Caribbean News
Region Eight to become food hub, President Ali tells Mahdia
Guyana, July 26, 2025 – As hundreds gathered in Mahdia on Friday evening, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali unveiled his government’s short and long-term plans to unlock Region Eight’s economic potential, focusing on job creation and food security.
President Ali, the PPP/C’s presidential candidate, told the meeting that, unlike its political rivals, the party has crafted a clear, region-specific strategy for each of Guyana’s ten regions, addressing local needs and challenges. Region Eight, he said, is no exception.
The president emphasised that Region Eight is rich with opportunities, not simply a remote area, and that the PPP/C government is ready to invest financial and technical resources to transform the region, especially in agriculture and food production.
“We will support you with money, with technical support and infrastructure to ensure that we create here, in Mahdia, a food production hub for Region Eight, so we don’t have to fly everything in,” the president revealed. “We can produce the food, have the cold storage, and have the facility here to have food readily available for all the communities.”
President Ali affirmed that financial and technical resources will be invested in training opportunities to aid women and youth who are willing to venture into modern agriculture, including hydroponics.
“We will work with our young people, our young tour operators. We will ensure that you get the technical training,
and you get the financing because we want to co-invest with you in ecotourism facilities….That is what we are about – creating opportunities,” he added.
To provide immediate relief for residents facing power outages, President Ali said the government has procured a new generator that will come into operation in the first week of August, a few days from now.
In housing, the president informed those in attendance that through the Ministry of Housing and Water, the government will work to regularise households that have been living for more than 10 years in the Mahdia township. This announcement was met with thundering cheers from those attending the event.
“Not only are we building the new housing area, but we are also working on a strategic plan to bring regularisation to all those who are living here in Mahdia,” he explained further.
Soon, residents will no longer need to travel to Georgetown for birth certificates, NIS, business registration and licensing, as President Ali said these services will be available through a one-stop government terminal in Region Eight.
“The government system will be integrated,” the president told the audience, as Guyana transforms into a digital economy. This will end long waits for important documents or government help, with President Ali stating, “We believe every region should have basic services.”
He also outlined his government’s plans to construct a new and secure market for vendors, improved roadways to connect communities in the region and other economic initiatives that will boost livelihoods for every resident.
The president also assured the young people in Amerindian communities that in the new term, they will not only retain their jobs as Community Service Officers (CSOs) but they will benefit from higher salaries, more benefits and other social assistance programmes.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, participated in the event and addressed the gathering as well.
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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