A pedal cyclist, whose identify is so far unknown, died on Thursday after he was struck down by a car on the Blankenburg public road, West Coast Demerara.
The Guyana Police Force said the accident occurred at about 12:45hrs and involved motorcar PNN 289, driven by Ishmile Alli, 28, of Parika, East Bank Essequibo.
Enquiries revealed that the car was proceeding in the eastern direction, along the northern side of the road when the pedal cyclist rode across the road (from southern to northern side). The two collided and the cyclist fell onto the road surface, where he sustained injuries.
He was picked up in an unconscious condition by the driver and public-spirited citizens and taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was seen and examined by a doctor. He later succumbed to his injuries at about 15:25 hrs.
The man’s body was taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Home where it is awaiting identification and a post-mortem examination.
Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo says he, like many other Guyanese, is tired of the excuses given by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) concerning power outages.
As the government pursues an ambitious modernisation plan for the power supply, Jagdeo hinted at a possible shake-up of the power company’s management.
“With the massive plan for transformation, I don’t think the current management can lead that process, that they can address all the issues and our plans,” Jagdeo, who is also the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), said at his Thursday press conference.
The Vice President was responding to queries about the recent spate of outages. On Thursday, Jagdeo said he was told that lightning had disrupted the power distribution structure and caused that day’s outage. At an earlier press conference, he said he was told rats had disrupted operations.
However, he reminded reporters that the government is building mega power distribution towers and a brand-new distribution system. The forthcoming Wales gas-to-energy programme is expected to significantly increase the amount of power available locally, adequately meeting current demand.
In addition, it was reported earlier that the government could hire the Dominican Republic’s InterEnergy Group to supervise the grid upgrade and expansion work being undertaken by GPL
Soon after challenging the Mohameds to disprove revelations that Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed visited the Venezuelan Embassy, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo opined that Mohamed should be questioned about his actions.
“I think that at some stage, that should be done.
“We’re only a couple of weeks away from elections but maybe after the elections,” Jagdeo said on Thursday during his weekly press conference.
However, when pressed about the serious nature of Nazar’s engagement with the Venezuelan embassy, Jagdeo said any questioning would be left up to the Police and the Army.
“We are in the election season but we have to be a bit sensitive about it. That doesn’t mean they get off freely, they have to answer now,” he said.
Days ago, Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd revealed that he had cause to summon Venezuela’s Ambassador to Guyana, Carlos Amador Perez Silva, to explain frequent visits by the Mohameds.
Azruddin Mohamed, alongside his father, Nazar, and several of their businesses, were sanctioned by the United States Department of the Treasury last year. Azruddin has launched a presidential bid with his We Invest in Nationhood party. He has been accused of having ties to the Nicolas Maduro government in Venezuela by US Congressmen; he denied these accusations.
However, Todd revealed that the Venezuelan Ambassador related to him that the Mohameds applied for visas to enter Venezuela. Jagdeo, on Thursday, emphasised that the government has evidence of Nazar’s visit to the embassy just a few weeks ago, a move he deemed questionable given the concerns raised by the US Congressmen.
After Todd’s revelations, Azruddin, in a statement issued on the Team Mohamed’s Facebook page, denied visiting the Venezuelan Embassy. He also denied applying for a visa to travel to Venezuela.
Days after President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced that all taxes on sanitary products for women would be removed if the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) goes back into office, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo clarified that the government will engage the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on removing the tariffs that are in place now.
“There is a tariff and a VAT… the tariff is a Common External Tariff so to remove you have to notify CARICOM,” Jagdeo explained at his weekly press conference.
Jagdeo, who is the General Secretary of the governing PPP/C, also said the government will engage CARICOM on removing this tariff from sanitary products for elderly persons and children.
This Common External Tariff- or CET for short- is a duty imposed on goods imported from outside CARICOM. Many sanitary products, such as pads, liners, and pampers are produced outside of CARICOM states and imported into the region.
President Ali made the announcement that all taxes would be removed from sanitary products at the PPP/C re-election rally in Bath Settlement, Region Five last weekend.
“We have decided in our manifesto that we are going to remove all taxes on sanitary supplies and other basic supplies for women’s health. We are investing in our women, in our sisters, mothers, grandmothers,” the President said, adding that “We are investing because we believe in you.”
This clarification provided by the Vice President was sought after some individuals noted that Value Added Tax (VAT) on sanitary products was removed in 2017.
Jagdeo clarified that while VAT was removed, there are still other taxes (the tariff) in place.
Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who is the General Secretary of the governing People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), on Thursday challenged the Mohameds to disprove revelations that Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed visited the Venezuelan Embassy.
“I am willing to stake my entire political career on this.
“He [Nazar] went there and the whole family knew why he went there,” Jagdeo said on Thursday during his weekly press conference.
Days ago, Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd revealed that he had cause to summon Venezuela’s Ambassador to Guyana, Carlos Amador Perez Silva, to explain frequent visits by the Mohameds.
Todd said the Venezuelan Ambassador related that the Mohameds applied for visas to enter Venezuela.
Azruddin Mohamed, alongside his father, Nazar, and several of their businesses, were sanctioned by the United States Department of the Treasury last year. Azruddin has launched a presidential bid with his We Invest in Nationhood party. He has been accused of having ties to the Nicolas Maduro government in Venezuela by US Congressmen; he denied these accusations.
After Todd’s revelations, Azruddin, in a statement issued on the Team Mohamed’s Facebook page, denied visiting the Venezuelan Embassy. He also denied applying for a visa to travel to Venezuela.
Jagdeo said previously that the government has hard evidence to support that Nazar went to the embassy.
On Thursday, he explained that Nazar’s actions are being examined seriously because US government representatives have already implicated Nazar’s son, Azruddin, with ties to the Maduro government. Such actions, he explained, may threaten Guyana’s sovereignty.
Guyana has been locked in a border controversy with Venezuela.
The International Court of Justice is currently considering the substantive merits of Guyana’s case to confirm the 1899 Arbitral Award as a full, final, and perfect settlement of the border dispute. Venezuela recently rejoined the proceedings after boycotting earlier stages, a move Guyana has publicly welcomed.
Ryan Hercules, the head coach of the Guyana Harpy Eagles and assistant coach for the Guyana Amazon Warriors, has earned his Level Four coaching accreditation.
This achievement marks a significant step in the 37-year-old’s coaching career, placing him among the most highly qualified coaches in the region.
To underscore Hercules’ achievement, Level III is widely regarded as the pinnacle, however, Level IV goes beyond and speaks to the ability to develop plans and excel in a modern high-performance environment.
Hercules’ Level Four qualification was completed through CoachEd Cricket, whose director is the renowned Gary Kirsten.
Hercules, a former all-rounder who played for Guyana from 2003 to 2007 and had stints in England and Australia, has built an impressive resume.
He has secured three successive Four-Day titles as a coach, along with a CPL and a Global Super League title.
His coaching experience also extends to the Guyana Under-15 and senior Women’s teams, as well as the Guyana Police Force club team.
“Cricket is always evolving, and while we as coaches are always asking players to evolve with the times, it is important that we as coaches also seek to evolve and learn modern best practices to help our players reach the peak of their abilities,” Hercules stated.
He noted that the drive to pursue further accreditation was present after completing his Level III qualification in 2022, with the main challenge being balancing his time.
With his newly acquired knowledge, he focuses on helping the Guyana Amazon Warriors regain the CPL title this season.
In partnership with Republic Bank Guyana, the Vurlon Mills Football Academy (VMFA) is hosting a three-day camp to promote girls’ football and boost female participation in the sport.
The initiative has seen an overwhelming response, exceeding initial targets and highlighting the growing demand for development opportunities.
Hosted at the National Training Centre in Providence, the camp is designed for girls aged five to 15.
It offers a welcoming environment for both seasoned players and those taking their first steps onto the pitch.
Organisers were forced to make an exception to the age rule, accommodating several children under five to meet the high interest.
Academy founder Vurlon Mills emphasised the event’s dual focus: “The camp is geared to give young girls the opportunity to have fun but also to learn and help grow the sport in Guyana. “
Vanessa Thomas of Republic Bank Guyana echoed this sentiment, encouraging the young athletes to stay committed and make smart life choices.
Thomas noted that the bank’s involvement is part of a broader mandate to facilitate community growth by investing in human resources.
The camp’s success underscores the country’s potential for girls’ football and sets a strong foundation for the next generation of female players.
According to Cricket West Indies (CWI) CEO Chris Dehring, the path back to greatness for West Indies cricket will be challenging, but it is achievable through a united and collective effort.
Speaking after a two-day emergency summit, Dehring emphasised that all stakeholders must collaborate to overcome the systemic issues hindering team performance.
The summit, held at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including CWI executives, former and current players such as Sir Clive Lloyd, Brian Lara, and current captains Roston Chase and Shai Hope, as well as members of the Cricket Strategy & Officiating Committee (CSOC).
Discussions focused on a wide range of factors impacting team performance, including the effectiveness of player development pathways, the quality of domestic competitions, and the preparation and support systems for international duties. The need for greater stakeholder alignment, financial resources, and improved player motivation were also key topics.
Dehring stressed that CWI cannot address these challenges alone, highlighting the significant commercial and resource gaps that exist between the West Indies and other cricketing nations. He pointed to the lack of dedicated facilities like high-performance centers and academies, which are crucial for developing professional cricketers.
“While the raw talent is there, we face an incredible commercial and national resource gap between ourselves and the other cricket playing territories to mine, develop and produce professional cricketers that are fit for purpose,” Dehring stated. “That gap… can only be bridged if we come together as a region and use what we have to challenge that gap.”
Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe echoed this, explaining that the challenges are systemic and require a holistic approach.
“The strategies we implement, we have to look at addressing them across the entirety of our cricket system,” Bascombe said, adding that the next step is to develop detailed strategies based on the fruitful discussions and recommendations from the summit.
Sir Clive Lloyd
West Indies legends Sir Clive Lloyd and Brian Lara also spoke at the media briefing, praising the frank and productive nature of the talks. Lara noted the need for the West Indies to adapt to the modern game, which now relies heavily on technology and analytics.
Sir Clive specifically referenced the information provided by the current coaching staff, stating, “They were very clear about the things that are needed and why they are needed. I sincerely hope that we will be able to provide what they have asked for.” He also highlighted the financial disparity in international cricket, calling for a “better share of the pie.”
Enoch Lewis, chair of the CSOC, reiterated the summit’s goal of obtaining honest feedback to fundamentally reform West Indies cricket. He confirmed that a set of recommendations will be prepared for the CWI Board of Directors, with some to be implemented in the short term and others over a longer period.
Dehring concluded by emphasizing that the resurrection of West Indies cricket will require a collective, diligent pursuit of excellence from every corner of the Caribbean cricketing community.
The public will be informed of the Board’s approved actions as the recommendations are implemented.
See below full statement issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry & Commerce:
The Ministry of Tourism, Industry & Commerce is urging the public and media to disregard recently circulated AI-generated videos falsely claiming that major airlines have suspended operations to Guyana. These claims are entirely untrue.
Guyana’s airlift remains strong, with all scheduled airlines continuing their regular services. No airline has “pulled out” of Guyana. In fact, the country has seen consistent growth in arrivals. In a release issued on August 10, the Ministry confirmed that Guyana recorded 242,655 visitor arrivals between January and July 2025, an eighteen (18%) increase compared to the same period in 2024.
The Ministry stresses that the videos in question are fabricated using artificial intelligence and do not reflect the reality of Guyana’s tourism and aviation landscape. Guyana continues to benefit from steady airline partnerships, ongoing route development, and strong interest from regional and international markets.
The Ministry remains committed to transparency and encourages travellers to rely on official sources for accurate information about travelling to and from Guyana.
The 92 youth participants for the 10th Annual Youth Parliament kicked off their debates on Thursday with a focus on tackling social issues plaguing the nation.
These debates prepare participants for future roles in public service, politics, and community leadership. The Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir and Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton were in attendance at the first debates presented for the junior and senior categories.
At the Parliament Buildings, Brickdam, where the debates are being held, the Speaker advised the debaters to be respectful and use the event as an opportunity to prepare for their own roles in the future.
“It’s all about democracy and freedom, freedom in a society where you can express your views, where you can associate with whoever you want without fear and more particularly, the opportunity to stand for and to elect persons to pass laws, to execute programmes, and to judge people fairly.
“In a few years’ time, in the next elections, more of you will be voting, it’s not just casting a vote but understanding the process and the system in which that process operates,” the Speaker said.
Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir during a previous briefing.
He said the event is not just about competing in a debate but following guidance from elders, understanding what a democracy is and maintaining standards.
To kick off the debates, Tafawa Adridge, the Minister of Legal Affairs in the junior category, put forward a motion to amend the juvenile justice act to allow persons who are first time juvenile offenders to undergo restorative justice.
His strong presentation noted that by amending the act, first time juvenile offenders, found guilty, would be able to undergo a reform process, a move that would ensure a brighter future upon completion of sentences.
“The Rights of the Child Commission revealed that 70 per cent of youths at the New Opportunity Corp were incarcerated for acts no longer even considered crimes under the juvenile justice act. These are not hardened criminals, they are our sons and daughters, deserving of a chance to rebuild their future,” Adridge said.
Tafawa Adridge, the Minister of Legal Affairs and Shadow Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance and Opposition Chief Whip, Lilian Thomas.
However, Youth Parliamentarian, Shadow Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance and Opposition Chief Whip, Lilian Thomas said without the relevant infrastructure, the objectives of such an amendment would not be met.
“Implementing this motion would require significant government spending on upgrading facilities, creating training programmes, and qualified professionals. This motion provides no budget estimates, no timelines, no accountability mechanism,” Thomas said.
Part of her argument also highlighted that most of the professionals in the country are based in central regions, another shortcoming for the success of the motion.
The week of activities commenced on Tuesday with training sessions. An award ceremony will also be held at the weekend to recognise the exemplary work of the youth parliamentarians.
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Sir Clive Lloyd 100vw, 525px”><figcaption class=)
Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir during a previous briefing. 100vw, 526px”><figcaption class=)
Tafawa Adridge, the Minister of Legal Affairs and Shadow Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance and Opposition Chief Whip, Lilian Thomas.