Category: CANA News

President Irfaan Ali says a recent High Court ruling has the potential to derail the work of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the country’s ability to collect taxes.

He has described the ruling as fundamentally flawed since it exposes the country’s taxation system to criminality and fraud.

THE GRA has already indicated that intends to appeal the ruling handed down by the High Court judge, Justice Gino Persaud in the civil case against the leader of the main opposition We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, Azruddin Mohamed involving the importation of a 2020 Lamborghini Roadster SVJ. The GRA in a statement argued that a key aspect of the court’s decision is legally unsound and that Justice Persaud delivered his ruling when the related criminal charges had already been withdrawn.

It said as a result, the judgment is now ‘moot and now of academic importance only,’ except for one critical issue that the court did not address.

‘The Honourable Court did not address itself to the issue of fraud regarding submissions supported with evidence made by the Revenue Authority,’ the GRA said, arguing that this omission leaves a substantive question unresolved, even though the broader matter may be considered academic following the withdrawal of criminal charges.

The statement said the court ‘proceeded to make an extraordinary pronouncement to the effect that the Revenue Authority has no power to reassess taxes in the circumstances,’ adding that it is ‘of the respectful view that this latter pronouncement is wholly erroneous in law and not in line with the relevant provisions of the tax laws of Guyana’.

Last Thursday, Mohamed and his billionaire businessman father, Nazar Mohamed appeared in a magistrate’s court to answer multiple tax-related charges. But when the matter was called, the GRA informed the court that it had decided to fully withdraw and discontinue the charges. No reasons were given for the decision,

Ali, in a broadcast said many professionals believe the ruling could incentivise the falsification of documents and cripple post-clearance verification, noting that this verification process is the mechanism that allows the GRA to review and correct declarations after goods have passed the port of entry.

He said that the government is pleased and reassured by the November 17, 2025 ruling of Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Madam Justice Roxanne George, calling her judgment compelling, intellectually rigorous, and firmly rooted in the rule of law.

‘Justice George’s ruling brings clarity to an area of significant public importance. It upholds the authority of the GRA and restores rationality to the law,’ President Ali said, adding that post-clearance assessments are neither new nor optional and that that they have been a core element of customs administration for decades and are essential to safeguarding state revenue.

He said that the GRA’s ability to verify values and recover correct taxes is an internationally recognised standard endorsed by the World Customs Organisation and welcomed the decision of the GRA to appeal the matter.

‘If Justice Persaud’s decision is permitted to stand, the implications would be profoundly damaging. No matter how falsified a declaration is, no matter what is discovered after the ruling would bar the State from its rightful revenue. That is wholly inconceivable in a lawful and orderly revenue system.’

Ali said the ruling would effectively render the customs administration toothless, embolden dishonest declarations, and deprive the country of significant revenue, particularly in cases such as the one under scrutiny, which involved evidence of falsified documentation linked to a luxury vehicle.

The Belize government has introduced legislation aimed at expanding immediate protection for survivors of domestic violence.

The Justices of the Peace (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill, 2025, were presented in the House of Representatives on Thursday by the Minister of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs, Thea Garcia-Ramirez. The amendments form part of the government’s broader commitment outlined in the National Gender-Based Violence Action Plan (2024-2030) ensuring that vulnerable individuals across Belize can access safety, justice, and support when they need it most.

Garcia-Ramirez spoke of the ‘reality’ faced by many survivors, who struggle to access protective orders during high-risk times such as nights, weekends, holidays, or emergencies. This lack of immediate access often leaves victims unprotected at their most vulnerable moments.

The government said to address this gap, the Bills will empower designated Select Senior Justices of the Peace to issue ex parte interim protection orders in exceptional situations. These temporary orders, valid for up to 72 hours, provide instant protection until the matter can be heard by a magistrate.

‘The reform is not a replacement for the court, but a life-saving bridge that can make the difference between danger and safety.’

The Bills introduce strict eligibility criteria for Senior Justices of the Peace, ensuring that only trained, vetted, and experienced individuals may issue interim protection orders. Selection will involve screening by the Attorney General’s Ministry and consultation with the Family Court.

Garcia-Ramirez’ said that this effort reflects the emphasis on accountability and integrity, with the amendments requiring detailed record-keeping and judicial oversight to maintain transparency and continuity of care for survivors.

The legislation also mandates that police stations create private spaces for victims seeking protection, with the government noting that these amendments are complemented by additional initiatives currently championed by the Ministry.

The government said beginning the 16 Days of Activism, consultations will also commence under the guidance of the National Women’s Commission on a modernized Domestic Violence Bill to be introduced in 2026.

The Ministry said it is encouraging the public and all members of the National Assembly to support these critical reforms as Belize strengthens its protective framework for survivors of domestic violence.

In a powerful display of all-round cricket, England’s Young Lions roared back to life, securing a comprehensive 130-run victory over West Indies Under-19s in the third Youth One-Day International here at the National Cricket Stadium on Friday. The resounding win injects fresh drama into the seven-match series, which the West Indies still lead 2-1.

Asked to bat first, England posted a competitive total of 249 for 9 from their 50 overs, built on the back of a consistent team batting effort.

They got off to a decent start with 43 runs on the board inside 11 overs, before medium pacer Matthew Miller sent back opener, Isaac Mohammed, for 18.

Opener Ben Dawkins helped himself to a handy 41 runs, but the Jamaican left-arm wrist spinner Vitel Lawes picked up the next three wickets, including Dawkins, to peg back the visitors.

While no single batter managed a half-century, valuable contributions helped to spruce up the England total, as Caleb Falconer top-scored with a patient 43, with Ralphie Albert weighing in with 37, and Ben Mayes 36.

Lawes was the pick of the bowlers with an impressive 4 for 30 while Jakeem Pollard provided able support, chipping in with two wickets.

The hosts’ run chase, however, never found its footing, as the English bowling attack, led by their spin trio, sliced through the West Indian batting lineup with clinical precision.

The innings collapsed to 47 for 5 early on, and the home side could only muster 119 all out in just 30.3 overs.

Farhan Ahmed 3-22, Albert 3-24, and Jack Nelson 3-26 shared the spoils, exploiting the conditions perfectly to dismantle the batting order.

Only Matthew Miller, 37 not out, and opener Tanez Francis, 34 offered any significant resistance in a disappointing batting display for the regional youth side.

The two teams will meet again at the same venue on Monday for the fourth ODI.

Results from the second round of the CG United Super50 Cup here on Friday.

Sir Frank Worrell Memorial ground: The match between Guyana Harpy Eagles and the Windward Islands Volcanoes was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

At the Queen’s Park Oval: Barbados Pride defeated the Leeward Islands Hurricanes by seven wickets.

LEEWARDS 138 in 25.1 overs (Nathan Edward 49, Jahmar Hamilton 45; Akeem Jordan 5-29, Joshua Bishop 3-50)

BARBADOS 139-3 in 23.3 overs (Zachary McCaskie 60, Kyle Mayers 55; Nathan Edward 2-28)

In a monumental coup for island sports, two of Saint Lucia’s premier boxers, John Didier and Kyle Marcel, are set to storm the global stage. The Saint Lucia Boxing Association (SLBA) announced Wednesday that the duo will represent the nation at the 2025 International Boxing Association (IBA) Men’s World Boxing Championships in Dubai.

Scheduled for December 2-13 at the renowned Dubai Tennis Stadium, the championships are the crown jewel of the IBA’s inaugural ‘Festival of Boxing.’

The event boasts a staggering total prize pool of USD $8.32 million, with winners claiming a life-changing $300,000 and even fifth-place finishers earning $10,000.

‘This marks a significant achievement for Saint Lucia, positioning the nation on one of the most prestigious stages in world boxing,’ the SLBA declared in a press release.

This golden opportunity, the association revealed, is a direct result of Saint Lucia’s steadfast alliance with the IBA and its proactive role in promoting the sport across the Caribbean and within the Americas Boxing Confederation.

This loyalty stands in contrast to nations like Barbados and Grenada, which have shifted to the rival organisation, World Boxing, following the IBA’s de-recognition by the International Olympic Committee in 2023 over governance concerns.

‘Saint Lucia’s continued partnership with the IBA and our dedication to the growth of boxing in the region have opened doors for our athletes,’ the SLBA stated. ‘The inclusion of John Didier and Kyle Marcel at the 2025 World Championships is a testament to what consistent support, strategic development, and international collaboration can achieve.’

Didier and Marcel arrive on the world stage with impressive momentum. The pair recently showcased their talent at the inaugural Open International Boxing Tournament in Guadeloupe this past October, where Didier seized gold and Marcel secured a silver medal.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Nov 21, CMC – Trinidad and Tobago Red Force defeated the Jamaica Scorpions by 75 runs in the second round of the CG United Super50 Cup here on Friday.

Scores

T and T 256-8 in 50 overs (Jason Mohammed 87, Cephas Cooper 72, Joshua James 22, Navin Bidaisee 20, Jyd Goolie 14, Yannic Cariah 11 not out; Marquino Mindley 3-39, Brad Barnes 3-43, Khari Campbell 2-69).

JAMAICA 181 in 39.4 overs (Brad Barnes 41, Kirk McKenzie 39, Peat Salmon 33, Abhijai Mansingh 18, Romaine Morris 16, Jermaine Blackwood 16; Yannic Cariah 4-24, Jyd Goolie 3-15).

A sensational spell of fast bowling from Akeem Jordan helped to spearhead the Barbados Pride to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in their CG United Super 50 Cup encounter here at the Queens Park Oval on Friday.

The right-arm seamer bagged 5-29 from six overs to first restrict the Hurricanes to 138 in 25.1 overs, after which Zachary McCaskie and captain Kyle Mayers helped themselves to half-centuries to see the Pride home with relative ease at 139 for three.

The first master stroke from Mayers was at the toss, as he sent in the Hurricanes, with the decision bearing immediate fruit. In just the second over of the day, with just three runs on the board, Jordan shattered the stumps of opener Kofi James for a first-ball duck.

Four runs later, Jordan was in business once again. This time, Carlon Bowen-Tuckett was caught by Mayers for four, to leave the Hurricanes losing their storm force winds early.

The Hurricanes would limp to 12 runs, but the disastrous start just got worse, as they lost their next four wickets for a mere two runs.

Left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop got in on the act, as he picked up the scalp of captain Karima Gore, who was caught for two.

Jordan then bowled Tyrone Williams for a duck, before Bishop picked up his second and third wickets in the fifth over when he had opener Mykyle Louis caught for four and had Jewel Andrew caught for a duck.

At 14 for 6, a paltry score was always going to be on the cards; however, some brisk late order hitting from Jahmar Hamilton and Nathan Edwards helped to get the Hurricanes over the 100 run mark.

Edward got to 49 after facing 39 balls with 10 fours, but he went for one shot too many and was bowled by Javed Leacock. Hamilton used up 51 balls in getting to 45, but he was the last wicket to fall with the score on 138.

That score was never going to be enough on what was still a good batting surface, even as the Hurricanes got the early wicket of opener Leniko Boucher for nine at 19 for one.

Skipper Mayers ensured that his team kept the run chase intact, as he and McCaskie put on a 111-run second-wicket partnership. Mayers got to 55, with three fours and four sixes, before he was caught off Edward.

Five runs later, Edward struck again, as McCaskie followed his captain back into the pavilion after scoring a well-played 60 from 59 balls with five fours and two sixes.

Kraigg Brathwaite, batting down the order, along with Kevin Wickham, scored three and four respectively to see the Pride over the line without further loss, at 138 for 3 in 23.3 overs.

In the other early second-round encounter, the match between the Windward Islands Volcanoes and the Guyana Harpy Eagles at the UWI ground was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

The Jamaica government Friday confirmed an outbreak of leptospirosis with with health authorities saying that six people have so far died as a result.

‘The outbreak follows the passage of Hurricane Melissa which has created conditions that have increased the risk of exposure to contaminated water and soil,’ Tufton told a news conference, adding that there has also been a rise in confirmed and suspected cases across eight parishes.

Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica on October 28 causing widespread damage, mainly to the western section of the island. At least 42 people have died and 15 are missing. The damage is estimated at nearly nine billion US dollars.

Leptospirosis symptoms often start with flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, and red eyes. Some people may also experience vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. In more severe cases, the illness can progress to a second phase with serious complications like kidney failure, liver failure, jaundice, and meningitis, and can be fatal.

The Trinidad and Tobago government Friday welcomed the announcement made by bp Trinidad and Tobago (bpTT) that it has safely completed the Cypre seven-well drilling programme following delivery of first gas in April 2025.

Energy and Energy Industries Minister, Dr. Roodal Moonilal, said that Cypre is based on natural gas discovered by the Macadamia-1 well, drilled in 2017, combined with the South East Queens Beach (SEQB) gas reservoirs. He said significant volumes of natural gas that will be produced from Cypre are from the Macadamia discovery. ‘The energy sector remains integral to our economy and resources from the Cypre project play an important role in strengthening Trinidad and Tobago’s natural gas supply. We look forward to continued investment as we advance our energy sector together,’ Moonilal said.

bpTT said that the Cypre development is made up of seven wells tied back intoits existing Juniper platform and that four wells were drilled and completed at the end of 2024 with the first gas delivered in April this year.

‘The project team has now drilled, completed and commissioned the remaining three wells. At peak, Cypre is projected to deliver approximately 45,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (approximately 250 million standard cubic feet of gas a day). Cypre is bpTT’s third subsea development,’ the company said.

‘Completion of these wells and the gas delivered mark a safe and successful delivery for bp and Trinidad and Tobago. This achievement underscores our commitment to maximizing production from the Columbus Basin and reflects a significant investment and bpTT’s continued dedication to the country’s energy sector,’ said bpTT president, David Campbell.

‘This is the latest achievement in a year of strong delivery for bpTT, including the bp-operated Frangipani gas discovery and working with our joint venture partner, EOG, to deliver first gas from the Mento major project. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Government and other stakeholders to unlock Trinidad and Tobago’s energy futurem’ he added.

The Cypre gas field is located 78 kilometers off the southeast coast of Trinidad within the East Mayaro Block, in water depth of approximately 80 metres. Cypre is 100 per cent owned by bpTT, which is owned by bp (70 per cent) and the Madrid-based Repsol (30 per cent)

A Guyana delegation is ending a three-day visit to Suriname, as part of a malaria elimination exchange visit to the neighbouring Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.

‘The purpose of this visit was to exchange knowledge about the approach to malaria in Suriname. This mission focuses on lessons and strategies learned from the success of malaria elimination in Suriname, which can support Guyana’s progress towards elimination and also contribute to preventing the reintroduction of malaria in Suriname,’ said the state-owned Suriname’s Communications Service (CDS). Earlier this year, the World Health Organization said Suriname had become the first country in the Amazon region to receive malaria-free certification.

Suriname’s Health Minister, André Misiekaba told the meeting that after Suriname received the WHO malaria-free certificate, PAHO has been fully focused on strategies to expand the number of malaria-free areas in the Amazon region.

‘As Minister of Health, I am aware that the eradication of malaria in Suriname, which is part of the Guiana Shield and also the Amazon region, is not sustainable if it is not accompanied by regional efforts to further reduce malaria,’ Misiekaba said, adding that the main challenge currently facing Suriname is preventing the reintroduction of malaria due to cross-border population movements.

He expressed the hope that this bilateral meeting will lead to a sharing of experiences that will not only help keep Suriname malaria-free, but will also lead to more intensive cross-border cooperation, information exchange, and bilateral support, which will then lead to a malaria-free Guyana Shield in the near future.

The malaria elimination mission carried out various activities during its time in Suriname, including a technical meeting with the team from the National Malaria Programme and the Malaria Elimination Task Force as well as a visit to the Trop Clinic/Malaria Clinic in Paramaribo to observe diagnosis and treatment practices.

A field visit to the malaria clinic near the Afobaka Dam to observe mobile malaria service delivery models for hard-to-reach populations as well as a visit to a Medical Mission clinic was also scheduled to place.

PAHO’s Director in Suriname, Dr. Yafflo Ouattara, said that the regional collaboration is not optional, but essential and that the visit reflects the partnership needed to maintain malaria elimination in Suriname and accelerate progress in Guyana.

‘The knowledge you gain here can inspire new strategies at home, and your insights will also help us maintain the high level of vigilance needed to protect Suriname’s malaria-free status. The lessons learned will be crucial for the entire region,’ said Ouattara in the statement.