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Training for a new round of mass drug administration (MDA) to combat Lymphatic Filariasis in Regions Three and Four was launched on Monday, 4 August, with the aim of eradicating the disease nationwide.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), commonly known as elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical disease. Infection occurs when filarial parasites are transmitted to humans through mosquitoes. Infection is usually acquired in childhood and causes hidden damage to the lymphatic system.”

The initiative is being led by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). Officials from these organisations will be responsible for training team members.

In Guyana, the three drugs used to treat LF are Ivermectin, Diethylcarbamazine (DEC), and Albendazole, which are administered together in a triple-drug treatment. This combination, commonly referred to as IDA, is a key component of the country’s MDA campaign.

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, underscored the importance of the training, stating that it is essential for team members to have the knowledge required not only to distribute the medication, but also to respond to questions and provide clear information to members of the public.

He explained that the disease has plagued communities for centuries, but efforts to combat it have steadily advanced.

“We’re almost there because in our ten regions, we have eliminated Lymphatic Filariasis from eight,” the Minister said.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

Dr Anthony noted that there are still communities in Regions Three and Four where additional work is required to achieve full elimination.

“That is why we are returning this year—to ensure these areas are thoroughly covered. If we do that, we may very well be able to say, by next year or the year after, that Lymphatic Filariasis has been eliminated from all regions in Guyana.”

Meanwhile, Dr Kim Eva Dickson, PAHO/WHO Representative to Guyana, commended the country’s progress.

“We are working with countries to eliminate at least 30 different diseases. I’m pleased that when the initiative was announced, Guyana—through your Minister—immediately joined the effort.

“Guyana is also among the countries leading the charge to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis in the Americas.”

PAHO/WHO Representative to Guyana, Dr Kim Eva Dickson

Dr Dickson also expressed her appreciation that Guyana continued its MDA efforts even during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that treatment reached communities nationwide. She thanked participants for their commitment to the initiative and their continued support in the fight for complete eradication.

Additionally, Dr Reza Niles-Robin, Director of Vector Control Services, said she hoped this would be the final round of MDA in Guyana.

Director of Vector Control Services, Dr Reza Niles-Robin

“When we succeed,” she said, “we will be able to say, as a country, that we have ended filaria as a public health problem.”

Dr Niles-Robin stressed that elimination goes beyond medicine, describing it as an act of “trust, compassion, and action” to end suffering in affected communities.

The post Regions Three, Four targeted in new mass drug administration campaign appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Dillon Mohamed, a former air traffic controller with over a decade of experience in Guyana’s aviation sector, has now turned his focus to politics, driven by a belief that he can help represent marginalised groups in society.

Born into a family with Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, West African, Indigenous, and European roots, Dillon grew up in a household that was as much a cultural crossroads as it was a classroom.

“Reading and research were a way of life in my home,” he recalls. “It gave me the drive to understand not just the world around me, but the systems that shape it.”

Faith also played a complex role in his upbringing. With ties to Judeo-Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Anglican, and Yoruba traditions, Dillon eventually found spiritual grounding as an omnist, embracing the universal threads of all religions.

An alumnus of Stella Maris Nursery and Primary Schools and Queen’s College, Dillon went on to study theology at the Assemblies of God Bible College and performance arts at the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama. He is also a trained musician, polyglot, and linguist, having served on the Guyanese Languages Unit at the University of Guyana and represented Guyana at international interreligious forums.

Dillon Mohamed speaking at an APNU public meeting.

His multilingual abilities allow him to engage not only with English and Creolese speakers but also with Indigenous communities in their native languages and migrants from a range of countries.

With a background in music, theatre, culture, and religion, he believes his experience can contribute meaningfully to national efforts towards social cohesion. His knowledge of international geopolitics and political history further equips him to represent diverse demographic groups effectively, particularly in matters related to employment, education, wages, and the cost of living.

But it was during his tenure at the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority—where he served as a flight dispatcher, AIMO, and air traffic controller—that his political awareness deepened.

“I saw first-hand how policies affect people’s lives. From food on the kitchen table to job security—it’s all connected. What disturbed me most was witnessing how injustice, mismanagement, and inequality became systemic under both previous governments.”

Dillon is openly LGBTQ and has faced various forms of discrimination throughout his life, including bullying at school and rejection within his religious community.

“Being raised in a fundamentalist household, coming out wasn’t just hard—it was dangerous. But I made a choice to live authentically.”

He now channels those experiences into political activism. A committed social democrat, Dillon advocates for inclusive development and social equity, with a particular focus on jobs, education, wages, and the rising cost of living.

“I believe in meeting people where they are. Campaigns should be about connection, not just speeches. The best change happens when you listen.”

Though he describes himself as “a private person,” Dillon makes no apologies for the many layers of his identity.

“Being LGBTQ is one part of me. So is being ethnically mixed, working-class, and spiritually open – all of these things shape how I lead.”

When asked what fuels his passion for justice, Dillon quotes the late Dr Myles Munroe:
“That unjust thing in society that makes you angry is the thing you were born to change.

 

The post APNU Candidate Dillon Mohamed on Faith, Identity and Politics appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Yet again, Quentin Sampson has produced the fireworks in a key match to deliver a title repeat for the powerful Titans All-Stars in the third Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast.

In Sunday’s final, the inaugural champions, Eccles All-Stars, faced the defending champions, Titans, who won by 71 runs at the National Stadium in Providence.

Sampson produced another champion performance, hammering an unbeaten 88 (3x4s; 11x6s) from 30 balls, the backbone of Titans’ 142-2 from the allotted ten overs.

Sachin Singh (19) and Kemol Savory (17) chipped in as Anthony Antonio took 1-9 for Eccles.

Life was snuffed out of Eccles’ run-chase as Paul Wintz nicked off danger man Quazim Yusuf without score, and it became a constant procession with only Oscar Joseph (24* from eight) getting into double figures.

Sampson returned with the ball to take 2-9 while Keemo Paul (2-12) and Wintz (2-12) used their experience to seal the title.

For the second year running, Sampson won the Most Valuable Player prize, a motorbike, and $150,000, all compliments of Regal Stationery and Computer Centre.

He also received $100,000, a trophy, and a television for taking 13 wickets in the tournament.

Additionally, he received $75,000 from businessman Mario Moonsammy for being the Player of the final and a trophy from Trophy Stall.

Yusuf scored the most runs, 282, and Regal awarded him $100,000, a trophy, and a television. Sampson finished second with 237 runs.

Trevor Benn (Most Economical) and Trinidadian Joshua James (Super Strike rate) also got $35,000 each.

As champions, the Titans took home $2M ($1.7M at the national final and $300,000 at the zone final), while Eccles received $1M ($700,000 at the national final and $300,000 at the zone final).

Quentin Sampson muscles a massive six in the final against Eccles All-Stars (PHOTO: One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast)

In the first semi-final, the Titans defeated Mahdia (Movements Family) by 51 runs after posting 140-6, led by Kemol Savory (39), Akshaya Persaud (36*), Christopher Barnwell (19), and Clinton Pestano (15*).

Suresh Dhani (2-15) led Mahdia’s batting, but their batting didn’t click in the big match. They folded for 89-9 despite 33 from 17 by Ricardo Adams and Nizam Khan (24).

Wickets were shared for Titans as Leon Johnson took 2-7 and Sampson had 2-9.

Semi-final two was a low-scoring thriller.

Montra Jaguars nearly defended 82, thanks to good bowling by their seamers.

However, a four through cover by Damion Vantull sealed the thrilling win as Eccles finished 83-6 in 9.4 overs.

Yusuf (29) and Akeim Vieira (20) were the principal scorers, as Devendra Latchman (2-5) and Raymond Perez (2-8) kept them in the hunt until the final over.

Anthony Bramble (32) laid the platform when they batted, but wickets fell steadily. Kevon Anderson’s next-best score was 17.

Both losing semi-finalists won $300,000 in addition to their $300,000 as zone champions.

FL Sport is considering hosting a Caribbean tournament in 2026, in which the top teams from Guyana will face their Caribbean counterparts.

The Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast recieved support from: Kares Engineering Inc, the Office of the President, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, KFC Guyana, Star Rentals, Banks DIH, ENet, Guyana Lottery Company, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Trophy Stall, Impressions, B.M Soat, Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal, Shawn’s Mini Mart, Giftland Group of Companies, Kris Jagdeo Construction Company, Montra Restaurant & Lounge, Windsor Estates, The New Doctor’s Clinic, GuyOil, ANSA McAL, SuperBet Guyana, Digital Technology, Camille’s Academy, Navin and Sons Construction, First Change Builders Inc, Jacobs Jewellery, Demerara Mutual Life Insurance, Continental Transportation, and Environmental & Technical Solutions.

The post Another Sampson special seals title-repeat for Titans in Kares T10 Tapeball appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Ministry of Education is conducting a massive revamp of nursery education across the country, with more schools being rebuilt, expanded, and newly constructed.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand said last week that the government is aiming to improve the education system by ensuring every child attending nursery school leaves with skills that were not compulsory before 2025.

Pupils of the Yarrowkabra Nursery School. (Photo: Ministry of Education)

During remarks at the commissioning of the Swan Nursery School and the opening of a new block at the Yarrowkabra Nursery School, Manickchand said reading remains an issue for students. A new programme included in the nursery curriculum will ensure that students can read and write appropriately. This forms part of the wider National Literacy Programme.

“The aim of that programme is to ensure that every child, by Grade Four, is reading, writing and understanding. What we have been seeing is children reaching Grade Six and they can’t answer a single question. If you ask them the question, they can answer, but if you ask them to read the question, they can’t answer,” the Education Minister said.

The Swan Nursery School was commissioned last week. (Photo: Ministry of Education)

Swan Nursery is one of 54 new nursery schools built. The block commissioned at Yarrowkabra Nursery School adds to the 39 nursery schools that have been extended, and a further 13 nursery schools have been rebuilt due to the upgrades needed, Manickchand said.

The Minister said the focus on nursery schools caters to the needs of students, making access easier. She also noted that while nursery education is not compulsory in Guyana, enrolment has improved with every new school commissioned.

“We have a secondary school there [at Yarrowkabra] now and 11,000 children are going to it—so much so that we need to do an extension. That says to us that once we put down schools, your children will attend,” Manickchand said.

She added that the schools are not only being built, but the Ministry is also working with teachers to ensure they are properly trained.

 

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See full statement from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM):

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) takes the opportunity to remind all Stakeholders in the September 1, 2025, General and Regional Elections that they all have a statutory duty and civic responsibility to contribute to the elections being conducted in a free, fair, transparent, and credible manner.

In this regard, the Commission takes the opportunity to strongly emphasize the need for voters and other  concerned stakeholders to be informed of the following provisions as enacted in the Representation of the  People Act Cap: 1:03: –

It is an offence for any person, including the voter himself, to communicate at any time to any person, any information about the Political party for which any voter has voted on his behalf or as a proxy on behalf of Obstructing the Secrecy of the Vote is an Offenceanother voter;

Similarly, it is an offence for anyone to influence, by any means, a voter to display his ballot paper, to make known the Political party for whom he has voted on his behalf, or as a proxy.

Further, it is an offence for any person, directly or indirectly, to offer any money, gift, and/or a loan, to any voter to secure the vote of any voter at the elections.

Any person who commits any of the above offences shall be liable on summary conviction to pay a fine and to imprisonment for six months.

Persons convicted for any of the above offences may also be prohibited from participating in future elections.

 

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The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) is supporting Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) coach Kenisha Headley’s participation in the prestigious University of Delaware International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program (ICECP).

This move marks a significant investment in strengthening coaching expertise within Guyanese athletics.

Headley, a dedicated and long-serving coach and sports administrator, was nominated by the AAG, endorsed by the GOA, and officially selected by the University of Delaware in partnership with Olympic Solidarity.

She will participate in the 16th edition of this elite coaching development initiative.

About the ICECP

The ICECP is a globally respected and intensive programme designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of national-level coaches and coordinators.

The programme, which runs from July 2025 to April 2026, is conducted under the patronage of the University of Delaware, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and Olympic Solidarity.

This comprehensive programme is designed to equip coaches with advanced proficiencies in:

• Sport science
• Talent identification and athlete development
• Athlete safety and welfare
• Coaching ethics and leadership
• Grassroots and high-performance sport development
• Coaching education and management

A core component of the programme involves the creation and execution of a personal coaching project.

This project is designed to implement sustainable improvements within the national sports structure, addressing a developmental gap within the AAG.

It was developed with the participants’ National Olympic Committee and sports federation.

This allows coaches to apply their new expertise to improve their national sport systems.

As part of her orientation, Coach Headley has already commenced work at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s Training Center, engaging with expert lecturers, high-performance coaches, and sport development professionals.

Impact on Guyanese athletics

With the sport of athletics in Guyana on a steady rise, this initiative marks a strategic investment in the AAG’s human resource development.

Headley’s participation in ICECP is expected to be a transformative milestone in advancing Guyana’s coaching infrastructure and long-term athlete development pathways.

This initiative also aligns with the GOA’s broader strategic developmental plan, which focuses on maximising Olympic Solidarity resources to build coaching capacities and create sustainable sport systems across all affiliated members.

“The GAPS Programme offers us a rare and transformative opportunity to reset our national approach to Paralympic sport development, developing leaders who understand the challenges and can drive meaningful change by empowering voices and leaders from within the differently-abled community from which national sporting bodies can support and align with, we are promoting not just inclusivity, but authenticity and sustainability.

The GOA envisions this initiative as a cornerstone in a broader national movement where para-sport becomes an integral part of Guyana’s sporting identity, offering hope, opportunity, and empowerment to all,” said Godfrey Munroe, President of the Guyana Olympic Association.

Munroe, and the Executive Committee have extended their congratulations to  Headley, looking forward to the positive impact her training will bring to the future of athletics in Guyana.

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The Guyana Police Falcons Rugby Club has been crowned champions of the Caribbean Carnival Sevens tournament in St. Lucia.

They secured a commanding 24-17 victory over Trinidad-based side Poui Rugby in Sunday’s final.

The Falcons opened their campaign strongly on Friday, with dominant wins over SVG Renegades (46-0) and St. Lucia Selectors (35-0), earning them a spot in Saturday’s semi-finals.

Falcons show resilience on Day 2

Day two presented a significantly higher level of competition, but the Falcons proved equal to the task.

The Guyanese police outfit demonstrated their resilience in the semi-final, overcoming a two-score deficit against Martinique’s ‘Jokers’.

Stellar defence ensured the Jokers would not score again, as the Falcons fought back to win 14-10, thanks to two blistering tries from Lionel Holder.

This victory marked their return to the final, having finished as runners-up in the same tournament last year.

In the final against Poui Rugby, the Falcons took command from the opening whistle, running in two early tries in the first half.

While Poui Rugby managed to score just before the break, the police side met any attempts to shift the momentum with brute force.

The Falcons quickly restored their two-score lead in the second half, with speedster Lionel Holder scoring his second try of the game.

Despite a late consolation try from the Trinidadian side, a crucial score from Falcons forward Jamal Angus sealed the victory at 24-17.

Jamal Angus was named the Finals MVP for his decisive contribution.

Other standout players for the victorious Falcons included playmaker Godfrey Broomes, Michael Barrow, and Shawn David.

The Guyana Police Falcons Rugby Club will return home on Monday as the St. Lucia Caribbean Carnival Rugby 7s champions.

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Guyana’s Foreign Minister Hugh Todd on Sunday described the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) as a team unmatched in governance, security, and defence, describing President Irfaan Ali, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, and Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips as “giants” best suited to govern the country.

Todd, addressing thousands of supporters at the PPP’s Linden rally, said the PPP/C has grown stronger over its 75-year history because of the people’s support and its unbroken commitment to nation-building.

“We are not only a national brand; we are known across the world,” he said, adding that the PPP/C’s leadership had transformed lives, communities, and the country.

“This is the only national party,” he said of the PPP, saying it has grown from strength to strength over the 75 years.”

He pointed to President Irfaan Ali’s rising international profile, describing him as a global leader who carries Guyanese values abroad and returns home to continue delivering development.

Supporters in Wismar, Linden for the People’s Progressive Party Civic’s (PPP/C) election rally.
(Photos: News Room. August 3, 2025)

“He is a global leader, respected across the world and look what he has been doing at the same time – transforming lives, transforming communities, making this nation proud and prosperous.”

He said nurses and teachers are better paid and more youths own homes and run businesses.

Todd contrasted the current government’s performance with that of the previous administration, declaring, “In 2020, we got rid of the parasites. Now we’re on the right track to paradise.”

Emphasising the experience and integrity of the PPP/C’s leadership, Todd hailed the contributions of Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Prime Minister Mark Phillips, noting their decades of public service and policy expertise.

He said Vice President and General Secretary Dr Jagdeo is responsible for taking this country out of poverty.

Of Jagdeo, he said his record is long, robust, and solid “and he is still here carrying the torch.” Under his leadership, Todd said the PPP is stronger.

“There is no force greater than the PPP – no force out there.”

Regarding the Prime Minister, Todd said he has given his entire life to service in n defense and security of the country.

“There’s no other party out there that has demonstrated that they can run this country and bring stability and prosperity – prosperity to your lives.”

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Former People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) member and Parliamentarian Jermaine Figueira on Sunday took to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) campaign stage in his hometown, Linden, where he proudly endorsed his new party ahead of the upcoming polls.

“Thank you for the warm welcome, the love and support… I feel valued, I feel respected, and I am part of something great,” he said.

Figueira added: “I am part of a team that is putting this country first. I am for the youths of this community… I am for development, I am for transformation, and above all, I am for the unification of our people. I see Guyana reflected here; I see all of these qualities in Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali.”

Figueira served as a Member of Parliament and Executive Member of the PNC/R. He resigned in June and subsequently threw his support behind President Dr Irfaan Ali for a second term in office.

Coming from the opposition, he told those gathered at Sunday’s rally that the opposition constantly spreads a message of victimisation and marginalisation, but the evidence and facts show otherwise.

“This is not marginalisation, this is transformation. This is not discrimination, this is development,” he emphasised, noting that change is inevitable and Linden is changing along with the rest of Guyana.

Former People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) member and Parliamentarian Jermaine Figueira on Sunday took to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) campaign stage in his hometown, Linden (Photo: News Room/August 3, 2025)

The town of Linden has traditionally held majority support for the PNC-led opposition.

However, Figueira said that over the past five years, there has been significant transformation in the region. He pointed to the roads being built, along with the distribution of over 1,000 house lots across the region, the construction of nursery and secondary schools in the township and along the Berbice River, the rebuilding of the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, the promise of a four-lane bridge across the Demerara River, the building of a multi-purpose sports club, and investments in corn and soya cultivation, among other major projects.

“Never before have we seen so many signature projects happening all across our community… Never before in the history of Linden and Region Ten have we seen transformation occur so rapidly and simultaneously,” he noted.

Supporters in Wismar, Linden for the People’s Progressive Party Civic’s (PPP/C) election rally.
(Photos: News Room. August 3, 2025)

Responding to the opposition, which has said that “people cannot eat roads,” Figueira replied: “The road to development is the building of roads… it is the building of roads that is causing our families to eat, putting money in people’s pockets, and creating empowerment and employment.”

He reminded the crowd that thousands of Guyanese, including Lindeners, are benefiting from this PPP/C government, and therefore the narratives of the other parties must be rejected.

“This election is about competence, vision, and the ability to deliver,” he said, noting that President Ali possesses these qualities to take the country forward.

Taking a jab at former President Brigadier (ret’d) David Granger, whose life-size cardboard cut-out was once used to greet supporters at events, the former PNC member said Dr Ali is a “caring, compassionate and humble man who you can touch and whisper in his ear… a real man, not a cardboard cut-out of a man.”

“They will come with fancy speeches and sugar-coated promises, but check their record,” he added, as he urged residents of Region Ten to vote for the PPP/C on 1st September.

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The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has closed longstanding development gaps in health care and youth employment in Region Ten and deserves a second term, Regional Health Officer Dr Gregory Harris told thousands gathered at a campaign rally in Linden on Sunday.

“Call it progress, don’t call it luck,” Harris said, declaring that under President Irfaan Ali’s leadership, the PPP/C has created more access to healthcare and employment in the traditionally opposition-held region than the APNU+AFC did when they were in office from 2015 to 2020.

He pointed out that 10 telemedicine sites now serve riverine communities.

“There was a time when our friends from the riverine areas were denied secondary health care,” Harris said. “But this PPP/C government bridged that gap.”

He also pointed to the establishment of a new health centre in Blueberry Hill so residents don’t have to travel to access healthcare.

In addition, he also pointed to a digital X-ray system at the Linden Hospital Complex and an ambulance for Ituni as examples of what he called “promises delivered” for Region 10.

Supporters in Wismar, Linden for the People’s Progressive Party Civic’s (PPP/C) election rally.
(Photos: News Room. August 3, 2025)

He also pointed to a boost in emergency response infrastructure. In five years, he said the PPP/C delivered seven ambulances to Region Ten, compared to just one when the APNU+AFC coalition was in office.

Addressing youth unemployment, Harris noted that over 1,500 young people had been hired through the Pathway programme, while the closure of the region’s call centre under the previous APNU+AFC administration was reversed when the PPP/C returned to office in 2020.

Responding to criticism over the nursing school closure in Linden, Harris said the APNU+AFC government trained 54 nurses over five years, compared to 371 under the PPP/C.

He described the upcoming September 1 general and regional elections as a referendum on performance.

“This government has performed excellently,” Harris declared.

Emphasising the need to stay the course, Harris urged supporters not to take any risks with leadership and give Dr Irfaan Ali a second term.

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