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The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has officially launched its Harmony Clubs Pilot Programme at the Stella Maris Primary School, located at 120 Woolford Avenue, following approval and support from the Ministry of Education.

The launch took place today at 12:30 p.m. in the school’s Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) room and marks the first phase of a national initiative designed to promote respect, tolerance, cooperation and an appreciation for Guyana’s ethnic diversity among the nation’s youth.

Providing remarks at the launch was Chairman of the ERC, Shaikh Moeenul Hack, who emphasized the importance of fostering unity and understanding from an early age.

According to the Chairman “harmony begins with how we treat each other. When we learn about one another’s backgrounds, cultures and beliefs, we build respect and break down the barriers that divide us. The Harmony Club gives our children a space to do exactly that, to listen, to understand, and to show kindness. If we plant these values early, they will grow into a more peaceful and united Guyana.”

Representing the Ministry of Education at the launch, Deputy Chief Education Officer (Development), Ms. Volika Jaikishun, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to fostering environments that encourage inclusion and respect.

The Harmony Clubs are envisioned as safe and inclusive spaces where students can learn and openly discuss topics related to ethnic diversity, national identity, mutual respect, and peaceful co-existence (Photo: ERC)

She posited that “this Harmony Club represents what we want for every child in Guyana, a safe space to learn not only academic lessons, but lessons of heart. When children learn to respect one another’s cultures, beliefs, and experiences, they become more compassionate, confident and caring individuals. The Ministry of Education is proud to partner with the Ethnic Relations Commission in nurturing these values. Together, we are helping our children build friendships that are rooted in understanding, respect, and unity in the classroom, at home, and throughout our beautiful country.”

Speaking on behalf of the school, Headmistress of Stella Maris Primary, Ms. Dayvika Ghansiam, expressed appreciation for the collaborative effort while noting that “we at Stella Maris Primary School are proud to work in collaboration with the ERC and the Ministry of Education in launching this Harmony Club. The Harmony Club is being established to promote a simple but powerful idea, that even though we come from different backgrounds, we can live, learn, and grow together as one. Harmony doesn’t mean we all have to be the same. It means respecting each other’s differences and finding strength in our diversity. Together, we can create a melody of unity that will echo far beyond these walls.”

The Harmony Clubs are envisioned as safe and inclusive spaces where students can learn and openly discuss topics related to ethnic diversity, national identity, mutual respect, and peaceful co-existence. Through guided activities, games, cultural exchanges and interactive sessions, students will be encouraged to appreciate similarities, celebrate differences, and work collaboratively.

The Pilot Programme is slated to be rolled out next at the following schools:

• North Georgetown Secondary
• Comenius Primary
• St. Gabriel’s Primary
• St. Ambrose Primary

These schools will serve as the initial testing ground for the club structure, engagement activities, and student-driven initiatives. Feedback and outcomes from the pilot phase will inform how the programme will be expanded to schools across all regions in Guyana.

The ERC expresses gratitude to the Ministry of Education, school administrators, teachers, Parent Teacher Associations and students for their support and enthusiasm towards this initiative. As a constitutional body mandated to promote national harmony and good relations among all ethnic groups, the Commission remains committed to ensuring that every Guyanese child grows in an environment of mutual respect and shared national pride. [ERC Press Release]

 

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Azore Joseph, a 25-year-old labourer caught on camera vandalising two banks in New Amsterdam, Berbice, has been remanded to prison on Wednesday. A psychiatric evaluation was also ordered for Joseph.

He was represented by Attorney-at-Law Akim Lampkin and appeared before Magistrate Michelle Mathias at the Reliance Magistrates’ Court.

According to reports, last Sunday, Joseph used a metal object to break the front glass of Scotia Bank before proceeding to Republic Bank, where he damaged two ATMs and the glass to the front access door.

Eight glass windows and two doors were also damaged at Scotia Bank.

During the court proceedings, Joseph’s mother informed the court that her son had been living in Georgetown with a relative. She stated that three weeks prior, she learned he was exhibiting disorderly behavior. Concerned, she traveled to investigate and brought Joseph back to Region Six.

The mother told the court that he had not previously undergone a mental health evaluation.

However, his attorney informed the court that Joseph has been diagnosed with mental illness, which was discovered four months ago, prompting his relocation to Berbice.

The prosecution requested that Joseph be remanded to undergo a thorough psychiatric evaluation. After considering the prosecution’s request, Magistrate Mathias ordered that Joseph be remanded.

The case has been transferred to the New Amsterdam Magistrates’ Court and is scheduled to be heard on November 6, 2025.

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West Indies took an unassailable 2-0 lead in their three-match series against Bangladesh, shrugging off a batting collapse that had taken them from 106-1 to 149-9 in Chattogram. It also marked their first T20I series win after seven consecutive defeats.

The West Indies bowlers- Romario Shepherd and Akeal Hosein played lead roles with three wickets each- were effective in defending the moderate total. Bangladesh could not chase 150 on a good batting pitch despite the presence of dew, which hampered the bowlers. Tanzid Hasan kept them going with 61, but the rest were often caught in two minds on a surface that encouraged playing through one’s shots.

The Bangladesh line-up did not do justice to their bowlers, who engineered West Indies’ batting collapse. Mustafizur Rahman picked up three wickets, while Nasum Ahmed and Rishad Hossain took two each.

Hope, Athanaze lift West Indies

West Indies had luck in the first half of their innings. Litton Das dropped Brandon King first ball, and Towhid Hridoy couldn’t hang on to a tough chance at mid-on off Alick Athanaze in the third over.

Athanaze launched Tanzim Hasan over square-leg in the same over, before Shai Hope struck Taskin Ahmed straight down the ground for his first six in the next one. The pair struck boundaries at ease during the powerplay and beyond. Athanaze hit five in total, while Hope picked up three.

Athanaze and Hope both reached their half-centuries off their 30th deliveries. They brought up their 100-run stand shortly afterwards too, in 10.5 overs, as the pair put West Indies in a position from where they could aim for 200 and beyond.

Alick Athanaze (left) and Shai Hope had a century partnership (Photo: BCB)

Nasum, Rishad wreck West Indies

Athanaze fell in the 12th over, holing out on the deep square-leg boundary, giving Nasum his first wicket. Sherfane Rutherford fell next ball for his second successive golden duck.

Mustafizur then removed Hope for 55, when the West Indies captain mistimed a slower ball and was caught at point. By the time Rishad got Rovman Powell also caught at point in the 15th over, West Indies were in free fall. Jason Holder was dismissed in the same over, caught at long-on for four.

Romario Shepherd tried to resurrect the innings but did not succeed. Mustafizur had him caught at deep point in the last over, before hitting Khary Pierre’s stumps next ball. Akeal Hosein was run out off the last delivery to complete a remarkable turnaround for the home side.

West Indies drop four chances

Bangladesh lost Saif Hassan early in a slow start, when Holder sucked him into an uppish shot against a short ball. Brandon King took the catch in the covers, making up for dropping the same batter in the second over. Litton Das got the chase on track with three fours in the fifth over, using Jayden Seales’ pace – twice playing the ball down to deep third, and also scooping over short fine leg.

Rutherford dropped Litton but the Bangladesh captain could not press on for much longer. Hosein bowled him for 23. Tanzid hit big sixes over midwicket, even as another catch went down in the field: Seales dropped Hridoy in the 11th over.

Seales made amends in the 13th over when he took a tumbling catch, after Hridoy top edged Shepherd. Tanzid reached his fifty with a boundary soon after, but Bangladesh still needed 50 off the last five overs.

Shepherd, Hosein deal final blows

Tanzid started the death overs with a four past cover, but Jaker Ali could not accelerate at the other end. Tanzid perished in the hunt for boundaries, caught on at deep point. He finished on 61 off 48 balls, having hit three sixes and three fours.

Jaker fell in the same over to Shepherd, caught at the deep square-leg boundary for 17 off 18 balls.

Holder started the 19th over by hitting Shamim Hossain’s off-stump with a yorker, and gave away just five runs. Bangladesh were left needing 21 off the last over. Hosein did not concede a boundary and also taking two wickets to finish with 3-22. (ESPNcricinfo)

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See below the full statement from Sol Guyana Inc.

Sol Guyana Inc. (Sol), the authorized distributor of Mobil fuels in Guyana through its Mobil Branded retail network, is deeply saddened by the tragic explosion that occurred on Sunday, October 26 at the Regent Street Service Station in Georgetown.

Our sincere condolences go out to the family of young Soraya Bourne who lost her life, and our heartfelt thoughts remain with all those injured or affected.

We also extend our appreciation to the emergency services, authorities, and our retailer for their swift and professional response.

At this time, authorities led by the Ministry of Home Affairs are on-site conducting a thorough investigation.

The Guyana Police Force has confirmed that the incident is being treated as a criminal matter and that an individual believed to have caused the explosion has been identified and is presently in Police custody, assisting with the investigation.

Sol remains fully committed to cooperating with the relevant authorities as the investigation continues and has also launched an internal review in collaboration with the retailer. We recognize the public concern surrounding this devastating incident and reaffirm that the safety and well-being of our team, customers, and community remain our top priority.

Sol will continue to share verified updates as they become available and urges the public to follow official safety guidance and avoid the affected area while investigations are ongoing.

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With women participation in agricultural projects at 35 per cent and an expected increase to 50 per cent by 2030, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has said women are integral players for the sector.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the Micro and Women Entrepreneur Learning Centre on Tuesday, the minister disclosed the significance of women’s participation.

“Although agriculture is often viewed as a labour intensive and male dominated field.

“Guyanese women have always been integral to the sector from planting and harvesting in our rice fields and sugar estate, to tending kitchen gardens, rearing livestock and running agro-processing ventures,” the Agriculture Minister said.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha during his remark at the commissioning ceremony of the Micro and Women Entrepreneur Learning Centre on Tuesday.

Now, women are involved in almost every area of the sector and the impact is undeniable. Guyana has reduced its import of crops, that previously cost the country $2.6 billion, through the Agriculture Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme which has 300 shade houses operated by women.

“We are now supplying the oil and gas industry and hospitality industry,” the minister said.

Another project that has massive women participation with significant impact is the One Guyana Cut Rose project, which produces 400 roses weekly. This initiative provides employment for single mothers and reduced the rose import by 30 per cent.

The Hinterland Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture Development Programme (US$11.1 million) is also highly joined by women supporting ventures in cattle rearing, poultry, crops, AP culture, agro-processing, bakeries and eco-tourism.

Women’s participation, along with youth participation in the sector is a major goal for the government. They are beneficiaries of several projects that aim for inclusion.

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See below the full statement issued by the Guyana Police Force on the deadly gas station attack: 

The Guyana Police Force has made a significant breakthrough in its investigation into the October 26, 2025 explosion at the Mobil Fuel Station, Regent and King Streets, Georgetown – an act that tragically claimed the life of 6-year-old Soraya Bourne and left four other persons injured.

Preliminary investigations revealed that on the night in question, a male Spanish-speaking individual was observed in the vicinity of the fuel station carrying one large black plastic bag. Moments later, a powerful explosion occurred on the western side of the premises, resulting in the death of an eight-year-old child, injuries to four other persons and significant structural damage to the gas station and several nearby buildings and vehicles.

Venezuelan man confesses to bombing gas station, entered Guyana mere hours before 

𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

From the onset, a Special Investigative Task Force was established comprising members of the Major Crimes Investigation Unit, Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters, Regional Divisions 3, 4A, and 4B and other key stakeholders, supported by intelligence and forensic experts. The investigation was coordinated from the highest level of the Force, with continuous oversight by the Commissioner of Police and his Executive Leadership Team.

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲

The Force, in collaboration with the Safe City Command Centre and allied intelligence agencies, utilized video-forensic analysis, digital tracking, and data correlation to trace the suspect’s movements before and after the incident. Acting on a credible information and through inter-agency coordination and field intelligence, investigators were able to locate the suspect at Vergenoegen Sideline Dam, East Bank Essequibo, where he was captured earlier today Tuesday, October 28, 2025 in a coordinated operation led by a Superintendent.

This success underscores the integration of modern policing technology with traditional investigative work, demonstrating the Force’s growing capacity in counter-terrorism and digital intelligence operations.

𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The main suspect, Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodomo, a Venezuelan national, is presently in custody assisting with ongoing investigations.
Several other persons of interest are being questioned as the Force expands its probe to determine whether the act was part of a larger organized network or a lone-wolf operation.
Investigators are also working closely with regional and international counterparts, including INTERPOL, to verify the suspect’s background and possible affiliations.

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐀𝐜𝐭

Based on the evidence gathered thus far, detectives are establishing the elements to support the charges of Sections 309A and 309B of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01, which address acts of terrorism and conspiracy to commit terrorism.
Additional charges relating to murder, attempted murder, arson and malicious damage to property are being actively pursued, pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬
As Commissioner of Police, Iwant to commend the exceptional work of our investigators, intelligence analysts and all ranks involved in the swift apprehension of the suspect.

This incident demonstrates the Force’s capability, discipline and professionalism, supported by the effective use of technology and intelligence-led policing.

The Guyana Police Force remains resolute and relentless in its duty to protect the public, ensuring that any act of terror or violence is met with decisive and lawful action.

𝐎𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

The investigation remains active as investigators continue to examine all evidence to determine the motive, origin and any wider connections surrounding the attack.

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Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond on Tuesday night said the authorities will be pursuing the death penalty for Venezuelan national Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodomo, who reportedly confessed to bombing the Mobil Gas Station on Regent and King Streets on Sunday night.

“The penalty for terrorism under the section quoted by the Commissioner (of Police Clifton Hicken) is death, and we will be pursuing that.

“… We will be making a case for the death penalty,” Walrond told reporters.

On Tuesday morning, Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali reminded the public that any person who commits a terrorist act, especially if it results in the death of another person, can be sentenced to death once convicted, according to Guyana’s law.

Walrond said she is sure President Ali will greenlight such actions.

“One life, Guyanese life, is still too much. I am absolutely sure that our Commander in Chief, our President, will sign off on that order (for the death penalty),” she said.

At the Tuesday night press conference, which dealt with the gas station explosion that claimed the life of six-year-old Soroya Bourne and injured several others, Mr. Hicken said detectives are establishing evidence to support charges for acts of terrorism.

Charges related to murder, attempted murder, arson, and damage to property are also being pursued.

Venezuelan man confesses to bombing gas station, entered Guyana mere hours before 

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Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodomo, a Venezuelan national, has reportedly confessed to bombing the Mobil Gas Station on Regent and King Streets on Sunday night, and he did so hours after he entered Guyana from Venezuela via boat.

This is according to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, who spoke at a press conference on Tuesday night.

“He came last Sunday (October 26) at 8 AM and he was supported by other accomplices, both Venezuelans and Guyanese,” Blanhum told reporters.

The Crime Chief confirmed that Daniel confessed to the crime, stating that the bomb was brought into Guyana from Venezuela. Nine people are in custody. Daniel is also reportedly associated with a Venezuelan gang.

According to Blanhum, the device reportedly had a switch which Daniel activated when he exited a vehicle that was parked in the vicinity of the gas station.

Daniel is reportedly cooperating with investigators, who are engaging him via a translator. Reporters were assured that all legal processes were followed, including telling the man that he has a right to a lawyer.

After the explosion, six-year-old Soraya Bourne lost her life. Several others were injured.

BREAKING: Prime suspect in gas station explosion caught 

 

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