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Thousands of Guyanese families are one step closer to owning their own homes as the government pushes ahead with a massive $20 billion investment to develop new housing communities across the country.

The initiative, led by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Administration, is part of a broader national drive to expand access to affordable housing and uplift living standards for citizens in every region.

On Friday, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, visited several of the new housing sites—including Overwinning, Providence, Glasgow, Hogstye, and Moleson Creek—to get a first-hand look at the ongoing land clearing and preparation works. These early-stage activities will pave the way for the construction of roads, drainage systems, utilities, and other critical infrastructure that will support thriving new neighbourhoods.

“We are working on additional lands for the mid-way area since persons have been asking about that spread,” Minister Croal explained during the visit. “We believe that the lands at Moleson Creek, Overwinning, and Providence will cater for the many pending applicants in Region Six.”

According to Minister Croal, there are approximately 6,000 pending housing applicants in the region, many of whom will soon be able to access their plots.

The Hogstye Phase One development is already progressing rapidly, with infrastructural works set to wrap up by mid-November. This will allow more than 300 allottees to begin accessing their lands before the end of the month.

However, at Moleson Creek, progress has been slower due to limited access for contractors. The area’s $3.5 billion development plan includes residential lots, schools, government offices, commercial spaces, and recreational grounds—creating not just homes, but an entire community.

Minister Croal assured that a new access bridge will soon be constructed to speed up works in the area. He also confirmed that 22 local contractors have been awarded bids to execute the projects, which are being managed by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).

He underscored that the government’s housing programme is designed not merely to allocate land, but to build full, functional communities with access to schools, roads, water, electricity, and opportunities for economic activity.

“Our focus is on creating sustainable, well-planned neighbourhoods where families can live comfortably and build their futures,” Minister Croal said.

The $20 billion investment is part of the government’s wider national housing and infrastructure agenda, which continues to transform landscapes and lives across Regions Five, Six, and beyond—delivering on its promise of homeownership, dignity, and opportunity for all Guyanese.

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After 25 years of continuous participation at the South Dakota Circuit, Team CAMS (Caribbean American Motorsport) from the United States is set to make its largest appearance ever at the ENet Caribbean Clash of Champions on November 2, 2025.

A total of 21 drivers will represent CAMS across multiple categories- from Group 4 and Group 3 to Group 2, 1600 GP, Rookie, and the Vitz Cup- marking a historic milestone for the team’s 25-year involvement in Guyana’s motorsport scene.

The full line-up includes: Quinlan Lall, Mohan Rangasammy, Mark Samaroo, Alex London, Lenny Samaroo, Sanjay Sewsankar, Aubrey Mitchell, Neil Persaud, Afraz Allie, Sunil Nauth, Aaron Bethune, Damian Singh, Emraan Baksh, Nikita Ramsaran, Terry Rodrigues, Rakesh, Joe Mohan, Chris Lall, Kemal Rahman, Sylvester Carew and Harry Boodram.

Quinlan Lall’s RX-7

The team will campaign a diverse fleet of machines, including RX-7s, Miatas, Hondas, EGs, CRXs, Nissans, Starlets, MRS, and Vitz, showcasing the broad technical range and racing expertise that define CAMS.

In addition to the driver line-up, a delegation of more than 350 team members, family and supporters will travel from the United States to Guyana, making it one of the largest visiting contingents in the history of local circuit racing.

For a quarter century, Team CAMS has been a cornerstone of regional motorsport, helping strengthen the bond between Guyana and the wider Caribbean-American racing community. Their continued commitment reflects a shared passion for motorsport excellence and sports tourism development in the region.

The Caribbean Clash of Champions, celebrating 70 years of motorsport in Guyana, will feature top competitors from the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, and the United States, all vying for championship glory at the South Dakota Circuit.

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The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) has announced Tropical Shipping as the Official Shipping Partner for the Month of Motor-Racing 2025, which includes two major international events- the Caribbean Clash of Champions on November 2 and Drag Wars 4 on November 30 at the South Dakota Circuit.

As part of the partnership, Tropical Shipping will handle the freight and logistics for three international race cars competing at the Caribbean Clash of Champions: Neil Persaud’s Honda CRX and Aaron Bethune’s Honda Civic EG, both from Team CAMS (USA), and Ravi Singh’s Mazda RX-7 from Trinidad and Tobago.

Later in the month, for Drag Wars 4, the company will also provide additional logistical support to assist with the movement of race cars and equipment, ensuring smooth coordination for international and regional participants.

GMR&SC President Mahendra Boodhoo welcomed the partnership, noting that Tropical Shipping’s involvement highlights the importance of dependable logistics in staging international-level events.

“The Month of Motor-Racing brings together competitors from across the Caribbean, North America, and Europe,” Boodhoo said.

“Having Tropical Shipping on board gives us confidence that the transport and handling of vehicles and equipment will be managed at the highest standard. Their support helps make our international participation possible.”

The partnership comes as the GMR&SC celebrates 70 years of motorsport in Guyana, marking decades of growth and regional collaboration. The Caribbean Clash of Champions will see some of the best drivers and riders from the Caribbean, the United States, and the United Kingdom go head-to-head, while Drag Wars 4 will close the month with a thrilling display of raw speed and power.

Tropical Shipping’s role as Official Partner reaffirms its ongoing commitment to Caribbean development, extending beyond trade to support regional sport and tourism.

With their support, the GMR&SC continues to elevate the standard of motorsport in Guyana and the wider region.

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Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) held the upper hand at stumps on Day One of the Georgetown Cricket Association’s GISE/Star Rentals/Trophy Stall Two-Day First Division Final against the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) on Saturday.

Home side DCC closed on a solid 198-4, trailing GCC’s first innings score of 262 all out by 64 runs.

Click here to view scorecard 

Skipper Tevin Imlach is unbeaten on 61 off 103 balls (6x4s), with young Jonathan Van Lange sharing his company on 26 off 40 (4x4s).

Guyana Harpy Eagles batsman Raymond Perez set the tone for DCC’s response with a shot-filled 71 off 46 balls (7x4s, 5x6s), dominating an 85-run third wicket partnership with Imlach after openers Joshua Persaud (15) and Brandon Jaikarran (0) fell cheaply.

Click here to view more photos 

GCC earlier recovered from 106-5 through a massive sixth-wicket partnership of 147 between Mavendra Dindyal and Ronaldo Alimohamed. However, from 253-5 they could only muster 262 as off-spinner Ezekiel Wilson finished with 5-39 off 13 overs and Van Lange took 3-38 off 6.2 overs.

Dindyal, the last man dismissed, anchored the innings with his sixth First Division hundred- 106 off 146 balls (11x4s, 1x6s)- to follow up his match-winning knock of 61* for Demerara against Berbice in the Inter-County Super50 last Sunday at the Number 69 Ground.

Alimohamed slammed 87 off 73 (8x4s, 5x6s), while Rivaldo Phillips made 28 off 38 (1×4, 2x6s).

Play will start at 09:00h on Sunday when both teams resume the battle for First Division championship honours in the city.

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An early morning fire on Saturday completely destroyed a three-storey building at Second Avenue, Bartica, Region Seven.

According to a statement from the Guyana Fire Service, the Bartica Fire Station received a report of the blaze at approximately 02:29 hrs.

Firefighters immediately deployed two units—Water Tender #126 and Water Carrier #24—to the scene.

Upon arrival, the GFS said the crew found the building, owned by Ryan and Emily Mahadeo, fully engulfed in flames.

Firefighters battled the blaze using four jets and both appliances, but the structure and its contents were completely destroyed.

Station Officer Johnson reported that the team successfully prevented the fire from spreading to neighboring properties, containing the damage to the affected building.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Fire Prevention Department.

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Police in Regional Division #2, in collaboration with the Guyana Fire Service, are investigating a fire that occurred early Saturday morning at the Suddie Public Hospital.

According to reports, the fire began around 03:30 hrs under a shed near the hospital’s boardroom. On-site security personnel managed to contain the blaze before firefighters arrived and fully extinguished it.

Authorities confirmed that two wheelchairs and packaging materials, valued at approximately $120,000 GYD, were destroyed in the incident.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and hospital operations continued as normal.

Ranks from the Suddie Police Station responded promptly to the scene, conducting initial investigations and processing the affected area.

Police have since confirmed that one person is in custody assisting with the ongoing investigation.

Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.

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See full statement issued by the Ministry of Health:

The Ministry of Health expresses its deepest condolences to the family of baby Wendy Wharton, who tragically passed away in the early morning hours of October 12, 2025.

The Ministry joins the hospital community in mourning this loss and reaffirms its commitment to a transparent and comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Immediately following the event, the hospital initiated an internal clinical investigation led by the attending medical officers, midwifery, and nursing teams.

The review was conducted under the supervision of the Hospital Quality and Patient Safety Department, in keeping with the Ministry of Health’s established standards for the reporting and assessment of critical incidents.

The investigation confirmed that the infant was born at 38 weeks and 2 days gestation via spontaneous vaginal delivery on October 10, 2025. Apgar scores were recorded at 9, 10, and 10, indicating healthy postnatal adaptation.

The infant remained clinically stable and was discharged in good condition on October 11, 2025, continuing to room-in with her mother.

On October 12, 2025, at approximately 5:34 a.m., the infant was discovered unresponsive. Nursing and medical staff immediately commenced resuscitative efforts, including full advanced neonatal life support, in accordance with established protocols. Oxygen was available and adequately supplied throughout the procedure.

During this period, the hospital experienced a brief power outage; however, the backup generator was activated immediately, and the ongoing resuscitation efforts were not affected in any way. Despite sustained and comprehensive intervention, the infant was pronounced deceased at 7:51 a.m.

A post-mortem examination revealed evidence of bronchoaspiration of gastric contents (material from the stomach that was inhaled into the bronchi and lungs), which may have contributed to the infant’s sudden collapse.

While the internal investigation has been completed, the Ministry of Health has also commissioned an external investigation to ensure an independent and thorough review of all clinical and procedural aspects related to this tragic event.

The Ministry of Health, together with the Diamond Regional Hospital, remains steadfast in its commitment to continuous improvement of healthcare systems and protocols to ensure that all citizens receive the highest quality of care.

Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the Wharton family during this profoundly difficult time.

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Minister of Housing, Collin Croal on Friday revealed that the government has nearly exhausted available land for housing allocations in Region Five, prompting efforts to identify and acquire additional parcels to meet growing demand.

Speaking to reporters, Croal said there are currently about 4,000 pending housing applications in Region 5.

“In fact in Region Five, we are going through the process of trying to find additional lands.

“We know we will have to acquire because we have maximized the proximity, we are in close proximity for the state land and so we will have to go to private owners to be able to acquire. That is what we are doing right now, as we are doing in other regions, Croal said.

Minister of Housing (right) recently visited Region Five (Photo: CH&PA)

He noted that this challenge is not unique to Region Five, as the government has already exhausted available lands for housing schemes along the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara.

Despite this, Croal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to clearing the existing backlog of housing applications, a pledge made by President Irfaan Ali and outlined in the government’s manifesto.

“We have said we will clear all the backlog. That’s the commitment that was made by the President,” he said.

The government has set an ambitious target of delivering 40,000 house lots within the next five years, and according to Croal, the focus has shifted toward ensuring citizens achieve home ownership even as allocations continue where land is still available.

“It therefore means that if we are clearing the backlog, there will be a massive exercise to come to ensure that this is done,” Croal said.

With state lands now largely allocated, particularly in high-demand regions, Croal noted that the Ministry is expected to pursue new partnerships and land acquisitions to sustain the national housing drive.

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Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, has announced that every police station across the country will soon have a community policing desk as part of a wider effort to promote “less force and more engagement” in law enforcement.

In an exclusive interview with News Room, Minister Walrond explained that while a system of Community Policing Groups (CPGs) already exists, many of these groups have become inactive over time.

She said steps are being taken to revive and strengthen them, integrating their work into the core of active policing.

“It is sort of not as vibrant. Some groups had died, but those community policing groups are going to be integrated into active policing.

“The philosophy is to use community policing groups as far as practical, as opposed to uniformed ranks with the use of force in domestic situations,” Walrond said.

Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond (center) during a recent meeting with Community Policing Group members

According to the Walrond, community-level interventions are especially critical in remote regions where police presence may be limited and travel distances between communities and police stations are long.

“So, if a person is feeling threatened, there is a community police officer right there in the community with powers to enforce and intervene,” she said.

Walrond noted that the integration will be comprehensive, with every police station now required to have a community policing desk and a designated space for community policing officers.

“That is how they are going to be so much a part of active policing,” she said.

She pointed out that people are more likely to trust officers who come from their own communities rather than those posted from outside, and this approach has already shown positive results in hinterland regions where local officers are helping to defuse conflicts and improve safety.

“We are already seeing it in hinterland regions where interventions are being made. That is the philosophy we are using—less force and more engagement,” Walrond noted.

To support the initiative, Walrond has tasked the Deputy Permanent Secretary with resuscitating inactive community policing groups where necessary, ensuring that community engagement becomes a cornerstone of the country’s policing strategy.

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President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has invited more Chinese companies to invest in Guyana, reinforcing the country’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties and supporting national development, the Chinese Embassy in Guyana reported.

The announcement followed a meeting between Ambassador Yang Yang of China and President Ali, during which the two leaders discussed the state of China-Guyana relations and practical cooperation. Ambassador Yang highlighted Guyana’s firm support for the four global initiatives proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping and reaffirmed China’s readiness to strengthen Belt and Road collaboration for the mutual benefit of both nations.

“China stands ready to strengthen synergy with Guyana to deliver more outcomes in Belt and Road cooperation for the benefit of the two countries and two peoples,” Ambassador Yang said in a statement.

President Ali, according to the embassy, spoke highly of the pragmatic partnership between the two countries and expressed his eagerness to expand economic collaboration. He welcomed increased Chinese investment as a means to support Guyana’s ongoing development and transformative projects.

This initiative could boost infrastructure, energy, and technological development in Guyana, further solidifying the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The embassy’s report on its Facebook page highlights both governments’ commitment to strengthening cooperation, with Guyana actively encouraging foreign investment while aligning with the broader Belt and Road framework.

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