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Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, has hailed the recently concluded Lifeguard Certification Programme as both unprecedented and historic, and a major step forward in enhancing safety across Guyana’s waterways and sporting facilities.

Speaking at the closing ceremony and certificate distribution event on Thursday (July 31), Ninvalle praised the efforts of all stakeholders involved.

A total of seven lifeguards, three examiners, 41 Emergency First Aid, 32 Bronze Medallion, and 28 Bronze Cross certifications were awarded through the Canadian Lifesaving Society.

Participants and officials at the conclusion of the programme

“This is extremely important as we push to make our waterways safer, particularly at facilities under the control of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport,” Ninvalle stated.

He noted, that the certification programme is intended to be ongoing, and credited Minister Charles Ramson Jr. for delivering on a promise made during last year’s initiative to expand the country’s lifeguard pool.

Ninvalle also underscored the significant cost savings of participating in such a programme locally, compared to what similar certification would cost in other countries.

He encouraged the newly certified individuals to apply their skills and knowledge, noting that their qualifications now make them more competitive and marketable, especially as Guyana’s hotel and tourism industries continue to grow.

One of the major highlights for Ninvalle was the training and certification of seven local instructors, which he described as a historic game-changer.

“This is huge for us because it now allows for a sustainable, year-round programme, which will complement our ‘Teach Them Young’ Swim Programme. Beyond that, we’re already exploring ways to expand this initiative, outside of our annual engagement with the Canadian Lifesaving Society,” he added.

The certification sessions were led by Sarah Newton and Tamara Wood of the Canadian Lifesaving Society, with special recognition given to NSC Swim Coach, Paul Mahaica, for spearheading the Lifeguard Certification Programme.

“This is just the beginning,” Ninvalle concluded, reaffirming the government’s commitment to building a safer aquatic environment through continuous training, partnerships, and capacity building.

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The 23^rd edition of the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club’s Cricket Academy is set to commence on Monday, August 4, 2025, at the Albion Community Centre.

Over 60 young cricketers between the ages of eight and 17 are expected to participate in the six-day academy, which is sponsored by Connecticut, USA’s Businessman Nizul Hussain of Northeast Connecticut Renovation and Retailers Property Management.

Hussain, a hard-hitting opening batsman who represented the Club at all levels over the years, prior to him migrating to the United States of America (USA), has sponsored the academy for the fourth straight year to the value of over G$330,000.

At a simple launching ceremony held recently at the Albion Community Centre’s Main Hall, Hussain addressing the gathering via telephone from the USA, expressed his continued delight to be associated with the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club, a Club who he stated had played a vital role in his development, not just as a cricketer but generally as an individual.

“I am delighted to be afforded the opportunity to continue to support my Club. This Club has not just played a vital role in my development as a cricketer but generally as an individual.”

He further stated: “I am a product of the Albion Cricket Academy and I am aware of the benefits that this Cricket Academy brings and will continue to bring towards Albion’s cricket and the development of young people as a whole”.

President of the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club Vemen Walter thanked Hussain for his continued support to Albion’s cricket, stating that Hussain like many other former Albion cricketers continues to remember their roots.

“I want to thank Mr. Hussain for his continued support toward Albion’s cricket. Like many other former Albion cricketers, he continues to remember his roots and as such, he must be applauded. This Albion Cricket Academy is a calendar event on the Club’s cricket development programme and has contributed tremendously towards the development of Club’s young talents over the years and I am certain that the 2025 Academy will be no different.”

Sessions will be held daily from 08:30h to 15:00h.

The morning sessions will comprise of lectures/discussions of topics such as the importance of education, discipline, public speaking, substance abuse, health and safety, motivation, the laws of cricket, among others.

In the afternoon, participants will be exposed to fundamental of the game of cricket.

Former West Indies opening batsman Sewnarine Chattergoon, the Club’s Head Coach and one of six Test cricketers produced by Albion, leads the academy’s coaching staff, which also includes two other Albion and West Indies cricketers Devendra Bishoo and Veerasammy Permaul along with Zameer Khan and the experience Fabian Naiken, who had travelled from Canada to join the coaching team.

Several prominent national coaches are also expected to conduct specialised sessions.

Meanwhile, apart from sponsorship from Hussain’s Northeast Connecticut Renovation and Retailers Property Management, former Albion Test Cricketers Devendra Bishoo and Sewnarine Chattergoon have also made financial contributions towards the academy.

Additionally, former Albion, Berbice Senior Inter-County and Guyana Under-19 off-spinner Orvin Manager of Orvin Mangru Contracting Services has donated 30 cricket balls.

The Club’s Administrative Officer Simon Naidu is the Chief Coordinator of the Academy.

The post Albion’s 23rd Cricket Academy bowls off August 4; former cricketer Hussain extends sponsorship appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Press Release from the Guyana Football Federation

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas Dooley, a former captain of the United States Men’s National Team and a highly experienced international coach, as the new Head Coach of the Guyana Senior Men’s National Team.

This marks the beginning of a new era for the Golden Jaguars as the Federation embarks on a strategic push to elevate the national programme, both in terms of performance and professionalism.

“I am delighted to welcome Coach Dooley to the GFF family,” said GFF President Wayne Forde.

“He joins us at the beginning of a new cycle for the Senior Men’s National Team Programme and has the opportunity to introduce his coaching philosophy and build a strong technical staff around him.

As a highly qualified Gaffer with years of experience, he brings a full set of tools and expertise for the change in direction we would like to see. He will have our complete support and I look forward to meeting with him in the coming weeks to charter a new course for our beloved Golden Jaguars Programme.”

Dooley brings with him an exceptional résumé shaped by decades at the highest levels of the game, both as a player and as a coach.

As a player, he earned 81 caps for the United States, captained the team at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, and played in two World Cups overall.

He was inducted into the U.S. National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2010 and was widely recognised during his career, earning several “Best XI” awards in Major League Soccer and helping lead the U.S. to the Round of 16 in the 1994 World Cup.

His professional playing career also included a stint at Bundesliga club, Bayer Leverkusen.

On the sidelines, his coaching career has been equally decorated:

• Served as National Head Coach of the Philippines (2014–2018), leading them to an unbeaten qualification campaign for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup and setting 11 national team records.
• Was Sporting Director of Viettel FC in Vietnam, where he helped the club win its first championship in 23 years.
• Held assistant coaching roles with the USA Men’s National Team and USA U-20 Men’s National Team, working under renowned coach Jürgen Klinsmann and helping the youth team qualify for the U-20 FIFA World Cup.
• Is a UEFA Pro License holder, the highest certification in football coaching globally.

Dooley also has experience in Germany’s Bundesliga, Major League Soccer (MLS), and U.S. youth development, making him one of the most well-rounded coaches ever appointed to lead Guyana’s senior men’s programme.

“I am truly honored and excited to take on the role of Head Coach for the Guyana National Team,” said Dooley.

“I have been deeply impressed by the talent and potential of this group of players, and I firmly believe they can achieve even greater heights with the right mindset, attitude, and sense of responsibility.

There is a bright future ahead for this team, and I am eager to work closely with the players, coaching staff, management, media, and fans to unlock that potential. Together, we can write new and inspiring chapters in Guyana’s football story, driven by a shared passion and commitment to excellence.”

Coach Dooley will officially assume his role in the coming days, with immediate focus on assessing the current player pool, building out his technical team, and preparing for the 2026 campaigns. He is also expected to visit Guyana shortly for introductory meetings and technical briefings.

The GFF sees this appointment as a long-term investment in the national team’s structure, playing identity, and competitiveness across regional and international tournaments.

The post GFF appoints former US World Cup captain as Golden Jaguars Head Coach appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Guyana Amazon Warriors ace all-rounder Keemo Paul is set to rock the E4 brand at the upcoming Caribbean Premier League, which starts on August 14 in St Kitts.

Paul joined his teammate Kevlon Anderson, who recently signed a one-year deal with the top-notch E4 brand.

The E4 brand, which is owned by overseas-based Guyanese Ravi Etwaroo, has become a household brand name in Guyana, the Caribbean, and it is slowly taking over the cricket world.

In an invited comment, Paul said it feels great to be supporting a local brand which is of the highest quality, and high in demand.

“It feels great to be using and supporting a local brand. I have known Ravi for a while now and it’s a privilege to have been given the opportunity to represent him and his E4 brand.”

Paul, like all international players who only settle for the best equipment, praised the E4 soft goods.

“The soft goods are top quality. I am very impressed and personally I haven’t used the bats as yet but I’ll be using them in our CPL pre-camp and I’m sure they’ll perform really well,” Paul said.

“I’m enthusiastic about CPL this year. I have recovered from my surgery now and I’m just eager to play some cricket.

“The rest is in God’s hands. I just pray for his protection and mercy,” Paul noted.

The 27-year-old Paul has played three Test matches for the West Indies, 30 One Day Internationals and 23 T20 Internationals.

With age on his side, Paul will be aiming to find his form and fulfill his talent.

Notably, E4 is International Cricket Council (ICC) approved to be used in all formats of international cricket (Tests, ODIs and T20Is), meaning the E4 logo can legally be displayed on clothing and equipment used in international cricket.

To gain this accreditation and approval in March 2024, it was important the E4 brand catered to all levels of cricket- male, female, senior, junior and youth.

Additionally, Cricket Zone USA, through E4, has sponsored several cricketers across the region, among them Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Gajanand Singh, Kennar Lewis, Matthew Nandu, Kimani Melius, Navin Stewart, Oraine Williams, Tevin Imlach, Adrian Hetmyer, Akshaya Persaud and West Indies female cricketers Stafanie Taylor, Rashada Williams and Natasha McLean.

The E4 brand has been high in demand, as a such, Etwaroo and his team has supported Guyanese-owned business with supply of E4 products.

The E4 products are available at Giftland Mall in Georgetown, and Cricnation592 Store in Berbice.

Paul and Anderson, the latest signatures of the E4 brand, along with Gudakesh Motie will be donning the E4 brand the Guyana Amazon Warriors at the 2025 CPL.

The post Keemo Paul signs with E4 brand ahead of CPL 2025 appeared first on News Room Guyana.

England dropped crucial catches late on the second day of the decisive final Test to leave India with the momentum at The Oval.

Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was put down twice in his 51 not out and Sai Sudharsan let off once before falling lbw to Gus Atkinson.

The tourists eventually closed a chaotic day on 75-2, leading by 52.

The ball darted around throughout.

India lost their last four first-innings wickets inside the first six overs of the morning to be bowled out for 224, then England lost all nine of their wickets for 155 runs in being dismissed for 247.

In such helpful conditions for the bowlers, an extraordinary opening stand of 92 between Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, racked up in less than 13 overs, was incredibly valuable for the home side.

Duckett was sensational for his 43, reverse-sweeping Akash Deep and scooping Mohammed Siraj for a six apiece. Crawley hammered 14 fours in his 64.

Duckett’s dismissal, attempting another reverse at Deep, began India’s resurgence and sparked more exchanges between the two teams in what has been a tetchy series.

Deep put his arm around the shoulders of Duckett as he departed.

If that looked good-natured, later verbals between Prasidh Krishna and Joe Root were anything but. Root, usually unflappable, was furious.

Mohammed Siraj was outstanding in taking 4-86, supported by Krishna’s 4-62. Harry Brook’s 53 dragged England into a slender lead of 23.

That advantage was wiped out quickly as England bowled for a second time in the day.

Whereas the hosts were ruthless in the morning, led by Atkinson’s 5-33, their sloppiness in the evening could cost them a series victory.

Sudharsan was put down by Crawley after Jaiswal was given lives by Brook and Liam Dawson. Dawson was subbing for Chris Woakes, who will miss the remainder of the match with a shoulder injury sustained on day one. (BBC)

The post Dropped catches give India momentum against England on Day Two appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Just months after a fire severely damaged the western section of the Critchlow Labour College (CLC), Woolford Avenue, Georgetown, another fire erupted there late Thursday night.

The cause of the blaze is not yet known as Fire Chief, Gregory Wickham told the News Room on Friday morning that the Guyana Fire Service’s investigation is still ongoing.

During a phone interview, the Fire Chief said the GFS was alerted to the fire at about 23:50 hrs Thursday. Four fire tenders responded and went to the site where a section of the building was engulfed in flames, and pockets of fire were seen in several areas.

Mr. Wickham said the fire was extinguished; however, there was a re-ignition on Friday morning. Firefighters are on the ground and observing the situation.

A fire gutted a section of the college in March 2025, and the cause was confirmed as electrical. The college’s main auditorium, a boardroom, a classroom, and some of its contents were destroyed then. The college offers both online and in-person programmes, and it is a leading training institute in the country.

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See below the full Emancipation Day message from President Dr. Irfaan Ali: 

I extend warm Emancipation Day greetings to all Guyanese across our beautiful country.

Today, we gather across Guyana to pay tribute to the courage, endurance, and unbreakable spirit of our African ancestors—men and women who, though subjected to the horrors of enslavement, never relinquished their dignity or humanity. Their resistance to the inhumane Transatlantic trade in captive Africans and the brutal plantation system of human enslavement remains one of the most profound stories of struggle and resilience in human history.

The Transatlantic slave trade has long been condemned by the international community as one of the gravest crimes against humanity. It tore millions from their homeland, inflicted unspeakable suffering, and attempted to erase the identity of an entire people. But the will to survive and the yearning for freedom proved far more powerful than the chains that bound them.

Emancipation ended the system of African enslavement, but it also marked the beginning of a new journey, one driven by a yearning for economic empowerment and self-determination. In the years since, African-Guyanese have made indelible contributions to the building of our nation. Through education, entrepreneurship, sport, arts, governance, the professions, and particularly the Village Movement, they laid the foundation for resilient communities that continue to shape the future of Guyana.

The Village Movement itself stands as a symbol of collective agency and the pursuit of economic independence. African-Guyanese did not merely seek freedom from bondage; they sought the power to define their own destinies and to ensure a better life for the generations to come.

As we commemorate Emancipation in 2025, we do so with a clear-eyed commitment to building a Guyana in which every citizen, regardless of race, religion, or background, has a stake in our development and shares in its bounty. We recommit ourselves to the ideal of One Guyana—a society where opportunity is universal and advancement is possible for all.

We must not allow anything to come between us and the achievement of this ideal.  Let us reject, with firm resolve, the efforts of those who seek to manipulate race and ethnicity for narrow and selfish ends. These efforts serve no one. They do not uplift communities—they only divide them. They do not solve problems, they deepen wounds. And they do not build a future, they attempt to chain us to a past we have struggled so hard to overcome.

Instead, let us reaffirm our faith in each other. Let us deepen our commitment to equity, justice, and inclusion. The true honour we can pay to our ancestors is not only in remembrance, but in action, by working every day to create a society rooted in respect, equality, and shared prosperity.

As President, I remain unwavering in my pledge to ensure that no Guyanese is excluded from our national development. Whether in the hinterland or on the coast, in the villages or the urban centres, all must be able to benefit from the growth and progress of our nation.

So, on this Emancipation Day 2025, let us stand together, proud of our past, confident in our future, and united in our purpose. Let us celebrate the strength of our African-Guyanese sisters and brothers, and draw inspiration from their struggles and achievements.

May their example continue to guide us. May their courage continue to fortify us. And may their legacy live on in the just and inclusive Guyana we are building together.

Happy Emancipation Day to all!

The post ‘No Guyanese will be excluded from national development’ – President pledges in Emancipation Day message appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) has released its 2025–2030 Disability Manifesto, outlining a comprehensive roadmap to enhance the rights, independence, and inclusion of persons with disabilities across Guyana.

The manifesto was developed in consultation with over 20 Organisations for Persons with Disabilities, disability experts, and the wider disabled community. It serves as both a call to action and a strategic guide for the incoming government.

The manifesto outlines clear expectations in key areas including education, employment, accessibility, and financial support, among others.

A central feature of the manifesto is the call for an updated Special Education Needs (SEN) policy by 2027, with regional adaptations across all ten administrative regions. The policy should provide for:

* Integration of children with disabilities into mainstream schools
* Deployment of assistive technologies
* Provision of in-class support like teacher aides and cultural facilitators
* Clear pathways for SEN teachers to grow within the education sector

Additionally, GCOPD urges the government to establish resource rooms in schools with at least three children with disabilities and to provide accessible transportation to ensure school attendance.

The manifesto also outlined the development and implementation of a policy to facilitate early identification, intervention, and treatment of persons with disabilities using a multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral approach, with a framework for collaboration to facilitate lifelong intervention and treatment.

Another standout proposal is the introduction of a 5% public sector employment quota for qualified persons with disabilities. To this end, the manifesto recommends:

* Incentives for private sector employers
* Construction of business centers for persons with disabilities in Regions 2, 3, 4, and 10
* Interest-free loans of up to $1 million GYD via the Small Business Bureau
* Yearly grants and tax exemptions for disabled entrepreneurs

To support independent living and financial security, the manifesto proposes:
* Increasing the permanent disability grant to at least 50% of the minimum wage, with yearly adjustments
* Electricity and water subsidies similar to those provided to pensioners
* Free house lots for persons with disabilities earning under $100,000/month
* Housing grants for low-income individuals to build or renovate homes
* The government, through the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), should remove individual income and Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes from persons with disabilities earning below two million four hundred thousand dollars ($2,400,000) per year

To ensure full participation in society, the manifesto demands enforcement of the Guyana Disability Act (2010) through:

* Modification of building codes to align with international accessibility standards
* Accessible public information via sign language, Braille, and audio formats
* Compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
* Implementation of an accessible transportation system for mobility across Guyana

The manifesto also emphasises the need for assistive technologies and rehabilitation counselling to support independent living.

GCOPD urges the development of disability-inclusive sports and recreational programmes, and a review of the Disability Act (2010) to strengthen legal enforcement. It also calls for updates to electoral laws to allow independent voting access and for inclusive disaster preparedness and response planning.

The post Inclusion and equal opportunities for persons living with disabilities outlined in GCOPD 2025-2030 Disability Manifesto appeared first on News Room Guyana.

See below the full release from the ERC: 

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) joins with all Guyanese in commemorating the 187th anniversary of the Emancipation of Africans from slavery, a solemn yet empowering moment in our nation’s history.

This day, August 1st, is not only a celebration of freedom but a call to reflect on the sacrifices, strength, and resilience of our African ancestors.

The full abolition of slavery in 1838 marked the end of a harrowing chapter of human suffering, injustice, and oppression. It also marked the beginning of a powerful journey, one of perseverance, self-determination, and nation-building.

The ERC celebrates the immense contributions of Guyanese of African descent whose cultural, economic, and social legacies continue to shape our national identity. The courage and endurance of our emancipated brothers and sisters continue to inspire generations of Guyanese.

As the ERC continues its mandate to promote harmony and good relations among all ethnic groups residing in Guyana, it recognizes Emancipation Day as critically important to fostering national remembrance, education, and unity. This observance reinforces our shared responsibility to continue nation-building and promulgating respect for our cultural diversity.

All citizens are encouraged to take part in Emancipation activities across the country to honour the legacy of our ancestors, celebrate our achievements, and renew our commitment to unity, understanding, and mutual respect

The post ‘Emancipation Day critically important to fostering national remembrance’ – ERC  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The government could hire the Dominican Republic’s InterEnergy Group to supervise the grid upgrade and expansion work being undertaken by the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) but Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo clarified that negotiations are still ongoing with the company.

“The InterEnergy agreement has not been signed yet, the negotiation is going on.

“… we now need to see that they are actually delivering on what is the proposal,” Jagdeo told reporters at his weekly press conference on Thursday, a day after reports emerged about the government’s intention to possibly hire the company.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked with the company last year. The proposal received from the company to support GPL was one of several such documents received from different companies, Jagdeo said.

However, it is believed that InterEnergy would provide supervisory services of an international standard as GPL’s grid is modernised. Additionally, Jagdeo highlighted that their proposal was more cost-effective.

“When you build those things [the new electricity grid], you build to international standards.

“You have to get a firm to supervise it and often a firm to supervise the project, they come between 5-8 % of the contract price. This is lower, significantly lower,” he explained.

However, he clarified that no agreement was signed and it is not likely that the agreement would be inked before the September 1, 2025 General and Regional Elections.

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