Blog

Vice President and General Secretary of the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo delivered a blunt warning on Saturday as he addressed thousands of supporters at Belle’s Square, Second Avenue, Bartica.

Jagdeo zeroed in on U.S sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed, leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, telling the Region Seven crowd that Mohamed’s promises were “empty” and his campaign lacked credibility.

Jagdeo also took aim at other opposition figures, recounting that Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton recently did a walkabout in Bartica and “people didn’t even know who he was.” According to Jagdeo, Norton had to put a garland around his own neck to attract attention.

“These are the people who are our opponents,” Jagdeo quizzed.

He noted their lack of experience too, naming APNU’s vice president candidate Ganesh Mahipaul who he described as a former junior official in the Ministry of Local Government under the previous administration and Juretha Fernandes from Bartica – designated prime ministerial candidate of the APNU but who once served only as secretary to former Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo.

He said  Norton himself held a title in the last government but “didn’t even have an office.”

“How could you ever entrust the future of this country, or our children, into the hands of people who have absolutely no experience?” Jagdeo asked the crowd. “You wouldn’t hire them to run a small business, much less a country.”

from L-R: Azruddin Mohamed, Aubrey Norton, Juretha Fernandes and Ganesh Mahipaul

He said voters should not be fooled by lofty promises and cash incentives because Azruddin and the WIN party will not be in a position to deliver on promises made after September 1, 2025.

“Look at the numbers, look at what they do. They have not held any meeting of major consequence like ours,” Jagdeo said.

“When you vote on September 1, ensure that you don’t be misled. The future of this country and your children is in your hands, and you have to vote for a party you can trust.”

Mohamed was sanctioned by the United States Department of the Treasury for allegedly participating in a corruption network involving gold smuggling and other illicit financial activity.

Jagdeo told the Bartica rally that Mohamed has been “hiding from local media” because he does not want to face questions about the sanctions.

“How can you entrust your future into the hands of people who have absolutely no experience?

“Azruddin has experience only in gold smuggling and spending his father’s money.”

General Secretary of the PPP/C and Vice President of Guyana, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo speaks to a massive crowd in Bartica

The Vice President warned residents — particularly those in riverine and Amerindian communities — not to be swayed by cash offers or grand promises. He alleged that WIN operatives have been telling voters they will receive money if they support the party, but insisted such offers would evaporate once the election is over.

“They will come to Bartica… they will promise you money. But after September 2, Azruddin Mohamed will disappear. He will not win the elections; the PPP will win. And you will not get your money,” Jagdeo said, referencing reports from Georgetown where a woman was allegedly assaulted while trying to collect $50,000 she said was promised by Mohamed’s team.

Jagdeo contrasted WIN’s record with that of the PPP/C, urging voters to judge parties on delivery rather than rhetoric.

“We are the only party that did what we said. We will not make promises we cannot deliver on. Look at the changes in Guyana today — just imagine what five more years can do for our country,” he said.

Jagdeo reminded that Mohamed’s closest associates, now on his list of candidates, have had their bank accounts closed, leaving them financially crippled.

“Don’t let your village be considered a pariah village too.”

Calling for a decisive PPP/C victory in Region Seven, Jagdeo ended with a direct challenge to voters: “When they [WIN] come, ask them how they can guarantee the future for your children — they will have no answer.”

The post Azruddin’s WIN, APNU will not make a difference, they have no experience, your vote to them will be wasted – Jagdeo appeared first on News Room Guyana.

A Muslim leader whose United States visa was revoked last year due to his association with OFAC-sanctioned businessman, Azruddin Mohamed, has come in for grave insults, and lies peddled against him by members of the WIN political party.

Imam Badrudeen Khan, who heads the East Street Darul Uloom Masjid that is linked to the Mohameds, revealed via his social media page on Saturday that his visa was revoked because of his association with Azruddin.

Khan released two documents that detail the questions he was asked by officials from the Department of Homeland Security. He was asked specifically about his WhatsApp messages with Azruddin, how long he had known him, the last time they had made contact, and his relationship with him.

The document shared by Imam Badrudeen Khan

Khan’s post was shared in a ‘Guyana Forum’ WhatsApp group in which Charles Sugrim, an Executive Member for Azruddin’s party, is a participant.

Sugrim responded to the post by insulting the Muslim leader.

“His visa was revoked because he was filming a woman breastfeeding her child at JFK and sharing it with other contacts,” Sugrim wrote in the WhatsApp group.

Additionally, Azruddin’s sister, Hana, also lashed out at the Muslim leader on her Facebook page. She was at the time rebuking him for comments he made at a mosque about those who are unfit to lead Guyana.

Azruddin’s sister, Hana

Azruddin and his family are well-known Muslims and close to the community; he has been using religion as one of his campaign strategies as part of efforts to get votes at the September 1 general and regional elections.

In 2024, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced that it sanctioned Azruddin and his father, Nazar Mohamed, as well as several of their companies. They were sanctioned pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world.

The sanctions are reserved for money laundering, drug trafficking, public corruption, and gold smuggling.

Azruddin later launched the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political party, and he is running as the presidential candidate.

Editor’s note: Charles Sugrim’s designation has been updated from Campaign Manager to Executive Member. WIN representatives clarified his designation after the story was published. 

The post WIN’s Charles Sugrim, lies on, insults Muslim leader appeared first on News Room Guyana.

In his 2025 re-election bid, President Irfaan Ali last evening committed to further developing the annual Bartica Regatta into a world class tourism event that attracts tourists from across the globe.

He made this announcement during the PPP/C re-election campaign rally in the township of Bartica, region seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The President said that just as cricket was made into a “global” event in Guyana, so too will the regatta, once the PPP/C is re-elected to office.

“It is time we build it [the regatta] to a world class event and bring people from all over the world. You don’t build tourism by empty talk. You have to invest in events and people, and build a product. We will work with you to build your product that is strong and marketable,” he stated.

The annual event takes place over several days during the Easter weekend in the mining town of Bartica which is located on the confluence of the Essequibo River. It is the oldest annual regatta in Guyana and receives strong support from the private sector; particularly from businesses in region seven.

The event, which is major source of revenue for the township, features a number of activities, including: water sports, football and athletics competitions, a gospel concert, cook-out competitions, street jams and a beauty pageant. There are also events for families and children.

One of the main attractions at the regatta is the power boat racing held on the last day of the activities.

The events, which attracts more than 10,000 locals and foreign tourists each year, has become a model for regional tourism development. It is one of the biggest revenue earners for region seven, and one of the biggest tourism events in the country.

During the regatta, hotel occupancy in Bartica surges, restaurants see longer lines, and street vendors see increased sales in everything from local cuisine and souvenirs, to crafts and clothing.

The influx of visitors also provides an opportunity for the township to showcase the region’s natural beauty, from its gold-mining history and riverine landscape to its warm, welcoming culture.

The post President Ali commits to developing Bartica Regatta into ‘world class event’ appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Young candidates of the PPP/C in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) have assured residents that the rapid transformation of the hinterland region is only the beginning, pledging that “the best is yet to come” if the party is given another mandate at the September 1 General and Regional Elections.

Speaking at the party’s rally this evening in the mining town of Bartica was 20-year-old Minerva Williams, one of the PPP’s national candidates, who spoke of opportunities being delivered to young people in hinterland regions.

“I am seeing the development under the PPP and the opportunities it is proving for us young people. I am living proof that the PPP has youths by heart. While others talk, we deliver. In a male-dominated field, I am becoming the first female heavy-duty operator, and this is because of Dr. Irfaan Ali,” said Williams, of Batavia village in the Cuyuni River.

She added that the party she represents believes that no dream is too big and no door will ever be closed on young people who are working towards building a better future.

A section of the huge crowd at Bartica (Photo: August 6, 2025)

Candacy Williams, another young candidate, echoed similar sentiments while underscoring the level of investment made across sectors in the hinterland regions.

“No community was left behind. We have connected every single community from education to healthcare and infrastructure. That is what progress looks like,” she said, urging residents not to be fooled by other parties with lofty promises.

“Don’t be fooled by those who will come in different colours. They are here to fool you. They are failed recycled leaders. They were silent when our country was held hostage for five long months. Today, they come to tell us they have changed. The only thing that has changed is their colour,” Williams stated.

She noted that the PPP is the only political party that unites the Guyanese people through vision and hard work, and that the best is yet to come for Region Seven.

“We are here to deliver for the next five years, just as we have delivered for the past five years. Our message is clear. We choose results, we choose progress. Put your X next to the cup because the best is yet to come,” she urged the gathering.

Lorenzo Bess, an educator of 10 years in Bartica, also endorsed President Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C for a second term, highlighting the advances made in education over the past five year.

“We have a government that cares and we will take this country further. This is the best time to be alive in Guyana. As an educator, I cannot sit idly by – it would be irresponsible of me to not be part of this movement,” he stated.

He was supported by Naressa Rahaman, another candidate of the party, who said that young people are being empowered through education.

“We believe in empowerment through education,” she said, adding that more business opportunities are now available to young people because of the investments made by the PPP/C over the past five years.

“I’ve seen the massive development throughout Bartica and Guyana. The PPP believes in a Guyana where everyone has equal opportunities regardless of their race, religion or social class. We are committed to creating a Guyana where no one is left behind,” Rahaman said, adding that while great strides have been made over the past five years, the work of the PPP/C is not done.

“Our vision is for a nation that is strong, united and prosperous. A nation where our natural resources are being used for the benefit of all Guyanese. A nation where our children can grow with hope and elders can live in dignity,” Rahaman added.

The post ‘The best is yet to come’ – PPP Region 7 candidates talk up continued development appeared first on News Room Guyana.

A 20-year-old farmer, Ken Wells of Barima River, lost his life in a boat collision on the Aruka River on Friday, August 8. His sister, Loraine Wells, remains hospitalized in critical condition following the incident.

According to the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), the collision occurred around 15:00 hrs and involved two vessels: a 150-horsepower wooden boat captained by 20-year-old Tirisa Allen, and a smaller 15-horsepower balahoo transporting seven passengers, piloted by Andrea Albert.

Preliminary investigations reveal that Allen was approximately five minutes away from the Kumaka Waterfront and heading to Imbitero when heavy rainfall led to significantly reduced visibility. Allen reportedly spotted the balahoo about 15 metres ahead, but attempts to avoid a collision were unsuccessful.

The vessels collided, sending passengers overboard. Allen is said to have rendered immediate assistance, retrieving all individuals from the water. They were taken to the Mabaruma Hospital at approximately 15:27 hrs, where Ken Wells was pronounced dead on arrival.
Loraine Wells sustained serious injuries and is currently being treated in critical condition. The condition of the other passengers has not yet been disclosed.

MARAD has launched an official investigation into the incident and is urging all boat operators to observe maritime safety regulations, especially during adverse weather conditions.

Further details will be released as the investigation progresses.

The post Young farmer dies in Aruka River boat collision; sister critically injured appeared first on News Room Guyana.

 

Police in Regional Division #2 are seeking the public’s assistance in locating 12-year-old Vevini Fredericks, who has been reported missing from her home at Mainstay Lake, Essequibo.

The missing person report was filed at 08:30 hrs on Saturday, 9 August 2025, by her mother, 47-year-old Maylene Fredericks, an Amerindian resident of the community.

According to the report, Vevini is approximately four feet tall, fair in complexion, and has short black hair. She was last seen on Friday wearing blue pants, a red top, and black slippers.

Her mother told police that the child left home for an unknown destination and has not returned.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact the nearest police station or call her mother on telephone number 693-7600.

The post Essequibo girl, 12, reported missing appeared first on News Room Guyana.

In a move it says is aimed at guaranteeing transparency at polling stations on Election Day, the main opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), has confirmed that it will field polling agents in all polling stations across the country.

This was confirmed by the Presidential Candidate of the APNU, Aubrey Norton, during his weekly news conference on Friday.

“So far, we have prepared polling agents for all polling stations across the country,” Norton said, adding that the party has a contingency plan in place should any of their polling agents be unable to execute their duties on Election Day due to illness.

“If you are aware of what happens on polling day, somebody might get sick or something. What we do is have a backup to replace them,” he added.

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has not yet announced how many polling stations will be established for the 1 September polls.

The practice of having polling agents for political parties at polling stations is aimed at protecting the integrity of polling day activities, including voting and the counting of ballots.

At polling stations on Election Day, a voter enters the polling station and presents their identification (ID) card to confirm their identity before voting. In the absence of an ID card, the presiding officer in the polling station would confirm the identity of the voter using a folio containing the details of all voters listed to vote at that polling station. The voter without an ID would then be asked to take an Oath of Identity, after which they may be allowed to vote if the presiding officer is satisfied that they have met all the requirements.

This process is carried out in the presence of polling agents of all political parties represented at the polling station, as well as staff of GECOM.

At the news conference, Norton also walked back unsubstantiated claims made by a representative of his party that there was “criminal collusion” by their polling agents in 2020, which led to a victory for the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

When asked by a reporter how the APNU would vet its polling agents this year in light of the accusations made against them in 2020, Norton stated: “At no stage did we accuse polling agents of what you are suggesting.”

In its post-election report in 2020, the Commonwealth Election Observer Group, led by the late Rt Hon Owen Arthur, former Prime Minister of Barbados, concluded that election day activities were “transparent”.

“…polling was generally conducted in an orderly, transparent, and largely peaceful environment, and the closing procedures were, on the whole, well managed. Moreover, the counts at polling stations were generally well conducted and transparent,” the Observer Group stated in its report.

Meanwhile, GECOM, in a recent statement, warned against vote-buying, which one party, led by US-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed, has already been accused of.

Although GECOM will be permitting voters to keep their mobile phones with them while in polling stations, the elections regulatory body has warned electors and political parties that it is a criminal offence to buy votes.

The post Norton confirms APNU to have polling agents in all polling stations appeared first on News Room Guyana.

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, promised a major expansion in agricultural production across the Corentyne should the party be re-elected after the September 1, 2025, polls.

“We intend to build the road from Moleson Creek to Orealla to open up more land and get all the lands into agriculture… open up about 100,000 acres of land right here, generating jobs, doing agro-processing, maybe building a wharf to ship right out of the Corentyne,” Jagdeo said on Friday night as he engaged Berbicians at a Corriverton rally.

Agriculture has been the main economic activity of Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne). Over the past five years, the PPP government initiated plans to diversify the region and usher in new development through visible investments from new roads, improved healthcare facilities, and housing projects.

In the coming years, the government plans to make Berbice a new economic frontier with Guyana’s second gas-to-energy project, data centres, and a deepwater port. Plans are also underway to synchronise development here with neighbouring Suriname.

But Jagdeo said there will be no neglecting the agricultural sector.

He told the Berbicians, still reeling from the closure of several sugar estates under the former APNU+AFC government, that the government will continue to pump money into agriculture.

So he urged them to vote for the PPP/C, and vote early on polling day, so that nothing is left to chance.

The post Jagdeo promises major agri expansion in Corentyne; new wharf a possibility  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

 

A 27-year-old Sophia resident, Orlando Scott, called ‘Soulja Boy’, has been charged with seven counts of Robbery Under Arms following a series of armed attacks in Golden Grove and Enmore, East Coast Demerara, over the past two months.

Police said Scott, of Lot 1337 ‘E’ Field Cummings Park, Sophia, was arrested on 5 August 2025 by ranks from the Turkeyen Police Station and appeared in court three days later. The charges are in accordance with Section 222(c) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.

Four of the charges stem from an armed robbery committed on 12 July 2025 at Golden Grove, ECD. The victims in that case are:

1. Erwin Walcott, a 45-year-old construction worker
2. Shailo Walcott, a 22-year-old technician
3. Bernice Walcott, a 42-year-old housewife
4. Jada Hughes, a 17-year-old audit clerk

Scott appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges. Bail was refused, and he was remanded to prison until 23 September 2025, when the matters are scheduled for report and statements.

In addition, Scott faces three other charges of Robbery Under Arms in connection with separate incidents in Enmore, ECD:

• On 18 June 2025, against Nikesha Makardajh
• On 27 June 2025, against Chandradai Singh
• On 27 June 2025, against Balchan Singh

For each of these cases, Scott also pleaded not guilty, bail was denied, and the matters were adjourned to 23 September 2025.

Police have not disclosed further details of the investigations, but all charges relate to offences involving the use of a firearm.

The post ‘Soulja Boy’ charged with seven armed robbery offences betwen Golden Grove and Enmore appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Guyana is embracing drone technology in its public healthcare system to deliver medical supplies to hard-to-reach areas, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony said on Friday.

“We’ve tested one of the drones, and it can fly for 150 kilometres. That is something that in the near future we will put to use.

“The cargo hold is 22 pounds, so it can take a lot of things,” Dr. Anthony told Industry residents who attended the sod turning ceremony of the new polyclinic for that community.

This venture is being rolled out as part of the country’s game-changing telemedicine initiative, which allows patients in hinterland communities to engage with healthcare professionals on the coast. Through computers, internet connectivity, and the support of community health workers, these patients benefit from remote examinations and consultations without having to leave their village.

19Labs is deploying drone technology to disburse medication to patients in remote villages prescribed by doctors who work in hospitals and health clinics thousands of miles away (Photo taken from the Observer, credit given to 19Labs)

Drones are part of the programme’s expansion. Once examined and diagnosed, much-needed medical supplies- be it drugs or blood- can be taken into the communities.

IDB Lab, the innovation and venture arm of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), has partnered with 19Labs for this drone initiative. 19Labs is also providing crucial support for the overall telemedicine project in Guyana.

 

The post Guyana using drones to deliver medical supplies to remote, hinterland areas  appeared first on News Room Guyana.