Blog

Early childhood development has advanced significantly over the past five years, through several successful initiatives implemented by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.

Among the initiatives introduced since 2020 are the National Integrated Childhood Development Policy, National Home-Based Care Policy, Child Advocacy Centres, establishment of the first Day and Night Care Centres and training of early childhood development practitioners.

These achievements were revealed by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security on Monday.

Topping the list of achievements, the National Integrated Early Childhood Development Policy was launched this year. This programme provides a framework to give every child from birth to three years nine months the best start in life.

The National Home-Based Care Policy is another initiative aimed at advancing early childcare through a list of primary goals, including empowering individuals to operate their own childcare centres within their homes.

Such spaces would create a nurturing and child-friendly environment for young children to thrive holistically.

Additionally, Child Advocacy Centres were expanded from nine to 13 across all regions. These facilities were established for children to have a safe space to report abuse.

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security also increased support for Child Link and Blossom Inc to accelerate critical interventions in forensic interviews and trauma-focused counselling.

A total of $24 million in subventions was given to the organisations in 2020 and has significantly increased to $123.9 million in 2025.

Another milestone achievement in the area of early childhood development is the commissioning of the country’s first-ever Day and Night Care Centre in Anna Catherina.

The $93.8 million investment provides free day-care services for children ages zero to three years- nine months and night care for children up to 12 years old.

Meanwhile, significant investments were made to professionally train practitioners in early childhood development. Over 1,000 individuals received training, significantly elevating the quality of childhood development nationwide.

The government has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ensuring the nation’s youngest citizens have access to quality care (Republished from the Department of Public Information)

The post Early childhood development advanced over five year period appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Despite a fine all-round effort from Test player Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Everest suffered a 191-run defeat at the hands of Police when the Georgetown Cricket Association hosted one match in its Two-Day, First-Division competition sponsored by GISE, Star Rentals and the Trophy Stall last weekend.

Played on August 23-24 at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, the hosts pulled off a commanding win with Kunhuiya Ramkarran hitting the lone hundred of the match, Dwayne Dick turning in a solid all-round performance and Ivor Trotz capturing nine wickets in the match.

For Everest, Chanderpaul had scores of 48 and an unbeaten 66, and also contributed with the ball, taking a five-wicket haul.

Batting first, Police posted 332 all out from 57.3 overs with Ramkarran making an unbeaten 107 from 116 balls (10x4s, 4x6s), Chemroy Kendell scoring a rapid 71 off 33 (1×4, 9x6s) and Pernell London hitting 53 off 46 (5x4s, 3x6s).

Bowling for Everest, Javed Rasheed took 3-57, while Rafael Singh (2-27), Chris Harry (2-47) and Richie Looknauth (2-77) bagged two each.

In their first innings Everest managed 103 all out from 32.5 overs with Chanderpaul making 48 off 72 (6x4s, 1×6) and Richie Looknauth scoring 33 off 53 (4x4s). Trotz picked up 4-22 and Dick 4-29 for Police.

Batting a second time- and with a lead of 229- Police were bowled out for 139 from 27.1 overs with Kevon Boodie making 40 off 46 (5x4s), Dick an unbeaten 29 off 11 (5x4s, 1×6), London 20 off 21 (3x4s) and Kelvin Leitch 20 off 27 (3x4s).

Chanderpaul picked up 5-46 off 11 overs, while Rasheed took 4-29 off 7.1 overs.

Set a target of 369, Everest fell way short at 177 off 36 overs with Chanderpaul not out on 66 off 81 (5x4s, 2x6s) and Urshadeva Balgobin making 60 off 50 (9x4s).

Bowling for Police, Trotz took 5-34 off 11 overs and Dick 3-50 off 11 overs.

The post Police whip Everest by 191 runs despite Chanderpaul’s all-round display appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The medallists! From left: Joel Rambiriche, Mishka Beharry, and Liam Brumell

Guyana copped four bronze medals at the recently held CAREBACO Junior Individual Badminton tournament in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Joel Rambiriche medalled in the Boys Under-11 Singles and then teamed up with Liam Brumell to cop third place in the Boys Under-11 Doubles.

In the Under-19 Mixed Doubles, Guyanese Mishka Beharry and Jamaican Daniel Forde joined forces to cop bronze.

Akili Haynes and Nkosi Beaton performed coaching duties for team Guyana at the tournament.

In congratulating the athletes, the Guyana Badminton Association expressed gratitude to the National Sports Commission, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Squadra, Republic Bank, Meditron Inc, Joe Jagmohan, Ryan Chang, Sol, Dean Hassan, Mings Products and Services, D.Boodhan and Daughter, TFR Computer and Services, Ludic Balloons, Dr. Carpen, MVP Sports, Ocean Spray Hotel, Swiss House Cambio, J. Hillare and Lizanne Atherly for their support in making the trip possible.

 

The post Guyanese Rambiriche, Brumell and Beharry cop medals at CAREBACO Junior tournament appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Team Coach FM Anthony Drayton believes Guyana’s four-member Under-16 team delivered a strong performance against tough Latin American opponents at the FIDE World Youth Under-16 Chess Olympiad in Barranquilla, Colombia, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the competition.

In nine rounds of battle to keep the Guyana Flag flying, they faced opposing teams from Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Guatemala and Chile without going down 4-0 in any round.

According to Drayton, the matches were hard-fought and a test of nerves, but unexpected results from Alexander Zhang and WCM Aditi Joshi cost the team a durable finish and an accolade as the top Under-16 team in the Caribbean and parts of South America.

After a solid performance against Colombia 11 in Round Six, scoring three out of six match points, the Guyanese players were close to bettering their standings. In Round Seven, Guyana faced Peru 4 with Kyle Couchman and CM Sachin Pitamber on the top two boards.

The duo both secured early draws, leaving the job of winning the Round to Zhang and WCM Joshi. Zhang fumbled in a better positional opening and lost a pawn in a combination attack, losing in an unfortunate fashion.

WCM Joshi achieved an equal endgame with the black pieces, but under severe time pressure, with less than ten seconds on the clock remaining, her chances of turning around the team’s fortunes were very slim; time ran out, and she lost the match.

The Round ended 3-1 in Peru’s favour.

Team Guyana, backing camera, facing off against Peru

Guyana faced Chile 3 in Round Eight, and a plan was set with the team poised to take the match. Couchman scored a quick win, crushing his opponent in a potent and well-prepared middle game attack.

Not wanting to be counted out yet, Couchman reached a solid 4.5 out of 8 individual points.

In his match, Zhang committed an unexpected blunder from a better middle game position and lost, while CM Pitamber scored a draw.

WCM Joshi obtained a crushing position against her opponent, but her fortunes evaporated to convert the game into a win. She, too, was forced to settle for a draw, tying the match 2-2. In the ninth and final Round, Guyana was paired with Peru 5.

The day was long, but the games were short and filled with excitement. Zhang obtained a quick draw, but WCM Joshi suffered an unfortunate defeat in a completely winning endgame.

Couchman and CM Pitamber were taken to task to make aggressive moves in fighting chess as they confronted their opponents. In his match, CM Pitamber was completely winning.

However, one slightly inaccurate move caused his opponent to achieve a drawn endgame with nothing to reverse the result. Couchman stood his ground to fight for a win.

He sacrificed three pieces – two Rooks and a Knight to force a checkmate. His opponent also stood his ground, and the match ended in a draw, 2-2. Guyana ended in 52nd position out of 85 teams.

CM Pitamber ended on six points out of nine, gaining an impressive 95 Elo rating points, finishing in 85th position out of 340 participants. Couchman ended with 5.5 points out of nine with a 33 Elo point gain finishing at 109th place in the competition.

Zhang and WCM Joshi ended with 2.5 points each and are searching for new ways to improve with the tournament experience now behind them. The Guyana Chess Federation appreciates the support of the National Sports Commission for the Under-16 Olympiad Chess Team.

The Federation is committed to improving the skills of our chess players on both a national and international level.

The GCF believes this experience will be valuable for the young players’ growth as both individuals and competitors.

The post U-16 chess team returns with creditable performance from Youth Chess Olympiad appeared first on News Room Guyana.

A new four-lane highway, the Great Diamond to Buzz Bee Dam (Craig) interconnection, was commissioned by President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday as another project expected to bring relief to commuters.

This new road link is expected to reduce travel time for East Bank Demerara commuters, particularly those who live in Diamond. Additionally, it is expected to spur commercial activity and make available new lands for housing developments.

For President Ali, the road is a “game changer.”

“This is not just a road; it is a statement that Guyana is not afraid to dream big.

“Buzz Bee Dam to Great Diamond is a stepping stone to Soesdyke, Linden, and Lethem… (it is a stepping stone) to a Guyana that is fully connected and fully mobile,” the Guyanese Head of State emphasised.

President Dr Irfaan Ali, Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal and Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues at the ribbon cutting for the new highway (Photo: News Room/ August 25, 2025)

The road project was done in five lots and cost just over $1 billion. With it, there are now four-lane roadways from Mandela in Georgetown to Craig (where Buzz Bee Dam is) on the East Bank of Demerara.

Moves to further expand the road linkages across the country, the President said, are part of a vision to bring relief to commuters while reducing inefficiencies. He acknowledged that too much time is wasted dealing with traffic congestion.

And he vowed that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), once re-elected, will continue to address this issue.

“When people say Guyana cannot do it, we must respond, ‘watch us’,” he said.

The post New Diamond to Buzz Bee Dam Highway paves way for easier travel to Soesdyke, Linden soon appeared first on News Room Guyana.

–Exclusively distributed in Guyana by GT Automotive

BYD, the world’s No. 1 new energy vehicle brand by sales, has been named the Official Car of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025. This landmark regional partnership marks a significant milestone as BYD brings its vision for sustainable mobility to the Caribbean’s biggest cricket celebration.

In Guyana, GT Automotive proudly serves as the exclusive distributor, introducing fans to BYD’s cutting-edge electric and hybrid vehicles at the heart of the tournament. At each Guyana match, GT Automotive will bring BYD closer to fans with its BYD Experience Zone:  an engaging space featuring BYD’s latest vehicles on display, karaoke, fun interactive activities, and exciting giveaways.

Nadia Bulkan, Marketing Lead at GT Automotive, commented:

 “As the exclusive distributor of BYD in Guyana, GT Automotive is thrilled to turn up the energy at the Caribbean Premier League with our BYD Experience Zone. Come visit us at the stadium to discover the style, innovation, and cutting-edge electric technology of BYD’s latest vehicles: leading the way in sustainability and the future of mobility. Sing your heart out at karaoke, enjoy exciting interactive activities, and walk away with amazing giveaways. This partnership is about more than showcasing world-class vehicles: it’s about creating unforgettable moments that celebrate our culture, our people, and our shared passion for innovation.”

The CPL, one of the world’s most-watched T20 tournaments, is deeply woven into Caribbean culture, blending dramatic cricket with the vibrancy of Carnival. As CPL unfolds in Guyana, GT Automotive is ready to connect with fans in an experience that is as electric as the BYD world-class vehicles on display.

The 2025 Republic Bank CPL runs from 14 August to 21 September 2025, with Guyana hosting group stage matches and the full playoff series, including the final, at Providence Stadium.

The post BYD named official car of Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Guyana Prison Service on Monday commissioned its new headquarters at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara. This means that the Prison Service Headquarters will now be relocated from Brickdam to Lusignan.

The new headquarters is situated within the Lusignan Prison compound and offers more space, allowing for expanded administrative operations, improved staff coordination, and closer integration of security and rehabilitative functions.

This strategic move strengthens oversight, enhances operational efficiency, and fosters an environment where safety, rehabilitation, and reintegration work hand in hand to reduce recidivism.

As part of the commissioning, plaques were unveiled for several major facilities completed at Lusignan, signalling a substantial investment in the modernisation of the prison system. Central to these developments are six newly constructed cell blocks, representing a total investment of over $2.2 billion.

The new Prison Service HQ at Lusignan

Each block has been carefully designed to expand capacity, improve living conditions, and enhance safety and security throughout the facility. Beyond increasing space, the modern structures support effective management, facilitate staff supervision, and promote a more humane and orderly environment.

The ceremony also highlighted key rehabilitative and support facilities aimed at equipping inmates with the skills and services essential for successful reintegration into society.

Inside the new Prison Service HQ at Lusignan

These include the Trade Shops for inmates ($54,399,009), providing practical hands-on training in various trades; the Infirmary Annex ($35,807,650), offering improved healthcare services; and the Vocational Training School ($102,180,215), along with its supporting infrastructure and completion works ($29,210,960), which delivers comprehensive education and skills development programmes.

Essential operational facilities were also unveiled, reflecting a balanced and comprehensive approach to correctional management. These include the kitchen ($54,895,720), ensuring the efficient preparation of nutritious meals for inmates; the female officers’ living quarters ($60,232,853); and the senior officers’ living quarters ($91,977,940), providing modern, secure accommodations for staff.

The post Prison Service gets new headquarters at Lusignan appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Police on Monday arrested 25-year-old Kyle Small, a resident of ‘C’ Field, Sophia, after he was allegedly found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

The arrest took place at around 12:20 hrs.

Police Headquarters, in a statement, said two ranks attached to the Brickdam Police Station’s anti-crime patrol were on duty in the Sophia area, when they received information about a domestic violence report at Lot 593 ‘C’ Field, Sophia.

They went to investigate and upon their arrival, Small was seen walking out of the yard, acting in a suspicious manner. He was stopped and identified himself to the officers.

A search was conducted and a 9mm Taurus pistol was allegedly found hidden in his pants crotch, along with a magazine containing five live 9mm rounds of ammunition.

When asked if he was a licensed firearm holder, police said Small admitted that he was not. As such, he was immediately told of the offence, arrested, and cautioned.

The suspect was escorted to the Turkeyen Police Station, where the firearm and ammunition were marked, sealed, and lodged for ballistic examination. Small remains in custody as investigations continue.

The post Sophia man arrested with unlicensed firearm appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Vishnu Persaud on Monday said that GECOM has been able to confirm that photos of actual ballots were posted online as members of the Disciplined Forces voted across Guyana last Friday.

“We have not been able to determine how, where, or when that was taken, but they are photos of actual ballots,” he told reporters.

Persaud said while the photographs are authentic, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has not established their origin. He stressed, however, that the appearance of the images does not compromise the integrity of the electoral process.

“At the level of the Secretariat, we have operated at the highest and most optimal level to ensure compliance with statutory requirements, the policy decisions of the Commission and internal best practices, in line with the expectations of stakeholders,” Persaud said.

“We are giving our best to ensure that what we do can withstand scrutiny.”

The CEO reminded that GECOM had already moved to restrict the use of mobile phones in polling stations. The decision was aimed at deterring vote buying and preventing electors from photographing their ballots.

“It is considered illegal, and one can be prosecuted, fined, and even imprisoned if found guilty,” Persaud explained.

He said the restriction was tested during the Disciplined Forces balloting, and it worked effectively.

“We have not received expressions from stakeholders that it did not work,” Persaud added.

Still, the photographs now circulating suggest the rule was breached. Asked whether GECOM would investigate further, Persaud was cautious: “This is something I will undertake to interrogate to examine if we can go in that direction.”

On the issue of the position of the voting compartment, Persaud said the arrangement was developed in such a way that GECOM is not solely responsible for ensuring voters do not sneak phones into polling places, but that stakeholders also have a role.

He acknowledged hearing concerns that some compartments were not positioned in a way that allowed party agents to observe but stressed, “The operation of the polling station is for GECOM. Those rules are for GECOM.”

To provide clarity, Persaud said a pictorial example of how the voting compartment should be set up will be issued and can be followed as a guide.

The CEO also used the press conference to clear up reports that an elector had found their name on the online list of electors but not at their polling station. He explained that several polling places are often located at the same site and the voters’ lists are not singular.

The post GECOM confirms photos of actual ballots posted online but source unknown appeared first on News Room Guyana.