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Hours after social media star and artiste Lolita Callendar, popularly known as “Lola Doll” was shot multiple times, the Guyana Police Force issued a wanted bulletin for Paul Daby Junior known as Randell.

His last known address is Lot 127 ‘D’ Aguair Park, Georgetown. Daby Jr. was among four Guyanese who was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in June for drug trafficking.

Meanwhile, Police arrested another in connection with the late-night shooting of Lola Doll.

The 33-year-old artiste was shot multiple times outside her home at Texas Square, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown on Saturday night.

According to initial Police reports, she sustained gunshot wounds to her neck, face, hands, and right leg. Lola Doll was allegedly attacked by a man on a motorcycle while sitting in her car.

She was rushed to the hospital where her condition is listed stable.

Lola Doll, widely recognised for her music, flamboyant parties, and outspoken social media presence, has built a large following over the years.
Police have not yet disclosed a possible motive for the attack.

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Thousands of Guyanese turned out on Sunday for the inauguration of President Irfaan Ali, gathering first at State House for the swearing-in ceremony before spilling onto the Kingston seawall for a cultural show and brunch that doubled as a celebration of national unity.

Ali, who secured a second term in the Sept. 1 elections, took the oath of office before national and regional leaders and diplomats. But most of those attending the ceremony were ordinary Guyanese from all walks of life and from all corners of the country.

Members of the Diplomatic Community praised the fact that Guyanese from all walks of life were able to attend the events and witness the historic moment.

At the Kingston Esplanade, traditional dancers drummers performed against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, while food stalls served up local fare from curry to cookup. Many sat on the beach, as if in picnic mode.

The event was perhaps the first demonstration by the President that the government must be “seen, heard and felt” in every part of the country.

The oath of office was administered by the acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Roxane George, before thousands of people – from Essequibo to Berbice, Linden to the hinterland – sitting or standing on the lawns of State House, the official residence of the First Family.

The President opened his speech with thanks to election workers, security personnel, and observers whose efforts had ensured a “smooth, fair and well-managed” democratic process.

He underscored his pledge to build an inclusive administration, saying “One Guyana is not a slogan” and promising to represent even those who did not vote for him.

“To those who have not supported me, know that I am your President too,” he said.

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President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Sunday addressed concerns about individuals falsely claiming to influence government decisions, issuing a strong warning to the public and potential impostors.

“I wish to emphasise that the government does not have a system of lobbying and any person representing themselves as a lobbyist or peddling access to anyone in government is misrepresenting themselves and misleading others,” President Ali said during his inaugural address.

President Ali was on Sunday sworn in as the 9th Executive President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana following his re-election to office at the September 1 polls.

The President explained that such individuals exploit the perception of influence for personal gain, often deceiving citizens and organisations seeking legitimate engagement with the government.

To curb this growing concern, Dr Ali announced that a special mechanism will be established to identify, monitor, and take action against those misrepresenting themselves as lobbyists. The initiative aims to protect the integrity of government operations and maintain transparency in all interactions between the public and officials.

“This measure will ensure that Guyanese citizens and businesses have clarity on legitimate channels for engagement with government and prevent unscrupulous individuals from exploiting false claims of influence,” President Ali said.

Government officials have also been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of fraudulent lobbying activities, underscoring a commitment to accountability and public trust.

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Carlos Alcaraz claimed the latest chapter of his compelling rivalry against Jannik Sinner with a four-set victory to regain the US Open title.

Spain’s Alcaraz started strongly, weathered a second-set fightback from Italy’s Sinner, before powering to a 6-2 3-6 6-1 6-4 victory in New York.

The men’s final was delayed by half an hour because of extra security measures put in place due to US President Donald Trump’s presence.

Once under way, the pair produced another engaging contest- albeit short of the drama and quality of their French Open and Wimbledon finals earlier this year.

Reigning French Open champion Alcaraz’s superior serving- an area which let him down against Sinner at the All England Club- ensured he reclaimed the US Open title that he first won in 2022.

The 22-year-old has now won six Grand Slam titles- making him the second youngest man behind Bjorn Borg to reach this tally.

Alcaraz’s victory ensures an even split between him and Sinner- who won the Australian Open as well as Wimbledon- at the four majors in 2025.

Alcaraz has also wrestled the world number one ranking away from Sinner, who held the position for 65 weeks.

After Sinner saved two championship points, Alcaraz reset to take his third opportunity with an ace out wide- celebrating with a now trademark golf swing. (BBC)

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Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle will lead a team of local sport administrators to Suriname later this month for an important review meeting on the 2024 Inter-Guiana Games (IGG).

The meeting, scheduled to take place in Paramaribo on September 19, will bring together officials from the three participating countries- Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana- to assess the successes and lessons of last year’s event.

In addition to reviewing the 2024 Games that was held in French Guiana, the meeting will also serve as a platform to provide updates and finalise preparations for the 2025 Inter-Guiana Games, which will be hosted in Guyana from December 5-7.

Ninvalle noted that the upcoming discussions will play a key role in ensuring smooth coordination and strengthening cooperation among the participating nations.

“The Inter-Guiana Games is more than just a sporting event- it is an opportunity to deepen cultural ties, foster youth development, and showcase the talents of our young athletes. Our focus in Suriname will be on building on the gains of 2024 while setting the stage for a successful hosting in December,” he said.

The Guyanese delegation is expected to comprise senior officials from the National Sports Commission who will work closely with their Surinamese and French Guianese counterparts.

The Inter-Guiana Games is a multi-sport event involving Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana, aimed at promoting friendship, cooperation and regional integration through sport.

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The People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government will intensify efforts to eliminate domestic violence in Guyana.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who was on Sunday sworn in as the 9^th Executive President, president, during his address to the nation, said the issue of domestic violence in Guyana has to be eliminated.

“We will intensify our fight against domestic violence. We must kill this now,” the Head of State said.

For the year so far, at least 13 women have died as a result of domestic violence. Efforts to eliminate the scourge are being done through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.

President Ali said more women will continue to be empowered through initiatives by the PPP/C.

“We empower our women, our elderly and our youth. For women, we removed taxes on personal health and hygiene products; we’re building day care and night-care shelters to support working mothers.

“We provide more scholarships and create greater employment opportunities,” the President said.

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President Dr Irfaan Ali has vowed to take decisive action against transnational crime and other threats undermining Guyana’s security and development, as he embarks on his second term in office.

During his inaugural address at State House on Sunday, where he was sworn in as the country’s 9th Executive President, Dr Ali assured that his government will move firmly to shield Guyana from criminal networks that operate across

“Importantly, we will align ourselves with our allies and international partners to cripple transnational crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking and every act of criminality that threatens or undermines peace, freedom and democracy,” the Head of State declared to loud applause from the large crowd gathered at State House.

Looking ahead, he assured that the next five years will be defined by tangible action and transformation.

“My fellow Guyanese, in the next five years we will convert ambition into action and action into transformation. We will not speak in half measures, we will not hesitate,” Dr Ali said.

President Ali also said his government’s agenda will focus on strengthening national security, protecting democracy, and ensuring that progress reaches all Guyanese.

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President Dr. Irfaan Ali has pledged to transform Guyana’s economy over the next five years by moving “ambition into action and action into transformation.”

A major part of this transformation will include the oil and gas industry to deliver concrete benefits for the people of Guyana.

“Our oil and gas sector will continue to grow, expanding production and revenue for our people. But why stop there? We will press forward with new explorations under a stronger production sharing agreement, ensuring that the benefits are greater, gains are wider, and the wealth is truly for the people,” President Ali said in his address to the nation on Sunday shortly after taking the oath to office, having been re-elected at the September 1 polls to serve a second term.

The ONE GUYANA floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel recently joined the Liza Destiny, Liza Unity, and Prosperity FPSOs, raising Guyana’s total production capacity to more than 900,000 barrels of oil per day.

By 2030, ExxonMobil expects Guyana’s offshore developments to reach a combined production capacity of 1.7 million oil-equivalent barrels per day from eight projects. In just five years, the company has successfully brought four complex offshore operations online under budget and ahead of schedule while advancing plans for four more by the end of the decade.

Importantly, while President Ali acknowledged the role of oil and gas, he said the sector will not be Guyana’s sole economic pillar.

“But we are not a one-sector nation, we are building a diversified economy that will generate jobs, raise incomes and secure prosperity.

“As part of our commitment to economic diversification, we will strengthen the traditional pillars of our economy, mining, agriculture, fishery and forestry, ensuring that these sectors continue to provide jobs, wealth and stability for our people,” President Ali stated.

President outlined that in the next five years, other plans to cultivate new engines of growth, including world-class tourism, a thriving blue economy, competitive manufacturing, advanced information and communication technology, and dynamic knowledge-based industries.

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President Dr Irfaan Ali on Sunday assured the nation that his new Cabinet and other key appointments will be announced soon as his government begins its second five-year term in office.

In a posh ceremony on the lawns of State House on Sunday, Dr Ali was sworn in as the 9th Executive President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana; his second term as President will run from 2025-2030.

Delivering his inaugural address moments after taking the oath of office, Dr Ali said the team of men and women selected to serve the Cabinet will be chosen based on “their competence, character and fidelity to the people of Guyana.”

“In the coming days, I shall announce my new Cabinet. I will also announce a wide range of other key appointments across the public sector to ensure the entire system is led by persons who are committed to delivering effective service to the Guyanese people,” President Ali said.

Thousands of people gathered at State House to witness President Irfaan Ali take the oath of office (Photo: News Room/ September 7, 2025)

The Head of State stressed that his administration will be focused on delivery and bold decision-making to advance its development agenda.

“The achievement of our agenda will require bold decision making, critical thinking, relentless effort and a high degree of adaptability to survive and prosper in an increasingly complex economy.

“We will not hesitate, we will deliver. The achievement of our agenda will require bold decisions. There is much work ahead and for me, that work begins now,” Dr Ali said.

He also encouraged all Guyanese to support the journey of national development.

“I invite all of you to join us in this journey of continuity and transformation. Let us build a Guyana that is not only rich in resources but bountiful in opportunities.”

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President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Sunday morning announced the long-awaited approval for the establishment of a Law School in Guyana.

“Based on recent approval granted by the Council for Legal Education, we will commence work immediately on the establishment of Guyana’s very own law school,” President Ali announced to thousands of people who gathered on the lawns of State House in Georgetown to witness his swearing-in ceremony.

President Ali said the Law School will enable hundreds of persons to qualify as attorneys at law and have full rights to practice in CARICOM countries.

Guyana has been waiting for approval for years from the Council of Legal Education of the West Indies (CLE) to establish the country’s first law school. The CLE had previously authorised Guyana to conduct a feasibility study and other groundwork.

Some five acres of land were identified at Turkeyen, next to the University of Guyana, for the construction of the law school.

Thousands of people gathered at State House to witness President Irfaan Ali take the oath of office (Photo: Shaconeil Burnette/ News Room/ September 7, 2025)

The initiative was revived by the PPP/C administration in 2020 after a previous feasibility study revealed gaps in the earlier model. Under the revised approach, the Government of Guyana will provide the land and infrastructure, while the CLE will manage the institution and its students.

Currently, Guyana is limited to just 25 placements annually at the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago, while hundreds of law graduates from Trinidad and Jamaica gain entry to regional institutions each year.

The CLE, which governs legal professional education in the Caribbean, currently manages the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago, Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica, and Eugene Dupuch Law School in the Bahamas. Guyana’s institution will join this network, providing a long-overdue solution for aspiring attorneys who have faced barriers to advancing their studies.

Meanwhile, President Ali further announced that within the next six weeks, the new government will offer medical and engineering education in Regions Two, Three, Six and Nine.

“These skill types are in high demand and will ensure that these regions will be in the position to deliver education in every field of the College of Medicine and the University Faculty of Engineering,” the President said.

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