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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has announced that it is closely monitoring the progress of Hurricane Melissa, which is moving toward Jamaica, where several Guyanese students and nationals reside.

According to a statement issued on Sunday, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has instructed Permanent Secretary Sharon Roopchand-Edwards to engage with Guyana’s Honorary Consul in Jamaica, as well as Guyanese students and residents, to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

The Ministry said preparations are being made to provide care packages and emergency assistance if necessary.

“The Government of Guyana stands ready to support its citizens in Jamaica and to assist the Jamaican people should the need arise,” the Ministry said in its statement.

Officials from Georgetown have also been in direct contact with the Government of Jamaica and local emergency services as the Category 1 hurricane continues to approach the island. In addition, President Ali has directed the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to be on standby to offer humanitarian aid and logistical support.

The Jamaican Government has been informed of Guyana’s willingness to provide assistance, including possible deployment of relief teams if requested.

Meanwhile, the United States National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane warning for Jamaica, cautioning that Hurricane Melissa could bring catastrophic flooding and dangerous winds to parts of the northern Caribbean.

Guyanese students or residents in Jamaica who require assistance or information are urged to contact the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation at +592 611 0345 or via email at ps@minfor.gov.gy.

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Police are investigating an early morning incident on Sunday in which a man, believed to be suffering from a mental illness, damaged the property of two commercial banks along Strand Road, New Amsterdam.

According to information reaching the News Room, the suspect first went to Scotia Bank, where he used a metal object to shatter the building’s front glass.

He then proceeded a short distance away to Republic Bank, where he allegedly damaged both automated teller machines (ATMs) and the front access door glass.

Police patrols are currently conducting searches for the suspect.

Crime scene investigators and other ranks are on location processing evidence.

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reminding the public that persons found guilty of creating noise nuisance can face hefty fines ranging from $300,000 to $750,000, along with possible arrest and seizure of equipment.

Speaking on an episode of the ‘Police and You’ programme, Surujpaul Singh, Head of Investigation and Enforcement at the EPA on Sunday said the agency continues to receive a high number of noise complaints from across the country.

However, many of these reports come from persons who wish to remain anonymous.

“Once we have a location, we can go and investigate. But when the Police are called in, a formal statement is needed to move the matter forward,”Singh said.

Surujpaul Singh, Head of Investigation and Enforcement at the EPA

The EPA has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to tackle noise nuisance cases more effectively. Under this partnership, police ranks are being trained in the use of sound level meters, which measure the intensity of noise at specific locations.

Singh said according to the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), acceptable sound levels in residential areas are 75 decibels during the day and 60 decibels at night.

Activities that exceed these limits, including music from bars, workshops, or public events like weddings and parties, can lead to penalties.

Singh emphasized that formal complaints are essential for cases to be pursued and that once a report is made at a police station or through the EPA’s official channels, enforcement action can be taken swiftly.

“If you’re being affected by noise from an event or a nearby establishment, lodge a formal complaint. That’s the only way the matter can be prioritized and dealt with legally,” Singh urged.

Although the agency has not prosecuted anyone for noise nuisance so far this year, Singh said the EPA is working on arrangements that will allow the Police to charge offenders directly under EPA regulations.

The EPA is also promoting voluntary compliance, encouraging business owners particularly bar operators to install soundproofing or enclose their facilities to minimize disturbances.

As the Christmas season approaches, Singh warned that monitoring will be intensified and urged citizens to operate within the law.

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The Ministry of Education has stepped up efforts to permanently resolve a persistent pigeon infestation affecting several schools along the East Coast of Demerara, engaging a professional contractor that specialises in pigeon control, mitigation, and proofing.

Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, made the announcement on Saturday during site visits to some of the affected schools, starting with Beterverwagting Primary, where comprehensive cleaning and preventive works are now underway.

The school will be pressure-washed and outfitted with a special galvanised mesh designed to block the birds from entering. In addition, a gel treatment will be applied to the roof to deter pigeons from roosting or lingering in the area.

“Previously, I had said that we wanted children to be in school on Monday,” Minister Parag said. “However, given the recurring nature of the problem—particularly in communities near Pigeon Island—a more stringent approach is being taken.”

Following consultations with the school’s administration and Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), it was agreed that Grade Six pupils will return to school on Monday, while other students will continue learning from home using worksheets until the situation is fully under control.

Minister Parag emphasised that every effort is being made to keep the disruption to classes as short as possible.

“For this particular issue, given that it’s several schools, we are looking at what we can do long-term, as a government and as the Ministry of Education,” she said.

The Education Minister has also directed that the upcoming Christmas break be used to deep-clean all affected schools, ensuring a healthier and safer environment for both students and teachers when the new term begins.

During the visit, officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) joined the Minister and pointed out that community behaviour is also contributing to the issue.

Ms. Michel Swanston Nurse, Head of the EPA’s Technical Services Department (Air, Noise and Radiation), explained that residents feeding pigeons near schools are unintentionally worsening the problem.

“While it may seem kind to feed them, it results in droppings from these birds in excessive amounts,” she said, warning that uncontrolled pigeon populations can quickly become a public health concern.

The EPA will now work with the Guyana Wildlife Management and Conservation Commission to raise awareness in communities prone to pigeon infestations, encouraging more responsible practices.

Minister Parag expressed optimism that the combined efforts will bring lasting relief without harming the birds.

“This is a problem that will not go away overnight, but it will go away—hopefully within a short space of time—and over time it will continue to reduce,” she said.

The Education Minister also visited Annandale and Golden Grove Secondary Schools, which face similar challenges. She assured that the Ministry will continue to engage local authorities, school heads, and regional officials to coordinate upgrades and ensure safe, clean learning environments across the country.

Minister Parag was accompanied by Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussain, Deputy Chief Education Officer (Administration) Tiffany Harvey, Regional Chairman Clemsford Belgrave, Regional Education Officer Kean Adams, District Education Officer Caroline Daniels, Head Teacher Givel Austin, and PTA Representative Alvin McCurdy of the Beterverwagting Primary School.

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Thousands of Guyanese families are one step closer to owning their own homes as the government pushes ahead with a massive $20 billion investment to develop new housing communities across the country.

The initiative, led by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Administration, is part of a broader national drive to expand access to affordable housing and uplift living standards for citizens in every region.

On Friday, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, visited several of the new housing sites—including Overwinning, Providence, Glasgow, Hogstye, and Moleson Creek—to get a first-hand look at the ongoing land clearing and preparation works. These early-stage activities will pave the way for the construction of roads, drainage systems, utilities, and other critical infrastructure that will support thriving new neighbourhoods.

“We are working on additional lands for the mid-way area since persons have been asking about that spread,” Minister Croal explained during the visit. “We believe that the lands at Moleson Creek, Overwinning, and Providence will cater for the many pending applicants in Region Six.”

According to Minister Croal, there are approximately 6,000 pending housing applicants in the region, many of whom will soon be able to access their plots.

The Hogstye Phase One development is already progressing rapidly, with infrastructural works set to wrap up by mid-November. This will allow more than 300 allottees to begin accessing their lands before the end of the month.

However, at Moleson Creek, progress has been slower due to limited access for contractors. The area’s $3.5 billion development plan includes residential lots, schools, government offices, commercial spaces, and recreational grounds—creating not just homes, but an entire community.

Minister Croal assured that a new access bridge will soon be constructed to speed up works in the area. He also confirmed that 22 local contractors have been awarded bids to execute the projects, which are being managed by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).

He underscored that the government’s housing programme is designed not merely to allocate land, but to build full, functional communities with access to schools, roads, water, electricity, and opportunities for economic activity.

“Our focus is on creating sustainable, well-planned neighbourhoods where families can live comfortably and build their futures,” Minister Croal said.

The $20 billion investment is part of the government’s wider national housing and infrastructure agenda, which continues to transform landscapes and lives across Regions Five, Six, and beyond—delivering on its promise of homeownership, dignity, and opportunity for all Guyanese.

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After 25 years of continuous participation at the South Dakota Circuit, Team CAMS (Caribbean American Motorsport) from the United States is set to make its largest appearance ever at the ENet Caribbean Clash of Champions on November 2, 2025.

A total of 21 drivers will represent CAMS across multiple categories- from Group 4 and Group 3 to Group 2, 1600 GP, Rookie, and the Vitz Cup- marking a historic milestone for the team’s 25-year involvement in Guyana’s motorsport scene.

The full line-up includes: Quinlan Lall, Mohan Rangasammy, Mark Samaroo, Alex London, Lenny Samaroo, Sanjay Sewsankar, Aubrey Mitchell, Neil Persaud, Afraz Allie, Sunil Nauth, Aaron Bethune, Damian Singh, Emraan Baksh, Nikita Ramsaran, Terry Rodrigues, Rakesh, Joe Mohan, Chris Lall, Kemal Rahman, Sylvester Carew and Harry Boodram.

Quinlan Lall’s RX-7

The team will campaign a diverse fleet of machines, including RX-7s, Miatas, Hondas, EGs, CRXs, Nissans, Starlets, MRS, and Vitz, showcasing the broad technical range and racing expertise that define CAMS.

In addition to the driver line-up, a delegation of more than 350 team members, family and supporters will travel from the United States to Guyana, making it one of the largest visiting contingents in the history of local circuit racing.

For a quarter century, Team CAMS has been a cornerstone of regional motorsport, helping strengthen the bond between Guyana and the wider Caribbean-American racing community. Their continued commitment reflects a shared passion for motorsport excellence and sports tourism development in the region.

The Caribbean Clash of Champions, celebrating 70 years of motorsport in Guyana, will feature top competitors from the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, and the United States, all vying for championship glory at the South Dakota Circuit.

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The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) has announced Tropical Shipping as the Official Shipping Partner for the Month of Motor-Racing 2025, which includes two major international events- the Caribbean Clash of Champions on November 2 and Drag Wars 4 on November 30 at the South Dakota Circuit.

As part of the partnership, Tropical Shipping will handle the freight and logistics for three international race cars competing at the Caribbean Clash of Champions: Neil Persaud’s Honda CRX and Aaron Bethune’s Honda Civic EG, both from Team CAMS (USA), and Ravi Singh’s Mazda RX-7 from Trinidad and Tobago.

Later in the month, for Drag Wars 4, the company will also provide additional logistical support to assist with the movement of race cars and equipment, ensuring smooth coordination for international and regional participants.

GMR&SC President Mahendra Boodhoo welcomed the partnership, noting that Tropical Shipping’s involvement highlights the importance of dependable logistics in staging international-level events.

“The Month of Motor-Racing brings together competitors from across the Caribbean, North America, and Europe,” Boodhoo said.

“Having Tropical Shipping on board gives us confidence that the transport and handling of vehicles and equipment will be managed at the highest standard. Their support helps make our international participation possible.”

The partnership comes as the GMR&SC celebrates 70 years of motorsport in Guyana, marking decades of growth and regional collaboration. The Caribbean Clash of Champions will see some of the best drivers and riders from the Caribbean, the United States, and the United Kingdom go head-to-head, while Drag Wars 4 will close the month with a thrilling display of raw speed and power.

Tropical Shipping’s role as Official Partner reaffirms its ongoing commitment to Caribbean development, extending beyond trade to support regional sport and tourism.

With their support, the GMR&SC continues to elevate the standard of motorsport in Guyana and the wider region.

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Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) held the upper hand at stumps on Day One of the Georgetown Cricket Association’s GISE/Star Rentals/Trophy Stall Two-Day First Division Final against the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) on Saturday.

Home side DCC closed on a solid 198-4, trailing GCC’s first innings score of 262 all out by 64 runs.

Click here to view scorecard 

Skipper Tevin Imlach is unbeaten on 61 off 103 balls (6x4s), with young Jonathan Van Lange sharing his company on 26 off 40 (4x4s).

Guyana Harpy Eagles batsman Raymond Perez set the tone for DCC’s response with a shot-filled 71 off 46 balls (7x4s, 5x6s), dominating an 85-run third wicket partnership with Imlach after openers Joshua Persaud (15) and Brandon Jaikarran (0) fell cheaply.

Click here to view more photos 

GCC earlier recovered from 106-5 through a massive sixth-wicket partnership of 147 between Mavendra Dindyal and Ronaldo Alimohamed. However, from 253-5 they could only muster 262 as off-spinner Ezekiel Wilson finished with 5-39 off 13 overs and Van Lange took 3-38 off 6.2 overs.

Dindyal, the last man dismissed, anchored the innings with his sixth First Division hundred- 106 off 146 balls (11x4s, 1x6s)- to follow up his match-winning knock of 61* for Demerara against Berbice in the Inter-County Super50 last Sunday at the Number 69 Ground.

Alimohamed slammed 87 off 73 (8x4s, 5x6s), while Rivaldo Phillips made 28 off 38 (1×4, 2x6s).

Play will start at 09:00h on Sunday when both teams resume the battle for First Division championship honours in the city.

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An early morning fire on Saturday completely destroyed a three-storey building at Second Avenue, Bartica, Region Seven.

According to a statement from the Guyana Fire Service, the Bartica Fire Station received a report of the blaze at approximately 02:29 hrs.

Firefighters immediately deployed two units—Water Tender #126 and Water Carrier #24—to the scene.

Upon arrival, the GFS said the crew found the building, owned by Ryan and Emily Mahadeo, fully engulfed in flames.

Firefighters battled the blaze using four jets and both appliances, but the structure and its contents were completely destroyed.

Station Officer Johnson reported that the team successfully prevented the fire from spreading to neighboring properties, containing the damage to the affected building.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Fire Prevention Department.

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Police in Regional Division #2, in collaboration with the Guyana Fire Service, are investigating a fire that occurred early Saturday morning at the Suddie Public Hospital.

According to reports, the fire began around 03:30 hrs under a shed near the hospital’s boardroom. On-site security personnel managed to contain the blaze before firefighters arrived and fully extinguished it.

Authorities confirmed that two wheelchairs and packaging materials, valued at approximately $120,000 GYD, were destroyed in the incident.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and hospital operations continued as normal.

Ranks from the Suddie Police Station responded promptly to the scene, conducting initial investigations and processing the affected area.

Police have since confirmed that one person is in custody assisting with the ongoing investigation.

Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.

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