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See full release from the Office of President Dr Irfaan Ali, issued on Monday October 27, 2025: 

While on official duty in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I received comprehensive briefings late last night and early this morning regarding the circumstances surrounding the explosion at Mobil gas station at the corner of Regent and King Streets, Georgetown and the resulting demise of young Soraya Bourne and critical injuries suffered by Sedyia McIntosh and Rishad Lorde, and the injuries of Jennifer Cooper and Yvonne Jones.

I have directed that a full-scale investigation be launched immediately and that every available resource and investigative tool be utilised to determine the precise cause and circumstances of this incident.

I was also briefed on the identification of an individual of interest, and I have instructed that images of this person be circulated widely so that the public may assist the Guyana Police Force by sharing any information that could aid the investigation.

Last evening, Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond visited and expressed condolences to the mother of little Soraya, and Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony is continuing to follow up with the doctors who are treating the injured.

I also extend my deepest sympathies to those affected and their families. I have spoken directly with the medical teams attending to the injured and have instructed that every form of support and care be provided to those under treatment.

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See below the full statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday morning: 

The Ministry of Home Affairs wishes to inform the public that the Guyana Police Force has identified and is actively pursuing a suspect believed to be responsible for the explosion that occurred last evening at the Mobil Service Station, located at Regent and King Streets, Georgetown.

The tragic incident, which involved several motor vehicles, claimed the life of six-year-old Soraya Bourne and left four others injured.

In response to the incident, Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Oneidge Walrond, convened a high-level meeting early this morning, with Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan; Head of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Mr. Sheldon Howell; Commissioner of Police, Mr. Clifton Hicken; and Deputy Commissioners of Operations and Administration, Mr. Errol Watts and Mr. Ravindranauth Budhram.

The Ministry continues to work closely with the relevant security agencies to ensure that all aspects of this tragic event are thoroughly investigated and that justice is served.

Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, convened a high-level meeting on Monday morning

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Parika businessman, Robal Nebar, who owns and operates Styles Guyana at the Parika Shopping Plaza, was on Sunday robbed by armed bandits of approximately $10 million in gold jewellery and cash.

Mr. Nebar was about to pack up to close his business at around 14:00 hrs when masked gunmen pounced upon him, placed a gun to his head, grabbed a gold chain he was wearing at the time, and proceeded to empty the glass case of all the gold jewellery he had on display.

The two bandits fired shots as they made their escape on a motorcycle.

This is the third time the businessman has been robbed. Earlier in February this year, the same business was robbed of millions in cash and jewellery.

Parika Police have been aware of the robberies, but to date, there has been no success in bringing the perpetrators to justice. One policeman was informed of the incident immediately after, and his response was that “the business always gets robbed.”

The incident has left the businessman’s family traumatised, and they are appealing for the immediate attention of law enforcement authorities to find the persons responsible for this latest robbery and the previous ones.

The post Parika clothing store robbed again; businessman assaulted by armed bandits appeared first on News Room Guyana.

See below full statement issued by the Ministry of Education:

Minister of Education, Sonia Parag has confirmed that the $2.6 billion state-of-the-art Hosororo Secondary School complex in Region One (Barima-Waini) is on schedule for a January 2026 completion. The Minister and a team from the Education Ministry conducted a site visit on Sunday to meet with the contractors and to assess the facility’s progress.

​“The complex… is quite a massive complex that is going to comfortably hold 800 students,” Minister Parag said.

​To ensure that this completion date is met, Minister Parag also set out several short-term deadlines, notably for the electrical installation and completion of the teaching blocks. She stated that within the next two weeks, one of the two teaching blocks, each comprising five building, will be completed and ready for intake.

Minister of Education, Sonia Parag during a visit to the site (Photo: Ministry of Education/October 26, 2025)

“Two of these buildings will be fully completed by November 7th,” Minister Parag stated, adding that the goal is to “transition students as fast as possible into the new buildings so that they can be in a comfortable space.”

​The project encompasses several modern facilities, including laboratories, a dining area, and specialized facilities for Science, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Information Technology, Home Economics, and Industrial Technology.

​Minister Parag was very keen on inspecting the modern living quarters which are designed to house up to 30 teachers.

​“We want to be able to have our teachers as well in comfortable conditions,” Minister Parag said, emphasizing how important these facilities are for staff retention.

The Hosororo Secondary School complex in Region One (Barima-Waini) is on schedule for a January 2026 completion (Photo: Ministry of Education/October 26, 2025)

​Furthermore, the dedicated dormitory, which will provide residence for some 350 students, is projected to be fully operational by December.

The overall goal is to initially accommodate approximately 400 of the 800 students who will be attending the school from the various communities scattered across the North West Region.

​“We are looking to have the entire building all of the buildings be ready by the end of December,” Minister Parag said, “then we want to be able to move all of the students into the various buildings by January for the January to April term or Easter term.”

​The Education Minister stressed that all utilities for the school, especially the essential services like running water, electricity, proper plumbing, and washroom facilities must be prioritized.

​Moreover, to ensure that water shortage is never an issue, a well will be specifically constructed to serve the entire complex.

The Education Ministry is currently working along with the Guyana Water Incorporated to ensure that this is up and running within a month. In the interim, a reservoir is being used for water supply.

​The Minister concluded her visit by reiterating the collective commitment to the deadline. “The contractors have given their commitment to completing the project on time, which is the 24th of January 2026,” she stated. She also confirmed she will make an interim visit to ensure all short-term deadlines are met.

The Minister’s team also comprised of Permanent Secretary, Shannielle Hoosein-Outar; Chief Education Officer, Mr Saddam Hussain; Deputy Chief Education Officer (Administration), Ms. Tiffany Harvey; Deputy Chief Education Officer (Amerindian and Hinterland Education Development); and Mr. Sherwyn Blackman, Assistant Chief Education Officer – Secondary.

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Police have arrested a 25-year-old man in connection with the damage to property incidents that occurred early Sunday at Republic Bank Limited and Scotia Bank Limited in New Amsterdam.

The suspect has been identified as Azore Joseph, called ‘Tripple,’ an unemployed resident of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam.

The News Room was informed that he was arrested at approximately 14:30 hrs following investigations into the incidents.

Reports indicate that earlier in the day, the suspect, believed to be suffering from a mental illness, allegedly 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.

Police ranks and crime scene investigators were promptly dispatched to both locations, and active patrols later led to Joseph’s arrest.

The investigation is continuing.

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has announced that it is closely monitoring the progress of Hurricane Melissa, which is moving toward Jamaica, where several Guyanese students and nationals reside.

According to a statement issued on Sunday, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has instructed Permanent Secretary Sharon Roopchand-Edwards to engage with Guyana’s Honorary Consul in Jamaica, as well as Guyanese students and residents, to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

The Ministry said preparations are being made to provide care packages and emergency assistance if necessary.

“The Government of Guyana stands ready to support its citizens in Jamaica and to assist the Jamaican people should the need arise,” the Ministry said in its statement.

Officials from Georgetown have also been in direct contact with the Government of Jamaica and local emergency services as the Category 1 hurricane continues to approach the island. In addition, President Ali has directed the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to be on standby to offer humanitarian aid and logistical support.

The Jamaican Government has been informed of Guyana’s willingness to provide assistance, including possible deployment of relief teams if requested.

Meanwhile, the United States National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane warning for Jamaica, cautioning that Hurricane Melissa could bring catastrophic flooding and dangerous winds to parts of the northern Caribbean.

Guyanese students or residents in Jamaica who require assistance or information are urged to contact the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation at +592 611 0345 or via email at ps@minfor.gov.gy.

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Police are investigating an early morning incident on Sunday in which a man, believed to be suffering from a mental illness, damaged the property of two commercial banks along Strand Road, New Amsterdam.

According to information reaching the News Room, the suspect first went to Scotia Bank, where he used a metal object to shatter the building’s front glass.

He then proceeded a short distance away to Republic Bank, where he allegedly damaged both automated teller machines (ATMs) and the front access door glass.

Police patrols are currently conducting searches for the suspect.

Crime scene investigators and other ranks are on location processing evidence.

The post Man, believed to be mentally ill, vandalises two New Amsterdam banks appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reminding the public that persons found guilty of creating noise nuisance can face hefty fines ranging from $300,000 to $750,000, along with possible arrest and seizure of equipment.

Speaking on an episode of the ‘Police and You’ programme, Surujpaul Singh, Head of Investigation and Enforcement at the EPA on Sunday said the agency continues to receive a high number of noise complaints from across the country.

However, many of these reports come from persons who wish to remain anonymous.

“Once we have a location, we can go and investigate. But when the Police are called in, a formal statement is needed to move the matter forward,”Singh said.

Surujpaul Singh, Head of Investigation and Enforcement at the EPA

The EPA has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to tackle noise nuisance cases more effectively. Under this partnership, police ranks are being trained in the use of sound level meters, which measure the intensity of noise at specific locations.

Singh said according to the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), acceptable sound levels in residential areas are 75 decibels during the day and 60 decibels at night.

Activities that exceed these limits, including music from bars, workshops, or public events like weddings and parties, can lead to penalties.

Singh emphasized that formal complaints are essential for cases to be pursued and that once a report is made at a police station or through the EPA’s official channels, enforcement action can be taken swiftly.

“If you’re being affected by noise from an event or a nearby establishment, lodge a formal complaint. That’s the only way the matter can be prioritized and dealt with legally,” Singh urged.

Although the agency has not prosecuted anyone for noise nuisance so far this year, Singh said the EPA is working on arrangements that will allow the Police to charge offenders directly under EPA regulations.

The EPA is also promoting voluntary compliance, encouraging business owners particularly bar operators to install soundproofing or enclose their facilities to minimize disturbances.

As the Christmas season approaches, Singh warned that monitoring will be intensified and urged citizens to operate within the law.

The post Up to $750K fine for noise nuisance offenders appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Ministry of Education has stepped up efforts to permanently resolve a persistent pigeon infestation affecting several schools along the East Coast of Demerara, engaging a professional contractor that specialises in pigeon control, mitigation, and proofing.

Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, made the announcement on Saturday during site visits to some of the affected schools, starting with Beterverwagting Primary, where comprehensive cleaning and preventive works are now underway.

The school will be pressure-washed and outfitted with a special galvanised mesh designed to block the birds from entering. In addition, a gel treatment will be applied to the roof to deter pigeons from roosting or lingering in the area.

“Previously, I had said that we wanted children to be in school on Monday,” Minister Parag said. “However, given the recurring nature of the problem—particularly in communities near Pigeon Island—a more stringent approach is being taken.”

Following consultations with the school’s administration and Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), it was agreed that Grade Six pupils will return to school on Monday, while other students will continue learning from home using worksheets until the situation is fully under control.

Minister Parag emphasised that every effort is being made to keep the disruption to classes as short as possible.

“For this particular issue, given that it’s several schools, we are looking at what we can do long-term, as a government and as the Ministry of Education,” she said.

The Education Minister has also directed that the upcoming Christmas break be used to deep-clean all affected schools, ensuring a healthier and safer environment for both students and teachers when the new term begins.

During the visit, officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) joined the Minister and pointed out that community behaviour is also contributing to the issue.

Ms. Michel Swanston Nurse, Head of the EPA’s Technical Services Department (Air, Noise and Radiation), explained that residents feeding pigeons near schools are unintentionally worsening the problem.

“While it may seem kind to feed them, it results in droppings from these birds in excessive amounts,” she said, warning that uncontrolled pigeon populations can quickly become a public health concern.

The EPA will now work with the Guyana Wildlife Management and Conservation Commission to raise awareness in communities prone to pigeon infestations, encouraging more responsible practices.

Minister Parag expressed optimism that the combined efforts will bring lasting relief without harming the birds.

“This is a problem that will not go away overnight, but it will go away—hopefully within a short space of time—and over time it will continue to reduce,” she said.

The Education Minister also visited Annandale and Golden Grove Secondary Schools, which face similar challenges. She assured that the Ministry will continue to engage local authorities, school heads, and regional officials to coordinate upgrades and ensure safe, clean learning environments across the country.

Minister Parag was accompanied by Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussain, Deputy Chief Education Officer (Administration) Tiffany Harvey, Regional Chairman Clemsford Belgrave, Regional Education Officer Kean Adams, District Education Officer Caroline Daniels, Head Teacher Givel Austin, and PTA Representative Alvin McCurdy of the Beterverwagting Primary School.

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