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Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud has urged young women to delay motherhood, warning that teenage pregnancy continues to pose serious challenges for girls across Guyana.

Speaking at the Guyana Women & Girls Summit (GWAGS) 2026 on Wednesday, Persaud delivered a blunt message to young women in attendance.

“Wait. Let me say it again – wait,” the Minister stressed.

She explained that early pregnancy can significantly alter a young woman’s life path, creating medical, emotional, and economic challenges.

“When you make choices in that direction, your future is different,” Persaud said.

While acknowledging that motherhood is meaningful, the Minister said girls should focus first on education, skills training, and economic independence.

“Motherhood is beautiful, but wait,” she added.

Persaud noted that the government has established support systems for women and young mothers, including public assistance and skills training programmes. However, she emphasized that young women should take advantage of opportunities such as the University of Guyana, GOAL scholarships, and technical vocational training programmes before starting families.

The Minister also highlighted broader social challenges tied to teenage pregnancy, including poverty, emotional stress, and interrupted education.

Her comments came during an emotional portion of her address, as she referenced recent tragedies involving children that she said deeply affected her ministry.

Persaud also urged parents, schools, and communities to help guide young women toward making informed life decisions.

“It demands an ecosystem cultivated from the family, from the schools and from society,” she said.

The summit focused on empowering women and girls through mentorship, leadership development, and dialogue.

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Archery Guyana has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Women Across Borders to boost female participation and leadership in the sport.

The collaboration, signed by Archery Guyana President Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon and international fashion icon Sonia Noel, seeks to create a “multi-faceted platform” for women and girls to excel both on the range and in the community.

The partnership arrives as Noel, a renowned entrepreneur and advocate, approaches a 30-year milestone in the fashion and mentorship industry.

Beyond increasing the number of people on the shooting line, the initiative focuses on a “purpose-driven” curriculum.

Working alongside the Archery Guyana Women in Sport Committee—commissioned earlier this year—the organisations will develop mentorship programmes designed to equip female athletes with:

• Leadership competencies and confidence-building strategies.
• Life skills and tools for social empowerment.
• Increased access to athletic pathways and representation.

“Today marks a new chapter in empowering women through sport and community,” said Persaud-McKinnon. “This collaboration strengthens our commitment to inclusion and opportunity for all women and girls in archery and beyond.”

For Sonia Noel, the partnership represents an expansion of her three-decade mission to elevate women through cultural identity and economic growth.

“Empowerment is not limited to one industry—it is about creating access and nurturing leadership wherever women show up,” Noel said. “As I celebrate three decades of empowering lives through fashion, this partnership represents the continued expansion of that mission into sport and across borders.”

The 2026 Committee

The drive will be spearheaded by the 2026 Archery Guyana Women in Sport Committee, which includes:

• Chair: Juanita Persaud
• Secretary: Jo-Lee Zammet
• Members: Shequana Holder and Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon.

Women Across Borders is a regional platform dedicated to fostering strategic alliances that transcend geography, focusing on personal development and social advancement for women across the Caribbean and beyond. (Archery Guyana Press Release) 

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Riyad Ahmad, a 23-year-old resident of Happy Acres, East Coast Demerara, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, to answer charges of dangerous driving and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

Ahmad is accused of causing the February 11 accident in Kitty after allegedly jumping a stop sign, colliding with another vehicle, and striking 63-year-old pedestrian Waveney Fernandes, leaving her severely injured.

Ahmad was charged under Section 36(1) of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02, for dangerous driving, and Section 3(1) of the Motor Vehicle Third Party Risk Act, Chapter 51:02, for driving an uninsured motor vehicle.

The charges were read to him before Magistrate Shivani Lalaram. Ahmad pleaded not guilty to the charge of dangerous driving and guilty to the charge of operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

For the dangerous driving charge, the court granted Ahmad bail in the sum of $40,000.

In relation to the uninsured motor vehicle offence, he was fined $35,000 or three weeks’ imprisonment if the fine is not paid.

The matter concerning the dangerous driving charge was adjourned to April 8, 2026.

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In a tragic Phagwah day incident, two children drowned early Tuesday morning at Enterprise, East Coast Demerara.

The two children who drowned have been identified as nine-year-old Tiana DeCourt’e and 10-year-old Jaden DeCourt’e. The exact circumstances surrounding the tragedy have not yet been confirmed. However, preliminary information suggests that the children were playing when the mishap transpired.

Soon after the tragic incident, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, and Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, visited the children’s family and offered the government’s full support.

“Ministers Anthony and Rodrigues also pledged the Government’s full support to the family as they cope with this heartbreaking loss and will ensure that every possible assistance is made available as the family navigates this period of immense grief,” a government release noted.

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Two officers attached to the Child Care and Protection Agency (CPA) have been immediately suspended pending further action after they were seen dragging a schoolgirl on the roadway.

This was announced by Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud.

“They have been suspended with immediate effect and the Police has been called in to take action. They will be held accountable for their conduct which run counter to the values and operational procedures of the Child Protection Agency,” Dr Persaud said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

In the video shared widely across social media, two female officers were seen dragging the girl along a roadway, pulling her arms and hair. The incident has been widely condemned.

Dr. Persaud said the “appalling” incident will not be tolerated and affirmed that her ministry is committed to the protection of children.

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Press Statement from the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha:

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) extends warm and fraternal Phagwah greetings to the Hindu community and all Guyanese. As the vibrant colors of Holi prepare to blanket our nation, the Sabha reflects on the profound spiritual and social significance of this ancient festival, which remains a cornerstone of Guyana’s cultural identity.

Phagwah, or Holi, marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil, immortalized by the story of young Prahlad and his unwavering devotion to righteousness. It is a time when the barriers are dissolved in a sea of colour smeared on each other’s faces removing differences and ushering in fraternity and love.

President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud, emphasized that Phagwah is more than just a celebration of color; it is a catalyst for national harmony.

“Phagwah serves as a powerful reminder that truth and light will always prevail over darkness,” Dr. Persaud stated. “As we smear each other with the vibrant hues of ‘abeer’ and abrack mirroring the colors of Spring, we are essentially washing away everything that divides us. In Guyana, Phagwah has evolved into a beautiful social tapestry where every citizen, regardless of background, can participate in the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the world is one family.”

The Sabha highlights that Phagwah is uniquely both a spiritual and social festival. Spiritually, it is a period of purification, starting with the burning of Holika, which signifies the destruction of inner vices like ego and hatred. Socially, it is a time of intense joy, music, and dance and smearing of vibrant colors, fostering a sense of community belonging that is vital for our national fabric. Dharmic Sabha reminds all to keep the festival devoid of alcohol and vulgarity.

The GHDS encourages Guyanese to observe the festival with dignity and respect. While the atmosphere is one of exuberance, the Sabha reminds all that the essence of the day is rooted in love and the celebration of nature’s bounty.

To celebrate this auspicious day in an atmosphere of melody and traditional fervor, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha cordially invites the general public to its Holi Utsav.

* Venue: Everest Cricket Club Ground, Georgetown
* Date: Phagwah Day
* Time: Starting at 4:00 PM. Admission is FREE! No alcohol allowed.
* Features: Vishale Samlall, Suraj Singh, Sookrane and others from Guyana and Neval Chaitlqll from Trinidad and Tobago, dance performances, and a clean, family-friendly environment for all to enjoy the “Festival of Colors.”

“I invite everyone to join us at Everest Ground,” Dr. Persaud added. “Let us celebrate goodness and our shared humanity, in love, happiness and fraternity. Let the colors of Phagwah saturate our hearts with peace and our nation with progress. Shubh Holi to all of Guyana!”

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Statement from President Dr Irfaan Ali:

There is a moment, just before dawn breaks over Guyana, when the world holds its breath. The cane fields whisper in the darkness, the rivers glide silently toward the sea, and somewhere in the distance, the first sounds of life’s rustling begin to stir. This is the threshold between night and morning, between darkness and light, between the old self and the new.

On this sacred morning of Phagwah, I stand with you at that threshold.

To my Hindu brothers and sisters, who have kept this festival exuberant, colourful, and alive across generations, I offer more than greetings; I offer gratitude. You have taught us that Holi is not merely a celebration but a revelation: that good shall always triumph over evil, that the soul, like the earth itself, must be renewed and reborn with each passing season.

And to those Guyanese and visitors who have journeyed home from distant shores, whose feet now press again upon Guyanese soil, welcome home, welcome to Guyana. You are not visitors here. You are like the returning tide, the branches of the great tree bending back toward its roots. Your presence completes our circle.

The colours of Phgwah remain rich in meaning. The red powder that stains our faces and clothes—is it not the same red that runs through every human vein, whether Hindu or Christian, Muslim or Indigenous, African or Indian or Chinese or Portuguese? The blue that clings to our skin—is it not the same blue that arches over every Guyanese head, from the Rupununi savannahs to the Atlantic shore? The yellow, the green, the pink, the purple—they are not divisions. They are revelations. They are the visible proof that beauty lies not in uniformity, but in the glorious, joyful mingling of difference.

When we gather in the streets to celebrate this joyous festival, when we chase each other with abrack and water, when laughter rises like incense from every home and village road, we are not merely playing. We are performing a sacred truth: that beneath the powder, beneath the skin, beneath every label the world has taught us to wear, we are one. That is the significance of Holi. It does not ask for your beliefs. It simply invites you to belong.

This year, as we celebrate, let us carry that invitation forward into every day that follows. Let us build a Guyana where the colour of a child’s skin matters less than the colour of their dreams. Where the texture of their hair is not a measure of their worth, but simply part of the infinite variety of human beauty. Where their religion is a path they walk in peace, and their class is not a cage but a circumstance that can be transcended.

Let us work to build a Guyana where every single person, whether they worship in a mandir, a mosque, a church, or only in the cathedral of their own quiet heart, can stand in the sunlight and say: “Here, I belong. Here, I can become.”

This is not a small dream. It is the largest dream there is. It is the dream for which our ancestors struggled, for which they laboured and wept and hoped.

Happy Phagwah to all. May your lives be drenched in joy, may your hearts be filled with love, and may the Guyana we build together be worthy of the beauty we create today.

Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali

President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana

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Press Statement from the Ethnic Relations Commission:

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) extends warm and heartfelt greetings to all Guyanese on the joyous occasion of Holi, also known as Phagwah.

Holi is an annual Hindu Festival of Colours celebrating the arrival of spring. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, a season of renewal, reconciliation, and hope.

Through the joyous sprinkling of water and coloured powder and the sharing of sweets and  goodwill, Holi reminds us of the enduring values of unity, forgiveness, and harmony via the
strengthening of relationships.

While Holi is religiously observed by our Hindu brothers and sisters, it has long transcended its religious origins to become a cherished national celebration embraced by Guyanese of all
ethnicities and faiths. This shared cultural and religious acceptance is a powerful reflection of our country’s diversity and a testament to our collective identity as one people.

As we celebrate this beautiful festival, which is observed as a national holiday in Guyana today, the Commission calls upon all citizens to continue fostering respect, tolerance, and appreciation
for the cultures that define our nation.

Let the colours of Holi serve as a reminder that, though we may come from different ethnic and religious traditions, we are united in our shared destiny and national pride.

Shub Holi!

The post Holi reflects Guyana’s diversity and collective pride — ERC appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) has officially outlined a comprehensive, performance-driven preparation plan ahead of the country’s historic participation in the 2026 Commonwealth Games 3×3 Basketball competition, set for July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow, Scotland.

Guyana will be joined by fellow Caribbean nations, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, along with Singapore, Kenya, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Fiji, host nation Scotland, and Nigeria in the men’s competition.

The country’s qualification marks the nation’s first-ever appearance in basketball at a major multi-sport event of this magnitude, a milestone achievement that the Federation has described as being of national significance.

The GBF’s structured roadmap details a phased approach designed to ensure the team is tactically sharp, physically conditioned and internationally competitive by the time they take the court in Scotland.

The technical team will be led by Head Coach Kidani Brutus, with Rawle Toney serving as Technical Delegate.

Phase One of preparation runs from April 8–15 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and will culminate in a 10-team invitational tournament.

The shortlisted players, who will be announced shortly by the GBF, will assemble on April 8 for orientation and medical screening, followed by intensive tactical and conditioning sessions on April 9 and 10, with emphasis placed on 3×3 systems and game simulations.

On April 11, the Federation will stage a 10-team tournament, serving as a high-performance evaluation platform, with statistical analysis and technical assessments guiding the final selection process.

Training resumes April 12–13, before the final six-member squad for the Commonwealth Games is announced on April 13.

Following team selection, Phase Two shifts focus to international exposure. The GBF will identify appropriate FIBA 3×3 Quest and Lite Quest tournaments to increase competitive rhythm and secure valuable ranking points.

Participation in regional and international events will be prioritised to ensure the team enters the Commonwealth Games battle-tested and tactically refined.

According to the GBF, the Commonwealth Games appearance marks Guyana’s first basketball representation at the Games, a major milestone for national sport development, a platform to elevate the profile of 3×3 basketball locally, and an opportunity to inspire the next generation of athletes.

With just months remaining before competition tips off in Glasgow, the GBF has described early financial and administrative support as critical to executing a high-performance programme befitting the country’s historic qualification.

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The inaugural MODEC Tertiary Education Football Tournament has its final four after a weekend of high-stakes quarter-final action.

Essequibo Technical Institute (ETI) and Mahaicony Technical Institute (MTI) were the weekend’s biggest winners, securing their semi-final berths alongside New Amsterdam and Upper Corentyne.

The weekend’s most dramatic scenes unfolded at the Queen’s College Ground, where Mahaicony Technical Institute pulled off a stunning come-from-behind victory against Linden Technical Institute (LTI).

Linden appeared to be cruising after Dexter Milo scored in the 16th minute. However, a two-minute blitz changed the complexion of the game. Omar Williams (33’) and Yohance Francis (35’) struck in quick succession to stun the Lindeners and seal a 2-1 win.

In the afternoon’s other fixture at QC, Essequibo (ETI) ended the University of Guyana’s (UG) Turkeyen Campus campaign with a disciplined 2-0 win. Goals from Jamaal Smith and Deangelo Davidson ensured ETI’s title charge remains on track.

Earlier in the weekend, the action in New Amsterdam saw the New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) cause the upset of the round. They dismantled the Government Technical Institute (GTI) 3-1, thanks largely to an Amare Caesar brace and a clinical strike from Dane Singh.

Meanwhile, Upper Corentyne (UCITC) made short work of Port Mourant Technical Centre in a 3-0 rout. Matthew Doris was the star of the show, netting twice in the second half to kill off any hopes of a Port Mourant fightback.

The semi-finals are scheduled for March 5, while the final is on March 8.

The champion team is guaranteed G$300,000, the runner-up G$200,000, the third G$100,000, and the fourth G$50,000.

Semi-Final Draw:

• New Amsterdam Technical Institute vs. Essequibo Technical Institute
• Upper Corentyne Industrial Training Centre vs. Mahaicony Technical Institute

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