Articles by Stabroek News

Technology

Rising number of partner-based violence indicative of inconsistent and ineffective enforcement

Dear Editor, As a Women’s Rights Advocate who has been actively involved in community development programmes from 2014 to the present in both Barbados and Guyana, I am deeply concerned about the rising number of cases of partner-based violence, the sexual abuse of underage schoolgirls, and the continued killing of women who have become victims of domestic crimes. While Guyana’s laws and regulations provide protection against sexual abuse and violence, greater effort must be made to ensure their consistent and effective enforcement. Survivors of such traumatic experiences deserve comprehensive support systems that help them rebuild their lives—especially when children are affected. There have been notable improvements. The establishment of Hope and Justice Centres, offering legal aid, counselling, and support services under one roof, is a significant advancement. Additionally, the 914 toll-free emergency hotline and the specialized training of police, medical, and legal professionals in handling cases of sexual and domestic violence are commendable national initiatives. Still, much more must be done. Survivors—particularly children—need access to timely, compassionate, and holistic care. Law enforcement and the courts must act with greater sensitivity and consistency, and communities must challenge norms that tolerate or conceal abuse. Laws must not only exist on paper but be actively enforced, ensuring real protection, redress, and recovery. The passage of the Family Violence Bill 2024, which replaces the 1996 Domestic Violence Act, marks a meaningful legislative step forward. It broadens protection to include emotional and psychological abuse. Encouragingly, reports indicate a 33% reduction in domestic violence-related murders in 2024 compared to the previous year. However, even one life lost is one too many. The old saying, “It takes a village,” is more than a phrase—it is a call to collective responsibility. When communities revive mutual care—when neighbours, schools, faith institutions, civil society, and government all work together—we protect not only individuals but also the stability and wellbeing of our nation. Guyana’s population has historically had a higher number of females than males, and this trend is projected to continue according to national census data. This demographic pattern underscores the importance of maintaining and strengthening protective systems for women and girls across the country. As women make up a significant portion of the nation’s workforce, education system, and family structure, their safety and empowerment are vital to Guyana’s social and economic stability The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has been performing commendably in its ongoing efforts to empower women and entrepreneurs across Guyana. Through a range of training programmes, small business grants, and community-based initiatives, the Ministry continues to promote economic independence, financial literacy, and social advancement among women, particularly those from vulnerable communities. These initiatives not only create new opportunities for self-sufficiency but also contribute to national development by fostering innovation and inclusive growth in Guyana. Blane R Bunbury Public Communications Analyst & Community Advocate

Oct 14, 2025

Technology

Guyana golfers dominate Suriname Invitational as Persaud leads title charge

Guyana’s golfers showcased their class and competitive spirit at the DSB Suriname Invitational 2025, with Avinash Persaud delivering a dominant performance to secure the overall championship title in Paramaribo over the weekend. The two-day tournament, played under challenging tropical conditions, saw the Guyanese contingent asserting their strength across multiple divisions and flights. Persaud, widely regarded as one of the Caribbean’s most consistent golfers, emerged victorious in the A Flight with a best Gross of 144. After carding a 78 on Day 1, he stormed back with an impressive 66 on Day 2, amassing 70 Gross points to claim top honours. His form was nothing short of outstanding, sending a strong signal ahead of the upcoming Guyana Open later this month.

Oct 14, 2025

Technology

Dr. Mark France quits as ANUG Chairman

Dr. Mark France has resigned as Chairman of A New and United Guyana (ANUG), a position he held for less than a year of his second stint, following a reported internal disagreement over the party’s alliance with the newly established We Invest in Nationhood (WIN). The Executive Committee of ANUG announced the resignation, which is effective immediately, citing “personal reasons and a desire to focus on other commitments.” However, Dr. France later posted on social media that his decision was driven by a conflict between his “personal views” and a majority decision of the Executive Committee regarding the post-September 1st adherence to the ANUG-WIN joinder agreement. The alliance had contested the recent 2025 General and Regional Elections under the WIN banner, resulting in a surprising second-place finish and 16 seats in the National Assembly.

Oct 14, 2025

Technology

Traffic violators must be dealt with condignly

Dear Editor, The disaster that occurred a few days ago, on the road to Timehri, prompting His Excellency’s intervention, need not have happened. I’m not gloating, but I have been mentioning the unacceptability of the delays on the completion of this essential corridor, to and from the main airport of Guyana, for more than a year to my comrades I “hang out” with. I’ve commented on the absolute disregard for the five “C’s” resulting in bullies who have taken over the roads, creating severe traffic congestion, not only on this corridor, but on all the major arteries, and again, not only in and out of Georgetown, but in other heavily trafficked areas. I’m hoping that bringing a halt to this unacceptable behaviour, which maybe is better described as madness, would not require another Presidential intervention. I’ve always been one to commend the traffic chief and his ranks for doing a good job, taking into consideration the phenomenal increase in motor vehicles in the country. However, like all situations, more can be done. I’m convinced that the “mini bus and hire cars” culture has been taken over by the operation of “private hire cars” (PH) in the country. These vehicles operate with impunity and are apparently above the law, since I’ve seen them operating even outside police stations. Someone told me that no action is taken against them as many are owned by members of the police force, some stationed in the stations they operate outside of. But these PH vehicles also ply their trade at almost every other location where they have a ready clientele, outside hospitals, markets and stores on Regent, Water, Camp, Robb streets, just to name a few. These PH vehicles are “rented” to drivers, who have to pay the owners a certain amount per day, so naturally, like the mini buses and trucks (another new phenomenon) break almost every traffic law, to make to make their payments plus something for themselves and their families. My suggestion, which I’ve made in the past, is that the vehicles, committing these blockages, as occurred in the recent East Bank situation, which prompted the President to summon the contractors and others, must be dealt with condignly. Drivers committing these breaches must have their vehicles impounded, for three to five days in the first instance, and increased with frequency of infractions. Unless and until something drastic is done, His Excellency would have to have many more meetings to remedy the unacceptable situation/ behaviour being allowed to take over our roads. I hadn’t intended to be verbose, but permit me to just mention that when it seemed that the motor bikes recklessness was being brought under some amount of “control”, the reckless use of the roads by these users, have again invaded our space. It seems as if three out of every five riders do not wear helmets and the police seems to have given up on this blatant breach. Are the cameras on the Heroes Highway and other roadways operationalized, so that these riders can be dealt with, by impounding their bikes, for some days? I’ll end with agreeing with the new intended “tint” arrangement recently announced. H. N. Nawbatt

Oct 14, 2025

Technology

Golden Stars best Mahaicony in East Coast football

Golden Stars squeaked past Mahaicony 1-0 when the East Coast Demerara Football Association Men’s League continued on Sunday at the Plaisance Community Ground. Scoreless at the end of the first half, Dequan Clarke recorded the only conversion of the contest as he found the back of the net in the 57th minute. Meanwhile, Airy Hall and Plaisance played to a scoreless draw. Complete Results Airy Hall-0 vs. Plaisance-0 Golden Stars-1 vs. Mahaicony-0

Oct 14, 2025

Technology

Ministry pushing relocation of squatters in Ogle Airport flight path

The Ministry of Housing, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), is working to remove persons illegally occupying the Cummings Park reserve, which is located directly within the flight path of the Eugene F. Correia/Ogle International Airport. Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, accompanied by CH&PA’s Director of Community Development, Gladwin Charles, recently conducted a site visit to the location. A release from the CH&PA said Croal made it clear that the area falls under a strict zero-tolerance squatting zone. The unlawful occupation hinders the safety of aviation operations and also endangers the lives of the illegal occupants, the release said. “This is an area that, under no circumstance, we can have persons squatting or occupying the land. It’s within the buffer zone for the Ogle authority, and so we have to act immediately,” Croal stated.

Oct 14, 2025

Technology

Cullen man found dead after reported missing

Residents of Cullen, Essequibo Coast, were left in shock on Sunday morning after the body of 41-year-old Heion Vivindra Ramnauth was discovered floating in the Cullen koker. Ramnauth, of Lot Z Cullen, had been missing for two days prior to the discovery. It is believed that he drowned sometime between 8:30 pm on Saturday, October 11, 2025, and 7:30 am on Sunday, October 12, 2025. According to police reports, Ramnauth lived with his mother, Soorsattie Ramsarup, who said her son had been a psychiatric patient for several years and was visited at home by a doctor each month. She explained that due to his condition, he would often leave home in the early hours of the morning and wander the seawall and nearby locations.

Oct 14, 2025

Technology

Madagascar’s president has left the country after Gen Z protests, officials say

ANTANANARIVO, (Reuters) – Madagascar’s president Andry Rajoelina has fled the African nation, the head of the opposition, a military source and a foreign diplomat said on Monday, the second time that young protesters have toppled a government in just over a month of worldwide Gen Z unrest. Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, leader of the opposition in parliament, told Reuters that Rajoelina left Madagascar on Sunday after units of the army defected and joined the protesters. “We called the staff of the presidency and they confirmed that he left the country,” he said, adding that Rajoelina’s whereabouts were unknown. The president’s office did not reply to requests for comment. In an address to the nation broadcast on Facebook late on Monday, Rajoelina said he had to move to a safe location to protect his own life. He did not disclose his whereabouts but appeared defiant, saying that he would not “allow Madagascar to be destroyed”. The diplomatic source said after the speech that Rajoelina was refusing to step down. A military source told Reuters that Rajoelina flew out of Madagascar, a former French colony, on a French military aircraft on Sunday. French radio RFI said he had struck a deal with President Emmanuel Macron. Macron, speaking in Egypt after a summit on the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal, said he could not immediately confirm reports that France had helped Rajoelina to flee the country. He added that constitutional order must be preserved in Madagascar and that while France understood the grievances of the country’s youth, those grievances should not be exploited by military factions. The military source said a French Army Casa aircraft landed in Madagascar’s Sainte Marie airport on Sunday. “Five minutes later, a helicopter arrived and transferred its passenger into the Casa,” the source said, adding that the passenger was Rajoelina. Demonstrations had erupted in the country on September 25 over water and power shortages but quickly escalated into an uprising over broader grievances, including corruption, bad governance and a lack of basic services. The anger mirrored recent protests against ruling elites elsewhere, including in Nepal, where the prime minister was forced to resign last month, and in Morocco.

Oct 14, 2025

Business

Lotto company launches Christmas promotion

The Guyana Lottery Company Limited (GLCL) yesterday launched its Annual Lotto Supa6 Christmas promotion with this year’s promotion captioned “Christmas Would Be Twice as Nice with Lotto Supa6”. GLCL says it will be giving away over thirty million dollars in cash and prizes, plus the grand prize of two brand new 2025 MG SUVs. According to a release from GLCL, this year a total of 152 lucky players could win cash and other prizes including the Grand Prizes and three shopping sprees at Courts Guyana valued one million dollars each, 10 Samsung 55-inch smart televisions, 10 Samsung galaxy S25 ultra smart phones, and 30 cash prizes of $100,000 each. Additionally, GLCL says 10 players can win instantly $10,000 cash weekly when they purchase a Lotto Supa6 ticket at any lottery agent countrywide.

Oct 14, 2025

Technology

Of days and years…

On 10th October, we observed the World Mental Health Day and on 11 October, we joined hands to mark the International Day for the Girl Child. Both of them highly relevant, the reason being our tendency to treat them as mere rituals of ‘Days and Years’. There is nothing wrong in observing these days and years. They are crucial in creating awareness. But they should not become part of event calendars and instruments in the hands of marketing mavericks using them as symbolic gestures. We have colorful ribbons and flags displayed, beautiful wrist bands flaunted, and glossy looking stationary bought in the name of charity. It might be essential because a good number of people might be willing to pay for them to help the cause, remaining unaware of the gravity of such issues. At least they are willing to empty their deep pockets, someone would argue! Granted, but between awareness and awakening, there is still a long bridge to cross. Mental health is quite complex because of the stigma attached to it. Celebrating a girl child is definitely more complex than a simplistic construct of equality, opportunities, and rights. There are many common misconceptions and the bias becomes inbuilt. In case of physical disability, we are far more forthcoming compared to mental health issues. The canvass of mental health issues is so wide and the stigma so deep-rooted that we tend to either underestimate the challenge or tend to brush it under the carpet as an unpleasant truth.

Oct 14, 2025

Technology

US, China to roll out tit-for-tat port fees, threatening more turmoil at sea

BEIJING/LOS ANGELES, (Reuters) – The United States and China will today begin charging additional port fees on ocean shipping firms that move everything from holiday toys to crude oil, making the high seas a key front in the trade war between the world’s two largest economies. China said it had started to collect the special charges on U.S.-owned, operated, built, or flagged vessels but clarified that Chinese-built ships would be exempted from the levies. In details published on Tuesday by state broadcaster CCTV, China spelled out specific provisions on exemptions, which also include empty ships entering Chinese shipyards for repair. The China-imposed extra port fees would be collected at the first port of entry on a single voyage or for the first five voyages within a year, following an annual billing cycle beginning on April 17. Early this year, U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration announced plans to levy the fees on China-linked ships to loosen that country’s grip on the global maritime industry and bolster U.S. shipbuilding. An investigation during former President Joe Biden’s administration concluded China uses unfair policies and practices to dominate the global maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors, clearing the way for those penalties. The U.S. is scheduled to also begin collecting fees on October 14. Analysts expect China-owned container carrier COSCO 601919.SS to be most affected, shouldering nearly half of that segment’s expected $3.2 billion cost from those fees in 2026. China hit back last week, saying it would impose its own port fees on U.S.-linked vessels from the same day. Jefferies analyst Omar Nokta noted that 13% of crude tankers and 11% of container ships in the global fleet would be affected. “This tit-for-tat symmetry locks both economies into a spiral of maritime taxation that risks distorting global freight flows,” Athens-based Xclusiv Shipbrokers Inc said in a research note. In a reprisal against China curbing exports of critical minerals, Trump on Friday threatened to slap additional 100% tariffs on goods from China and put new export controls on “any and all critical software” by November 1. Administration officials hours later warned that countries voting in favor of a plan by the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization to reduce planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions from ocean shipping this week could face sanctions, port bans, or punitive vessel charges. China has publicly supported the IMO plan. “The weaponisation of both trade and environmental policy signals that shipping has moved from being a neutral conduit of global commerce to a direct instrument of statecraft,” Xclusiv said. Shares in Shanghai-listed COSCO rose more than 2% in early trading on Tuesday. The company said its board had approved a plan to buy back up to 1.5 billion yuan ($210.3 million) worth of its shares within the next three months to maintain corporate value and safeguard shareholder interest. The shipping firm did not immediately respond to Reuters’ queries about the potential impact of the port fees.

Oct 14, 2025