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President Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced several digitisation targets aimed at improving efficiency across government ministries and agencies.

Speaking on the need to eliminate bureaucratic delays that burden citizens, he outlined strict deadlines for several ministries to fully digitise their operations.

“If someone gotta come to town to process their pension and must go to the Ministry of Finance, to the Accountant General Department, to the Auditor General Department, to NIS, and then some record is not there…you can come back next week and the other week.

“…you lose time, you lose money, you lose efficiency, you lose productivity and you create frustration,” President Ali explained during the launch of the Public Service Upskilling Platform on Monday.

To address this, President Ali directed the Minister of Finance to ensure that within eight months, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) must have all its records fully digitised.

He also instructed the Minister of Public Service to oversee the complete digitisation of the public service ministry within five months.

“If we have, in every ministry, 10 persons who are experienced in digitising documents, then in the public service, we already have 300 persons who are experienced in digitizing documents, bring all 300 of them in a project way and let us clean the system up,” the Head of State stated.

President Ali insisted that every citizen must be able to access government services through a digital device.

The Ministry of Agriculture has also been given four months to activate a digital platform that will allow farmers to access online education, real-time weather data, extension support, and agricultural technologies directly in the field.

Meanwhile, the government’s single-window approval system, intended to streamline investment and development applications, must become fully optimised within two months.

“If it doesn’t happen, then people will have other priorities that they are interested in working on, and we will give them a chance to explore those other priorities,” he warned.

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Police in Port Kaituma, Region One, launched an investigation after 16-year-old Vernil Fredericks reportedly drowned while swimming on Sunday. The incident occurred at Canal Bank, Port Kaituma.

According to the Police report, at about 14:20 hrs, Fredericks was swimming in the middle of the river when he started screaming for help.

“He was then seen going under the water and did not resurface,” the Police stated.

After a report was made to the Port Kaituma Police Station, ranks responded and assisted citizens in searching for the teen. CPR was administered after his body was recovered, but the efforts were unsuccessful.

Fredericks was subsequently transported to the Port Kaituma Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The body of the deceased is at the Port Kaituma Mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Investigations are ongoing.

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Two key names in local business—MVP Sports and Trophy Stall—were recognized for their outstanding and consistent contributions to Guyanese sport, securing the Corporate Sponsor of the Year accolade for the third consecutive year at the National Sports Commission (NSC) awards.

The twin awards highlight the critical role private sector support plays in developing and sustaining the nation’s athletic talent, from the grassroot level to elite competition.

MVP Sports, spearheaded by businessman Ian Ramdeo, secured the award for Corporate Sponsor of the Year – Medium.

The company has gone far beyond standard corporate responsibility, establishing itself as one of the most consistent and passionate supporters of athletes, teams, and associations nationwide.

Diverse Impact: MVP Sports has left its mark on virtually every discipline, from athletics and football to cricket and basketball.

More Than Retail: For many sports organisations and athletes, MVP Sports is seen as the backbone of their support system, providing gear and crucial assistance when it matters most.

Speaking to News Room Sport, Ramdeo expressed gratitude for the recognition but emphasised the importance of the event itself.

“While we are happy to receive the award, we’re more heartened by the format of the evening, which celebrates our sportsmen and women in a way they deserve,” he said.

“We are excited to see the continued raising of the bar in much-needed support and recognition of our athletes at all levels.”

Meanwhile, the familiar name of Trophy Stall, operated by proprietor Ramesh Sunich and his family, was awarded Corporate Sponsor of the Year – Small.

Trophy Stall has consistently been an ardent supporter of Guyanese sport, and 2024 was no exception.

The entity funded the Trophy Stall golf tournament and supported numerous other competitions, donating crucial awards and trophies to major tournaments, including the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast and the KFC Goodwill International Football tournament.

Support was extended across a wide range of disciplines, from horse racing and softball to draughts, futsal, and beach football.

In accepting the award, Sunich dedicated the honour to his staff, stating: “This award is not mine alone. I dedicate it to the hardworking and committed staff of Trophy Stall. They are the real champions behind this achievement… Every time a young athlete holds up one of those trophies, it represents hard work, dreams, and success—and we are happy to share in that moment.”

Both companies pledged to continue their unwavering commitment, promising a brighter future for sports in Guyana through collaboration with the NSC, athletes, and sporting associations.

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The Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) has issued wanted bulletins for three foreign nationals in connection with a recent major drug bust at Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

Those wanted are Venezuelans Richard Daniel Rodriguez Criollo and Hernan Dario Martinez Canon, along with Colombian Camilo Morales Gonzalez of Hadfield Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown.

According to CANU, on Friday, November 7, ranks conducted an operation at a residence in Hydronie, Parika, EBE.

During the search, officers discovered several parcels containing a whitish powdery substance suspected to be cocaine.

Three suspects were arrested at the scene and taken to CANU’s headquarters along with the suspected narcotic, which, when tested, proved positive for cocaine weighing 23.958 kilograms.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the wanted men is asked to contact CANU at telephone number 226-0431.

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The Ministry of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation has officially launched a national upskilling initiative in partnership with Coursera, aimed at transforming Guyana’s public sector through world-class training.

The programme, officially launched on Monday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, will provide free and continuous learning opportunities to public servants across all regions and support efforts to modernise operations and improve efficiency.

Through the Coursera platform, public servants will have access to a wide range of courses including foreign languages, beginner-to-advanced Microsoft Excel, project management, and website development. These courses are designed to strengthen job performance.

President Irfaan Ali (Photo: Office of the President/November 10, 2025)

Minister of Public Service, Zulfikar Ally, said the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to human-capital development, describing it as essential to empowering “the people who make government work.” He emphasised that the programme is not limited to current job functions but serves as an investment in personal and professional growth. Participants will earn certificates upon completion, which will be tied to professional development and future promotions within the public service.

President Irfaan Ali and Minister Zulfikar Ally along with officials from Coursera (Photo: Office of the President/November 10, 2025)

President Dr Irfaan Ali, who delivered featured remarks at the launch, called for an “agile, results-driven and accountable public service backed by skilled human capital and technology.”

He described the Coursera partnership as a foundational pillar of the new public service the government is building.

The President also said the programme will prepare public servants not only for local responsibilities but for global opportunities.

President Ali added that the digital learning system will enhance equity, remove biases, simplify processes, and strengthen Guyana’s digital economy.

“This initiative will become the foundational pillar of the new public service we are fashioning. We are building the human capital that will ignite the future of Guyana,” President Ali said.

He reiterated his expectation that Guyana’s public servants must be equipped to lead systems, solve problems, and make government services more accessible.

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The Guyana Squash Association (GSA) has been confirmed as a formidable force in national sport, sweeping three top accolades at the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) Sport Awards, confirming the discipline’s status as an undisputed power both regionally and internationally.

Leading the charge was Nicolette Fernandes, who was crowned the 2024 Senior Sportswoman-of-the-Year following another spectacular season that saw her claim a second World Masters title.

The GSA’s haul was completed by the Senior Squash Team securing the coveted Team of the Year award, while national stalwart Ashley Khalil was named the runner-up for the top female individual prize.

Fernandes, a former world number 19, demonstrated her enduring class and competitive fire by achieving an undefeated run to win gold in the Women’s 40 and over category at the World Squash Federation Masters tournament in the Netherlands.

This latest victory adds to her previous success in the Women’s 35 and over category, confirming her status as a multiple World Masters champion and showcasing a longevity hailed as “unbelievable” by David Fernandes, President of the GSA.

Her influence in 2024 was equally significant off the court: She was appointed Chair of the Women in Sport Commission by the Guyana Olympic Association, and she has been instrumental in nurturing the next generation of talent, working closely with the GSA to develop up-and-coming players.

This dual impact—world-level athletic success combined with administrative and coaching efforts—made her a truly deserving recipient of the 2024 award.

The Guyana Senior National Squash Team earned the Team of the Year award following a season of historic dominance, culminating in an unprecedented clean sweep at the regional level.

Solidifying their reputation as the undisputed powerhouse of Caribbean squash, Team Guyana secured gold medals in every single team category at the 2024 Senior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Championships on home soil, defeating arch-rivals Barbados in the finals.

This historic campaign marked their fourth consecutive championship and seventh overall since the tournament’s inception in 1977, underlining the unity, consistency, and unparalleled performance that was a highlight of the nation’s sporting calendar.

Further underscoring the depth of talent within the GSA, former Caribbean individual champion Ashley Khalil was named the runner-up for the Senior Sportswoman-of-the-Year award. Khalil had a stellar run in 2024, winning the ENet Senior National Championships and copping the female doubles title for the third consecutive year at the Caribbean Championships, partnering with Ashley DeGroot.

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For the second year in succession, ENet, Guyana’s leading provider of digital cable television, internet, information technology and media services, has been recognised by the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its continued investment in sport.

NSC Commissioner Chateram Ramdihal (left) presents the Corporate Sponsor of the Year (Large) to ENet representative, Akeem Greene (Photo: News Room/Jeremy Jagroop/November 8, 2025)

Last Saturday at the NSC National Sports Awards for 2024, ENet copped the Corporate Sponsor of the Year accolade in the large category, following up on its recognition in the same category in 2023.

Vurlon Mills Football Academy

During the year under review, ENet, which has been at the forefront of Guyana’s digital transformation, was aligned with major events and champion athletes, underlining its commitment to sport and youth development under its Corporate Social Responsibility programme.

Senior National Squash Championship

Via significant financial and other forms of support, ENet was the title sponsor of the 2024 Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Senior Championship, which was hosted in Guyana, as well as the Guyana Squash Association’s Senior National Championship and the Caribbean Clash of Champions motor-racing event during the same year.

Official Partner of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League

Throughout 2024, ENet, Guyana’s only locally owned telecommunications company, also sponsored all national squash teams, and was one of the Official Partners of the first-ever Global Super League, the Vurlon Mills Football Academy, the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, Youth Basketball Guyana and the Lusignan Golf Club.

Caribbean Clash of Champions at South Dakota Circuit

During 2024, ENet also signed Guyana’s world-class bodybuilder Rosanna Fung, Caribbean Superbike champion Matthew Vieira and the promising multi-talented athlete Zion Hickerson as Brand Ambassadors.

From left: Rosanna Fung, Matthew Vieira and young Zion Hickerson

Fung recently created history by becoming the first Guyanese bodybuilder to win a world title by lifting the Wellness category at the prestigious Binous Classics in Dubai, while Vieira won the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s Superstock A Class for 2025.

In the other categories of corporate awards, MVP Sports (Medium) and Trophy Stall (Small) were adjudged winners.

CASA Senior Caribbean Squash Championship in Guyana 

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The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) made a resounding impact at the National Sports Commission’s 2024 awards ceremony, with its young sprinters sweeping the top prizes for junior athletes following a phenomenal season on the regional and continental stage.

Sprinters Malachi Austin and Athaleyha Hinckson claimed the coveted Junior Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards, respectively.

Their teammates, Kaidon Persaud and Tianna Springer, were named runners-up, confirming the depth of talent emerging from the track programme.

Julian Edmonds, the local coach responsible for developing both Austin and Hinckson, was also recognized as a nominee for Coach of the Year, underscoring the success of the AAG’s development structure.

Athaleyha Hinckson, nicknamed the “pocket rocket,” delivered a historic season that firmly established her as a regional force.

The 16-year-old phenom broke records and created milestones, starting with her performance at the CARIFTA Games in St. George’s, Grenada.

There, Hinckson became the first Guyanese female ever to win a 100m gold medal at the prestigious youth championship. She narrowly missed the sprint double, securing a silver medal in the Under-17 200m event.

Her dominance continued on the continental stage at the South American Under-20 Championships in Peru, where she stormed to victory in the 100m title, despite being the youngest competitor in the field.

Capping her breakthrough year, Hinckson accepted a full athletic scholarship to Louisiana State University (LSU), where she now trains alongside her compatriot and fellow award-winner, Malachi Austin.

Austin earned the Junior Sportsman of the Year title after a season defined by record-breaking brilliance in the 400m.

The national Under-20 400m record holder stamped his name in history at the CARIFTA Games, blazing to gold in the U20 400m, a feat made all the more impressive given the dominance of regional powerhouses like Jamaica in the event.

Austin then anchored a phenomenal Guyana’s 4x400m Mixed Relay team to gold and a new CARIFTA Games record, before leading the men’s 4x400m relay team to a bronze medal.

He mirrored this success at the South American U20 Championships in Peru, claiming the 400m title to further cement his status as one of the region’s premier young quarter-milers.

Like Hinckson, Austin now refines his craft on the NCAA Division One circuit, having accepted a scholarship to LSU.

The success of both athletes signifies a crucial upward trajectory for Guyanese track and field.

The post Austin and Hinckson lead athletics impressive haul at National Sports Awards appeared first on News Room Guyana.

McLaren’s Lando Norris extended his championship lead over team-mate and title rival Oscar Piastri to 24 points with a dominant victory at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

But Norris’ second consecutive victory – which takes him nearly a clear win ahead of Piastri with three grands prix remaining – was overshadowed by a remarkable recovery drive by Max Verstappen.

The Red Bull driver finished third, right behind Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, after starting from the pit lane and suffering an early puncture.

Verstappen, though, is now 49 points behind Norris and probably out of title contention.

Piastri finished fifth, challenging Mercedes’ George Russell in the same way as Verstappen was on the back of Antonelli in the closing laps, after being given a 10-second penalty for causing a collision.

The main storylines of a compelling race were:

• A superb weekend-long performance from Norris moves him closer to a first world title
• Verstappen’s extraordinary performance, which will go down as one of his greatest drives
• The apparent slow death of Piastri’s championship hopes in the second half of the season

Norris completes perfect weekend

Norris’ victory, his second in succession and his seventh in 21 races this year, was never in doubt on what the Briton described as a “perfect weekend”.

The 25-year-old controlled the race from the front after taking pole position, to add to the sprint victory from pole he took on Saturday.

The weekend has netted him a total of 33 points and put a headlock on the championship.

“To be honest, I didn’t think we were the quickest out there on track today so I’m glad to take home the win,” Norris said.

“It’s a great win but to be honest seeing how quick Max was today, I’m pretty disappointed we weren’t quicker.”

Asked about the championship, he added: “There’s not a long way to go but it can change so quickly like we’ve seen today, so just focus on myself, keep my head down, ignore everyone and keep pushing.” (BBC)

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Two teenagers are receiving medical treatment after the car they were travelling in lost control and crashed into two vehicles at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, early Sunday morning.

The injured teens have been identified as 18-year-old Colwin Sealey of Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, and 15-year-old Jaden Edward also from Mahaicony.

According to reports, around 04:00 hrs, motor car PAE 4628, driven by Sealey was heading east at a fast rate along the northern lane of the Bath Settlement Public Road. Sealey reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to swerve onto the southern side of the road where it first collided with a rome plow on the parapet.

The car then struck a parked lorry, flipped into the air, and crashed into a steel-and-mesh fence before finally coming to a halt.

Residents rushed to the scene and rescued both teens, who were unconscious. They were transported to the Bath Regional Hospital, where they were treated for multiple lacerations and placed under observation.

Sealey, who sustained serious head injuries, is listed in critical condition, while Edward remains hospitalised and under medical supervision.

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