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All citizens can benefit from eye care support through the Ministry of Health’s expanded healthcare voucher programme, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with 67 private healthcare providers on Thursday.

The major expansion removes previous age restrictions that limited the service to persons 18 years and younger and those 50 years and older.

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, announced that anyone requiring an eye test can now receive one under the programme and, if necessary, access spectacles.

Available eye care vouchers include the eye testing voucher valued at $2,000 and spectacles voucher valued at $15,000.

Beyond eye tests, the Universal Health and Cervical Cancer screening vouchers are also available.

Each voucher must be used to its full value, with any additional costs to be covered by the beneficiary.

The signing of the MOU on Thursday marks the restart of the voucher initiative for its third consecutive year. In 2025 alone, 326,868 vouchers were utilised, a figure the Minister said demonstrates strong public interest in accessible healthcare.

“This has been a very successful programme for us,” Dr Anthony said.

Through the eye care programme, approximately 1,200 persons were identified with cataracts and were able to access treatment.

The cervical cancer screening voucher, valued at $8,000, has also played a critical role in early detection. Over the past two years, 20,000 women accessed HPV testing through the programme, with a 19 per cent positivity rate.

“If they test positive, we are able to bring them into care,” the Minister revealed.

He, however, stressed the need to double participation to 40,000 women by the end of this year.

Universal health vouchers, valued at $10,000, are available for both children and adults and can be uplifted from health centres nationwide. Some 13,000 children and 91,000 adults benefited from the programme, with women accounting for 64 per cent of adult users. As a result, the Health Minister is encouraging more men to take advantage of the service.

“We want more men to get these vouchers and also to get themselves tested,” he said.

The programme has also supported chronic disease monitoring. About 37,000 persons accessed HbA1c testing, with nearly 8,000 showing very elevated levels.

Dr Anthony noted that the data collected allows the ministry to analyse trends by region, locality, and gender, strengthening preventative healthcare efforts.

While the programme continues to grow, challenges remain in some regions, particularly in hinterland communities. The minister urged providers to conduct outreach activities to ensure equitable access.

“We don’t want people to just be on the coast. We want people to go into the regions where they don’t have access to these tests,” he said.

He emphasised that the partnership with private providers goes beyond administrative arrangements and is key to improving national health outcomes.

The ministry is also considering adding abdominal ultrasound services to the voucher programme in the future.

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Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar and Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Steven Jacobs led an evaluation of the South Dakota Circuit on Thursday.

The inspection marks a strategic partnership between the government and the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) as they prepare for the GT Challenge de las Américas on July 11-12.

The event marks a historic first for the region, as Guyana becomes the first English-speaking nation to host the prestigious series, with an anticipated influx of 4,000 to 5,000 international visitors.

“In collaboration with the GMR&SC, we continue advancing motorsport development as we prepare for this historic event,” stated Minister Jacobs, underscoring the administration’s commitment to the sport’s growth.

Recently elected GMR&SC President, Mohamad Shairaz Roshandin, welcomed the ministerial visit, noting that the club’s goals are perfectly aligned with the vision of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali to establish Guyana as a premier sports and entertainment hub for the Caribbean.

“We are elated to have the government as a vital partner,” Roshandin commented. “Our vision is to make Guyana the premier destination for motorsport in the region.”

To accommodate the high-performance GT3 and GT4 machinery expected on the grid—featuring marques such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, and Porsche—the circuit will undergo a rigorous upgrade phase starting this weekend.

The technical directives, initially established during a January inspection by GT Challenge Director Eduardo Aguilar and franchise holder Franklyn Boodram, focus on three critical pillars: Safety, Speed, and Logistical Flow.

The GMR&SC President confirmed that the track will be temporarily closed to facilitate the following works:

•      Safety Cell Enhancements: Strategic updates to barrier placement and runoff zones to mitigate risks associated with the higher entry speeds of modern GT machinery.
•      Active Pit Lane Re-entry: The construction of a dedicated, high-speed pit exit designed to bring the facility closer to FIA Grade 3 configuration standards.
•     Advanced Curb Profiling: Rehabilitation and extension of existing curbs to allow for higher minimum corner speeds without compromising vehicle floor integrity.

According to GMR&SC President Roshandin, the timeline aims to have all asphalt and track work completed at least six weeks prior to the July event to ensure proper curing.

More so, Boodram had previously emphasised that while the upgrades will increase average lap speeds, the “DNA” of the South Dakota Circuit—a layout that famously rewards driver bravery—will remain intact.

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Classroom theory was transformed into hands-on innovation for students who competed in the Guyana Monaco Mousetrap Grand Prix on Thursday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

A total of 16 secondary schools – with four of them from the hinterland regions – competed in the competition focused on engineering and creativity and the use of miniature race-cars powered by a mousetrap. For many of them, this was more than a competition. It was a glimpse into their future as engineers, technicians among other careers.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., in his feature address told the students that the journey they are beginning now has long-term significance.

“Every single thing that you are doing here, this is where it begins the engineering, the geology, the innovation, the teamwork, all of that is helping to make you better but it’s also making us better,” the minister said.

The Guyana Monaco Mousetrap Grand Prix is one of the country’s most impactful STEM initiatives as it lets students apply science, engineering, and innovation to solve real-world problems. It is modeled after the international engineering challenge held every year in Monaco. This year it will be in April and the top performers will have an opportunity to participate. 

This local leg is hosted by SBM Offshore Guyana in collaboration with the Ministries of Culture, Youth and Sport, and Education.

Ramson Jr. also said that the scale of national investment in young people is significant and noted that more than 8,000 youths have already been trained in coding and robotics. With the growth of the oil and gas sector, he encouraged students to re-imagine what their futures could look like with the hope of becoming well-rounded professionals capable of leading Guyana’s development.

SBM Offshore Guyana’s General Manager, Martin Cheong said that the competition closely reflects how challenges are tackled in today’s industries. Therefore this competition is preparing the students for the future.

“The experience gained here, mirrors how solutions are developed in modern industries each of you is taking an important step to that direction.

“We want this experience to leave a lasting impact, the competition opens doors to future opportunities in engineering, technology, energy and beyond,” he said.

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Move over, Miami. Step aside, Ibiza. There’s a new electronic pulse vibrating through the Caribbean, and it’s officially planting its flag in the heart of Georgetown.

The Guyana Electronic Music Festival (GEMF) has been unveiled as the nation’s first-ever dedicated electronic music showpiece, set to take over the Marriott Parking Lot on May 30 as the neon-soaked crown jewel of the Guyana Carnival Independence Weekend.

This isn’t just another party in a car park; it’s a full-scale cultural shift. GEMF is the “final form” of a movement that began with the explosive energy of last year’s Storm25 and SounDown festivals.

Organisers BPM Guyana have spent years building a resume that reads like a Coachella lineup, having already brought global heavyweights like Major Lazer’s Walshy Fire, Darude, Chuckie, and Michael Brun to Guyanese shores.

Now, they are stepping up the game. GEMF 2026 is promising a production scale that dwarfs anything seen in the region before. We’re talking “sunset-to-sunrise” immersive visuals, bespoke stage designs, and a pyrotechnic display designed to be seen from the Atlantic.

What to Expect in 2026

• The Arena: A total transformation of the Marriott site into a high-spec micro-festival grounds.
• The Talent: An expanded international roster with whispers of major celebrity cameos throughout the night.
• The Vibe: A 10-hour marathon (4 PM – 2 AM) blending global EDM standards with that unmistakable Guyana Carnival spirit.

While the bass drops are the main draw, the mission behind GEMF is long-term.

As one of only two annual electronic festivals in the country, it represents the foundation of a sustainable music ecosystem.

GEMF isn’t just a one-off rave; it’s a flagship brand positioned to grow alongside Guyana’s rapidly expanding tourism and cultural sectors.

As the country prepares for a historic year on the pitch and the track, the Marriott Parking Lot is where the party starts. (Press Release)

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Defending champions India kept their T20 World Cup semi-final hopes alive and eliminated opponents Zimbabwe with a 72-run victory in Chennai.

Having previously gone unbeaten in the group stage, Zimbabwe leaked more than 250 runs for the second consecutive match in the Super Eights as India piled on 256-4.

It is the second highest total in T20 World Cup history behind Sri Lanka’s 260-6 in 2007.

Opener Abhishek Sharma top-scored with 55 (30), including four fours and four sixes, all-rounder Hardik Pandya completed a 23-ball half-century with a six off the final ball of the innings, and Tilak Varma flashed an unbeaten 44 (16).

Chasing 257, Zimbabwe opener Brian Bennett showcased his talent, registering his third unbeaten half-century of the tournament with 97 off 59.

The 22-year-old, whose fifty came off 34 balls, struck eight fours and six sixes but lacked support, with Sikandar Raza’s 31 off 21 the next highest score.

Now level on two points with West Indies, India know victory over the two-time champions in Kolkata on Sunday will secure their spot in the last four.

South Africa, who beat West Indies by nine wickets to maintain their 100% record at this tournament, join England in qualifying for the semi-finals with a game to spare.

India bounce back from South Africa mauling

India had enjoyed a relatively comfortable passage through the initial group stage, winning all four of their matches and twice passing 190 with the bat, but had their wings clipped by South Africa in their Super Eight opener.

Chasing 187, they were bowled out for 111- a result which left them in near must-win territory as they headed to Chennai.

Zimbabwe captain Raza, whose side were in a similar position, said at the toss it would “come down to a battle of nerves”. India showed none as they bludgeoned their highest total at a T20 World Cup and passed 250 in a men’s T20I for the fifth time.

Sharma, who came into the match under pressure having registered three ducks in his past four innings, set the tone with a 26-ball half-century.

Initially content to play second fiddle to Sanju Samson, who struck the second ball of the match for six and made a quickfire 24 (15), he led India to 80-1 at the end of the powerplay, striking three fours and three sixes.

His second-wicket partnership with Ishan Kishan (38) was worth 72 runs and although Kishan could not capitalise on Tashinga Musekiwa dropping him on 26, Suryakumar Yadav punished Zimbabwe’s sloppy fielding. Dropped on eight by Blessing Muzarabani, the India skipper thrashed 33 (13).

It was Zimbabwe’s fifth drop from 15 attempts in the Super 8s. In the group stage, during which they were unbeaten, they had a catching efficiency of 95.2% and dropped just one.

Though Suryakumar was striking above 250, his departure flicked a switch for India, with Hardik and Varma piling on 84 runs in the final 5.1 overs, including seven sixes. Hardik accelerated from 12 (8) to 50 not out (23) while Varma found the boundary seven times in 16 deliveries.

On a bruising day, Zimbabwe’s four pace bowlers leaked 3-197 from 14 overs. (BBC)

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The Guyana Police Force says it is addressing all relevant offences in the case involving a teenager who was critically injured by a 28-year-old man, as public outrage continues to mount.

The 15-year-old student was reportedly stabbed 25 times by the man, who is said to be the father of her child, on Tuesday evening at Heatburn Village, East Bank Berbice.

Preliminary enquiries revealed that the suspect went to a residence where the teen was at the time. An altercation subsequently occurred during which the teen received several stab wounds to her body. He has since gone into hiding but is being pursued by Police.

Meanwhile, the teenager was escorted to the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital, where she was treated and admitted to the Emergency Unit. Her condition is listed as critical.

“Investigations are ongoing and will address all relevant offences under the law arising from the circumstances of this matter,” Police said in a release on Thursday.

The matter has raised several questions, with outrage mounting over the relationship the man shared with the girl.

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Aleena Preetam, the 14-year-old girl who passed away several days ago, died from heart failure and anaemia. 

Police Headquarters reported that an autopsy was conducted by Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh, who gave the cause of death as heart failure and anaemia. The body was subsequently handed over to the family for burial.

Preetam died sometime between 19:30hrs on Sunday, February 22, and 05:30hrs on Monday, February 23, at her Supenaam, Essequibo Coast residence.

Preliminary enquiries revealed that the teen, who resided with her parents and her one-month-old child, was last seen alive on Sunday evening. At about 05:30hrs on Monday, family members attempted to wake her but found her unresponsive.

She was escorted to the Suddie Public Hospital, where she was pronounced dead by a doctor on duty. The body was examined; however, no marks of violence were observed.

Police Headquarters also noted that investigations are ongoing and will address all relevant offences under the law arising from the circumstances of this matter. The young girl recently gave birth, raising questions about her safety. 

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Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad- Bissessar are expected to meet United States (US) President Donald Trump in Miami on March 7.

Both regional leaders confirmed the meeting on the sidelines of the ongoing meeting of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government in St. Kitts and Nevis.

“It’s a meeting dealing with security matters, it’s dealing with some of the challenges in the region, and to see how we can coordinate better in relation to those challenges,” President Ali told reporters.

Security, the Guyanese leader said, has been a key focus in the growing bilateral relationship between his country and the US.

Meanwhile, the Trinidadian Prime Minister told reporters that the invitation to attend the meeting with President Trump was extended during bilateral talks with visiting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

During his engagements at the CARICOM Summit, Rubio has reportedly called for deeper cooperation on tackling criminal gangs.

Other countries in Latin America are reportedly part of the Miami engagement. There has been no confirmation that other Caribbean leaders will attend. This meeting comes just weeks after US forces recently captured and overthrew Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

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Approximately $219.4 million worth of cannabis was destroyed during a police eradication exercise conducted on Wednesday at Fort Nassau, Upper Berbice River.

According to Police Headquarters, the operation was carried out between 05:00hrs and 16:05hrs. During the exercise, ranks discovered two cannabis fields covering a combined area of about six acres. An estimated 250,000 cannabis plants, ranging in height from two to six feet, were found at the location.

Officers also uncovered two makeshift camps and a drying area, where approximately 330 pounds of dried cannabis were discovered.

All cannabis plants, along with the dried cannabis, camps, and drying area, were destroyed by fire. No arrests were made, and the operation was conducted without incident.

Investigations are ongoing.

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