(Kaieteur News) – Guyana has maintained its Tier 1 ranking in the United States Department of State’s 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report, with the country recognised for fully meeting the minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking and sustaining efforts to prosecute offenders, strengthen victim protection and prevent exploitation.

The report highlights several measures undertaken by the Government of Guyana during the reporting period, including the prosecution of alleged traffickers, training for law enforcement and judicial officials, the establishment of a transition home for trafficking victims and public awareness initiatives targeting vulnerable communities.

According to DPI, Guyana’s Tier 1 status reflects the country’s continued compliance with the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking in persons, placing it among countries whose governments fully meet those requirements.

Among the key developments was the continued application of the Combating Trafficking of Persons Act of 2023, which strengthened the legislative framework by increasing penalties for trafficking offences, extending criminal liability to corporations and expanding the definition of trafficking to cover additional forms of exploitation.

The legislation prescribes penalties ranging from five years to life imprisonment, providing for stringent punishment for persons convicted of trafficking-related offences.

During 2025, the government initiated 16 trafficking investigations, prosecuted four suspects and secured one conviction for sex trafficking, resulting in a prison sentence of at least 48 months. Authorities also detained a trafficker who had been convicted in absentia during the previous reporting period.

The report also recognised efforts to improve the capacity of officials to identify and respond to trafficking cases. Police officers, judges, immigration officers and other officials received training in identifying indicators of trafficking, conducting victim-centred and trauma-informed investigations, protecting victims, interviewing potential victims and handling evidence.

In July 2025, the government completed construction of a 30-person transition home to accommodate trafficking victims during a voluntary 10-day reflection period, providing an opportunity for them to access support without being subjected to law enforcement interrogations during that time.

The government also continued to provide shelter, healthcare, counselling, legal assistance and repatriation support, both directly and through partnerships with civil society organisations.

The report recorded 390 trafficking victims identified in 2025, including 15 Guyanese nationals and 375 foreign nationals. Victims came from countries including Venezuela, Brazil, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, India and Colombia.

In addition, four foreign trafficking victims were granted work permits, providing them with a legal alternative to removal in circumstances where they could face retribution or hardship. The government also provided victim-witness assistance, including legal counselling, transportation and preparation for court proceedings, while victims were permitted to give evidence through video or pre-recorded statements.

Guyana’s prevention efforts were another area highlighted in the report. The government maintained its interagency anti-trafficking task force and continued to use its 2021–2025 National Action Plan to guide activities while initiating consultations on a new plan.

Public awareness initiatives targeted groups and communities considered vulnerable to trafficking, including hotel operators, miners, Indigenous community leaders, policing groups, private security firms and schools.

During 2025, the government initiated 16 trafficking investigations, prosecuted four suspects and secured one conviction for sex trafficking, resulting in a prison sentence of at least 48 months. Authorities also detained a trafficker who had been convicted in absentia during the previous reporting period.

The report also recognised efforts to improve the capacity of officials to identify and respond to trafficking cases. Police officers, judges, immigration officers and other officials received training in identifying indicators of trafficking, conducting victim-centred and trauma-informed investigations, protecting victims, interviewing potential victims and handling evidence.

In July 2025, the government completed construction of a 30-person transition home to accommodate trafficking victims during a voluntary 10-day reflection period, providing an opportunity for them to access support without being subjected to law enforcement interrogations during that time.

The government also continued to provide shelter, healthcare, counselling, legal assistance and repatriation support, both directly and through partnerships with civil society organisations.

The report recorded 390 trafficking victims identified in 2025, including 15 Guyanese nationals and 375 foreign nationals. Victims came from countries including Venezuela, Brazil, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, India and Colombia.

In addition, four foreign trafficking victims were granted work permits, providing them with a legal alternative to removal in circumstances where they could face retribution or hardship. The government also provided victim-witness assistance, including legal counselling, transportation and preparation for court proceedings, while victims were permitted to give evidence through video or pre-recorded statements.

Guyana’s prevention efforts were another area highlighted in the report. The government maintained its interagency anti-trafficking task force and continued to use its 2021–2025 National Action Plan to guide activities while initiating consultations on a new plan.

Public awareness initiatives targeted groups and communities considered vulnerable to trafficking, including hotel operators, miners, Indigenous community leaders, policing groups, private security firms and schools. (DPI)

Source: Kaieteur News

…Gordon leads robust defence to 1-0 final win over Pele FC

(Kaieteur News) – A resolute defense and a group of easily coached players carried Beacon FC to the GFF/GFA Youth Ensemble Under-17 title on Saturday, as Beacon Football club edged Pele FC 1-0 in the final at the Parade Ground.

Tournament Most Valuable Player Damani Hardy was instrumental in Beacon’s run, leading the side to a narrow victory over their rivals.

Damani Hardy receiving his MVP award.

Three matches were scheduled for the day, but Riddim Squad and Black Pearl FC collected maximum points via walkovers.

In the final, Beacon were crowned champions of Georgetown, stunning Pele with a late winner from Trevor Gordon. Pele pushed for an equaliser but found no way past goalkeeper Shaune Luke, whose fine saves added yet another clean sheet to his record.

Georgetown winners! Beacon FC in celebration after winning the GFF/GFA Youth Ensemble U17 championship.

At the presentation, Hardy collected the MVP award, Pele’s Ryan Sobers claimed the top goalscorer prize, and Luke was named Best Goalkeeper.

“Defence wins matches,” said Beacon coach Gordon Brathwaite.

“It was a great feeling to witness this side goes on to win this year’s Youth Ensemble programme. I am very proud of my guys. Though it might be a young bunch, several of these players have shown the potential to represent at a higher level,” he added.

“I am happy we were able to pull off an amazing campaign, maintaining a perfect clean sheet record, as no team was able to score against us. So much credit must go to our shot-stopper Luke and the other guys for achieving this feat,” a delighted Brathwaite said.

Source: Kaieteur News

…ahead of religious mass gatherings in the Americas

(Kaieteur News) – With several religious mass gatherings in South America expected to increase national and international travel across the Americas in the coming months, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is urging countries to strengthen vaccination, surveillance and rapid response measures as the risk of measles spread across the Region remains very high.

The warning comes in a new PAHO regional risk assessment released amid ongoing outbreaks, persistent gaps in vaccination coverage and the detection of measles cases in new geographic areas.

The assessment updates PAHO’s regional evaluation of 5 August 2026, with a specific focus on risks associated with upcoming religious mass gatherings in South America and their potential implications for the Region of the Americas.

“Measles is highly contagious, and we are seeing the consequences of gaps in vaccination coverage across the Americas,” said Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director. “People need to protect their children with the very effective and safe measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, and countries have to close immunity gaps, strengthen surveillance and ensure that they can detect and respond rapidly to cases, particularly as increased travel and large gatherings create more opportunities for the virus to spread.”

According to the latest PAHO data, 55,792 confirmed measles cases and 77 deaths were reported in 17 countries and territories in the Region between 4 January and 3 October 2026. This represents a 4.8-fold increase in cases compared with the same period in 2025.

Measles cases have also increased globally in 2026, increasing the likelihood of imported cases through international travel and onward transmission in communities with low immunity.

Guatemala reported the largest number of cases, followed by Mexico, the United States, Peru and Canada. Together, these five countries accounted for 99.5% of confirmed cases in the Region. Cases have also been reported in Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Bonaire, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama and Uruguay.

Why mass gatherings increase the risk

Measles is highly contagious and can spread rapidly when introduced into populations with low immunity, particularly in crowded settings. People with measles can transmit the virus before the characteristic rash appears, meaning infected travelers may unknowingly expose others. Large gatherings and the movement of people between countries and communities can therefore facilitate the importation and onward spread of the virus.

“Anyone planning to attend a large gathering should check that they are protected against measles,” said Dr. Daniel Salas, Executive Manager of Comprehensive Immunization at PAHO. “Even people travelling within their own country may be exposed when large numbers of people from different regions come together. People aged 6 months and older who do not have evidence of vaccination should receive a dose of measles-rubella vaccine before traveling or attending the gathering, preferably at least two weeks in advance.”

Vaccination remains the main protection

Regional coverage reached 88% for the first dose of the MMR vaccine and 85% for the second dose in 2025, below the 95% coverage needed to prevent outbreaks. Persistent low coverage has increased the number of people susceptible to measles and created pockets of susceptible populations in parts of the Region.

These gaps reflect several factors, including setbacks in immunization accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine hesitancy in some communities, operational challenges in delivering vaccination and barriers to accessing health services, particularly among Indigenous peoples, migrants and displaced populations.

An estimated 1.6 million children in the Region of the Americas did not receive any dose of measles vaccine in 2025.

PAHO supports countries to strengthen preparedness

PAHO is working with countries across the Region to strengthen vaccination, surveillance and outbreak response. In South America, the Organization is supporting preparedness for upcoming mass gatherings expected to involve significant national and international population movement.

PAHO is also supporting laboratory-based surveillance and genomic monitoring across the Region, while affected countries are receiving technical cooperation to strengthen vaccination, contact tracing and outbreak response.

PAHO urges countries to close vaccination gaps

Measles can cause serious illness and complications at any age, with infants and adults at greater risk of severe disease and death. Children under five and populations experiencing malnutrition or limited access to health services have been disproportionately affected during recent outbreaks in the Region.

With active outbreaks continuing and major gatherings approaching, PAHO is urging countries to use every opportunity to ensure that people who are not protected against measles have access to vaccination, while strengthening surveillance and maintaining the capacity to detect and respond rapidly to cases.

Source: Kaieteur News

Dear Editor,

Today, the United States Region of the People’s National Congress Reform (USRPNCR), pays special tribute to the former general secretary and leader of the PNC/Reform, Hon. Robert Herman Orlando Corbin CCH. The party has lost a rare political hero and loyal comrade who possessed the ability to successfully navigate Guyana’s complex political landscape with visionary leadership and strategic thinking.

His life-long party activism, from chairmanship of the youth arm of the party, the Young Socialist Movement (YSM) to deputy prime minister of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and subsequent leader of the parliamentary opposition, was matched only by his courage to withstand and overcome political pressures as a true reformer.  In the midst of political turmoil, he was bold and courageous. He conquered fear and doubt, and rallied the PNCR out of its comfort zone in 2011 and into the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance for Change (AFC) Coalition, which propelled the party into government in 2015.

Comrade Corbin did not merely participate in national politics, he transformed it. He remained faithful to the party’s ideals, even as he crafted innovative solutions and fostered inclusivity towards the national good. He remained grounded as a party activist and grassroots organiser. The United States Region of the PNCR is forever grateful to him for being instrumental in the formation of the North American Region of the PNCR in 2004. It was his vision that helped shape the group in its formative years in the United States of America and Canada. He rallied support for the party and gave true meaning to the words of the party battle song, ‘Rally to the PNC.’

One of Corbin’s greatest legacies will be that of a reformer. It was under Robert Corbin, in 2006, that the PNC embraced the ‘PNCR/One Guyana’ concept (PNCR/1G). This was some two decades ago, and long before the current ‘One Guyana’ mantra was plagiarized and is now being misused and abused by the present government.  Reformer Corbin’s bold embrace of the concept of ‘constructive engagement’ with then President Jagdeo in 2003, resulted in the formation of various parliamentary committees and important commissions such as the Ethnic Relations Commission, Constitution Reform Commission and Public Procurement Commission.

The United States Region of the People’s National Congress Reform joins with all Guyanese at home and in the diaspora, in mourning the loss of a steadfast patriot and true statesman, whose activism was never about personal ambition; it was about building an institution that is inclusive, resilient and enduring the test of time.  We honor the memory of our treasured national patriot and wish to quote the words of one of his favorite National Songs, “let us co-operate for Guyana, Let us cooperate for our land, Let us resolve to fight together, see we do it right together, can we do it, yes we can.”

Yours sincerely,

Terrence Harris

Dr. Terrence Harris

Chairman

United States Region of PNCR

Source: Kaieteur News

Guyana is calling for stronger international action to combat digital violence against women, with Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud urging the global community to establish clear accountability measures and strengthen protections for women participating in public life.

Minister Persaud made the call on October 5, 2026, when she addressed the Forum of Women Parliamentarians at the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Arusha, Tanzania.

Dr Persaud advocated a global approach that goes beyond women’s representation in leadership to ensure they exercise meaningful influence over decisions affecting peace, security, economic development, and resource allocation.

She warned that the rapid expansion of digital abuse, including artificial intelligence-generated sexual images and coordinated online harassment, poses a growing threat to women’s participation in politics and other areas of public service.

“Digital violence threatens that promise,” she stated, referring to the principle that every girl should be able to aspire to public service without fear.

She explained that manipulated images and online attacks can damage reputations, undermine confidence and force women to reconsider their involvement in public life.

Drawing on her own experience with digital violence, the minister challenged the expectation that women should limit their visibility to protect themselves from online abuse, explaining that the digital environment allows harmful content to spread rapidly across borders, while anonymity can shield perpetrators and algorithms can amplify humiliation.

In addressing these challenges, Minister Persaud pointed to Guyana’s legislative framework, including its cybercrime legislation and the Family Violence Act 2024, as part of the country’s response to abuse and violence.

She outlined key provisions of the Family Violence Act, including the integration of civil and criminal measures, requirements for police to act when reports are made, protections allowing victims and their children to remain in their homes, and defined timelines for reporting and initiating charges.

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security continues to provide training, psychosocial assistance and shelter services to support persons affected by violence.

Guyana is preparing for a comprehensive national conversation on digital violence during the annual 16 Days of Activism campaign, reinforcing the need to address emerging forms of abuse through public awareness, prevention and accountability.

DPI

Source: Village Voice News