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Police investigating the accident that claimed the life of 28-year-old Travis Joseph have reported that the man lost control of his motorcycle and died from injuries sustained after he fell onto a nearby parapet.

Police reported that around 16:10 hrs Sunday, Travis was riding his motorcycle north along the west side of the Fyrish, Corentyne, Berbice road at a fast rate when he lost control of the bike.

As a result, Joseph was flung from the motorcycle and landed some distance away on the grass, suffering injuries to his head and other areas of his body.

According to a release from the Police, the motorcycle then slid into the path of a car, which was reportedly driven by a 63-year-old resident of Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, traveling in the opposite direction.

Travis was rescued by bystanders who found him in a semi-conscious state and took him to the Port Mourant Public Hospital. There, he received care and treatment from the on-duty doctor. Unfortunately, he was later transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where he ultimately passed away from his injuries despite ongoing medical assistance.

Currently, his body is at the hospital’s mortuary, waiting for a post-mortem examination.

The driver underwent a breathalyzer test, which showed a result of 0 micrograms, and was released on bail afterward.

The vehicle has been submitted for inspection by a licensing and certifying officer.

Investigations are still ongoing.

The post UPDATE: Police say Berbice man lost control of his bike in fatal accident  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The extradition hearing against U.S.-indicted businessmen Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed continued on Monday with submissions made by both the prosecution and defence on constitutional issues raised.

Lead Prosecutor Terrence Williams launched a forceful rebuttal to the constitutional challenge mounted by the legal team representing the Mohameds, insisting that citizens have no constitutional or inherent right to a speciality arrangement in extradition proceedings.

He also defined the defence’s application as both “premature” and legally unfounded.

The defence is challenging recent amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Act, arguing that the legislative changes infringe on the Mohameds’ right to liberty and undermine their ability to receive a fair legal process. They also asked that the matter be sent to the High Court for determination.

However, Williams maintained that none of the rights invoked by the defence are engaged at this stage of the extradition hearing.

“Speciality is not a prohibition. It is a restriction with qualifications.

“Parliament establishes the restrictions and can therefore qualify them. There is no constitutional or inherent right to speciality,” he told the court.

Williams said Section 8 of the Act contains several restrictions on extradition, but not every restriction creates a constitutional protection. He argued that the recently disclosed diplomatic note, dated Friday, December 5, already shows that the United States gave assurance that no third-party extradition would occur, rendering the defence’s submissions irrelevant.

“It provides what the extradition treaty doesn’t. The U.S. was given assurance, meaning the defence submissions won’t fall. We need not look any further for provisions on the speciality principle,” Williams said.

Williams submitted that Section 153(3) of the Constitution had not been triggered since no legitimate constitutional question arises from the defence’s arguments.

“Defence arguments cannot be raised at this stage in this court. There is no current problem requiring resolution… the matter of speciality does not arise in these proceedings,” he said.

The prosecution asserted that the defence is attempting to prematurely halt the extradition inquiry.They also dismissed the defence’s reliance on the Barry Dataram case, stating that it was decided under the pre-amended law.

“The amendment was made because of him. He cannot speak to the constitutionality of the amendment,” Williams noted.

Williams stressed that extradition does not engage the constitutional right to a fair trial.

“Extradition is not a breach of fundamental rights at all. The right to a fair trial does not apply to extradition proceedings. Nothing advanced by the defence amounts to a breach” he noted.

Mohameds argue against extradition, want review of law

Meanwhile, Prosecutor Herbert McKenzie further described extradition as a “hybrid construct” involving both the executive and the judiciary, arising from treaty obligations and grounded in the rights and privileges of the State.

“Extradition is a unique set of proceedings for which the Constitution makes specific provision,” McKenzie said.

Earlier in the hearing, the defence argued that the amendments violate the Constitution and compromise the Mohameds’ right to due process.

They asked for additional time to respond to the prosecution’s oral submissions, which Magistrate Judy Latchman granted allowing them until Tuesday, December 9 to email their written reply.

Latchman reminded the parties that she had already set Wednesday, December 5 for ruling on the constitutional submissions, and stressed that she will proceed with her decision at the next hearing whether or not the defence files its response.

The defence also raised concerns about the late disclosure of the diplomatic note, claiming it introduces new issues of evidence and may require additional witnesses.

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 PNC-led opposition coalition APNU, badly beaten in the last general elections, on Monday failed to galvanize a large crowd for its protest demanding that the government hand out cash grants before the end of the year, even though this has already started happening.

[Photo: APNU Coalition/ Facebook]

Recently, President Ali said that cash grants for individuals and vulnerable groups, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, children, women, small businesses, and farmers, will be announced before the end of the year.

These grants, the President said, are part of broader measures to empower every Guyanese throughout the government’s five-year term and will be disbursed in a more organised manner.

The President has already announced a cash grant for persons with disabilities, saying they will all get $50,000 before the end of the year.

There was limited support for the APNU protest at the Square of the Revolution. Notably absent was Aubrey Norton, the leader of the PNC. But Terrence Campbell and other senior figures who are Parliamentarians, were on the picket line.

[Photo: APNU Coalition/ Facebook]

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A man is in custody after he confessed to breaking into the Ministry of Home Affairs on Brickdam Road early Monday morning.

The suspect is Neil Medas, called ‘Shoulders’, 48. He has no fixed place of residence.

The News Room was reliably informed that the suspect was arrested at Charlotte Street, Georgetown. He was questioned, and he reportedly confessed to the crime.

The incident occurred around 04:44 hrs. It was initially unclear if any valuables were stolen, but the News Room was reliably informed that further investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly stole two HP laptop computers, one Apple iPad, one Amazon tablet, and two Canon EOS 4000D cameras belonging to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Additionally, a gold chain valued at $300,000 and $36,000 in cash belonging to a 58-year-old administrator in the Ministry’s Personnel Department were reportedly taken.

Intruder ransacks Ministry of Home Affairs office

The stolen items, including beverages, toiletries, clothing, and a knife, were recovered in the suspect’s possession.

According to reports, an on-duty rank noticed a suspicious figure on the CCTV monitor. The rank, the News Room was informed, told investigators that while stationed in the south-western guard hut, she observed a male wearing a hoodie inside the middle flat of the building, specifically in the Immigration Support Services Department. The man was reportedly carrying a haversack.

She immediately alerted the two other officers on duty and raised an alarm. The ranks then used a key lodged at the guard hut to enter the building through the southern door. However, a search for the intruder proved unsuccessful.

The matter was subsequently reported to the Brickdam Police Station. Police visited the scene, where they discovered that the Personnel Office on the middle flat had been ransacked.

The post UPDATE: Man confesses to break-in at Ministry of Home Affairs; Stolen items recovered appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Young Guyanese runner Hicks Mittelholzer has announced his arrival on the regional long-distance scene with an exceptional performance at the Run Barbados Marathon & Wellness Weekend, securing top honours in his age group across two major events.

Mittelholzer, competing in the highly competitive M21–25 category, showcased both speed and endurance, proudly serving as the first Guyanese athlete to cross the finish line in both the 5K race and the full marathon.

The athlete started the weekend with conviction in the 5K event, where he not only placed 1st in his age category but also secured a notable 12th position overall in the international field.

His momentum carried through to the marquee event. In his debut marathon—the gruelling 26.2-mile course—Mittelholzer displayed incredible discipline, crossing the line in a superb time of 3 hours, 24 minutes, and 19 seconds.

His final rankings underscore the achievement: Overall Finish: 8th out of 79 participants; Men’s Finish: 6th among all male runners and Age Category (M21–25): 1st place.

Mittelholzer’s success is particularly inspiring given his independent training regimen. Driven by sheer commitment and passion, his results highlight the immense, often untapped, athletic potential within Guyana.

The performance, coming shortly after he graduated from the University of Guyana with an Associate of Science in Computer Science, raises a clear question for national sporting bodies: following such an outstanding international debut, is there an opportunity to formally recognise and support this emerging talent?

The post Guyana’s Hicks Mittelholzer shines in Barbados Marathon debut appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Nazar Mohamed and his son, Azruddin Mohamed, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Monday as their legal team advanced a constitutional challenge to recent amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Act.

During Monday’s hearing, the defence presented oral submissions on behalf of the U.S.-indicted businessmen, arguing that the legislative changes violate the Constitution of Guyana.

According to the legal team, the amendments infringe on the Mohameds’ right to liberty and compromise their access to a fair legal process.

Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde contended that the disputed provisions strip defendants of fundamental protections and limit their ability to adequately defend themselves. Meanwhile, attorney Siand Dhurjon contended that the magistrate has two options: treat the objections as frivolous and proceed, or refer the constitutional questions to a higher court for resolution.

The defence is formally requesting that the issues be sent to the High Court for proper determination.

Once the defence concludes its arguments, the Prosecution is expected to deliver its oral submissions.

Magistrate Judy Latchman has set aside Wednesday, December 10, for ruling.

The post Mohameds argue against extradition, want review of law appeared first on News Room Guyana.

See below the full release from the Ministry of Home Affairs: 

The Ministry of Home Affairs wishes to inform the public that at approximately 04:00 hours on Monday, December 8, 2025, an unknown individual unlawfully entered the Ministry’s building.

Security personnel detected the intruder via CCTV cameras and immediately raised an alarm. One officer pursued the individual but was unsuccessful in apprehension. The Guyana Police Force was promptly notified, and an investigation was launched without delay.

The Ministry assures the public that all necessary measures are being taken, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

The post Home Affairs Ministry says probe launched after intruder ransacks office appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Sarah Browne, on Sunday dismissed allegations levelled by U.S-indicted businessman and WIN political leader Azruddin Mohamed about the condition of the Amerindian Hostel, describing his sudden show of interest as nothing more than a calculated attempt at political relevance and a distraction from his looming extradition issues.

Mohamed and his team appeared at the Princess Street, Georgetown facility on Sunday, claiming they had been “invited by occupants” and were denied access. A social media posts painted a picture of overcrowding and inadequate care.

But the Minister was unreserved in her response, charging that Mohamed was manipulating a sensitive matter for political mileage, deliberately sowing division and attempting to deflect attention from the “real issue” he is facing.

According to Minister Browne, the Amerindian Hostel has outgrown the capacity of its decades-old building — not because of neglect, but because the Ministry has a longstanding policy of refusing to turn away any indigenous person who arrives seeking shelter. In 2025 alone, more than 12,175 people passed through the hostel, many of them stranded patients, vulnerable individuals or persons seeking urgent medical help.

 

Amerindian Hostel

She underlined that the Government, and specifically President Irfaan Ali, has long recognised the pressure on the current facility. The President made a public commitment to build a new Amerindian Hostel, and this promise is already being fulfilled. The Minister revealed that land has been identified, designs for the new building have been completed, and funds to commence construction have been explicitly placed in the 2026 National Budget. She noted that Mohamed and his circle are fully aware of these developments, since the Head of State confirmed them publicly, including at an international meeting in Moraikobi.

The Minister said that despite the constraints of the ageing structure, the hostel continues to provide three full meals daily, a safe place to rest, welfare services, and even air and land transportation back to hinterland regions. The Ministry has flown sick patients home, ensured counselling, funded emergency assistance through the Difficult Circumstances grant and made sure that indigenous people arriving in the city are never left abandoned. She said she has personally visited the hostel several times, spoken directly with the residents and taken actions to address shortcomings.

She emphasised that maintaining a facility that is constantly full means appliances, mattresses, furniture and plumbing require regular repairs and replacements. In recent weeks the Ministry replaced mattresses, and she indicated that financial records for dietary, janitorial and maintenance services could be made available, refuting any claim that upkeep has been neglected.

Sarah Browne, Minister of Amerindian Affairs

Turning to comments made online by Mohamed’s sister, Hannah, the Minister did not mince words. She said that those who grew up insulated from the daily challenges of hinterland life cannot presume to understand or speak on the lived experience of indigenous communities. She stated openly that Hannah’s remarks were purely for political gain and that neither sibling has lived the reality of indigenous struggles.

Minister Browne said Mohamed’s stunt outside the hostel was a “desperate effort” to stir ethnic and political division at a moment when his own legal situation demands scrutiny. She noted that while his page spoke theatrically about “representing” Amerindians, it ignored the fact that the hostel is a regulated Government facility, not a stage for political performance, publicity tours or campaign videos.

In her concluding remarks, the Minister drew a clear line between those who work and those who seek relevance.

“The public must understand what is happening. We represent our people, we care for our people, and we have already advanced plans to build a new hostel that meets the present and future needs of Guyana’s indigenous citizens. What Mohamed is doing is not advocacy. It is politics, and it is a distraction.”

The post New Amerindian Hostel already designed, budgeted for 2026; Minister rejects Mohamed’s ‘political mischief’ appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Talented wicketkeeper/batter Lomar Seecharran has been named captain of the Guyana Under-13 team to face Barbados in a five-match 40-over series from December 12 to 20 in Guyana.

Berbice all-rounder Sahid Gajnabi, the brother of Guyana and West Indies player Shabika, had been handed the vice-captaincy role, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has announced.

Encampment, the GCB said, will commence begin immediately after the conclusion of the GCB Senior Women’s Inter-County T20 Tournament on December 11.

The squad reads: 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.

The reserves are: Aaron DaCosta, Khemraj Bharrat, Markanthong Obermuller, Tilak Eshwar, Kelvin Henry, and Mario Singh.

Ameer Rahaman, Kumar Bishundial and Clive Holder will perform coaching duties.

The Barbados Under-13 team is expected to arrive in Guyana on December 12, and the series will begin the following day at the historic GCC ground, Bourda. The second match will also be played at GCC on December 14.

After a rest and tour day, the third match of the series will be held at GCC on December 16, followed by the fourth match at Everest Cricket Ground on December 17.

After another rest and tour day, the final match of the series will be played at Everest Cricket Ground on December 19, with the Barbados team departing Guyana on December 20.

All matches are scheduled to begin at 10:00h and will be played with white clothing.

Earlier this year, the Guyana Cricket Board and the Barbados Cricket Association signed a historic agreement to facilitate an Under-13 cricket tour to Guyana.

The agreement was signed by the Head of the Guyana Cricket Board, Bissoondyal Singh, and the Head of the Barbados Cricket Association, Calvin Hope.

“The GCB extends best wishes to the Under-13 squad as they prepare to host Barbados for this important developmental series, aimed at showcasing young talent and strengthening regional cricket ties,” the GCB said.

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McLaren’s Lando Norris won his first Formula 1 drivers’ championship by finishing third in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The 26-year-old won the title by two points from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who won the race to take his eighth victory of the year, one more than the Briton and his McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri.

McLaren were always in control of a race packed with tension even though Verstappen was on course for victory from the first lap, because Piastri finished second and was in a position to help Norris if needed.

Norris becomes the 11th British F1 world champion at the end of his seventh season in F1, a year that he started slowly but in which he came on strong in the second half of the year.

And it is McLaren’s first drivers’ and constructors’ title double since 1998.

While the McLaren has been the fastest car on balance this season, Norris’ championship will be given added credibility by the fact that he won it in the face of a tough challenge from Verstappen, who is widely acknowledged as the finest driver of his generation.

Norris cried in his car on the slowing down lap as he accepted the congratulations of his team and thanked them and his family for getting him into a place to fulfil his lifetime ambition.

The key stories of the race were:

• Norris and McLaren’s calm and controlled drive to the title
• A battle between Norris and Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda as the Japanese sought to help out Verstappen mid-race and a brief threat of a penalty for the McLaren driver
• A dominant victory from Verstappen to crown perhaps the most impressive year of his career

McLaren and Norris deal with the pressure

As the race finally started after a nervy weekend for McLaren, the pressure was high after the team had suffered two difficult races in the grands prix preceding this one.

A double disqualification in Las Vegas followed by a botched strategy that handed Verstappen victory in Qatar had upped the stakes for McLaren at the end of a year in which they won the constructors’ title with six races to go.

Norris took a cautious approach to the start, not engaging with Verstappen as the Dutchman aggressively defended his lead from pole position on the run to the first corner.

Halfway around the lap, Piastri swept around the outside of Norris at the long left-hander of Turn Nine, an apparent strategic move to bring the Australian into play for the victory against Verstappen.

Piastri was on hard tyres and Verstappen and Norris on medium, so the plan was to run long and give Red Bull something to consider and reduce the risk of him backing up the field to Norris’ disadvantage.

Norris was left to battle with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc for third place but was always in control.

And after a second tyre stop for Norris to mirror Leclerc’s two-stop strategy, the Briton closed in on Piastri in the final laps. (BBC)

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