Blog

By Danielle Swain in Belém, Brazil

danielle@newsroom.gy

“The forest is part of our life. It’s in our DNA.” Derrick John, Toshao of Moraikobai and Chair of Guyana’s National Toshao’s captured the sentiment guiding Guyana’s presence at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, where the climate summit enters its final days on Friday.

COP30 has unfolded with its usual blend of urgency and ritual. Delegates speed-walk between crowded hallways, juggling coffee cups, briefing notes and back-to-back side events. But beneath this diplomatic choreography, Guyana’s climate story has been asserting itself, shaped by the people who live the consequences of climate change every day.

Unlike many small states that rely heavily on foreign advisers to interpret complex climate policy, Guyana has chosen to feature its own local expertise. The small team presenting the country’s approach to forest protection and climate finance is made up of Indigenous leaders, environmental economists and homegrown scientists who helped build the systems now drawing international attention.

Guyana’s Lead Negotiator for the UNFCCC, Pradeepa Bholanath, and Derrick John, Chair of the National Toshaos’ Council, represent Guyana at the Opening of COP30 Negotiations in Belem. (Photo: Yusuf Ali/News Room)

Together, they form the backbone of Guyana’s presence in Belém, reminding the conference that effective climate policy is strongest when led by the people closest to the land.

“We know what has worked, what hasn’t”

Dr. Pradeepa Bholanath, Guyana’s Senior Director for Climate and REDD+, moves through the conference hall with the calm of someone accustomed to stitching large, unwieldy ideas together. She trained as an environmental economist in the United Kingdom, but her work representing Guyana’s positions at global climate negotiations, feels like bringing that training home.

“Environmental economics is about finding a balance between development and conservation,” she said, pausing between panels. “Seeing that come to life in the LCDS and representing our country here, it’s an honour.”

Dr Pradeepa Bholanath interacts with delegates during a technical session at COP30 in Belém. (Yusuf Ali/News Room)

Her voice, firm and undecorated, carries the weight of someone who has grown with the policy she defends. The Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), once a fragile idea, is now a template for how small nations, forested or not, can hold their ground in a global system that often expects them to fail.

“It’s crucial to bring the local context,” she added. “We’ve lived this experience for almost 20 years. We know what has worked, what hasn’t.”

Outside the pavilion, rainclouds from the Amazon drift low. Inside, Dr. Bholanath prepares her team for the next negotiation.

Climate change as a lived reality, not a conference debate

Across the pavilion, Lucina Singh talks about climate adaptation with a delegate. She grew up loving biology, and the fascination never left her.

“I like understanding ecosystems,” she said. “How things connect, and how humans influence them.”

This is her second COP, but her responsibilities are anything but junior. Singh is helping finalise Guyana’s first national adaptation plan, an effort that stretches across health, education, agriculture, biodiversity, and water. Her job, as she sees it, is not just to follow global expectations but to prepare her country for what climate change will force upon it.

“We’re a small country, but we’ve done so much,” she said.

Dr Pradeepa Bholanath and Lucina Singh discuss Guyana’s climate priorities during a technical meeting at COP30 in Belém. (Yusuf Ali/News Room)

The words are shaped by the knowledge that Guyana’s climate leadership didn’t materialise overnight, it was built, often painstakingly, by people like her.

Beside her, Raja Gokul, a climate coordinator with the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC), talks about discovering climate change during an environmental chemistry course.

“For me, it was the biggest problem the world was facing,” he said. “I wanted to be part of the solution.”

Now he represents Guyana’s LCDS, a strategy he describes as “widely respected”, a phrase that is less boastfulness and more acknowledgment of hard-fought credibility.

Dr Pradeepa Bholanath and climate coordinator Raja Gokul sit together during a COP30 working session in Belém.(Photo: Yusuf Ali/News Room)

Indigenous leadership at the negotiating table

But the most striking presence in Guyana’s technical core may be Toshao Derrick John.

In a field where Indigenous knowledge is often referenced but seldom centred, his voice has weight.

“Forest is a global asset,” he said. “And for Indigenous people, it’s part of our life. It’s in our DNA. If anything concerns forests, our voices must be part of the decision.”

For him, standing in the Amazon, the world’s largest rainforest, carries its own symbolism.

Toshao Derrick John raises a point during a COP30 panel in Belém, highlighting Indigenous perspectives in the climate dialogue. (Yusuf Ali/News Room)

“It gives me a sense of ownership,” he said. “Growing up in the jungle and being here, at COP30, in the heart of the Amazon, it means everything.”

His perspective is shaped by decades of advocating for communities once isolated from national decision-making. “Things have changed,” he said. “Indigenous people have a seat at the highest level now. It’s something I’m proud of.”

A small state shaping global climate work

At one of the side events, Preeya Rampersaud explains Guyana’s global role with the clarity of someone who has had to defend it often.

“Guyana isn’t just talking about climate action, we’re leading it,” she said proudly. “Our experience in forest conservation and carbon markets is inspiring action globally.”

Preeya Rampersaud presents Guyana’s forest and climate work during a COP30 side event in Belém.(Photo: Yusuf Ali/News Room)

Her role, supporting the Guyana Co-Chair of the Forest & Climate Leaders’ Partnership, brings her into rooms where the decisions of 40 governments collide. It is a job that would seem outsized for a country of Guyana’s population, unless one understands how deeply prepared the team behind ‘the land of many waters’ is.

A different kind of climate story

At COPs, climate narratives are often framed in grand terms, megafauna, megaprojects, global tipping points. Guyana’s story is more intimate. It is a story of people who grew up near rivers and forest trails, who discovered climate change in classrooms and laboratories, and who now find themselves at the centre of global negotiations for their country.

They are not visiting experts.

They are not consultants passing through.

They are Guyanese who know the forest not as theory, but as home.

And at COP30, that may be the most radical but necessary message of all.

The post At COP30, Guyana’s climate story is being told by its own experts appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The body of 38-year-old Chandini ‘Savi’ Persaud was found at the Stewartville seawall area on the West Coast of Demerara on Sunday, days after she was last seen.

Police Headquarters, in a statement, said the woman had been missing since November 14, 2025.

On Sunday, November 16, a dead body was found at the seawall. The scene was processed, and the body, which was at the time unidentified, was transported to the Ezekiel Funeral Home, awaiting identification and post-mortem examination.

However, the body was positively identified as Chandini on Thursday, November 20. Police said a friend of Chandini visited the funeral home and positively identified the body by means of a tattoo.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery and subsequent identification of the woman’s body. No marks of violence were seen and no foul play is currently suspected, however, a post-mortem examination is pending as investigations continue.

The post Missing Anna Catherina woman found dead at Stewartville seawall appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Everest Cricket Club (ECC) are set to embark on a four-match goodwill tour to Paramaribo, Suriname, from November 21 to 24, 2025, to participate in the nation’s 50th Independence anniversary celebrations.

The tour will see the Everest Masters and Everest Second Division teams play back-to-back T20 fixtures against Suriname A and Suriname B, respectively, on Saturday and Sunday at the Dr Snellen Park.

The cricket series is a significant part of Suriname’s Golden Jubilee festivities, marking 50 years of independence from the Netherlands (gained on November 25, 1975).

For the Everest Second Division side, this goodwill tour is being viewed as the start of a new chapter, aiming to provide players with valuable foreign exposure to different conditions and an opportunity to showcase their talent.

The Second Division squad will be led by former national youth left-arm spinner, Javed Rasheed, with wicketkeeper Denesh Mangal as his deputy.

The Second Division squad features promising youth leg-spinner Nityanand Mathura, seasoned all-rounder Ariel Tilku, and solid batters Varun Mangla, Anthony Sanchara, and Stuart Hoppie. Travis Mohamed will function in a Player/Coach role.

Captain Rasheed is looking forward to an “exciting and action-packed weekend.”

“The tour will serve as an ideal opportunity for the young squad to gain valuable experience and playing time on foreign soil,” Rasheed said. “It also serves as an opportunity for the squad to gel and bond together as we aim to strengthen our camaraderie on and off the field.”

Meanwhile, the Everest Masters’ unit is preparing for a return to familiar territory. Rajesh Singh, the Masters’ Captain, acknowledged some key absentees but expressed confidence in his touring contingent.

“We are looking forward to playing in Suriname again. The hospitality is usually exceptional, and the cricket is competitive,” Singh commented. “Some of the core players are unavailable for various reasons but the touring guys are ready to be good Guyanese ambassadors once again.”

The Everest Masters team includes experienced players such as Anil Beharry, Rohan Sarjoo, and Chanderpaul Singh.

Everest Masters Team; Rajesh Singh (Captain), Anil Beharry, Rohan Sarjoo, Chanderpaul Singh, Latchman Yadram, Suruj Ramdeen, Basil Persaud, Troy Gonsalves, Stephen Alick, Hemraj Garbarran and Julian Mohabir.

Everest Second Division team; Travis Mohamed (Player/Coach), Javed Rasheed (Captain), Feeyad Lakeraj, Stuart Hoppie, Ariel Tilku, Denesh Mangal (Vice Captain and wicketkeeper), Varun Mangla, Anthony Sanchara, Orwin Jordan, Ruel Prashad, Nityanand Mathura, Anek Hemnarine and Anesh Hemnarine.

The post Everest cricket teams head to Suriname for Independence Jubilee Goodwill Tour appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Honorary doctorate recipient Professor Clement Sankat has encouraged graduates of the University of Guyana to embrace lifelong learning as they contribute towards developing the nation.

Professor Sankat spoke at UG’s first Convocation Ceremony for this year. The ceremonies celebrating some of the nation’s most distinguished contributors across engineering, culture, agriculture, and the arts commenced on Thursday. Sankat, Director of the Guyana Technical Training College Inc., received his honorary doctorate, recognising for his decades of leadership in engineering education and vocational training.

He urged graduates to stay future-focused and reminded them to commit to lifelong learning, seek mentorship, and focus on safety and sustainability in all fields.

“Commit to lifelong learning, your degree is just your foundation it is not the finish line. Technology, standards and global expectation change quickly, keep learning.

“Guyana is rising… your country needs your skills, your mind and your commitment. The rewards will come,” Sankat said.

He said that during his decades of commitment to studies and national development, he learned that this is not the finish-line. More importantly, Sankat said that Guyana is at a remarkable time with endless opportunities for growth. He encouraged graduates within the faculties to incorporate technology because this is the thing of now and no longer a thing of the future.

“Guyana stands at one of the most remarkable moments in its modern history. A nation small in size but rich in natural resources,” he said.

Egbert Carter was also honoured during Thursday’s proceedings.

Legendary civil engineer Egbert Carter was also honoured during Thursday’s combined ceremonies for the Faculties of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Engineering and Technology. With a six-decade career that includes his work on the Berbice River Bridge and major heritage restoration projects, he is honoured for his “unwavering dedication” to national development.

Several other distinguished individuals will be receiving Honorary Doctorates from the University of Guyana this year. Those who will receive during the course of three days – Thursday to Saturday – are: Sir Ronald Sanders, Komal Samaroo, Nicolette Fernandes, Grace Nicols, John Agard, Mohindra Persaud and Terry Gajraj.

The post ‘Guyana is rising, needs your skills’ – Prof. Sankat urges UG graduates appeared first on News Room Guyana.

See below the full release issued by the Guyana Office for Investment: 

The post Guyanese delegation in Europe focused on port development, other investments  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

37-year-old fast bowler Kemar Roach has been recalled to the West Indies 15-man squad for the three-Test series against New Zealand in December, while the team will be without the injured pace duo of Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph.

The squad, captained by Roston Chase, sees the inclusion of maiden call-up Ojay Shields and the return of allrounder Kavem Hodge.

The series, which forms part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship (WTC), begins on December 1.

The selection committee prioritised experience in the pace department following the absences of Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph, who are rehabilitating from injuries sustained earlier this year.

Roach’s inclusion is a direct attempt to bolster what is otherwise a youthful fast-bowling unit.

Among the key decisions, the selectors maintained faith in the two Guyanese Test incumbents, opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul and wicketkeeper-batsman Tevin Imlach, both of whom retain their spots.

However, the team saw the notable omission of fellow Guyanese batsman Kevlon Anderson, who was part of the recent Test squad that toured India but has been dropped for the challenging New Zealand assignment.

West Indies Veteran Fast Bowler Kemar Roach attends Camp in Antigua

Anderson’s exclusion, alongside spinner Khary Pierre, suggests a targeted selection approach based on expected pace-friendly pitches.

Hodge returns to the squad specifically on the back of his previous success against pace bowling, while Pierre was excluded due to the expectation that spin will have limited impact.

The bowling unit also includes uncapped Ojay Shields and the retention of Jayden Seales and Anderson Phillip.

CWI’s Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, stressed that the preparation for the tour has been intentionally focused on replicating the conditions expected across Hagley Oval, Basin Reserve, and Bay Oval.

“New Zealand has traditionally been one of the toughest places for any touring side, which is why strong emphasis has been placed on targeted preparation,” Bascombe said. “The recent high-performance camp here in Antigua was designed to replicate, as closely as possible, the pace-friendly surfaces we expect to face.”

Bascombe highlighted that the squad, which began arriving in New Zealand on November 20 to acclimatise, is arguably one of the best-prepared groups for an away tour to the country in recent years.

They will play a two-day warm-up match against a New Zealand XI in Lincoln before the first Test.

The series will serve as the West Indies’ final fixture for 2025.

West Indies Test Squad to New Zealand: Roston Chase (Captain), Jomel Warrican (Vice-Captain), Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Brandon King, Johann Layne, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Ojay Shields

FULL TOUR SCHEDULE (Caribbean Time) 

Two-Day Warm-Up Match: November 25-26, Lincoln, Christchurch

1st Test: 1-5 December 2025 – Hagley Oval, Christchurch @6pm AST/5pm in Jamaica

2nd Test: 9-13 October 2025 – Basin Reserve, Wellington @6pm AST/5pm in Jamaica

3rd Test: 17-21 December 2025 – Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui @6pm AST/5pm in Jamaica

The post Imlach and Chanderpaul retain spots for New Zealand Test tour; Roach recalled appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Former Mayor of Georgetown, Pandit Ubraj Narine, has resigned from the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR).

In a letter to party leader Aubrey Norton, Narine said he was resigning after “careful reflection” but expressed gratitude for the support he received while in the PNCR.

“I remain deeply grateful for the guidance, cooperation, and camaraderie extended to me by the Party and the wider party membership over the years. It is my hope that, even as our paths now diverge, we will continue to share a common commitment to peace, democracy, and the advancement of all Guyanese.

“Please accept my assurances of continued respect for the institution of the Party and its longstanding contribution ot our nation’s political history. I extend my best wishes to the Party as it continues the important work for nation-building,” Narine wrote in the resignation letter.

Like Narine, many other prominent members of the party have resigned over the past year. The PNCR, one of the two major parties in Guyana, has faced numerous challenges over that period and lost major support nationally, as evidenced by the votes received in the September 2025 General and Regional Elections. The party got the third-highest votes, with newcomer We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) securing more votes and becoming the main opposition party.

The post Ubraj Narine resigns from PNCR appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has confirmed it will launch a formal investigation into allegations of verbal abuse by Head Coach Thomas Dooley against domestically based members of the Golden Jaguars squad.

On Wednesday evening, the GFF stated on Facebook that the inquiry will commence upon the team’s return to Guyana following their successful run in the CONCACAF Friendly Series.

The allegations, which were first reported by another section of the press, surfaced after Guyana secured back-to-back victories against Bonaire (2-1) and hosts Antigua and Barbuda (4-1).

In its official statement, the GFF acknowledged that it had been informed by team management of claims that “domestic players were subjected to harsh criticism by the head coach during a team meeting.”

The Federation stressed its commitment to professional standards, particularly within the national team programme.

“The GFF takes such matters seriously and demands the highest professional standards throughout the national team programme,” the statement read. “Upon the team’s return to Guyana, the Federation will commence a formal investigation to establish the facts. All parties will be afforded a fair and equal opportunity to be heard.”

According to the initial reports, several locally-based players alleged they felt unfairly treated, disrespected, and devalued in comparison to their international counterparts.

Further claims stated that the local Elite League was “denigrated” by the Head Coach.

The GFF concluded its statement by affirming its commitment to “maintaining a respectful and professional environment across all national teams” and promised further updates once the internal review is complete.

 

The post GFF to investigate ‘verbal abuse’ claims against new Golden Jaguars Head Coach appeared first on News Room Guyana.