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To quickly respond to fire emergencies and protect lives and property, a new $138 million fire station has been commissioned in Wisroc, Region Ten.

Commissioning the facility on Wednesday, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn said the station delivers on the PPP/C government’s promise to improve emergency response and strengthen public safety across Guyana.

The facility is furnished with advanced units and machinery to boost operational efficiency and personnel readiness.

New Wisroc Fire Station in Region Ten

Key design includes:

• Training room
• Emergency Medical Services office and storage room
• IT department
• Control room
• Conference room
• Waiting area
• Senior and junior living quarters

With the upgrades, this new establishment will enhance firefighting services in the region, lending to public safety and awareness.

This comprehensive approach to enhancing the security sector and building a safer, more resilient Guyana is also evident in the investment in mini-firefighting vehicles and equipment for every community and Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) across the country.

The government also recently commissioned a new Command Operations Centre in the region.

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Members of the Disciplined Forces are casting their ballots on Friday, ahead of the September 1, 2025, General and Regional Elections, and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Presidential Candidate, Aubrey Norton, said the process is unfolding well.

He spoke at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, where he made his first stop for the day, observing the process unfolding. According to him, reports received indicate that the voting is proceeding without major hurdles. Those voting today are from the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Prison Service.

However, Norton emphasised what his party’s focus is.

“We just want to ensure that there are free and fair elections, and that the law is followed,” Norton said.

APNU Presidential Candidate Aubrey Norton speaking to reporters (Photo: August 22, 2025)

Polls opened at 06:00 hrs promptly across the country, and according to officials, the process has so far proceeded smoothly. Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Aneal Giddings, acknowledged that there were minor issues with some party agents who showed up without their required letters of appointment/accreditation.

The rest of the country is expected to go to the polls on September 1, 2025.

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Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. has called on citizens to continue supporting the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government, asserting that their vote drives the country’s developmental projects.

Speaking at a recent public rally, at Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara, Ramson Jr. delivered a clear message to his audience: “The power is in your X,” a reference to the ‘X’ placed on the ballot paper during elections.

He linked the successful implementation of key national projects directly to the public’s vote, framing it as a contract between the electorate and the governing party. The minister highlighted the new Demerara Harbour Bridge as a prime example of a promise fulfilled by the PPP/C administration.

He told supporters that they should recognise that their vote made it possible every time they drive over the new structure.

“Every time you pass the new Demerara Harbour Bridge, I want you to know you built that with your X,” he stated.

“We said we would build that bridge, and we did it.”

The new bridge is a cornerstone of the government’s infrastructure programme. Linking the east and west banks of the Demerara River is intended to ease traffic congestion and support economic growth.

Ramson Jr. also cited the “Because We Care” cash grant as a testament to the party’s commitment to social welfare. The programme, which provides financial assistance to parents for their children’s education, has seen a significant increase in value under the current administration.

The grant has grown from an initial $10,000 to $55,000, a move the minister said was made possible by the voters’ decision to return the party to power. The increase is a key plank of the government’s policy platform, designed to reduce families’ financial burden.

The minister’s comments come as Guyana prepares for its next electoral cycle with Regional and General Elections set for September 1, 2025.

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A dominant bowling performance by the Leeward Islands, led by Jathan Edward and Kasim Challenger, sealed an eight-wicket victory over Guyana at the Inshan Ali Park.

The winless Guyana side, which had managed two draws in its previous matches, could not challenge the Leeward Islands team, which took control on the second day.

Resuming their second innings on a precarious 33-3, Guyana’s hopes rested on the overnight pair of Adrian Hetmyer and Shamar Apple.

The two added 33 runs, showing some fight before Hetmyer was dismissed for 28 and Apple followed soon after for 25.

Eventually, Guyana was bowled out for 129, setting a modest target of 99 for the Leeward Islands to win.

In their chase, Leeward Islands’ openers quickly blunted any hope of a miraculous Guyana comeback.

Opener Tanez Francis scored a confident 64

FULL SCORECARD: https://matchcentre.windiescricket.com/match/f78e2efc-4853-4583-a821-341581ad7e42/scorecard/3

Guyana will now look to regroup ahead of the 50-over competition, which begins on Sunday against Trinidad and Tobago.

The 50-over tournament commences Sunday, with Guyana facing Trinidad and Tobago at Inshan Ali Park from 09:30h.

Guyana U-17 Squad: Romario Ramdeholl (captain), Parmeshwar Ram (vice-captain), Richard Ramdeholl, Lomar Seecharran, Emmanuel Lewis, Adrian Hetmyer, Shamar Apple (wicketkeeper), Nicholas Lovell, Feeaz Baksh, Dave Mohabir, Navindra Sankar, Gibran Yacoob, Micah Amsterdam, and Darwin Joseph

 

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See below the full statement issued by the Government of Guyana:

The Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana views with grave concern the threat to peace and security in the region posed by transnational organised crime and  narco- terrorism, often involving criminal networks such as the Cartel de los Soles of  Venezuela, designated as a terrorist organisation by some countries in the region.

Such criminal networks have the capacity to overwhelm state institutions, undermine democracy, pervert the rule of law and threaten human dignity and development.  

The Government of Guyana underscores the necessity for strengthened cooperation and concerted efforts at the national, regional, hemispheric and global levels to effectively combat this menace.  

In keeping with a commitment made by His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan  Ali, Guyana reaffirms its support for a collaborative and integrated approach to tackle transnational organised crime.

We are committed to working with our bilateral partners to find meaningful solutions and will support regional and global initiatives aimed at dismantling criminal networks to safeguard our shared security. By confronting transnational organised crime and narco- terrorism with unity, we reaffirm our dedication to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the region remains a Zone of  Peace. 

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We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) presidential candidate, Azruddin Mohamed, has walked back months of allegations suggesting President Irfaan Ali played a role in the controversial importation of his Lamborghini.

Speaking to reporters on Friday after observing the casting of ballots at Eve Leary during Disciplined Forces voting, Azruddin insisted that Ali had never granted him any favours.

“We had a close relationship with Irfaan Ali as a Muslim brother to a Muslim brother. That’s all. Irfaan Ali never granted me no favour,” Azruddin said when pressed by a journalist about perceptions that his family was “in bed” with the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C).

The United States-sanctioned businessman further distanced himself from claims of political protection, stressing, “We’re in business years now, we’ve built on hard work… no government influence.”

The comments stand in sharp contrast to Azruddin’s own statements just two months ago. In June, he circulated WhatsApp exchanges with a number purportedly belonging to President Ali, which he claimed showed involvement in the luxury car’s clearance.

President Ali at the time blasted Mohamed for “duplicity and dishonesty,” pointing to the messages as evidence of deliberate misrepresentation.

Azruddin’s new denial now appears to undercut the very narrative he has pushed for months, raising fresh questions about the credibility of his attacks on the head of state.

The post Azruddin backpedals on allegations against President: ‘Irfaan Ali never granted me any favours’ appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, has offered condolences on behalf of the government to the loved ones of young jockey Kishawan Pereira, who tragically died following a fall during the 17th Guyana Cup.

The minister joined members of the horse racing community at a wake held at the Port Mourant Turf Club to pay his respects.

Dr. Singh spoke on behalf of the government and people of Guyana, expressing his and the nation’s deepest sympathies for the loss.

“May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he stated.

Pereira was riding his horse, ‘Blinding Lights,’ in the penultimate race when the horse reportedly stumbled, throwing the jockey heavily to the ground. Despite being rushed to the hospital by on-site paramedics, he did not survive his injuries.

The Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee confirmed the tragedy, extending condolences to Pereira’s family.

They noted that this was the first fatal incident in the Guyana Cup’s 17-year history and suggested that early-morning rain may have created unseen soft spots on the track.

A full safety review of the incident is underway.

In a difficult finish to the day, Dataman, representing Master Z Racing Stables, secured a commanding victory in the one-mile feature race.

The win came in a dramatic finale, with Dataman crossing the finish line ahead of Anthem King. Ritorna Vincentori and Stat finished third and fourth, respectively.

The race carried a record-breaking first-place prize of $10 million from a total purse of $20 million.

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The St. Lucia Boxing Association has publicly endorsed Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic presidential candidate, citing his administration’s significant investment in sports.

The endorsement comes just days before Guyana’s General and Regional Election on September 1.

Shannon LeBourne, the Association’s First Vice-President, praised the country’s recent sporting achievements, linking them directly to government support. “Guyana continues to create champions across various sporting disciplines,” LeBourne stated.

“Thankfully, the days of seeking out sponsors for athletes are over, as you now have a dedicated resource pool and a dedicated government investing in young people to get them to the next level.”

The St. Lucia Boxing Association noted that President Ali’s government has allocated an unprecedented G$21.61 billion over the past five years to sports development.

They say this historic level of funding highlights the government’s understanding of sport’s role in youth empowerment, community development, and national unity.

The endorsement highlighted two of Guyana’s most recent boxing stars, Abiola Jackman and Terron Wintz.

Jackman made history by becoming the first Guyanese boxer to win a gold medal at the Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC) Elite Championships.

Wintz, a Berbice-based pugilist, also clinched gold in the youth category of the Caribbean Boxing Championships.

“Guyana is doing the right thing, and it is important to stay with that momentum,” LeBourne added, urging Guyanese to continue the progress.

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See below full press release issued by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security:

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security embarked on a strategic public-private partnership with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on Wednesday, 20th August, to place Day, Night, and Early Childhood Centres on-site at companies and business places to provide childcare services for their employees.

Speaking in GCCI’s boardroom, Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud highlighted the Ministry’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Gender Empowerment programmes, emphasising the private sector’s key role in national development and securing a brighter future for everyone.

The minister shared information on the newly established Day, Night Care and Early Childhood Development Centre in Region Three, supporting children aged 0–3 years 9 months through early intervention towards their emotional and physical well-being, developmental milestones, with the active involvement of parents and caregivers.

Minister Persaud explained that the Ministry of Human Services will provide technical support, a model, training of staff, and policy guidelines for businesses that wish to implement such centres within their workplace.

She emphasised that these on-site care facilities will ease the challenges parents have in finding childcare services, reduce the cost, and also relieve their minds that their children are close by and cared for by trained individuals.

“Today’s initiative speaks of public-private partnership, where we want to work with all the persons in the private sector to ensure that the model is within your work environment. This policy will be one that I think will have the best impact, because we want every parent to have peace of mind, knowing their child is safe,” Minister Persaud stated.

She also outlined the other approaches of boosting entrepreneurship in the area of care, encouraging companies and businesses to hire service providers to set up and manage the initiative, or adopting the consortium model, which brings women together to start and run their own care enterprises.

Through training and support from the Childcare and Protection Agency’s ECD Unit and the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN), these businesses can operate directly on company premises, creating a better working environment. The initiative is expected to also significantly benefit women and men who are trained through WIIN in Childcare and Early Childhood Development.

“You will increase your outputs and your deliverables coming from those employees, as they will be assured of their children’s care and safety,” the minister told members of the GCCI.

Several persons at the meeting, including the President of GCCI, Kathy Smith, lauded the partnership and pledged support for the initiative.

“This is a conversation that speaks not only to parents, but also to business owners, service providers, and community leaders. It’s a public-private partnership initiative that we’re proud to be a part of, and I believe it represents a critical step toward a more inclusive, family-friendly business environment in Guyana,” GCCI’s President expressed.

Several other members expressed interest in placing the facilities at their businesses or investing in or developing similar entrepreneurial enterprises.

Additionally, Minister Persaud touched on the Ministry’s Home-Based Care Policy, which will further support women establishing care initiatives in their communities, offering financial aid, technical expertise, and guidance.

She emphasised how women can come together in consortia to offer these vital childcare services in their communities and develop their entrepreneurship ventures. The minister urged business owners at GCCI to see corporate social responsibility as a way to transform communities.

“I want to ask you to partner with us to mentor and to support the development of these community-based day, night, and early childhood centres. While you look at what is happening for you in the business world, think of a community that you want to support and come together as business entities and support those communities, with the establishment of childcare centers” Minister Persaud expressed.

Moreover, highlighting men’s empowerment, the Minister also encouraged GCCI to expand the network of Brave Centres, creating spaces for men countrywide after the successful partnership with the Region Three Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the West Central Mall.

This Brave Centre is a hub for our men to engage with experts on issues like anger management, conflict resolution, and healthy relationships. It is geared under the Ministry’s policy and programmes focused on men to tackle key social ills, including gender -based violence. She urged the GCCI to identify additional spaces where the Ministry can collaborate to launch more safe spaces for men.

Minister Persaud also introduced the National Gender Equality and Empowerment Seal, which will assess workplaces on gender equality, equal opportunity and empowerment, absence of harassment at workplaces, and progressive policies to address all of these. The Ministry will provide all the technical support and training, and companies will be awarded bronze, silver, or gold seals based on performance and progress.

For this comprehensive list of initiatives put forward by Minister Persaud, the GCCI’s President praised the Government’s pro-private sector stance and highlighted the importance of valuing every employee.

“Normally, the private sector is at the head of the work, and the Government is supporting, but this Government is tit-for-tat with the private sector. And we appreciate a government that is pro-private sector and not anti-private sector,” Smith said.

Minister Persaud thanked GCCI and its President for the overwhelming support and partnership on these new initiatives.

Furthermore, the minister toured the facility where GCCI will facilitate training for 30 women through the WIIN programme in collaboration with the World University Services of Canada (WUSC), equipping them with agro-processing skills to achieve financial independence.

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