Shi-Oil, a locally-owned fuel importer and distributor, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Ryan Rahaman, who was officially crowned the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) Champion Driver for the Sports Tuner Class for 2025.
The announcement came as the GMR&SC wrapped up its 2025 racing calendar on Sunday, November 2, at the South Dakota Circuit, where Rahaman, fuelled by Shi-Oil, delivered a dominant performance.
He claimed two first-place finishes and one third-place finish in the Sports Tuner, sealing his position as the class champion.
According to the company, Rahaman’s consistency reflected both his exceptional driving skill and the strength of the partnership between athlete and sponsor.
Ryan Rahaman carrying the chequered flag at the South Dakota Circuit on November 2 (Photo: GMR&SC)
His success, Shi-Oil said, symbolises unwavering commitment to powering performance and excellence in Guyanese motorsport.
“At Shi-Oil, we take immense pride in fueling champions,” the company stated in a release.
Shi-Oil further highlighted, “Ryan Rahaman embodies the spirit of excellence, consistency, and passion that drives our brand. His dedication to the sport and his ability to perform at the highest level exemplify what it means to be a true competitor.”
The Rahaman family name carries deep roots in Guyana’s motor racing history, spanning generations of drivers who have made their mark both locally and regionally.
Shi-Oil noted its pride in standing alongside Ryan and the Rahaman family as they continue to uphold and build upon that remarkable racing legacy.
“Congratulations, Champion,” the company’s message added.
“Your success is a testament to hard work, determination, and the unbeatable drive that keeps Guyana’s motorsport heritage alive and thriving.”
The Brazil-Guyana racing connection continues to grow stronger, thanks to Slingerz Racing Stable, owned by Javed Ali, one of Guyana’s most successful racehorse owners.
Ali has tapped into Brazil’s deep pool of thoroughbred talent, pairing it with the expertise of trainer Lenio Roberto Vieira, whose influence has already left an indelible mark on Guyanese racing, especially behind the success of Olympic Kremlin, the 2024 Guyana Cup and President’s Cup winner.
Now firmly established at the Gávea Racetrack in Rio de Janeiro, Slingerz Racing Stable’s colours have become increasingly familiar in the winner’s circle.
That trend continued on Monday night, when Ali’s Olympic National stormed to victory in the Much Better Classic (Listed- 1900m, dirt), contested as the second race of the card.
Breaking sharply from the gates, Olympic National immediately seized the lead and dictated the pace, stretching the field as they rounded the backstretch.
When the race entered the home straight, the chestnut colt never took his foot off the gas, maintaining a relentless gallop to the wire.
Under a confident and well-judged ride by Leandro Henrique, the son of Camelot Kitten out of Olympic Havana (by Dubai Dust)- bred by Haras Regina- cruised home an effortless six lengths clear of his rivals.
Trainer Lenio Roberto Vieira has been instrumental in blending Brazilian professionalism with Guyanese racing ambition, a partnership that has elevated both regions’ profiles.
Vieira, who was “discovered” by Slingerz Racing Stable, continues to deliver standout results for the team both in Guyana and now on Brazilian soil.
An elated Ali celebrated the victory with his team, calling it a milestone moment for Slingerz Racing Stable. He expressed optimism about pursuing Group-level victories in Brazil in the near future.
Beyond Olympic National, Ali’s growing stable features other promising classic contenders, including Galo White, Ravi Da Loga and Navy of War, as he continues to build an international operation grounded in excellence.
Australia chief selector George Bailey says the squad for the first Ashes Test against England deserves “respect” following criticism of the age of players.
Only one player under 30 – 26-year-old all-rounder Cameron Green – was named in a 15-man squad on Wednesday for the series opener in Perth starting on 21 November.
Before the squad was announced former captain Steve Waugh said Bailey did not have the “appetite” to make tough calls to regenerate the side.
“We’re aware of the age profile of the team,” said Bailey.
“I’m interested when people have that view as to who they would like us to leave. Is that Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc out? Is that just because of their age?
“You’ve got to give due respect that the guys are performing very well and they have the right to be selected.”
Opener Sam Konstas was the notable absentee, with Marnus Labuschagne recalled and Jake Weatherald called up for the first time. Both batters are 31.
It is the second time in 12 months that 20-year-old Konstas has been dropped.
“I feel for Sammy. At the moment, if he farts it’s a headline,” said Bailey.
“We really like him. We like the skillset there and we’re confident that over the long run it will continue to build out.”
As expected, captain and pace bowler Pat Cummins was left out as he recovers from a back injury.
Head coach Andrew McDonald said in October he is “really optimistic” that Cummins, 32, will be available for the second Test in Brisbane starting on December 4.
Starc, 35, Josh Hazlewood, 34, and Scott Boland, 36, are expected to form the pace attack, while 33-year-old Sean Abbott and 31-year-old Brendan Doggett – both are whom are uncapped – have been included in the squad.
Lyon, 37, is the only specialist spinner.
Steve Smith, who was stripped of the captaincy in 2018 following the ball-tampering scandal, will skipper the side in Cummins’ absence.
Australia are the holders of the Ashes.
England have won only one of their past 10 series in Australia – and none since 2010-11.
The five-Test series is set to end on January 8.
Australia squad for first Test: Steve Smith (capt), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.
England’s Ashes squad: Ben Stokes (capt), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Mark Wood. (BBC)
A continued crackdown on illegal gold mining in the Iwokrama Protected Area has led to the arrest of a Brazilian national.
On November 1, 2025, Flaviano Teixiera-Costa was apprehended during a joint operation involving the Iwokrama International Centre (IIC), the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Guyana Police Force, and Iwokrama Rangers. The arrest forms part of a broader collaborative effort to stem the influx of illegal miners into the Iwokrama Forest, a 371,000-hectare reserve renowned for its unique biodiversity and sustainable forestry initiatives.
Over the past year, authorities have noted a slight reduction in illegal mining, but the presence of foreign nationals attempting to exploit the area remains a growing concern. During the operation, several miners fled, leaving behind passports that revealed the identities of other individuals allegedly involved in illegal activities: Jailson Ferreira Lima, Iago Silva Alves, Jose Antonio Rodrigues Dos Santos, and Jose Do Santos Silvino. Notably, Silvino had previously been apprehended during an October 8 operation.
Authorities have emphasised that these Brazilian nationals entered Guyana under the guise of tourism, intending to engage in prohibited gold mining within the Iwokrama Protected Area. The Iwokrama Act of 1996 clearly prohibits mining and other illegal activities in the forest, with strict penalties for violations.
The IIC reiterated that illegal mining threatens Guyana’s ecological integrity, disrupts local livelihoods, and undermines the management of protected areas. The Centre reserves the right to publish the names and photographs of individuals found participating in these illegal operations.
“We continue to rely on collaboration to tackle illegal mining effectively,” said Iwokrama management, acknowledging the support of the Ministry of Natural Resources, GGMC, the Guyana Police Force, the Protected Areas Commission, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
The Iwokrama International Centre, established in 1996 under a joint mandate of the Government of Guyana and the Commonwealth Secretariat, manages the forest to generate lasting ecological, social, and economic benefits. With active participation from 20 local communities, scientists, and international partners, the IIC implements sustainable forestry, tourism, and research initiatives that showcase how rainforest resources can be conserved while contributing to community development.
The Audit Office of Guyana, in its report for the fiscal year ending December 2024, has commended improvements in financial oversight across several government agencies, while identifying ongoing weaknesses in contract management, record-keeping and procurement practices.
The Report of the Auditor General on the Public Accounts of Guyana and on the Accounts of Ministries, Departments and Regions was laid in the National Assembly on Monday when the 13th Parliament of Guyana convened.
The report reviewed hundreds of contracts, transactions and expenditure records, shedding light on both areas of progress and lapses in accountability.
According to the report, 829 contracts valued at $48.19 billion were examined during the period under review. Of these, overpayments amounting to $1.011 billion were identified across 86 contracts administered by several Ministries and Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs).
The report noted that all overpaid sums have since been recovered, either through repayments or by contractors completing outstanding works. This corrective action, the Audit Office said, is an encouraging sign of responsiveness from government agencies.
Among the Ministries and departments cited were the Office of the President, Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Education, Health and Public Works, among others. Nine of the ten RDCs also recorded overpayments, with Region Five being the only region free of such findings.
While progress has been made in certain areas of public financial management, the Auditor General noted that 3,241 cheques totalling $4.92 billion remained on hand as at December 2024, pending refund to the Consolidated Fund. The issue of unpresented payment vouchers also persisted, with 120 vouchers valued at $877.2 million unavailable for audit review at the time of reporting.
The absence of these documents limited the ability of auditors to verify whether the funds were used for their intended purposes — a recurring issue the report suggests needs tighter internal control.
The Ministry of Health came under scrutiny for issues related to the procurement and management of drugs and medical supplies. The report found that while $10.29 billion worth of supplies were dispatched to the regions, there was no reconciliation between the items received and amounts warranted.
Additionally, outstanding deliveries valued at $3.6 billion were still pending as of September 2025, while expired drugs valued at $1.09 billion had been disposed of. Another $327.3 million worth of expired items remained on hand awaiting disposal.
In the area of revenue administration, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) continues to face challenges with staffing in its Petroleum Revenue Department and Customs Petroleum Unit. The GRA also reported ongoing difficulty in ensuring compliance among self-employed taxpayers, with tens of thousands of registrants still inactive despite continuous outreach and enforcement efforts.
The report highlighted major capital works under the Ministry of Agriculture, where $12.97 billion was allocated for the construction and rehabilitation of drainage and irrigation structures, including several new pump stations. As of September 2025, one pump station was completed while four others remained in progress.
The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs was cited for not presenting financial statements for its Amerindian Purpose Fund, which received $480 million in 2024. A similar issue had been raised in the previous year.
Importantly, the Audit Office reported measurable progress in the government’s follow-up on past audit recommendations. Of the 179 recommendations made in 2023, 27% were fully implemented, 54% partially implemented, and 19% not implemented as of the 2024 review.
The Auditor General reaffirmed the Office’s commitment to promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability, noting that while improvements are evident in several Ministries and Regions, consistent follow-through and stronger systems are needed to safeguard public resources and ensure value for money.
See below the full release from the Guyana Police Force:
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) wishes to inform the public that following comprehensive investigations into the explosion which occurred at the Mobil Gas Station on October 26, 2025 at Regent and King Streets, Georgetown, legal advice was obtained from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to institute charges against several individuals.
As a result of the evidence gathered, the following individuals were charged:
1. Wayne Corriea, 44 years, Guyanese
2. Ramesh Pramdeo, 51 years, Guyanese
3. Krystal LaCruz, 33 years, Guyanese
4. Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo, 33 years, Venezuelan
5. Jennifer Rodriguez, 33 years, Venezuelan
6. Johnny Boodram, 27 years, Venezuelan
7. Alexander Bettancourt, 44 years, Venezuelan
They have each been charged with the 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦, 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟑(𝟏)(𝐚) 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐚𝐰 (𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬) 𝐀𝐜𝐭, 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟖:𝟎𝟏 and is to appear at the 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬’ 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭 at 09:00 hrs 𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 to answer to the said charge.
The Guyana Police Force assures the public that the investigation was conducted with professionalism, integrity and strict adherence to due process. The Force remains committed to upholding the rule of law, protecting citizens and ensuring peace and public safety across the nation while expressing gratitude to the public and partner agencies for their continued cooperation and support in this matter.
A major citywide drainage upgrade programme is being advanced by the government, and President Dr Irfaan Ali announced that robust consultations with citizens will be held starting Monday.
The multi-agency team, the President said, will lead consultations for about three weeks. The goal is to share the government’s plans for majorly improving Georgetown’s drainage network and hear suggestions or concerns from citizens.
President Ali said the programme will first involve clearing, cleaning, and levelling all parapets. Once the drainage network is upgraded, the President said other matters like parking and the city’s beautification will be dealt with too.
“This will lead to enormous improvement in your property price and of course, the value of the city itself,” President Ali said.
This drainage upgrade is part of a wider Georgetown revitalisation programme. The President said previously that the revitalisation of Georgetown is not optional but an essential part of Guyana’s broader development agenda, aimed at creating a cleaner, greener, and more liveable capital for all citizens.
For Isaiah and Thilia Somerset, a young couple with dreams of acquiring a university degree, the journey to academic glory was filled with challenges and obstacles. They faced health issues, financial difficulties, and, on top of this, had to deal with all the challenges that come with an expanding family. But they were determined to overcome every hurdle and finish the journey they started almost four years ago.
Isaiah will graduate with a degree in Biology from the Faculty of Natural Sciences, while Thilia will graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education (Early Childhood Education) from the faculty of Education and Humanities when the University of Guyana hosts its series of Convocation exercises from November 20 to December 6.
Isaiah, who grew up in Linden and now lives in Lodge with his wife and children, always dreamed of becoming a doctor. “I always wanted to become a doctor from a young age. I am a people person and I love to help. I think being a doctor would allow me to help people”. That dream almost died when he first came to Georgetown to study Chemistry at UG and struggled. “My grades were not good. I took a complete withdrawal from the programme and decided I was not going to study again. My dad has a gold business and I was already prepared to take up that mantle.”
But marriage brought a turning point. “After I got married, my wife encouraged me to study again,” Isaiah said. He switched to the BSc Biology programme, but life tested him immediately. “I had struggles at work and I was working taxi so I did not really take it [studies] seriously at first. Added to that, when we had a baby in my first year and another in my final year.”
Isaiah and Thilia Somerset with their children
When face-to-face classes resumed, something shifted. “Ms. Ruth Daniels spoke to us about what it means to have a bachelor’s degree. The way she spoke made me realise how serious this is. I decided to get more serious. She really made this degree sound like it mattered,” Isaiah said.
For Thilia, a teacher at St. Gabriel’s Primary, motherhood, work, and school collided in painful ways. “It was chaotic. During my pregnancy I would have nightmares. It got overwhelming because it was a lot. At one point I had to step away from work because I couldn’t manage; I was on one month’s sick leave. I was being pressured at work,” Thilia shared.
Then came heartbreak. “My last pregnancy was a twin and we only got one baby, and I believe it was the pressure I was under that affected the other baby,” Thilia shared. She never lost sight
of her why. “I kept going because I wanted to be someone respectable in society, and I was doing this for my children and my husband,” she said with much pride.
Their challenges intensified. Illness struck. “After the second year, I went to the interior for two months and came out with malaria,” Isaiah recalled. “When I was writing exams in third year the symptoms started manifesting. I was allergic to one of the medications and was in class scratching all the time.”
Thilia added, “At one point we were sharing a container, throwing up at the same time. We were both sick, studying with a new baby.” There were days they sat in hospital beds together, missing classes. There were nights they studied with fevers, days they attended lectures while exhausted, and moments when the demands felt unbearable.
But the young couple moved as one unit. They sacrificed for each other. “We would usually share one computer. One time we took the same elective and had an exam the same day, same time. He allowed me to do my exam first, even when only a little time was left. He sacrificed his grade for me. Thankfully he was allowed to redo his exam another day.”
“One time I had a Berbice job with my taxi work, and I did not want to miss my presentation. I pulled over with the customer in the car, did my presentation, then continued to Berbice. Thank God my customer was understanding,” Isiah recalled.
When asked what advice they would give to other couples sharing the same journey, Thilia said: “Put God first and everything will fall into place. The devil tempted us a lot. We even went through marriage counselling. We experienced financial difficulties. Some days we didn’t know how we would make it, but we did. God is so good.”
“Support each other, love each other even when things look hard. Sometimes it might look like there is no hope, but there is. Be your partner’s motivation,” Isiah encouraged.
Family became their earthly anchor. “My mother-in-law is the biggest supporter,” Isaiah said. Thilia also noted: “My father Mark Fraser and my brother Takyle Fraser too. They were part of our world, in everything that we have been through.”
They also added that Lecturers and classmates also stepped in along the way to give support in various forms. For Isiah and Thilia, this convocation represents far more than degrees. It represents answered prayers, restored hope, and a testimony forged through trials. “People see our pictures and judge us based on what they see, but they don’t know what we went through,” Thilia said.
Isaiah agreed saying: “I was not planning to come back, but after I got married, my wife motivated me. After writing my final exam, I could not believe I was done. I could jump for joy. My wife is my biggest cheerleader.”
Ahead lies more growth, more ambition, and more purpose. “I don’t want to stop here; I want to do my PhD”, Thilia said.
Isaiah is prayerfully waiting on direction. “I am between two worlds. I am thinking about business, and I am also thinking about being a dentist,” he said.
The University of Guyana has produced upwards of 70,000 graduates in its 62-year existence – many of whom have gone on to serve at the highest levels in both the private and public sectors nationally and internationally. (Feature by the Department of Events of Events, Conferences and Communication (DECC), Office of the Vice-Chancellor, University of Guyana)
When U.S.-based Guyanese businessman Navin Shivpal first took over Cottage Home Care Services in a small Queens office just before the pandemic, he could hardly have imagined that five years later it would become one of New York’s largest and fastest-growing home care agencies.
Now employing over 3,000 caregivers and serving thousands of families across the state, Cottage Home Care has opened a new branch on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. The new office is not just a business expansion; it’s being hailed as a cultural and care hub for the borough’s diverse Caribbean community.
“This isn’t just about business,” Shivpal said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“It’s about helping humanity. We’re expanding across states not to make a profit, but to give people opportunity, training and stability.”
U.S.-based Guyanese businessman Navin Shivpal
Shivpal’s rise from humble beginnings to leading one of New York’s top home care agencies is a true Guyanese success story. Born and raised in Guyana, he migrated to New York in 1995 at the age of 13 in search of a better life. By 18, he had ventured into the restaurant business with his brother in Florida, running two seafood eateries under the name High Tide.
But after the 2008 economic downturn shuttered that dream, he turned to healthcare — an industry that would become his true calling. In 2020, just before the COVID-19 lockdown, he took over an almost bankrupt post-hospitalisation facility in Queens that had only 25 patients. Today, it stands as one of New York’s largest home care networks.
Of the thousands employed, hundreds are Guyanese women, many of whom Shivpal personally helped train and certify through his vocational institutions, including the Brooklyn Institute of Vocational Training and the Care Guide Training Institute in Brooklyn.
At the Brooklyn opening, the atmosphere was charged with pride and community spirit. Locals, health leaders and members of the Caribbean diaspora gathered to celebrate a business that reflects their values.
Council Member Rita Joseph, herself of Haitian descent, spoke emotionally about caring for her elderly mother.
Claire Patterson-Monah, Interim Executive Director of the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, said the model of care practised by Cottage goes far beyond routine service. “When caregivers know their clients’ favourite foods, music, and traditions — from roti to reggae — it transforms the experience,” she said.
Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Kim Council called Cottage’s mission “the intersection of culture, compassion, and community,” while State Senator Kevin Parker praised the company’s investment in the community.
While his achievements in the U.S. continue to grow, Shivpal’s heart remains firmly tied to his Guyanese roots.
He hopes to replicate his success back home by establishing a senior centre, nursing home and dialysis facility in Guyana.
Police Corporal Yonelle Almarie Cumberbatch of Eastville Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was on Tuesday granted $500,000 bail after she was charged with causing the death of 15-year-old Navindra Mahes by dangerous driving.
The accident occurred on October 30 along the Success Public Road, ECD.
Cumberbatch appeared before Magistrate Abigail Gibbs at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court 2, where the charge was read to her. She was not required to plead.
The charge was brought under Section 35(1) of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02.
The matter was adjourned to January 6, 2026, for disclosure of statements.
Reports indicate that the accident occurred at around 07:30 hrs, while the “third lane” system was in operation. The system was discontinued following the accident.
CCTV footage captured the moment Mahes, who was standing on the median separating the two carriageways, attempted to cross the road using the pedestrian crossing. As he stepped forward, he was struck by a vehicle driven by the accused.
The impact flung the teenager several feet into the air before he landed on the roadway, suffering severe head injuries and a fractured right leg.
Public-spirited citizens rushed Mahes to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where doctors made efforts to save his life, but he later succumbed to his injuries.
A post-mortem examination later revealed that Mahes died as a result of multiple injuries resulting from a vehicular accident.
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Ryan Rahaman carrying the chequered flag at the South Dakota Circuit on November 2 (Photo: GMR&SC)
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U.S.-based Guyanese businessman Navin Shivpal
