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Boasting a CT scanning machine, three surgical theatres, two dialysis units, a medical imaging room, a 24-hour pharmacy and laboratory, a 24-hour accident and emergency unit, an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), an oxygen plant and other facilities, the Bath Regional Hospital in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) was officially opened on Wednesday by President Dr. Irfaan Ali.

Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony during his remarks at the opening ceremony noted that the facility is equipped with 75 in-patient beds, adequate bathroom and toilets, a modern birthing suite, a step down unit for persons severely ill but not critical, and more.

“In this hospital, we have three brand new operating theatre with the necessary equipment. And so, we are going to be doing elective surgeries, emergency surgeries, orthopedic surgeries and a whole host of other things” he said.

The Bath Regional Hospital in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) was officially opened on Wednesday by President Dr. Irfaan Ali (DPI photo)

Previously, the functioning hospitals in the Region were the Mahaicony District Hospital and the Fort Wellington hospital, both of which faced issues with limited space, non-functioning or outdated machines and limited services.

According to the Health Minister, in addition to the construction of new hospitals, the Government has also expanded primary healthcare in the region with the establishment of four new health centres. The new centres moved the total from 15 to 19 in Region five. Programmes addressing diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases were also introduced to citizens in the region.

The Bath Regional Hospital in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) was officially opened on Wednesday by President Dr. Irfaan Ali (DPI photo)

President Dr. Irfaan Ali in his remarks, noted that in total, 26 health centres were completed across the country with 12 new hospitals over the past five years. This is in addition to the 400+ health facilities expanded across the country to promote equality.

“This facility by itself is testament to a government that is developing our country to remove inequality, to improve services across the board and to bring parity with those who can afford it from the private hospital and those who will also get the same level of service from a public hospital,” he emphasized.

Also available at the facility is a unit for neonatal care and specialized eyecare for all ages.

A section of the gathering at the opening of the Bath Regional Hospital (DPI photo)

The President spoke of several other investments in the health sector including the training of more health workers, increasing salaries for those persons, investing in adequate medical supplies and more.

In this regard, he encouraged workers at the hospital to serve the public with diligence.

“I do not want to hear that we don’t have the doctors or the nurses or anyone to deliver the services that’s needed…we are making too much investment to accept any level of service that is below par and this is not about the Government, this is about the people because they deserve the best,” he pointed out.

The Head of State spoke of a National Health information system and a Patient Management Information System to tackle primary health issues in a timely manner. This will be complimented by an integrated laboratory service to log medical records of patients and ensure a healthier population.

The post CT scans, dialysis treatment for the first time in region five as Bath hospital opens appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The main opposition People’s National Congress (PNC) recently sold $83 million worth of its shares in Republic Bank (Guyana) to a Trinidad company, as it struggles to finance an elections campaign it is running under the APNU coalition banner. It has been revealed that the PNC owns half a billion dollars in shares with Trinidad-owned Republic Bank.

The News Room has been reliably told that the shares were sold to Maritime Life (Caribbean) Limited of Trinidad, without any real overtures to local companies. Republic Bank appears to have facilitated the transaction in favour of a fellow Trinidadian company.

The PNC is in a desperate scramble to raise funds for the elections campaign as it is failing to attract campaign financing and has been getting very low attendances at its meetings and rallies, even in areas where it once dominated.

The buyer, Maritime Life (Caribbean) Limited, is an insurance company with growing interests in the Caribbean financial sector.

While the terms of the sale have not been publicly disclosed beyond the price tag, there are  questions about whether the PNC offered Maritime incentives—perhaps future business rewards or policy favour—should the party return to power.

Senior members of the PNC are concerned about accountability in this recent sale, given that it disposes of a sizeable chunk of the party’s financial assets.

These concerns are given the recent saga in which the PNC treasurer had resigned and revealed that he was asked to sign blank cheques by the party leadership.

The post In elections campaign hustle, PNC sells $83 million Republic Bank shares to Trinidad company appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Beyond sweeping promotions for over 2,000 ranks, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced that his government will go further, promising to restore pride, dignity and the right resources to the Guyana Police Force, saying officers will no longer have to “beg for water.”

Addressing ranks at the Police Officers’ Mess on Wednesday morning, the President’s remarks made clear that the ongoing transformation of the Force goes far beyond promotions and pay. He said the government is committed to creating the right professional environment, backed by accountability and investment, to ensure officers are respected and effective.

“A police officer told me recently he had to run behind a vehicle to beg for water. That is unacceptable. That is going to end. You will never again have to function in a system like that,” the President declared to applause.

The statement marked one of many strong comments from the President as he called for a shift in culture within the Force, urging officers to take collective responsibility for the assets, image and performance of their stations and divisions.

Dr. Ali stressed that while promotions were important, they were just the start of a broader reform effort. He said investments would continue in police stations, equipment, transportation and facilities.

He explained that police leadership must be accountable from top to bottom: “From the commander of Brickdam to the classroom officer, everyone must take responsibility for what happens in their space.”

President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken

He announced that evaluations will no longer be based solely on individual merit but will include collective assessments of how well stations manage government-issued assets and deliver services to the public.

“If the station doesn’t take care of its equipment and doesn’t function professionally, that will affect everyone’s promotion—not just one person,” he warned.

The President also encouraged officers to pursue further education and training, revealing that new scholarship opportunities and support systems will be implemented. He said it was important for officers to build careers that give them dignity and respect, whether they remain in the Force or retire.

“By the time you retire at 55, I want you to walk out of this organisation as a qualified, confident and respected professional who can work anywhere in the world,” Dr. Ali said.

He highlighted that the government had already removed the degree requirement for promotions at certain levels but now wanted officers to embrace continuous learning of their own volition.

In one of his most pointed remarks, President Ali criticised what he described as a longstanding culture in which basic supplies—like water and working vehicles—were luxuries instead of guaranteed necessities.

He insisted that officers must no longer be subjected to such neglect, adding, “This is a professional career, not a hustle. If we expect performance, we must provide the tools and the dignity.”

The President called on the Force’s leadership to ensure that the benefits of Guyana’s economic transformation—including oil revenues—translate into real improvements in the working conditions and morale of police officers.

Dr. Ali reiterated that the relationship between the police and the public must be built on trust and respect. He encouraged officers to lead by example in both their professional conduct and personal behaviour.

“This is about building a police force that earns the respect of our people—because it is professional, accountable, and well-resourced. That is the Guyana we are building.”

The post Beyond promotions, President promises resources and respect for Police Force appeared first on News Room Guyana.

More than 2,000 ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will receive long-awaited promotions from August 1, 2025, in a sweeping move announced by President Dr. Irfaan Ali during a visit to the Force’s Headquarters at Eve Leary on Wednesday morning.

Addressing hundreds of officers, President Ali acknowledged their dedication and years of service, noting that the promotions will reward those who have met the required years in service and have maintained clean disciplinary records.

The elevation will span across several ranks, including promotions from Constable to Lance Corporal, Lance Corporal to Corporal, Corporal to Sergeant, and Sergeant to Inspector.

The announcement was met with jubilation and thunderous applause from officers gathered, with many visibly moved by the recognition of their hard work. Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken, alongside Deputy Commissioners Ravindradat Budhram and Wendell Blanhum, were present for the announcement.

In heartfelt reactions captured shortly after the announcement, several officers expressed gratitude and elation:

“After 20 years of service… thank you, Mr President! I’m so happy, happy, happy—I can’t explain it,” one officer exclaimed with emotion.

Another promoted rank declared:

“This promotion is a great milestone for me and my family. It’s a boost to do even more as a police officer.”

Others described the moment as long overdue and deeply appreciated:

“It’s been 29 years in the Force, and this promotion from Sergeant to Inspector means the world to me. I thank the President, the Commissioner and all who made this happen.”

Many officers described the President’s gesture as “wonderful” and “motivating,” with some becoming overwhelmed with joy and unable to fully articulate their feelings.

On his official Facebook page, President Ali later shared images from the gathering with the caption: “A happy day for the Guyana Police Force.” The photos showed him interacting warmly with officers of various ranks, many of them smiling and celebrating their promotions at the Police Officers’ Mess.

The mass promotion initiative signals a significant morale boost for the Guyana Police Force, recognising years of sacrifice, discipline and commitment to public service.

The post Over 2,000 Police ranks promoted by President Ali  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, believes much of the ongoing violence in Guyana are perpetrated by toxic men, and so, he made a plea for urgent change, beginning firstly in schools and homes firstly.

“Of course the men are insecure, dysfunctional, they can’t handle the fact maybe somebody who is perhaps their daughter, is better educated more eloquent, intelligent and responsible than they themselves.

“I am saying this because all of the great troubles we have relate to male behaviour. We think we got money power, physical power, sexual power and we must all be on top,” Minister Benn stated bluntly at a recent forum.

Minister Benn emphasised the need to directly engage men and change these harmful cultural norms.

“We have to speak to men. They must not pass a policeman on the road playing dirty music in their car or minibus. It is that culture, [the catcalling] women in marketplaces, the loud vulgarity, the harassment, it won’t change unless we take action,” Benn said.

The Minister’s remarks come amidst a disturbing spate of violent crimes, many involving male perpetrators and female victims, which have rocked communities across Guyana in recent months.

“Much of our problems in Guyana relates to the behaviour of men. We men are the worst examples, we men have to be better.

“The Police Force have the difficult and invidious task of dealing with bad men and the Prison Service have 2,000 men like that in the prison, I think they are only 75 bad ladies in the prison and they are the best of prisoners,” Benn revealed.

Between January and July 2025, the News Room reported about 11 instances were women were killed by their ex partners and in one case, a young woman was murdered by her stepfather while another case involved the murder of a woman during a robbery.

In January, 34-year-old Bibi Fazila Ally, a school cleaner, was murdered by her former partner, Bidraj Ganesh, just a month after ending their eight-year relationship. Ganesh later took his own life.

In that same month, three men, including a businessman and two fishermen, confessed to their involvement in the brutal murder of Parbhudai Boodhram during a robbery at Belle West, West Bank Demerara. All three men were charged and remanded to prison.

In February, Parsuram Arjune was remanded for brutally beating his wife and mother-in-law, Shameeza Mohamed, who later died.

Also in February, Kenesha Vaughn, a young mother was shot and killed by her partner, Marlan DaSilva. DaSilva is on remand while the case is before the court.

In April, 34-year-old Kevin Cadogan allegedly set his partner Mezona Ronaldo on fire at Moblissa, Linden/Soesdyke Highway. Ronaldo succumbed to her injuries hours after the incident and Cadogan died a day later.

Also in April, Marissa Beete, 30, was killed by her ex-boyfriend, convicted drug trafficker Ghalee Khan. Khan was charged and remanded to prison.

In another April incident, Parmanand Ramdial shot and killed his wife, 25-year-old Maline LaCruz, her mother Waveney LaCruz, 50, and her younger sister, 16-year-old SueAnn LaCruz. A fourth victim, Maline’s brother, 23-year-old Seon LaCruz was injured. Ramdial then took his own life.

In May, Cuban national Davely Morales was hacked to death by her stepfather in Pike Street, Kitty. The stepfather, Wispriey Alfonso, was charged and remanded to prison.

The most recent incident occurred in July, where 26-year-old Jenel Pollydore was shot and killed at a wedding reception in Linden by her abusive ex-partner, who she had obtained a restraining order against.

The suspect, 21-year-old Shaka Vaughn Phillips, was charged and remanded to prison.

In response, Minister Benn said the government is planning to ramp up public education and outreach, beginning in schools, homes and then extend to newspapers, magazines, and social media, with the aim of reshaping masculinity.

The post Benn says toxic men are driving force behind violence in Guyana appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Magistrate Faith McGusty on Wednesday led a site visit to the Ashmins Building in Georgetown- a central location referenced throughout the fraud trial into the 2020 elections, where several key witnesses identified specific areas referenced in their testimonies.

The Ashmins Building housed the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Command Centre during the 2020 elections.

The visit forms part of ongoing legal proceedings involving nine individuals charged with conspiring to manipulate the 2020 election results in favour of the APNU+AFC coalition.

Present at the site were Minister of Local Government Sonia Parag, local observer Rosalinda Rasul, former Region Four Police Commander Edgar Thomas, and Kian Jabour, each of whom was taken into the building individually to identify and clarify locations they had spoken about in court

Magistrate Faith McGusty on Wednesday led a site visit to the Ashmins Building in Georgetown (Photo: News Room/July 30, 2025)

The prosecution led questioning during the inspection, which was video recorded, and several measurements were taken.

Key areas identified included the tabulation room on the ground floor and the balcony where Mingo allegedly made a false declaration of the election results.

Former Police Commander Edgar Thomas, who had responded to a report at the location, pointed out a room where GECOM staff member Enrique Livan was reportedly found.

Meanwhile, Jabour directed the court to an upstairs room where GECOM Chairperson Justice Claudette Singh was said to be during the events in question.

Among the witnesses present at the site were Minister of Local Government Sonia Parag (right), local observer Rosalinda Rasul (left) and former Region Four Police Commander Edgar Thomas (Photo: News Room/ July 30, 2025)

The site inspection was conducted in the presence of prosecution and defense attorneys, as well as the defendants.

Such visits are standard legal procedures in both civil and criminal trials, designed to help the court gain firsthand knowledge of the physical environment referenced in testimony, clarify evidence, and resolve any discrepancies.

Nine individuals are currently before the court, charged with conspiring to manipulate the election results in favour of APNU+AFC, thereby seeking to deny victory to the PPP. Those charged include former government minister Volda Lawrence, former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, and former Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers, among others.

The trial has been adjourned to September 15.

The post Key witnesses identify areas linked to 2020 elections case during Court’s visit to Ashmins Building appeared first on News Room Guyana.

In condemning the disrespect police officers are subjected to while performing their duties, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, also issued a call for systemic reforms in policing.

During his address at the National Road Safety Stakeholder Forum on Tuesday, Minister Benn highlighted the daily challenges faced by police officers.

“While driving to work or being driven anywhere, I get upset when I see how disrespected the police are. Of course, there may be failings by the police now and again, but it is a fairly invidious job getting insults every day from people who are using the road,” Benn stated.

He further highlighted the practice of attempting to bribe officers or contacting high-ranking officials or ministers to avoid penalties.

“When people think the police will do them something, they may want to offer a bribe or call the minister or somebody they know. Usually, I tell the police to charge them. Don’t call me, I will tell the police to issue the ticket, which is exactly what they should do on the road,” the minister said which garnered applause from those in the audience.

And so, to support accountability and reduce direct confrontations, Minister Benn recommended a system that would allow offenders to be ticketed without the need to visit police stations.

Minister Benn also stressed the importance of making police stations more humane and welcoming, especially for those in distress.

“Even though new stations are being built, the station must be a welcoming place for people. It must be a place where people, whether victim or perpetrator, feel calm and respected,” Minister Benn revealed.
He recounted a visit to the Beterverwagting (BV) Police Station where he witnessed a distressing scene.

“I was traumatised myself when I went to the BV police station one time and saw four young ladies lying on the concrete floor at 3:00 in the morning. We cannot have that, it is disrespectful to them, to us, and to the wider society. It creates a disrespectful criminal justice system,” Benn said.

Adding: “Even the lockups must have beds and pillows for people to lie on.”

Minister Benn said efforts are underway to improve facilities and accountability across the police force, including the use of body cameras and video surveillance in police stations.

The post ‘I get upset’ when Police are disrespected – Minister Benn appeared first on News Room Guyana.

A new Board of Industrial Training (BIT) Skills Development and Certification Centre valued at $55.4 million was officially commissioned in Corriverton, Region Six on Tuesday.

The new centre aims to expand access to technical and vocational training opportunities for Guyanese and help meet the growing demand for skilled labour, a press release from the Ministry of Finance stated.

According to the release, since 2020, over 82,000 individuals have been trained and more than 60,000 jobs created through various educational and job-readiness programmes.

A new Board of Industrial Training (BIT) Skills Development and Certification Centre valued at $55.4 million was officially commissioned in Corriverton, Region Six on Tuesday.

BIT, under the Ministry of Labour, continues to support community-based Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) by constructing and upgrading facilities. Earlier in February, a $44.8 million skills centre was opened in Region Six, and the new facility at Corriverton further strengthens the initiative.

At the commissioning ceremony, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh explained that with Guyana being the fastest growing economy in the world with more investments and expansion, there would be more jobs being created and more opportunities available.

“You have a greater opportunity now more than at any other time in history to set up a small business, not only to get employment, and if you think about it, you have people who have been trained in food preparation, cosmetology and electrical installation,” Dr. Singh highlighted.

A new Board of Industrial Training (BIT) Skills Development and Certification Centre valued at $55.4 million was officially commissioned in Corriverton, Region Six on Tuesday.

Training is currently offered free of cost at technical and vocational institutions, and education is now free from nursery to university.

“So, the Guyana that we are building there are several pieces to this economic growth. We are training, and we are certifying you and we have taken off VAT off of data and off of your devices so that you may advertise your services,” Dr Singh said.

In Region Six specifically, there are ongoing projects to support growth in health, education, tourism, and other sectors. These include the construction of a new hospital and nursing school in New Amsterdam, the development of the Guyana Technical Training College at Port Mourant, and the building of the country’s first National Hospitality and Training Institution in Berbice.

A new Board of Industrial Training (BIT) Skills Development and Certification Centre valued at $55.4 million was officially commissioned in Corriverton, Region Six on Tuesday.

BIT has invested over $1.14 billion between 2020 and 2025 in training more than 15,000 persons countrywide, with nearly 3,000 of those individuals in Region Six alone. These programmes span over 35 villages and involve partnerships with local organizations, technical institutes, and private training entities in fields such as cosmetology, electrical installation, and catering.

The post $55.4M Board of Industrial Training centre commissioned in Region Six appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Sunday, August 3, is expected to be a blockbuster event.

Four top teams will compete in the national finals for the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast 2025 at the National Stadium in Providence.

From approximately 80 teams, it is now down to four zone champions, all of whom are now vying to be national champions.

It is Mahdia (Movements Family), champions of Essequibo, Titans All-Stars, East Coast Demerara/Georgetown, Montra Jaguars, Berbice and Eccles All-Stars, and East Bank/West Demerara.

The first semi-final will begin at 15:30 h and pit the defending champions, the Titans, against Mahdia. At 17:00h, Montra will face Eccles All-Stars.

The final is scheduled to start at 19:30h, the female match at 13:30h, and the exhibition match at 18:30h.

All four teams have immense firepower, meaning the title can go any direction.

The stakes are considerably higher in the national final, with teams vying for a massive $1.7 million grand prize, in addition to the $300,000 zone prize.

The national runner-up won’t go home empty-handed, pocketing $700,000 with a trophy and medals, while even the losing semi-finalists will be rewarded $300,000 each.

Individual brilliance won’t go unnoticed either, with a host of prizes up for grabs, including MVP ($150,000 + motorcycle), Most Runs ($100,000 + trophy + TV), Most Wickets ($100,000 + trophy + TV), Man-of-the-National Final ($75,000 + trophy + TV), Highest Strike Rate ($35,000), and Best Economy ($35,000)

While admission is free, the organisers have indicated that coolers, firearms, and glass bottles are not allowed into the stands.

The main seating area will be the Green Stand, overflowing into the Red Stand.

Parking is also free, and patrons are asked to access gate two for parking.

The Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast has garnered 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, Impressions, 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, Demerara Mutual Life Insurance, Continental Transportation, and Environmental & Technical Solutions.

FULL SCORES: https://cricheroes.com/tournament/1535884/kares-one-guyana-t10-tapeball-blast-2025/matches/past-matches?type=m

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