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Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) 2025 Large Business of the Year Award, a prestigious recognition of the company’s strong performance, leadership, and contribution to Guyana’s business community.

The award comes at a particularly meaningful time as Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company celebrates its 160th anniversary in 2025, marking over a century and a half of dedicated service, stability, and trust. Since its establishment in 1865, the company has remained committed to protecting families, businesses, and communities while continuously evolving to meet the changing needs of its customers.

Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company is also proud to be the first Guyanese insurance company to receive an international financial strength rating from AM Best, a globally respected credit rating agency. This milestone reflects the company’s sound financial management, robust governance, and disciplined risk practices, further reinforcing confidence among policyholders and stakeholders.

“We are deeply honoured to receive the GCCI Large Business of the Year Award during such a historic year for our company,” said Ms. Savita Singh, Marketing Officer. “This recognition belongs to our dedicated employees, loyal policyholders, and valued partners who have supported Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company throughout our 160-year journey. We remain committed to innovation, service excellence, and contributing positively to Guyana’s continued development.”

The GCCI award acknowledges Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company’s sustained financial growth, customer satisfaction, continuous process improvement, investment in employee development, and strong corporate citizenship. Through community engagement, consistent support in various sectors, and responsible business practices, the company continues to play an integral role in national development.

As Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company looks to the future, it remains focused on strengthening its services, investing in technology and people, and upholding the values that have defined its legacy for 160 years (Hand-in-Hand press release)

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A teacher from East Canje, Berbice, is among the recent graduates of the University of Guyana (Berbice Campus), and she did so while balancing motherhood and other responsibilities.

Hariesha Ramnarace, 28, of Canefield Settlement, told the News Room that in 2013, she completed high school and stepped into the working world. She said the journey was far from easy.

According to Ramnarine, she moved from one job to another — seven different jobs in six years.

“Many people looked down on me. They whispered, they judged, and wondered why someone with CXC subjects was ‘working all over’. But what they didn’t see was my determination. I knew I wanted more. I knew I was meant for more,” she stated.

Then in 2021, she recalled happily, God blessed her with a precious daughter, and becoming a mother changed everything.

“Balancing motherhood, work, and studies came with many emotional and personal challenges, but I coped mentally, physically, and emotionally to keep moving forward. I refused to give up — because I knew who I was doing it for,” she said.

Ramnarace mentioned that in 2019, her life shifted — she became a teacher, executing duties at the Viola Nursery School located in New Amsterdam, Berbice. After joining the CPCE in 2021 and working hard, pushing through every obstacle as a new mother and student, Ramnarace graduated with Distinction.

“During those years, I continued elevating myself. I completed 42 Coursera courses, and through GOAL, I completed one additional course in Health and Family Life Education. Even while I was at CPCE in 2023, I didn’t stop dreaming bigger — I opened my own online business: PR Printery & Stationery. What started as a small idea quickly became another accomplishment I am proud of. In that same year, I took another bold step and began my journey at the University of Guyana,” she disclosed.

Ramnarace said,” It wasn’t an easy journey, but I made it. I thank God for His blessings; my heart is truly grateful.”

Ramnarace, who completed the two years of Bachelor’s of Education in Early Childhood, passed with credit.

“When I look back at where I started, I smile. I started small — with nothing but a dream, determination, and faith. There were days I doubted myself, days I felt overwhelmed, and days I wondered if I could truly balance work, motherhood, and studies. But every small step, every late night, and every early morning built the woman I am today. What began as a small start has grown into a big achievement. My journey at UGBC came with many emotional and personal challenges, but I stood strong. All the hard work, sacrifices, and sleepless nights doing assignments were worth it. The results speak for themselves, and I am thankful for this achievement. I proudly dedicate this degree to my daughter, Verena Genelia Persaud. Everything I did, I did for you,” Ramnarace revealed.

She expressed gratitude to her parents for the endless support, stating that they were her strongest backbone. She thanked her sister, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, friends, and Teachers

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Guyana’s tennis community has achieved a major milestone as Cristy Campbell, President of the Guyana Tennis Association (GTA), has earned an important appointment to the International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) Advantage All Committee for the 2026–2027 term.

Her selection marks a significant moment for Guyana, placing the country  firmly within the sphere of global tennis governance and highlighting Campbell’s sustained impact in sport, advocacy, and leadership.

Campbell, a former national women’s champion who claimed multiple singles and doubles titles throughout her playing career, has long been recognised for her dedication to advancing tennis in Guyana.

Off the court, she has been equally influential.

In addition to leading the GTA, she currently serves as Vice President of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and the Vice Chairperson of the National Sports Commission (NSC).

The appointment to the Advantage All Committee reflects both Campbell’s domestic stature and her growing international influence within the sport.

The ITF Advantage All Committee plays a pivotal role in shaping global strategies for gender equality across tennis.

The body is composed of representatives from around the world, tasked with advising and making recommendations to the ITF Board of Directors on policies that promote equal opportunities for girls and women, whether as players, coaches, officials, or administrators.

Salma Mouelhi-Guizani, President of the Tunisia Tennis Association, will chair the committee which will have its term spanning 2026–2027.

The full committee includes Nuha Abujaber (JOR), Arij Almutabagani (KSA), Davood Azizi (IRI), Andrea Buckeridge (AUS), Cristy Campbell (GUY), Maggie Chan Jones (USA), Lanni Huang (CHN), Veronica James Amasi (TAN), Fatime Kante (SEY), Kirsi Lassooy (FIN), Safak Muderrisgill (TUR), Nannapat Nantasuk (THA), Julie Paterson (NZL), Sandi Procter (GBR), Larissa Schaerer (PAR), Olga Simunovic (CRO), Joseph Siame (ZAM), and Mariette Verbruggen (NED).

Campbell’s inclusion places Guyana among a distinguished group of nations influencing the ITF’s global agenda.

The committee’s mandate, outlined in the ITF Constitution, spans several critical areas. Foremost are the development and implementation of the ITF Advantage All strategy, a comprehensive plan designed to guide both internal ITF operations and the standards expected from its member national and regional associations.

The strategy aims to advance equal access, representation, and leadership opportunities for women and girls throughout the sport.

The committee is also responsible for crafting ITF position statements on matters related to gender inequality in sport, ensuring the federation maintains a clear, principled voice on global issues.

In addition, it promotes the use of sport as a tool for gender empowerment, while playing a central role in raising awareness of harassment and abuse in sport. Its work directly informs the ITF’s safeguarding policies, a critical priority for athlete protection worldwide.

Another major duty of the committee is monitoring the progress of ITF member nations in promoting gender equality. This includes identifying and recognising countries and organisations that demonstrate leadership or innovation in female participation and representation.

The committee also provides oversight and support for initiatives specifically designed to benefit girls and women, whether through playing opportunities or pathways into coaching, officiating, and administration.

Campbell’s appointment elevates Guyana’s profile at a time when the country continues to strengthen its sports governance systems and athlete-development programmes. Her presence on the committee signals the progress being made locally, especially in areas of gender equity and capacity building.

For Guyana, her appointment is not only a personal honour for one of its leading sports administrators, but is a testament to the country’s growing voice in international sport and its commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable future for athletes worldwide.

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December 12, 2025: During his remarks at the launch of the Annual Christmas Village Light-Up at the New Amsterdam Recreational Park last evening hosted by the Region Six administration, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh told the large crowd of celebrants gathered to herald in the season that the lights of Christmas signal hope and optimism at a time that the residents of New Amsterdam and Region Six face their brightest future. The event has now become an annual one at the recreational park which was commissioned in 2023 by President Irfaan Ali and First Lady Arya Ali and which was an initiative of the First Lady as part of Her Excellency’s countrywide National Beautification Project launched in 2021 and aimed at revitalizing Guyana’s public spaces, promoting environmental sustainability, community cohesion, and tourism.

Dr. Singh in his remarks, not only thanked the residents for the confidence placed by them in the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and their support of President Ali which contributed to the current administration being re-elected to office a few months ago, but also committed on behalf of government to working every day with the region to improve every aspect of the lives of its residents.

“Of course, your faith and confidence in President Ali are not an accidental occurrence because you have seen the remarkable progress that Region Six has made over the last five years under President Ali’s presidency and under the immediate past chairman Comrade David Armogan, the remarkable transformation starting at the very beginning , an exciting transformation on the East Bank of Berbice,” Minister Singh posited as he alluded to communities such as Mara and New Forest having received electricity for the first time under the current administration, along with the other developments in New Amsterdam and surrounding areas.

“You have seen the investments we have made in New Amsterdam with new roads built where there were no roads before, construction of a brand-new hospital and a new training school for nurses right here in New Amsterdam,” Dr. Singh added.

He also referenced the ongoing construction of a world class stadium at Palmyra and government’s plans during its current five-year term in office to make Palmyra an area of major industrial and commercial development.

‘Who else will be better placed to take up the jobs and the economic opportunities during these developments than the boys and girls gathered here?” Minister Singh posited further referencing other developments which have already taken place including the establishment of the Guyana Technical Training College as well as the ongoing National Tourism and Hospitality Institute, the new hospital at Number 75 village opened this year as well as the planned construction of a new bridge across the Corentyne River to link Guyana with Suriname, roads being built to open up new acreage for cultivation and new housing areas being built in the region.

It was here that Dr. Singh also alluded to the recent summit convened by President Ali where development in Berbice was discussed including Government’s plans to lay a second gas pipeline in the county with the first already laid at Wales in Region Three.

“Just like how the first gas pipeline has been landed in Wales, Guyana’s second gas pipeline will be landing in Region Six in the Crab Island area. Imagine the industrial development that will take place, the potential for additional electricity generation, industrial development including the manufacturing of fertilizer, processing of bauxite into alumina, development of data centres that will create information and so on,” Minister Singh explained.

Dr. Singh reiterated further that Region Six’s most exciting period will be the five years that are ahead which will herald a remarkable and exciting transformation in the region and therefore there is every reason for strong hope, optimism and for celebration for the exciting future the region will have.

“So tonight as we gather to turn on the switch and to launch this beautiful Christmas village in New Amsterdam, we must reflect not only on the beautiful message and lessons of Christmas which we must, but we must also reflect on the fact that the lights of Christmas signal hope and optimism and the brilliant future that is ahead of us and that future is brighter than we have ever had than at any other time in our country’s history” he concluded.

The Christmas Village launch comprised musical renditions and other cultural displays while toys and various Christmas goodies were distributed to children at the event.

Also in attendance were Member of Parliament Zamal Hussain, Regional Chairman Junior Basant, Regional Vice Chairman Wajid Saheed Khan, Regional Executive Officer Narindra Persaud and Deputy Regional Executive Officer Mary Samaroo (Ministry of Finance press release)

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See below the full release issued by the Guyana Police Force: 

The National Data Management Authority (NDMA), together with the Guyana Police Force (GPF), today confirmed that new speed cameras and radar speed signs will be activated on the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge beginning this weekend (December 13, 2025). This initiative builds on the broader rollout of the automated speed-ticketing initiative launched on earlier this year under the Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS).

The radar-enabled cameras will detect and record speeding violations in real time, with the speed signs being used as a calming measure to bring speed awareness to drivers. Once a vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit, the SRIS system will automatically generate a ticket. Drivers whose contact information is registered with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) will receive their notice via SMS or email; otherwise, physical tickets will be delivered to the owner’s address.

Speed radars on the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge

To check for any issued tickets, motorists are encouraged to use the GPF’s official “Find My Ticket” at https://speed.gpf.gov.gy

This digital option is part of the Government’s push for transparency and efficiency, making compliance easier.

The addition of the new Harbour Bridge to SRIS coverage reflects the Government’s commitment to leveraging data-driven technology for public safety. Drivers are urged to abide by posted speed limits, pay attention to radar signs, and support the collective effort to make Guyana’s roads and infrastructure safer and more efficient.

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Cubs in Action International Inc., Jade’s Wok Asian Cuisine and Pinnacle Business Services Inc. have fused their resources to support national Under-13 cricketer Ashton Collins, who has been named in the Guyana team to face Barbados in a five-match bilateral series from this weekend.

Collins, who plays for Diplomats Cricket Club, is a talented right-handed batter and left-arm orthodox spinner.

Cubs in Action International Inc. is a non-profit organisation, solely funded by Jade’s Wok and Pinnacle Business Services Inc.

“This is our way of sharing what the Lord has blessed up with,” Samantha Lucknauth said on behalf of Cubs in Action.

Collins, a Cummings Lodge Secondary School student, was presented with cricket gear for the 40-over tournament, while a commitment has been made by Cubs in Action to support his academic pursuits in the future.

“We want to ensure as a young man he has that balance between sports and academics,” Lucknauth added.

The businesswoman further wished Collins well during the tournament, encouraging the Good Hope, East Coast Demerara, youth to give of his best every time he steps on the field.

The two nations will clash in the developmental bilateral series, with games on December 13, 14 and 16 at the Lusignan Ground and on December 17 and 19 at the Everest Ground. All matches will start at 10:00h.

Guyana squad: Lomar Seecharran (Captain), Sahid Gajnabi (Vice-captain), Nathaniel Ramkhelawan, Timothy Ramdat, Afraz Ali, Makai Dowlin, Afraz Khan, Fayyad Baksh, Ashton Collins, Deshawn Ramnauth, Adrian Emmanuel, Jasani Craig, De Marcus Thomas, and Jaden Ganpat.

Barbados squad: Avery Boyce, Jon-David Greene, Anahri Hinds, Tanari Hunte, Kijani Inniss, Ky-Mani Inniss, Oliver King, Nathan Kirton, Natarie Lavine, Niako Patterson, Z’Dari Scantlebury, Liam Sookram, Jaheim Springer and Kaeden Wilkinson.

About Cubs in Action International Inc.

Building a legacy of integrity one action at a time, the mission of Cubs in Action International Inc. is to reach children across Guyana with the gospel, nurture their spiritual growth and morals, and focusing on encouraging each child to build a legacy of integrity.

Cubs in Action hopes to achieve this through direct, accessible and consistent engagement in schools, churches and community spaces.

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Press Release from the Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development:

Ongoing efforts of the Iwokrama International Centre together with support from the Government of Guyana agencies, to stem the illegal gold mining situation within the Iwokrama Protected Area is continuing to bear fruit.

Since November 22, 2005 a collaborative team of Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Guyana Police Force and Iwokrama has  been conducting an enforcement mission in the Siparuni area. On December 10, 2025, the mission  saw the arrest two Brazilian Nationals and one native of Venezuela.

For the past year the challenge with illegal mining has continued, though somewhat reduced compared to 2024, we are now seeing an increasing trend of foreign nationals entering the country both illegally and legally to engage in this illegal act.

It is understood that ‘some’ Brazilians are entering the country under the pretext of vacation or looking for supposed legal business opportunities BUT with the intention of illegally harvesting Guyana’s gold. Very often these illegal activities of foreigners are aided and abetted by our own GUYANESE citizens.

Iwokrama is asking for our border control services and community partners to remain very vigilant of persons travelling through parts of Guyana with boats, dredges and mining equipment loaded up in pick-up trucks or other types of vehicles without permits for mining in Guyana.

The following miners were caught red handed operating illegally and with dredges in the Iwokrama Forest:

Brazilian – Rondiney Barbosa Periera

Brazilian 2-  Edwardo De Souza Braz

This particular man was seen attempting to go in to Siparuni with a group of 1 Guyanese and Six Brazilian nationals when they were turned back by GGMC and Police (the week of Nov 22).

The following was found near Basha Bay area in The Iwokrama Protected Area and he said he was brought by some Brazilians.

Venezuelan National – Cristhian Jose Cedero

The Centre would like to once again remind the public and other stakeholders that gold mining activities are absolutely PROHIBITED in the Iwokrama Forest.  The IWOKRAMA ACT 1996 is clear on the prohibition of illegal activities with provisions for such violations.

Furthermore, such illegal activities pose an imminent threat to our national ecological integrity, disrupts local livelihoods and traditional practices and undermines Guyana’s forestry and protected areas management systems. Such violations WILL NOT be tolerated.

Iwokrama reserves the right to publish the names and photographs of individuals found conducting illegal gold mining activities in the Protected Area.

This illegal mining activity can affect Iwokrama’s International Certification and also by extension impacts the entire Protected Areas System and Guyana’s progressive Green agenda.

PHOTO: Illegal Mining and damage in the Iwokrama Forest / December 10, 2025

Iwokrama’s management acknowledges that collaboration is the only way to target such illegal activities and are grateful for the continued support from the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Guyana Police Force, the Protected Areas Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Guyanese citizens using the Iwokrama 72 km stretch of the Georgetown – Lethem road passing through Iwokrama are also asked to use their monitoring eyes and report any suspicious activities to Dr Raquel Thomas, Director, Resource Management and Training, Email: rthomas@iwokrama.org or Iwokrama’s Whatsapp +592 639 3216.

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Ronald ‘Ron’ Robinson passed away on Friday at his Hadfield Street, Georgetown home. He was 79 years old.

Many have been reflecting on the life and contributions of the veteran broadcaster and multitalented creative.

“A giant in Guyanese broadcasting and the creative arts has fallen,” Guyana’s Attorney General Anil Nandlall said in a Facebook post.

Nandlall reminded persons that Mr. Robinson began his broadcasting career on August 1, 1965 at the British Guiana Broadcasting Service and remained in radio up to almost his last days.

For his sterling contributions in these different endeavours, Nandlall said too, Mr. Robinson was invested with the national honours of the Golden Arrow of Achievement (AA) in 1990, and earlier this year, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Office of the Prime Minister on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day.

“(He was) a creative and much more with a beautiful, distinctive voice. I remember first seeing you in my childhood, interviewing my father on occasions Phagwah and Diwali …and grew up hearing you on radio,” Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud said.

For Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, ‘Uncle Ron’ helped shape Guyana’s identity.

“His contribution to cultural broadcasting and the performing arts strengthened the role of media as a vehicle for national identity and storytelling, while his leadership in civic organisations reflected a lifelong commitment to service and youth development. His work leaves a lasting imprint on how Guyana communicates with itself and the world,” McCoy said in a statement.

Opposition Parliamentarian Amanza Walton- Desir said, “Listening to his voice on the radio, in his polished but distinct Guyanese accent, and hearing what he said made me feel that I was a Guyanese participating in a Guyanese community. It made me feel a Guyanese spirit and helped me build a Guyanese identity.”

In comments and shares, it was evident that Mr. Robinson touched the lives of many Guyanese.

“The Link Show, which my family attended every year at the Cultural Centre in my young days, was another place where I saw him and felt and participated in Guyanese humour and culture,” attorney Kamal Ramkarran said.

But his loss may be felt the most by his colleagues in the arts and media.

“Ron Robinson was more than a voice on the airwaves and a presence on stage — he was a pioneer whose work helped shape the landscape of Guyanese broadcasting, theatre, and storytelling. Through decades of service, he uplifted our culture, shared our stories, and helped develop the standard of excellence that so many in media and the performing arts aspire to today,” the ‘Nothing to Laugh About’ team wrote on Facebook.

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The We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party says it has no intention of replacing its leader, Azruddin Mohamed, even as extradition proceedings against him and his father, Nazar Mohamed continue in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

At the party’s first press conference since this year’s elections, WIN Member of Parliament Tabitha Sarabo-Haley said that Azruddin remains the leader.

“The extradition of our leader is in the courts and we are waiting to see where that goes. We have had no conversations of anybody else. We have one leader and he remains the leader until such time changes,” Sarabo-Haley stated.

Responding to questions about Azruddin’s absence from the press conference on Friday, Sarabo-Haley sought to explain that he has been open and accessible throughout the legal process.

“The media would know that the leader of the party is very accessible. He does not shy away from responding to questions. Every time he has to go to court, you see him, you ask him questions. We thought that today, other MPs would have the ability to come to the fore and share their views so you get to see more members of the party,” she explained.

Extradition hearing for the Mohameds is set for January 6, 2026 and until then, Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed must continue to report to the Police as previously ordered.

The Mohameds remain on $150,000 bail each.

The U.S. government, on October 30, 2025, requested the extradition of the father and son under the extradition treaty between Guyana and the United Kingdom, which remains in force in Guyana under Section 4(1)(a) of the Fugitives Offenders Act, Cap. 10:04, as amended by Act No. 10 of 2024.

The Mohameds are facing multiple charges in the United States, unsealed on October 6, 2025, by a Southern District of Florida Grand Jury. The indictment includes wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, aiding and abetting, and customs-related violations connected to an alleged US$50 million gold export and tax evasion scheme.

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The Guyana Police Force’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is reporting a 10.7% reduction in complaints in 2025, alongside increased enforcement and strengthened internal accountability.

In a statement, Head of OPR, Elton Baird said for the year, the department received 340 complaints in 2025 when compared to 381 in 2024.

Of the 340 reports filed this year; 285 investigations were completed and submitted for legal advice, 45 complaints were deemed unsubstantiated and 55 cases remain under investigation.

The figures represents an 83.2% completion rate, which Baird said demonstrates the department’s commitment to timely and thorough investigations.

Baird provided this update on Thursday during it unit’s Annual Christmas Luncheon and Award Ceremony, where ranks were honoured for exceptional performance.

OPR is the internal investigative unit of the GPF, primarily responsible for investigating complaints and allegations of misconduct against police officers.

In his address, Baird noted both departmental and criminal charges increased this year, a development he attributed to stricter enforcement of regulations and enhanced oversight within the force.

He praised ranks for setting high standards that contributed to the department’s success, saying the awards presented on Thursday had significantly boosted morale across all police regions.

“While there’s still work to do, this progress reflects our commitment to accountability and excellence.

“We take pride in the progress we’ve made and aim to maintain this momentum in the upcoming years,” Baird said.

During the ceremony, nine ranks received cash incentives and gift items, while others were awarded plaques and additional cash for their performance throughout the year.

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