Blog | News Source Guyana

World cannot wait decades to pay for biodiversity as it did for forests – Dr Singh

November 1, 2026

Senior Minister in the Office of the President responsible for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, on Saturday, called on the world to move faster in valuing and paying for biodiversity than it did for forest carbon. He warned that nature cannot wait decades for financing to catch up.

Dr Singh made the call while delivering the closing remarks at the second Global Biodiversity Alliance Conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) in Liliendaal.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh

Recalling Guyana’s early case for being paid to keep its forest standing, Dr Singh said: “There were a few believers, but there were many doubters. But we got there, and it took us some time to get there.”

That journey ran through the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), coined by Former President and Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo in 2009, the partnership with Norway, and the Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system. It ended with Guyana securing certification of its forest carbon credits in December 2022 and selling them on the market.

Dr Singh said biodiversity cannot follow the same slow path. He told the delegates present that its economic value must be recognised, priced, and paid for.

“The world cannot afford to take the same length of time to get to the point where we understand the importance of our biodiversity,” he said.

Dr Singh added that countries need not wait for one comprehensive fix and can solve parts of the problem while working toward a larger model.

“The Global Biodiversity Alliance is the perfect vehicle through which we can do this,” he stated, calling on members to recommit to a model that measures the value of biodiversity, mobilises finance at scale, and ensures biodiversity assets are paid for the services they provide to the world.

The second Global Biodiversity Alliance conference, held on October 30 and 31, focused on financing, bringing together development banks, the private sector, communities and other partners to examine what financing instruments exist, how they can be scaled up and replicated, and how the region can benefit.

The alliance began with about 40 members at its launch last year and has since grown to 149.

Venezuelan diver here to refloat MV Barima dies in Guyanese waters

November 1, 2026

Last Updated on Sunday, 1 November 2026, 20:29 by Writer

Days after his death, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) confirms that a Venezuelan diver, here to refloat the MV Barima ferry, perished while trying to salvage another vessel in the Essequibo River.

Luis Martinez, 66, reportedly died about 6:30 p.m. last Wednesday about 10 nautical miles off the coast of Anna Regina, Essequibo.

“Upon arrival at the location, Martinez reportedly entered the water to carry out diving operations. However, after approximately 20 minutes, he failed to resurface, causing concern among the crew members.

The crew subsequently pulled Martinez from the water using a rope attached to his body and discovered that he was motionless and frothing at the mouth,” the GPF said in a statement.

The Ministry of Public Works, responsible for the Transport and Harbours Department, referred enquiries to the Ministry of Public Utilities, under which maritime search and rescue falls, but a spokeswoman did not immediately provide any information.

Police said preliminary investigations revealed that Martinez departed the Kingston wharf in Georgetown at about 5:14 p.m. aboard a vessel with several other crew members to participate in an operation to refloat another vessel in the Essequibo River.

Martinez was subsequently transported to the Transport and Harbours Department wharf at Stabroek, Georgetown, where ambulance personnel were summoned.

He was pronounced dead on Thursday at about 2:30 p.m.

Police said the body was examined and no marks of violence were observed on the exposed parts.

The body was subsequently escorted to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination, police added.

Discover more from Demerara Waves Online News- Guyana

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Tags: another vessel diving MV Barima ferry perished Venezuelan diver

Source: Demerara Waves

Tourism Awareness Month launched

November 1, 2026

Tourism must be embraced as a shared national responsibility, with every Guyanese contributing to the development of an industry capable of generating sustainable livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities.

This was the message of Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues on Saturday evening as she officially launched Tourism Awareness Month 2026 under the theme, “Tourism is Everybody’s Business,” at the Aiden By Best Western Hotel in Georgetown.

This year’s observance places Georgetown in the spotlight, recognising the capital’s transformation and its growing importance as a centre for business travel, conferences and cultural experiences.

“We are pleased to see Georgetown transform. We are pleased to see our skyline changing with the addition of modern infrastructure,” she said.

The minister noted that tourism success depends on the entire visitor experience, extending from the quality of accommodation and transportation to residents’ hospitality and the condition of public spaces.

“Keeping our city clean is therefore not only a municipal concern, but it is also a matter of civic pride, environmental responsibility, and the reputation of our destination,” Minister Rodrigues stated.

She spoke of tourism’s ability to generate economic opportunities across multiple industries.

She explained that increased demand from hotels and restaurants can benefit local farmers, fisherfolk and manufacturers, while community-based tourism creates markets for indigenous products, traditional crafts and cultural experiences.

Guyana added 738 hotel rooms in 2025, with more than 1,000 additional rooms projected by the end of 2026, taking total capacity beyond 5,600 rooms.

Visitor arrivals have also recorded significant growth, reaching 360,623 by September 2026, representing a 10 per cent increase over the corresponding period last year.

The country is projecting more than 500,000 visitors by year-end. The Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute is also expected to commence operations in 2027.

Meanwhile, digital initiatives, including the Tourism Licensing and Regulatory Management Portal and the national destination booking engine, are being advanced to improve access to tourism services and connect visitors with experiences across the country.

Additionally, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Kamrul Baksh, said the November campaign will place greater emphasis on making tourism relevant to every community through public engagement, digital promotions and discounted domestic travel packages.

He noted that the programme will also feature a tourism mascot and opportunities for citizens to contribute creative interpretations of the national theme.

The November calendar will also feature international promotional engagements in London and Brussels, a tourism village at GuyExpo from November 12 to 15, a media familiarisation trip to Essequibo and the launch of new tourism products.

One Communications completes nationwide 2G shutdown, advances network modernisation

November 1, 2026

Last Updated on Sunday, 1 November 2026, 20:18 by Writer

One Communications (Guyana) on Saturday has said it successfully completed the nationwide decommissioning of its legacy 2G network, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing investment in modern telecommunications infrastructure and improved mobile connectivity across Guyana.

The exercise was undertaken in five phases, beginning on May 14, with the final phase completed in October 2026.

The shutdown covered network sites across Georgetown, East Coast Demerara, West Demerara, East and West Coast Berbice, Essequibo and some hinterland communities, bringing an end to the company’s operation of second-generation mobile technology.

Chief Executive Officer Abraham Smith said the completion of the transition reflects the company’s commitment to building a stronger and more capable mobile network.

“The transition forms part of our wider network modernisation programme, aimed at strengthening network performance, expanding capacity and meeting the growing demand for reliable mobile voice and data services,” Smith said in a company statement.

He explained that by retiring the older technology, the company can focus its resources on more advanced infrastructure, including its LTE network, which supports faster data speeds, greater capacity and a more efficient mobile experience.

The milestone comes amid increasing demand for mobile connectivity in Guyana.

One Communications previously reported a 28-per-cent increase in mobile data traffic and a 23-per-cent rise in average data consumption per customer, highlighting the importance of continued investment in network capacity.

The company has also undertaken capacity enhancements at 35 mobile sites across Guyana as part of its broader network improvement programme.

What Customers Need to Know

For customers already using compatible 3G or 4G LTE devices and SIM cards, the shutdown generally requires no additional action.

However, customers still using 2G-only phones or SIM cards will need to upgrade to compatible technology to continue accessing One Communications’ mobile services.

To assist affected customers, One Communications undertook a customer migration programme that began over a year ago, involving direct calls, text messages, public notices and targeted outreach.

The company is still offering free SIM upgrades and replacement handsets to eligible customers which will continue until December 31, 2026.

Customers upgrading their SIM cards can retain their existing mobile numbers.

Customers who are unsure whether their phones or SIM cards are compatible are encouraged to visit their nearest One Communications store, contact Customer Support on 0663 or visit https://onecommgroup.com/gy/2g-decommissioning/ and use the eligibility checker to find out if they qualify for a free upgrade.

One Communications continues to encourage customers who have not yet upgraded to do so promptly to restore access to mobile services.

The completion of the 2G shutdown represents another step in One Communications’ long-term strategy to strengthen its telecommunications infrastructure and support Guyana’s growing digital economy.

The company will continue investing in network improvements, expanding capacity and enhancing connectivity to meet the evolving needs of households, businesses and communities across the country.

Discover more from Demerara Waves Online News- Guyana

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Tags: 2G network shutdown 3G LTE or 4G LTE expanding capacity five phases free SIM upgrades growing demand One Communications Guyana replacement handsets strengthening network performance

Source: Demerara Waves

China joins Global Biodiversity Alliance, now representing two-thirds of the world’s people – Pres Ali

October 31, 2026

China, one of the world’s largest countries, has joined the Global Biodiversity Alliance (GBA).

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali said this means the Guyana-led initiative now counts member countries representing more than two-thirds of the world’s population.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali addresses day two of the Global Biodiversity Alliance (GBA) Conference and Financing Forum

“Membership of the GBA, an initiative that was launched in this room just a year ago, now has country members that represent well over two-thirds of the world’s people,” the president announced on Day Two of the Second GBA Conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

China’s membership comes one day after India was among six countries welcomed into the Alliance at the opening ceremony.

The GBA now includes the two most populous countries in the world, alongside some of the smallest.

Membership has grown to 148 since the Alliance launched with 17 founding members in July 2025.

“Just because a country is small does not mean it can’t help change the world,” President Ali said.

He said bringing large and small countries together reflects the Alliance’s belief that shared solutions come from harnessing ideas from every part of the world.

President Ali said the Alliance is now drawing on the expertise of its new members.

India, for example, brings technology and experience in geomapping that could support monitoring work across the membership.

He also said Guyana will push for Brazil to join before the end of the year.

“If they are serious, they need to be here. It is just as simple as that,” he said.

President Ali said membership from European Union countries also gives the Alliance a direct voice as the EU reviews its policies on standing forests, which he warned could set back decades of conservation work.

The head of state leaves on Saturday for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, where he will place biodiversity on the agenda on behalf of the Alliance.

Press Release: President Ali calls for shift from declaration to investment at second Biodiversity Summit

October 31, 2026

— Membership expands to 149

His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali called for a fundamental shift in biodiversity conservation, proposing fiscal incentives which he said will attract investment in activities that protect nature and generate sustainable economic rewards.

He made the call at the opening of the second Global Biodiversity Alliance (GBA) Summit at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre on Friday.

The Head of State posited that the conference is more than another international forum for declarations and commitments. He said the priority now is the implementation of practical mechanisms to translate commitments into investment and lasting protection.

“The Global Biodiversity Alliance is not another international forum to discuss the importance of nature… it must show how we turn commitment into investment, investment into opportunity, and opportunity into lasting protection for nature.”

This year’s summit is being held under the theme “Investing in Nature: Accelerating Biodiversity Finance for Sustainable Development”.

During his address to hundreds, President Ali also advocated for biodiversity conservation to play a greater role in national economic development, including through financial mechanisms that reward the preservation of natural resources. To this end, he challenged biodiversity-rich countries to move beyond declarations and generate solutions that can support economic growth and prosperity.

Over the next 12 months, President Ali said he wishes to see initiatives connecting scientific knowledge and innovation, the unlocking of finances and investments, and implementing projects that can demonstrate how conservation can support livelihoods and national development.

“…This is what this Alliance is; your work, your commitment, would allow us to move to the practical solutions… An actionable framework, that is what is critical. Identifying the development gaps that are associated with biodiversity and creating that actionable framework. This is the call to action. And we hope that in doing so, we can make our contribution to solving global problems.”

In leading from the front, the President said Guyana is committed to conserving one million hectares of forest for biodiversity conservation. The initiative will support scientific research, sustainable livelihoods, responsible investment and economic opportunities.

Lauding Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), he said it is a model example which has proven that conservation efforts can generate economic rewards. He also highlighted that under the initiative, Guyana has been successful in mobilising more than US$500 million through its carbon credits sale with Norway and the international community since its conceptualisation. Beyond securing a market, he said the sale has led to positive, community-led economic growth. Over 3,000 community-led projects are supporting community development and livelihoods.

Beyond Government-led initiatives, the Guyanese Leader said conservation also presents new and exciting opportunities for the global private sector.

Through partnerships and collaboration, he said the expertise of the private sector can unlock new business opportunities in tourism and medicine, mechanisms for financing, innovative research and science, and the bridging of financing gaps, among other areas. These, he noted, will propel efforts and offer rewards for conservation.

“I want to ask the private sector from all of the countries of our alliance so far, maybe to come together and create an investment vehicle where we can have biodiversity resorts across each one of the destinations, and we create a marketing model where we market it as one brand, one brand with common values, common regulation, and a common platform. This is a massive private sector opportunity that we can explore together, bringing opportunity to the villages, the communities, and to our countries on a different scale.”

President Ali, who has spearheaded global conservation efforts, underscored that philanthropy and global commitment to conservation alone will not bridge financing gaps. He added that biodiversity-rich countries must be rewarded for their commitments.

“That is why we chose finance to be at the heart of this summit… we need to advance practical ways to mobilise investment, create economic opportunities for countries and communities that protect biodiversity, and make conservation an integral part of economic development.”

Established in July 2025 with 17 founding members, the Alliance has now grown to 149 members. Major countries including China, India, France, Colombia, the United Arab Emirates, and Panama, along with the Desert Vipers, the first global sports team, are part of the Alliance.

Additionally, President Ali announced that the headquarters of the GBA will soon be constructed in Georgetown, Guyana. The headquarters design was unveiled and will house the Secretariat and serve as a centre for learning, research and advancing the Alliance’s work. The building design was conceptualised through a collaborative effort of the Qatar Foundation and The King’s Foundation.

President Ali disclosed that with a permanent Secretariat in place, the work of the GBA can advance significantly. He said commitments will be translated into actionable work.

Partners aim to get US$12.5M conservation pledge to communities within a year

October 31, 2026

A US$12.5 million pledge to Guyana by international conservation partners is expected to be channelled into specific projects over the next year, including the development of a conservation corridor, protected areas and Indigenous territories.

Rainforest Trust CEO Dr James Deutsch outlined the plan on Saturday during a panel discussion titled “Financing Nature at Scale: Mobilising Capital, Instruments and Delivery Partnerships” at the Second Global Biodiversity Alliance (GBA) Conference.

CEO of Rainforest Trust, Dr James Deutsch

The Bezos Earth Fund, Andes Amazon Fund, Nia Tero, and Rainforest Trust have pledged financing to protect the Acarai-Corentyne Corridor against mining and other activities.

“Much more money is going to come in the future, but we got here fast,” he said, referring to the pledge announced at the conference.

Deutsch said reaching the target will require governments, NGOs and communities to develop clear proposals with the support of all three groups.

Programme Manager at the Bezos Earth Fund, Padu Franco, described the pledge as an example of donors working together to advance Guyana’s conservation agenda.

He said partners are also preparing to support the identification of key biodiversity areas in Guyana, which will guide where investments are focused.

Both partners pointed to Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) as a model Guyana could consider for long-term funding.

“I would love to see actual designations happening in the next year,” Franco said.

Under a PFP, governments, communities and funders agree on conservation targets and costs, then combine public, philanthropic and market financing to sustain protected areas over 20 years or more.

Deutsch noted that the approach has produced strong results in Colombia and is being advanced in Panama.

“It’s certainly a way that Guyana should consider going,” he said.

Deutsch explained that his organisation also works through local partners committed to long-term management, and builds sustainable financing, such as ecotourism or carbon revenue, into each project.

This helps ensure protected areas remain well funded after they are created.

Press Release: Commissioning of the New Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge

October 31, 2026

The Ministry of Public Works is pleased to announce that the New Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge in Linden, Region Ten, will be officially commissioned by His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at the bridge site in Linden.

The bridge is substantially completed and has been formally handed over to the Ministry of Public Works. The new crossing replaces the single-lane Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge commissioned in 1967, which for decades allowed traffic to move in only one direction at a time and had become a major bottleneck for residents, commuters and commerce.

Features of the New Bridge

Constructed at a cost of US$35 million, the new bridge is a modern, durable structure designed to serve Linden and the hinterland for generations. Its key features include:

• A 224-metre prestressed, post-tensioned concrete box girder superstructure spanning the Demerara River at Linden.

• Four vehicular lanes, replacing the existing single-lane crossing.

• Two barrier-separated pedestrian walkways for the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

• A maximum horizontal navigational clearance of 36 metres and a vertical clearance of 10 metres, allowing vessels to continue navigating the river.

• Modern street lighting along the full length of the bridge for safe night-time travel.

• Toll-free use for all motorists and pedestrians, in keeping with the Government’s commitment to the people of Linden.

Approach Roads and Connections

The bridge is complemented by new eastern and western approach roads that tie it into the Linden- Soesdyke Highway, the Linden-Mabura Road and the wider national road network. Features include:

• Four-lane approach roads with medians, traffic islands and curbing.

• A modern roundabout at each end of the bridge, on the eastern (Mackenzie) and western (Wismar) banks, to manage traffic safely and efficiently.

• On the western (Wismar) side, the West Watooka Connector and Dacoura Haul Roads, together with the Burnham Drive approach.

• On the eastern (Mackenzie) side, an embankment built on improved foundations with prefabricated vertical drains, geotextiles and retaining structures, and a new culvert at the Washer Pond Road approach at Noitgedacht.

• New drainage culverts and road lighting along the approaches.

Project Team

The works were executed under the oversight of the Ministry of Public Works by the following:

The Ministry extends its appreciation to the contractors, consultants, engineers and workers whose dedication brought this project to completion.

A Transformative Investment for Linden and Guyana

The New Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge will end the long delays of the one-lane crossing and allow the free, safe and simultaneous flow of traffic between Mackenzie and Wismar.

It strengthens the vital corridor to the hinterland via the Linden-Mabura Road and the Linden-Lethem Road, supporting commerce, mining, agriculture, tourism and the daily lives of thousands of residents. The bridge stands as another milestone in the Government of Guyana’s programme of transformative infrastructure, delivered for the people of Guyana.

Public Invitation

The general public, and in particular the residents of Linden and Region Ten, are cordially invited to join His Excellency President Ali and the Ministry of Public Works at the commissioning ceremony on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. to celebrate this historic achievement together.

Over 3,000 village projects under way through carbon finance

October 31, 2026

–NTC Chairman highlights at Second GBA Conference

Derrick John, Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC)

More than 3,000 projects are underway in indigenous villages with funding from Guyana’s carbon finance mechanism. This massive undertaking was highlighted by Derrick John, Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC).

He was among several panelists who spoke during the discussion titled “Financing Nature at Scale: Mobilising Capital, Instruments and Delivery Partnerships” at the Second Global Biodiversity Alliance (GBA) Conference on Saturday.

“These projects are transforming life because it’s creating employment for the vulnerable groups, for youth,” the chairman said.

The projects, funded through direct transfers to villages, are also helping communities preserve their traditions and culture while finding new ways to grow local economies.

John said Guyana’s forests and biodiversity have survived for thousands of years because of the stewardship of indigenous peoples, and that this role is now being recognised and rewarded at the national level.

“We are doing more than before because we have that resources available,” he said, crediting President Dr Irfaan Ali for “listening to the voices of indigenous people.”

He further stated that indigenous communities are willing to share the model Guyana has developed with other countries.

A brick-making machine in Aishalton Village, Region Nine funded by the carbon credits

The NTC chairman also pointed to the Akarai–Rupununi corridor, which Guyana has committed for biodiversity protection. He called on more donor agencies and private sector partners to join the alliance and support Guyana’s work.

The GBA, which started with about 40 members last year, has since grown to over 140.

Guyana’s biodiversity leadership: A model for Amazon countries – former Colombian president

October 31, 2026

Former Colombian President Iván Duque Márquez has described Guyana’s biodiversity leadership as a model for the Amazon region. He said the country is well positioned to launch its own biodiversity taxonomy internationally by 2027 or early 2028.

Duque, who co-founded the Global Biodiversity Alliance (GBA) with President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, made the remarks during the panel “Financing Nature at Scale: Mobilising Capital, Instruments and Delivery Partnerships” at the Second GBA Conference on Saturday.

“This is the time to use this leadership that Guyana has built,” he told scores of delegates at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

He recalled that President Ali invited him two years ago to help start the initiative. The alliance began with about 40 members at its launch last year and has since grown to 147.

A biodiversity taxonomy is a classification system with measurable targets. It shows investors which projects qualify as nature-positive and how their results are tracked.

Duque said a Guyanese taxonomy, developed with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Natural Resources, would help Guyana attract new financing instruments and multilateral support for the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), the 30×30 initiative and the expansion of protected areas.

Guyana’s forests are home to an extraordinarily rich and diverse ecosystem

“That will be something that will have a tremendous reference model for other countries,” he said.

Duque pointed to Colombia’s experience. The country launched a green taxonomy in 2021 during his presidency, which he said gave investors confidence and opened the door to new green financing.

“Once they noticed that this was based on technical assessment, and it was transparent, and it was traceable, that kicked off the opportunity,” he said.

He also committed his Fundación Innovación para el Desarrollo(I+D) Foundation to sharing its technical knowledge with GBA members to help them develop their own taxonomies.

Duque said that with every visit he sees more development in Guyana, yet the country continues to regard nature as its greatest asset.

“If we are not capable of putting together all this narrative to show through Guyana that other Amazonic countries can do the same at a larger scale, I think we will miss the opportunity,” he said.

He encouraged all GBA member countries to have at least one financial instrument in place by next year’s conference.

News Source Guyana

News Source Guyana

News Source Guyana

Subscribe to newsletter

News Source GuyanaGossip & Lifestyle Online Magazine

Movies

TV Shows

Music

Celebrity

Scandals

Drama

Lifestyle

Health

Technology

Company

Movies

TV Shows

Music

Celebrity

Scandals

Drama

Lifestyle

Health

Technology

Company

Discover more from Demerara Waves Online News- Guyana

What Customers Need to Know

Discover more from Demerara Waves Online News- Guyana

–NTC Chairman highlights at Second GBA Conference

News Source Guyana

About us

Latest Articles

Most Popular

Subscribe