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Traffic congestion along the East Coast of Demerara roadways has intensified as construction continues along the railway embankment from Success to Enmore. Many motorists are avoiding the construction zone and are instead using the main thoroughfare, which has increased delays.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Stephen Gobin, the Traffic Officer responsible for Police Division 4C, said while there is no set timeline, works are expected to be completed on the roads within the next two to three weeks. In the interim, he is urging motorists to exercise patience.

“The heavy traffic we’re experiencing is directly linked to the ongoing construction along the railway embankment. Many motorists are taking alternative routes, which has put additional pressure on the main thoroughfare,” Gobin said.

Police Division Region 4C covers the stretch from Mahaica to Industry.

Gobin emphasised that the construction is part of the country’s rapid development. “We ask all road users to be patient during this period. Systems are in place and ranks are deployed from 06:00 hrs, with additional officers assigned to the Coldingen and Melanie areas to assist motorists,” he said.

Gobin also assured that all available resources in the division are being utilised to manage traffic effectively as commuters navigate the delays caused by the ongoing works.

The post Few weeks more before ECD road construction wraps up appeared first on News Room Guyana.

 

Police are probing a fatal accident that claimed the life of a pedestrian in the early hours of Tuesday, along the Mon Repos Public Road, East Coast Demerara.

The incident occurred at around 00:20 hrs and involved a white motor car, PAC 9262, which was owned and driven by a 26-year-old Police Lance Corporal attached to the Ogle Police Outpost.

According to initial investigations, the car was travelling west along the northern drive lane of the southern carriageway when the pedestrian, identified only as “Soath,” suddenly ran from south to north into the vehicle’s path. The left front of the car struck the man, who fell to the roadway and sustained severe injuries.

He was picked up in an unconscious state and rushed by ambulance to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he later succumbed. His body is now at the hospital mortuary, awaiting identification and a post-mortem examination.

Police confirmed that a breathalyser test conducted on the Lance Corporal showed no trace of alcohol. However, the officer has since been placed under close arrest as investigations continue..

The post Pedestrian dies in early-morning accident at Mon Repos; Police Lance Corporal in custody appeared first on News Room Guyana.

With global prices for paddy on the decline, the President of the Guyana Rice Producers Association Lekha Rambrich, urged farmers to scale back their investments in order to boost their earnings despite the challenging market conditions.

In an interview with reporters, he noted that India has produced a staggering 154 million tons of rice, with over 20 million tons entering the international market, which is driving prices down as rice cultivation expands worldwide.

“We can’t say when rice will go back up, but for protection, farmers need to stop renting lands at those high costs. Try your best to bring down your cost of production, which is important,’’ he explained.

As a rice farmer himself, he encouraged fellow farmers to make a concerted effort towards mechanizing their operations.

He also addressed millers, emphasizing the importance of their continued support by purchasing paddy from farmers.

Currently, with assistance from the Government of Guyana, millers are buying paddy at a rate of $3000 per bag.

 

“Based on what is happening globally, we have to accept the price,’’ he said.

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Workers of the BOSAI Bauxite Mining Company in Linden will benefit from wage and salary increases of 7.5% in 2025 and 8% in 2026, following an agreement reached on Monday between the company’s management, the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), and the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning.

Labour and Manpower Planning Minister Keoma Griffith confirmed the deal when contacted Monday afternoon. The agreement also includes other benefits that will be finalised in writing, according to officials familiar with the process.

Monday’s settlement follows weeks of tensions that boiled over into strike action by BOSAI workers last week. The dispute had its roots in disagreements over wage proposals: management had initially offered 7% for 2025, while the union pressed for 8.5%. After nine rounds of talks, several breakdowns, and the intervention of the Ministry of Labour, the parties finally converged on the compromise of 7.5% for 2025 and 8% for 2026.

A union representative, speaking after Monday’s session, said the outcome marked progress compared to recent years:

“For the last eight years, we didn’t move beyond 7%. So to achieve 7.5% this year and 8% next year is a job well done from the union’s perspective.”

On Friday last BOSAI workers staged a strike over unresolved wage and benefit issues. The Ministry of Labour swiftly intervened, with Chief Labour Officer Dhaneshwar Deonarine chairing an emergency meeting that produced a Terms of Resumption agreement. Workers returned to the job the following day, with both sides committing to conciliation.

That conciliation process culminated in Monday’s agreement, which the ministry described as “an important step in restoring industrial harmony in Linden’s bauxite sector.”

The Ministry of Labour has assured that it will continue to monitor the implementation of the agreement to ensure both sides honour their commitments.

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The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is sounding a firm warning: offering bribes to police officers is not just unethical — it is a criminal offence punishable under the law. With bribery cases rising, the Force stresses that such acts erode public trust, weaken the rule of law, and undermine the foundation of justice in Guyana.

In recent months, the Guyana Police Force has observed a troubling increase in attempts by some members of the public to influence police actions through bribes or so‑called “tokens of appreciation.” These acts are not harmless gestures — they are serious offences that jeopardise fairness, accountability, and the integrity of law enforcement.

The GPF emphasises that both the giver and the receiver of a bribe are culpable under the law and will face the full weight of justice. In keeping with its commitment to professionalism and zero tolerance for corruption, the Force has robust internal mechanisms to investigate and take decisive action against any officer found to be engaged in corrupt practices.

The Force also calls on the public to actively participate in the fight against corruption. Citizens are urged to refuse to offer bribes under any circumstances and to report instances of bribery or attempted bribery to the Commissioner of Police Secretariat via the hotline numbers: (227‑1611 ext. 4001, 225‑6411, 225‑2700, 600‑3019).

From recruitment to active duty, every police officer is trained to serve with professionalism, integrity, impartiality, and dedication. The acceptance of bribes by officers undermines these core principles and damages public confidence in law enforcement. Equally, members of the public who engage in bribery face prosecution.

The Government of Guyana has bolstered transparency by mandating the use of body cameras for all law enforcement ranks at ports of entry. This initiative enhances accountability and protects the rights of every traveller while strengthening the integrity of police work.

The Guyana Police Force reiterates its call for integrity and accountability from all citizens. Corruption has no place in Guyana’s society. Together — police and public — we can build a nation grounded in justice, transparency, and honour.

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The inaugural One Guyana Unification Softball T20 Cup reached its thrilling conclusion on Sunday at the storied Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground, Bourda, with four teams crowned champions across the unified format.

The tournament successfully merged the President’s, Prime Minister’s, and Vice President’s Cups and delivered high-stakes, high-scoring cricket.

The day saw Regal Legends, Ariel Masters, Ariel Guyana Knight Riders (Open), and Rising Stars (Women) emerge victorious in their respective categories.

The three men’s champions secured the top cash prize of G$1 million, while the Rising Stars ladies collected G$400,000.

The tournament’s lucrative individual prizes were spread across the champions.

Uniss Yusuf won the spectacular award for the Legends MVP, driving away with a new motor car.

In the younger categories, CPL star Quentin Sampson (Ariel Guyana Knight Riders, Open) and Richard Latif (Ariel Masters) each won a motorcycle for their MVP performances. Linda Stephen (Rising Stars) was awarded a three-piece living room set for the Women’s MVP prize.

In the Masters final, Ariel Masters XI delivered a comprehensive 10-wicket thrashing of Regal. After restricting Regal to 157 for 7 off their 20 overs—largely curtailed by Richard Latif’s stellar spell of 4 for 21—Ariel made light work of the chase.

Opener Keith Fraser blasted a masterful 125 not out, ably supported by Chien Gittens (33)*, to steer Ariel home in just 11.2 overs.

MASTERS FINAL SUMMARY: Ariel Masters 160-0 from 11.2 overs (Keith Fraser 125*, Chien Gittens 33*) beat Regal 157-7 from 20 overs (Lakeram Roopnarine 33*, Lennox Mark 31, Patrick Rooplall 16, Randolph Ketwaroo 15*; Richard Latif 4-21) by 10 wickets

The Open/All-Stars final saw the Ariel Guyana Knight Riders successfully chase down Speedboat’s total of 147 for 9. Speedboat, despite a top score of 62 from Avinash  Mohabir, fell short after an excellent four-wicket haul from Johnathan Fernandes (4 for 23).

The chase was built around a destructive 47 from MVP Quentin Sampson, securing the six-wicket victory for Ariel in the 13th over.

OPEN FINAL SUMMARY: Ariel Guyana Knight Riders 152-4 from 12.3 overs (Quentin Sampson 47, Troy Drakes 25, Rickey Sargeant 21*; Wazir Hussain 2-22, Devendra Mohan 1-22) beat Speedboat 147-9 from 20 overs (Avinash Mohabir 62, Navin Singh 24; Johnathan Fernandes 4-23, Keyon Sinclair 2-19) by six wickets

Ariel also won the Open title (PHOTO: News Room/Jeremy Jagroop)

Regal Legends maintained dominance over the Over-50 category by crushing Fisherman XI by 114 runs.

Batting first, Regal amassed a mammoth 232 for 6, anchored by a brilliant 111 from MVP Uniss Yusuf, supported by Eion Abel (82).

In response, Fisherman were bowled out for a meager 118 in 20 overs, with Yusuf capping his superb all-round performance with two wickets for 30 runs.

LEGENDS FINAL SUMMARY: Regal 232-6 from 20 overs (Uniss Yusuf 111, Eion Abel 82, Roy Persaud 46*,  Lloyd Rooplall 35; Andrew Chattergoon 3-49) beat Fisherman 118 all out in 20 overs (Dennis Mangroo 20, Andrew Chattergoon 19*; Stanley Mohabir 2-15, Richard Driffield 2-23, Unis Yusuf 2-30) by 114 runs

Regal once again dominated the Legends category (PHOTO: News Room/Jeremy Jagroop)

The Women’s Final saw Rising Stars post a challenging 193 for 3 in their 15 overs, thanks to unbeaten half-centuries from Ackeela Stephen (67*) and Vena Garraway (57*).

In reply, No.64 Knight Riders fell short, managing 152 for 3, losing by 41 runs.

WOMEN’S FINAL SUMMARY: Rising Stars 193-3 from 15 overs (Ackeela Stephen 67*, Vena Garraway 57*, Linda Stephen 22, Mona Dundas 21) beat No.64 Knight Riders 152-3 from 15 overs (Tina Gaine 57*, Jenefa Kewley 48) by 41 runs

Rising Stars were the female champions (PHOTO: News Room/Jeremy Jagroop)

 

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Treveir Sinclair, also known as “Tratts,” a 20-year-old Orthopedic Technician at the Georgetown Public Hospital and resident of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was remanded to prison on Monday after being charged with transmitting private images without consent.

Police reported that Sinclair was arrested on 10 September 2025 by a rank from Alberttown Police Station in connection with an offence under the Cybercrime Act 2018. The charge alleges that Sinclair transmitted images of a private area of a person, contrary to Section 16(2)(a) of the Cybercrime Act, involving the complainant, identified as Lolita Callender, also known as “Lola Doll.”

Sinclair appeared at Georgetown Magistrates’ Court #3 before Magistrate Fabayo Azore, where the charge was read to him. He pleaded not guilty to the offence and was remanded to prison. The case was adjourned to 6 October 2025 for statements.

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Omari James, a 26-year-old labourer and former police officer from the Farm Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, was remanded to prison on Monday after being charged with multiple counts of forgery and fraud.

Police reported that on 25 September 2025, at approximately 12:15 pm, James entered the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Diamond branch, presenting himself to a teller with a National Identification card and a driver’s licence in the name of Shameer Ali. Both documents bore James’ photograph but contained a different date of birth — 25 August 1989 — and information inconsistent with the bank’s records.

Along with the identification, James presented a GBTI withdrawal slip in the name of Shameer Ali, requesting $35,000,000. The teller referred the documents to her supervisor, who discovered discrepancies between the presented identification and the bank’s database. Notably, the date of birth and photographs did not match the genuine records for Shameer Ali.

James was arrested and charged with:

• Two counts of Uttering a Forged Document, contrary to Section 245(b) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 08:01
• One count of Uttering a Forged Document, contrary to Section 277 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act
• One count of Demanding Money upon a Forged Instrument, contrary to Section 278(b) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act.

At his first appearance before Magistrate Wanda Fortune at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrate’s Court today, James pleaded not guilty to all charges. He was remanded to prison, with the matter adjourned to 31 October 2025 for further hearing.

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The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) announced Visa as the newest sponsor of the Reggae Boyz last week as the team continues its World Cup qualification campaign.

The partnership, valued at US$500,000 (approximately J$80m) over two years, positions Visa as the federation’s official payment technology partner.

To celebrate, Visa cardholders will receive an exclusive 40 per cent discount on tickets for the Jamaica vs Bermuda match on October 14, valid on Jff.quapid.com from September 26–28.

JFF President Michael Ricketts welcomed the sponsorship, noting: “Supporting our Reggae Boyz goes beyond funding the team’s preparation. Visa has extended savings directly to our fans, and we are confident this will inspire even greater support in the stands.”

Interim JFF General Secretary Roy Simpson emphasised the significance of the partnership: “Visa’s commitment is not only financial; it demonstrates belief in the Reggae Boyz and in the power of football to unite Jamaicans at home and abroad. Their support will help strengthen our preparations and create unforgettable experiences for our fans.”

JFF ambassador with responsibility for sponsorships, Tanya Lee Perkins, added: “After months of negotiating, this is a solid partnership that gives us great pride because of how many plans Visa has tabled to support both the fans and the Boyz. We cannot thank Visa enough for throwing their weight behind the Boyz and our supporters.”

The Reggae Boyz continue their final-round qualification campaign with four matches remaining. They face Curaçao away on October 10, followed by a crucial home game against Bermuda on October 14 at the National Stadium. Jamaica currently top the group with six points from two matches, six goals scored and none conceded, which strongly positions them as they push toward World Cup qualification. (Jamaica Observer) 

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