Project FLOW Expands in Region Three with Commissioning of 15 School Water Purification Systems

Recover Guyana, the Greater Guyana Initiative, and the Ministry of Education
Advance Project FLOW with Commissioning of 15 School Water Systems in
Region Three
East Bank Essequibo, Guyana, Recover Guyana, the Greater Guyana Initiative, and the Ministry of Education Advance Project FLOW, with the Commissioning of 15 School Water Systems in Region Three, FLOW, the National Water Purification Sustainability Initiative implemented through a collaboration between Recover Guyana, the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI),and the Ministry of Education successfully commissioned and handed over 15 water purification systems across secondary schools in Region Three (3).
Over 9000 beneficiaries, including students and teachers, will now be able to access safe and reliable purified drinking water across schools in the region.
FLOW, the Signature Project of the Greater Guyana Initiative, represents a major national investment in education and environmental sustainability, focused on expanding access to clean drinking water, promoting reusable bottle use, and reducing environmental impact across school communities.
Launched as a four-year national programme, the initiative aims to improve access to purified drinking water for more than 58,000 students across 141 public secondary schools, 10 TVET institutions, and four special needs schools by 2030, contributing directly to global sustainability priorities. All systems were formally handed over to participating schools between May 6 and 8, 2026, with headteachers and students expressing appreciation for the intervention and noting improvements in student wellbeing, hygiene standards, cost savings, and the overall learning environment.

Speaking at the official handover ceremony on Friday, May 15, at Tuschen Secondary School, Project Lead and President of Recover Guyana, Dr. Dave Lalltoo, noted that “Today, Region 3 proudly accounts for 16 completed FLOW sites, inclusive of the West Demerara Secondary School pilot project,
which demonstrated an extensive measurable impact by saving more than 65,000 plastic bottles within just nine months — ultimately helping to pave the way for the national expansion of FLOW across Guyana. He expressed, “Through the partnership of Recover Guyana, the Greater Guyana Initiative, the Ministry of Education, communities, schools, technical experts, and countless hardworking individuals, Region 3 now stands as a national example of sustainable development done correctly.”
President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, explained, “this project is supported through the Greater Guyana Initiative, a 10-year, US$100 million commitment by ExxonMobil Guyana, Hess, and CNOOC to invest in Guyana’s development. Through this initiative, we are working to support projects that improve lives, strengthen communities, and create long-term value for Guyana.
The FLOW Water Purification Sustainability Initiative is a perfect example of what that commitment looks like in action.” Honourable Minister of Education Sonia Parag lauded the project, stating We believe in development through partnership, whether that is in education, agriculture, or healthcare. To witness the FLOW system firsthand and see how students are benefiting from it was truly amazing. This partnership is not only about development and shared benefits, but also
about innovation and sustainability, all of which improve the quality of education. It aligns directly with the Government of Guyana’s vision to strengthen education and infrastructure while creating cleaner, safer environments and communities.
Beyond improved access to clean water, the initiative is expected to deliver significant socio-economic and environmental value at both the school and community level, including projected savings of $87 Million within the region over a three-year period. Additionally, Project FLOW advances a strong environmental sustainability agenda through integrated smart monitoring systems installed at each site. These systems track the number of plastic bottles saved daily, with data automatically uploaded to Recover
Guyana’s digital platform ensuring real-time accountability and measurement of environmental impact across schools. Through this mechanism, the initiative is projected to reduce the use of approximately 25 million plastic bottles by the end of the project, significantly reducing plastic pollution while promoting environmental stewardship and responsible consumption among students and communities.
Reflecting on the impact at the school level, the Headteacher of Leguan Secondary
School, Elizabeth Petrie, stated, “Prior to FLOW installation, we were purchasing water for our students. Students are now able to stay hydrated throughout the school day, which contributes positively to their concentration, attendance, and overall well-being.”
Principal of Leonora Technical and Vocational Training Center, Mr. Mark Adams, highlighted the broader learning value of the intervention, noting, “The introduction of a solar-powered system has created valuable learning opportunities for our electrical students, giving them hands-on experience with modern, renewable technologies. Our trainees will be actively involved in operating and maintaining the system, helping to build both their technical skills and sense of responsibility.”
The initiative continues to deliver strong outcomes in STEM education and capacity building, which remains a central pillar of FLOW. As part of the project, structured capacity building sessions are conducted with environmental clubs from each participating school, providing students with hands-on environmental and STEM learning opportunities.
To date, more than 500 students have participated in sessions focused on Reverse Osmosis filtration, UV water disinfection, and automated sensor-based monitoring systems integrated within the FLOW units. These technologies reinforce classroom learning in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Information Technology, while promoting innovation, sustainability, and practical problem-solving skills. Nationally, more than 1,500 students and educators are expected to benefit under the STEM education component, supporting the Government of Guyana’s agenda to strengthen science,
technology, and innovation. The project is also positioned to support an estimated 80 community workers across the region in construction, plumbing, electrical works, and solar systems maintenance, strengthening local employment and technical capacity.
FLOW continues to expand across other regions nationwide, with a target of reaching 155 educational institutions by 2029. The project continues to stand as a flagship example of strategic partnership between Recover Guyana, the Greater Guyana Initiative, and the Ministry of Education Guyana, demonstrating how coordinated investment in education, sustainability, and infrastructure can deliver long-term national development
impact.

UN Report Flags Guyana Among Countries Facing Major Brain Drain Despite Economic Boom

Even as Guyana continues to be recognised as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, a new United Nations Development Programme report is warning about the country’s continuing brain drain.

The 2026 UNDP Regional Human Development Report for Latin America and the Caribbean says Guyana remains among countries experiencing significant levels of human capital flight.

Using data captured up to 2023, the report ranks Guyana 12th globally on the Human Flight and Brain Drain Index.

The report places Guyana alongside countries such as Haiti, Jamaica and Venezuela, all of which have been identified as facing serious migration of skilled and educated citizens.

According to the UNDP, migration across the region has contributed to labour shortages in key sectors including health and education, while also affecting long-term national development.

The report explains that brain drain occurs when highly trained and skilled individuals leave their home countries in search of better economic opportunities, stronger institutions, and improved living conditions abroad.

The findings are significant for Guyana, which has recorded rapid economic expansion in recent years driven largely by offshore oil production.

However, the UNDP warns that sustained emigration of skilled workers could undermine development if countries are unable to retain human capital needed to support growth and strengthen institutions.

The report also links migration trends to governance concerns, insecurity, institutional weaknesses and limited opportunities.

Karimbaksh Says OPR Has No Authority to Investigate Him

Deputy Commissioner of Police Fazil Karimbaksh has argued that the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) lacks the authority to
investigate him because his appointment is constitutional, amid controversy surrounding a police anti-crime operation that was
captured on video and circulated on social media.
Speaking during a telephone interview with this newscast, Karimbaksh said Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken could not have lawfully
directed the OPR to investigate the May 3rd operation, which involved the deputy commissioner, a police corporal, and a police constable.
Karimbaksh maintained that the OPR is mandated to investigate misconduct among junior police ranks, specifically from the level of
sergeant downward.The probe follows the circulation of a social media video showing a police corporal conducting an anti-crime exercise during which he
stopped a heavily tinted vehicle being driven by a woman.
According to reports, after the vehicle was stopped, the officer was handed a cellular phone.
A voice on the line, identified as Deputy Commissioner Karimbaksh, allegedly instructed the officer to focus oncrime rather than traffic-related matters.
Hicken made the comment during a Police Round Up Program with Marcia Hope.
He said that, as a senior officer in the Guyana Police Force, he has the authority to intervene in any action taken by a junior rank that
breaches administrative policy, instructions, or standard operating procedures (SOPs). According to the Deputy Commissioner, in this case,
there was an administrative instruction issued by the commissioner himself that anti-crime ranks should not be involved in enforcing
traffic laws.
Karimbaksh, however, said both he and the junior officer involved in the incident filed reports with the OPR, which subsequently triggered
the investigation.
Hicken also stated that the video circulating on social media confirmed that the police officer involved in the incident was acting
lawfully during the operation.