NEWS
Rambharat: Let trained people lead hikes
People who lead hikes should be trained and qualified, said Captain Vallence Rambharath, head of the Hunters Search and Rescue Team talking to Newsday on December 12. He was reacting to news of the tragic death of hiker Jessica Jordan, 41, of St Madeleine, who drowned when she slipped and her legs were caught between logs underwater in a rapidly rising waters at Madamas River on January 10. Reports were simply that she was among a group of eight hikers but did not say she was within a stated hiking group. Rambharath said his group highly recommended the sport of hiking but offered precautions. "You must pay attention to safety and be knowledgeable about the persons who organise hikes and in whose hands their lives depend." Read more here
Patrice gives back with free Carnival concert amid economic struggles
Even before last year’s I Am Woman concert, soca artiste Patrice Roberts felt it was time to take her annual show in a new direction, although she hadn’t yet figured out how. This year, she revealed that the economic challenges affecting many citizens and the broader entertainment industry had inspired her to host a free concert at Flava Village, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, on January 22. The concert will be a collaboration with the National Carnival Commission (NCC). “I just wanted to give fans an opportunity to just come out and enjoy themselves for a day. Because I know what life can feel like when it’s difficult, and you want to escape, but you don’t have the means to. So, I just created this opportunity for fans to come out, to give them me,” Roberts said yesterday. Read more here
POLITICS
Defamation claim against Energy Minister thrown out
A defamation claim against Energy and Energy Industries Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal by two investment entities and their principal has been dismissed. Justice Frank Seepersad dismissed the claim by Trillions Systems Ltd, Rose Capital Investments Ltd and businessman James Kerron Rose, against the minister while also allowing the entities’ attorneys previously on record to “cease to act.” The judge was critical of the claimants’ failure to comply with court orders and to actively pursue the matter. “This matter has come up on a few occasions,” Seepersad said, noting that directions had been issued on July 16, 2025, for specific procedural steps to be taken, including the filing of a reply and lists of documents. Read more here
BUSINESS
Trade Ministry moves to keep food, medicine prices down
The Trade, Investment and Tourism Ministry says Cabinet has approved the continued suspension and variation of the Common External Tariff (CET) on a range of basic food items, public health supplies and additional products for a further two-year period, from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2027. The ministry made this announcement in a statement on January 9. The ministry also said Cabinet approved the continuation of an increased rate of duty on imported pasta to support local manufacturing. "The measure is aimed at maintaining affordable prices for consumers, particularly vulnerable households, while supporting domestic manufacturers by reducing the cost of imported raw materials and essential inputs." Read more here
‘Field visits’ to ensure monies paid
The Internal Revenue Division (IRD) says it will conduct “field visits” to bands and other stakeholders during Carnival 2026 to ensure that required taxes have been paid. As the season heats up, bandleaders, promoters and local artistes have been reminded of their “tax obligations” by the Ministry of Finance and the Board of Inland Revenue (BIR). Need for registration. In a statement issued yesterday, which was also circulated via social media, the BIR advised Carnival stakeholders of the need for registration for Value Added Tax (VAT), among other obligations. Read more here
REGIONAL
2022 population, housing census…Population tops 878,000 with men slightly outnumbering women
Guyana’s population, as of September 2022, stands at some 878,674, with estimations placing the count at 956,044 by the end of 2024. This was revealed on Monday when the Bureau of Statistics handed over the 2022 Guyana National Population and Housing Census preliminary report to Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh. During the handing over ceremony at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, the minister, in his remarks, noted that the population growth comes as no surprise, as he noted that as a government, they have been working and dedicating a lot of effort toward making Guyana a hospitable and more attractive place for Guyanese nationals to live, work, invest, save, earn and retire. Against this backdrop, he noted that the government has invested funds to ensure that there are improved social services, among other things. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Decision time for Trump on Iran but what does he ultimately want?
For President Trump, it's decision time. Ten days ago, he said the US was prepared to go to the "rescue" of Iranian protesters if their government used violence against them. The US was, the president said, "locked and loaded and ready to go". That was before the violent crackdown in Iran had really begun. Now, with its full extent being shockingly revealed, the world waits to see how Trump will respond. "Nobody knows what President Trump is going to do except for President Trump," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said. "The world can keep waiting and guessing." Read more here
13th January 2026