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President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to improving the salaries, welfare, and working conditions of nurses and other medical workers, announcing that the final phase of salary adjustments will be implemented before the end of this year.

Speaking to healthcare staff, the President reminded them that the first phase of adjustments, which included changes to salary scales in addition to previous increases, had already been completed. 

“… before the end of this year the final phase of adjustment will be made to our nurses and medical workers so that you can have better salaries, better welfare, better conditions of work,” the President said while delivering remarks at the commissioning of the new De Kinderen Regional Hospital in Region Three. 

“And you know when we say we will do it, it will be done, just ask our Police officers,” the head of state added.

In December 2022, President Ali announced substantial salary increases for doctors, nurses, and allied health workers, which took effect from January 1, 2023. 

The 2022 adjustment benefitted over 5,000 persons and saw disposable incomes increased by over $1.5 billion annually. The increase in 2022 followed multiple calls for better conditions for nurses and the shortage of nurses due to them migrating to different countries for work.

The post More salary adjustments for health workers by year-end – Pres. Ali  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Randy Bacchus, a 23-year-old miner, was injured after he was shot at Providence, East Bank Demerara, on August 6.

Police Headquarters said the incident occurred about 23:50 hrs in front of Lot 2242 Plantation Drive, New Migrant Scheme, Providence, East Bank Demerara on August 6.

Bacchus reportedly came from Bartica on August 4 to visit family. At about 23:30 hrs on the day of the shooting, Bacchus went home and entered his bedroom. He reportedly spent about 10 minutes, then went back outside.

Police said the man later returned inside the house and reported that he had just been shot, but did not provide any details on the incident. He was escorted to the Diamond Regional Hospital, where he was seen and medically examined by a doctor on duty, who observed that it was a gunshot wound to his left upper thigh. He was treated and sent away.

Bacchus was interviewed by Police Officers about what transpired, and he kept giving conflicting stories about what happened. It was noted that Bacchus told officers that he is returning to Bartica and does not want any “Police story. ”

His hands were swabbed for gunpowder residue, but he refused to give any further information.

The scene was processed, and two suspected 9MM spent shells were recovered. They were photographed and packaged.

Several persons were questioned, but no useful information was received.

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The $6.6 billion De Kinderen Hospital was officially commissioned on Monday, marking a major milestone in the modernisation of Guyana’s healthcare system, specifically for the residents of Region Three.

The state-of-the-art facility will deliver both specialised and essential medical services, including Internal Medicine & Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Cardiology, Mental Health & Psychiatry, Orthopaedics, and Surgery. Patients will also have access to the 24/7 Emergency Department, Inpatient and Outpatient care, advanced laboratory and imaging services, as well as dental and optical care.

Dr. Fiaaz Hassan, a practicing general surgeon and the doctor in charge of the new De Kinderen Hospital, says the facility marks a turning point in the delivery of healthcare in Region Three.

President Dr Irfaan Ali officially commissioned the De Kinderen Hospital in Region Three on Monday (Photo: Chinese Embassy in Guyana/August 11, 2025)

“The residents of Region Three were long waiting for a facility of this nature, a modern infrastructure compared to what we were exposed to before… many of the healthcare staff never entered an institution of this caliber, much less worked inside,” Dr Hassan told the News Room.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the hospital boasts advanced radiology services, including a C-arm in the operating theatre that allows real-time imaging for reconstructive procedures.

Dr Hassan said the facility features three ventilator-equipped Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, three operating theatres, and facilities designed to handle high-impact injuries and trauma cases with efficiency.

Highlighting that the hospital’s workflow is streamlined for speed and patient comfort, Dr Hassan explained that upon arrival, patients are entered into a digital database, with information displayed on screens to guide them to the correct clinic or service.

“Everything is almost new technology from the coordination of patient flow, the patient enters and they are entered into a database and as you see with the signs and screens on the wall, the patient’s data will be up there meaning their names, age and which clinic they are going to, not their privacy,” Dr Hassan stated.

The laboratories are fitted with robotic, state-of-the-art equipment, and the hospital will have digital X-rays and fully modern operating room systems.

While the hospital has adequate staff to launch operations, Dr. Hassan acknowledged that staffing will need to expand to meet growing patient demand.

“We have adequate staff to run all services, but starting a hospital like this, we have to evolve and we have to match patient demand, and there is a need for more staff, but we have adequate staff to start the services,” Dr Hassan said.

Inside the new De Kinderen Regional Hospital (Photo: News Room/August 11, 2025)

Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony, during his remarks, noted that De Kinderen is the first public hospital in Region Three equipped with a CT scanner along with an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a High Dependency Unit (HDU), and a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

“These facilities will help to provide services for patients in critical need,” the health minister said. The hospital also has modern amenities such as a water purification system, in-house oxygen production, and advanced sterilisation facilities.

Delivering the featured address, President Irfaan Ali said the hospital is part of a broader transformation in Guyana’s healthcare sector. The head of state said investments will be made in both infrastructure and human capital.

“In every sphere of the health ecosystem, we have invested in building the human capital to deliver the best healthcare to the people of this nation,” the President said.

Inside the new De Kinderen Regional Hospital (Photo: News Room/August 11, 2025)

He emphasised that while the recruitment and training of Guyanese healthcare workers is essential, human capital will be recruited from “where they are available” to supplement staffing and services.

With new housing developments, schools and investments in Region Three, President Ali underscored the need to expand healthcare to match the region’s rapid growth.

“This region is the fastest-growing region outside of Region Four in population, economy, commerce, investment, and infrastructure. Our health and education ecosystem must be transformed at an equal pace to meet the new demands and expectations of our people,” the President said.

The De Kinderen Hospital is one of six new facilities built nationwide in recent years, signaling the government’s commitment to delivering modern, accessible healthcare to all citizens.

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President Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced plans to build a new “world-class” horse racing track in the Berbice region. The promise was made on Sunday at the People’s Progressive Party/Civic rally in Bath, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

The President highlighted the region’s strong history with the sport, stating, “You will have in this region a world-class horse racing track because you are the cradle of horse racing…we are going to invest in family-oriented spaces. We are going to give you the tools to build better communities.”

This commitment comes as the sport of horse racing gains significant momentum in the country.

A prominent horse owner, Therbhuwan ‘Turbo’ Jagdeo, has recently been a vocal advocate for an all-weather track, and the government has already taken steps to modernise the sport’s administration.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali addressing the party’s Bath, Region Five rally (Photo: News Room/ Vishani Ragobeer/ August 10, 2025)

In December 2024, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., tabled the Horse Racing Authority Bill in Parliament.

The proposed legislation aims to bring clarity and structure to the industry. Key elements include provisions to address violations, expand the Authority’s membership, introduce term limits, and implement licensing for owners, jockeys, and trainers.

The country’s racing scene has also enjoyed competitive success, with Guyanese-owned horses performing impressively in recent regional races.

This momentum is building ahead of the country’s biggest horse race meet, the Guyana Cup, which is scheduled for August 17 at the Rising Sun Turf Club.

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The Ramlall sisters – Ashna, Amisha, Arshia – and Kassidy Woolford combined for an impressive 73 points to lead Guyana to a 91–72 victory over Suriname on Sunday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The matchup was part of the Georgetown Women’s Classic, hosted with the support of the Government of Guyana and backing from AdNation and Creative Titans. Game Two was scheduled for last night.

The contest marked the long-awaited return of senior women’s international basketball to Guyana after decades, as the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) continues its push to revamp the women’s programme.

Sixteen-year-old Amisha Ramlall lit up the scoreboard with a game-high 31 points, while her twin sister, Ashna, dropped a smooth 20.

Woolford, also 16, chipped in with 12 points, bringing energy and flair to the offense.

Fifteen-year-old Arshia Ramlall, playing the role of floor general, not only tallied 11 points but also dished out several key assists to keep Guyana’s offense flowing.

The game started at a measured pace, but once Guyana found its rhythm, Suriname struggled to keep up. Behind the aggressive play of the Ramlall sisters, Guyana closed the first quarter up 20–10.

In the second quarter, the Ramlalls went on a scoring tear.

Outside of Keisha Copperfield, who scored five points, no other Guyanese player besides the sisters found the basket in that period. Guyana outscored Suriname 31–20 to take a 51–33 lead into halftime.

Suriname made adjustments in the second half, attacking Guyana’s weak interior presence, an area exposed by the absence of star forward Joy Adams, who was sidelined due to injury during the team’s preparation for the two-day series.

Both teams scored 22 points in the third quarter, but Guyana maintained control with a 73–55 lead entering the final period.

In the fourth, Woolford and the Ramlall sisters continued to apply pressure on the offensive end, while also creating opportunities for their teammates.

Jamaicy Ogle asserted herself on the boards, while veteran Keane Andrews anchored the defense, playing the enforcer role and making her presence felt on both ends of the floor.
For Suriname, Mirelva Marica was the offensive standout with 20 points, consistently finding ways to score despite tight defence. Seymone Esajas added 12 points, but the visitors couldn’t match the firepower of Guyana’s quartet.

According to statistician Charwayne Walker, the first-ever meeting between Guyana and Suriname’s women’s teams took place at the same venue in April 1976.

In the evening’s curtain-raiser, the National U23 Select squads produced an entertaining encounter, with the A Team edging the B Team 59–56.

Anish Ramlall, the older brother of the Ramlall sisters, scored a game-high 27 points, albeit in a losing effort.

For the winners, Demitre Ranking was the only player in double figures, highlighting their balanced.

Last night’s schedule also featured a National U23 showdown between Linden and Georgetown in the supporting game.

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Organisers of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 have announced that tickets for the playoffs and the final will be on sale from Wednesday, August 13, at the Box Office at 233-234 Camp Street, Georgetown.

The office will be open from 08:00h to 16:00h Monday through Friday and 09:00h to 13:00h Saturday.

According to the CPL website, ticket prices range from US$31 to US$350 for the Eliminator, Qualifier 1, Qualifier 2, and the final.

The playoffs and final will be held from September 16 to 21 at the National Stadium, Providence.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors’ home leg is from September 6 – 14, and it runs concurrently with the Massy Women’s CPL from September 6 – 17.

The 14th season of CPL will commence on August 14 in St. Kitts and Nevis.

September 21 will mark the end of four consecutive years of Guyana hosting the CPL playoffs and final.

Barbados will host the finals in 2026 at the iconic Kensington Oval.

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See below the full release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation: 

The International Court of Justice has notified the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana that the  Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, today, August 11, 2025, filed its Rejoinder in the case concerning the Arbitral  Award of 3 October 1899, within the time-limit fixed by the Court in its Order of 14 June 2024.  This Rejoinder is in response to Guyana’s Reply, filed in December 2024, and constitutes the final written pleading in the case. 

In accordance with its standard procedures, the Court, upon returning from its summer recess, will schedule oral  hearings on the merits of the case, to be followed by its deliberations and the issuance of its final Judgment, which  will be binding on the parties under international law. 

Guyana welcomes the filing of the Rejoinder by Venezuela, which ensures that the Court will have before it all  the factual and legal arguments of both Parties when it issues its final Judgment, rendering it fully authoritative  and incontestable.  

Guyana remains steadfastly committed to the peaceful resolution of this controversy in accordance with  international law by the ICJ – the world’s highest and most respected judicial authority 

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Region Three is set to benefit from a major healthcare upgrade with the construction of the $11.4 billion West Demerara Hospital and the existing facility will be repurposed as a teaching institution to train nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals.

This was announced by President Irfaan Ali at the commissioning of the De Kinderen Regional Hospital on Monday.
Dr. Ali explained that many medical students enrolled at the University of Guyana are from Region Three. So this teaching facility will greatly assist them.

 

Earlier this year, the sod for the new West Demerara Hospital was turned. It will feature over 150 beds, four operating theatres, intensive care units (ICUs), neonatal and paediatric ICUs, and advanced diagnostic capabilities, including MRI and CT scans. All wards will be designed to ensure patient privacy.

 

The current West Demerara Regional Hospital has been serving the region for 79 years. Region Three residents currently travel to Georgetown for specialised diagnostic procedures. But once the new facility is operational, patients will be able to undergo immediate evaluations and life-saving procedures, such as stent replacements, without needing to leave the region.

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A labourer was on Monday remanded to prison following a fatal hit-and-run incident involving eight-year-old Sahil Naipaul.

Ramsarran Samaroo, 22, of Lot 13 Grant 1805, Crabwood Creek, Corentyne Berbice, appeared at the Whim Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Michelle Matthias.

It is alleged that on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, Samaroo drove motorcar PAK 6598 in a reckless manner, leading to Naipaul’s death. Samaroo was not required to enter a plea for this charge.

He has also been charged with failing to stop his vehicle after the accident and failing to render assistance to the injured Naipaul. Samaroo pleaded not guilty to these two charges.

UPDATE: 9-year-old struck while returning home from shop

In a bail application, Samaroo’s lawyer, Vinay Punwa, informed the court that his client and Naipaul’s family were engaged in a settlement agreement, whereby Samaroo’s family would purchase land and build a house for Naipaul’s remaining brothers.

Sahil’s relatives expressed frustration in the courthouse, denying any discussions regarding a settlement with Samaroo’s family.

Meanwhile, the lawyer asserted that Samaroo poses no flight risk and is willing to surrender his passport and comply with any reporting conditions.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Collin Clarke objected to bail, citing the seriousness and prevalence of the charges. He noted that Samaroo fled the scene of the accident and was arrested two hours later in Crabwood Creek. Taking into account the age of the child and Samaroo’s failure to render assistance, Prosecutor Clarke argued that bail should be denied.

After considering both sides, Magistrate Matthias refused bail, citing the seriousness of the offense. Samaroo was subsequently remanded to prison and is scheduled to make his next court appearance on September 4. The case has been transferred to the Springlands Magistrate’s Court.

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