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The Guyana government says it has signe da memorandum of understanding (Mou) with the Riyadh-based Saudi Eksab to explore investment collaboration across key strategic sectors to drive sustainable growth and diversification.

A government statement issued here said that President Irfaan Ali witnessed the signing was by Guyana’s Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally, and Saudi Eksab’chief executive officer, Yazeed Alyahya at a ceremony on the sidelines of the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh.

President Irfaan Ali observes as Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally and Saudi Eksab’s Chief Executive Officer, Yazeed Alyahya, signed the MoU (DPI Photo)

It said that the partnership opens a pathway for joint efforts on new investment ventures and knowledge transfer between the two nations. Also, it reinforces Saudi Eksab’s current role as a trusted partner in supporting Guyana’s economic transformation.

Ally said Guyana is eager to explore partnerships that accelerate infrastructure development and economic diversification while fostering global cooperation. He believes the MoU will contribute to the transformative environment in Guyana.

‘This partnership marks an exciting step forward in our mission to identify high-impact investment initiatives that drive shared economic growth. We look forward to identifying meaningful opportunities.’

The Belize government Monday joined 130 partner organisations worldwide in participating in the #MedSafetyWeek campaign encouraging patients, families, and healthcare professionals to report any suspected side effects from medicines.

‘By reporting suspected side effects, you and I have the power to make medicines safer for everyone. Speaking up could help protect someone else. It’s not only doctors, pharmacists, or regulators; everyone has a role to play. That is a core message of this campaign: that medicines safety starts with you and me,’ says Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa, Director of Public Health and Wellness.

The Ministry of Public Health and Wellness said that the initiative is important because everyone has a role to play in medicines safety.

It said medicines save lives and improve the health of millions of people globally. However, they can also cause unintended side effects.

‘By reporting suspected side effects when they do occur, regulators can take action to make medicines safer. Regulatory agencies around the world, including the Ministry of Health and Wellness, use reports from patients and healthcare professionals to monitor the safety of medicines and respond to potential risks.

‘Unfortunately, research indicates that only about five to 10 per cent of all suspected side effects are reported. By raising awareness through #MedSafetyWeek, the Ministry wants more people to know that their report matters. ‘

The ministry said that common reasons for not reporting suspected side effects from medicines include not knowing it’s possible, not thinking it matters, or simply forgetting.

It said that the #MedSafetyWeek campaign provides an opportunity to continue to raise awareness of why, how, and where to report side effects.

In a powerful display of solidarity, Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles and Jamaican sprint legend Asafa Powell have joined forces to deliver critical aid to communities in Jamaica ravaged by Hurricane Melissa.

Noah Lyles Partners with Asafa Powell to Aid Hurricane Victims in Junelle Bromfield’s Hometown

The devastating Category 5 storm made landfall last Tuesday, leaving a trail of destruction across St. Elizabeth and neighbouring parishes.

The relief initiative, centred in Georges Valley, St. Elizabeth, the hometown of Lyles’ fiancée, Junelle Bromfield, saw the duo and a team of volunteers help to distribute essential supplies like groceries and toiletries to residents whose lives have been upended.

The personal connection to the crisis was a driving force behind the effort. Bromfield, a former standout athlete at St. Elizabeth Technical High School, shared a heartfelt video explaining her motivation to ‘give back’ to the community that supported her throughout her youth.

‘The community was always helping me out, whether it was in high school to go to Penn Relays, they raised money, taking me to school for free. So I really wanted to give back,’ Bromfield said, visibly moved after witnessing the widespread devastation.

The mission was officially launched by Noah Lyles via his X (formerly Twitter) account, where he announced the collaboration with Powell through his Lyles Brothers Sports Foundation.

‘Hey, Everyone, the Lyles Brothers Sports Foundation and Asafa Powell are teaming up to send aid to smaller communities in Jamaica! We have already set a trip for St. Elizabeth,’ Lyles stated.

But their work is far from over. Lyles extended a call to action, encouraging his followers and the public to contribute to the ongoing recovery efforts.

‘Please help us raise money for our next trip to where we will be targeting areas in Westmorland and Trelawny. No amount is too Big Or Small. THANK YOU!’

Former record holder Powell, who lives in Jamaica, said he jumped at the opportunity to assist those in urgent need.

‘There are people who are suffering right now, and as much as I can help, I will help. I am in a better position to help, and I see a lot of people helping, and I must give a big thanks to Noah and Junelle.’

A technical assessment mission for the United Nations Support Office in Haiti has completed its work that is intended to validate the concept for the establishment of the UN Support Office.

UN Deputy Spokesman, Farhan Haq, said that the Support Office was authorised by the Security Council adopted on 30 September.

‘As you can imagine, the purpose of this assessment mission was to move forward with this process and to validate the mission support concept for the establishment of the UN Support Office.’

He said that a team of technical experts and planners from the Department of Operational Support – including engineering, procurement, logistics, telecommunications, together with security colleagues travelled to Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

The team, alongside representatives from the departments of Peace Operations and Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, also went to Washington D.C. to work with key interlocutors.

‘Throughout the mission, the team met with a variety of stakeholders to prepare for the transition of support. This included Haitian authorities, the UN Country Team and our political mission in Haiti – BINUH.

‘They also met with Dominican Republic authorities, current contractors, the Organization of American States and member states who are supporting Haiti,’ Haq said, adding that immediately following the adoption of the Security Council resolution in September, the Department of Operational Support initiated its operational planning across all mandated areas to assume responsibility for full logistical support to the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) by the end of March next year – and to meet the six month timeline of the mandate.

‘Planning and delivery for the UN Support Office will be undertaken with strong coordination and cooperation across the UN system, also in line with the Security Council Resolution,’ Haq added.

The GSF is a new multinational security force approved by the UN Security Council in September to replace the previous Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. Authorised for an initial 12-month mandate, the GSF will be larger and will have a mandate to proactively ‘neutralize, isolate, and deter’ gangs in Haiti, in addition to supporting the Haitian National Police (HNP).

The GSF is also tasked with securing key infrastructure, combating illicit arms trafficking, and creating conditions for elections and other institutional stability. It has a more aggressive mandate to conduct independent, ‘intelligence-led’ operations to neutralize gangs, unlike the previous mission which was limited to supporting the HNP.

The GSF, which will have a maximum of 5,550 personnel, consisting of 5,500 uniformed troops and 50 civilians, is authorised to arrest suspected gang members.

The Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) says it is working urgently to restore banking services, including access to cash, in communities hardest hit by Hurricane Melissa.

In a statement, the BOJ, which also functions as the country’s central bank, said it is working in collaboration with the Jamaica Bankers Association (JBA) and that several banks have already resumed operations in some locations.

However, it acknowledged that significant obstacles remain in reactivating branch networks and automated teller machines (ATMs) across the island.

The BOJ said that these challenges include physical damage to facilities, displacement of staff, impassable roads, and extensive power and telecommunications outages. Security concerns have also emerged amid the difficult post-hurricane conditions.

Despite the disruptions, the BOJ said that critical payment systems, such as its Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) platform, remain operational and that it has also suspended RTGS transaction fees for financial institutions until further notice and has urged banks to extend this relief to their customers.

The BOJ said it is also assessing other temporary measures to support depositors and businesses, particularly in parishes most severely affected by the hurricane that tore into the country last Tuesday, killing at least 28 people and leaving a trail of damage, destruction and death.

The BOJ reiterated that it is coordinating closely with the banking sector to restore access to cash and full banking services as soon as possible and all the banks are committed to providing regular updates on their progress.

Meanwhile, the Jamaica National Group,(JN Money Services) Monday said it is waiving fees on money transfers to Jamaica until Thursday to assist families and friends trying to help loved ones in Jamaica.

‘The move is in addition to the facilitation of efforts under the ISupportJamaica Fund for Hurricane Melissa. Donations to the fund will benefit the most vulnerable; children’s homes, early childhood institutions, homes for the elderly, healthcare facilities, as well as registered community groups operating in the worst affected areas,’ the JN Money Services said.

‘These initiatives reflect our unwavering commitment to supporting our people during challenging times,’ said Horace Hines, general manager of JN Money Services, adding ‘we have witnessed unprecedented devastation from Hurricane Melissa, and it will take our collective effort to rebuild and recover. We are heartened by the support already extended and remain committed to doing our part to help with these critical efforts’.

The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) says it fully supports the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) after it announced a crackdown on illegal mining and smuggling of gold.

The GGMC had carried out enforcement exercises in the Sand Hills and Toroparu areas during which several illegal miners and raiders were detained, and several illegal shops and operations were dismantled.

In its statement, the GGDMA also commended the Guyana Police (GPF) for its support in the exercise, while urging the GMC to increase its enforcement efforts to stamp out illegal gold mining.

‘The GGDMA calls on the GGMC to expand this exercise to other areas and commence the regularization of landings in the mining areas. It must be noted that illegal gold mining and the operation of illegal shops fuels other associated illegal activities, such as human trafficking, gold smuggling and the sale of illegal drugs. These activities have in the past been tied directly to the gangs in Venezuela including the notorious Sindicato gang.

‘At a time when Guyana is under threat from its aggressive neighbour, the country must take all steps to stop activities linked to the financing activities in Venezuela,’ the GGDMA said.

It said it has always called for an end to illegal mining, reminding miners that all gold must be sold to the Guyana Gold Board or authorized dealers and detailed records be kept for verification.

Meanwhile, police are continuing their investigations into the murder of a 22-year-old man, who was working as a miner at Issano Landing in Middle Mazaruni, Region 7 on Sunday.

The policce said that he has been identified as Samuel Marciano and that he was shot multiple times while attending a social gathering at a shop in the gold mining area of Linden. It is unclear what led to the shooting.

However, the Police said its preliminary inquiries have indicated that Marciano was shot multiple times by two known individuals.

CMC/gt/ir/2025

The wait is nearly over for racing enthusiasts across Jamaica, as live horse racing is officially set to resume at Caymanas Park on November 15.

With the facilities set to be some 60 per cent ready, the organisers of racing in Jamaica, Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL), said they will be ready to open the Park and have live racing off and running again, despite challenges with full electrical power.

The announcement has sent a wave of anticipation through the sporting community, signalling a triumphant return to normalcy for the beloved industry.

After a prolonged hiatus, the historic track is preparing for a month of packed action.

The November calendar is stacked with high-profile events. The action kicks off with the United Racehorse Trainers’ Association of Jamaica race day on November 15.

The excitement escalates immediately with the prestigious Jamaica Cup slated for November 16. This marquee event is sure to draw the country’s top contenders, setting the stage for a thrilling early showdown.

The following weekend continues the momentum with two key trophy races. The Racehorse Aftercare Trophy on November 22 highlights the industry’s commitment to animal welfare, while the Alsafra Trophy on November 23 promises another day of competitive racing.

Finally, the month will draw to a close on November 29 with the Jockeys’ Agent Race day.

The death toll from Hurricane Melissa rose to 32 on Monday even as the authorities reported progress in restoring electricity and water to areas affected by the passage of the category 5 storm last Tuesday.

Information Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon told a news conference that there are eight other unconfirmed deaths which are being investigated by the security forces.

Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, speaking at news conference on Monday (CMC Photo)

Local Government and Community Development Minister, Desmond McKenzie said that 186 shelters remain open across 12 parishes accomodating2,500 people.

Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange Monday announced the launch of a national registry of volunteers on the support Jamaica portal, which she said will provide a safe and simple way for you to get involved.

‘Through this registry you will be able to tell us when you are available to help, what your skills are as well as what type of assistance you would like to give,’ she told the daily media briefing, adding that plans are also going forward for the various shows in London and the United States featuring several international acts in December.

‘We will get over this, we will build better,’ she added.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has issued a statement indicating that a message circulating online about the offering of a Hurricane Melissa grant is false, indicating that such a message had been put out in 2024 for Hurricane Beryl, and has no relation to the current situation.

The ministry said that the government remains firmly committed to assisting all Jamaicans affected by Hurricane Melissa, and has started the process of conducting household damage assessments.

It said that an official announcement on financial assistance to affected persons will be made in due course and that in the meantime, the Ministry, along with local and international partners, continues the urgent distribution of relief supplies.

The chief executive officer of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), Hugh Grant, told the news briefing that 77 per cent of customers had been re-connected, adding that the overseas line workers are due in the country by the end of the week.

‘We are also bringing in additional equipment because our local resources in terms of bucket trucks and pole digger trucks are exhausted.so that when the workers come in they will have the equipment required,’ he said, adding ‘ I stand committed to letting you know we will get through this’.

Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Mathew Samuda, told reporters that while there had also been much progress in restoring water supplies there were still problems including mechanical issues, external power outages and infrastructure damage.

‘the situation as it stands now, we had 631 systems disrupted with 132 currently active giving you the grand total of 763,’ he said, noting however that the system brought back into operations are the largest systems.

He said 65 per cent of customers have been restored ‘because the systems brought back into activity are indeed our largest systems,’ he said.

Meanwhile, the Opposition Leader, Mark Golding says the government should develop an evacuation plan for persons without shelter, outline a clear command structure for relief aid, and ensure it is being led by disaster professionals and not politicians.

Golding told a news conference that the Andrew Holness government should extend the waiver on general consumption tax and import duties on items being shipped to Jamaica, saying that the period for which the measure is in place, November 28, is too short.

‘The relief must get to those who need it, prioritising those who need it most, regardless of political colour or demographic group. They are all Jamaicans, and they should be treated equally at this time without discrimination and tribal politics,’ said Golding.

‘That should be led by professionals in disaster management, not by politicians who do not know the ins and outs of a disaster of this magnitude. And we should not be shy of seeking international support and help from persons who are experienced in this regard,’ he added.

Dixon said that Prime Minister Holness will later this week announce the composition of a committee that will oversee the funds and relief supplies received by Jamaica as a result of the storm.

United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres has spoken by to Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasising afterwards that ‘international support is crucial’ as the country deals with the effects of the category 5 storm which brought rain, storm surges and catastrophic flooding and killed nearly 30 people.

‘He calls for the mobilisation of massive resources to deal with the loss and damage from the hurricane,’ said the Deputy UN spokesperson, following Guterres talks with Prime Minister Holness on Sunday.

Un Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Prime Minister Andrew Holness (File Photo)

The UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, has allocated four million US dollars million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) so agencies and their partners can rapidly scale up humanitarian operations in Jamaica.

Six days after the most powerful storm in the island’s history made landfall in the west, many residents are still waiting for aid to arrive, according to local news reports, with many roads still inaccessible and communities without power and running water.

The top UN official on the island, Dennis Zulu, told UN News that around 13 UN agencies are working as quickly as possible alongside authorities to clear roads and make essential repairs.

‘My team here remains committed.to ensure that Jamaica gets back on its feet,’ he said.

The UN children’s agency, UNICEF, said more than 700,000 children across the Caribbean had been impacted by the hurricane, which also made landfall in Cuba and caused chaos across western Haiti.

UNICEF is supporting the Jamaican government to reach more than 284,000 children to address urgent nutrition needs, access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene including mental health support.

Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton, said that several primary care facilities will play a critical supporting role in the ongoing post-hurricane recovery efforts across the public health system.

He said these facilities will focus on providing triage and outpatient services to help ease the burden on hospitals in the five most severely affected parishes.

‘In the coming days, we will complete that process so that Jamaicans who need check-ups for diabetes, arthritis, and other chronic illnesses, can receive attention at a site close enough to the hospital,’ he added.

Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, Daryl Vaz, in collaboration with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), has received additional support from the United States government to bolster ongoing relief operations.

Three Black Hawk helicopters arrived at the JDF’s Air Wing, Norman Manley Base on Sunday and the aircraft will assist with supply distribution, search and rescue missions, and medical evacuations in areas most affected by Hurricane Melissa.

Washington has already indicated that it will donate an initial amount of US$11 million towards immediate assistance in communities affected by the hurricane, saying the initial funds will cover emergency food supplies for around 40,000 civilians, the installation of six water treatment systems, and mobile medical services, among other relief efforts.

Meanwhile, the Jamaica government says it will host a series of international fundraising concerts to support national hurricane relief efforts.

Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister, Olivia Grange, said that the initiative dubbed ‘Jamaica Love,’ will feature some of the country’s most celebrated reggae artistes and musicians, alongside friends of Jamaica from across the world, with all proceeds going towards the national recovery programme.

The first concert is set for Friday, November 14, at the National Stadium.

Fresh off a historic medal-sweeping performance, Team Saint Lucia is charging into the 2025 Senior OECS Regional Table Tennis Championships with a potent mix of veteran savvy and prodigious young talent, determined to prove their regional dominance is here to stay.

The championship, set for November 6-10, will see the island nation defend its titles after an unforgettable clean sweep at the 2024 games in Dominica, where Saint Lucia captured all seven available championship crowns.

Leading the charge on the men’s side is 16-year-old phenom Manie Eleuthere. Already Saint Lucia’s top-ranked Under-19 player and the current national number three, Eleuthere brings a winning pedigree as the reigning LQ Regional Classic Champion in Junior Singles, Teams, and Doubles.

He will be joined by the highly-touted Leshon Francis, a standout talent ranked among the top 16 players in the entire Pan American region.

Francis, the national Under-15 titleholder, further cemented his reputation with a bronze medal at the Caribbean Youth Championships.

Adding crucial experience to the men’s lineup is the seasoned Dawitt Nurse, a multiple Caribbean medalist who clinched an OECS Senior Men’s Singles bronze last year.

Rounding out the roster is the rising star Khamari Harris, who has already claimed two Caribbean bronze medals in the Under-15 and Under-19 divisions and now steps up to challenge the region’s senior elite.

The women’s team will be spearheaded by the formidable Shatal Charles, who announced her arrival on the international stage by ranking among the top 16 Under-15 players at the Junior Pan American Championships.

Charles enters the tournament as the defending champion in a staggering four categories: Team, Women’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles, and Singles.