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  • Minister Walrond dismisses claims that E-ID cards will legitimise illegal migrants, clarifies purpose and eligibility

    Minister Walrond dismisses claims that E-ID cards will legitimise illegal migrants, clarifies purpose and eligibility

    Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, has firmly rejected what she described as false and dangerous claims that the government’s new Electronic Identification (E-ID) Card system is designed to legitimise illegal immigrants in Guyana.

    In a detailed statement issued on Wednesday, the Minister said the E-ID programme is a legitimate national security and digital governance initiative, aimed at improving identification, border management and access to public services — not a tool to regularise undocumented persons.

    “Attempts to portray the Government’s monitoring of foreign nationals as an effort to ‘legitimise illegal migrants’ are entirely false,” Minister Walrond declared. “These statements are malicious, mischievous, and intended to sow public discord.”

    She explained that the E-ID system will cater to two distinct groups:

    • E-ID Citizen Cards — for Guyanese nationals; and
    • E-ID Resident Cards — for legally residing foreign nationals who meet the required criteria, such as those holding valid work permits or other lawful immigration status.

    Minister Walrond made it clear that only migrants who have met all legal entry and residency requirements will be eligible for an E-ID Resident Card. The cards will not — under any circumstances — be issued to undocumented individuals or persons with expired immigration status.

    “Resident Cards will remain valid only for the period of an individual’s approved legal stay,” she explained. “Once that period expires, the card automatically becomes invalid. There is no mechanism within the system to legitimise anyone who is in the country illegally.”

    According to the Minister, the E-ID initiative also supports coordination between key government agencies such as the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), ensuring that both citizens and lawful residents remain compliant with national laws and obligations.

    She said the move forms part of a broader effort by the government to modernise public services, enhance national security, and protect Guyana’s borders through technology-driven solutions.

    “The E-ID system is about efficiency, transparency, and accountability — not amnesty. It gives government the ability to know who is in the country and for how long, and it allows legitimate residents to access essential services securely,” she emphasised.

    Minister Walrond further urged the public to disregard politically motivated misinformation being shared on social media, which she said seeks to incite fear and division.

    “I urge all citizens to rely only on verified, official information and to reject divisive narratives that undermine national unity,” she said.

    The E-ID Card system is a key component of Guyana’s ongoing digital transformation agenda, which aims to strengthen data protection, improve service delivery, and enhance border and identity management across the country.

    The post Minister Walrond dismisses claims that E-ID cards will legitimise illegal migrants, clarifies purpose and eligibility appeared first on News Room Guyana.

  • JUST IN: Hire car driver, other accomplices conducted surveillance hours before gas station bombing

    JUST IN: Hire car driver, other accomplices conducted surveillance hours before gas station bombing

    Investigators probing Sunday’s gas station attack have uncovered new details suggesting that the prime suspect and his accomplices carried out a surveillance operation before bombing the Regent and King Streets, Georgetown business.

    This was confirmed by Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum, who told the News Room that during questioning, it was revealed that sometime between 11:00 hrs and noon on Sunday, Daniel and three of his accomplices – a man and a female, both Venezuelan nationals – and a Guyanese hire car driver traveled to Georgetown in a motor car. The car was recovered by the Police.

    The prime suspect in the attack is Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodomo, a Venezuelan national. He is among several others currently in custody.

    Blanhum on Tuesday told a press conference that Daniel arrived in Guyana around 08:00 hrs on Sunday illegally via boat from Venezuela.

    The group, Blanhum said, parked the car within the vicinity of the gas station.

    The female exited the vehicle and went to KFC, which is attached to the gas station, and purchased food for Daniel and the other Venezuelan.

    It was during that time that the Venezuelan suspects reportedly conducted a surveillance of the gas station before executing the act.

    Afterwards, the suspects journeyed to Region Three.

    Police on Tuesday afternoon arrested Daniel in Vergenoegen, Region Three. His clothing, believed to have been worn during the attack, was recovered shortly before this.

    Six-year-old Soraya Bourne died, and several of her relatives were injured in the attack.

    Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, on Tuesday announced that the government will be pursuing the death penalty in the case.

    The post JUST IN: Hire car driver, other accomplices conducted surveillance hours before gas station bombing appeared first on News Room Guyana.

  • GT3 racing series beckons for Guyana in 2026

    GT3 racing series beckons for Guyana in 2026

    Guyana is positioning itself to become the new hub for elite regional motor racing, as a joint effort is ongoing to bring a GT3 racing series – GT Challenge de las Américas – to the South Dakota Circuit from 2026.

    The initiative is being spearheaded by Trinidad and Tobago racing stalwart Franklyn Boodram, who is partnering with the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) to commit to an initial three-year run for the high-performance category.

    Boodram, showcasing his Renault Sport R.S. 01 at this weekend’s international race meet, confirmed the ambitious plans at a press conference on Wednesday.

    “I have the franchise for the GT3 Challenge for the Caribbean, and I will work with Guyana, so it is going to become like Formula 1, where it is going to pass through here,” Boodram stated, citing the lack of adequate, high-speed facilities in his homeland as a key reason for the move.

    The officials noted that the shift is necessary to address the long-standing challenge of stagnant growth in the Caribbean’s top-tier racing, which has struggled for years to attract new machinery to its traditional Group 4 category.

    The GMR&SC’s decision to focus on the GT3 format aligns the region with the global benchmark in production-based racing.

    GT3 racing features iconic, high-specification cars from manufacturers such as Lamborghini, Ferrari, McLaren, Audi, and Porsche.

    By embracing this standard, the GMR&SC hopes to attract greater international investment, attract top driving talent, and enhance Guyana’s sports tourism opportunities.

    The GMR&SC leadership remains confident in securing continued government support to develop the South Dakota venue further to meet the demands of a top-tier GT3 event.

    Boodram also noted that Touring Car Racing (TCR) represents the future for regional Group Two and Three categories, potentially broadening the appeal even further.

    This weekend, the transition is being previewed as a headline battle in the GT3 class takes centre stage at the Caribbean Clash of Champions.

    Local hero Mark Vieira will head-to-head with Boodram in a highly anticipated duel.

    Vieira’s Porsche 911 GT3 Cup will face Boodram’s R.S. 01, and an entry from AJM will also campaign a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car.

    The post GT3 racing series beckons for Guyana in 2026 appeared first on News Room Guyana.

  • Another bee attack claims second life in one week

    Another bee attack claims second life in one week

    Just one week after a deadly bee attack claimed the life of a young contractor at Triumph, East Coast Demerara (ECD), tragedy has struck again — this time at Enterprise backlands — where a 67-year-old man died after being swarmed by bees while carrying out work on his property.

    Dead is Lennox “Mikey” Luke, of Kitty, Georgetown. Police said the incident occurred between 09:30 hrs and 10:45 hrs on Wednesday, when Luke and a construction worker, Selwyn Dean, 29, also of Kitty, went to clean and fence a plot of land at Enterprise backlands.

    According to the Police, while the men were working, a large swarm of bees suddenly emerged from nearby bushes and launched an attack. In an attempt to flee, Dean ran forward, while Luke retreated but fell to the ground, where he was overtaken by the swarm.

    Dean managed to escape with minor stings, but Luke was left motionless and under heavy attack. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and personnel from the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) were summoned to the scene. They “smoked” the area to disperse the bees and, with the help of public-spirited citizens, managed to retrieve Luke’s body.

    He was taken in an unconscious state to the Enmore Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead around 11:20 hrs despite efforts to resuscitate him.

    Police said marks were visible on Luke’s back, forearm, and the back of his head. His body is now at Jerricks Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem examination.

    This incident follows another fatal bee attack last week Wednesday at Surat Drive, Triumph, ECD, which claimed the life of 29-year-old contractor Winston Semple and left his colleague, 40-year-old Glendon Simpson, hospitalised in critical condition.

    Semple and Simpson had been working on a road construction project when a swarm of bees descended on them, leaving both men with multiple stings. Semple was pronounced dead on arrival at the Enmore Regional Hospital, while Simpson remains under medical care.

    The two deaths within a week have raised concerns about bee infestations in several East Coast communities, with residents calling for urgent action to identify and safely remove hives located close to populated and work areas.

    Police investigations into both incidents are ongoing.

    The post Another bee attack claims second life in one week appeared first on News Room Guyana.

  • Caribbean MegaBounce postponed to November 7-10 due to Hurricane Melissa

    Caribbean MegaBounce postponed to November 7-10 due to Hurricane Melissa

    Caribbean MegaBounce, the region’s most electrifying inflatable entertainment experience, has been postponed to November 7-10, 2025, due to Hurricane Melissa’s impact on Jamaica. The specialized technical team responsible for setting up the massive inflatable structures is currently unable to travel to Guyana as they work to ensure the safety of their operations and personnel during the severe weather event.

    “The safety of our team, attendees, and communities is always our top priority,” said Jonathan Beepat, Founder of Wildfire Entertainment. “While we’re disappointed by this necessary delay, we’re committed to delivering the same world-class experience our Caribbean MegaBounce family has come to expect. We’re grateful for the understanding and patience of everyone who has already purchased tickets.”

    All tickets purchased for the original October 31-November 3 dates remain fully valid for the new November 7-10 dates. Ticket holders do not need to exchange or repurchase their tickets.

    The event will now kick off on Friday, November 7th from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

    The excitement continues with weekend marathon sessions on Saturday, November 8th and Sunday, November 9th, featuring extended 11-hour days from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, giving families unprecedented access to world-class inflatable entertainment. The four-day spectacular concludes on Monday, November 10th from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

    The Caribbean’s largest inflatable theme park will still transform the YMCA Grounds in Thomas Lands into an inflatable wonderland, featuring the same spectacular attractions. The event will feature several inflatable structures, including a 15,000 square foot main bounce house and a four-lane obstacle course that spans more than 600 feet in length. Additional attractions include a towering mega slide and various themed inflatable installations. A DJ booth will provide music throughout operating hours, ensuring non-stop entertainment for all attendees.

    Admission has been set at $4,000 for children aged 2 to 11 years and $5,000 for adults. A family package priced at $16,000 covers two adults and two children. All tickets grant unlimited access to all attractions with same-day re-entry privileges, meaning attendees can leave the venue and return later on the same day.

    All attendees must wear socks on the inflatables. No socks, no bouncing.

    Tickets remain available at multiple convenient locations throughout Georgetown, including Beepats on Regent Street, Giftland OfficeMax Department Store at Giftland Mall in Turkeyen, Mattai’s The Food Mart at Water and Hope Streets, YMCA Grounds in Thomas Lands, and all Bad Monkey Merch Store locations at Amazonia Mall, Giftland Mall, Movietown Mall, and Leonora Mall.

    Beepats proudly serves as the Title Sponsor of Caribbean MegaBounce, with their exciting giveaway program, featuring Santal juices, Goya cookies and much more. Silver co-sponsors are Coca Cola and Sterling Products. The kids will receive ice cream treats, compliments of Sterling Products. Guysons and Cevon’s Waste Management are also supporting companies. Together, these trusted names bring the excitement, energy, and community spirit that make Caribbean MegaBounce a one-of-a-kind family experience.

    “We appreciate the support of the Guyanese community and look forward to bringing Caribbean MegaBounce to Georgetown on November 7th,” added Beepat.

    “This postponement allows our technical team to arrive safely and ensures we deliver the premium, professionally managed experience that families deserve.”

    With an impressive track record after successful events in Barbados, Jamaica, and Antigua that attracted thousands of delighted attendees, Caribbean MegaBounce is bringing its proven formula for fun to Georgetown. The production team’s over 30 years of combined experience in entertainment and family events guarantees an unforgettable experience.

    For the latest updates and information, follow Caribbean MegaBounce on social media.

     

     

    The post Caribbean MegaBounce postponed to November 7-10 due to Hurricane Melissa appeared first on News Room Guyana.

  • ERC launches Harmony Clubs at Stella Maris Primary to promote respect, tolerance and national unity

    ERC launches Harmony Clubs at Stella Maris Primary to promote respect, tolerance and national unity

    The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has officially launched its Harmony Clubs Pilot Programme at the Stella Maris Primary School, located at 120 Woolford Avenue, following approval and support from the Ministry of Education.

    The launch took place today at 12:30 p.m. in the school’s Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) room and marks the first phase of a national initiative designed to promote respect, tolerance, cooperation and an appreciation for Guyana’s ethnic diversity among the nation’s youth.

    Providing remarks at the launch was Chairman of the ERC, Shaikh Moeenul Hack, who emphasized the importance of fostering unity and understanding from an early age.

    According to the Chairman “harmony begins with how we treat each other. When we learn about one another’s backgrounds, cultures and beliefs, we build respect and break down the barriers that divide us. The Harmony Club gives our children a space to do exactly that, to listen, to understand, and to show kindness. If we plant these values early, they will grow into a more peaceful and united Guyana.”

    Representing the Ministry of Education at the launch, Deputy Chief Education Officer (Development), Ms. Volika Jaikishun, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to fostering environments that encourage inclusion and respect.

    The Harmony Clubs are envisioned as safe and inclusive spaces where students can learn and openly discuss topics related to ethnic diversity, national identity, mutual respect, and peaceful co-existence (Photo: ERC)

    She posited that “this Harmony Club represents what we want for every child in Guyana, a safe space to learn not only academic lessons, but lessons of heart. When children learn to respect one another’s cultures, beliefs, and experiences, they become more compassionate, confident and caring individuals. The Ministry of Education is proud to partner with the Ethnic Relations Commission in nurturing these values. Together, we are helping our children build friendships that are rooted in understanding, respect, and unity in the classroom, at home, and throughout our beautiful country.”

    Speaking on behalf of the school, Headmistress of Stella Maris Primary, Ms. Dayvika Ghansiam, expressed appreciation for the collaborative effort while noting that “we at Stella Maris Primary School are proud to work in collaboration with the ERC and the Ministry of Education in launching this Harmony Club. The Harmony Club is being established to promote a simple but powerful idea, that even though we come from different backgrounds, we can live, learn, and grow together as one. Harmony doesn’t mean we all have to be the same. It means respecting each other’s differences and finding strength in our diversity. Together, we can create a melody of unity that will echo far beyond these walls.”

    The Harmony Clubs are envisioned as safe and inclusive spaces where students can learn and openly discuss topics related to ethnic diversity, national identity, mutual respect, and peaceful co-existence. Through guided activities, games, cultural exchanges and interactive sessions, students will be encouraged to appreciate similarities, celebrate differences, and work collaboratively.

    The Pilot Programme is slated to be rolled out next at the following schools:

    • North Georgetown Secondary
    • Comenius Primary
    • St. Gabriel’s Primary
    • St. Ambrose Primary

    These schools will serve as the initial testing ground for the club structure, engagement activities, and student-driven initiatives. Feedback and outcomes from the pilot phase will inform how the programme will be expanded to schools across all regions in Guyana.

    The ERC expresses gratitude to the Ministry of Education, school administrators, teachers, Parent Teacher Associations and students for their support and enthusiasm towards this initiative. As a constitutional body mandated to promote national harmony and good relations among all ethnic groups, the Commission remains committed to ensuring that every Guyanese child grows in an environment of mutual respect and shared national pride. [ERC Press Release]

     

    The post ERC launches Harmony Clubs at Stella Maris Primary to promote respect, tolerance and national unity appeared first on News Room Guyana.

  • Labourer remanded for vandalizing two banks in New Amsterdam

    Labourer remanded for vandalizing two banks in New Amsterdam

    Azore Joseph, a 25-year-old labourer caught on camera vandalising two banks in New Amsterdam, Berbice, has been remanded to prison on Wednesday. A psychiatric evaluation was also ordered for Joseph.

    He was represented by Attorney-at-Law Akim Lampkin and appeared before Magistrate Michelle Mathias at the Reliance Magistrates’ Court.

    According to reports, last Sunday, Joseph used a metal object to break the front glass of Scotia Bank before proceeding to Republic Bank, where he damaged two ATMs and the glass to the front access door.

    Eight glass windows and two doors were also damaged at Scotia Bank.

    During the court proceedings, Joseph’s mother informed the court that her son had been living in Georgetown with a relative. She stated that three weeks prior, she learned he was exhibiting disorderly behavior. Concerned, she traveled to investigate and brought Joseph back to Region Six.

    The mother told the court that he had not previously undergone a mental health evaluation.

    However, his attorney informed the court that Joseph has been diagnosed with mental illness, which was discovered four months ago, prompting his relocation to Berbice.

    The prosecution requested that Joseph be remanded to undergo a thorough psychiatric evaluation. After considering the prosecution’s request, Magistrate Mathias ordered that Joseph be remanded.

    The case has been transferred to the New Amsterdam Magistrates’ Court and is scheduled to be heard on November 6, 2025.

    The post Labourer remanded for vandalizing two banks in New Amsterdam appeared first on News Room Guyana.

  • West Indies beat Bangladesh to win T20I series with match to spare

    West Indies beat Bangladesh to win T20I series with match to spare

    West Indies took an unassailable 2-0 lead in their three-match series against Bangladesh, shrugging off a batting collapse that had taken them from 106-1 to 149-9 in Chattogram. It also marked their first T20I series win after seven consecutive defeats.

    The West Indies bowlers- Romario Shepherd and Akeal Hosein played lead roles with three wickets each- were effective in defending the moderate total. Bangladesh could not chase 150 on a good batting pitch despite the presence of dew, which hampered the bowlers. Tanzid Hasan kept them going with 61, but the rest were often caught in two minds on a surface that encouraged playing through one’s shots.

    The Bangladesh line-up did not do justice to their bowlers, who engineered West Indies’ batting collapse. Mustafizur Rahman picked up three wickets, while Nasum Ahmed and Rishad Hossain took two each.

    Hope, Athanaze lift West Indies

    West Indies had luck in the first half of their innings. Litton Das dropped Brandon King first ball, and Towhid Hridoy couldn’t hang on to a tough chance at mid-on off Alick Athanaze in the third over.

    Athanaze launched Tanzim Hasan over square-leg in the same over, before Shai Hope struck Taskin Ahmed straight down the ground for his first six in the next one. The pair struck boundaries at ease during the powerplay and beyond. Athanaze hit five in total, while Hope picked up three.

    Athanaze and Hope both reached their half-centuries off their 30th deliveries. They brought up their 100-run stand shortly afterwards too, in 10.5 overs, as the pair put West Indies in a position from where they could aim for 200 and beyond.

    Alick Athanaze (left) and Shai Hope had a century partnership (Photo: BCB)

    Nasum, Rishad wreck West Indies

    Athanaze fell in the 12th over, holing out on the deep square-leg boundary, giving Nasum his first wicket. Sherfane Rutherford fell next ball for his second successive golden duck.

    Mustafizur then removed Hope for 55, when the West Indies captain mistimed a slower ball and was caught at point. By the time Rishad got Rovman Powell also caught at point in the 15th over, West Indies were in free fall. Jason Holder was dismissed in the same over, caught at long-on for four.

    Romario Shepherd tried to resurrect the innings but did not succeed. Mustafizur had him caught at deep point in the last over, before hitting Khary Pierre’s stumps next ball. Akeal Hosein was run out off the last delivery to complete a remarkable turnaround for the home side.

    West Indies drop four chances

    Bangladesh lost Saif Hassan early in a slow start, when Holder sucked him into an uppish shot against a short ball. Brandon King took the catch in the covers, making up for dropping the same batter in the second over. Litton Das got the chase on track with three fours in the fifth over, using Jayden Seales’ pace – twice playing the ball down to deep third, and also scooping over short fine leg.

    Rutherford dropped Litton but the Bangladesh captain could not press on for much longer. Hosein bowled him for 23. Tanzid hit big sixes over midwicket, even as another catch went down in the field: Seales dropped Hridoy in the 11th over.

    Seales made amends in the 13th over when he took a tumbling catch, after Hridoy top edged Shepherd. Tanzid reached his fifty with a boundary soon after, but Bangladesh still needed 50 off the last five overs.

    Shepherd, Hosein deal final blows

    Tanzid started the death overs with a four past cover, but Jaker Ali could not accelerate at the other end. Tanzid perished in the hunt for boundaries, caught on at deep point. He finished on 61 off 48 balls, having hit three sixes and three fours.

    Jaker fell in the same over to Shepherd, caught at the deep square-leg boundary for 17 off 18 balls.

    Holder started the 19th over by hitting Shamim Hossain’s off-stump with a yorker, and gave away just five runs. Bangladesh were left needing 21 off the last over. Hosein did not concede a boundary and also taking two wickets to finish with 3-22. (ESPNcricinfo)

    The post West Indies beat Bangladesh to win T20I series with match to spare appeared first on News Room Guyana.

  • Deadly gas station attack: Sol cooperating with authorities, launches internal review

    Deadly gas station attack: Sol cooperating with authorities, launches internal review

    See below the full statement from Sol Guyana Inc.

    Sol Guyana Inc. (Sol), the authorized distributor of Mobil fuels in Guyana through its Mobil Branded retail network, is deeply saddened by the tragic explosion that occurred on Sunday, October 26 at the Regent Street Service Station in Georgetown.

    Our sincere condolences go out to the family of young Soraya Bourne who lost her life, and our heartfelt thoughts remain with all those injured or affected.

    We also extend our appreciation to the emergency services, authorities, and our retailer for their swift and professional response.

    At this time, authorities led by the Ministry of Home Affairs are on-site conducting a thorough investigation.

    The Guyana Police Force has confirmed that the incident is being treated as a criminal matter and that an individual believed to have caused the explosion has been identified and is presently in Police custody, assisting with the investigation.

    Sol remains fully committed to cooperating with the relevant authorities as the investigation continues and has also launched an internal review in collaboration with the retailer. We recognize the public concern surrounding this devastating incident and reaffirm that the safety and well-being of our team, customers, and community remain our top priority.

    Sol will continue to share verified updates as they become available and urges the public to follow official safety guidance and avoid the affected area while investigations are ongoing.

    The post Deadly gas station attack: Sol cooperating with authorities, launches internal review appeared first on News Room Guyana.

  • Women-led ventures making significant impact on overall production – Agri. Minister

    Women-led ventures making significant impact on overall production – Agri. Minister

    With women participation in agricultural projects at 35 per cent and an expected increase to 50 per cent by 2030, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has said women are integral players for the sector.

    Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the Micro and Women Entrepreneur Learning Centre on Tuesday, the minister disclosed the significance of women’s participation.

    “Although agriculture is often viewed as a labour intensive and male dominated field.

    “Guyanese women have always been integral to the sector from planting and harvesting in our rice fields and sugar estate, to tending kitchen gardens, rearing livestock and running agro-processing ventures,” the Agriculture Minister said.

    Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha during his remark at the commissioning ceremony of the Micro and Women Entrepreneur Learning Centre on Tuesday.

    Now, women are involved in almost every area of the sector and the impact is undeniable. Guyana has reduced its import of crops, that previously cost the country $2.6 billion, through the Agriculture Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme which has 300 shade houses operated by women.

    “We are now supplying the oil and gas industry and hospitality industry,” the minister said.

    Another project that has massive women participation with significant impact is the One Guyana Cut Rose project, which produces 400 roses weekly. This initiative provides employment for single mothers and reduced the rose import by 30 per cent.

    The Hinterland Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture Development Programme (US$11.1 million) is also highly joined by women supporting ventures in cattle rearing, poultry, crops, AP culture, agro-processing, bakeries and eco-tourism.

    Women’s participation, along with youth participation in the sector is a major goal for the government. They are beneficiaries of several projects that aim for inclusion.

    The post Women-led ventures making significant impact on overall production – Agri. Minister appeared first on News Room Guyana.

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