Blog

A new era for football in Berbice has officially begun with the launch of the Senior Men’s Football League, backed by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

The competition, which signals the return of structured, high-level senior football to the region after a long absence, was inaugurated at the All Saints Ground in New Amsterdam on Saturday.

Seven teams will compete in the inaugural season for a total prize fund of G$1 million.

Key figures, including National Sports Commission Chairman Kashif Muhammad and Assistant Director of Sport Franklin Wilson, attended the launch.

Speaking at the launch, Berbice Football Association (BFA) Vice President Phillip Carrington expressed gratitude to the football community, highlighting that Berbice had often been “neglected” in national football development before this government intervention.

Franklin Wilson acknowledged the league’s modest start but stressed its potential for growth.

“What we are starting here today is just the beginning of a great journey for football,” Wilson commented, confirming that planning for the league had been underway for over eight months.

The league’s prize structure is set: the winners will receive $500,000, the runners-up $300,000, and third and fourth place $200,000 and $100,000, respectively.

Wilson offered assurance regarding timely payments, a historic pain point for local players.

“In previous tournaments, you have played and are still to receive your cash prizes. But not this time,” Wilson promised the players.

“On the final day of the league, the winners, the top four teams, will be receiving their cash. All the bills are going to be taken care of.”

The government’s support, which extends to the East Demerara and Georgetown Senior Men’s Leagues, is not limited to the senior game.

The Ministry also plans to implement development structures from the Under-11 to Under-20 levels to create a pipeline feeding into the national teams.

Wilson concluded by urging fair play as the competition got underway: “Play fair, respect the referees, and may the best team emerge as champions.”

The post Senior men’s football league kicks off in Berbice appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Over the weekend, Guyana hosted the Caribbean’s most significant sport leadership summit as the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) convened its XIII Annual Workshop and XXIII General Assembly at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre.

The gathering drew over 100 delegates from 28 nations and featured a powerful assembly of global sport administrators, underscoring the regional focus on modernising governance.

The two-day workshop was opened with a strong endorsement from the host nation.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. extended a welcome, stressing the value of regional synergy.

“When the Caribbean collaborates, we accelerate,” Minister Ramson Jr. stated. “Hosting CANOC here in Georgetown is about building capacity, trust, and a shared future for sport.”

The Minister praised CANOC’s mission to strengthen governance and capacity, calling the event a “significant opportunity” for nations to exchange expertise and accelerate shared development goals.

The summit’s central theme is “Charting the Future of Authentic Caribbean Sport,” and discussions will concentrate on collaboration, good governance, and sustainable development.

Day One focused heavily on the institutional frameworks necessary for future success, including a session on the CANOC/UWI MOU to map a roadmap for sport education, and legal discussions on CANOC Incorporation led by Sandra Osborne, SCM, SC. A presentation on the CANOC/Deloitte Partnership also explored financial governance and sustainability standards.

This high-level attendance signals a coordinated effort to streamline regional pathways.

The summit follows a preparatory Olympic Solidarity Financial Management Workshop, reinforcing the primary mandate for greater financial transparency and accountability across Caribbean National Olympic Committees.

The workshop CANOC Annual General Assembly on Sunday also defined CANOC’s strategy for the upcoming Olympic cycle.

The post Minister Ramson Jr. urges Caribbean collaboration as CANOC heads meet in Guyana appeared first on News Room Guyana.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has extended warm Diwali greetings to all Guyanese, especially to the Hindu community, urging reflection on the deeper meaning of the Festival of Lights — the inner light of goodness, compassion, and unity that must continue to guide the nation forward.

In a heartfelt message titled “The Light Within That Gives True Purpose to the Lights Without,” President Ali said Diwali is a time that reminds everyone that light will always triumph over darkness and that goodness, knowledge, and virtue must forever prevail over ignorance, evil, and despair.

He reflected on the ancient roots of the festival, noting that Diwali originated as a harvest celebration in India before evolving into a festival rich in moral and spiritual significance. “Its origins reach deep into the soil of ancient India… a simple observance of gratitude that became a celebration of righteousness, wisdom and renewal,” the President stated.

Dr Ali highlighted the various traditions associated with Diwali, including the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, symbolising the victory of righteousness; the triumph of Lord Krishna over Narakasura, representing truth’s power over evil; and the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, who bestows prosperity, wisdom, and peace upon those who live with integrity.

“Across all these traditions, the central message of Diwali reminds us that we must keep faith in the moral order of the universe, and that by lighting our own lamps of kindness and understanding, we help illuminate the world around us,” he said.

The Head of State also traced the history of Diwali in Guyana, recalling that it was brought by Indian indentured immigrants in the 19th century and has since blossomed into a cherished national celebration. Once a private observance, Diwali has become a unifying event marked by the illumination of homes, motorcades, shared prayers, and acts of goodwill among people of all backgrounds.

“Today, Diwali in Guyana is more than a religious observance. It has become a national celebration… a time when the spirit of togetherness shines brightest, reminding us of what we can achieve when we live in harmony and mutual respect,” President Ali affirmed.

However, he cautioned that amid the splendour of the celebrations, it is vital to remember the deeper meaning of Diwali — “the light within that gives true purpose to the lights without.” He said even a single diya, lit with sincerity, holds the power to dispel darkness, symbolising that goodness and humility need no extravagance to shine brightly.

“Diwali teaches us that it is not the abundance of lights, but the purity of the heart that lights them, which brings true illumination to our lives, homes, and our nation,” the President said.

Dr Ali concluded his message with a call for reflection and renewal. “May this Festival of Lights inspire every Guyanese to banish the darkness of hatred and division, and to let compassion, tolerance, and unity guide our nation forward. May the light of Diwali continue to shine brightly over our beloved Guyana,” he said.

The post President Ali calls on Guyanese to embrace ‘the light within’ this Diwali appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Rosanna Fung has officially become the first athlete in Guyana’s history to win a World Championship title at the IFBB World Championship, held as part of the prestigious Binous Classics in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Competing in the Wellness category, Rosanna delivered a world-class performance that earned her the gold against top international athletes.

The Binous Classics stands as one of the largest and most respected bodybuilding shows and expos in the Middle East, bringing together the best competitors from around the world.

Rosanna’s victory marks a monumental achievement for the nation, showcasing Guyana’s growing presence in global fitness and bodybuilding.

Her dedication, discipline and pride have made history, inspiring athletes across the Caribbean and beyond.

The post Rosanna Fung makes history, wins IFBB World Championship in Dubai appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Guyana Cancer Society on Sunday hosted its annual Fundraising Brunch, an event dedicated to reflection, recognition and renewed commitment to cancer prevention, screening and treatment across the country.

Held in honour of distinguished guests Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, and his wife, Dr Shanti Singh, the brunch brought together board members, committee representatives, partners, and supporters of the Society for what was described as a “celebration of purpose and compassion.”

In his remarks, Dr Anthony praised the work of the Society, emphasising that collaboration between civil society and public health agencies is “critical to closing the healthcare divide and ensuring lives are saved.” He also encouraged continued community-based screening and awareness programmes, noting that cancer conversations must be normalised.

“It’s a conversation that every household in Guyana should be having,” Dr Anthony said.

Society President, Dr Syed Ghansham, reflected on the organisation’s progress over the past year, highlighting that from October 2024 to October 2025, the Society facilitated more than 1,300 mammograms—many of which led to early detection and successful treatment.

“Breast cancer awareness isn’t an October effort,” Dr Ghansham noted. “It’s a daily conversation. We need to keep up the screenings, treatment efforts, and educational initiatives to make awareness part of everyone’s life.”

He shared a poignant story of a 60-year-old woman who discovered she had breast cancer only after undergoing an unrelated X-ray while hospitalised.

“It’s a wake-up call,” Dr Ghansham said. “We want you to find out about breast cancer long before it’s a hospital conversation. Let us help you help yourself through early detection.”

The Society also spotlighted its humanitarian and patient-support initiatives, including financial and travel assistance for families seeking treatment abroad. One such case involved a young girl who accessed life-saving treatment overseas through the Society’s intervention.

“It’s not just a brunch to raise funds,” Dr Ghansham added. “It’s a brunch to raise hope. Every dollar spent, every dollar saved, every act of kindness helps someone survive another day.”

The event saw attendance from representatives of the Ministry of Health, the United States Embassy, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the private sector, and several civil society groups—all united in the cause of advancing cancer awareness in Guyana.

The brunch concluded with a moment of silence in memory of those who lost their battle with cancer, followed by an uplifting call to continue prevention, education, and compassion for survivors and their families.

“We are not just an organisation,” Dr Ghansham affirmed. “We are an army of hope.”

The post Guyana Cancer Society renews call for early cancer screening at annual fundraising brunch appeared first on News Room Guyana.

[Sunday Express] – Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs has broken its silence on the US military presence and lethal boat-strikes in the Caribbean, signaling Government’s support for the action which is believed to have killed at least two Trinidadian fishermen.

In a release on Sunday, the Ministry said it wished to categorically express its support for the US’ military intervention in the region. By Sunday evening, the known number of deaths as a result of seven US strikes had reached 32.

The Ministry said the US operations were aimed at combatting narco and human trafficking and transnational crime which it says would make the region a ‘true zone of peace’- a term which Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar claimed was a false ideal when speaking at the UN General Assembly last month.

The Government, the Ministry said, affirms that these operations were not meant to target law abiding citizens, fisherfolk and other seafaring individuals seeking to earn an honest living.

“Alternatively, all persons who may seek to engage in, or indirectly support, any illegal activities in the Region, are warned that should they be so inclined, they do so at their own peril.

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago reiterates its commitment to the people of the Caribbean for the creation of a safer, stronger and more prosperous Region,” the statement read.

The Government’s response follows claims by relatives that two Trinidadian fishermen from Las Cuevas were killed in the fifth US boat strike last week which killed six in total.

Relatives of 26-year-old Las Cuevas fisherman Chad ‘Charpo’ Joseph told the Express that they suspect he may have been one of two Trinidadians killed in one such strike.

His relatives, alongside international human rights groups and critics within the US, have since questioned the strikes. ”Donald Trump (is) just destroying families, boy. He just destroyed families for no good reason,”Joseph’s cousin, Aficia Clement, told the Express on Thursday.

The Prime Minister had previously welcomed the boat strikes, stating that US forces should kill all drug traffickers “violently”- a statement she did not renounce even as relatives criticised the strikes.

On Saturday, the Caricom issued a statement which claimed heads of government called for the Caribbean to remain a zone of peace- with the exception of Trinidad and Tobago, which reserved its position.

The post Trinidad Gov’t ‘strongly supports’ U.S. military presence in Caribbean appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Police ranks stationed at the Corkwood Police Checkpoint in Regional Division Nine (Upper Takutu–Upper Essequibo) on Sunday arrested a 43-year-old gold miner from Providence, East Bank Demerara, after discovering a quantity of suspected cocaine and cannabis in his possession.

Reports indicate that around 07:45 hrs, ranks were conducting a routine operation when they intercepted a minibus travelling from Georgetown to Lethem. During a search of a haversack belonging to one of the passengers, several plastic bags containing substances suspected to be narcotics were found concealed among other items.

When weighed in the suspect’s presence, the substances amounted to approximately 491.7 grams of cocaine and 1009.7 grams of cannabis. The suspected narcotics were sealed, marked, and lodged as exhibits.

The suspect was informed of the offence committed, arrested, and taken into custody. He remains in police custody as investigations continue.

The post Gold miner, 43, arrested with cocaine, marijuana at Corkwood Police Checkpoint appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen dominated the United States Grand Prix to increase the pressure on McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in the championship.

Norris and Piastri finished second and fifth, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton between them.

Briton Norris cut Piastri’s championship lead to 14 points with five races remaining, while Verstappen reduced his deficit to the Australian to 40 points.

Verstappen, who won the sprint on Saturday, was in total control after converting his pole position into a lead at the first corner, and putting a stranglehold on the race, which he has now won for a record seven times.

Leclerc used a different tyre strategy to frustrate Norris for much of the grand prix.

Norris finally passed the Ferrari with five laps to go to boost his hopes of catching Piastri in the points chase. (BBC Sport)

The post Verstappen wins to increase pressure on McLaren appeared first on News Room Guyana.