Guyana’s installed renewable energy capacity is projected to reach 77.14 megawatts (MW) by 2031, almost double the 38.72 MW reported for this year, Prime Minister Mark Phillips said on Thursday.

Addressing a ministerial dialogue during the 11th Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization Energy Week in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Phillips said the projection was based on projects committed through 2031.

The figure mentioned by Phillips is small relative to the single US$2b, 300 MW gas-to-energy plant that the government hopes to inaugurate by the end of the year 

According to a release from his office, renewable energy projects and programmes implemented or committed between 2020 and 2026 represent investments of $37.717 billion. Installed renewable energy capacity increased from 5.35 MW in 2019 to 38.72 MW in 2026, a rise of approximately 623 per cent.

The initiatives outlined include 13 utility-scale solar photovoltaic farms, 57 solar mini-grids, three hydropower plants, 37,730 solar home energy systems and 239 rooftop solar systems on public and community buildings.

Phillips said natural gas would also play an important role in replacing the more carbon-intensive imported fuels used for electricity generation, improving energy security and supporting lower electricity costs. Renewable energy development and battery storage would continue to expand alongside this.

He urged regional governments to plan beyond their immediate generation requirements, warning that economic growth, industrialisation, urbanisation and digitalisation would significantly increase electricity demand.

“The energy system of the next decade must be more diversified, more resilient, more efficient, more digital and increasingly low carbon. This requires us to plan not only for today’s needs, but for the economy and society we expect to have 20 or 50 years from now,” he said.

The PM’s caution to the conference is ironic as Guyana is struggling to currently meet its peak demand.

Phillips outlined Guyana’s approach under the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, which envisages a diversified energy supply incorporating natural gas, hydropower, solar, wind and other technologies.

He argued that the country’s expanding oil and gas industry and its commitment to low-carbon development could be pursued together.

“Guyana is an emerging oil and gas producer and, simultaneously, a country with approximately 85 per cent forest cover and a longstanding commitment to low-carbon development. We do not regard these realities as contradictory. Rather, our responsibility is to manage our natural resources strategically and sustainably, and to use them to accelerate national development and the transformation of our energy system,” he said. 

The Prime Minister also highlighted the potential of grid modernisation, digitalisation and artificial intelligence to improve demand forecasting, energy planning and predictive maintenance.

However, he cautioned that the increasing use of artificial intelligence and data centres would itself drive up electricity demand, requiring greater investment in cybersecurity, data governance and technical expertise.

Phillips said the energy transition must deliver practical benefits to communities, including reliable and affordable electricity, employment and opportunities for local businesses.

“We must ensure that hinterland, riverine and Indigenous communities, vulnerable households, workers and businesses are not left behind. This requires expanding access to reliable and affordable energy, creating opportunities for local employment and enterprise, investing in skills and technical capacity, and ensuring meaningful community participation in energy development,” he stated.

Source: Kiskadee Watch

Gabrielle Felix and Anjaneysa Godette each finished with four titles, while Mishka Beharry collected three, as Guyana’s young female players delivered strong performances at the National Junior Badminton Tournament.

The competition ended on Saturday, October 10, at the National Gymnasium, completing three days of action involving 79 players and 22 events across five age groups.

Felix defeated Cathalina Wong 21-6, 21-10 to win the Under-17 girls’ singles. She also claimed the division’s doubles titles with Harshini Muralidharan and Ruel Rambiriche, before joining Beharry for a commanding 21-1, 21-3 victory over Eyota Adams and Brianna Morgan in the Under-19 girls’ doubles final.

Godette beat Vaishnavi Natarajan 21-9, 21-10 in the Under-13 singles final, then shared the girls’ doubles crown with her. Her partnership with Joel Rambiriche produced mixed doubles titles at both Under-13 and Under-15 levels.

Beharry completed her own treble by defeating Muralidharan 21-5, 21-7 in the Under-19 singles final and winning the mixed doubles alongside Christopher Jordan.

Ruel Rambiriche and Caleb Tan matched Felix and Godette with four titles apiece. Rambiriche won the Under-17 and Under-19 boys’ singles, Under-19 boys’ doubles and Under-17 mixed doubles. Tan secured the boys’ singles and doubles crowns in both the Under-13 and Under-15 divisions.

Wong claimed the Under-15 girls’ singles and doubles, while Lucy Leo achieved the same double at Under-11 level. Nathan Henry and Eon Williams won the Under-17 boys’ doubles final 21-18, 21-15 against Egan and Ethan Bulkan.

The National Sports Commission sponsored the GBA-organised tournament. The association thanked everyone involved and pledged to continue strengthening grassroots badminton and creating opportunities for young players.

Category winners

•⁠  ⁠Under-11: Girls’ singles — Lucy Leo; girls’ doubles — Alseena Riorti and Lucy Leo.

-Under-13: Boys’ singles — Caleb Tan; girls’ singles — Anjaneysa Godette; boys’ doubles — Joel Rambiriche and Caleb Tan; girls’ doubles — Anjaneysa Godette and Vaishnavi Natarajan; mixed doubles — Joel Rambiriche and Anjaneysa Godette.

•⁠  ⁠Under-15: Boys’ singles — Caleb Tan; girls’ singles — Cathalina Wong; boys’ doubles — Ethan Bulkan and Caleb Tan; girls’ doubles — Neeharika Shetty and Cathalina Wong; mixed doubles — Joel Rambiriche and Anjaneysa Godette.

•⁠  ⁠Under-17: Boys’ singles — Ruel Rambiriche; girls’ singles — Gabrielle Felix; boys’ doubles — Nathan Henry and Eon Williams; girls’ doubles — Gabrielle Felix and Harshini Muralidharan; mixed doubles — Ruel Rambiriche and Gabrielle Felix.

•⁠  ⁠Under-19: Boys’ singles — Ruel Rambiriche; girls’ singles — Mishka Beharry; boys’ doubles — Christopher Jordan and Ruel Rambiriche; girls’ doubles — Mishka Beharry and Gabrielle Felix; mixed doubles — Christopher Jordan and Mishka Beharry.

Source: Kiskadee Watch

A 28-year-old man died after sustaining a neck injury during an altercation at Amelia’s Ward, Linden, on Saturday night, police said.

Police identified him as Romel Toney, of Kairuni, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, and said they are investigating the incident as a murder.

According to preliminary information released by police, Toney was involved in an altercation with another man at about 9 pm on October 10, during which he sustained the injury. He subsequently died.

Police said investigations into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing.

Source: Kiskadee Watch

—tributes begin today at Congress Place

The funeral of former PNCR leader and Opposition Leader Robert Corbin will be held on Thursday at St Andrew’s Kirk, Georgetown, followed by cremation at Ruimzigt, West Coast Demerara.

According to a published schedule of activities, commemorations for Corbin, who died on October 4 at the age of 78, will begin today at Congress Place, Sophia.

A cultural programme, entitled “Salute to the Comrade,” is scheduled for 5 pm and will mark the opening of books of condolence. An evening of reflections and a wake will follow at 7 pm.

A further wake will be held on Wednesday, October 14, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Railway Embankment Road, Liliendaal, from 6.30 pm. The programme describes this as an evening of celebration, reflections and tributes by family, friends and colleagues.

Thursday’s farewell activities will begin at Congress Place from 8 am to 9 am, followed by Parliament Buildings, Brickdam, from 9.30 am to 10.30 am.

Tributes and the funeral service at St Andrew’s Kirk, Avenue of the Republic, are scheduled for 10.45 am to 1 pm. Cremation will take place at 2 pm at the Kaashi Dhaam Crematorium, Ruimzigt Foreshore.

The committal and interment of his remains will be held in Linden on Saturday, October 17. Departure from Georgetown is scheduled for 8 am, with arrival at 36 Stewart Path, Christianburg, at 10 am. A walk to St Matthew’s Presbyterian Church will begin at 11 am.

A service of commendation and committal will be held at the church from 11.30 am to 12.15 pm. This will be followed at 12.30 pm by the committal of ashes in the Demerara River, between the mouths of the Muraru and Katabulli creeks. Interment of remains at the family gravesite in the Christianburg Scots Church Cemetery is scheduled for 1.30 pm.

Corbin assumed leadership of the PNCR following the death of Desmond Hoyte and was elected leader at a special congress on February 1, 2003. He was succeeded by David Granger in July 2012. 

Source: Kiskadee Watch

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 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 ideals, even as he crafted innovative solutions and fostered inclusivity towards the national good. He remained grounded as a party activist and grassroots organizer. 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 honour the memory of our treasured National Patriot and wish to quote the words of one of his favourite 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: Kiskadee Watch

Five farmers in the Moruca sub-region have received piglets through the Ministry of Agriculture as part of an initiative to support livestock production.

In a post on its Facebook page, the ministry said the distribution was intended to boost agricultural development and create greater economic opportunities for farmers.

The post did not state how many piglets were distributed, identify the recipient communities or provide details of any accompanying technical support.

There had been earlier efforts to expand pig-rearing in Moruca. In July 2022, the ministry announced that farmers in Santa Rosa would receive improved breeds of swine and technical assistance from the Guyana Livestock Development Authority. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha had said farmers would be given piglets to help expand production in the community. 

Stabroek News also reported in September 2022 that the ministry, through the authority and its Agriculture Sector Development Unit, had distributed 20 imported pigs to new and established farmers to improve breeding stock and increase pork production. Recipients were expected to assist other farmers once the animals began reproducing.

Source: Kiskadee Watch

Last Updated on Sunday, 11 October 2026, 19:55 by Written By Denis Chabrol

Deputy Police Commissioner Fizal Karimbaksh, who is accused of raping a female police officer, is refusing to go on administrative or pre-retirement leave pending the outcome of a probe because there is no Police Service Commission (PSC) to order him to do so.

“I further dispute your authority to place my client on compulsory administrative leave. On the legal basis presently disclosed, you have no lawful authority to impose such leave upon my client. No applicable statutory power or operative written delegation authorising that course has been identified or furnished,” lawyer Rizwaun Mohamed said in a letter dated October 10 in response to Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken’s letter to Mr Karimbaksh dated October 7.

Through his lawyer, Mr Karimbaksh is threatening to take legal action against the Guyana Police Force if he is forced out of office ahead of his retirement in April 2027.

“You are hereby placed on unequivocal notice that, should you seek to compel my client to proceed on pre-retirement or administrative leave without lawful authority, I am instructed to institute legal proceedings without further notice, seeking urgent interim relief where necessary, together with all other appropriate relief and costs,” the lawyer also said.

Efforts to obtain Mr Hicken’s letter to Mr Karimbaksh, who is the head of the force’s Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) were unsuccessful.

The Guyana Police Force on on October 8 said Mr Karimbaksh was sent on leave pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of rape and threatening behaviour made against him. Additionally, the female police inspector, who made the report, has been transferred from the Special Organised  Crime Unit (SOCU) to Regional Police Division 4 ‘A’’, the force said last week.

But the lawyer strenuously objected to the Police Commissioner “compelling” Mr Karimbaksh to proceed on pre-retirement leave and that he was eligible for 174 days of annualised vacation leave before retirement which should start on November 8, 2026. “For the avoidance of doubt, my client does not consent to compulsory pre-retirement leave on the basis presently advanced. He remains ready and available to discharge his duties and comply with lawful directions. His position must not be construed as acquiescence in an enforced absence, acceptance of the disputed leave calculation, or waiver of any right,” the lawyer said.  Deputy Police Commissioner Karimbaksh is also disputing the duration of the annualised leave that he is entitled, saying that it is actually 118 days rather than 174. “The calculation and consequent commencement date are therefore expressly disputed,” the lawyer said on behalf of his client. He also told the Police Commissioner that including November 8, 2026 in his letter does not amount to an agreement to that date or “establish authority to compel the proposed leave.

At the heart of Mr Karimbaksh’s refusal to obey Mr Hicken’s instruction to proceed on leave is his ground that the Police Commissioner is responsible under the Police Act for command and superintendence of the police force while the Guyana Constitution vests disciplinary control over Deputy Police Commissioners to the Police Service Commission and delegation of directions in writing. The lawyer says not because the PSC is not constituted the Police Commissioner or anyone else takes over those functions.

“A general reliance upon command authority does not resolve the distinct question of the legal basis for compelling my client’s absence” and “any such vacancy does not, of itself, transfer its powers to you or another authority,” he said. 

Source: Demerara Waves

Full statement below:

Caricom Rice Mills wishes to address recent public statements made on social media concerning specific parcels of land in the Somerset and Berks area on the Essequibo Coast.

1. Caricom Rice Mills is the Registered Owner

Caricom Rice Mills is the registered proprietor of the lands in question. Title has never been transferred to any other party.

2. The Transaction Was a Private Agreement That Was Never Concluded

In January, 2017 , the previous owners of Caricom Rice Mills ( Caricom)entered into private agreements of sale with certain individuals in order to quickly raise money. Those agreements expressly and impliedly provided that:

• the purchaser would pay a deposit;

• Caricom would retain possession of the lands;

• title would pass only upon payment of the balance within six months; and

• time was of the essence. 

The balances were never paid. The agreements were never completed. Title was never transferred. No purchaser ever obtained possession. The Company was later sold. 

3. No Steps Were Taken by the Purchaser for Nearly a Decade

For almost ten years, the individual now making public claims took no steps to pay the balance, to enforce the agreement, or to lodge any caution or prohibition against the land. Under Guyanese law, a purchaser who fails to perform and remains silent for such a prolonged period loses any right to enforce the agreement.

4. Caricom Has Acted in Good Faith

Although Caricom was legally entitled to forfeit the deposit, the Company has instead refunded the full amount paid. This reflects Caricom’s good faith and its desire to resolve the matter fairly, not any acknowledgment of the claims being made.

5. This Is a Private Legal Matter – Not a Government or Political Matter

 This dispute arises from a private agreement of sale between private parties. It is governed exclusively by the laws of Guyana and the terms of the agreement itself. Neither the Government of Guyana nor any political actor has any legal role or authority in this private transaction. Any attempt to involve political institutions in a private contractual dispute is legally unfounded and would constitute an improper interference with the rights of a registered proprietor.

6. Caricom Will Protect Its Lawful Rights

 Caricom Rice Mills will continue to rely on the established legal framework and, if necessary, the courts to vindicate its position as registered proprietor. The Company remains committed to the lawful development of its lands and to the growth of the communities in which it operates.