PUBLIC ADVISORY

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The Hydrometeorological Service has issued a Special Information Bulletin warning of unstable atmospheric conditions, widespread rainfall, and an increased flood risk across Guyana from tonight, May 10, 2026, to May 15, 2026. Residents, especially those in low-lying and poorly drained areas, are urged to remain alert and take all necessary precautions.[


Rainfall is expected to affect the country over the next several days, with a period of reduced rainfall anticipated from May 11 to 13, followed by a more significant increase on May 14 and 15. Forecast models indicate that all regions may be impacted, with rainfall totals potentially reaching 25 mm to 50 mm in 24 hours, and in some areas 25 mm to 75 mm in 24 hours.


Members of the public are advised to:
• Clear drains, culverts, and waterways near homes and businesses.
• Secure property and move valuables to higher ground where possible.
• Exercise caution while driving or walking through flooded areas.
• Monitor official weather updates and follow instructions from local authorities.
• Prepare for possible localized flooding and disruptions to travel and daily activities.


Fisherfolk, farmers, and residents in flood-prone communities are especially encouraged to take early protective measures. The public should remain vigilant and treat this weather system seriously, as conditions may worsen rapidly.


For official updates, continue to monitor announcements from the Hydrometeorological Service and emergency management authorities.

Venezuela Escalates Essequibo Campaign as Interim President Arrives for ICJ Hearing

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Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, has landed in the Netherlands to personally lead her country’s delegation at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), signaling a renewed and highly strategic push in Caracas’ long-standing claim to Guyana’s Essequibo region.


According to an official statement from Venezuela’s presidential office, Rodríguez will appear before the UN’s principal judicial body as hearings resume in the case brought by Guyana in 2018. The matter centers on the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award, which legally settled the boundary in Guyana’s favor—an outcome Venezuela has persistently sought to overturn.


Her presence at The Hague underscores the political weight Venezuela is now attaching to the proceedings, particularly in the wake of heightened geopolitical tensions following the dramatic removal of Nicolás Maduro earlier this year. This marks Rodríguez’s first visit to Europe since assuming power under extraordinary circumstances.


The Essequibo region, which comprises over two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass and is rich in oil and natural resources, remains at the heart of the dispute. Guyana has maintained that the matter is settled under international law and has consistently rejected Venezuela’s claims as baseless and destabilizing.


While a final ruling from the ICJ is still months away, its judgment will be legally binding, though enforcement mechanisms remain limited, relying ultimately on the UN Security Council.


Rodríguez’s direct involvement raises fresh concerns about Venezuela’s broader strategy, including whether this appearance is a genuine legal engagement or part of a wider political maneuver aimed at bolstering domestic legitimacy and international positioning.


For Guyana, the stakes could not be higher. The proceedings at The Hague are not merely legal formalities—they represent a defining moment in the defense of its territorial sovereignty.


𝙏𝙝𝙚 592 𝙂𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙣-𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙩𝙝 , 𝘼𝙘𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮,𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙄𝙣𝙂𝙪𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙖 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨.— ✦—

The Rot at the National Stadium

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BY: Hem Kumar 

𝙏𝙝𝙚 592 𝙂𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙣

Allegations now surfacing about the distribution of contracts at the National Stadium strike at the very core of fairness, governance, and public trust in Guyana. The We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, led by Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, has sounded the alarm—but what is most troubling is that these claims do not exist in isolation. They fit into a long, uncomfortable pattern.

At the heart of the issue is a familiar accusation: that state contracts are being funnelled to loyalists of the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP), while ordinary contractors—many already battling economic hardship—are left on the outside looking in. If true, this is not merely political patronage. It is the systematic exclusion of citizens from opportunities funded by their own tax dollars.

This is not how a functioning democracy allocates resources.

The Procurement Act of 2003 was designed to prevent precisely this kind of abuse. It was meant to guarantee transparency, competition, and fairness. Yet, more than two decades later, confidence in the system is eroding, not strengthening. The persistent complaints from contractors and civil society suggest that the law exists more on paper than in practice.

There are growing concerns that procurement procedures are being manipulated—whether through sole-sourcing, restricted tendering, or opaque evaluation processes that raise more questions than answers. When contracts repeatedly land in the hands of the politically connected, merit becomes irrelevant and public confidence collapses.

And where, one must ask, are the watchdogs?

The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) and the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) were established to act as safeguards against precisely this kind of misconduct. Yet the perception—fair or not—is that oversight is either weak, selective, or entirely absent. Silence in the face of mounting allegations only deepens suspicion.

This is bigger than one stadium. It is about whether Guyana’s development is being built on competence or cronyism.

Small contractors across the country are watching. They are working, struggling, and competing—only to feel that the game is rigged before it even begins. When access to opportunity depends on political allegiance rather than qualification, the message to citizens is clear: loyalty matters more than legitimacy.

That is a dangerous message for any nation.

The government must understand that transparency is not optional—it is a duty. If the procurement system is clean, then open it. Publish the contracts. Disclose the evaluation criteria. Let the public see who is winning, and why. If everything is above board, there should be nothing to hide.
But if it is not, then what is unfolding at the National Stadium is not just mismanagement—it is a betrayal of public trust.

Guyana cannot afford a system where national resources are treated as political rewards. Development must belong to all, not a privileged few. Until that principle is upheld—not in words, but in action—the questions will not go away.

They will only get louder.

𝙏𝙝𝙚 592 𝙂𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙣-𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙩𝙝 , 𝘼𝙘𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮,𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙄𝙣𝙂𝙪𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙖 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨.— ✦—

Applause Without Accountability: The Dangerous Rise of Political Cheerleading in Guyana

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Halim Khan’s latest outpouring of praise for President Irfaan Ali reads less like an objective assessment and more like a rehearsed tribute designed to curry favour with power.

This is the same figure who once applauded the President’s “visionary leadership” while merely observing the construction of Joe Vieira Park—hardly the mark of transformative governance. Now, he reappears, once again cloaking routine political engagement in grandiose language about global recognition and economic destiny.

Let’s be clear: calling an award “proof” of national transformation does not make it so. These pronouncements are not grounded in scrutiny or accountability, but in a pattern of uncritical endorsement that does little to serve the public interest. It is political flattery dressed up as private sector commentary.

At a time when Guyanese citizens are demanding transparency, measurable outcomes, and equitable development, this kind of rhetoric is not just hollow—it is misleading. It attempts to manufacture a narrative of success while sidestepping the real questions about governance, distribution of wealth, and long-term sustainability.

The private sector has a responsibility to speak truth to power, not echo it. When business leaders choose applause over accountability, they abandon that duty and weaken the very credibility they depend on.
Guyana deserves honest voices, not cheerleaders.

𝙏𝙝𝙚 592 𝙂𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙣-𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙩𝙝 , 𝘼𝙘𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙄𝙣 𝙂𝙪𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙖 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨.— ✦—

CANU’s Anti-Drug Booklet Initiative a Step Forward, But Questions Remain on Impact

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GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — The Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) has launched a new anti-drug booklet series aimed at raising public awareness about the dangers of drug use and trafficking, particularly among young people and vulnerable communities.
According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), the initiative forms part of ongoing national efforts to address substance abuse through education. CANU Director James Singh stated that the programme is intended to provide “accurate and accessible information” to help citizens make informed decisions.
While the distribution of educational materials in schools and communities is a welcome step, the effectiveness of such initiatives has long depended on sustained engagement, measurable outcomes, and integration with broader social interventions. Guyana continues to face complex challenges linked to drug trafficking and substance abuse, raising questions about whether public awareness campaigns alone can meaningfully curb the problem.
The booklet series will be rolled out nationwide through schools, community programmes, and public outreach efforts. However, stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether this initiative is supported by long-term strategies, including rehabilitation services, enforcement strengthening, and community-based interventions.

Government responds to Fire at Apaiqua Landing Region Seven

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Apaiqua Landing, Mazaruni River – The Government of Guyana, under the direction of His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, has mobilized an immediate response following a devastating fire at Apaiqua Landing, Region Seven, on the evening of May 8, 2026.
Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Vickram Bharrat, and Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Oneidge Walrond, are currently on the ground engaging affected residents and assessing the extent of the damage.

Preliminary reports indicate that nine buildings were destroyed, leaving more than twenty persons displaced. The Government extends its deepest sympathies to the families and business owners impacted by this unfortunate incident.
Efforts are underway to provide urgent assistance and support to those affected. Relevant agencies are actively coordinating relief measures while investigations continue to determine the cause of the fire.

The Government remains committed to ensuring that all necessary resources are deployed to assist the affected community during this difficult time.

Cocaine, Cash and Firepower: Major Bust Signals Deepening Narco Threat

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Another major cocaine bust at Springlands has once again exposed the persistent and deeply troubling role Guyana continues to play in the global narcotics trade.
On Friday, the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) intercepted more than 45 kilogrammes of cocaine—packaged in 40 brick-like parcels—with an estimated European street value of €1.575 million (US$1.856 million). Two individuals have since been arrested. The operation also uncovered an Uzi firearm fitted with ammunition, a stark reminder of the dangerous convergence between drug trafficking and organized violence.

Authorities confirmed that the shipment was destined for Europe, reinforcing a now-familiar pattern: Guyana as a transshipment point in a lucrative and far-reaching international drug network. While CANU has emphasized that the drugs carry a comparatively modest local street value of approximately GY$50 million, the near US$2 million valuation abroad underscores the high stakes driving these operations.

CANU has credited intelligence-led operations and regional cooperation for the successful seizure. While such efforts are commendable, they also raise urgent questions about the scale and sophistication of trafficking networks operating within Guyana’s borders. Each high-profile bust signals not only enforcement success, but also the troubling volume of narcotics that may be slipping through undetected.
Equally concerning is the presence of a high-powered firearm alongside the narcotics cache. This is not incidental. It reflects the militarization of criminal enterprises and the growing threat posed to community safety, particularly in border regions like Corentyne.

Guyana is to meaningfully disrupt its role in transnational drug trafficking, enforcement alone will not suffice. Sustained intelligence coordination, tighter border controls, and deeper institutional accountability must become the norm rather than the exception.

Otherwise, these periodic seizures—however significant—risk becoming little more than snapshots of a much larger, largely unseen crisis.

A suspect was shot and injured

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A suspect was shot and injured on Friday evening after allegedly robbing a money changer of GY$200,000 along America Street, according to the Guyana Police Force.
Preliminary reports indicate that the money changer, who is a licensed firearm holder, discharged his weapon during the incident, injuring one of the suspects. The wounded individual has since been apprehended and transported to a medical facility, where he is receiving treatment under police guard.
Law enforcement officials have confirmed that efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend a second suspect believed to be involved in the robbery.
As of late Friday night, crime scene investigators remained on site within a secured perimeter, processing evidence and gathering information to support the investigation. The money changer was also escorted to the location to assist detectives.
The Guyana Police Force has assured that investigations are ongoing and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Accountability on the Global Stage

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The legal proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) continue to highlight the historical complexities of the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute. Attorney Paul Reichler points to a long-standing pattern of obstruction, noting that Venezuela’s rejection of the 1899 award lacks legal grounding and has historically hindered Guyanese sovereignty.

As investigations into national interests and transparency continue, the outcome of this case remains a pivotal moment for regional stability and international law.

#ICJ #Guyana #Venezuela #InternationalLaw #Sovereignty #PublicRecord

Press Freedom: fears, limitations and more fears.

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BY:GHK Lall.

Press freedom in Guyana is once again in the headlines, the consciousness of Guyanese.  It’s time to raise the cudgelsseveral decibels.  Now that the World Press Freedom Index highlights Guyana’s continued slide into disrepute, the call is for another look, more inquiries.  I reverse, then come forward.

During his first turn at the wheel, it was Pres Ali who immersed himself in political sanctimonies, while railing against criticism.  Naysayers, media protestors, constitutionally-inspired conscientious objectors and others he deemed undesirable soothsayers all came in for heavy condemnation.  In Ali’s telling, he was all for criticism, but only on the condition that it falls within the perimeters of what he termed ‘constructive criticism.’  I asked then, ask again: by what divine right of presidents did Excellency Ali seize for himself the moral authority to impinge on what acceptable criticism is, is not, andshould be?  To spotlight the president some more, expose his frailty (his fallacy) longer, by what fig leaf of his imagination, by what token of intellectual gravitas, did he conjure what’s‘constructive criticism?’  And, what made he, Irfaan Ali (PhD), the sole authority thereto?

Thereafter, the die was cast, hatchets brandished, messages communicated.  It was open season on citizens exercising freedom of thought, freedom of belief (political not religious), freedom of expression, and freedom to express such in every channel in this society, whether private enterprise, or publiclybacked.  When State media doors were slammed harder, sealed tighter, in the face of those who fell into one of Ali’s colorful denunciations, hunting season flourished.  Victims bagged,hogtied from head-to-toe.  Though unexpected, it didn’t surprise that a Stabroek News would be visited by the PPP Govt’s Grim Reaper.

First, there were vice presidential railing and ranting about coverage and commentary, though today he seeks cover under the cloud of climate change.  Then came the kiss of death, a Jagdeo special that manifested his totalitarian tendencies, and communistic love for total control: no chopping off of ads.  But eliminating, through clever non-dispersal of tens of millions in ad payments.  Was that a scheme that reeks of the Machiavellian, the politically sinister, or what?  Meanwhile, there were those individuals who spoke out being singled out for the PPP Govt’s Saturday Nite Special: a two-by-four to the skull.  One captain calling for the constructive; another far cleverer biding his time, while working feverishly, to deliver his coup de grace: no submission and cooperation, no consideration and no compassion.  Said more colloquially: no money. no love.  I am still trying to figure out the legal equation, the constitutional formula, that Minister of Law, Order, and PPP Justice, Mr. Anil Nandlall, employs as the basis for this overreach, the assassins’excesses.  Or why what is demanded for the PPP is denied to others.  How could it be that what the PPP claims as piety for itself is damned as heresy in others.  Another for Ali and Nandlall: Stabroek stopped.  Now stop social media.  Guyanese truckers crying against impoverishing Chinese invasions.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Ali-Jagdeo-Nandlall government insists that it cherishes press freedom, is a welcoming, comforting, lighthouse to press wanderers, media shipwrecked, and freedom’s outcasts.  It must be recalled that the Third Reich always insisted that the gods were on its side.  Some gods those must have been!  I sympathize withExcellency Ali, doctor of overstatement, and heavily overburdened worker.  But to give Lords of the Guyana Realm, Jagdeo and Nandlall, a pass, is asking too much.  If they’re ignorant, I help: the deeper the oppression, the stronger the conviction.  Conclusion: methinks that those who object to light and truth must be messengers of darkness, hypocrisies foremost heroes. Thus, press freedom, (freedom itself), falters, fades, in PPP Guyana.  if they don’t know, those who labored to narrow the boundaries of argument and dissent have invariably self-destructed.  Press freedoms, other freedoms, are matters of principle; neither leadership luxuries nor benevolence. 

𝙏𝙝𝙚 592 𝙂𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙣-𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙩𝙝 , 𝘼𝙘𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮,𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙄𝙣𝙂𝙪𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙖 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨.— ✦—