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See full statement from the American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana (AmCham Guyana):

The American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana (AmCham Guyana), with the support of the United States Embassy in Georgetown, carried out its annual Christmas outreach initiative, bringing holiday cheer to children at orphanages across the country.

In keeping with the true spirit of the season, this year’s initiative is expected to reach approximately 100 children between the ages of two and 18. Yesterday’s visits included the Red Cross Convalescent Home and the St. John Bosco Boys Orphanage, where approximately 80 children were served.

The children enjoyed a special book reading of “Ollie the Otter’s River Adventure,” read by Ms. Cummings. The educational story, published by the EMC Foundation, follows the journey of a curious giant river otter living in the Mahaica River. The children were also treated to toys, presents, and other items generously donated by AmCham member companies, along with pizza and meals donated by Papa John’s and Wendy’s.

AmCham Guyana President Ms. Iman Cummings, joined by U.S. Ambassador Nicole Theriot and members of the AmCham team, participated in the visits and engaged with the children throughout the day, spreading cheer and words of encouragement.

“This initiative reflects the heart of what the holiday season represents—community, generosity, and compassion,” said Ms. Cummings. “I extend my sincere gratitude to our AmCham members for their generous contributions, to our Executive and Board members for their continued support and participation, and to Ambassador Theriot and the entire U.S. Embassy team for their guidance and partnership.”

“It was truly my privilege to join AmCham President Cummings and the AmCham leadership team to spread holiday cheer to some very deserving children.  The generosity of AmCham’s members made this wonderful initiative possible, and I was honored to join them.”

This year marks the seventh consecutive year that AmCham Guyana has organized the Christmas outreach initiative, reflecting the Chamber’s longstanding commitment to community engagement. The United States Embassy in Georgetown has supported the initiative over the years through its continued participation.

This year’s generous sponsors included:

Silvie’s Industrial Solutions

Toolsie Persaud Limited

Global Ventures

BHall Consulting

Halliburton

TechnipFMC

BDO Professional Services Inc.

The Corum Group

AmCham Guyana also expressed its appreciation to U.S. Ambassador Nicole Theriot for taking the time to join the outreach and help spread joy during the holiday season.

AmCham Guyana extends its thanks to all sponsors, partners, volunteers, and supporters who contributed to the success of this initiative.

The post AmCham Guyana leads annual Christmas outreach with support from the U.S. Embassy appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo said the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government has long supported efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region, but would not speculate on whether the United States of America is planning any military action in neighbouring Venezuela.

Jagdeo, at a press conference on Thursday, reminded reporters that Guyana and the US share a sound bilateral relationship. And he emphasised that Guyana and the US have cooperated on efforts to fight drug trafficking.

Even though there is an apparent intensified crackdown on drug trafficking, the Vice President clarified that Guyana continues to support the US as it has before. He also clarified that Guyana has not been apprised of any planned military action in neighbouring Venezuela.

“I don’t want to embark on a speculative course on what will happen because we don’t know… they won’t tell the Government of Guyana first,” Jagdeo said, however.

However, he maintained that the US stands firmly with Guyana in the ongoing border controversy case with Venezuela.

Recently, the US seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela last week, a significant action in light of the South American nation’s reliance on oil. The US has also recently conducted deadly strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug-smuggling boats and has significantly built up its naval presence nearby.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly accused Venezuela of drug smuggling, and since September, the US military has killed about 100 people with its strikes on boats that were allegedly carrying fentanyl and other illegal drugs to the US.

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Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo knocked down rumours about his declining health on Thursday, stating clearly that he has not been diagnosed with cancer and is not sick.

“I’m not diagnosed with cancer, I’m not sick, and this is not Dilip speaking here,” Jagdeo said at a press conference held at the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) headquarters in Georgetown.

Jagdeo, however, confirmed that he has been focused on fewer public speaking engagements and instead has been directing his efforts towards ensuring that the Irfaan Ali-led administration can deliver on the promises made in the 2025 elections manifesto.

There have been several rumours about the Vice President’s health, including a post made by a prominent commentator alleging that Jagdeo has been receiving medical attention and that the government hired an impersonator called Dilip to act in his place.

To that, Jagdeo responded, “This is me, Jagdeo.”

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A day after President Irfaan Ali outlined his government’s plan for national development over the next five years, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo assured Guyanese that several measures to support them will be rolled out.

At his press conference held on Thursday at the People’s Progressive Party Civic’s headquarters, Jagdeo explained that the government’s “strategic vision” for prosperity includes economic diversification, job creation, and income generation.

Beyond that, he assured citizens that the government is conscious of the vulnerable groups that require extra support.

“We want them, through direct interventions, to become prosperous in our country, wherever they live,” the Vice President said, noting that the government will focus heavily on rural and hinterland development.

For the country’s workers, the Vice President said the government will continuously make provisions for salary increases. He reminded the public that an 8% salary increase was given this year following talks with the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU).

Cash grants, too, he said, will be distributed by the government, but explained that those payouts are only a small part of the administration’s plan to support people.

On Wednesday, President Ali announced that provisions for a $100,000 cash grant for every Guyanese adult will be included in Budget 2025. The budget is expected to be presented in January 2026.

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President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Thursday announced the continuation of the one-month, tax-free bonus for Joint Services ranks.

Speaking at a Christmas luncheon at the Guyana Defence Force’s Camp Stephenson, President Ali said his government would continue this initiative.

He said this bonus would support 13,000 members of the Disciplined Services. It amounts to $2.1 billion.

When the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition government assumed office in 2015, it stopped the one-month tax-free Christmas bonus for the Joint Services, leaving thousands of families in distress. After assuming office in 2020, President Ali moved to restore the bonus.

Earlier this year, President Ali announced that all Joint Services Ranks will receive a minimum salary of $130,000.

 

The post BREAKING: President Ali announces one-month bonus for Joint Services  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Government of Guyana, through the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) jointly with the Guyana Police Force and the Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS), continues to strengthen road safety enforcement, with the SRIS detecting and flagging multiple instances of dangerous driving, resulting in three drivers being charged and fined a total of $190,000.

As a result of SRIS-generated video footage, since the introduction of illegal third lane monitoring last week, three minibus drivers were charged, appeared in court, and pleaded guilty to dangerous driving offences.

Steffon Welch, of Lot 125 Eastville, Annandale Housing Scheme, driver of minibus BAG 6768, was fined $120,000 for three (3) counts of dangerous driving.

Trenton Europe, of Lot 69, Block 20, Enmore Haslington, East Coast Demerara, driver of minibus BAE 2338, was fined $40,000 for one (1) count of dangerous driving. Both offenders appeared at the Sparendamm Magistrate’s Court before His Worship Mr. Nurse.

Motorists are advised that unlawful and dangerous driving identified through SRIS will be pursued through the courts without exception.

Additionally, Lakeram Omrow, of Lot 296 Long Pond, Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara, driver of minibus BAJ 2598, appeared before Her Worship Ms. Shivanie Lalaram at Georgetown Magistrate’s Court No. 7. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and was fined $30,000.

Matters in relation to nine other minibus drivers, whose offences were identified and flagged by the Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS), were called before the court; however, no appearances were made. As a result, summonses were issued, requiring the following drivers to appear before the court on February 13, 2026:

* Stanley Mohamed – BAJ 7121

* ⁠Noel Bowen – BZZ 1640

* ⁠Avery Corbin – BAK 6541

* ⁠Nyal Eustace Thom – BAD 6067

* ⁠Phillip Premnauth Mohabir – BAJ 5423

* ⁠Neil Dos Santos – BAD 5794

* ⁠Martin Hunte – BAE 5920

* ⁠Daniel Van Collins – BAE 7708

* ⁠Shane Walker – BMM 2609

“The era of dangerous driving going unnoticed is over,” Traffic Chief Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh stated. “With SRIS, offences are detected, recorded, and taken before the courts. Drivers who choose to break the law should expect consequences.”

The Guyana Police Force has advised that additional matters identified through SRIS are currently being prepared for filing, with cases to be brought before the courts on a continuous basis. The Police are also deploying additional resources to ensure that offenders, including those with outstanding tickets, are brought before the courts in the shortest possible time.

These cases underscore the effectiveness of the Safe Road Intelligent System in remotely monitoring road behaviour, identifying high-risk offenders, and supporting evidence-based enforcement and prosecution.

Motorists are advised that unlawful and dangerous driving identified through SRIS will be pursued through the courts without exception. The Government of Guyana remains firmly committed to protecting lives on the roads through consistent, technology-driven enforcement.

The post Illegal third lane drivers flagged by SRIS cameras, charged and fined $190,000 appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Antony Adams is a man of many hats.

After a landmark year that saw him lift titles as both a senior player and a coach, the Essequibo mainstay is still hopeful for more days in the Guyana Harpy Eagles colours, but also is focused on his burgeoning career as a coach.

For well over a decade, Adams has been the heartbeat of Essequibo cricket. A left-arm spinner and handy lower-order batsman, he has been the definition of a ‘local pro’—consistent, resilient, and often, perhaps, overlooked.

It has not been an easy road for the 32-year-old, as finding a consistent spot in the team in recent years has not been easy, given the formidable duo of Veerasammy Permaul and Gudakesh Motie.

When a gap did appear, the emergence of newer, younger spinners often saw selectors pivot away from the seasoned veteran.

In 2025, Adams played a lead role in Essequibo, winning their first senior inter-county 50-over title, a joint title with Demerara, and, in a remarkable dual-role success, coached the Essequibo women’s team to a historic senior T20 title.

The ladies also won the 50-over  title, but Adams did not coach as he was in Trinidad on Super50 duties.

For Adams, the success is a divine reward. “I give glory to God for keeping me in situations to be successful,” he says. “Not just in the inter-county, but I’ve won eight other tournaments, local and overseas, this year.”

The rise of Essequibo as a cricketing powerhouse in Guyana is no fluke; long considered a “whipping boys”, Essequibo is now producing a steady stream of talent.

Adams, a Level II certified coach, attributes this to increased exposure.”Post-COVID, more players are being exposed to a higher level,” Adams explains.

He points to the likes of Keemo Paul and Ronsford Beaton being joined by a new wave, including Joshua Jones, Thaddeus Lovell and the emerging Golcharran Chulai.

The left-arm spinner has had limited outings for the Guyana Harpy Eagles

“With the females, we’ve seen similar things with six representing Guyana at the senior level. Because players are exposed to higher levels, we are seeing more consistent performances.”

Despite his coaching success, Adams isn’t ready to hang up the boots. His selection for the Guyana Harpy Eagles Super50 squad this year—his first call-up to the final 14 after being a standby since 2011—was a bittersweet milestone.

He has featured in the Four-Day format for the Eagles.

Drafted in as an injury replacement, he travelled to Trinidad but did not feature in a tournament heavily impacted by rain.

Despite the near-miss and the push for youth, Adams remains defiant. ” While I didn’t get a chance to play due to bad weather, I see myself as someone who can keep things tight while taking wickets in any limited-overs team. I can bat in any situation and, more importantly, be a good influence on the youths.”

What keeps a veteran going after over a decade of “tough times and disappointments” in the selection room? “Knowing I’m good enough to play at the highest level,” he says. “He [God] believes in me. So I will never doubt myself.”

The transition to coaching has felt natural for Adams as “I’ve always seen myself as a leader. Even when I’m just watching, I watch with a coach’s perspective. My recent success with the female team reaffirmed what I’m going to do after my active playing days.”

Adams is particularly concerned about the changing landscape for young Guyanese athletes, noting a decline in “street cricket” and outdoor activity, making the player-coach role even more vital.

“Most youngsters watch us on television or their phones now. When I was growing up, I tried everything I saw on TV when playing in the streets.

It’s imperative that we, the current players, try our best to get more involved in community activities so the new generation can benefit from the knowledge we have to share. There’s always life after cricket, and it creates job opportunities as an aspiring coach.”

As he continues to push for a consistent spot in the Harpy Eagles XI, Adams is already building the foundation for his next act.

 

Whether with the ball in hand or a clipboard in the dugout, Antony Adams’ influence on Guyanese cricket appears set to endure for another decade.

The post Antony Adams mapping blueprint for sustained Essequibo success appeared first on News Room Guyana.

As part of efforts to crack down on counterfeit goods on the local market, the Private Sector Commission has established an illicit trade desk which has actively assisted the authorities, the PSC Chairman Gerry Gouveia Jr said.

Speaking with the News Room this week, Gouveia Jr said the PSC took note of several fake products locally.

“That can be from gold smuggling to counterfeit goods, fake cigarettes, fake juice boxes…anything in the gamut of that, and how do we stop all of thoese illegal trade activities and maintain high levels of transparency and accountability in the system? We’re working now as a collective body between Guyana Revenue Authority, the Financial Intelligence Unit, the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) and the different enforcement agencies as well as private sector bodies to set up a hotline desk,” Gouveia Jr said.

Illicit trade is a crime that involves counterfeiting, tax evasion, and the smuggling of consumer products. Among the items susceptible to illicit trade are highly taxable commodities such as tobacco, alcohol, pharmaceuticals, designer apparel and footwear, and wildlife.

How this desk works is by providing a hotline for persons to raise alarms about these suspected issues, and the PSC relays this information to the relevant authority for investigations to be conducted.

“A few of the recent busts from GRA or FIU, the private sector was part of that information sharing- people called in, we shared it, and the system is moving,” he said.

Additionally, several awareness sessions were held by the commission to promote safety and raise awareness of the issue.

Despite implications, the crime persists, affecting legitimate business operators and impacting the safety and well-being of citizens. Persons with information or complaints related to activities they suspect to be illicit trade can contact the Commission via email office@psc.org.gy or telephone 225-5347.

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Defending champions Chase’s Academic Foundation have secured their place in the semi-finals of the KFC International School Football tournament, maintaining their unbeaten record despite a dramatic final group match against Jamaica’s Kingston College.

The semi-final line-up is now confirmed for Friday at the Ministry of Education Ground, with Chase set to face Suriname’s Nikiere Technical, while Trinidad’s St Benedict’s College will take on  Kingston College in a highly anticipated Caribbean clash.

The first semi-final is from 18:00h.

In the marquee match of the final group day, Chase’s Academic Foundation overcame a major setback to defeat Kingston College 3-2 at the Ministry of Education Ground on Wednesday.

The local side suffered a massive blow just 10 minutes into the contest when star striker Bryan Wharton was shown a straight red card.

Organisers have since confirmed that, under tournament regulations, Wharton will be suspended for Friday’s semi-final—a significant loss for the champions, given his prolific scoring record so far.

Kingston College initially capitalised on their numerical advantage, leading 2-0 through Shaquon Elliot (16’) and Riley Kevwaroo (57’).

However, Chase staged a remarkable second-half comeback. Nyron Barrow pulled one back in the 60th minute, before Mark Glasgow equalised ten minutes from time. The turnaround was completed in the 90th minute when Shaquan David found the net to ensure Chase finished top of Group A.

Josiah Barrow receives a Player-of-the-Match award from national footballer Curtez Kellman

In Group B, St Benedict’s College maintained its flawless run with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Brazil’s José Vieira de Sales Guerra State School.

A 76th-minute strike from Josiah Barrow proved the difference in a physical encounter that saw four yellow cards issued to the Trinidadian side.

Despite the narrow defeat, the Brazilian school missed out on the knockout stages as Suriname’s Nikiere Technical (STSN) secured their semi-final berth with a dominant 9-3 win over Annai Secondary.

Jizzreel Sedoc was the standout for the Surinamese side, netting a clinical hat-trick.

Elsewhere, West Ruimveldt Secondary ended their campaign with a 15-1 demolition of the Anglican Central Education Authority Select (ACEA) from the Bahamas.

Donnavan Welcome and Jeremiah Griffith were unstoppable, each scoring four goals in the rout.

The post KFC School Football: Defending champions Chase through to semi-finals appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Following the launch of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) e-services landing permit system, the aviation sector continues to see improvements, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar has said.

Speaking to the News Room during an interview on Tuesday, the minister said the Government of Guyana continues to advance plans to grow the aviation sector.

The minister confirmed that the newly-introduced online aircraft landing permit system is fully operational. The system replaces a previously paper-based process, allowing operators to submit applications digitally and receive approvals before aircraft departure.

“That is working…it’s a very fantastic [operation]. Its working and we have to do the others as well. The folks at GCAA are working on it,” the minister said.

Additionally, the ministry is positioning the country as a regional aviation hub, in keeping with President Irfaan Ali’s mandate.

“Building out infrastructure is one part of it, making sure that we have cheaper travel is another part of it because what is the sense you have a wonderful investment environment and people can’t get here to see and work with people here,” Minister Indar said.

The minister said a strategic plan is already in place and implementation is underway, including the completion of Terminal Two at Cheddi Jagan International Airport. He announced that two Requests for Proposals (RFPs) will be issued shortly for additional airport-related works.

As part of the wider upgrade, the government is rehabilitating and modernising interior aerodromes, many of which currently lack concrete runways. Several are expected to be converted to concrete surfaces by 2026.

“We will be launching two RFPs shortly for Rose Hall airport and one at Lethem too. We are fixing at least about 40 of the aerodromes to make them concrete surface,” he said.

The minister said the aviation sector’s regulatory framework is also being modernised to align with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and the development of expanded cargo-handling facilities are underway. These upgrades are intended to support the export of agricultural produce to international markets.

In addition to infrastructure development, the government is working to ensure affordable and accessible air travel, noting that competitive pricing is critical to attracting investors and supporting business travel to Guyana.

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