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Two Berbice residents were remanded to prison on Friday after facing charges of raping a 14-year-old girl.

Terron Wintz and Kensington Kesney, both 19 years old, appeared before Magistrate Michelle Matthias at the Albion Magistrate’s Court, where they were charged with rape of a child under 16-year-old.

The harrowing incident reportedly occurred on December 5, 2025. The girl was reportedly restrained and then raped. The matter was subsequently reported and an investigation was conducted, leading to the arrest of Wintz and Kesney.

During court proceedings, the two unrepresented accused individuals were not required to enter a plea to the rape charge.

Police Prosecutor Corporal Leon Jones objected to bail, citing the gravity of the offence and the manner in which it was committed. The prosecutor stated that the case file was complete.

After considering the Prosecutor’s request, Magistrate Matthias denied bail and remanded the two men.

Wintz and Kesney are scheduled to appear in court again on January 5, 2026, for disclosure of statements, as the matter has been transferred to the New Amsterdam Magistrates’ Court.

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As threats to marine life continue to grow, young Guyanese are being equipped to respond through the WWF Guianas Great Ocean Project.

Last weekend, several Guyanese were trained as Marine Youth Ambassadors, learning about fisheries and strategic advocacy to safeguard the country’s marine environment. Technical Coordinators for the project, Diana Fernandes and Shonetta Lowe, told the News Room that this programme promotes awareness through action and education.

The Oceans programme’s main objective is to support the survival of emblematic marine species across the Guiana shield – Suriname, Guyana and French Guiana.

Illegal, unregulated, unreported fishing is a major threat to fish across the three nations and this project aims to tackle this issue and raise awareness on how this resource that can be depleted without careful focus on marine life.

The advocacy aspect of the programme, conducted at the weekend, is focused on edifying persons.

“Working with a civil society organisation here as the Guyana Youth and Environment Network, I think it is key in how we can educate and advocate,” Fernandes said.

Fernandes emphasised that youth participation in conservation plays a major role as seen at international forums such as the Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP) and Biodiversity COP.

Lowe shared similar sentiments and said advocacy is important and the aim of the ambassador’s programme is to raise awareness through active participation. Additionally, these ambassadors have a shared passion for conservation, marine life and another aspect of the programme, scientific research.

The two-day session was focused on the marine species and eco-systems, conservation and threats. Looking ahead these ambassadors will assist with further research and implementing solutions.

“We can tell that they really grasped the concepts. What we want to do is educate them so that when they get out into the communities, they can speak from an informed and learned perspective,” Lowe said.

The WWF Guianas works collaboratively with Ministry of Agriculture’s Fisheries Department and other local and international stakeholders in pursuing its cause.

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The Private Sector Commission (PSC) is urging persons to take advantage of the zero-collateral and zero-interest loans recently announced by President Dr. Irfaan Ali.

Earlier this week, President Ali announced that through the governments’ Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Development Bank initiative, entrepreneurs will be able to access up to $10 million in zero-collateral loans.

Additionally, micro businesses will be able to apply for up to $3 million zero-collateral and zero-interest loans.

PSC Chairman, Gerry Gouveia Jr, in an interview with the News Room, urged business players to take advantage of these initiatives.

Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Gerry Gouveia Jr during his interview with the News Room.

Already, the PSC is working with businesses to form consortiums with local and international partners. In 2026, the PSC will be launching its Business Support Desk, a forum where businesses can get free consultations.

“We are also launching a business support desk here where we will be offering free consultation in partnership with the IDB [Inter-American Development Bank] for business plan development, financial feasibility studies, supply chain management, as well as partnering with these SMEs to really promote access to finance accessing networks,” the PSC Chairman said.

This programme will aid in strengthening local businesses’ ability to establish themselves and compete on a global scale amid the growing interest by international business to invest in the country.

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A 27-year-old fisherman has been missing since he fell into the Pomeroon River, Region Two, on Thursday, and it is believed that he drowned.

Deodat Sarjoo, a fisherman of Bee Hive, East Coast Demerara, was suspected to have drowned on Thursday, at about 11:15 hrs, in the vicinity of Manch Wharf, Charity Riverdam, Essequibo Coast.

Preliminary enquiries indicate that Sarjoo was working aboard a fishing vessel which was moored at the said wharf when he reportedly slipped and fell into the river.

The immediate and surrounding areas were canvassed, but Sarjoo was not located.

Searches are ongoing, and investigations continue.

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President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced immediate and long-term measures to boost beef supply, starting with Leguan Island.

During a visit to Leguan on Thursday, the President acknowledged concerns raised by cattle farmers and assured residents that the government is taking swift action to address the shortage. He revealed that he has instructed the Ministry of Agriculture to deploy a team to the island as early as next week to purchase all available cattle.

“There is a tremendous shortage of animals across the country for beef. Next week, a team from the Ministry of Agriculture will come here with their own transportation to buy all the available cattle you have on the island and take them to our facility,” the President stated.

The livestock purchased will be transported to the government’s abattoir at Onverwagt, Region Five. This will ensure a steady supply to the local market.

Looking ahead, President Ali outlined plans for sustained engagement with Leguan’s farmers, noting that arrangements will be made for the government to purchase cattle from the island on a monthly basis.

“I have also asked that going forward, once every month we come to the island to buy the cattle right here and take it to the abattoir,” he stated.

Beyond addressing the immediate beef shortage, the President emphasised the government’s broader vision to expand the livestock industry on the island. This includes increasing cattle rearing as well as boosting goat and sheep production.

“We want to expand the livestock industry here. We want to build your goat production, sheep production and cattle. The market is growing, and we want your island to play an important role in that market,” the Head of State said.

To support farmers and entrepreneurs, President Ali announced that citizens can access loans of up to $3 million through the Development Bank of Guyana. In addition, the government plans to co-invest with citizens starting next year to help grow and strengthen their livestock businesses.

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Residents of Region Three (Essequibo Islands – West Demerara) are now set to benefit from improved access to government services following the opening of a new service centre aimed at reducing travel, wait times and bureaucratic hurdles.

The center is located in the West Central Mall, Leonora, West Coast Demerara. It was established after residents raised concerns during a cabinet outreach in the region led by President Dr Irfaan Ali.

Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh (center) and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Andre Ally tour the facility

Passport services, birth and death certificate processing, marriage licences, full services from the Guyana Revenue Authority, as well as registration for the national electronic identification (E-ID) programme are among the services offered here.

The Government Service Centre will operate from Monday to Friday between 08:00 hrs and 17:00 hrs. Similar centres are planned for other regions.

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Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh says sweeping changes to the vehicle tint regulations are intended to remove confusion, improve safety and ensure fair treatment for motorists, calling the reforms “a win for both the general population and law enforcement.”

In a recent interview with News Room, Singh explained that the revised law moves away from an outright ban on tinted glass and instead introduces clear, measurable standards.

“No longer will the law read that it’s a prohibition of tinted glass.

“It will speak to tint, it will speak to visible light transmission and therefore the density of the tint to be applied and on which glass,” Singh said.

Traffic Chief, Mahendra Singh

He emphasised that enforcement will only follow after the legislation is fully approved.

“Whatever comes, once that reform is made and assented to, that is what guides how we operate. It can only come into effect when it is taken to Parliament, read, voted on and approved. Then it becomes the law of the day,” Singh told the News Room.

The government has rolled out major changes to the country’s tint regulations, setting a new standard and giving motorists until December 31, 2025 to ensure their vehicles comply.

Despite the reforms, the Traffic Chief maintained that safety remains paramount.

“For us, tint represents a material that disturbs visibility, especially at night, and therefore we will continue enforcement with consideration,” he said, noting that special attention will be paid to the front windshield, which “prevents a lot of things from being seen.”

According to Singh, education and outreach will be key to a smooth transition.

“We will continue the awareness, and as far as awareness is raised, I am certain there will be voluntary compliance,” he said.

He also gave assurances against arbitrary or heavy-handed policing.

“We will do nothing outside of the confines of the law.

“Expect no biasness from us. I will not encourage anyone in the traffic department to act unprofessionally. We must treat the public fairly, equally and in a just manner,” Singh said.

Addressing enforcement practices, Singh urged restraint and professionalism.

“Licensed and certifying officers will be available to conduct checks, complete defect sheets where an offence is established, and take the appropriate course of action,” he said.

Gov’t sets 35% tint limit; motorists have until Dec. 31 to comply

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Guyana is undergoing a period of rapid transformation, and IGOT Guyana has positioned itself as a key partner offering contractors quality products, services, and equipment. 

The company’s product range includes industrial materials, Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), construction supplies, lubricants, and specialised operational items. These offerings are backed by the company’s commitment to quality, reliability, and efficiency.

What’s more is that the company has strategic alliances that allow access to more products as needed by local contractors. 

“We maintain strong supplier networks, streamline import processes so our clients get their products quickly, and we offer efficient warehouse-to-site delivery,” Sales Manager Hardeo Seeram said. 

He added, “The advantages of doing business with us are our speed, reliability, consistency, and of course, our quality products— many of which cannot be found elsewhere in Guyana.”

Importantly, IGOT Guyana is local content certified. It is committed to hiring Guyanese and contributing to their skills development. This is another way the company is demonstrating its commitment to growing with Guyana, Seeram emphasised. 

Several major contractors and service companies are already being supplied by IGOT Guyana, reflecting the trust placed in the company. In the years ahead, Seeram said IGOT Guyana will be expanding its product lines, strengthening warehouse capacity, and integrating new systems to improve overall efficiency and service to customers. 

“Our long-term vision is to see IGOT Guyana as one of the leading industrial supplies and logistics companies in Guyana, ably supporting the country’s continued transformation,” Seeram highlighted. 

Persons interested in engaging the team, or taking a look at their products, can call the team on (592)-743-1638 or visit the IGOT Guyana location at Lot 1 Public Road, La Penitence (in the GNSC Compound). Additionally, IGOT Guyana has a website: www.igotguyana.com. 

 

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What began as a simple gesture of appreciation within a tight-knit community has blossomed into one of Guyana’s most anticipated Christmas Day traditions, and this year’s 24th annual Vergenoegen Village Day promises to be no different.

Set for December 25, the event once again enjoys the backing of ENet, one of Guyana’s leading providers of television, internet, and information technology services, reinforcing a long-standing partnership that has helped sustain and grow the celebration over the years.

Originally conceived to honour villagers who made meaningful contributions to the development and spirit of Vergenoegen, the Village Day has steadily evolved beyond its modest beginnings.

Today, it stands as a signature Christmas event on the national calendar, drawing families, music lovers, and visitors from across Region 3 and beyond.

Coordinated by Slingerz Family Entertainment, the day’s activities begin long before the music takes centre stage.

True to its community-focused roots, the event opens with the distribution of hampers to elderly and less fortunate residents in the East Bank Essequibo Community. This charitable outreach has remained a cornerstone of the Vergenoegen Village Day, ensuring that the spirit of Christmas is felt where it matters most.

Another major highlight will be the massive toy distribution, scheduled for the Vergenoegen Rice Mill Tarmac.

Organisers say the Rice Mill Tarmac will be transformed into a vibrant family-friendly arena, where children and their families can enjoy face painting, a designated play area, toy distribution, and a range of other activities, all completely free of charge.

While the initiative is aimed primarily at children within the village, organisers have noted that, over the years, it has naturally expanded to include families and youngsters from neighbouring communities.

“The Village Day is centred around Vergenoegen, but our intention has always been to spread Christmas cheer as far as we can,” organisers said, noting that the smiles of children remain the true measure of the event’s success.

ENet’s involvement has been a constant throughout the growth of Village Day. On Thursday, Devon London, ENet’s Head of Business, formally handed over the company’s contribution to Slingerz Family Entertainment at ENet’s Camp Street location, reaffirming the company’s commitment to community development and cultural celebration.

Slingerz Family Entertainment expressed gratitude for ENet’s continued support, describing the partnership as vital to keeping the Vergenoegen Village Day alive and impactful. The organisers also voiced optimism about future collaborations aimed at elevating the event even further.

While charity and community are at the heart of Village Day, the celebration has also earned a reputation as one of the most sought-after Christmas concerts in Guyana. Over the years, some of the Caribbean’s biggest names, particularly from the dancehall genre, have entertained massive crowds in Vergenoegen.

Last year, the entertainment segment was temporarily relocated to the National Track and Field Facility due to repairs on the access road leading to the Vergenoegen Rice Mill Tarmac.

However, following strong attendance and feedback from patrons, organisers have opted to return the concert to the Leonora facility this year, citing plans to further elevate the overall experience.

What started as a village celebration born from humble beginnings has now grown into something resembling a celebration of all of Region 3, with patrons converging from every corner of Guyana.

This year’s concert lineup underscores that evolution.

Jamaican dancehall heavyweights Skeng and Valiant will headline the Christmas Day show, which will feature several local acts.

Known for their high-energy performances and chart-topping hits that dominate playlists and street corners across Guyana, both artistes bring a brand of dancehall that resonates strongly with local audiences.

For Skeng, the appearance marks his first performance at a Slingerz Family Entertainment event on the West Side, while Valiant will be making his second appearance, returning by popular demand (Press release)

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Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo highlighted that the government is exploring co-investment opportunities with individuals interested in establishing daycare facilities for children and/or elderly care homes in their communities.

Jagdeo also said such ventures would be tax-free, to help Guyanese earn while keeping the cost of their services affordable for all.

“We want more women to be trained and come into the workforce, but a lot of them can’t find a place for the kids, but you can’t be too expensive, and it can’t be too far from their homes

“… The government can’t support thousands of facilities, but there may be a model where we incentivise people living in villages, and it becomes a business opportunity,” Jagdeo told reporters at his press conference on Thursday.

He explained that the government could develop a prospectus and co-invest in ventures that would allow persons to convert sections of their houses into care facilities. Those facilities, he emphasised, must be developed to a standard suitable for care work.

To help keep such a venture affordable but lucrative, Jagdeo said the government would remove any tax on income earned from that facility.

If there are persons interested in establishing larger facilities, not just in sections of their homes, Jagdeo said the corporate tax would be removed. Altogether, he believes this initiative would help address the need for more care facilities while supporting hundreds of new entrepreneurs.

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