🔴Ignite News Hour - May 19, 2026

Added: 2026-05-23

[00:00:13]Good evening and welcome to Ignite News on 6 at 6. It's Tuesday, May 19th, 226.

[00:00:19]I'm Rihanna Near. Thanks for joining us.

[00:00:21]Here are the headlines. Government says contractors who failed to meet deadlines could face liquidated damages, stricter penalties, and possible contract termination. Hundreds of Esable residents met directly with government officials during an outrage aimed at resolving community concerns.

[00:00:37]Communities are being told not to pay fees above approved rates as authorities threaten license suspensions for operators who overcharge. and diplomat Neville Bassber says Ghana needs a truth and reconciliation commission to confront unresolved divisions and promote national healing. The government will move swiftly to impose liquidated damages and where necessary terminate contracts when contractors fail to deliver projects on time. This warning was issued by senior minister with responsibility for finance Dr. Ashley Singh during a meeting with permanent secretaries on Monday. The engagement focused on tighter contract management, timely implementation of government contracts and a quality delivery of contracted goods and services. PS's in this regard were instructed to ensure compliance with contractual timelines and by extension where contracted timelines are exceeded PSS were instructed to ensure the imposition of liquidated damages which is a standard penalty term included in almost all government contracts to ensure that the providers ers incur a penalty, a financial penalty, where they fail to deliver the goods and services that they're contracted to deliver within the timeline that they were contracted to deliver those goods and services.

[00:02:01]>> He also noted that for contractors who continue to default beyond the liquidated damages period, stiffer penalties will apply.

[00:02:08]We further emphasized the cabinet's expectation that beyond the imposition of liquidated damages where they still failed to deliver the uh goods and services uh during the liquidated damages period that immediate steps be taken to terminate contracts. those contractors who go beyond a specified length of time after which liquidated damages start to be introduced.

[00:02:37]>> The minister also stressed the importance of performance bonds, warning that the accounting officers will be held responsible if those safeguards are not maintained until projects are completed. Government has also introduced tighter controls on contract changes and contingency spending as part of efforts to improve oversight and reduce delays. Dr. Singh said the measures form part of a broader push by the administration to ensure strong accountability and better value for taxpayers. The meeting follows a recent high level engagement led by President Eran Ali and Vice President Baragio during which permanent secretaries were instructed to comply with the strictest standards of public accountability.

[00:03:15]Ghana says United Nations has officially joined the countryled global biodiversity alliance. a move expected to strengthen international cooperation on conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development. The agreement was signed Monday at the office of the president with officials saying the partnership will support stronger environmental planning, scientific collaboration, and greater recognition of indigenous communities that help protect Ghana's ecosystems. President Ali said UN joining alliance sents a strong message that biodiversity protection is central to the world's future. The participation of the United Nations strengthens the institutional depth of the global biodiversity alliance and affirms that this is not merely a regional or thematic initiative but part of a broader global movement to reshape humanity's relationship with nature. When the United Nations joins this effort, it sends a clear and unmistakable message. The protection of biodiversity is now central to the international agenda. It also lends greater standing and legitimacy to the global biodiversity alliance itself.

[00:04:22]>> The global biodiversity alliance launched by Ghana last year brings together countries and organizations to promote conservation and stronger action against biodiversity loss. Officials say the partnership could improve scientific research, environmental data sharing, and protection for forests, wildlife, and freshwater systems. While recognizing indigenous knowledge as key to conservation efforts, United Nations resident coordinator John Jerry Camo described Ghana as a global leader in biodiversity protection and said the UN remains committed to supporting the country's environmental priorities.

[00:04:55]Guyana stands as a global leader in biodiversity conservation. With its vast forests, rich ecosystems and deeprooted steward um stewardship by indigenous communities. This country represents one of the world's most important natural assets. Your continued leadership dedication to preserving these ecosystems is both admirable and essential to the global effort to address climate change and biodiversity loss. The United Nations is proud to stand alongside the government and people of Guyana in this journey. The government says alliance continues to expand internationally and is expected to strengthen cooperation on conservation, financing, research and climate resilience as Gan increases its role in global biodiversity discussions.

[00:05:48]Housing, land drainage, employment and public assistance issues were among concerns raised by residents during a government outreach led by Vice President Bar Jagdo in region 2 today.

[00:05:57]The outreach held at Escobo Technical Institute brought together hundreds of residents from communities across the Eskabo coast along with government ministers, regional officials and representatives from several state agencies. Jagu listened to concerns raised by residents and directed officials to address several matters immediately while others were referred to the relevant agencies for follow-up action.

[00:06:18]>> A lot of raised issue about land and not housing. I'm I'm not speaking about housing land but land for other purposes and so he is here the head of the lands and survey along with a team.

[00:06:34]>> One resident Anessa Mangal said a land issue she raised during the outreach was resolved on the spot. Others welcome the exercise saying it gave them direct access to government officials without having to travel to Georgetown.

[00:06:46]>> We are happy to see that so much ministries have been represented here today. It is a good something that is happening for the efficiency of this government and the region to bring forward this this kind of meetings whereby the people will have an opportunity to meet with the various ministries and our vice president. This is indeed a big boost.

[00:07:12]This is a big boost to this region for we know region 2 is moving and moving at a very rapid rate.

[00:07:18]>> Human services and social security minister Dr. Dr. Vindi Prasad distributed wheelchairs to silver residents while senior finance minister Dr. Ashi Singh met with persons raising concerns related to national insurance scheme matters. According to the vice president, government would continue engaging communities across the country to ensure issues affecting residents are addressed promptly.

[00:07:40]Loud music and late night entertainment could soon face stricter monitoring as government moves installed sound alarm systems in the reducing noise complaints while allowing businesses to continue operating. President Dr. Ean Ali announced on Saturday that environmental protection agency is currently testing the devices on the seaw wall to identify acceptable sound levels for entertainment venues near residential communities. Because of the numerous complaints families would have made, they are now testing to see the levels that are acceptable that will allow the entertainment whilst not restoring the peace of families and community. I read that thing got reached that level will be set and those who are entertaining customers on the seaw wall would see the levels for themselves and make the adjustment without any implication for it.

[00:08:37]>> The president says initiative is designed to encourage compliance rather than punish operators. Part of what we want to do in this country is to build quality life. Quality community service, quality families and quality time.

[00:08:52]Quality time is not only what we spend in entertainment areas, but how families can enjoy their own private space. He explained that if successful, the technology could be expanded to entertainment districts and commercial zones across the country. As part of broader efforts to modernize urban management and reduce public complaints, one return government cracks down on unauthorized fear hikes. Foreign workers recover their passports after a labor probe and a new autocod opens at Bible secondary. Stay with us.

[00:09:27]Fuel it up and drive 95.

[00:09:35]High mileage and performance.

[00:09:38]>> Guy Super 95 gasoline gives you more reasons to drive and is available at 56 service stations nationwide.

[00:09:46]For affordable price, high performance, and high mileage, choose Gu's Super 95 gasoline.

[00:09:55]>> Welcome back. government is warning transport operators against arbitrary fair increases as complaints from commuters continue to grow nationwide.

[00:10:03]The government says no increase in public transportation fears has been approved and is warning operators against arbitrarily raising prices as complaints grow from commuters nationwide. Public works minister Bishop Juan Edgel made the declaration during a meeting at Stabbrook Market Square involving transport operators, commuters, and government officials.

[00:10:23]According to the minister, operators cannot lawfully raise fears without approval and warned against exploiting passengers.

[00:10:30]>> Our meeting is out of a concern.

[00:10:34]>> Government has not >> and I repeat, government has not >> sanction or in any way engaged in increases of fears for public transportation providers.

[00:10:58]>> The minister also stressed that passengers cannot legally be removed from vehicles for refusing to pay unapproved fairs and urged commuters to report violations. Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Drieks said commuters are protected under public utility laws and can formally report overcharging. I would like to begin by reiterating what Minister Edgel said in his opening remarks that the government of Guyana has not approved or sanctioned any increase in the cost of public transportation. We are receiving numerous complaints whether it's transport by sea or road of the arbitrary imposition of price increases.

[00:11:51]>> Meanwhile, traffic chief Mahendra Singh said approved fair structures have already been circulated and must be displayed inside mini buses. He warned that operators who continue violating regulations could lose their licenses.

[00:12:03]The law is a law and it's what it is.

[00:12:05]The structure must be displayed in the mini bus. The passenger must be able to see what is it says and what they will pay. Since then to now at least three road services licenses were considered and are actively considered for revocation.

[00:12:22]>> The issue has also sparked debate among operators on the Kiti route where some drivers argue rising operational costs are making current fairs difficult to maintain. While the United Minibus Union says commuters are already under financial pressure, foreign workers employed by Echarim Earth Resources in Bavia Village region 7 have had their passports returned following intervention by the Ministry of Labor and Manpower Planning. The issue gained public attention after opposition leader Azri Muhammad and members of his team raised concerns online and called for the immediate return of the workers documents.

[00:12:55]>> Asking for their documents, they refuse.

[00:12:58]They force them to sign a contract.

[00:13:02]Now, this is the part.

[00:13:04]Let's say they want to leave the work.

[00:13:06]They have to pay the company $5,000 US to leave. That is modernday slavery.

[00:13:13]Unlawful.

[00:13:15]Unlawful coercion.

[00:13:17]>> And if they're fired as well, >> right? That's against our labor laws.

[00:13:20]The International Labor Organization classifies document retention as one of his primary indicators of forced labor, which is closely tied to trafficking as it can be used to restrict a person's freedom of movement and exert control over victims. Under Ghana's combating of trafficking in persons act 2005, the confiscation or retention of identification and travel documents in connection with exploitation is recognized as an element associated with human trafficking offenses. Today the owners of Echarim have not publicly responded to the allegations while the company's website has been taken offline amid ongoing concerns surrounding the matter. Labor minister Kum McGrivet also met with the acting high commissioner of India to Guyana as part of the ongoing probe. A new Articat laboratory commissioned at Bayal secondary school is expected to expand access engineering and technical drawing training for students across several communities.

[00:14:13]Speaking at the launch today, education minister Sonia Parag described the initiative as an important investment in preparing students for modern industries and future careers.

[00:14:23]It's a great day for Baijiv Bayal and for secondary schools in general because this school and this lab will not only be serving the students and the residents of those who are close very close to Baijal it will also be serving my Lancaster Helena and Supply and other schools. So those are inclusive. So you do have region four and region five benefiting some of region four and some of region five benefiting from this lab.

[00:14:53]So it's not just a few students. We are looking at ensuring that we can expand this kind of training to a number of persons. Head teacher of Baijabal Secondary, Lori Lee Farley, hailed the institution's commitment to skills development through the various programs offered, describing the new lab as a valuable addition to the school's eight other specialized laboratories, which currently includes eight other specialized labs and workshop areas catering to eight occupational fields, namely business and administration, crop production, Commercial food preparation, data operations, electrical installation, fabric design, general construction, general office administration, and we plan to add building construction drafting from September 2026. Regional Education Officer Celestine Lar Rose also welcomed the investment, stating that the new lab will play an important role in preparing students for an increasingly modern and rapidly changing world. In support of what the head teacher just said, it represents our commitment to preparing students for a rapidly changing world where technology, creativity, and technical competence are essential for national development and global competitiveness. The project farm is part of a wider push to strengthen technical and vocational education nationwide with four additional labs expected to be commissioned in the coming months. Diplomat and University of Ghana lecturer Neville December is calling for the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission to address long-standing political and social divisions in Ghana. Speaking during a panel discussion marking Ghana's 60th independence anniversary, BMER said the country continues to grapple with the effects of colonialism, political conflict, and racial division.

[00:16:59]>> This country needs the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

[00:17:04]>> If you look at South Africa, look, we nowhere near South Africa, okay? If you look at South Africa, it bring everything out. You give the witnesses immunity, everything, man. marriage car en mas mono ree everything Vincent tikica sasha bring it out you give the witnesses immunity and do some blood letting and it's clear there because there's a lot of blame to go around on all sides >> he argued that a commission would allow citizens to openly confront past wrongdoing without fear of retaliation and could help move the country toward greater unity and healing pointed to countries such as South Africa and Rwanda where similar reconciliation efforts were used following periods of conflict.

[00:17:49]>> It's really a system of retribution but um is at the local level and it has an emphasis on uh compensation and penance and so on more than punishment and the the the the issues we have between our Afroines and our Indoes are nowhere near what you see in Rwanda.

[00:18:13]Former President Donald Ramatar who also took part in the independence discussion believes a truth and reconciliation commission could help to heal the nation given its many unresolved issues. He urged to that the reduction of the masses and the rise of national consciousness would further secure their country's future.

[00:18:32]When we come back the Ghana Football Federation begins its search for new national coach. Sh Gil just Alexander makes NBA history again and Bangladesh moves closer to a series sweep over Pakistan.

[00:18:56]High mileage and performance.

[00:18:59]>> Guy Super 95 gasoline gives you more reasons to drive and is available at 56 service stations nationwide for affordable price, high performance, and high mileage. Choose Gu's Super 95 gasoline.

[00:19:16]>> You're watching Night News on 6 at 6.

[00:19:18]Thanks for staying with us. The Ghana Football Federation is now searching for a new head coach following the resignation of Thomas Douly. GFF President Wayne Ford said the federation had anticipated the possibility of Duly leaving for a larger international opportunity and is now focused on finding the right replacement.

[00:19:35]>> Well, I believe just a few seconds ago I did say that we're going to get together, myself and the council and deliberate on the way forward. And I'm sure those are some of the ideas that we will ponder on. Um, of course we are always thinking about continuity and consistency and stability and um, we have a a massive task starting September. We are determined to do everything we can to get back to league and to stay there. So we will look both inside and outside to make our own early assessment as to whether we have the right personnel in place to achieve that.

[00:20:09]>> For the next coach must be capable of maintaining the team's current momentum and strong dressing room chemistry. We have to hope that whoever emerges as the national team coach is able to also construct that level of trust and um we'll get a group of players that are willing to go out there and give 100% for them cuz players don't only play for country they play for their coach and um I think um we are confident that we will find a the leadership that will be able to inspire that same level of co uh of of trust. Duly stepped down after leading Ghana to four consecutive victories, leaving the national side on a 4game winning streak.

[00:20:50]Sher Gil Alexander has been named the NBA's Kia most valuable player for a second consecutive season. The announcement was made ahead of Oklahoma City's game one Western Conference playoff matchup against San Antonio.

[00:21:03]Gildas Alexander received 83 first place votes from a panel of 100 sports journalists and broadcasters finishing with 939 total points. Nicola Yokic finished second in voting while Victor Wamayama placed third. The 27year-old Canadian averaged 31 points per game during the regular season and helped guide the Thunder to 64 wins and a top seed in the Western Conference. He now becomes just the 14th player in NBA history to win back-to-back MVP awards.

[00:21:32]Bangladesh moved to the verge of a historic 2-nil test series sweep over Pakistan after another dramatic day in Silat. Pakistan ended the fourth day at 316 for7 still needing 121 runs for victory with only three wickets remaining. Muhammad Roswan led the resistance with an unbeaten 7 to5 sharing a crucial 134 run partnership with Salman Aala after Pakistan lost early wickets. The pair frustrated Bangladesh's bowlers for more than three hours before Tajimal Islam finally broke through late in the day by dismissing a Hassan Ali offered little resistance afterward, leaving Bangladesh needing just three wickets on the final day to complete the series victory.

[00:22:14]Still ahead, Donald Trump pardons a former Honduran president convicted on drug trafficking charges. Venezuela opens the door to international all dispute resolution and the WHO races to contain a growing Ebola outbreak in central Africa.

[00:22:56]Let Prems Electrical help you turn that dream home or project into a reality. We have the ability to be the one supplier for all your residential and commercial electrical requirements. Our great prices ensures ongoing customer satisfaction. From brightening up your space to setting the mood, you're sure to find what you need in our amazing lighting range. Prem's Electrical, Guyana's electrical giants. 177 Alexander Street, Lacy Town, Telephone 227765.

[00:23:28]>> Welcome back. Former Honduran President receives a pardon from US President Donald Trump. Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez say he is rebuilding his life after receiving a full pardon from US President Donald Trump. Hernandez had been serving a 45-year prison sentence in the United States after being convicted on drug trafficking charges linked to cocaine shipments into the country. Trump announced a pardon shortly before Honduras general election and publicly back conservative presidential candidate Nasri Assura. Critics say the decision contradicts Trump's tough anti-drug policies, particularly as Washington continues to pressure Venezuelan leader Nicholas Maduro over similar allegations. Hernandez maintains a case against him was politically motivated and says he's now using social media to defend his reputation and deny wrongdoing.

[00:24:15]Venezuela says it new hydrocarbon frameworks will allow international dispute resolution, a major step aimed at attracting foreign oil investment as the country moves to rebuild its energy sector. Speaking at an entry conference near Houston today, all minister Paula Hano said the legislation offers greater legal certainty for foreign companies by allowing disputes to be settled outside Venezuela if necessary. The reforms are part of a broader push to revive Venezuela's struggling oil industry following the removal of former president Nicholas Paduro earlier this year and the installation of an interim government led by Deli Rodriguez. A draft of a new law would reduce the monopoly powers of state oil company PDVSA and open the door for private firms to participate in refining. Heavy crude processing and international oil trading. Hal also held private meetings in Houston with all service companies and technology firms as Venezuela seeks billions of dollars in investment and equipment to restore production capacity.

[00:25:13]Finally, this evening, the World Health Organization says additional emergency medical supplies are arriving in a Democratic Republic of Congo. Assault officials struggle to contain a worsening Ebola outbreak. The shipment includes protective equipment, testing materials, and other emergency supplies, bringing total aid delivered so far to 18 tons. The WHO says laboratories remain under severe strain with current systems only able to process about six tests an hour because they were designed for the more common zer strain of Ebola.

[00:25:43]>> Beyond the confirmed cases, there are more than 500 suspected cases and 130 suspected deaths.

[00:25:59]These numbers will change as field operations are scaling up, including strengthening surveillance, contact tracing, and laboratory testing.

[00:26:09]>> The outbreak is believed to have spread undetected for weeks in eastern Congo, where armed violence and weak health systems have complicated response efforts. Several neighboring countries, including Rwanda, have tightened border controls despite WHO advice against border closures. Meanwhile, the WHO director general says international experts are racing to develop vaccines and treatments for the rare strain as concerns grow over the speed of the epidemic.

[00:26:35]And that's all for this edition of Ignite News on 6 at 6. For more stories, visit nightnews.com or follow us on social media. Thanks for watching. I'm Rana Ne. See you tomorrow for more Ignite News.