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Gavin Daniels, a 38-year-old labourer of Moleson Creek, Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne), was found dead on Monday night, and a fisherman is in custody assisting with an ongoing probe.

Police said the man died at about 20:00 hrs on Monday, at Jackson Creek, Corentyne, Berbice.

The suspect, Mohamed Fazar Ally, a 23-year-old Fisherman from Jackson Creek, is in Police custody, assisting with the ongoing investigation.

The victim, whose body was seen with multiple wounds, was transported to Skeldon Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead by a doctor on duty.

The body is at the Skeldon Hospital Mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination.

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The Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) has moved to close the accounts of candidates affiliated with the party of US-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed.

The News Room understands that several candidates from the party have received notices informing them that their accounts will be closed and banking services discontinued.

This follows similar action taken by Demerara Bank.

Banks have been compelled to review their compliance measures in line with international banking regulations, particularly those mandated by Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) laws, which are designed to prevent the use of illicit funds.

Some WIN candidates face bank account closures

When the Mohameds were sanctioned, all local banks closed their accounts, including that of Mae Thomas, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, who was also sanctioned.

Individuals closely associated with sanctioned persons or entities may expose financial institutions to serious legal and financial risks. As such, banks are taking steps to protect themselves.

This caution stems from the need to safeguard their correspondent banking relationships. A correspondent bank is a foreign bank that helps a local bank conduct international transactions and business.

Instead of establishing branches overseas, local banks work with correspondent banks to send money abroad, facilitate international card payments, and handle accounts and documentation related to cross-border transactions.

Given this, local banks are exercising heightened caution in avoiding transactions with individuals directly linked to Azruddin Mohamed, as such associations could jeopardise their operations.

On 11 June 2024, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of the Treasury announced the imposition of sanctions against the Mohamed family—specifically targeting Nazar Mohamed, his son Azruddin Mohamed, and their businesses: Mohamed’s Enterprise, Hadi’s World, and Team Mohamed’s Racing. These sanctions were related to alleged gold smuggling and corruption.

As a result of the OFAC sanctions, the Mohameds’ business licences were revoked, and their bank accounts were closed.

Azruddin has accused the government of political persecution; however, the actions taken against his party’s candidates are being carried out by banks seeking to protect their institutional interests.

When an individual is sanctioned by OFAC, local banks face severe operational and legal consequences.

They are required to immediately block any assets or property belonging to the sanctioned individual under their control, and must also prevent any transactions involving that person or entity.

This entails freezing accounts, stopping transfers, and terminating all dealings with the sanctioned party.

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A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Tuesday between the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) and Procolombia to boost economic relations between Guyana and Colombia.

Signing the document were GO-Invest’s Chief Investment Officer, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, and Procolombia’s Director for the Caribbean, Mr. Rafael Cuesta. Procolombia is the organisation responsible for promoting tourism and foriegn investment in Colombia.

Addressing a Colombian delegation at the Aiden by Best Western Hotel in Georgetown, Dr. Ramsaroop praised the existing relationship between the two South American nations and welcomed the MoU as a way for continued development.

Dr. Ramsaroop spoke about the recent advances between the countries, stating, “This is a great moment for us because we’ve been working with the Colombian Government and the investors over the last year or two. We have seen companies from Colombia come into Guyana (and) set up operations.”

He mentioned the recently established direct flight from Colombia to Georgetown, saying it makes it easier for travel and business between the two countries.

GO-Invest’s Chief Investment Officer, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop

Additionally, he told the delegation that Guyana looks forward to the expertise that the Colombian private sector can bring here.

“I’m proud of this moment to be able to sign (an) MoU with Procolombia, who’s been a great friend of our office, and the Caribbean as a whole, and we look forward to a long-term relationship.”

Dr. Ramsaroop also called the Government of Guyana a “business-friendly” one that looks forward to potential partnerships with Colombian companies.

The Ambassador of Colombia to Guyana, Graybern Livingston Forbes, expressed gratitude for the new agreement and noted that the idea is to continue to build confidence between the two countries.

“We have the expertise, they have a lot of needs, and I believe the best thing that we could do is to join up, make one common front, and advance as a whole.”

Ambassador of Colombia to Guyana, Graybern Livingston Forbes

He also referred to the shared geographical location and similar history of the countries, saying they can work together to advance as one.

The Ambassador thanked Dr. Ramsaroop, adding, “We are looking forward to continue (building) other areas that we could make exchanges and build a strong platform in.”

Also at the signing, was Rosa Garzón de Ballmann, Executive Representative from Procolombia, who conveyed appreciation on behalf of the organisation.

Executive Representative from Procolombia, Rosa Garzón de Ballmann

“Today is the biggest milestone of Procolombia Caribbean to be able to sign a Memoranum of Understanding with the investment agency of Guyana.

“I’m delighted that finally we can highlight the relationship formally… with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Procolombia and GO-Invest Guyana.”

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The Guyana National Road Safety Stakeholder Forum, held under the theme ‘Do the right thing,’ brought together national and international partners to tackle the escalating crisis of road fatalities and promote a culture of responsible road use.

This theme was touted as more than a slogan but a rallying cry for action and behavioural change on the roadways. The forum called for a cultural shift, one in which every citizen takes personal responsibility. The audience heard that actions like wearing seatbelts, reducing speed, staying alert, and respecting life must become second nature.

As of July 26, 2025, 70 road deaths have already been recorded, a 6% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Notably, half of those who died were motorcyclists and pillion riders, and over 80% were not wearing helmets.

Other road safety statistics shared include: 166 serious accidents – a 7% decrease; 235 minor accidents – a 4% decrease; 66 fatal accidents – a 20% increase; and 428 damage accidents – a 3% decrease and only two child deaths were reported, representing a 50% decrease.

With support from international organisations such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the forum focused on building a safer and smarter transportation environment in Guyana. These partners are helping Guyana strengthen its road safety systems through funding, research, and strategic guidance.

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn (Photo: Ministry of Home Affairs)

Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn, speaking at the event, acknowledged the challenges posed by an increase in vehicles and a growing cohort of young drivers.

“We have to get active, much more active on the question of road safety, road deaths and injuries due to road accidents, it is not only the loss of life, it is the opportunity cost of the loss of life,” Minister Benn stated.

Benn explained that when he took office five years ago, his goal was to reduce annual road deaths to under 100. By 2030, the goal is to bring that figure down further.

“If we don’t recognise where we have failings, what are our challenges and what should be our responses, the biggest challenge is of course human, drunk driving, speeding, impaired driving perhaps by drugs, texting or worse while driving, all of those things, tinting up the vehicle to the point where you cannot make eye contact with the other person on the road,” Benn explained.

Meanwhile, Former British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn, who is now co-chair of a new traffic management project of the Road Safety Implementation Board (RSIB), also spoke at the event.

“To be perfectly frank, the high levels of death and disorder on Guyana’s roads cannot continue,” Quinn stated.

Former British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn

The board is responsible for designing and executing communication campaigns and strategic interventions aimed at reducing road deaths and injuries. The RSIB is currently delivering seven focused projects; Deter and Detect, Data-Driven Road Safety, The National Conversation, Road Infrastructure Enhancements, Clinical Response & Road Trauma Support, Road Safety & Education Campaigns and Pave the Way – Youth & Community Involvement.

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The Guyana Police Force is reinforcing the use of a soft, non-confrontational approach in handling reports of sensitive matters such as domestic violence as part of a broader effort to build community trust and reduce tensions during potentially volatile situations.

This is according to Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ravindradat Budhram who said officers are being trained to “de-escalate” situations especially in cases involving domestic disputes.

“In a simple domestic violence matter, a soft approach can resolve the problem,” Budhram said during an appearance on this week’s ‘Safeguarding Our Nation’ programme.

“We teach our Police men and women to de-escalate certain sensitive situations,” Budhram said.

According to Budhram, officers are being encouraged to use their judgment and discretion at the station level to prevent matters from escalating unnecessarily.

“The bottom line here is the interaction at the station level… It requires the Police on the ground to use their judgment at any given time, in any given situation, so as to resolve simple matters,” he said.

The Deputy Commissioner acknowledged that the way Police officers engage with the public directly affects the force’s reputation and relationship with communities.

“At the end of the day, our action matters towards the public,” he stated.

In recent years, the Force has invested significantly in capacity building with over 600 officers trained in areas including domestic violence, child abuse, Information technology and general investigations.

These efforts, Budhram said, are part of a wider strategy to modernise policing and ensure officers are equipped to serve with professionalism and compassion.

“We consider our human resource as the most important,” he said, adding that promotion and professional development remain top priorities.

“No Police officer at 15 years will remain at constable. They will be promoted. Once you study, you will be promoted,” he said.

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Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration),Ravindradat Budhram, says there is no tolerance for rogue behaviour within the Guyana Police Force, and affirmed that there is a serious focus on stamping out any corruption and misconduct.

“While there are some rogue elements in the force, the majority of the officers are ‘good’ officers and they are here to serve the public,” Budhram said during his appearance on this week’s episode of ‘Safeguarding Our Nation’ programme.

The Deputy Commissioner acknowledged the public’s concerns about members of the Force. However, he said the majority of the ranks remain committed to upholding their duties with integrity.

Deputy Commissioner of Police,Ravindradat Budhram (Photo: GPF)

Budhram emphasised that the Police Force takes corruption “very seriously” and noted that ranks receive training on integrity and ethics at all levels of the organisation.

“If there is an allegation of misconduct, our office, our OPR (Office of Professional Responsibility) would investigate, and after advice is sought, action is taken,” Budhram assured the public.

In fact, Budhram said recently, several police officers have been arrested in connection with misconduct. These matters, he said, are currently before the court.

“At no time at all will the force tolerate misconduct and turn a blind eye on them,” Budhram said.

The main aim going forward, he said, is to institutionalise zero tolerance for corruption.

“We are working to build a professional force,” Budhram affirmed.

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The Guyana Police Force has introduced a new digital tool designed to change how incidents, both criminal and traffic-related, are reported in Guyana. The Secure Eye app, a mobile application developed over the past two years, is now linked to the Police Force’s central command room and connects users directly with various divisions and police stations.

According to an Analyst at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Priya Seepaul, the app aims to tackle one of the most pressing challenges in Guyana: road safety.

“Every year, too many lives are lost on our roadways. Many of these lives could be saved through faster reporting and faster response,” Seepaul said at the 2025 Guyana National Road Safety Stakeholder Forum on Tuesday.

One of the key challenges the Secure Eye app will address is timely and accurate reporting.

Seepaul explained that in many emergencies, individuals are unsure of who to call or how to share their exact location. Secure Eye resolves this by allowing users to report an incident with just a few taps, automatically sending precise location data to the nearest police and emergency response.

The app encourages citizens to do more than just post about accidents or crimes on social media.

“What if you could be more than just another post on social media? What if you could be the change?” Seepaul asked the audience.

However, she highlighted that the application is strictly for reporting purposes. Any misuse of the platform can lead to prosecution.

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Corporate support continues to stream in for the Demerara Cricket Board ahead of its highly anticipated Independence T10 Cup, set for August 1 at the LBI Ground.

Just days away from the tournament, Luke’s General Contractor- with business operations in Guyana and Trinidad- has come onboard with medals for the champion and runner-up teams.

Luke’s General Contractor provides electronic security services, CCTV access control and fire alarms.

Former Senior Berbice Inter-county fast bowler Luke Latiff is the proprietor of the business. He expressed delight at being afforded the opportunity to support the fund-raising tournament.

The event will bowl off at 10:00h with Match One featuring an East Coast/Georgetown clash between Better Hope and Transport Sports Club.

Match Two from 11:50h will bring together Lusignan and Helena One and Two, followed by Match Three from 13:40h between Enterprise and Meten-Meer-Zorg East.

Match Four will bring together LBI and Herstelling A from 15:30h.

The winners of Match One and Match Three will then clash in Semi-Final One from 17:20h, followed by the winners of Match Two and Four facing off in Semi-Final Two from 19:10h.

The grand final will take place from 21:00h.

The champion team is guaranteed G$250,000 cash plus trophy; the runners-up G$150,000 and trophy, while the losing semi-finalists will be receive G$50,000 each.

On the individual side, Man-of-the-Match in the semi-finals and final will receive a trophy.

Apart from the on-field entertainment, fans can get lucky with several gate prizes to be won. Admission is G$1,000.

The tournament is sponsored by Survival Group Inc., Petama Enteprise, Premier Insurance, CIC Insurance Brokers (Guyana) Inc., L. Mahabeer and Son Cambio, Office Express, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Anil Beharry Real Estate, Construction and General Business Services, Naven’s Construction, Republic Bank (Guyana) Ltd, Ramchand Auto Spares, Mike’s Pharmacy, Steve’s Jewelry, 4R Bearings, Rid-O-Pes, Luke’s General Contractor Ltd, Ariel Enterprise, Doctor’s Clinic, Fullworks Party Rental, Anil Beharry Project for Cricket Gears, Luke’s General Contractor and Ansa McAl Distribution.

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Press Release from the Caribbean Premier League

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will adopt the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) T20 International playing conditions starting with the upcoming season.

This strategic alignment brings CPL matches in line with the global standard, ensuring the tournament remains one of the premier cricketing showcases in the world.

The recent updates to the ICC’s T20I playing conditions- particularly the stricter over rate rules- have led to notable improvements in match completion times across international cricket.

By adopting these same rules, the CPL aims to ensure more predictable match durations, enhancing the experience for fans, broadcasters, and all stakeholders involved.

“We’ve observed how impactful the ICC’s over rate regulations have been in reducing delays during T20 Internationals,” said Michael Hall, CPL’s Tournament Operations Director.

“We are committed to delivering a world-class product that is efficient, entertaining, and in step with the global game.”

The CPL has always served as a critical platform for nurturing Caribbean cricketing talent.

Aligning with ICC T20I standards ensures that players, especially emerging stars, operate under the same conditions they will encounter on the international stage.

This move is designed to streamline the transition for players entering or returning to the West Indies national set-up.

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