President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday night said the University of Guyana (UG) has received more than 20,000 applications for the upcoming academic year.
With UG filled, he highlighted, the government will now engage private tertiary institutions on how students can be supported.
The surge, he said, comes after the government decided to make university education free.
However, the university is unable to accommodate all the applicants.
To address the situation, President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced that the government will partner with every private tertiary institution in the country to ensure that no aspiring student is left behind.
“We have taken a decision that every single private university, all of the universities, whether it’s the new medical school, the international university, we are going to engage, so that no child who wants a university education will be left without education because of space,” President Ali said at a public meeting held at Industry.
President Ali first announced in 2024 that university education would become free and confirmed that from January 2025, no student attending UG will pay tuition fees.
The initiative was expected to benefit approximately 11,000 current students and cost the government an estimated $8 billion, annually.
In addition to eliminating tuition fees, the administration has launched a US$ student loan write-off programme targeting $11 billion in outstanding loans held by over 13,000 students.
The government has also made significant investments in training more than 82,000 individuals including 39,000 through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL).
Malgré ses 70 années d’existence, le Compas direct (Konpa dirèk) demeure aussi vivant qu’à ses débuts. Impossible toutefois de parler de ce genre musical sans évoquer celui qui en est le créateur incontesté : Nemours Jean-Baptiste.
En effet, ce musicien d’exception s’est entièrement consacré à l’essor de la culture haïtienne. C’est avec honneur que je vous présente le parcours de cet homme dont l’œuvre a profondément marqué l’histoire musicale d’Haïti.
Nemours Jean-Baptiste voit le jour à Port-au-Prince le 2 février 1918. Il est le fils de Lucia Labissière, couturière, et de Clément Jean-Baptiste, cordonnier. Troisième d’une fratrie de quatre enfants – André, Monfort et Altagrace – Nemours perd ses parents alors qu’il est encore scolarisé, ce qui interrompt prématurément ses études. Les enfants sont alors pris en charge par des membres de la famille, mais vivent dans des conditions précaires.
Il fréquente brièvement les institutions Jean Marie Guilloux et Saint Louis de Gonzague, sans y poursuivre longtemps sa scolarité. Pour subvenir à ses besoins, il devient coiffeur, métier qu’il exerce avec passion tout en partageant avec ses clients sa fascination pour la musique.
Dans les années 1940, Nemours se lance véritablement dans la musique. Autodidacte, il apprend à jouer du banjo, de la guitare, puis du saxophone, avec le soutien de son ami Antoine Duverger. Sa première grande prestation se fait au sein du groupe “Les Frères Guignard”, où il remplace Duverger au pied levé. Sa performance remarquée lui vaut un cachet de 150 gourdes, une somme importante pour l’époque.
C’est lors d’un bal qu’il rencontre Marie Félicité Olivier, qu’il épouse le 28 septembre 1946. De leur union naîtront trois enfants, dont Marie Denise (décédée à l’âge de deux ans), Yvrose et Yves Nemours.
Avant de fonder son propre ensemble, Nemours intègre plusieurs formations musicales. Il lance d’abord “Le Conjunto International”, aux côtés de musiciens chevronnés tels que Julien Paul, Anilus Cadet, Webert Sicot et son frère Monfort Jean-Baptiste. Il collabore ensuite avec d’autres groupes comme “Anacaona”, “Djaz Atomik”, et “Djaz Atomik Junior”.
La date du 26 juillet 1955 marque un tournant décisif dans sa carrière. Ce jour-là, coïncidant avec la fête de Sainte-Anne, il présente pour la première fois le Compas direct, dont les fondements rythmiques restent alors en développement. Cette journée est aujourd’hui reconnue comme la naissance officielle de cette musique, devenue depuis, la musique populaire par excellence en Haïti.
Après une collaboration avec Jean Lumarque, propriétaire du célèbre club Aux Calebasses, son ensemble prend le nom de “Ensemble Aux Calebasses”, se produisant régulièrement dans ce lieu mythique. Des différends avec Lumarque le poussent plus tard à rejoindre le Palladium, un autre haut lieu musical de la capitale.
En 1961, grâce à Lumarque, Nemours et son groupe se produisent pour la première fois aux États-Unis. Le 5 juillet de cette même année, il reçoit une plaque d’honneur et mérite lors d’une cérémonie à l’Organisation des Nations Unies.
Au début des années 1960, le groupe prend le nom de “Ensemble Nemours Jean-Baptiste” et devient une figure emblématique du club Cabane Choucoune. En 1963, répondant à la demande du public, Nemours participe pour la première fois au carnaval de Port-au-Prince.
En juillet 1967, il perd un œil à la suite d’un glaucome. Cette épreuve marque le début d’une série de difficultés physiques et personnelles.
L’essor de la mouvance “mini-djaz” dans les années 1970, avec des groupes comme “Tabou Combo”, “Skah Shah” et “Shleu Shleu”, entraîne un recul de sa popularité. Il émigre alors aux États-Unis, principalement à New York, laissant la scène haïtienne aux nouvelles générations. En 1972, il revient en Haïti et dirige le groupe “Top Compas” rapidement rebaptisé “Super Combo de Nemours Jean-Baptiste”. Il continue à se produire avec régularité, bien que sa carrière ne suive plus la même trajectoire ascendante.
Il connaît toutefois un succès notable aux Antilles et en France avec le tube “Ti Carole” au début des années 1970, qui reste classé pendant six mois dans le hit-parade de Radio France Inter. Ce titre demeure son seul grand succès en dehors d’Haïti.
La dernière décennie de sa vie, entre 1975 et 1985, est marquée par l’adversité. Oublié par certains, il connaît toutefois un regain de reconnaissance en 1980 lors d’une grande fête célébrant les 25 ans du Compas au club Olympia Palace, organisée par Eddy Zamor. Il y est salué comme une légende vivante.
En 1981, il partage la scène avec son éternel rival Webert Sicot. Cette même année, il est confronté à de graves problèmes de santé : atteint d’un cancer de la prostate et désormais aveugle, son état se dégrade rapidement. Sa famille l’exhorte à se faire soigner aux États-Unis, mais il choisit de finir ses jours en Haïti, affirmant que sa vraie valeur ne serait reconnue qu’après sa mort.
Nemours Jean-Baptiste s’éteint le 18 mai 1985, le jour même des funérailles d’une autre icône de la musique haïtienne, Ti Manno. S’il était encore en vie, 2025 marquerait son centenaire.
Son héritage est inestimable. Comme le chante “Tabou Combo” dans son hommage intitulé “Hommage à Nemours” sorti en 1980 :
“Li pa ban nou lajan, li pa ba nou travay, men li ban nou konpa. Ala yon bèl eritaj sa a.”
Traduction française: “Il ne nous a pas donné de l’argent ni du travail, mais il nous a légué le compas. Quel bel héritage !”
Another 11 homes for children have been ‘adopted’ in phase four of First Lady Arya Ali’s ‘adopt-an-orphanage’ initiative. Over the next 12 months, these homes will receive sponsorship from private companies to primarily cover their utilities and other monthly expenses.
This was announced by the First Lady at the launch of phase four on Friday at State House in Georgetown, where representatives of the homes and their sponsors signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to initiate the new phase.
The 11 orphanages to receive support during this period are: A Sanctuary Children’s Home, Bless the Children Home, Hauraruni Girls’ Home, Hope Children’s Home, Joshua House Children Centre, Prabhu Sharan Orphanage, Red Cross Children’s Convalescent Home, Ruimveldt Children’s Home and Care Center, Shaheed’s Boys’ Orphanage, Shaheed’s Girls’ Orphanage, and St. John’s Bosco Orphanage.
Delivering the featured remarks, Mrs. Ali shared, “Today, we’re here to launch the fourth phase of this programme which we will run for another year. So, over the next twelve months, eleven orphanages will be sponsored by private companies represented here today. This sponsorship will primarily cover their utilities and some other monthly expenses.”
Arya Ali, First Lady of Guyana (Photo: News Room)
Some of the sponsors making this new phase a possibility are: Amara Hope Foundation, IB Construction, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Guyana, Guyana Shore Base Inc., Premier Construction, Comfort Sleep Guyana, and J’s Supermarket.
The First Lady also mentioned that since its inception in 2021, the initiative has seen almost G$100 million invested in the development of these and other homes, and the children that live in them.
“Yesterday, while finalising preparations for today’s launch, I decided to crunch some numbers just to get an idea of the level of investment we’ve made since 2021.
“I’m proud to share with you today that from 2021, when this programme was launched, to its fourth instalment, with the support of the private sector, we have invested close to G$100 million in these homes. That is an average of G$25 million a year being invested in the lives of our children who live in these homes.”
She further expounded on how the investments were translated into ways that benefit the homes and children.
“Apart from the monthly sponsorship of utilities and recurrent expenses, we’ve had contractors do repairs and maintenance at many of these homes. We’ve sponsored health services for children, including eye tests and the provision of free spectacles. We’ve provided school supplies, we’ve hosted a number of recreational activities, including toy drives, movie nights, and picnics, and let’s not forget dental care.”
Mrs. Ali explained that these investments are not just to improve the physical buildings and offer financial support, but to create homes and inspire dreams.
She also said that the Government will continue to invest and provide support to the homes, and has already discussed plans to extend additional support through the annual subvention, and other supporting facilities.
“This additional support will no doubt enhance these care facilities and provide an even more enabling environment for the care and upbringing they need.”
Providing a testimony to the programme was the Administrator of Shaheed’s Boys’ and Girls’ Orphanages, Melissa Permaul.
“We have been blessed to experience the benefits of this initiative first-hand through the First Lady’s intervention and the generosity of our sponsors who answered the call. We have been able to meet critical needs in a timely manner.
Melissa Permaul, Administrator of Shaheed’s Boys’ and Girls’ Orphanages (Photo: News Room)
“Basic necessities that are often taken for granted: electricity, water, proper sanitisation, have been consistently available at our homes. Utilities, once a source of constant worry, are now reliably covered.
“Beyond the material support, the initiative has also brought something equally important: dignity and hope. The boys and girls now understand that they are heard, seen, valued, and supported by people who care about their future.”
Also speaking at the launch was Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, who lauded the programme.
“These are the kinds of initiatives that we want to see amplify, accelerate in terms of its impact, and the kind of initiatives that will take root in every region of our country.”
Dr. Vindhya Persaud, Minister of Human Services and Social Security (Photo: News Room)
Dr. Persaud spoke of the importance of having trained individuals in each home to provide care for the children. She encouraged those with homes, orphanages, and shelters to ensure every person they employ receives training since the Ministry is providing it at no cost.
“This is to make sure that they can (treat children), even children with disabilities, in the same way as they treat any child of their own in their family.”
Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Guyana, Yang Yang, said the programme speaks to the endurance and strength of the China-Guyana friendship, which she called a partnership grounded not only in economic ties, but in human connection and the belief in children’s futures.
Yang Yang, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Guyana (Photo: News Room)
“Today’s donation is more than a gesture of charity. It is an investment in dignity, an investment in stability, and an investment in the very future of Guyana.”
The Director of the Childcare and Protection Agency within the Human Services Ministry, Levine Gouveia, described the initiative as “not just symbolic” but “transformative,” and commended First Lady Ali.
Levine Gouveia, Director of the Childcare and Protection Agency (Photo: News Room)
“By adopting an orphanage, the First Lady is doing what the law can’t do on its own.
“Her involvement in uplifting standards attract resources and show leaders, public and private, what real accountability and compassion looks like.”
In a move to strengthen support for victims of violence, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has launched a new chat feature on the iMatter mobile app.
The feature, introduced on Friday, enhances the app’s functionality by allowing users to communicate through text when calling is not an option, offering a safe and discreet lifeline to those in distress.
“Today, I am proud to launch the chat feature to the iMatter app.
“This means, if persons are in situations where they can’t call, they can chat,” Dr Persaud revealed on Friday.
The iMatter app, which already offers users a direct connection to the 914 emergency hotline, now includes a secure chat function designed for discreet communication.
“It provides a safe and secure way of talking to people when they need help instead of them calling,” Dr Persaud said.
She noted that the app is equipped with a wide range of resources tailored to tackle violence across all regions.
“Aside from calling 914, when you download the iMatter app, you will see 914. You can hit that button and connect right away. It has all the resources in every region to tackle violence,” Dr Persaud said.
The introduction of the chat feature is a critical addition, particularly for victims who may be in immediate danger and unable to speak freely.
“Sometimes people are in such terrible situations. They cannot call because it is not safe. They can chat… in cases of violence,” she said.
The initiative forms part of the ministry’s efforts as it continues to push digital innovation as part of its broader strategy to ensure timely and accessible support for vulnerable individuals across Guyana.
In a move aimed at strengthening support for victims of gender-based violence, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has launched a Women’s Hub at Vergenoegen, Region Three.
The hub is located within the Hope and Justice Center building and is designed to serve as a “one-stop shop” for individuals in need of urgent assistance.
Victims will be able to access legal, medical, and social services all under one roof, streamlining the process of getting help during critical times.
Victims will be able to access legal, medical, and social services all under one roof (Photo: Ministry of HSSS/July 25, 2025)
Significantly, the facility also includes a temporary shelter that offers a haven for those escaping violent environments. Plans are also underway to establish a forensic unit and, child advocacy center for women and children.
The newly-launched facility is the second of its kind in the country and the largest to date, according to Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud.
“This center opened here last year with a purpose.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud opened the Women Hub (Photo: News Room/July 25, 2025)
“Too often, we see many persons losing their lives, being injured or hurt because of the perpetrators of violence. This space was created to offer immediate help, protection and hope,” Dr Persaud said.
Dr Persaud highlighted the stigma that many survivors face when coming forward, noting that 98 per cent of victims have families, many of whom do not intervene early enough.
“Don’t wait until it gets out of hand. Don’t wait until you don’t have time to report. Intervene early. Families must understand their responsibilities in preventing violence,” she urged.
Victims will be able to access legal, medical, and social services all under one roof (Photo: Ministry of HSSS/July 25, 2025)
She further emphasised that legal reform is also playing a critical role in creating a safer environment for survivors. To this end, Dr Persaud said the Family Violence Act has created a legal environment for both civil and criminal action.
Looking ahead, she called for stricter consequences for offenders.
“I would like to see some of these offences become non-bailable because too often, perpetrators go right back and harm the victim again.
“Sometimes it is not abuse. Sometimes it’s about emotional balance. Sometimes you just need to take a break or to be reminded that empowerment is just a stone’s throw away,” Dr Persaud said.
Residents of Mahdia and Campbelltown in Region Eight (Potaro- Suparuni) will now pay less for the electricity they receive, President Dr. Irfaan Ali said on Friday.
In an invited comment, the President said all residents who get electricity from the Mahdia Power and Light Company Inc will get a 30% reduction in tariffs. This move took effect from July 1, 2025.
President Ali said the decision to slash the tariffs was made following the introduction of power from a new solar farm in Mahdia.
President Ali also vowed that there will be further incentives to reduce the cost of electricity for hinterland and riverain communities by the end of the year. Accompanying these plans will be the introduction of the 300-megawatt Gas-to-Energy, which is expected to slash local energy costs by 50%.
These plans are part of the government’s commitment to infuse more renewable energy sources into the local energy sector while simultaneously slashing costs.
Other solar projects will support the communities of Linden, Wakenaam, Bartica, and Lethem. There is also a major hinterland electrification programme through which all households are being outfitted with small solar panels.
Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony has said that 12,000 women benefited from the Ministry of Health’s cervical cancer screening programme last year.
Dr Anthony made the disclosure during the launch of the human papillomavirus (HPV) 9-valent vaccine, a medication used to prevent the cancer. Emphasising the need for screening, the Minister said this is the second most common cancer affecting women in Guyana. The Ministry aims to have at least 40 per cent of the female population screened for cervical cancer.
“Last year, when we first started this programme, we had close to 12,000 women take part in the programme, and of those women, approximately 2,000 tested positive. This year, we have also set aside enough resources and we want to test more women,” the Health Minister said.
The vouchers amount to $8,000 and are available at health centres. They can be used at both private and public healthcare providers.
Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, during his remarks on Wednesday. (Photo: Ministry of Health)
“The government is paying for those vouchers, and we distribute them at all our different health facilities.
“The private part is that labs and hospitals in the private sector—people can choose to go to any of these places, present the vouchers, and they will be able to have the test or screening done. The results are then collected,” Dr Anthony said.
He said the Ministry is providing follow-ups and treatment for persons who test positive for HPV infections.
The HPV screen testing is recommended to mitigate late cervical cancer diagnosis. (Getty Images)
Women are urged to visit health centres, where they can collect the vouchers and utilise this service. The vaccine to prevent HPV infections is also available, and the Ministry intends to reach a 90 per cent uptake, up from the current 71 per cent.
Additionally, the Minister said several mammogram machines have been installed at hospitals across the country. This greatly improves access to breast cancer screening, making it possible for early treatment where needed.
Lovers of cricket on the Essequibo Coast are highly anticipating witnessing matches in the third Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, with ‘Super Sunday’ set for July 27.
The Managing Director for FL Sport, John Ramsingh, has been on the ground since Wednesday.
According to him, the excitement is high as fans can witness the thrills of the ‘Blast’ in person after following it online for the previous two editions.
“The atmosphere in Essequibo is amazing; they are truly looking forward to the matches, especially given some West Indies players have indicated their availability to play for teams. The three previous zones have produced nothing short of phenomenal cricket, and I am confident, Essequibo will be no different”.
West Indies players Shamar Joseph, Kyle Mayers and Ronsford Beaton are among a fleet of talented cricketers to feature.
He added, “We have complimentary tickets for the national finals, tickets that fans use to win prizes, and they are going fast.”
Matches in Essequibo will be held at Pomona Ground, Richmond Ballfield, Hampton Court, and Anna Regina Ground, with the finals held under lights.
Montra Jaguars (Berbice), Eccles All-Stars (East Bank Demerara/West Demerara), and Titans All-Stars (East Coast/ Georgetown) are the three-zone champions, and attention is now on who will fill the final spot.
The participating teams for the Essequibo zone are: Aurora Knight Riders, Team Evolution, Team Royals, Renegades Cricket Club, The United Crew, Mahdia (Movements Family), Matarkai CPG, Bartica Royals, Moruca Super Strikers, Queenstown (Ariel XI), Inevitable XI, Avinash All-Stars, and Essequibo Jaguars.
Adding to the excitement, admission to all venues throughout the tournament is free, and matches commence at 09:00h.
Beyond the bragging rights, significant financial rewards are also on offer. The zone champion will receive a handsome $300,000, while the runner-up will receive $100,000.
However, the stakes get even higher at the national final, where teams will vie for an additional $1.7 million grand prize.
The national runner-up will pocket $700,000 along with a trophy and medals, and even the losing semi-finalists will be rewarded with $300,000 each.
The national finals will be on Sunday, August 3, at the National Stadium, Providence.
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).
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 Construction, Demerara Mutual Life Insurance, Continental Transportation, and Environmental & Technical Solutions.
A total of 141 persons including ranks attached to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) who underwent skills training programmes conducted through a collaboration between the GPF and the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) graduated on Friday.
The 120 men and 21 women are now equipped to undertake various skills-related projects, including operating heavy-duty equipment and installing fibre optics.
During a brief ceremony at the Guyana Police Training Centre, Camp Street, Georgetown, Richard Maughn, Chief Executive Officer of the Board of Industrial Training—an agency of the Ministry of Labour—urged the graduates to utilise the knowledge gained during the costly training sessions. The training programmes collectively amounted to some $12 million, Maughn said.
“Go out and work with dignity and with confidence, knowing that a lot was invested in you so that you could contribute to the development of our country,” Maughn said.
He also reminded the graduands to maintain discipline and dedication as they enter the workforce and utilise their skills.
More of the persons who graduated on Friday. (Photo: Department of Public Information)
Forty persons completed the ETA fibre optics installation programme, which is a highly accredited certification. Through collaboration with the Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC), 84 persons were trained in heavy-duty equipment operations, and through the regular training programme of the Guyana Police Force, 41 ranks were trained.
Maughn added that the government invested this money with the aim of improving the quality of education and training for the ranks.
Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh, in his remarks, said the development of society relies on its ability to provide reliable service and quality training to improve human capacity.
He urged the ranks to continue their efforts to upskill themselves.
“We were awarded an opportunity that allows us to serve in areas beyond law enforcement.
“Our ranks are now positioned and given the opportunity to perform in other areas. We are giving ourselves a chance to grow, as a country should,” the Traffic Chief said.
The ranks can now utilise these skills both within the Police Force and to earn additional income.
A search party has been activated to locate a resident of Moraikobai Village, Region Five, who went missing after two boats collided in the village Friday morning.
The missing man has been identified as Charles Osbourne.
“There was an accident, it occurred probably about 09:30 this morning with two boats and as a result one person [is missing],” Derrick John, Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) and also Toshao of Moraikobai told the News Room.
John said Osbourne was driving a 15hp outboard Yamaha engine boat when a collision occurred with a 250hp engine boat, which was transporting people into the village.
The village is scheduled to celebrate its 100th year anniversary on Saturday.