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With fewer reports made and less incidents, Chief Chief Wendell Blanhum said the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has recorded a significant drop in crime, with 2025 recording the lowest levels of serious offences in the past decade.

In 2025, there were 801 fewer serious crimes, a decrease of 269 from 1,070 in 2024.

Blanhum made this disclosure on Friday as the Force launched its Christmas Policing plan, which runs from November 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026.

While providing a breakdown, Blanhum said most crimes occurred in Region 4 ‘A’, the country’s commercial hub, accounting for 24 per cent of incidents, followed by Regions 4 ‘B’ and 3, respectively.

Region 4 ‘B’ recorded the highest number of murders at 24, while Region 2 had the fewest with just two reports.

Men were 81 per cent of murder victims while women accounted for 19 per cent in 2025. Disorderly and domestic-related murders lead this type of crime, Blanhum said.

Additionally, he revealed that robberies also fell sharply over the decade, with 270 reported cases in 2025, down from a peak of 1,237.

Firearm-related robberies were most common between 6 PM and midnight, with pistols being the most frequently seized weapons.

Cybercrime reports rose to 241, resulting in 50 charges and 12 convictions. Law enforcement also seized 233 kilograms of cocaine and 100 firearms originating from the U.S., Brazil, Austria, Italy, and other countries.

According to Blanhum, the Police Force remains committed to the highest standards of policing. He said these trends reflect the force’s sustained efforts to maintain public safety, particularly during high-traffic periods like the approaching Christmas season.

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The British Chamber of Commerce Guyana (BritCham Guyana) successfully hosted its Business Forum and Networking Event on Thursday, November 6th , 2025, at Chelsea Football Club, Stamford Bridge, London, bringing together government officials, private-sector leaders, and investors from the United Kingdom, Guyana, and the Caribbean diaspora.

The landmark event drew a record turnout of more than 250 attendees, reaffirming BritCham Guyana’s growing role in promoting trade, investment, and collaboration between the two nations. Honourable Susan Rodrigues, Minister of Tourism, Industry & Commerce Highlights Guyana’s Vision for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth Delivering the Distinguished Address, Honourable Susan Rodrigues, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, underscored Guyana’s strong economic trajectory and the government’s focus on sustainable and diversified growth.

“Guyana’s transformation is the product of careful planning, responsible governance, and a commitment to equitable progress,” Minister Rodrigues said. “We continue to create the right environment for investment, innovation, and partnerships that drive prosperity for all Guyanese.”

She emphasised the government’s commitment to developing tourism, manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology, ensuring that the benefits of growth reach every community.

Mr. Faizal Khan, Founding Chairman of BritCham Guyana: Deepening Guyana–UK Collaboration

Mr. Faizal Khan, Founding Chairman of BritCham Guyana, officially opened the event, welcoming participants and reaffirming the Chamber’s commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships between the United Kingdom and Guyana.

“BritCham Guyana serves as a bridge between two dynamic markets,” Khan said.

“Our mission is to connect people, ideas, and investment opportunities to support Guyana’s continued growth and strengthen UK–Guyana collaboration.”

In his closing remarks, Khan thanked partners, sponsors, and attendees for their continued support in advancing trade and investment ties, adding:

“This event marks a milestone in the evolution of Guyana – UK trade relations, proof that partnership, integrity, and opportunity can drive prosperity for both nations.”

Mr. Andrew Lodge, Head of Legal at ExxonMobil Guyana: Partnering for Long-Term Development

Delivering remarks as Title Sponsor, Mr. Andrew Lodge, Head of Legal at ExxonMobil Guyana, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Guyana’s long-term success.

“ExxonMobil is proud to be part of Guyana’s ongoing transformation,” Lodge noted.

“Our partnerships go beyond energy, we’re investing in capacity-building, education, and sustainable development that will benefit future generations.”

Mr. Lodge also joined the Oil & Gas Panel Discussion, which explored strategies for energysector expansion and opportunities for cross-sector investment.

Dr. Peter Ramsaroop : “Guyana is Open for Business”

Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, Chief Investment Officer and Head of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), shared insights into Guyana’s thriving investment climate and expanding opportunities for British and global investors.

“Guyana is open for business,” Dr. Ramsaroop declared. “We are modernising our industries, building out critical infrastructure, and diversifying into new sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, and technology. Now is the time for investors to engage.”

He highlighted projects such as the Gas-to-Energy initiative, which will lower costs and create a foundation for new industries to engage.

H.E. Dr. Rajendra Singh: Strengthening Guyana–UK Relations

His Excellency Dr. Rajendra Singh, High Commissioner of Guyana to the United Kingdom, delivered remarks highlighting the strategic importance of the Guyana – UK partnership.

“Our partnership is rooted in shared history and strengthened by shared purpose,” H.E. Singh said.

“BritCham Guyana continues to play a pivotal role in deepening the economic, social, and cultural bonds between our nations.”

Maxi Priest Joins BritCham Guyana for Jamaica Hurricane Relief Effort

The evening concluded with a Business Networking Mixer and Charity Auction featuring international artist Maxi Priest, who partnered with BritCham Guyana to raise funds for hurricane-relief efforts in Jamaica. The auction raised a total of £21,035, with all proceeds supporting organisations coordinating recovery and rebuilding on the ground in Jamaica. “Music and unity have the power to heal and rebuild. I’m honoured to lend my voice to help those affected in Jamaica,” said Maxi Priest.

Faizal Khan added, “This initiative embodies the spirit of regional unity. BritCham Guyana is proud to stand with our Caribbean family in times of need.”

A Platform for Partnership and Progress The BritCham Guyana Business Forum & Networking Event reinforced Guyana’s position as one of the fastest-growing economies in the Caribbean and underscored the country’s readiness for sustainable, international investment. As Dr. Ramsaroop concluded, “The time to engage is now.” [BritCham Guyana Press Release]

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Guyana’s Kahlil Rickford has earned his spot on the virtual grid, officially qualifying for the North America E-Sport Championship and preparing to represent the nation this weekend in Santo Domingo.

The achievement marks a significant step in Rickford’s career, moving him closer to the highest level of international competitive sim racing.

This isn’t the first time the young digital athlete has flown the ‘Golden Arrowhead’ banner on the continental stage. In 2023, Rickford gained crucial experience at the South American E-Sport Championship in Brazil, where he battled against some of the region’s top virtual drivers.

That earlier exposure has proved invaluable, helping to sharpen his racecraft and mentally prepare him for the intense pressure cooker environment of the North America championship.

As he prepares for the competition, the focus is on translating that gained experience into performance. Rickford carries the collective ambition of Guyana’s motorsport community, which views his participation as vital exposure for the country in the fast-growing world of esports.

The Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMRSC) has publicly extended its full support and best wishes to Rickford as he aims to secure a top finish on the virtual asphalt in Santo Domingo.

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The recently formed Queen’s College (QC) School Squash Club has sparked a significant surge in junior participation, dominating the numbers at the recently concluded Trophy Stall Junior Skill Level Tournament, organised by the Guyana Squash Association.

Of the 54 athletes who competed over the weekend, a remarkable 17 players—over 30% of the entire field—came from the new QC Squash Club.

For twelve of those students, it marked their very first competitive tournament appearance, highlighting the success of the new grassroots initiative.

In recognition of their immediate impact, the QC Squash Club was awarded the Heart of a Champion Award by the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) at the close of the 2025 event.

The young players received invaluable support throughout the tournament from Guyana’s marquee squash player, Nicolette Fernandes.

The former world number 19 was a prominent figure, seen talking to, helping, and generally giving advice to the new QC players and their parents.

The club’s rapid development is already fueling the national talent pool, with three Queen’s College athletes now preparing for a highly ambitious schedule of international junior tournaments.

From left: Mohryan Baksh, Ethan Bulkan and Egan Bulkan

Pathway to the World Stage

Recent QC alumnus Mohryan Baksh and the talented Bulkan brothers, Egan and Ethan, are set to represent Guyana at three prestigious tournaments across North America and Europe:

Mohryan Baksh will compete in the Boys U19 category.

Egan Bulkan will compete in the Boys U15 category.

Ethan Bulkan will compete in the Boys U13 category.

The schedule for these top juniors includes:

• The 2025 Canadian Junior Open in Ontario, Canada.
• The 2025 U.S. Junior Open Squash Championships in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
• The British Junior Open 2026 in Birmingham, England.

 

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The Guyana Prison Service (GPS) is taking a bold step toward modernising the country’s correctional system with the introduction of electronic ankle bracelets designed to monitor low-risk prisoners as they work both inside and outside prison walls.

Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, told the News Room during an interview on Thursday that the initiative is part of the Prison Service’s strategic plan to introduce smart technology in prisons, enhance public security and build trust among inmates.

Currently in the testing phase with ten devices, the programme is expected to expand to 300, with the potential for even more based on prisoner interest and security risk assessments.

Each bracelet is monitored from a central command operations room and operates within a geo-fenced zone. If a wearer steps outside the authorised area, the system immediately alerts the command center, and the prisoner receives a direct prompt.

An electronic ankle bracelet used by the Guyana Prison Service

“We have prompters that notify the wearer when they are 100 feet or 100 yards away from the authorized zone,” Elliot said.

The bracelets target convicted low-risk prisoners, giving them the opportunity to participate in work initiatives such as cleaning roadways, cemeteries and assisting government agencies.

“We have a large workforce inside the prison and many are eager to work but our supervision capacity is limited. This technology strengthens our ability to safely manage more prisoners at work,” Elliot said.

Beyond monitoring, the initiative also expands access to training programs and skills development, helping inmates remain active, earn income and prepare for reintegration into society.

“It gives prisoners an opportunity to be productive and earn for themselves while still under strict supervision,” Elliot noted.

The Guyana Prison Service currently has 10 electronic ankle bracelets

Prison officers are being trained on the technology to ensure effective supervision. Importantly, the programme includes clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for breaches, which will be consistently reviewed and updated based on incidents.

The service providers are responsible for keeping the system functioning at optimal capacity.

Elliot also emphasised that for now, the bracelets are only used for convicted prisoners, but policymakers are exploring expansion to include parolees and those eligible for pre-release or home detention. Prisoners are classified and assessed upon entry based on risk, sentence, conduct and profile, which determines eligibility for the programme.

“This initiative is about building smart prisons, enhancing officer efficiency, fostering public trust and giving prisoners meaningful opportunities.

“It is part of a broader prison reform strategy aimed at correcting, rehabilitating, and reintegrating inmates into society,” Elliot said.

The ankle bracelet programme, Elliot said, has already generated significant interest among prisoners.

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The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) has brought its signature warmth, flavor, and island charm to the International Pavilion at this year’s GuyExpo, allowing Guyanese to discover and experience the island for themselves.

Melinda Telesford, a GTA Marketing Executive, told the News Room that the team’s goal is to provide visitors with a complete guide to traveling to Grenada, whether for business or leisure.

“Any questions they may have, we’ll be able to answer at the booth, from flights and accommodations to unique island experiences,” she said.

Telesford explained that GuyExpo plays a key role in building on the GTA’s recent marketing activations in Guyana, as the Authority ramps up efforts to convert interest into bookings.

“We know people are familiar with Grenada, but we want to be a bit more tactful in getting them to actually book. Many want to travel, they just don’t know how to go about it,” she noted.

Beyond inspiring travelers, the GTA is also using the expo to strengthen partnerships with local travel agents and tour operators, who are seen as crucial in boosting travel between Guyana and Grenada.

And of course, visitors will be able to taste a bit of Grenada right at the booth with rum and chocolate sampling showcasing the island’s world-famous flavors.

As an added treat, patrons can enter to win a three-night stay at one of Grenada’s luxurious beachfront boutique resorts.

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As Guyana strives to reduce the number of persons battling diabetes, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony on Wednesday disclosed that 30,000 persons currently receive treatment.

This is far less than the 60,000 persons recorded in 2021, when the ministry adopted a new strategy to curb the disease through self-monitoring.

The strategy, essentially, involves people regularly monitoring their own blood glucose (sugar) levels. It also highlights the significance of early intervention and prevention.  Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose.

Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony (Photo: Ministry of Health)

Dr. Anthony shared these insights as he launched a recipe book, focused on improving the way Guyanese prepare meals and guiding more health-conscious options. He emphasised the importance of adopting healthy lifestyles as it has proven effective.

“We have maybe 30,000 persons in Guyana that are coming to institutions for diabetes, and one thing is to treat them but if they don’t have control, they will have complications.

“We’ve seen over the last few years persons with diabetes would progress with these complications. Some of those complications would include kidney disease, problems with your eyes, some persons would have ulcers on their legs,” the Health Minister said.

Guyana continues to record high rates of persons living with chronic non-communicable diseases. It is believed that the diet of persons attribute to this.

“When we see patients in our diabetic clinics, one of the challenges that we have is to talk to them about nutrition and if they don’t change their diet then we will have a harder time managing their blood sugar. Diet is extremely important,” the minister said.

 

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Husband-and-wife Lokoya and Curtly Critchlow have teamed up to develop a study app for students.

The couple’s passion for science merged well with their individual strengths—Curtly’s background in technology and Lokoya’s extensive years as a teacher— to produce Lokademy, an artificial intelligence (AI) study tool.

In an interview with the News Room, the couple explained how this app assists students who may not have access to afterschool lessons.

Lokoya said she was inspired to find a way for every student, whether in Guyana or beyond, to access extra support. With the support of her husband, she was able to get this project off the ground and roll out a 24/7 AI-powered Chatbot.

Husband-and-wife Lokoya and Curtly Critchlow.

Lokademy offers interactive CSEC courses in Biology, Chemistry, Integrated Science, and Physics, all built in line with various CSEC syllabi to ensure there are no conflicts with what students are taught in school.

“Unlike traditional lessons that last an hour or two, Lokademy gives continuous support.

“Students can ask questions, practice, and master topics at their own pace,” Lokoya said.

Curtly, a software developer and reservist in the Guyana Defence Force, brought his technical expertise to the project. Though his first degree was in biology, his career shifted after discovering how coding could automate data analysis.

“Once I saw how programming could make complex work easier, I was hooked,” he said.

Now, he uses that same technology to make learning easier for students. He said the chatbot is trained specifically on the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) syllabi, providing accurate and contextual responses.

The app, available on both Google Play and the App Store, allows users to create a free account and access a CSEC Success Toolkit, with premium courses available for US$25 or G$5,000 per month.

The Critchlows will be showcasing Lokademy at GuyExpo, marking their first public display of the platform.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to introduce this homegrown education technology to Guyana,” Curtly said.

In addition to supporting students, Lokademy offers an affiliate programme for teachers, allowing them to earn a commission for every student they refer and custom AI learning systems for businesses to streamline onboarding and training. The app can be downloaded here: https://www.lokademy.com/app

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One hundred and ten persons have died on the country’s roadways after they were involved in accidents for the year so far.

The deaths were recorded from a total of 99 fatal accidents so far this year.

The figure represents a slight increase compared to 107 deaths from 95 fatal accidents during the same period in 2024.

Traffic Chief, Mahendra Singh, has described these figures as worrying, even though the country has seen an 8 percent overall reduction in traffic accidents.

“It’s an increase… one death is one too many,” Singh told the News Room during a recent interview.

He explained that traffic-calming measures implemented across several busy areas, particularly in Georgetown have helped to reduce minor collisions, but have not yet translated into fewer deadly crashes.

Traffic Chief, Mahendra Singh

According to Singh, speeding, inattentiveness, and drivers or pedestrians crossing into the path of moving vehicles remain the leading causes of fatal accidents.

“Pedestrians continue to use the road as if they are the only class of road user who is using that space at the same time,” Singh said.

The Traffic Chief also criticised the lack of care and discipline displayed by some motorists.

“The discipline with which the road is used by motorists leaves much to be desired. Were it a case that drivers pay more attention to details, plan their journeys, or ensure that their vehicles are in a serviceable state, much of what we are experiencing would be less. It would be a far improved situation,” Singh posited.

He added that the traffic situation in Georgetown continues to be heavy, often resulting in lateness and impatience among drivers — behaviors that sometimes lead to reckless decisions on the road.

With November being observed as Road Safety Awareness Month under the theme “Careful Driving Saves Lives,” Singh said the Traffic Department is intensifying its efforts to educate the public, improve enforcement, and integrate more technology to monitor and manage road safety.

“For Road Safety Month, we are seeking to be up, about, and around. We are seeking to get the message spread as widely as it could and we will be enforcing as we should,” Singh told the News Room.

He urged all citizens to play their part in preventing road deaths.

“As citizens of the country, each of us have a role to play to achieve road safety. As a driver on the road, it’s not that each time I leave home, I would like to feel I might not return… Speed will never be the answer,” Singh said.

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An educator for nearly two-decades, 37-year-old Dhankumar Singh recently graduated from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) as the Best Industrial Technology Student.

“I wasn’t expecting that. I was just working towards being the best Industrial Technology teacher. But it was an accomplished feeling for me at this age,” the father of four told the News Room.

For Singh, teaching was not always the plan.

“After school, I didn’t plan to become a teacher but at that time, the job was available, and after teaching for a couple of years, I realised I had [this thing] in me to help.”

Dhankumar Singh recently graduated from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) as the Best Industrial Technology Student.

Nineteen years later, that realisation has become his life’s mission. Known for his hands-on approach and love for creating and building, Singh says his greatest joy comes from sharing his skills with his students.

“I like to do things with my hands, make stuff, and I like sharing with children what I’ve accumulated throughout my adult life,” he said, adding: “I saw students in need and decided to teach them a skill so they could become independent individuals.”

His journey to this qualification was not without its challenges. Early in his career, Singh attended the New Amsterdam Training Centre but had to quit after his first year due to financial difficulties and the strain of late-night classes and long travels.

Dhankumar Singh recently graduated from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) as the Best Industrial Technology Student.

Despite it being years later, Singh had renewed determination and with the encouragement of his family and friends, he is now a trained teacher.

“Even though I had been teaching for years, [the college] still taught us things we didn’t know,” he said.

He believes that once you love what you do, there is no challenge you cannot overcome.

Today, Singh says he has no plans to leave the classroom.

“I don’t want to leave; I want to help these children. Teaching is a very good profession, it’s rewarding.

“I feel proud when a police officer stops me on the road and says, ‘Sir, how you doing?’ It’s a rewarding job,” Singh stated.

Singh is an industrial technology teacher at the Hopetown Practical Instruction Centre, West Coast Berbice.

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