem boys remember that yuh could stand up in that trench and still couldn’t touch bottom. It was so deep that even a good swimmer had to respect it. But judging from the photographs published by Chabrol, things have changed considerably.

The Forty Feet Trench has apparently dried out and become so heavily sedimented that at its deepest point, yuh could kneel down and still keep yuh head above water.

The Forty Feet Trench is now looking more like a forty-feet puddle. Even a duck might have to think twice before diving in.

And therein lies part of Guyana’s flooding problem. These canals and drainage channels were constructed to carry away enormous volumes of water. But when dem become filled with silt, and suffering from years of neglect, they lose their capacity to do the very job for which they were built.

Then when heavy rainfall comes, the water has nowhere to go. It does what water always does: it finds somebody’s yard, living room or kitchen.

The authorities need to stop admiring drainage plans on paper and start looking at the trenches on the ground.

And since the Forty Feet Trench has clearly lost its depth, dem boys feel it deserves a name change. From now on, it should be called the Four-Inch Trench. That would be more honest.

Because at the rate things going, the only thing that going to be deep about that trench is the flooding in people’s homes. Dem boys seh, a country can’t drain properly when its forty-feet trench can’t even hold forty inches of water!

Talk half. Leff half.

Source: Kaieteur News

(Kaieteur News) – The intensity was palpable at the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue this past Sunday as the seventh annual Republic Bank Under 18 School’s Football League completed its third round of action. When the final whistle blew, the trio of Three Mile Secondary, Chase’s Academic Foundation, and Santa Rosa Secondary remained in top positions, continuing their unbeaten records, each making powerful statements in their pursuit of the 2026 title.

Chase’s Academic Foundation proved their championship credentials once again, putting on a clinical display against New Amsterdam Secondary in a dominant 5-0 victory. The tone was set as early as the second minute when Germain Garret found the net. The prolific Mark Glasgow then took center stage, netting a brace on either side of the interval. Further goals from Brandon Parks and Cavon Peters capped off the rout, solidifying Chase’s position at the top of the table with seven points from three matches.

Three Mile’s 5-man attack pushes St Joseph High to a third defeat. Scoring for Three Mile Secondary were Eric Stephen, Riley Ketwaroo, Joshua James, Aaron King and Sergio DeAgrella.

Not to be outdone, Three Mile Secondary shifted into high gear against a struggling St. Joseph High side, dismantling them 7-1. Riley Ketwaroo starred with an early brace, while the reliable duo of Aaron King and Joshua James continued their consistent scoring form with first-half strikes. A brace from Eric Stephen and a clinical finish from Sergio DeAgrella completed the comprehensive performance, moving Three Mile to five points and keeping them firmly in the hunt.

Mark Glasgow headlines Chase’s 5-0 win over New Amsterdam Secondary, scoring a double while Brandon Parks, Cavon Peters and Germain Garret netted a goal apiece.

In a more tactical affair, Santa Rosa Secondary maintained their second-place standing with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over a resilient Annandale Secondary. The Annandale defence held firm for the duration of the first half, keeping the game goalless, but Jason John eventually broke the deadlock in the second half to secure maximum points for his side.

The day’s other fixture saw Charlestown Secondary and West Ruimveldt Secondary battle to a 1-all stalemate. Nyckel Adams handed Charlestown an early 11th-minute lead, but Emanuel Mordle struck late in the second half to level the scores and force a share of the points.

Organised by the Petra Organisation, the league brings together eight of the top secondary schools in a competitive challenge. Beyond the local bragging rights, the top two finishers earn the prestigious opportunity to represent Guyana in a growing regional yearend tournament. The league is powered by title sponsor Republic Bank Limited, with vital support from Yellow Steel Inc., MVP Sports, Demerara Mutual Life, Guyana Beverage Inc., and the Ministry of Education.

Source: Kaieteur News

– Regional champions and runners-up advance to national playoffs

(Kaieteur News) – Friendship Allstar have been crowned champions of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) U-17 Youth Ensemble competition, following a six-week tournament which brought together seven clubs and more than 120 young footballers from across the region.

The competition, which ran from September 18 to October 24, featured Herstelling Raiders, Timehri United, Swan, Friendship Allstar, Kuru Kururu, Circuitville Jaguars and Pro Elevate Sports Academy. A total of 21 matches were played, producing 78 goals and providing participating players with valuable opportunities to compete, develop and demonstrate their abilities.

Friendship FC with GFF General Secretary Pushpargha Chattopadhyay

Friendship Allstar finished at the top of the standings with 18 points and 22 goals scored. Timehri United secured second place with 12 points and 17 goals, while Herstelling Raiders finished third with 10 points and 10 goals. Swan placed fourth with nine points, followed by Pro Elevate Sports Academy with seven points, Kuru Kururu with three points and Circuitville Jaguars.

As regional champions and runners-up, Friendship Allstar and Timehri United will progress to the national playoff later this year, where they will compete against the leading teams from other Regional Associations for national honours.

Individual recognition went to Friendship Allstar’s Brandon Bruce, who was named Most Valuable Player after scoring eight goals, while Keron Accra of Timehri United received the Best Goalkeeper award for his performances throughout the competition.

Friendship Allstars FC- EBFA Champions celebrate with trophy.

The EBFA competition forms part of the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Youth Ensemble Programme, an ambitious national initiative designed to strengthen the competitive foundations of youth football and create more consistent opportunities for young players across Guyana.

A central objective of the programme is to afford every young player the opportunity to participate in between 42 and 48 competitive matches each season. This approach recognises that meaningful player development requires more than occasional training sessions or isolated tournaments. Young footballers need regular, structured competition to apply what they learn, improve their decision-making, build confidence and progress in the game.

Timehri United ended in the second place.

The programme also provides an important scouting platform, allowing emerging talent to be identified and assessed through sustained competition. At the same time, it creates valuable opportunities for developing coaches to implement their knowledge in a competitive environment, gain practical experience and further strengthen their coaching capabilities.

Guyana Football Federation

The GFF congratulates Friendship Allstar on their championship success and commends all seven participating clubs, players, coaches, match officials and volunteers for their contribution. The Federation also extends special recognition to Ms. Garraway for her tireless work and commitment in overseeing the successful delivery of the competition. Her efforts reflect the dedication of the individuals working at the regional and community levels who are essential to advancing the objectives of the Youth Ensemble Programme.

Source: Kaieteur News

Dear Editor,

The first time, as the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, I met Prince Charles, it was at a reception hosted by his mother, Queen Elisabeth the 11, during the 15th Meeting of the Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Nations held in Edinburgh, Scotland, between 24 October and 27, 1997.

Regrettably owing to her hectic schedule at home President Janet Jagan was not available to attend the Edinburgh meeting. She therefore sought and got Cabinet’s approval for me to represent Guyana at the event. I was honoured to do so.

At the reception, I encountered the Prince and promptly introduced myself. After telling him which member state I was from, I reminded him that his mother and father and many other members of the royal family had visited British Guiana and then Guyana but he never did and he should.

The Prince appeared surprised by my direct and frank approach but his calm and cool response admitting that he never did visit Guyana was equally surprising to me.

I took his admission as an opening for me to press the matter further. I then requested that he seriously consider visiting Guyana. Once again, I was taken aback by his rather pleasant response and conversational engagement with me while standing. He asked just a few questions about Guyana and at the end of our conversation agreed to take up my invitation should a formal request be submitted to his office.

A few weeks after my return home, the then British High Commissioner (BHC) to Guyana Mr. Edward Glover made a courtesy call on my office at Takuba Lodge. The purpose of his visit was to convey to me the Prince’s decision to visit at a date to be agreed between his office, the MFA and the BHC.

Cabinet was informed, the visit was approved and arrangements were set in train. Foreign Affairs, the BHC and the Prince’s office in London worked smoothly and efficiently on a programme and other protocular details.

The visit to Guyana by the Prince was in February 2000. His visit was highly successful. Both the Prince and the then government of Guyana were pleased and highly satisfied with the visit.

News of the King Charles’s visit to Guyana naturally evoked my interest, however due to bout with the flu, I could not attend the reception at State House hosted by the President.

Nevertheless, I was pleased to see from TV broadcasts that the King was warmly welcomed on arrival and given all the military honours associated with a visiting King. Also, I was pleased to see from tele-broadcasts that the King enjoyed the cultural performances put on by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

The King is much like his father Phillip, very chatty and engaging, asking pointed questions and keenly listening for answers.

The king is a highly educated man and an intelligent one too. He is not an artefact of royalty. He is very knowledgeable of world affairs and has a deep and abiding interest in people especially Indigenous communities in the countries making up the Commonwealth of Nations. From conversations with him and reading credible reports about him, it is obvious that he has a clear understanding and appreciation of human history and the progress mankind has made in countries around the world. He has already made his views known about the abominable slave trade. In the UK, reparations from Britain for enslavement and colonialism appears to be government business.

The King has not missed nor overlooked the rapidly rising tide of climate change and its consequential disasters including its Incredible and horrendous impact on the natural environment.

King Charles’ association and relationships with the Guyanese people is not a tale of unfulfilled promise. On the contrary, it is one of the most sustainable and fulfilling periods ever since the new generation of royals have occupied the throne at the Buckingham Palace.

In this connection, reports indicate that the King’s Foundation is currently expanding its involvement here in Guyana. The Foundation is currently working on the creation of healthy streets and canals in Georgetown; decongesting and redevelopment around Stabroek Market; the creation a hub for tourism; a centre for Global Bio-Diversity Alliance and a master plan for managing the expansion of Georgetown including the creation of a sister city comprising approximately 30,000 homes. These will be remarkable achievements when accomplished.

The sustainable transformation envisaged in various sections of the city of Georgetown with Minister Manickchand in charge are revealing nothing less than a new approach to city planning and urban development, it is an extraordinary and fresh picture of how city life must look.

It is hoped that we Guyanese will hear more about these five projects and that they will be trumpeted and celebrated as loudly as possibly when fully realized.

From all appearances, it seems as though, those who were once in charge, like data junkies got accustomed to old ways of thinking and conceptualizing urban development and city planning; that they were yet to find compelling new methods and approaches to replace the fossilized and archaic ways of doing things.

The question is, shouldn’t they have seen that all along? For what, after all, is life and living if not extraordinary and challenging. And in the circumstances, has the time not come for a major city developmental paradigm shift that is life-centric?

May the King enjoy his stay in Guyana. I wish him well, good health and long life.

Yours faithfully

Clement J. Rohee

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs

Source: Kaieteur News

(Kaieteur News) – A team from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) were recently briefed by AGM Inc. on the company’s large-scale gold operation in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The delegation was led by Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat. He was accompanied by GGMC Commissioner Newell Dennison, Advisor Robeson Benn and others.

AGM in a statement said the visit provided an important opportunity for constructive engagement on its operational performance, underground mining expansion, exploration priorities, regulatory commitments, and opportunities for continuous improvement.

Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat and others during the site visit at Aurora Gold Mine in Region Seven

AGM is Guyana’s lone large-scale gold producer. AGM Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chinese state-owned mining giant Zijin Mining Group Co. Ltd.

The mine is estimated to hold estimated reserves of close to 184 tonnes of gold, or approximately six million ounces of gold. This publication reported that gold production at the Aurora Gold Mine for the first half of the year was 2.2 tonnes, equivalent to 70,731 troy ounces. In a report on Zijin’s global operations, the company said during the first half of 2026, AGM’s revenue from the Guyana project reached US$334 million.

Aurora Gold Mine – 2023 photo

Moreover, the ministry said the visit provided the minister and team with an update on the mining company’s operational performance and development, as well as regulatory commitments.

“In addition, the discussion highlighted areas of improvement for optimal performance of the large scale mining company,” the ministry said.

For their part, AGM said it remains committed to maintaining high standards of operational excellence, safety, regulatory compliance, and sustainable development while contributing to Guyana’s growing mining sector.

“We value the Government of Guyana’s continued engagement and recognise the importance of strong institutional collaboration in advancing responsible mining, environmental stewardship, workforce development, and long-term economic contributions to Guyana,” the company further stated.

Source: Kaieteur News