Salazar slams Rodriguez at the ICJ
U.S. Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar, the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, issued a forceful statement of support for the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, directly condemning Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez’s comments at the International Court of Justice that asserted territorial claims over the Essequibo. The intervention adds congressional weight to Guyana’s case as the ICJ continues its substantive hearing phase, and arrives a week before Diamond Jubilee Independence Day observances begin in earnest. (Source: News Room Guyana, May 17 2026)
Immigration tightens entry checks amid foreign-arrivals surge
Immigration officers across Guyana are intensifying document checks at key entry points as the country experiences what officials are describing as a sharp rise in foreign arrivals. The tightening lands at the same moment Diamond Jubilee programming ramps up — meaning increased traffic from diaspora returnees as well as regional and international visitors. No formal change to visa-on-arrival policy has been announced. (Source: News Room Guyana, May 17 2026)
Diamond Jubilee programming launched
The Guyana Festival has been launched ahead of the country’s 60th Independence Anniversary on May 26, with Minister Jacobs confirming Guyanese should expect “cultural showcases, historical re-enactments, concerts and spectacular drone show” across the run-up. The Cheddi Jagan Research Centre has separately launched its own commemorative publishing arm. The cultural drumroll is the government’s chosen counter-narrative to the louder geopolitical story dominating headlines this month. (Source: Guyana Chronicle, May 17 2026)
18-year sentence for Upper Berbice River offender
A male from the Upper Berbice River was on Thursday handed an 18-year prison sentence following conviction. The sentencing closes a case that had been moving through the High Court process for several months. Court reporters present at the sentencing noted the judge’s remarks on community-impact considerations. (Source: News Room Guyana, May 17 2026)
Campbellville businessman shot on Dowding Street
A 32-year-old businessman from Campbellville, Georgetown is recovering in hospital after a gun attack on Dowding Street. The shooting is one of several violent incidents reported in central Georgetown over the past 72 hours, including a Tuesday-night armed robbery on Lamaha Street involving a 30-year-old victim. Guyana Police Force is investigating both. (Source: News Room Guyana, May 17 2026)