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The Government of Guyana has moved swiftly to coordinate humanitarian relief for Jamaica in the wake of the catastrophic Hurricane Melissa, which left widespread destruction and displaced thousands across the island.

Through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Guyana is mobilising essential relief supplies and preparing emergency response teams to assist the Government and people of Jamaica as they begin recovery efforts from the Category Five storm.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who is currently performing the functions of President, convened a high-level coordination meeting on Wednesday with the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and the CDC to finalise Guyana’s immediate support actions.

The government’s initial response will include the deployment of critical relief items such as generators, tarpaulins, and chainsaws to support emergency recovery and restoration of essential services in Jamaica. This initiative is being executed under a collaborative Government–Private Sector framework, coordinated by the CDC under the leadership of the Prime Minister.

According to the CDC, the agency continues to work closely with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and other regional partners to ensure an effective and coordinated regional response. The Director General has confirmed that Guyana stands ready to provide further logistical, technical, and humanitarian assistance as the situation develops.

Specialised units, including the Guyana–CARICOM Disaster Relief Unit (G-CDRU) and the CARICOM Operational Support Team (COST), remain on standby for deployment to assist with on-the-ground response and recovery operations.

Meanwhile, the Private Sector Commission has issued a national appeal for contributions to support communities affected by the hurricane. Businesses and citizens are encouraged to donate cash, cheques, or wire transfers to aid in the purchase and delivery of essential supplies for impacted families.

Donations can be made as follows:

• Payable to: Private Sector Commission
• Contact for monetary donations: +592-614-4625
• Bank: Demerara Bank
• Account Name: Private Sector Commission
• Account Number: 4023420

The CDC, in partnership with the private sector and with the support of the Office of the Prime Minister, reaffirmed Guyana’s solidarity with Jamaica during this difficult time, pledging continued partnership and assistance as the recovery progresses.

The post Guyana mobilises humanitarian aid for Jamaica following devastating hurricane Melissa appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Nine suspects held in connection with Sunday’s bombing at the Mobil Gas Station at Regent and King Streets, Georgetown, remain in custody as investigators continue to probe the deadly attack that claimed the life of six-year-old Soraya Bourne.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told the News Room that investigators made an application to the High Court to extend the detention period for eight of the nine suspects in custody.

The extension was granted by Chief Justice (ag) Navindra Singh.

The ninth suspect remains in custody, as his detention period has not yet elapsed, Blanhum said.

Those in custody include the prime suspect, Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodomo, a Venezuelan man, another Venezuelan man and woman and a Guyanese hire car driver.

During the course of the investigation it was revealed that Daniel entered Guyana illegally from Venezuela around 08:00 hrs on Sunday, the same day of the attack.

He and three accomplices traveled to Georgetown between 11:00 hrs and noon on Sunday where they conducted a surveillance of the gas station before the attack was carried out.

The car used by the group has since been recovered.

Following the attack, they fled to Region Three, where Peodomo was later arrested in Vergenoegen, Region Three. Clothing believed to have been worn during the incident was also recovered by Police.

Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond has since confirmed that the government intends to pursue the death penalty in the case.

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In an extraordinary year marked by economic expansion and rapid digitalization, Demerara Bank Limited (DBL) has solidified its position and emerged as the driving force behind Guyana’s financial momentum, delivering record profits and lending national credit growth across multiple sectors. Through unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation, the bank has positioned itself as a formidable force in the country’s financial progress, setting new benchmarks for performance and shaping the future of banking in Guyana.

Dominating National Lending

According to the Bank of Guyana’s Statistical Abstract (September 2025), total commercial-bank loans and advances across the system stood at approximately G$510 billion, reflecting a 13.8% year-on-year growth from October 2024 to September 2025, an expansion of roughly G$62 billion.

In comparison, Demerara Bank’s loan portfolio surged by 32%, more than double the national average, reaching G$126 billion by the end of the 2025 Financial Year. This equates to an increase of approximately G$31 billion in just one year, demonstrating that DBL accounted for about 50% of all new lending within Guyana’s financial system over the past twelve months.

This extraordinary achievement highlights the Bank’s central role in financing national development and supporting the country’s rapidly expanding economy.

DBL’s impressive lending growth is a testament to its prudent and well-managed expansion, underpinned by a disciplined credit culture and the acquisition of new Tier-One corporate clients; many of whom have transitioned their banking relationships to DBL in recognition of its exceptional customer service, reliability and technologically advanced delivery channels.

The Bank’s branch network has also significantly contributed to retail portfolio diversification, with strong growth across agriculture, residential housing, automobile financing, and credit cards. This balanced approach to corporate and retail lending has ensured sustained portfolio quality and broad-based support for Guyana’s economic development.

By embedding automation, analytics, and digital monitoring into its core operations, the Bank has achieved faster decision-making without compromising credit quality. As a result, DBL has maintained zero non-performing loans (NPLs) for the fourth consecutive year; a distinction unmatched in the local financial sector and a testament to its disciplined lending culture, robust credit governance, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

“Without DBL’s contribution, overall banking-sector lending would have grown by only 7%,” the Bank’s report highlighted.

 

 

Demerara Bank Achieves Record G$8.41 Billion Profit, the Highest in Guyana’s Financial Sector

 

For the financial year ending September 30, 2025, Demerara Bank Limited recorded a Net Profit After Tax of G$8.41 billion, representing a 50.5% increase over the previous year and an impressive 184.7% growth over the past five years. This performance not only underscores the Bank’s exceptional profitability trajectory and prudent management but also cements Demerara Bank’s position as the most profitable financial institution in Guyana for 2025, achieving the highest net profit among all local financial institutions.

Return on Assets reached 3.8%, and Return on Equity climbed to 24.2%, both well above the local banking sector averages.

Deposits rose 19.5% to G$ 208 billion, while the Bank’s loan book expanded by G$ 31 billion in a single year.

“In just thirty years, Demerara Bank has achieved what no other bank in Guyana has: record profitability, zero NPLs and the strongest growth in national banking history,” the CEO noted.

 

Efficiency and Innovation

Demerara Bank continues to operate as Guyana’s most efficient financial institution, maintaining a cost-to-income ratio of just 28%, compared with a sector average of roughly 45%. This efficiency is not merely due to cost restraint but rather is a result of exceptional income growth outpacing expenditure; a direct outcome of its digital transformation and technology-driven operating model.

By automating processes, integrating digital platforms, and expanding service delivery through innovation, DBL has enhanced productivity and revenue generation across all business lines. The result is a model of modern banking efficiency, where technology and prudent management combine to deliver sustained profitability without compromising on service quality, investment, or growth.

In 2025, the Bank has also completed several landmark digital integrations, enhancing customer service and demonstrating its commitment to innovation. These integrations position the Bank to support customers with advanced technological solutions. Building on this success, the Bank announced that it will soon launch new platforms, including a mobile banking service. These additions will enrich its suite of services, offering customers a seamless banking experience.

“Our digital-first model enhances customer trust while achieving operational excellence,” stated the Chairman. “It’s the perfect balance between innovation and prudence.”

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Christina Arjun, the mother of 15-year-old Navindra Mahes, wants nothing but justice after her son was struck and killed by a car driven by a female Police Corporal along the Success Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on Thursday morning.

The single mother told News Room that her son was a well-mannered young man who had dreams of becoming a mechanical engineer. He was a fifth form student at the Annandale Secondary School and was preparing to write the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams.

“My son was a jolly person, he was respectable and well-mannered,” Arjun said.

Arjun recounted that her son left home at 7:15 hrs, as he normally does every day to attend school, but just 15 minutes later, she received the devastating news that he was involved in an accident.

“I was getting ready to go to work when I got a phone call saying my son got hit down at the road and they were taking him to Georgetown Public Hospital. I cut off the phone, got a taxi, and headed down there,” the woman explained.

“My last conversation with him this morning was him calling for me two times – ‘Ma, ma, I am leaving,’ – and I said, ‘Okay, take your time on the road,” Christina recalled.

The accident was captured on CCTV footage

According to her, the young man has been taking the bus to school every day for the past four years and he was always careful on the road.

“The main thing right now, I need to see justice for my son. That is all I am looking forward to,” she said.

The accident occurred at around 07:30 hrs at a time when the “third lane” system was active.

The accident was captured on CCTV footage and shows Mahes standing on the median that separates the two carriageways, facing north. He then attempted to cross the road using the pedestrian crossing when he was struck down.

The impact flung the teenager several feet into the air before he landed on the roadway, sustaining severe head injuries and a fractured right leg.

Public-spirited citizens rushed the injured teen to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where doctors tried to save his life.

The Police Corporal involved in the accident has since been placed under close arrest as investigations continue.

 

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Jemimah Rodrigues hit a remarkable unbeaten century as India completed a record chase to claim a stunning five-wicket win over Australia and reach the Women’s World Cup final.

Set 339 to win after a wonderful hundred from Australia opener Phoebe Litchfield, India held their nerve in a mammoth pursuit, with Rodrigues and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur leading the way with a 167-run stand.

Harmanpreet fell for 89 with 113 still needed but Rodrigues remained, reaching her hundred from 115 balls, and she was there at the end as the highest successful chase in women’s one-day international history was achieved with nine balls to spare.

Rodrigues was in tears as the India players streamed on to the field after Amanjot Kaur hit the winning runs in front of a delirious home crowd to set up a final against South Africa on Sunday.

This game in Navi Mumbai will go down as an instant classic and with the defending champions dumped out, there will be a new name on the trophy this weekend.

It could all have been so different had Australia taken their chances but a missed stumping gave Harmanpreet a life on 10, while the simplest of catches was put down to reprieve Rodrigues on 82.

Australia captain and wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy was the guilty party both times with Alana King the unfortunate bowler.

But both batters were ruthless in making the most of their good fortune as they timed the chase to perfection, with Rodrigues showing intent from the off and Harmanpreet gradually building into her innings after the openers fell in the powerplay.

After Harmanpreet’s dismissal, Rodrigues benefited from another dropped catch with Tahlia McGrath letting the ball slip through her fingers from what seemed a straightforward chance at mid-off.

For all that Australia can point to costly errors, it is the brilliance of Rodrigues and her all-time World Cup innings that will live long in the memory. (BBC)

 

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Musician Jumaine Anderson Walcott, better known as ‘Jay Anderson’, a U.S based-Guyanese is gearing up to release his first EP with one of the singles ‘Let Go’ already out.

Speaking with the News Room, Jay, who migrated to the U.S at a young age said he “sees life in colour” and this inspires his passion for music.

“I’m inspired by hope, I’m inspired by just people doing good, I see life in colour so when I also see people being colourful and not just black and white, I’m inspired by it,” the musician said.

He was born in Essequibo but his family travelled between New York and Guyana throughout his childhood.

Jay Anderson

He eventually launched his career in music and has been on the scene for more than a decade with his music popular among the youths. To his surprise, the persistent work he’s done was heavily enjoyed by fans during his performance at JamZone; he was among the artistes performing alongside Rick Ross.

His intention with his music is to take local sounds abroad.

“There’s a certain essence here that we have that has a lot to do with how I create my music. That’s why I’m doing it all home now and then taking it across the world with me because I want the world to see what I see,” he said.

For Jay, the music is a part of his experiences. Notably, he didn’t enjoy reggae and soulful music at first but from his elders constantly listening to these songs, he is now inspired by it.

“The sound of the music that I create or the type of music that I choose to write to, I grew up listening to…Growing up I learned to really appreciate the soulfulness of the songs,” he said.

Now, he is about to drop his first album, “Villain”, which will be released early next year. Speaking about what his fans can expect, he said:

“I am working on an album. I don’t want them to have any expectations but to be ready to feel joy, feel pain, there may be some songs that’ll make you cry on there, make you happy.”

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The government’s SkillsConnect platform is helping to make job searching and hiring much easier, according to Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation Zulfikar Ally.

SkillsConnect is a key government initiative aimed at strengthening Guyana’s labour market through digital innovation. It was by the Ministry of Labour in March of this year.

In a Facebook post, Ally said this platform empowers skilled and semi-skilled blue-collar workers by directly connecting them with employment opportunities and businesses nationwide.

“This initiative aligns with the People’s  Progressive Party Government’s strategy to advance digital transformation, enhance public service efficiency, and expand equitable access to employment and economic opportunities,” Ally said on Facebook.

How it works:

-Persons are required to download the app and sign up

– They will then be required to register and verify their account via a SMS code

– Users can post jobs and services within a few tabs. After submitting a post, it must be approved by a moderator before it goes live

– Users can also send and receive connection requests based on jobs posted and serviced advertise

– Once the connection is accepted, users can negotiate job offers

– Real time updates are also provided

 

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Azim Khan, a 32-year-old resident of Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice (WCB), died on Thursday after he crashed into a concrete fence at the #2 Public Road, WCB.

Police Headquarters reported that Khan was riding his motorcycle (CR 3710) at around 05:46 hrs along the #2 Public Road when he reportedly crashed into a concrete fence there.

It was noted that Khan was speeding and lost control of his bike while negotiating a left turn. He then collided with the concrete fence on the northern side of the road.

The 32-year-old man, who received injuries to his body, was picked up in an unconscious state by public-spirited persons and taken to the Bath Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead by a doctor.

Khan’s body is at the hospital’s mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination. Further investigations are in progress.

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A 15-year-old schoolboy was killed on Thursday morning after he was struck by a car driven by a female Police Corporal in what is popularly known as the “third lane” during morning traffic at Success, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Dead is Navindra Mahes, a student of Annandale Secondary School and resident of Le Ressouvenir, ECD. The fatal accident occurred around 07:30 hrs on the Success Public Road, as commuters rushed to work and school.

Police said the vehicle involved—a motorcar bearing registration number PAB 214—was being driven west along the northern carriageway of the public road, in the southern driving lane, at a time when the “third lane” system was active.

According to a Police statement, video footage showed the teenage pedestrian standing on the median that separates the two carriageways, facing north. He then attempted to cross the road using the pedestrian crossing, when the left front side of the car struck him.

Mahes was flung onto the roadway, sustaining severe injuries to his head and body. Public-spirited citizens quickly rushed him to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where doctors found that he had suffered head trauma and a fractured right leg. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries at 09:56 hrs while receiving emergency treatment.

His body is now at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination.

The 35-year-old Police Corporal who was driving the vehicle has since been placed under close arrest as investigations continue.

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The Government of Guyana has raised concerns over the accuracy and reliability of the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index 2025, citing the use of outdated data and opaque research methods in determining the country’s latest global ranking.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance on Thursday, the Government acknowledged the publication of the report, which ranked Guyana 80th in the world, a slight decline from 78th in 2024. However, it emphasised that the index does not accurately reflect Guyana’s current governance and justice environment, given that the data used dates back as far as 2018 and 2022.

According to the Ministry, the household polling data underpinning the 2025 ranking originated from surveys conducted by the StatMark Group, a little-known entity whose findings were never made public. “Neither of these face-to-face surveys were ever made public at the time, nor does the public know of the StatMark Group,” the release stated.

The Ministry underscored that while the WJP report links stronger rule of law with stronger economies, it fails to align this premise with Guyana’s current economic and institutional realities. “Guyana, as one of the fastest growing economies, is a living example of this,” the statement noted, adding that the index overlooks the extensive institutional and legislative reforms implemented across the governance and justice sectors since 2022.

The Government said that while international assessments play an important role in benchmarking progress, they must be transparent, methodologically sound, and based on recent data. “The 2025 report, without question, relies on older datasets… It cannot be construed as a real reflection of Guyana’s 2025 realities,” the statement stressed.

The Ministry also questioned the credibility of the expert perception component used in the index, noting that most contributors were anonymous. “It cannot be that the perceptions of a few anonymous people are considered representative of the entire population of approximately 800,000,” it argued, calling for more rigorous sampling and validation processes to ensure accuracy.

Further, the Ministry cautioned local media and the public against uncritical repetition of international rankings, urging them instead to “consult official data sources and exercise critical review” when interpreting third-party reports. It added that while global indices may provide “attractive sound bites,” they hold little analytical value without access to nominal scores and underlying datasets.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and international cooperation, the Government pointed to Guyana’s recent participation in two major global reviews — under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) — as evidence of its openness to independent scrutiny.

Nonetheless, it maintained that global agencies must ensure that their methodologies are robust and that data are current and representative, especially for developing countries. “The use of outdated data from 2018 and 2022 must not be misconstrued as depicting Guyana’s 2025 governance environment,” the Ministry concluded.

 

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