Blog

A specialised medical mission from Qatar is in Guyana to conduct more than 100 surgeries on both pediatric and adult patients over the next few days. The team will also assess the country’s health sector needs and train local doctors in specialised procedures.

All surgeries will be performed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) between October 9 and 15.

“There are nine medical specialists as part of this team, there are pediatric interventional cardiologist, anesthesiologist, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatric urology specialist and a Cath lab technician,” Chief Executive Officer of GPHC, Robbie Rambarran said.

This week approximately 16 complex pediatric urology surgeries will be done along with 30 adult procedures including 12 complex gynecology cases.

Chargé d’Affaires at the Qatar Embassy in Georgetown, Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Ruhamihi, described the mission as the first step in strengthening humanitarian relations between Guyana and Qatar through the medical mission.

“It is worth noting that the medical team aims to perform more than 120 surgical procedures, including surgeries and consultations for children and women, particularly for heart disease and tumors in women, with specific surgical procedures and numerous medical consultations,” Al-Ruhamihi said.

He said Qatar has sent its best and most experienced doctors, representing Qatari medical institutions such as Hamad Medical Corporation and Sidra Medical and Research Corporation. The mission is being funded by the Qatar Fund for Development

Meanwhile, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony emphasised the importance of knowledge transfer, explaining that the visiting doctors will work alongside local specialists to ensure that the skills and expertise gained during this mission remain within the country after the team departs.

“What we want to see happen during this mission is a transfer of knowledge, to build capacity for our local team so that when they leave, we can have persons with the expertise that can carry on such surgeries,” Dr. Anthony said.

 

 

The post Qatar medical mission to conduct over 100 surgeries in Guyana appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Three men were remanded to prison on Wednesday in connection with a murder that took place in 2023.

The accused are Rajendra Balkarran, also known as “Gomes,” a 45-year-old cane harvester from Rose Hall Town, Corentyne Berbice; Dorwin Trim, known as “Rusty,” a 32-year-old unemployed resident of Free Yard, Port Mourant; and Premchand Ramsohai, a 28-year-old laborer from Despentry Dam, Port Mourant, Corentyne Berbice. They appeared before Magistrate Michelle Matthias at the Reliance Magistrates’ Court.

It is alleged that between June 26 and July 1, 2023, at Rose Hall Town, Balkarran, Trim, and Ramsohai murdered Kamaluddin Abrahim.

The three men, who did not have legal representation, were not required to enter a plea for the indictable charge.

During the court proceedings, Police Prosecutor Sergeant Mark Edwards informed the court that the case file was complete.

Following this, Magistrate Matthias advised the accused of the seriousness of the charges and ordered that they be remanded to prison.

Additionally, it was noted that Trim is already on remand for another case.

The three men are scheduled to appear in court again on October 14. The case has been transferred to the Albion Magistrates’ Court.

The post Three remanded for murder of Port Mourant man appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has scored a major appointment, with Executive Committee Member Andrea Johnson being named to the FIFA Women’s Football Development Committee.

The prestigious role, confirmed by FIFA following recent Council decisions, will see Johnson serve a four-year term from 2025 to 2029.

Johnson will be an influential voice on the committee, which is tasked with advancing the development, growth, and global profile of women’s football worldwide.

This is a significant triumph for both Johnson and the GFF, particularly as the federation continues to place increased focus on expanding the women’s game across Guyana.

Her appointment ensures that Guyana has a direct seat at the global table, offering the nation a chance to shape international strategies that can directly benefit and further support the local women’s football scene.

A delighted GFF offered its congratulations, expressing confidence that Johnson will make a meaningful contribution in her new, vital capacity.

 

The post Guyana’s Andrea Johnson appointed to key FIFA Women’s Development Committee appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Shimron Hetmyer has set himself three big goals for the first three months of 2026: win the DP World ILT20 in the United Arab Emirates with his new franchise, the Desert Vipers, earn a spot in the West Indies squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, and then win that tournament too.

And for the left-handed powerhouse, who has already won the UAE tournament in its first year with the Gulf Giants, a repeat of that success, this time with the Vipers, could be the key to having the chance to fulfil his international wishes.

“I have always been someone that actually wanted to play for the West Indies from when I was growing up,” said Hetmyer, who was part of the Guyana Amazon Warriors side that finished as runners-up in the latest edition of the Caribbean Premier League.

“So, I am going to try to use the (DP World) ILT20 to get into my best form leading up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and then just see as much as possible how best I could help the West Indies to get the trophy, once I finish picking up this trophy (for the DP World ILT20).”

DP World ILT20 is one of my favourite leagues to play in. What stands it apart is the pitches are actually pretty good

Hetmyer, 28, who wears shirt number 189 at the Caribbean Premier League, said he chose that number as it was his highest batting total, scored when he was just thirteen years old.

The player, who led the West Indies to the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Bangladesh in 2016, intends to request 189 as his shirt number with the Vipers and said he was confident about the team’s prospects of winning the DP World ILT20 title.

“I am sure our chances this year are high because I have seen the team get to the finals in the first season and even this past season as well. So, it is fun to join a team with a very good record under their belt.

“I am pretty excited, actually, so I just cannot wait to get there (to the UAE) and help the team and try my best to help them cross that line and lift that trophy.”

Hetmyer, from Guyana, has joined the Vipers squad as a replacement for fellow countryman Sherfane Rutherford, who has linked up with the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for season four.

The Vipers’ new signing said that Rutherford and fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell, provided him with consistently positive feedback regarding the team environment.

“I have heard some good things about the Desert Vipers from both Sheldon Cottrell, who I am close to and who was with the team in the first (and second) years, and Sherfane Rutherford, who was there since season one as well.

“I have also been in the same environment with (Head Coach) James Foster. He is one of my favourite coaches I would say, because he is easy-spoken and he is someone that you could easily just go up to and ask him questions, have a conversation with him or sit and talk cricket and just relax.

“He (Foster) helps to just take your mind off the game for a little bit, so it is nice. So far, I have been hearing nice things about the team, and I am waiting to go and head across there (to the UAE) to see what it is like in person.”

Hetmyer has an impressive history of experience in franchise cricket, including the Indian Premier League, Major League Cricket in the United States of America, the Bangladesh Premier League, the Pakistan Super League and the Men’s Hundred in England and Wales.

He said he enjoyed traveling the world and bringing his family with him to experience different cultures and make new friends.

And he added that the UAE’s own league held a special place in his heart.

“It (DP World ILT20) is one of my favourite leagues to play in,” he said. “What stands it apart is the pitches are actually pretty good. Early up in the season you do have to graft just a little bit because the ball nips around. So, it is a challenge compared to the Caribbean or to India where it does not really nip about as much as it would in Dubai.

“Some of the grounds are actually much bigger as well so it helps you to stay in your shape and just hold your shape just a little bit more when you are trying to execute a big shot.

“That kind of helps me when I come back to the Caribbean where the ball does not really nip around as much, and to India where it is the same thing and with smaller boundaries as well.

“It helps you to back yourself just a little bit more to know that you can just hit more sixes or hit more boundaries when you need to.” (Desert Vipers.com) 

The post Ambitious Hetmyer eyes trophies for Desert Vipers and West Indies appeared first on News Room Guyana.

While there has been a slight increase in maternal deaths recorded at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for the year thus far, majority of the cases involved patients referred from private hospitals in critical conditions.

Chief Executive Officer of GPHC, Robbie Rambarran told reporters on Wednesday that the hospital recorded nine deaths as compared to eight in 2024.

“The majority of the patients we had that died came from private hospitals. Sometimes they send them to us and there is nothing different we can do for them. There are cases where they sent patients that are already intubated, and there is nothing different we can do,” Rambarran explained at the sidelines of an event at the Ministry of Health.

And, while in some instances, patients are transferred due to financial constraints, Rambarran believes that some of the private hospitals also refer patients to avoid having the deaths reflected in their own statistics.

Chief Executive Officer of GPHC, Robbie Rambarran (News Room/December 30, 2024)

“I honestly believe that private hospitals like doing this because the deaths don’t fall under their numbers, it comes under ours,” Rambarran said.

Rambarran noted that this trend has been raised with the Minister of Health and at the GPHC board level. He said the hospital plans to review the criteria that determine how maternal deaths are attributed to GPHC.

Asked about the maternal complications that lead to the deaths, Rambarran said most were indirect causes. He highlighted that among the cases were one involving poison ingestion and another due to a head injury.

Rambarran also revealed that GPHC has forwarded some of the maternal death cases to the Medical Council for further review.

“There are a lot of challenges, but we plan to have discussions with the private hospitals. That is why I took the decision to forward some of these reviews to the Medical Council, because some of them really need some sort of intervention, and that is what we are working towards,” Rambarran stated.

He added that, there has been an increase of neonatal referrals to the hospital as well as an increase in admissions and deliveries. When compared to referrals and deaths, Rambarran said the percentage is small.

 

The post Maternal deaths at GPHC linked to referrals from private hospitals – Rambarran appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Yosber Alberto Rivero Sojo, a 35-year-old Venezuelan man, was allegedly murdered on Monday at the Quartz Stone Backdam area of the Cuyuni River.

Police Headquarters reported that the victim, who is a gold miner, was confronted by a group of about 12 men, all reportedly Venezuelan, in the early hours of Monday. The men accused him (the victim) of theft and subsequently assaulted him.

Sometime later that day, a report was made at the Bartica Police Station, and ranks visited the area where the man’s body was found on a main access trail.

The body is at Bartica, awaiting a post-mortem examination.

The suspects are currently being sought by police. Investigations are ongoing.

The post Venezuelan man allegedly murdered at Quartz Stone Backdam  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Press Release from the Guyana Football Federation

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is proud to announce that its President, Wayne Forde has been appointed to serve on FIFA’s Men’s National Team Competitions Committee for the 2025-2029 term.

The appointment was confirmed by FIFA following decisions recently taken by the FIFA Council.

Mr. Forde will serve as a member of the committee, which plays a key role in shaping policies and overseeing matters related to men’s national team tournaments globally.

FIFA expressed its pleasure and honour in extending this appointment, which is in line with the relevant provisions of the FIFA Statutes and Governance Regulations.

Mr. Forde’s appointment represents a significant achievement not only for him personally but also for Guyana and the wider Caribbean football community.

His inclusion on the committee reflects the growing recognition of Guyana’s leadership and contribution to the development of football at the international level.

The Guyana Football Federation extends its sincere congratulations to President Forde on this prestigious appointment and expresses confidence that he will serve with distinction and continue to represent the interests of Guyana and the region on the global stage.

 

The post GFF President appointed to FIFA Men’s National Team Competitions Committee appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Approximately 67 structures were lost to fire in Regions Five and Six between January and September of this year. This was revealed  by Divisional Fire Officer Clive McDonald during a church service on Sunday that kicked off Fire Prevention Month.

This year’s observation of Fire Prevention Month is being held under the theme, “Let’s prevent fires, for the development of a safer nation.”

In 2025, the fire department in these two regions responded to a total of 264 emergency calls, including 67 related to private homes, which resulted in 105 individuals becoming homeless.

McDonald said that the fires that destroyed these properties had various causes.

“I encourage all citizens of this division, Berbice, to install and maintain smoke alarms and fire extinguishers and to practice a fire escape plan that includes at least two ways out of every room,” he said.

Given that the current dry season poses a high risk for wildfires, he is encouraging residents to clear combustible vegetation and to adhere to fire safety practices to help minimise the risk of such incidents.

On September 25th, an electrical fire devastated the home of Shenieza Yussuf in Crabwood Creek, Corentyne Berbice, causing nine people to lose their home.
“As we mark Fire Prevention Month, by recommitting to prepare, we extend our thoughts and prayers to all those who have been affected by fire this year,” he stated.

McDonald shared essential fire prevention tips for workplaces and schools, emphasising the importance of keeping flammable materials away from heat, never leave cooking unattended, check firefighting systems, and use electrical equipment as per the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure proper installation and maintenance.

The post 67 buildings destroyed by fire from January to September in Berbice – Divisional Fire Officer appeared first on News Room Guyana.

A woman from West Berbice has been remanded to prison following a murder charge in connection with the death of her sister.

Allison Walters, 55, residing at Lot 45 Plantation Ross, made an appearance at the Blairmont Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Michelle Matthias on Tuesday.

During the hearing, it was revealed that on October 2nd, 2025, in Plantation Ross Village, Allison allegedly fatally stabbed her sister, Barbara, with a knife.

Allison, who did not have legal representation, was not required to enter a plea for the indictable charge.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Garfield Edwards stated in court that the case file is not yet complete and that further legal advice is needed by the Police.

Following this, Magistrate Matthias made Allison aware of the gravity of the charge and ordered her remand.

Allison is scheduled to appear in court again on November 7th, with the case being transferred to the Weldaad Magistrate’s Court.

The post West Berbice woman remanded for murder of sister appeared first on News Room Guyana.

[CNN] – Gold prices hit US$4,000 per ounce Tuesday for the very first time, driven by strong investment demand amid broader geopolitical and economic uncertainty, along with expectations of further interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve.

Gold has climbed 51% so far this year on sizable central bank buying, increased demand for gold-backed exchange-traded funds, a weaker dollar and growing interest from retail investors seeking to hedge amid rising trade and geopolitical tensions. During the first quarter of the year, gold posted its strongest quarterly return since 1986.

Gold thrives in a low interest rate environment and during economic uncertainty. It is considered a resilient investment and a hedge against inflation, with investors betting it will retain its value when prices rise.

The government shutdown has left traders and policymakers without any federal data, including the crucial monthly jobs report. Key inflation figures for the month of September are due next week. That has forced investors to rely on secondary, non-government data to gauge the timing and extent of Fed rate cuts.

Markets continue to price in a quarter-point cut at the Fed’s October 28-29 meeting and a similar-sized reduction at its December meeting.

“I see gold reaching $4,300 per ounce over the next six months as the US dollar is expected to continue to depreciate,” said Michael Langford, chief investment officer at Scorpion Minerals.

Billionaire investor Ken Griffin said Monday the development of gold as a safer asset than the dollar is “really concerning.”

“We’re seeing substantial asset inflation away from the dollar as people are looking for ways to effectively de-dollarize, or de-risk their portfolios vis-a-vis US sovereign risk,” he said in an interview with Bloomberg.

Goldman Sachs on Monday raised its December 2026 price forecast for gold to $4,900 per ounce from $4,300.

China’s central bank added gold to its reserves in September for the 11th straight month, data from the People’s Bank of China showed.

The post Gold hits US$4,000 an ounce for the first time appeared first on News Room Guyana.