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President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Wednesday officially launched the Global Biodiversity Alliance (GBA) in partnership with regional member states, conservationists, researchers and financiers at the Arthur Chung Conference Center (ACCC).

Known as the “Georgetown Declaration,” the signatories committed to advancing efforts to support the Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) – an international agreement adopted in 2022 to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.

The secretariat will be based in Guyana, which has allocated a team to ensure that the work of the alliance is implemented through its members.

“Guyana has agreed that we’re going to host the Secretariat here, we’re going to put the resources to host the Secretariat here to follow-up the work of this Alliance and conference,” President Ali stated.

The initiative was lauded by the delegates during a plenary session hosted ahead of the signing.

President of the Dominican Republic Luis Abinader in his remarks noted that the eco-system of small islands are fragile. Therefore, he said “we need a thriving force of real robust financial solutions that ensure equity for countries of the global south and in particular, small island developing states.”

He added that biodiversity is the foundation of food security, health and economic well-being.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley who noted that the issues faced by the planet cannot be addressed without addressing climate and biodiversity and pollution all at the same time.

“Those of us therefore who live this reality in the region, have come to understand that while we will argue strongly internationally, we must act even stronger locally. Today is an example of such local action,” she highlighted.

Belize Minister of Sustainable Development and Climate Change, Orlando Habet, in his address said while there is shared responsibility to safeguard biodiversity, support livelihood, and build resilience, “we need more implementation agencies that are Caribbean, that feel what we feel, that know our culture, that understand the needs and can see the gaps that need to be filled for since.”

He referred to collaborations which existed following the 9-1-1 tragedy, the tsunami of 2004, and COVID-19.

“Our ambition must be matched by solidarity. Our efforts must be underpinned by coordinated regional platforms, strengthened institutions, and inclusive governance,” he noted.

Each delegate also highlighted the systems they have in place to combat climate change and improve the livelihoods of their indigenous peoples and those affected by climate issues. These measures include establishing authorities, expanding conservation zones, increasing investments in biodiversity programmes and more.

The GBA leverages the unique strengths of its members to implement innovative solutions that effectively conserve biodiversity and mitigate environmental degradation. It will look at financing for nature-based enterprises, supporting community-driven finance models that place Indigenous leadership at the centre, piloting biodiversity credits that reward stewardship, and expand debt-for-nature swaps modeled by Guyana’s experience.
Delegates were invited to deliver remarks highlighting their achievements, challenges and opportunities within their countries relating to biodiversity protection.

The document was signed by President Ali, President of the Dominican Republic Luis Abinader, Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Former President of the Republic of Colombia Iván Duque Márquez, Chief Executive Officer of Conservation International (CI) Dr. M. Sanjayan, Managing Director of the Yale University’s Center for Biodiversity and Global Change Dr. Alexander Killion, Executive Director of Frankfurt Zoological Society Dr. Christof Schenck, Senior Director of the Keller Science Action Centre Dr. Erin Hagen, Director of the Campaign for Nature Dr. Brian O’Donnell, Chairperson of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Derrick John, Macushi Conservation Leader of the South Rupununi Conservation Society Leroy Ignacio, Vice President of the Republic of Ecuador María José Pinto, Principal Executive for Ecosystems and biodiversity for the Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean Mauricio Velásquez, Head of Origination EMEA, Environmental Products, Mercuria/ Silvania.

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To enhance connectivity and better accommodate traffic, the sum of $14.4 billion will be invested to upgrade main access roads across several East Coast Demerara villages.

The project will see the expansion of narrow roads into four-lane carriageways capable of handling the growing traffic demand.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, during visits to the communities on Tuesday, said the expansion is in response to the rapid population and infrastructural development along the East Coast corridor. Some projects have gotten underway already.

“Because the East Coast corridor has become so populated because of development, traffic control is now a big necessity.

“These roads are genuinely too narrow and too small. So, what we are doing now is that the main access roads in all the villages where it needs to be addressed in this first round, we are doing that now,” Edghill said.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill visited the communities and engage with residents (Photos: Minister Juan Edghill FB/July 22, 2025)

The initiative will benefit several communities including La Bonne Intention (LBI), Mon Repos, Annandale, Lusignan, Coldingen, and Nabacalis, with upgraded access roads leading directly into villages.

Construction works will focus on excavating and rebuilding entire roadways to accommodate two-lane traffic flows, installing concrete drains on both sides, and providing shoulders that will serve as pedestrian walkways.

“The intent is to create better access and accommodate traffic in an enhanced manner,” Edghill said.

Temporary access routes will be provided to minimise disruption during construction.

Importantly, the government has assured residents that economic activity will not be affected by the roadworks.

The project deadlines range from 6 to 12 months.

“We are doing what is necessary now with a long-term view. We’ve got to get a lot of work done to upgrade it so you, the residents who will be the beneficiaries, will be satisfied,” Edghill said.

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The United States government is concerned about the possibility of sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed getting elected to Parliament, even in an opposition position, according to its Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot. 

“Anytime a US Department of the Treasury, OFAC-sanctioned individual has the potential to become a member of government, that is concerning for us. It is problematic in multiple ways,” Theriot told reporters at the sidelines of an event on Wednesday. 

If he goes to Parliament, she explained, the US would not be able to interact with him in any way. So, support for any committees or initiatives would not be forthcoming. 

She also said that his election would have ramifications for US/ Guyana private sector relations. 

“They [the US private sector] sometimes look to derisk or to cut ties with the country.

“All these US companies want to come to Guyana… I don’t want- if he were to become a member of the government- that to change,” Theriot noted. 

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of the Treasury, on June 11, 2024, announced the imposition of sanctions against the Mohamed’s family, specifically targeting Nazar Mohamed, his son Azruddin Mohamed, and their businesses, namely Mohamed’s Enterprise, Hadi’s World and Team Mohamed’s Racing. These sanctions were connected to gold smuggling and corruption. Former Permanent Secretary of the Home Affairs Ministry, Mae Thomas, was also sanctioned.

Because of these sanctions from the US body, business licences the Mohameds had were rescinded and their bank accounts were closed. In May, Azruddin announced his intention to run for President, and his party, We Invest in Nationhood, is one of six parties approved to contest the 2025 General and Regional Elections. 

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President Dr Irfaan Ali on Tuesday revealed that at least 2,000 individuals are needed over the next five to seven years to meet the growing demand of the country’s maritime sector. And so, to meet this demand, the government is partnering with the United Kingdom and Nations University to establish a certification programme.

“I was talking to Mr Thomas and his team recently, they said to me that, the future demand over the next five to seven years, we will need to train at least 2000 persons to work in this sector and we are aggressively pursuing a human capital development programme that is not only going to train our people but to have them certified,” President Ali told those who attended the Shipping Association of Guyana networking and business mixer on Tuesday evening.

The goal, the Head of State explained, is to train and certify 100 per cent of Guyanese to support maritime and offshore operations.

He emphasised that the maritime industry is central to Guyana’s national development strategy and commended private sector investments that are already transforming the industry, pointing to new dockyards, dredging operations, and modern docking facilities.

A US$120,000 initiative to train women for careers in the maritime sector is ongoing through a partnership between Tidewater Inc. and the Office of the First Lady.

Through this three-year project, 10 young women will pursue Cadet Certificate training programmes as officers-in-charge of navigational watch or officers-in-charge of engineering watch. The final year of training will be spent onboard a seagoing ship.

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(Reuters)  Ozzy Osbourne, frontman of 1970s heavy metal band Black Sabbath, earned his infamy biting the head off a bat on stage and pursuing a drug-fuelled lifestyle before reinventing himself as a loveable if often foul-mouthed reality TV star.

Known to fans as “The Prince of Darkness” and the “Godfather of Heavy Metal,” Osbourne has died at the age of 76, his family said in a statement on Tuesday.

“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love,” they said.

Osbourne kicked off his career in the early 1970s as singer on Black Sabbath’s hits, from “Paranoid” to “War Pigs” to “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath”. Those plus a string of solo releases saw him sell more than 100 million records worldwide.

The hard riffs and dark subject matter – from depression to war to apocalypse – combined with an instinct for Halloween theatrics. As a performer, Osbourne sprinkled audiences with raw meat and, in 1982, had his encounter with a bat thrown on stage by a fan.

He always insisted he thought it was a toy until he bit into it, realised his mistake and rushed to hospital for a rabies shot. He later sold branded bat soft toys with a removable head.

Osbourne was a regular target for conservative and religious groups concerned about the negative impact of rock music on young people. He acknowledged the excesses of his lifestyle and lyrics – but poured scorn on the wilder reports that he was an actual devil-worshipper.

“I’ve done some bad things in my time. But I ain’t the devil. I’m just John Osbourne: a working-class kid from Aston who quit his job in the factory and went looking for a good time,” he said in a 2010 biography.

REALITY SHOW STAR

John Michael Osbourne was the fourth of six children. Growing up in Aston, Birmingham, in central England, he struggled with dyslexia, left school at age 15, did a series of menial jobs, and at one point served a brief prison sentence for burglary. Then came Black Sabbath.

“When I was growing up, if you’d have put me up against a wall with the other kids from my street and asked me which one of us was gonna make it to the age of 60, with five kids and four grandkids and houses in Buckinghamshire and California, I wouldn’t have put money on me, no fucking way,” he once said.

Britain’s Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, a member of parliament representing a Birmingham constituency, wrote on X that she was devastated to hear the news of his death.

“One of the greatest gifts my city gave the world,” Mahmood said.
In 2002, Osbourne won legions of new fans when he starred in U.S. reality TV show “The Osbournes”.

Cameras followed the aging rock god ambling round his huge house in Beverly Hills, pronouncing on events in his heavy Birmingham accent and looking on bemused at the antics of his family.

Osbourne’s family included wife and manager Sharon, five children including Jack, Kelly and Aimee, and several grandchildren.

No cause of death was given, but Osbourne revealed in 2020 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The illness made him unable to walk.

In his final concert on July 5 in Birmingham, Osbourne performed sitting, at times appearing to have difficulties speaking as he thanked thousands of adoring fans, some of whom were visibly emotional.

Osbourne’s performance followed a number of tributes on stage and on stadium screens from rock and pop royalty including Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, Metallica’s James Hetfield and Elton John.

“Thanks for your support over the years. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you,” said Osbourne.

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Three remanded were remanded to prison on Tuesday after being charged with armed robbery.

The individuals charged are Delroy Parks, also known as “Sickie,” 42, a laborer from Lot 50, Cromerty Village; Amzad Ally, known as “Cow,” 30, a taxi driver from No. 70 Village; and Antwan Kyte, known as “Turtle,” 34, a security guard from Lot 45 (B), Dukestown, Corriverton. They appeared at the Springlands Magistrates’ Court, where Magistrate Tuanna Hardy presided over the proceedings.

During the court session, Magistrate Hardy presented the charge against the accused, stating that on Saturday, July 19th, 2025, they robbed Ramona Crawford at Number 58 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

Parks, Ally, and Kyte entered their plea of not guilty.

Consequently, Magistrate Hardy remanded the trio and transferred the case to the Number 51 Magistrates’ Court.

Reports indicate that on the evening of July 19, 2025, around 22:00 hrs, four individuals left their home to socialize and drink in Skeldon, Corriverton, Berbice. While enjoying their time, they encountered Delroy Parks. As the group was leaving the bar, Parks confronted them, reportedly uttering, “Why are you watching me? I’m just a bodyguard.” They continued on their way home.

Upon arriving back at their residence, the victims entered their yard only to be confronted by two masked men armed with handguns. The victims identified one of the assailants as Parks, based on his appearance and clothing, which matched what he wore at the bar, save for the addition of a mask. The second robber was reportedly wearing a blue shirt.

According to reports, the assailants demanded cash and jewelry at gunpoint, resulting in the victims being deprived of an undisclosed amount of both. The robbers fled on foot toward a field wagon parked to the south.

Acting on information received, Police officers spotted one of the suspects, identified as Delroy Parks, drinking beer and dressed in the same clothing described by the victims. He was arrested, cautioned, and transported to the Springlands Police Station.

During a search, a gold bangle was discovered in Parks’ pants. When questioned about the bangle, which bears an engraved name, he claimed it was obtained through a trade for marijuana.

Additionally, on Monday at around 16:00 hrs, Police summoned Amzad Ally to the CID office at the Springlands Police Station for questioning regarding his involvement in the armed robbery.

During this interview, Ally admitted that Parks and a third individual known as Turtle had enlisted his help to drop them off at Number 58 Village to carry out the robbery and later pick them up. He stated he left them at Dukestown, Corriverton.

The investigation also led to the recovery of a .32 pistol, including a magazine containing five suspected live rounds, from one of the suspects’ homes.

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A tragic incident has occurred in Number 71 Village, Corentyne Berbice, where a 19-year-old boy, Yodesh Inderjit, has drowned while hunting for wild ducks.

Yodesh, a carpenter, set out with two friends around 3:00 PM to pursue ‘wisy wisy’ ducks along the sea dam in the village on Monday.

His father, Loknauth Narine, told the News Room that he was informed by a man at a supermarket around 4:00 PM that his son had drowned. Without hesitation, Narine rushed to the scene to investigate.

Upon arrival, he was directed to the area where Yodesh had reportedly drowned. Narine, along with others, searched the vicinity and quickly found Yodesh submerged in the water. Despite immediate efforts to save him, Yodesh was pronounced dead at the Skeldon Public Hospital.

Yodesh’s mother, Roopawattie Latchman, firmly believes that her son did not drown, as he was an experienced swimmer. She expressed concerns about conflicting accounts from his friends regarding the events that unfolded.

According to one of the friends, while they were swimming, one of them fell into a deep section of the water.

Roopawattie mentioned that while the other guy was helping the one who got stuck in deep, her son was waiting behind.

“Then he tell me that he nah know if when he was holding they guy he fire one kick soild on Yodesh stomach and he go down,” she said.

Roopawattie highlighted that this was Yodesh’s first hunting trip with these two friends, as he had previously gone out with other groups without issue. She emphasised that her son had no known conflicts with anyone in the area.

Roopawattie is calling for a thorough police investigation to clarify the circumstances surrounding her son’s untimely death.

“Me want to know exactly what happen to me son because me nah please with this wah happen. To me own feelings, me son nah drown and dead because he know fuh swim and dive,” she stated confidently.

An investigation is currently underway.

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Three down and one more to go from a zone perspective in the third Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast as the final zone champion will be crowned in the Cinderella County of Essequibo this weekend.

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.

Matches in Essequibo will be held on Saturday, July 26, at Pomona Ground and Hampton Court, while on Sunday, all the action moves to Anna Regina Ground.

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 09:30h on Saturday.

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.

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The Cue Sports Association Guyana (CSAG) has announced its next national ranking tournament, “Uncle Alfred’s King of the Slate 9-Ball Challenge,” set to begin on August 17, 2025.

The event, which promises to be a local cue sports calendar highlight, will occur at Butcher’s Chill Spot on Sheriff Street.

With over GYD$500,000 in prize money, the tournament aims to attract the nation’s top talent.

Players will compete for cash prizes and crucial ranking points, which could elevate them to the coveted position of Guyana’s number one-ranked pool player.

The CSAG encourages all pool enthusiasts and competitors to participate, emphasizing the importance of these ranking tournaments for those aspiring to climb the competitive ladder.

This event underscores the CSAG’s ongoing commitment to fostering local talent and promoting the sport of billiards across Guyana.

Spectators can anticipate a thrilling atmosphere filled with skillful play and strong sportsmanship as players battle for the “King of the Slate” title.

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(CNN) The United States will require international visitors to pay a new “visa integrity fee” of at least $250, added to existing visa costs, according to a provision in the Trump administration’s recently enacted domestic policy bill.

The fee will apply to all visitors who are required to obtain nonimmigrant visas to enter the United States. This includes many leisure and business travelers, international students and other temporary visitors. In fiscal year 2024, the US issued nearly 11 million nonimmigrant visas, according to State Department figures.

Tourists and business travelers from countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program, including Australia and many European countries, aren’t required to obtain visas for stays of 90 days or less. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) fees associated with the program are expected to increase to at least $40, according to the bill, nearly double the current amount.

Payment of the new “integrity fee” for nonimmigrant visas will be required at the time visas are issued, and there will be no fee waivers. Travelers who comply with their visa conditions can have their fees reimbursed after the trip is over, according to the provision.

Immigration attorney Steven A. Brown, a partner at Houston-based Reddy Neumann Brown PC, characterized the fee as a “refundable security deposit,” in a recent post about the new policy. The mechanism for obtaining a refund is still unclear, Brown pointed out.

“In terms of the purpose of the fee, it’s hard to say,” Brown said in an email to CNN. “Generally, immigration fees are to cover the expense of adjudication or issuance,” but he noted that the reimbursement provision could mean refunding all of the fees gained. “In a perfect world, there would be no overstays or visa violations.”

The Department of Homeland Security, the agency instituting the new fee, has not yet offered specifics about the refund process or any other aspects of the policy’s rollout.

“The visa integrity fee requires cross-agency coordination before implementation,” a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said in a statement to CNN.

A State Department spokesperson said the fee was established “to support the administration’s priorities of strengthening immigration enforcement, deterring visa overstays, and funding border security.”

Fees that aren’t reimbursed will be “deposited into the general fund of the Treasury,” the provision in the bill says.

The initial fee, for fiscal year 2025, is outlined as the greater of either $250 or “such amount as the Secretary of Homeland Security may establish, by rule.”

Brown suggested that the rule is likely to be implemented through a rulemaking process involving its publication in the Federal Register.

The fee is subject to annual adjustments for inflation.

The State Department spokesperson said details related to the change, implemented by DHS, will be posted on the State Department’s visa information page.

The U.S. Travel Association, a national nonprofit organization aimed at increasing travel to and within the United States, praised other parts of the domestic policy bill that would invest in modernizing customs and air traffic control, but called the new visa fee “a giant leap backwards.”

“This fee, which will be at least $250 and comes on top of existing visa fees, adds an unnecessary financial barrier for international visitors,” said Erik Hansen, senior vice president of government relations for the association, in a statement.

According to U.S. Travel’s calculation, the fee would boost the “upfront costs” of visiting the US by 144%. “Even if it is technically reimbursable, the added complexity and cost will discourage visitors,” Hansen said.

Hansen pointed out that many visas are valid for 10 years.

“So while the fee is a temporary charge aimed at ensuring compliance, the visa term can often be long enough where it won’t feel temporary and raises challenges with implementing a refund,” he said.

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