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The much-anticipated commissioning of the new Demerara River Bridge will take place this Sunday, marking a historic moment in Guyana’s infrastructural development. Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, on Friday briefed the public on what to expect at the grand opening ceremony, which promises to be a well-coordinated and memorable national celebration.

The official ceremony and speeches will be held along the southern carriageway on the approach road to the bridge. A specially constructed stage and vantage point will accommodate invitees.

Following the formal proceedings, invitees will embark on a 2.9 km symbolic walk across the bridge using the southern carriageway, before returning via motorcade along the northern carriageway. During the walk, participants will have access to two water stations, toilet facilities, and emergency services.

Minister Edghill assured that the bridge has met all required standards and that there is no cause for concern regarding its safety.

“We have not compromised on standards. Throughout construction, all necessary tests were conducted,” Minister Edghill assured.

Once the ceremony is completed, it is expected that the bridge will be opened to traffic.

The commissioning ceremony will also feature a rich cultural programme and will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display. A coordinated sounding of alarms by all ships in the Demerara Harbour will also be on display.

According to Edghill, this will signal the end of years of “restraints and hardships” caused by the old bridge’s opening and closing schedule.

Authorities anticipate thousands of persons in attendance and have implemented special traffic measures to minimise congestion and confusion. The Guyana Police Force will issue traffic advisories, and complementary parking will be available at the Guyana National Stadium, where a shuttle service will transport people to the ceremony.

For commuters from Region Three, special traffic arrangements will be in place:

• Eastbound traffic on the old Demerara Harbour Bridge will operate on two lanes between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
• Westbound traffic will benefit from the same arrangement between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh explained that specific traffic management systems will be in effect on both the eastern and western approaches to the old bridge. Traffic ranks will be stationed at all major intersections, from Rome to Mandela/Eccles, Greenfield, and Heroes Highway, to ensure a smooth flow.

“Importantly, the speed limit will be adhered to. No matter where you are coming from, we want you to arrive alive and celebrate with the nation,” Singh said.

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Sections of the existing Demerara Harbour Bridge will be relocated downriver to create a new link between Timehri, East Bank Demerara, and Sandhills.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, confirmed this on Friday during a media briefing.

“For sure sections of the bridge both retractor and acceptor spans and other parts will be going to the Sand Hills/Timehri crossing. I can assure you of that. There are other areas, lots of discussions, that I will not want to announce now,” Edghill stated.

The relocation comes as Guyana prepares to commission the new Demerara River Crossing, a modern, four-lane high-span bridge on Sunday. This new structure is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion along the East Bank corridor and West Bank Demerara.

Earlier this year, in April, Edghill had indicated that sections of the current bridge may also be repurposed to span the Berbice River at Kwakwani, Region 10.

Once the new crossing is operational, the old Demerara Harbour Bridge will be permanently retracted and will no longer serve as a main thoroughfare

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Press Release from the Guyana Cricket Board

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) have taken a significant step forward in advancing cricket’s place on the Olympic stage, following a high-level meeting between the two bodies.

The discussions centered on Guyana’s participation in cricket at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA, where the sport has officially been added to the programme.

Guyana, with its proud and accomplished cricketing heritage, has long been recognised as one of the strongholds of the game in the Caribbean.

Both organisations expressed their confidence that the nation’s tradition, talent, and passion for cricket provide an excellent foundation for Olympic representation and success.

During the meeting, extensive dialogue was held on developing a framework to transition cricket into Guyana’s Olympic structure.

It was agreed that the GCB will apply for formal membership in the GOA by submitting the necessary documentation in keeping with the GOA Constitution.

Once all requirements are satisfied, the GCB will officially be recognised as a member body of the GOA.

GCB President Bissoondyal Singh and GOA President Godfrey Munroe both described the collaboration as historic, emphasising that it represents not only an opportunity for Guyana to participate in cricket at the Olympic level, but also a broader vision to strengthen national sports development.

As part of the process, the GCB will also nominate two representatives to serve within the GOA to ensure close cooperation going forward. 

Attendees at the meeting included:

Guyana Cricket Board (GCB): President Bissoondyal Singh, Vice-President Dr. Cecil Beharry, Secretary Ronald Williams, Treasurer Dr. Brian Sukhai, Assistant Secretary Davteerth Anandjit, Competition Chairman Shaun Massiah, Marketing Manager Rabindranauth Saywack, CEO Claude Raphael and Cricket Operations Manager Anthony D’Andrade.

Guyana Olympic Association (GOA): President Godfrey Munroe, Vice-President Steve Ninvalle, Vice-President Cristy Campbell and Secretary General Mrs. Vidush Persaud-McKinnon.

Both the GCB and GOA reaffirmed their strong commitment to this partnership, highlighting it as a landmark moment for sport in Guyana.

The two organisations pledged to work hand in hand to ensure that when cricket takes the Olympic field in Los Angeles in 2028, Guyana’s players will be fully prepared to represent the nation with pride and distinction.

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President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde on Friday announced a “transformational project” for the East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) and the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA).

The Federation, with the support of football’s world governing body FIFA, will be installing two state-of-the-art all-weather mini-pitches under the recently launched, FIFA Arena Project.

This global initiative, Forde highlighted, was launched by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the FIFA Ordinary Congress in Paraguay in May 2025.

A FIFA team and the manufacturer will undertake the installation, testing and commissioning of each pitch.

Subsequent to that, the management, maintenance and operations of each facility will be carried out by the respective Regional Association, guided by clear policies and regulations, coupled with strict oversight from the GFF.

The East Demerara mini-pitch will be located at Haslington, while Retrieve is the area earmarked for the one in Linden.

WATCH: https://www.facebook.com/reel/801278339522178

Forde said: “Early this year, the FIFA Council approved the installation of 1,000 mini-pitches globally to accelerate the expansion of the FIFA FOOTBALL for SCHOOLS (F4S) programme, to encourage the growth of grassroots football, and to create safe, accessible spaces for young people, particularly those living in underserved communities.”

“Guyana will be among the first members of the Caribbean Football Union to kick-start this transformational project. We are especially grateful for the support of His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the Government of Guyana, and the respective regional authorities in helping us to make this vision a reality.”

According to the GFF boss, the pitches, which have already been shipped and are scheduled to arrive in Guyana on December 3, 2025, have been manufactured by Edel Grass BV of the Netherlands, costing US$98,000 (G$21 million) each.

The GFF, Forde indicated, will be seeking a waiver of taxes and duties from the Government to ensure the pitches can be transported directly to the sites upon arrival.

Additionally, the preparation of the sub-bases for the pitches will be the responsibility of the Regional Associations, with support and oversight from the GFF.

“Our engineers estimate that the construction of each sub-base will cost between GY$4.5-5.5 million dollars,” Forde told the media on Friday.

Rickford Profitt, President of East Demerara Football Association, and head of the Upper Demerara Football Association Wainewright Bethune were delighted to welcome this crucial infrastructure development in their jurisdiction.

WATCH: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1989624561836823

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See below full statement issued by the Chinese Embassy in Guyana:

With regard to the meeting held by the Guyanese government recently on lawful business operations in Chinese-owned and Chinese-operated shops, the Chinese Embassy in Guyana issues the following reminders to the Chinese business community:

1. Apply for business licenses, residence permits, and ID in accordance with the relevant law of Guyana; open bank accounts; and conduct business activities within the scope permitted by the relevant law of Guyana.
2. Standardize daily business practices. Strictly control product quality, do not sell expired, unidentified-origin or counterfeit goods. Strictly adhere to relevant laws, do not engage in money laundering, smuggling, commercial fraud, or similar activities. Strictly comply with tax regulations; invoice customers accurately and pay taxes regularly; contribute social insurance for employees legally.
3. Shoulder social responsibilities actively. Hire Guyanese employees legally, making positive contributions to local economic development.
4. Cooperate fully with law enforcement inspections. Should you encounter unfair treatment, handle the situation calmly and rationally while gathering evidence to protect your legitimate rights afterward.
5. Enhance safety awareness and strengthen risk prevention. Equip your premises with necessary security devices, minimize on-site cash reserves, and hire security guards if necessary. In emergencies, call the police immediately and seek assistance from the Chinese Embassy.

The post Chinese Embassy urges businesses to follow Guyana’s laws appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Press Release from the Guyana Olympic Association

President Godfrey Munroe and the Executive Committee of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) have officially unveiled the logo for the upcoming Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) General Assembly and Workshop to be hosted in Guyana from October 17-20, 2025, at the Pegasus Suites Guyana.

The vibrant design, now shared with the world, embodies both the spirit of the Olympic Movement and the unique identity of Guyana as host nation. It represents a striking convergence of sport, culture, and national pride.

The logo brings together powerful elements symbolic of Guyana’s rich heritage and development:

The Majestic Jaguar– prominently displayed as Guyana’s national animal, symbolises strength, resilience, and guardianship of the land.

Kaieteur Falls– one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders, represents the power and beauty of Guyana’s natural landscape.

The Olympic Torch– illuminating the values of excellence, friendship, respect, and signifies the unifying flame of sport across the Caribbean.

The Golden Touch– represents Guyana’s rich natural resources, particularly gold, as well as the pursuit of excellence and achievement.

Modern Infrastructure and Growth– showcased through images of Guyana’s oil and gas industry, bridges, and canopy walkways, reflect the nation’s progress and future potential.

Wildlife and Natural Heritage– highlighted through vibrant tropical flora and fauna, underscore Guyana’s stewardship of biodiversity.

Together, these elements reflect the host nation’s role as both a guardian of natural beauty and a hub of rapid modern development, offering the perfect setting for CANOC’s 2025 gathering.

The GOA President and the Executive Committee emphasised that the unveiling of the official logo marks a significant milestone in the countdown to the Assembly and Workshop, which will bring together leaders and delegates from across the Caribbean sporting community.

According to President Munroe: “This logo proudly presents Guyana to the Caribbean and the world. It captures who we are- a country of resilience, beauty, and progress- and reflects the unifying spirit of sport that CANOC embodies.”

The CANOC General Assembly and Workshop 2025 will be a historic event for Guyana, further strengthening regional ties, fostering collaboration, and celebrating Caribbean sporting excellence.

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The lush greens of the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) will come alive this Sunday, October 5, when golfers from across the country gather for the highly anticipated Trophy Stall Golf tournament.

Known for its vibrant competition and camaraderie, this event promises not only thrilling play but also an opportunity for Guyana’s best golfers to fine-tune their skills ahead of the Suriname Open.

President of the Lusignan Golf Club, Anasha Ally, expressed her delight at the club’s continued partnership with the tournament’s sponsor.

“I’m very pleased for our club to once again be associated with Trophy Stall. They are a long-standing supporter of the club and Mr. Ramesh Sunich is considered to be a friend of the Lusignan Golf Club. We look forward to his continued support. This tournament will give our golfers who are heading to Suriname much-needed practice and we look forward to a great tournament,” she said.

The tournament will tee off sharply at 08:00h, played in medal play format over 18 holes.

Golfers will be competing for an exciting line-up of prizes, including Best Net (top three), Overall Best Gross, Nearest to the Flag (Hole #4) and Longest Drive (Hole #5).

Registration is currently open and will close at 13:00h on Saturday, October 4. Interested players are encouraged to contact the Lusignan Golf Club at 220-5660 or 620-0093 to secure their place in what promises to be a thrilling showdown.

At the sounding of the horn, the battle for bragging rights and prestigious prizes will officially begin as the excitement doesn’t end on the fairways.

The prize presentation ceremony will cap off the day’s action at approximately noon, as golfers, sponsors, and fans celebrate another successful tournament on Guyana’s premier golf course.

The Lusignan Golf Club extends its gratitude to Trophy Stall and Mr. Ramesh Sunich for their unwavering support of golf in Guyana and invites all golfing enthusiasts to come out and witness this spectacular event.

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Maressa Gilbert Mohabir, a 45-year-old woman was reportedly robbed of her motorcycle, phone, and cash along with her bank cards, driver’s licence and ID card.

Police Headquarters reported that Mohabir was robbed by two suspects with a cutlass on Thursday night.

Mohabir of Section ‘D’ Sophia, Georgetown, was proceeding east on West Palm Street, Lamaha Springs on her motorcycle when the two perpetrators rode past her on a motorcycle.

They suddenly stopped a short distance and turned off the lights on their motorcycle. They then turned  back facing in her direction, the pillion rider then dismounted the motorcycle and approached the victim, pulled a cutlass from his pants waist and placed it on her neck. He relieved her of the bag containing the items, pushed her off her motorcycle and rode off with it. His accomplice followed.

Mohabir was relieved of her black and red Haojue motorcycle with registration #CN5875 valued at $225,000; one hand bag containing a Samsung cellphone valued at $30,000 and $25,000 cash.

Police said she made a report at the North Ruimveldt Police Station.

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Police are investigating the alleged murder of 72-year-old Barbara Crawford, a pensioner who resided at Amelia’s Ward, Linden.

Police Headquarters, in a release, stated that Crawford died at around 20:00 hrs Thursday. She was allegedly murdered by her 55-year-old sister at a Plantation Ross, West Coast Berbice house.

Police said Crawford had been staying at her sister’s house in Berbice since September 12, after attending the funeral of a brother.

Preliminary investigations revealed that at about 19:45 hours Thursday, the 72-year-old woman was heard shouting. Roy Walters, a brother of both the victim and suspect, who lives in the bottom flat of the home, went upstairs to investigate. However, the doors were locked, and he called over another brother, Lester Walters, for assistance. Both men were able to break open the back door and gain access to the house. Upon entering, the 55-year-old suspect reportedly picked up a knife and rushed towards them. They managed to take away the knife and subdue her.

Soon after, they found Barbara Crawford in a chair, motionless, in the hall.

The incident was reported to the Police, who visited the scene.

The 55-year-old suspect was questioned but remained silent. She was arrested and taken to Fort Wellington Police Station, where she was placed into custody. The suspect is reportedly a patient at a mental health clinic in Canje, Berbice.

The body of the deceased was taken to Bailey’s Funeral Home, awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Police ranks later questioned the suspect’s daughter and she reported that she made contact with the 55-year-old woman via phone and she (the suspect) said: “I just strangle Barbara and kill she”.

Investigations are ongoing.

The post Pensioner allegedly murdered by younger sister  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Economist Richard Rambarran has commended the government for its plans to modernise the country’s financial sector, describing the initiative as a significant step toward driving economic growth.

Those plans, which include a significant focus on the stock market, were reiterated by President Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday at a gathering of local business professionals. He also announced that a junior stock exchange would be established.

So what does this really mean?

According to Rambarran, Guyana’s private sector has long advocated for the modernisation of the stock market. He explained that a large amount of money currently sits idle in commercial banks and financial institutions, earning very low interest rates in savings accounts.

Economist and private sector representative, Richard Rambarran (Photo: News Room/ September 3, 2024)

So, the economist explained that by modernising the stock exchange and introducing new financial instruments, unused capital can be redirected into productive investments.

“Modernising the stock exchange and providing more instruments allows that idle capital to actually earn more by being mobilised and placed in investments in the country,” Rambarran told the News Room.

The economist also highlighted that introducing more types of investment products and giving investors the ability to trade stocks more easily, including the option to trade without going through a broker, would benefit the entire financial system.

“So, if you think about it, increased equity investment, different types of products being offered on the stock exchange, the ability to use stocks etc., to trade amongst oneself without going through a broker, there are a number of things that that bears benefit from, so that is one very important component in terms of the modernisation,” Rambarran explained.

Another key part of the government’s plan is the creation of a junior stock market, which Rambarran described as “extremely important.”

“The junior stock market really permits smaller enterprises to integrate into the financial architecture, raise capital, modernise their operations, and structure themselves for increased investment,” Rambarran explained.

He posited that while the announcement may seem narrow in focus, its impact could be transformative.

“It is really something that has a catalytic effect,” he said.

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