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President Ali Outlines Transformation Plans for Suddie

President Dr Irfaan Ali says national development must be felt at the community level, with citizens experiencing progress and improved services right at their doorstep.

The President made the remarks during a Model Village consultation at St John Primary School in Suddie, Essequibo Coast, where he outlined plans aimed at transforming the community and creating new economic opportunities.

Among the proposed developments are a modern waterfront, wellness and green recreational spaces, improved traffic management, community parking facilities and more organised market areas.

Plans also include sport tourism facilities, expanded surveillance cameras and agricultural technology hubs designed to support innovation and economic activity.

President Ali stressed that development must be matched by discipline and responsible community stewardship, particularly in maintaining infrastructure built to improve residents’ quality of life.

During the consultation, the President heard directly from residents about their concerns, challenges and ideas, while proposing solutions and outlining the way forward for Suddie.

The planned transformation is expected to improve the community’s physical environment while creating opportunities for business, tourism, recreation and agriculture.

FIREARM AND AMMUNITION FOUND AT KWAKWANI

Police have launched an investigation following the discovery of a firearm and ammunition at Kwakwani Park, Airstrip, Upper Berbice River.

The discovery was made around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation.

Acting on information received, police ranks searched an unfinished and unoccupied concrete structure, where they found a black plastic bag containing a silver Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol.

The firearm was fitted with a magazine containing one live 9mm round.

The weapon, magazine and ammunition were taken to the Kwakwani Police Station, where they were lodged pending examination.

No arrests have been made at this time. Investigations are ongoing.

RODRIGUES-BIRKETT PRESENTS UN SECRETARY-GENERAL CANDIDATURE TO LIBERIAN PRESIDENT

Guyana’s Ambassador to the United Nations, H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, has presented her candidature for the position of United Nations Secretary-General to Liberia’s President, H.E. Joseph Boakai.

During her engagement in Liberia, Rodrigues-Birkett also met with Foreign Affairs Minister H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, along with Vice Ministers and Assistant Ministers.

She outlined her vision for a more agile, efficient and effective United Nations, while exchanging views with Liberian officials on the future of multilateralism and the critical role of the UN in addressing global challenges.

Discussions also focused on the ongoing UN80 reform process, including the need to strengthen efficiency, effectiveness and impact across the Organisation’s three pillars.

Rodrigues-Birkett’s engagement forms part of her diplomatic outreach as she advances Guyana’s bid for the UN’s top leadership post.

𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬||

The Guyana Fire Service is appealing to members of the public to desist from dumping garbage, parking vehicles, placing construction materials, or creating any other obstruction around fire hydrants.

Fire hydrants are a critical source of water for firefighters during emergencies. Any obstruction can delay firefighters from accessing a hydrant and obtaining the water needed to effectively combat a fire.

Seconds matter during a fire emergency. A blocked hydrant can cost valuable time, property, and lives.

Members of the public are therefore urged to:

DO NOT park vehicles in front of or too close to fire hydrants.

DO NOT dump garbage or waste around hydrants.

DO NOT store construction materials or other objects near hydrants.

DO NOT tamper with, damage, or misuse fire hydrants.

KEEP hydrants visible and easily accessible at all times.

According to the Motor Vehicles and Road Safety Act Chapter 51:02, it is illegal to park, stop, or leave a vehicle in a manner that blocks or interferes with access to fire hydrants.

The Guyana Fire Service is calling on residents, motorists, businesses and contractors to play their part in keeping our communities safe.

🇬🇾🇨🇴 PRESIDENT ALI EXTENDS CONDOLENCES TO COLOMBIA FOLLOWING EARTHQUAKE

President Dr. Irfaan Ali has expressed condolences to the Government and people of Colombia following a devastating earthquake that resulted in loss of life and destruction.

In a message of solidarity, the President said Guyana’s thoughts and prayers are with the families and communities affected, as well as those injured in the disaster.

“Guyana stands in solidarity with the Government and people of Colombia in their journey of recovery and assures of our readiness to support this journey,” President Ali said.

The President also extended sympathy to those who have lost loved ones, reaffirming Guyana’s support for Colombia during this difficult period.

GUYANA BEGINS PREPARATIONS TO HOST CARIFESTA 2027

With Guyana set to host the 16th edition of the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) in 2027, discussions are already underway to prepare for the region’s premier multidisciplinary cultural festival.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Hon. Charles S. Ramson Jr., and Minister within the Ministry, Hon. Steven Jacobs, met with representatives of the CARICOM Secretariat to discuss key areas surrounding the hosting of CARIFESTA XVI.

The CARICOM team was led by Adviser for Social Development, Beverly Harry-Emmanuel, while Programme Manager for Culture, Dr. Hilary Brown, provided an overview of CARIFESTA’s history and development.

Discussions focused on the festival’s wide-ranging programme, as well as its financial, administrative, logistical and marketing requirements, along with opportunities to further develop the region’s creative industries.

Guyana holds a special place in CARIFESTA’s history, having hosted the inaugural festival in 1972 and again in 2008. The most recent edition, CARIFESTA XV, was held in Barbados in 2025.

Regional youth development was also discussed, following a presentation by CARICOM Programme Manager for Youth Development, Michele Small-Bartley.

With CARIFESTA returning to its birthplace, preparations are expected to build on Guyana’s rich cultural heritage while creating opportunities for artists, creatives and young people across the Caribbean.