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A woman from Corriverton, Region Six was taken into police custody following a significant discovery of fireworks at her home.

The individual, a 30-year-old resident of Number 78 Village, Corriverton, Corentyne Berbice , is currently aiding law enforcement officials as they delve into the details surrounding this alarming find.

Forty-seven boxes filled with explosives were found hidden away at the woman’s residence

On Tuesday, October 14, 2025, a combined effort by various police officers led to the uncovering of a quantity of fireworks—specifically, 47 boxes filled with explosives—hidden away at her residence.

The investigating team swiftly secured the  items and transported them to the Springlands Police Station, where they will be carefully examined as part of the ongoing investigation.

Authorities are currently determining the origin of the fireworks and the circumstances that led to their illicit storage.

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Guyana now has 3,000 items being produced through agro-processing programmes and according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, the establishment of agricultural programmes provides more career opportunities for students.

An open day event at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara on Tuesday, made it possible for students at secondary and tertiary levels to have first-hand exposure to the work done at the research institute and interact with the Minister and Minister within the Ministry, Vickash Ramskissoon.

Peanut butter processed at the agro-processing factory at St Ignatius

Mustapha implored the students to explore the many opportunities within the sector and reminded that agriculture is not for farming only.

“Agriculture has a great career, if you’re an agronomist, you can earn a lot of money, you can be independent, a 60 by 90 shadehouse can give you earning of approximately $8 million annually.

“We are moving away from the primary forms of agriculture. As a farmer if you grow guava or you grow cherry, we don’t want you to just take the guava or cherry to the market, we want you to go to these agro-processing facilities and process it, make cherry juice so that we can export it,” the minister said.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha during his remarks to students and attendees.

Minister Mustapha told the students that his ministry will open its facilities to schools for them to explore and better understand the sector to make informed career choices.

“When you come out as agriculturists, when you come out as agronomists, and you match your skills with your learning, then our country will develop.

“We want you to walk around, ask questions, look at the facilities and see what you want to develop your career. You are the future leaders of this country, you are the people responsible to take us into the future,” the minister said.

As of 2020, the agriculture sector has undergone significant changes with massive investments to promote economic growth. Further investments in tertiary education have also boosted the nation’s ability to produce well-rounded citizens with the ability to respond to sectoral needs.

The Agriculture Innovative and Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP) makes it possible for agro-processors to earn significantly from their work.

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Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) Secretary Chet Bowling says standing on the podium at the recently concluded DSB Suriname Invitational is both a personal and national achievement, marking another proud moment for Guyana’s golfers on the international stage.

Reflecting on his performance, Bowling said his podium finish represents years of dedication and steady growth, not just for himself but for the Lusignan Golf Club community as a whole. Bowling took second spot in the B Flight, finishing behind fellow Guyanese Patanjilee Persaud.

Prolific Guyanese Avinash Persaud won the A Flight.

“It’s an achievement for me to stand on the podium at an international event, it says a lot about the level of golfing at the Lusignan Golf Club,” Bowling said.

“Our members are dedicated, supportive, and encourage each other. On a personal level, I’m excited, grateful and thankful. On a club level, I’m proud of how we performed and how we represented Guyana.”

Members of Team Guyana at the DSB Suriname Invitational presentation ceremony

He noted that LGC’s strong presence at the Invitational highlights the club’s commitment to raising the standard of golf in Guyana.

“We really dominated the prize-giving ceremony,” Bowling added.

“It proves that Lusignan has some of the top players in the region, and the golf being played at our club is truly at an international level.”

Bowling emphasised that the success was not just about skill but also about teamwork, unity, and shared motivation among the members.

“The support and encouragement within the club drive us to do better. That’s what makes Lusignan special, it’s not just a club; it’s a family.”

Looking ahead, Bowling believes the momentum from the Suriname Invitational sets the perfect tone for the Brava Guyana Open, scheduled for November 1-2 at the Lusignan Golf Club.

“The competition will be stiff,” he noted.

“Many players used the Suriname Invitational as preparation for the Guyana Open, so I expect this year’s event to be very competitive and exciting.”

Bowling also extended an invitation to the Surinamese golfers, saying he hopes they will return to Guyana to continue the friendly rivalry.

“After our performance, I’m sure they’ll want to come back and try to get revenge.”

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The Ministry of Housing and Water, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), has deepened its collaboration with major commercial banks in a joint effort to streamline the homeownership process and accelerate the government’s target of constructing 40,000 homes over the next five years.

In a strategic meeting held on Monday, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, and Minister within the Ministry, Vanessa Benn, led discussions with senior executives from several financial institutions, including the New Building Society (NBS), Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), Citizens Bank Guyana Inc., Demerara Bank Limited, and the Bank of Baroda. Also present were Permanent Secretary Bishram Kuppen and CH&PA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Martin Pertab, along with other senior officials.

Representatives of the banks welcomed the opportunity to exchange views directly with policymakers, praising the Ministry’s proactive approach in facilitating homeownership. (Photo: Ministry of Housing and Water/Facebook/October 14, 2025)

The dialogue focused on ensuring that loan processing, land titling, and mortgage approvals are seamless for potential homeowners, ensuring the process of acquiring a home is more efficient, affordable, and customer-friendly.

Representatives of the banks welcomed the opportunity to exchange views directly with policymakers, praising the Ministry’s proactive approach in facilitating homeownership. (Photo: Ministry of Housing and Water/Facebook/October 14, 2025)

Representatives of the banks welcomed the opportunity to exchange views directly with policymakers, praising the Ministry’s proactive approach in facilitating homeownership. They indicated strong support for further dialogue and technical collaboration to help citizens access financing more easily.

The meeting concluded on an optimistic note, with participants reaffirming their shared vision of expanding access to affordable housing and empowering more Guyanese families to own homes.

L-R: CEO of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Dr Martin Pertab, Minister within the Ministry, Vanessa Benn and Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal (Photo: Ministry of Housing and Water/Facebook/October 14, 2025)

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A fire, suspected to be an act of arson, completely destroyed a vendor’s house at Lot 35, Liverpool Village, Corentyne Berbice.

Gavin Cummings, 60, who is also a farmer, told the News Room that he left home around 1:30 a.m. Saturday to sell fruits and vegetables at the Port Mourant market. He received a phone call around 5:00 a.m. informing him that his house was engulfed in flames.

Upon receiving the devastating news, Cummings rushed to investigate. When he arrived at the scene, he found his house completely destroyed.

Cummings reported that the three-bedroom wooden house he had occupied for 50 years was fully furnished, and all of his belongings were lost in the fire. For now, he is staying at a friend’s house until he can figure out his next move.

Gavin Cummings

Cummings mentioned that several weeks ago, his neighbor, Debra Leitch, was involved in a fight with another woman in Lancaster Village. He intervened to stop the fight after seeing Debra beating the other woman.

Cummings said he took the victim to the Whim Police Station to report the incident, which led to the accused being placed before the court.

On October 10, Cummings attended court with both the accused and the victim, where the Magistrate informed Debra that she would be sentenced on Monday, October 13.

Debra was sentenced to one month in prison on Monday for assault causing actual bodily harm.

According to Cummings after the court session, while he was in his garden, Debra reportedly threatened to burn his house down.

Divisional Fire Officer Clive McDonald confirmed that the house was maliciously set on fire by person or persons unknown.

The investigation into the fire is ongoing.

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A Canadian business delegation organized by the High Commission of Canada to Guyana, is currently in country from October 14 to 17, 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen trade and investment ties between the two nations.

The delegation includes representatives from Bionetix International, Sprig Learning Inc., 4Pay Inc., FreeBalance Inc., and E-Magic Solutions, five companies representing diverse sectors such as financial technology (FinTech), information and communications technology (ICT), infrastructure, education, and sanitation. Their visit is aimed at deepening their understanding of the Guyanese market, exploring potential collaborations, and consolidating existing partnerships. Later in the week, they will be joined by a representative of Export Development Canada, Canada’s export credit and insurance agency for exporters with Canadian content.

According to the High Commission of Canada, the visit forms part of Canada’s broader strategy to foster greater commercial cooperation with Guyana and the wider Caribbean. Over the four-day program, delegates will participate in a series of market knowledge sessions, high-level meetings with government ministers and heads of agencies, and an extensive business-to-business (B2B) program connecting them with local enterprises.

A key highlight of the program will be on-the-ground site visits, providing participants with firsthand insight into Guyana’s rapidly developing infrastructure and investment climate. These site visits are intended to bridge the gap between business dialogue and practical understanding of the opportunities and challenges that exist across multiple sectors.

Speaking on the trade mission, High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana, H.E. Sebastien Sigouin noted that the initiative is part of an ongoing effort to connect Canadian innovation with Guyanese opportunity. “Canada has a long-standing relationship with Guyana built on trust, cooperation, and mutual respect,” he said. “This visit demonstrates our continued commitment to supporting Guyana’s development priorities through partnerships that encourage innovation, knowledge transfer, and sustainable growth.”

The participating companies each bring distinct expertise:

Bionetix International specializes in biotechnology solutions for environmental sanitation and waste treatment.

Sprig Learning Inc. develops adaptive digital learning platforms tailored for early education.

4Pay Inc. provides secure digital payment and FinTech solutions for both businesses and consumers.

FreeBalance Inc. is recognized globally for its work in public financial management and digital governance.

E-Magic Solutions delivers smart infrastructure and digital twin technologies that optimize public and private sector operations.

These companies will explore how their products and services can contribute to Guyana’s modernization drive- particularly as the nation expands its digital economy, infrastructure base, and social services.

The High Commission emphasized that the mission is not only about promoting Canadian business interests, but also about fostering partnerships that can generate long-term, inclusive benefits. The delegation’s presence reinforces Canada’s confidence in Guyana’s economic trajectory and the value of building partnerships rooted in transparency, sustainability, and mutual prosperity.

The delegation’s visit underscores the growing momentum in Canada-Guyana commercial relations. It marks another step toward unlocking shared opportunities and building a more resilient, innovative future together. [High Commission of Canada Press Release]

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Soft drink brand Busta has confirmed its continued support for youth football in Guyana, renewing its partnership with the Petra Organisation for the sixth Annual Republic Bank Under-18 School League.

The seven-week tournament, which kicks off on October 19th, is set to run until November 30th and features the nation’s most promising young footballers.

Guyana Beverages Inc. (GBI), Busta’s parent company, has committed support valued at over GYD$1.1 million throughout the competition.

The contribution includes cash support, branded uniforms for all players and coaches, and match-day refreshments throughout the tournament.

GBI’s General Manager, Samuel Arjoon, highlighted the company’s belief in the competition’s social impact.

“Busta is proud to continue supporting youth development through sports,” Arjoon stated.

“We believe football is not just a game—it is a pathway to building character, confidence, and community among young people. Our ongoing partnership reflects Busta’s commitment to empowering youth and promoting positive lifestyles through healthy competition.”

Troy Mendonca, co-director of the Petra Organisation, welcomed the consistency of the sponsorship and noted its importance in sustaining the league’s growth.

“We are grateful for the unwavering support from Busta, whose partnership has been instrumental in sustaining the league’s growth over the years,” Mendonca said.

“This ensures that young footballers across Guyana continue to have a platform to develop their skills, represent their schools and country, and have the opportunity to build a lifelong love for the game.”

The league brings together school teams nationwide to foster teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship, serving as a critical platform for talent identification.

The eight participating institutions represent four regions, setting up a clash between regional powerhouses. Chase’s Academic Foundation, the defending league champions, are among the early favourites.

The biggest prize is a slot in the prestigious KFC International Schools Football Championship, which will be hosted in Guyana in December.

The qualification rules, however, feature a key contingency related to Chase’s Academic Foundation, who are also the current KFC International Schools champions:

If Chase’s Academic Foundation wins the Republic Bank league, the international qualification berth will pass to the runner-up.

If any other team lifts the Republic Bank trophy, it will automatically qualify for the December tournament.

The eight participating teams are: Abram Zuil Secondary (Region Two), Bush Lot Secondary (Region Five), President’s College (Region Four), Chase’s Academic Foundation (Region Four), Charlestown Secondary (Region Four), West Ruimveldt Secondary (Region Four), Dolphin Secondary (Region Four) and Three Miles Secondary (Region Seven)

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The government on Tuesday launched an Acoushi ant bait production facility and a vermicompost unit at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) in Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara as part of efforts to modernise the country’s agriculture sector and strengthen pest control.

The vermicompost unit will use worms to break down organic matter into natural fertiliser, while the Acoushi ant bait facility aims to produce more than 30,000 packages to help farmers curb infestations that destroy crops across coastal and hinterland regions.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha and Minister within the Ministry, Vickash Ramkissoon were joined by students and staff of NAREI to commission the facilities. (Photo: News Room)

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said the initiative supports Guyana’s push to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through improved waste management and research-driven farming.

“The facility allows us to use waste to develop high-quality fertiliser while reducing what goes to landfill,” Mustapha said. “It promotes sustainable farming.”

A demonstation of the compost site at the newly commissioned Vermicompost Unit. (photo: News Room)

Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Vickash Ramkissoon, said the project responds directly to long-standing concerns from farmers.

“This stands as a testament to the ministry’s commitment to ensure that there is sufficient ant bait available as we seek to reduce crop loss,” he said.

The government has said it will continue to expand investment in agricultural research and eco-friendly solutions as part of wider efforts to strengthen food security.

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The Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, has received a written message from President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali focusing on enhancing bilateral relations and exploring new areas of cooperation.

The message was received by Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, during a meeting with Safraaz Ahmad Shadood, Ambassador of Guyana to Qatar.

The correspondence underscores the growing partnership between Qatar and Guyana, as both nations seek to deepen diplomatic and economic collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

Guyana officially opened an embassy in Qatar in May, 2023 and Qatar also established an embassy in Guyana.

Guyana and Qatar established diplomatic relations in 1996.

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Roston Chase saw encouraging signs in West Indies’ performance against India in Delhi, despite the visitors losing by seven wickets.

Shai Hope and John Campbell made centuries, the first two for West Indies in 2025.

The team also batted 80-plus overs in both innings after failing to get to that mark all year, improvements that meant more coming against a strong Indian bowling outfit that included Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja.

“Yeah, I think this is the kind of fight that I wanted to see from us, from matches before”, Chase said at the post-match press conference. “So, I think this is a stepping stone, a building step for us to go forward and improve as a Test-playing nation. This is a performance that I think will give us the confidence and boost us in terms of that belief that we can do it against proper Test-playing nations.

“I just want to see the guys continue in this vein and don’t let us go back to those ways. Even if it’s for us to lose, we have to lose in a good way. In a positive way, where we can have a lot of positives coming out of the game.”

West Indies came to India without two of their best fast bowlers, Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph, who were both laid low by injuries. Ultimately, it wasn’t the bowling that let them down though. Chase understood that his side needed to improve their batting to get their first points in this new cycle of the World Test Championship.

“I think where we could improve mainly is our batting,” Chase said. “I think that’s what let us down for the last two series. I think we have a good bowling attack, we had a few injuries. I just think that once we can put good first-inning totals on the board, we will be able to fight for some wins in the Test Championship.”

But this process is complicated by the way the West Indies cricket system currently functions.

“When a lot of our players come into the international level, they play like 20 first-class games, 15 first-class games,” Chase said. “While other teams, when guys come into international cricket, they have like 80 first-class games, 100 first-class games.”

Domestic competitions help batters learn how to score big runs and replicate the process over an extended period of time. West Indies, though, are having to manufacture success without that essential ingredient. This is part of why they have had one-off wins, against Australia in Brisbane and against Pakistan in Multan, but are struggling for consistency.

“So for us, it’s always learning on the job,” Chase said. “So if a guy can get a little longer run [playing Test matches] so that he can adjust and adapt to this level and see what it takes for him to improve and to be consistent at this level, I think that’s good. And I just think that the fight that we showed in this last game will, as I said, give us that belief and that confidence to know that we have what it takes to perform at this level.”

One bright spot for West Indies on this tour of India was the allrounder Justin Greaves, who finished the series with an unbeaten 50 from No. 7 and showed good skill in combating India’s spinners.

“Yeah, well, actually, if we had batted first, he [Greaves] would have batted at No. 6,” Chase. “But obviously him being the allrounder, bowling allrounder, bowling many [14 out of 134.2] overs first, we just wanted to give him some rest. So we just put him at No. 7. But yeah, I think he’s a capable batsman. I know him for a long period and I personally think his batting is better than his bowling.”

West Indies’ next Test match is in December against New Zealand. Chase accepted the first year of this WTC cycle has been hard on his team but hoped for better returns in 2026.

“And I think that we had a chat and this first year in the cycle, we always know it was going to be tough with opposition like Australia, India and then we go to New Zealand. But I think that once we learn from what we’ve done in those series and take it into the next year where we have guys like Sri Lanka and Pakistan, guys that we are closer to in the rankings, I think that we can be more competitive against those once we learn from these games.” (ESPNcricinfo)

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