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BBC – New York Attorney General Letitia James has been criminally indicted on federal charges by a grand jury.

James, who led a civil fraud investigation against Trump in 2023, was indicted on charges of bank fraud in Alexandria, Virginia, according to court documents.

Prosecutors accuse James of making false statements to a bank regarding a mortgage loan for a house in Norfolk, Virginia, the documents state.

The BBC has contacted James’ office for comment.

In a statement, the US prosecutor assigned to the case, Lindsey Halligan, said “no one is above the law”.

“The charges as alleged in this case represent intentional, criminal acts and tremendous breaches of the public’s trust,” she said. “The facts and the law in this case are clear, and we will continue following them to ensure that justice is served.”

Trump appointed Halligan, his former personal attorney, to oversee the case after another US prosecutor, Erik Siebert, resigned. Siebert was reportedly ousted after he told the justice department he had not found sufficient evidence to charge James.

The justice department has been investigating James for mortgage fraud, alleging she falsified bank and property records to receive better loan agreements, an administration official told the BBC.

Officials with the Federal Housing Finance Agency accused James of claiming a property in Norfolk, Virginia, as her primary residence in 2023 – when she was the top New York prosecutor – to secure a lower interest rate on a loan.

Mortgages for primary residences typically come with better terms. James said she had made a mistake with the form and later sent an email to the bank stating that it was not her primary residence.

Trump last month called on US Attorney General Pam Bondi, who leads the justice department, in a social media post to prosecute his political opponents, including James.

“We can’t delay any longer, it’s killing our reputation and credibility,” he wrote.

James was one of several Trump adversaries named in that post. He also called on Bondi to investigate former FBI Director James Comey, who pleaded not guilty on Wednesday after being charged with making a false statement to Congress.

The justice department has also reportedly opened investigations into Trump’s ex-national security adviser John Bolton and California Democratic Senator Adam Schiff.

In the civil fraud case brought by James, Trump was found liable of falsifying records to secure better loan deals, leading to a $500m (£375m) fine. The penalty was thrown out by an appeals court, which called the fine excessive, though it upheld that Trump was liable for fraud.

During the case, Trump would frequently attack James outside of the courtroom, accusing her of carrying out a “political witch hunt” against him. James said the courts had ruled that Trump was “not above the law”.

The post New York Attorney General Letitia James criminally indicted appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Press Release from the Guyana Football Federation

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is pleased to announce that SRKN Engineering has officially submitted the final package of bid documents, drawings, and related materials for Phase One of the Blue Water Shipping Stadium Project.

This submission represents a major milestone in the realisation of one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Guyana’s sporting history, marking another decisive step toward delivering a state-of-the-art national football facility that will serve both elite and community-level football.

The public tender process for the project will be launched locally and internationally, in strict alignment with FIFA Forward Regulations and procurement guidelines.

This approach ensures a transparent, competitive, and globally compliant process, reflecting the GFF’s commitment to governance and quality assurance in football development.

Phase 1 of the Blue Water Shipping Stadium Project will include:

• The construction of two mini-pitches located along the Hadfield Street boundary.
• Installation of perimeter fencing.
• Foundational and supporting infrastructure works, and other key facilities required to operationalise the two mini-pitches, which will be utilised for grassroots football development, community futsal tournaments and FIFA Football for schools (F4S) programme.

These initial works will establish the foundation upon which the full stadium complex will be built, creating new opportunities for youth and community engagement while laying the groundwork for a modern national football home.

Following the submission of the final tender documents, the project will advance through several important stages:

• FIFA Review: The complete package, including all architectural and engineering drawings, will be submitted to FIFA for technical review to ensure compliance with international design and construction standards.
• GFF Technical Evaluation: The GFF’s internal technical team will conduct a detailed review, focusing on design accuracy, cost parameters, sustainability, and functionality. Consultations will also be held with SRKN to clarify and refine any outstanding elements.

• Joint planning with Blue Water Shipping: Once all feedback has been incorporated, the GFF will meet formally with the management of Blue Water Shipping to finalise the Phase One rollout plan, including timelines, resource commitments, and coordination mechanisms.

The GFF remains in constant communication with Blue Water Shipping and FIFA, and is making every effort to launch the public tender process as soon as possible, with the goal of commencing construction before the end of 2025.

The Federation underscores that, once the consultation, review, and due diligence processes are completed, it will move swiftly to advance to the construction stage.

GFF President Wayne Forde expressed his appreciation for the continued public enthusiasm surrounding the project, stating:

“I am deeply moved by the eagerness and optimism shown by the football community and the wider public to see this facility come to fruition. The Blue Water Shipping Stadium is envisioned to be a standard-bearer for sporting infrastructure in Guyana, one that embodies excellence, inclusivity, and national pride.”

He added, “This progress would not have been possible without the steadfast partnership of the Blue Water Shipping management and the continued support of the Government of Guyana. Together, we are not only building a stadium, we are building a sturdy foundation for the growth and development of Guyana’s football.”

The GFF extends its gratitude to all partners and stakeholders for their continued trust and patience as we works diligently to deliver a facility that will transform the football landscape of Guyana.

Further updates will be provided as the project progresses.

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As investigations continue into a recent drug bust at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), head of the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU), James Singh, said the body is collaborating with international partners.

On September 20, CANU officers discovered 147 pounds of cocaine during an operation at the airport. The narcotics were reportedly intended for a KLM flight destined for Amsterdam. Singh told reporters on Thursday that eight persons have been questioned as part of the probe.

“We had one person in custody and the investigation is still ongoing. We have questioned several persons because of the complexity of when drugs are found, and there was nobody physically present. That is one of the reasons we are working with our international partners to determine where it was going and who may have been on the end to receive it,” Singh stated.

While Singh declined to provide specific details, he underscored the importance of building a strong evidential case.

“I am not at liberty to give more details, but like with every investigation, it is not who you found with the drugs. The key here is the person has to give testimony. Persons make reference to ‘big fish’, we have an idea who is behind this. The difference is that is intelligence; to put that to court now is where the hard work is,” he explained.

Head of CANU, James Singh

He added that while the public often expects swift arrests and convictions, international narcotics investigations can take time because evidence collected locally may need to be used in foreign jurisdictions.

“Often times it may take a little longer but considering the fact that this was an international operation, obviously we have to work with our colleagues overseas to ensure that it is not just what we do here but it has to match what is happening because the evidence we have here will be used in another territory if there is an opportunity to lay charges there,” Singh noted.

Regarding airport security footage, Singh said investigators have a fair idea of how the drugs were placed at the airport, but declined to elaborate further.

“We have an idea as to how the drugs got there but I am not going to say too much on that right now because I would be telling the person what not to do next time or why we are looking,” he stated.

Singh further reiterated that some aspects of the probe cannot be made public to avoid jeopardising ongoing investigations.

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Guyana has now joined several Caribbean countries in strengthening its response to new and emerging drug threats with the official launch of its National Early Warning System (EWS).

The system, developed in line with international best practices and guidelines, is designed to detect, assess, and respond swiftly to new psychoactive substances (NPS) and other emerging drug threats. It brings together law enforcement, health, and forensic agencies to share information in real time, aiming to prevent the rapid spread of harmful substances and strengthen Guyana’s overall public health and national security frameworks.

Head of the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU), James Singh, underscored that the success of the EWS depends on close collaboration among stakeholders. Singh explained that the system was conceptualised as part of Guyana’s broader commitment to public safety. Its aim is to strengthen institutional coordination, integrate scientific data into operations, and ultimately save lives.

“When a new drug or when a new dangerous substance emerges whether it is on the streets, a lab or the hospital, the Early Warning System will ensure that that data is captured, verified and translated into actionable intelligence for all relevant stakeholders. This is not just about a technical development, it is a national safeguard and one that will save lives,” Singh said.

Stakeholders at the launch of the Early Warning System on Thursday

He further explained that new psychoactive substances, often disguised in products such as herbal mixtures, candy, and vaping products, pose unique challenges because users are often unaware of the substances’ true composition.

The Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) guidelines of the Organization of American States (OAS) was used to help develop the system.

Pernell Clarke, a specialist from CICAD, highlighted that the region’s drug market is increasingly defined by NPS.

“The drug problem in our region continues to evolve, and while traditional drugs continued to be trafficked and consumed – cocaine, marijuana, that is still happening, that is not going away, the drug market in our region is today defined by the emergence of new psychoactive substances and synthetic drugs, opiods such as fentanyl have resulted in dire consequences for several of our OAS member states, particularly those in North America,” Clarke said.

Clarke also highlighted that these substances are often mixed with drugs such as cocaine and cannabis and other substances to increase their toxicity and often times, the health risk.

Meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Narine Singh, called the launch a significant milestone in safeguarding public health. He noted that drug use is both a public health and social issue that affects families and communities, with traditional drugs now being altered and combined with synthetic substances.

The post Guyana launches national Early Warning System to combat emerging drug threats appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Balram Bessessar, a 49-year-old labourer of Stewartville, West Coast Demerara, was charged with the murder of his 15-year-old stepson and remanded to prison. 

He appeared at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate Court. He was not required to plead and was remanded to prison. His next court date is October 10. 

His stepson, Sudesh Singh, died from a chop wound.

Police had reported that the teen and his stepfather had a misunderstanding over the man’s bicycle, which the teen had used, and caused the chain to slip. As a result, an argument ensued between them, and the stepfather reportedly ran into his kitchen, picked up a cutlass, rushed towards Singh, and chopped him. This caused the teen to receive injuries to his neck, and he fell to the ground.

The stepfather then walked out of the yard and went to the Leonora Police Station, where he reported the matter. He was arrested and placed into custody pending further investigation.

The post Stewartville man charged with murder of 15-y-o stepson  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) is reporting the seizure of 112 kilogrammes of cocaine and 1,500 kg of marijuana for 2025 so far.

This was revealed by Head of CANU, James Singh, who continues to face a credible threat to his life amid the Unit’s crackdown on drug trafficking.

Singh reminded reporters that most of the drugs coming into Guyana are coming from Venezuela.

“They would be the ones who have a vested interest in intimidating us as they normally do to allow the drugs to move freely,” Singh said.

He further reminded reporters that Guyana’s geographic location makes it a transshipment point for illegal drugs. CANU, working with international counterparts, continues to intercept shipments before they can be moved to other territories.

Meanwhile, Singh spoke about the threats he faces.

Head of CANU, James Singh

The threat, first reported in August 2025, was based on intelligence received from international partners and prompted the implementation of heightened security measures for Singh and CANU ranks.

He explained that intelligence has identified the source of the threat and a possible group behind it.

“We received some information where the threat came from and the possible group behind it. In this field there is always a threat, this one was more pronounced. Working with our partners locally and internationally, it is still there, but I think we are more aware of what is going on,” Singh explained.

He further added that “a lot more attention is being paid to” the organisations perceived to be behind the threat.

Asked about whether he received the threats directly, Singh said, “They were directed to me.”

The post Over 1,600 kg of narcotics seized this year appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has confirmed the venues for the upcoming Senior Inter-County 50-over competition, set to bowl off on October 11. The tournament is sponsored by Queensway Security Service Inc.

Preliminary matches will be held at Hampton Court (Joe Jagmohan Ground) in Essequibo, Enmore and Lusignan on the East Coast of Demerara and the Number 69 Ground in Berbice.

The final, according to GCB, will be held either at Hampton Court or Albion. The tournament will feature defending champions Demerara against Berbice, Essequibo and a GCB Select XI, with all games starting at 09:00h.

It is from this tournament the Guyana Harpy Eagles squad will be selected to compete in the Cricket West Indies’ CG United Super50 Cup from November 19-29 in Trinidad and Tobago.

See below the full Inter-County schedule:

• October 11- Demerara vs Essequibo at Hampton Court
• October 12- Berbice vs GCB Select XI at Lusignan
• October 14- Demerara vs GCB Select XI at Enmore
• October 16- Berbice vs Essequibo at Lusignan
• October 18- Essequibo vs GCB Select XI at Lusignan
• October 19- Berbice vs Demerara at Number 69 Ground
• October 26- FINAL at Hampton Court or Albion

See squads below:

𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐚: Matthew Nandu (Captain), Raymond Perez, Mavindra Dindyal, Ushadeva Balgobin, Chanderpaul Ramraj, Ronaldo Alimohamed (Vice Captain), Richie Looknauth, Jonathan Van Lange, Chaitram Balgobin, Shamar Apple, Ashmead Nedd, Riyad Latif, Chris Harry and Daniel Ross. Coach: Garvin Nedd, Manager: Surendra Hiralal

𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐜𝐞: Junior Sinclair, Adrian Sukhwa, Rampertab Ramnauth, Tommani Ceasar, Garfield Benjamin, Zeynul Ramsammy, Kevin Sinclair, Jonathan Rampersaud, Clinton Pestano, Omesh Matura, Veerasammy Permaul (Vice-Captain), Nial Smith (Captain), Sylus Tyndall, Isai Thorne and Leon Andrews. Coach: Winston Smith, Manager: David Black

𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐛𝐨: Kemol Savory (Captain), Antony Adams, Ronsford Beaton, Kevon Boodie, Mark Gonsalves, Keemo Paul, Khandai Ramkarran, Gulcharran Chulia, Ricardo Adams, Thaddeus Lovell, Kevon Stephen, Renaldo Renee, Elisha Ramdat, Quentin Sampson and Myhiem Khan. Coach: Rayon De Costa, Manager: Delroy Jacobs

𝐆𝐂𝐁 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐗𝐈: Orin Gibson, Romeo Deonarine (Captain), Ronaldo Jeffrey (Wicketkeeper), Brandon Jaikarran (Vice-Captain), Akshaya Persaud, Jayden Dowlin, Afraz Ali Budhu, Kwesi Mickle, Nityanand Mathura, Joshua Jones, Micah Amsterdam, Darwin Joseph, Romario Ramdeholl, Aryan Persaud, Carlos LaRose and Rampersaud Ramnauth. Coach: Julian Moore, Manager: Travis Dowlin

The post Senior Inter-County matches for Hampton Court, Enmore, Lusignan and #69 Grounds appeared first on News Room Guyana.

GT Automotive, the official dealer of BYD in Guyana, is excited to announce the arrival of the new BYD Yuan Pro, a 100% electric compact SUV built for comfort, convenience, and cutting-edge performance. Priced at just GYD $5.5 million, the Yuan Pro delivers outstanding value and advanced technology for Guyanese drivers ready to make the switch to electric.

Compact yet spacious, the Yuan Pro is perfectly suited for individuals and small families, combining sleek design with practical versatility. It is easy to drive, easy to park, and ideal for navigating city streets, all while delivering a smooth, silent, zero-emission ride.

The Yuan Pro Obsidian Black

Built on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0, the Yuan Pro delivers up to 410 km (NEDC) of range and accelerates from 0–100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds. It is powered by the ultra-safe Blade Battery, which is backed by an 8-year warranty, and a 130 kW / 290 N·m front-wheel-drive motor. The Yuan Pro also supports 82 kW DC fast charging and 7 kW AC home charging, with every vehicle including a wallbox home charger.

Inside, the Yuan Pro features a 12.8” rotating touchscreen, BYD Intelligent Cockpit, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charging, and 8-speaker audio system, as well as keyless entry/start and automatic A/C with CN95 filter.

Yuan Pro Time Grey

Equipped with six airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, and a high-definition 360° panoramic camera, the Yuan Pro prioritises safety from every angle. Its sleek exterior and spacious interior blend practicality with sophistication, making it one of the most compelling EVs in its class.

The BYD Yuan Pro is available now in a range of colours, including Time Grey, Obsidian Black, and Skiing White. Financing options are available through leading local financial institutions, with monthly payments starting at just GYD $78,000, subject to credit approval.

The Yuan Pro interior

Customers can schedule a test drive today at GT Automotive by calling or sending a WhatsApp message to +592-741-6666 (Press release)

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The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) is treating recent public bribery and extortion allegations concerning overweight baggage fees for Caribbean Airlines with the utmost seriousness. CJIA assures the public that it is working closely with the airline and relevant authorities to investigate the claims raised by a Caribbean Airlines passenger thoroughly.

Passengers are reminded that all official payments, including for overweight baggage, must be made directly to the airline through approved channels, and an official receipt must be issued.

No payment should ever be made to any individual officer or staff member.

Travellers are strongly encouraged to immediately report any witnessed or encountered bribery or corruption to the nearest police station, CJIA Security, or via:

• Email: cjiac@cjairport-gy.com
• Phone: +592 699-9074

During the first nine months of 2025, the airport security unit has recovered and returned numerous items to passengers, including:

• 80 laptops
• 32 mobile phones
• 106 pieces of luggage/carry-ons
• 15 travel documents
• 30 electronic devices
• Cash

Public Relations Officer Ms. Shunza Samuels stated, “The success of this Unit is a direct reflection of the professionalism and integrity we uphold. As we reaffirm our zero-tolerance stance on corruption, we remain focused on transparency, accountability, and service excellence in every aspect of our work.” (CJIA press release)

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The late Khushwant Singh, one of the more illustrious lovers and residents of Delhi, called October in the city the “pleasantest” of all the months in the northern hemisphere. Like with most things Khushwant, the statement sparks lively debate, especially with lovers of spring in late February and March.

This is all relative now: with rampant urbanisation and climate change, it is now more about which months are less unpleasant and less harmful to your health.

The BCCI has just about winged the most harmful time for elite athletes to undertake high-performance activity – not before being called out for it – and the early snowfall in the hills has cooled the temperatures to the usual October levels to tease those given to wistfulness for the Delhi of old.

Those given to wistfulness also yearn for the West Indies of the old. Not the one that lasted just 89.2 overs in the first Test. More importantly, not the one that looked unthreatening with the ball in an effort of five for 448.

Not the side whose coach Daren Sammy has to hope a player will “accept” the opportunity when he calls to inform them they have been selected for West Indies.

There is not a lot West Indies can hope to change between the two Tests. Ahmedabad, with an early-season greenness on the pitch, was their best chance, but they were without the Josephs, Alzarri and Shamar. In Delhi, the onus will be more on the slower bowlers.

It doesn’t help that India are somewhere close to their best after the blip against New Zealand last year. With the exception of Rishabh Pant, whose fractured foot hasn’t fully healed yet, they are at full strength. They are keen on making this a clean sweep, which will take their WTC points percentage to 61.9, still in third place.

In the spotlight: Nitish Kumar Reddy and Jomel Warrican

Test cricket is not where you prepare players for the future, but like Hardik Pandya almost a decade ago, India want to give Nitish Kumar Reddy a proper workload in slightly lesser challenges so that he can be the seam-bowling all-rounder India need not just in away Tests but also the ODI World Cup in South Africa in 2027.

Ryan ten Doeschate, their assistant coach, said just that two days before this Test. In Ahmedabad, he got to bowl only four overs and didn’t get to bat at all. It remains to be seen if India go out of their way to involve him more in this Test.

Jomel Warrican is the vice-captain of the West Indies side, their most experienced specialist spinner, and joint-most experienced bowler. But he averages 54.25 in four Tests against India, two each at home and away. He will want to do way better in Delhi than the 29-5-102-1 he returned in Ahmedabad.

Team news: Could Devdutt Padikkal get a game?

India have no reason to change their XI. However, is B Sai Sudharsan feeling any heat, and is Devdutt Padikkal breathing down his neck?

India (possible): 1 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2 KL Rahul, 3 B Sai Sudharsan, 4 Shubman Gill (capt), 5 Dhruv Jurel (wk), 6 Ravindra Jadeja, 7 Nitish Kumar Reddy, 8 Washington Sundar, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Mohammed Siraj

It doesn’t make a lot of sense to change the batting on such a short trip. The one change West Indies might consider is bringing in Jediah Blades to give themselves a left-arm seam option.

West Indies (possible): 1 Tagenarine Chanderpaul, 2 John Campbell, 3 Alick Athanaze, 4 Brandon King, 5 Shai Hope (wk), 6 Roston Chase (capt), 7 Justin Greaves, 8 Jomel Warrican, 9 Khary Pierre, 10 Johann Layne/Jediah Blades, 11 Jayden Seales

Pitch and conditions

Delhi is likely to be a typical Indian track, good for batting on the first two-and-a-bit days before bringing the spinners into the game.

The drop in temperatures should make it difficult for the pitch to break up suddenly. The week in the lead-up to the Test has brought some rain, but the Test is not likely to be affected. (ESPNcricinfo)

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