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The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has twenty-seven (27) candidates under the age of 25 on its candidates’ list for the 2025 General and Regional Elections.

On Sunday, several of those young professionals joined the party’s rally at Albion Estate Road, Berbice, endorsing President Dr Irfaan Ali for a second term in office.

Some of those who took the stage included the Regional Health Officer of Region Six, Dr Vinashri Khirodhar; Toshao of Orealla/Siparuta, Laurence Vandenburgh; former A Partnership for National Unity councillor, Shaun Smith; as well as other health professionals, attorneys, and entertainers.

Dr Khirodhar, in her address to those gathered at the rally, noted that this is “a fantastic era” for medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory technicians, and other health professionals in the medical fraternity.

One of the PPP’s young candidates for the September 1, 2025 General and Regional Elections is Nicholas Sagadaya. He spoke at the Albion Rally on Sunday (Photo: News Room/ July 20, 2025)

She said there has been significant progress over the past five years, not only in Region Six but across all administrative regions.

“This is the time to give the PPP/C another term,” the RHO emphasised.

Toshao Vandenburgh spoke of the progress seen in Orealla and Siparuta over the past year since he was elected to office. He said the government has fulfilled most of its promises in the communities and “once they take office again, the progress will continue.”

Some of the new developments he highlighted include the construction of a new secondary school, which will ease travel to the coast for many students; land clearing for agriculture; provision of planting materials; training of young people for work; employment of part-time workers; better healthcare facilities; and more.

Former President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union, Mark Lyte also spoke at the rally. Lyte, a Berbice headteacher, said, “As an educator for over three decades, I can tell you, the education sector has never seen the kind of growth we have experienced in the last five years… We have also seen the extent to which training of teachers has gone beyond our expectation.”

“I want to say this progress is something that we need to build on. And the PPP/C is saying, forward together for a better Guyana,” Lyte declared at the PPP/C’s massive rally at Albion in Berbice.

Mark Lyte addressing the Albion Crowd (Photo: News Room/ July 20, 2025)

Former APNU councillor on the Regional Democratic Council of Region Six, Shaun Smith, in his address, pointed out that the PPP/C is the only party that has the ability to unite the people of Guyana in a true sense.

“Wherever there is unity, there is strength, and because there is unity in the PPP/C, we can guarantee progress,” he noted.

“The blue team nor the green team could not draw this crowd,” he added.

He spoke of progress over the past five years, which has moved the country from “lagging under the APNU” to a booming economy.

Other speakers highlighted progress that has been made in the education, health, sport, and other sectors, such as the construction of new hospitals, a stadium in Region Six, and free education through scholarships and the move to make the University of Guyana tuition-free.

The post PPP/C only party to take Guyana forward – Region Six young professionals appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Police on Sunday arrested 21-year-old Shaka Phillips, the man who is accused of murdering his ex-partner, Jenel Pollydore, on Saturday night.

Police Headquarters confirmed that Phillips, also known as ‘Concrete Man’, was apprehended at around 15:35 hrs at South Amelia’s Ward, Linden.

He is currently in custody as the investigations into the matter continue.

“The Guyana Police Force would also like to thank those citizens who cooperated with the Police, leading to Shaka Phillips being captured,” the Police said.

Police also said it remains committed to ensuring justice is served and is urging members of the public to be forthcoming with any information that may assist the active probe.

Linden teacher, 26, shot and killed by abusive ex-partner

Pollydore, 26, was shot and killed at a wedding reception in Linden though she had obtained a restraining order against Phillips.

Phillips’ father is one of her three children.

The Guyana Police Force reported that Pollydore and the suspect had separated after living together due to “constant” abuse she faced and she had obtained a restraining order against him.

Police said that at around 21:20 hrs, persons went to the R & R Hotel located in Central Amelia’s War to attend a wedding reception. Enquiries revealed that Phillips journeyed to the hotel in a fit of rage since Pollydore was not answering her phone.

Pollydore’s relative, Malika Pollydore, related to the Police that her aunt was standing at the entrance of the hotel when she was approached by the suspect.

The suspect reportedly asked Pollydore why she wasn’t answering her phone.

An argument ensued between them, and the suspect reportedly took out a handgun and discharged a round at Pollydore.

The woman then ran to the hotel pool area. Phillips chased after her and discharged two more rounds before escaping.

Pollydore collapsed, and the Police were summoned. Her body was examined and two gunshot wounds were seen to her face and head.

Two 9mm spent shells were recovered at the scene.

The post Suspect in Linden teacher’s murder arrested appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Guyana’s governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is enjoying its strongest-ever public support ahead of the September 1 elections, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh said on Sunday as he addressed what he called the largest crowd ever to gather at the party’s Albion rally ground in the sugar belt of Berbice.

“We are seeing the biggest crowd that has ever gathered at Albion,” Singh declared.

“Wherever we have gone in preparation for the 1st of September, we have seen the biggest crowd ever gathered at a rally. That sends a powerful message that the PPP is at its strongest ever.”

Singh praised the leadership of President Irfaan Ali and the PPP’s record in government, contrasting it sharply with the former APNU+AFC coalition, which he blamed for widespread economic hardship and the closure of key sugar estates.

Berbicians at the PPP/C’s Albion, Berbice rally (Photo: July 20, 2025)

“You know how it felt to live under APNU+AFC – when that coalition closed the estates and the economy dried up,” Singh said to loud applause.

“You have seen President Ali assume office, you have seen his vision, you have thousands back at work, and development throughout the region.”

He credited the PPP’s return to office with sweeping improvements across sectors and communities.

“Every single sector, in every community, has been transformed,” he said, citing infrastructure upgrades, job creation, and social welfare initiatives.

Singh also claimed that the turnout and enthusiasm at rallies demonstrated not only support for the party’s policies but also “a clear and louder message – your appreciation and your love for the People’s Progressive Party.”

With the national and regional elections just six weeks away, Singh called on supporters to deliver a resounding mandate.

Berbicians at the PPP/C’s Albion, Berbice rally (Photo: July 20, 2025)

“You know on the 1st of September, we must completely wipe the opposition out,” he said.

The PPP is seeking a renewed term amid an economic boom in the country which has seen double-digit growth in recent years.

The post Record crowds at Albion signal PPP strongest-ever ahead of Sept. 1 elections – Dr Ashni Singh appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Geeta Chandon-Edmond, who hails from Albion on the Corentyne, Region Six, took to the stage on Sunday at the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) rally at Albion Estate Road, Berbice, urging supporters to “vote for the cup” on 1 September 2025.

The cup is the symbol of the ruling PPP/C party.

“Don’t gamble your future, don’t gamble the future of your children… vote for the only party that has delivered – vote for the cup,” she told the hundreds gathered at the party’s signature rally in the Region.

Chandon-Edmond, on 2 June 2025, crossed the floor of the National Assembly, where she had sat as a Member of Parliament for the opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), and endorsed President Dr Irfaan Ali for a second term in office.

“I am back at home… I am here with pride,” she noted.

‘The work is not done’ – PNC’s Geeta Chandan- Edmond endorses President Ali

On Sunday, the attorney said, “I have walked the journey, and I have seen both sides, and I can tell you – without fear, without favour, without apology – that the PPP is the only party that will take us forward.”

Chandon-Edmond, who is now a candidate on the PPP’s list for the upcoming elections, stated that it is the only party with the visionary leadership required to take Guyana forward.

“We cannot turn a blind eye to what we are seeing – it is right before you. The transformation is not a promise; it is a reality. It is tangible, and you can feel it,” she added.

The attorney emphasised that never before have there been so many opportunities for young people, noting that the incumbent has not only delivered on its promises but continues to do so – from hospitals to drainage and housing, among others.

“We are building the future of every single one of you,” she said, adding that the PPP/C has brought renewed hope and pride to Guyanese.

She further lauded the President and Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, Vice President, for their bold leadership and vision to move Guyana forward.

The post ‘Don’t gamble your future… vote for the cup’ – Geeta Chandon-Edmond appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Bartica has long been considered a PNC/R stronghold, a place where, for decades, the party and its coalition – APNU – have comfortably dominated.

Yet on Saturday night at Futu Square, where the APNU launched its election campaign for Region Seven, the crowd — or lack of it — told a different story.

The rally carried particular significance: Bartica is the hometown of Juretha Fernandes, the APNU’s prime ministerial candidate. Fernandes, a former AFC member who crossed the floor to APNU along with many of her close allies, had been on the ground in the days leading up to the launch, walking through the township and rallying support.

Yet, despite this show of boots on the ground, the crowds did not materialise.

Boots on the Ground. Photo: APNU Facebook

Even moments before the rally’s scheduled 18:00 hrs start, party workers and supporters mounted a last-minute drive around Bartica, blaring music, waving flags and urging residents to come out.

It was to little avail.

When the event finally got underway, almost two hours late, the sparse gathering was impossible to ignore. APNU speakers, including Sherod Duncan, sought to downplay the poor turnout.

He told those present that many residents were simply afraid of being victimised if they openly supported the opposition.

He also sought to compare the turnout to a PPP/C meeting held the night before.

Duncan added humour to the moment and claimed that the PPP/C’s event had “two dogs” in attendance but by the News Room’s own count, the dogs at Futu Square could have easily outnumbered people. A scuffle even broke out among the dogs, further dampening the atmosphere at what is usually one of Bartica’s liveliest Saturday night spots.

Sherod Duncan. Photo: APNU Facebook

Photos taken an hour and a half after the scheduled start and posted online quickly drew widespread ridicule for APNU. Supporters, rather than addressing the reality, turned their frustration on the News Room instead of confronting the poor showing.

Adding to the intrigue, Fernandes herself remained largely absent for most of the rally. She only emerged from a vehicle when it was time to address the gathering as the final speaker of the night. After a lengthy speech and a short round of greetings with those who stayed until the end, she departed.

In a further twist, when the News Room requested an interview, Fernandes’ handler, Onix Duncan, declined on her behalf. He then went on to falsely accuse the News Room of biased reporting — while claiming he had hand-counted 200 people at the height of the rally. Yet no photographs, including those posted by the party itself, have supported that number.

Even during the frequent “palms up” chants intended to stir the crowd, 200 raised hands were nowhere in sight. Fernandes said this was only the beginning of the campaign and promised that the APNU will return for a grand final rally closer to the elections.

Palms Up. Photo: APNU Facebook

The poor turnout comes at a critical moment for APNU in Bartica. While these are general and regional elections set for September 1, the party’s grip on Bartica was tested at the last local government polls in 2023, when the PPP/C made historic gains.

In that election, the PPP/C pulled in 1,784 votes in Bartica — up from 1,145 in 2018 — while the APNU’s share slipped from a combined 1,867 votes (with the AFC) in 2018 to 1,601 votes on its own in 2023. It was tight enough that both parties secured the same number of seats on the Town Council — but the PPP/C won the chairmanship with the popular vote.

In the 2020 general election, APNU secured 4,813 votes in Region Seven compared to the PPP’s 3,728, with similar numbers on the regional ballot.

So the big question now: can the APNU rally its traditional base to hold onto Bartica and the wider Region Seven, or will the PPP/C’s momentum continue?

For Fernandes and her party, Saturday night’s turnout at Futu Square may be an early warning sign of shifting political ground in what was once considered one of the coalition’s safest bets.

The post Juretha’s hometown rejection  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

A family residing at Lot 67 Durban Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown, is seeking help after being constantly harassed. Nalini Rampersaud, who lives with her daughter at Durban Street, also complained of being robbed recently.

Over the past few days, the family has grown increasingly worried about perpetrators coming to their Durban Street premises.

Three men, whose faces were covered, were at Rampersaud’s house early Thursday morning. They reportedly broke the lock on her gate, came inside the yard, and locked Rampersaud and her daughter inside their house. The three men then stole motorcycle parts from one of Rampersaud’s two motorcycles parked in the yard.

The family managed to leave their house eventually. Rampersaud said a report was made at the Alberttown Police Station later that morning. Officers visited the premises on Friday and told Rampersaud that investigators would follow up with her.

Early Saturday morning, however, an unknown man went to the premises and attempted to break the new lock Rampersaud put on the gate. Rampersaud said an alarm installed around the premises went off and seemingly scared the man away. However, two men returned shortly after and broke the lock on the gate. Nothing was stolen this time.

Saturday’s incident was reported to the Police.

Rampersaud said these instances aren’t the first time the family had to deal with harassment. In February this year, a man climbed onto their fence and attempted to jump into the yard.

“I am pleading with Police to come and do an investigation and help us feel safe again in our home, and catch the criminals before they break in again,” Rampersaid told the News Room.

The post Durban Street family seeking help after constantly harassed, robbed appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Justin Smith, the 16-year-old resident of No. 47 Village, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) died after colliding with a row plough, according to information provided by Regional Police Commander Shivpersaud Bacchus.

It was initially believed that the teenager died from chop wounds after he was attacked by a group of men. However, Mr. Bacchus related that further investigations and a post-mortem examination point to Justin dying due to a collision with a row plough.

The fatal incident reportedly took place on July 13, 2025, at No. 43 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

The News Room was told that Mukesh Edwards, 23, along with Hemesh Harrinarine (known as Andy) and Alim Haripersaud, were reportedly consuming alcohol when Justin approached on his motorcycle earlier that evening. He reportedly made some gesture at the group.

It is believed that Justin crashed into the row plough nearby not long after.

Harrinarine confirmed his presence at the scene, acknowledged hearing the crash, and observed Justin’s motorcycle collide with a plough on the northern parapet. However, when questioned by investigators, he denied making any aggressive gestures at Justin. He claimed he left to seek help and returned to find others already assisting.

At about 20:00 hrs, it was noted that tensions escalated between Edwards and Harrinarine when they confronted each other regarding the events leading up to the crash. Edwards reiterated his account, while Harrinarine maintained he did not act aggressively.

Following the crash, multiple witnesses reportedly provided statements that indicated Justin had been consuming alcoholic beverages at a Chinese supermarket in No. 47 Village before leaving alone on his motorcycle.

Based on the information provided by Commander Bacchus, CCTV footage shows Justin speeding as he attempted to overtake another vehicle before veering off course and crashing into the southern grass parapet where the red row plow was stationed.

The row plough had several scratches, fabric remnants, sponge (from the motorcycle seat), leather, and a black wristband.

And as a result of the collision, Justin sustained serious injuries to his back, head, and other areas of his body.

He was discovered in critical condition in front of a chicken outlet at Number 46 Village, and subsequently transported to Port Mourant Public Hospital. He tragically succumbed to his injuries while being transferred to New Amsterdam Public Hospital for further medical attention.

A post-mortem examination conducted on July 17 confirmed that Justin died from shock and hemorrhage caused by multiple injuries consistent with a vehicular accident.

An investigative file was compiled and submitted for legal consultation. On Friday, July 18, 2025, the file returned, prompting an inquest into the circumstances surrounding Justin Smith’s death.

The post Police say Corentyne teen died after collision with row plough appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Paul Mahabal, a 33-year-old businessman from Montrose, East Coast Demerara, has been placed on $100,000 bail following the tragic incident that resulted in the death of 16-year-old Kimberley Jones in Bel Air Village, West Coast Berbice.

He made a second court appearance at the Weldaad Magistrates Court recently.

Businessman remanded after Bel Air hit-and-run accident 

Mahabal is charged with failing to render assistance and failing to stop after the hit-and-run on July 8, 2025.

He is expected to face charges of causing death by dangerous driving, pending legal advice on the case file.

His next court appearance is scheduled for August 8, 2025, at the Weldaad Magistrates Court, where further proceedings will take place.

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The government has decided to remove the taxes on All-Terrain Vehicles and boat engines for additional categories of use, President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced on Saturday.

President Ali acknowledged the high cost of transportation in hinterland regions. Because of this high cost, a decision was made to remove the taxes beyond the categories already benefiting from the tax cuts.

“We are not deaf to your concerns. The future is very exciting for the next five years,” President Ali told residents attending a public meeting in Region One (Barima-Waini) on Saturday.

Taxes will be removed on ATVs purchased for travel in hinterland areas. Previously, tax exemptions applied only to ATVs used for mining, forestry, and agriculture. Additionally, hinterland residents will no longer be required to pay taxes on the purchase of 40-horsepower boat engines used for transportation.

Additionally, President Ali said investments will be made to slash the cost of air, river and land transport. Airfare, in particular, has been a sore concern for many hinterland residents.

The post To reduce the cost of hinterland travel, taxes on ATVs & boat engines to be removed appeared first on News Room Guyana.

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Saturday pledged that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government will create another 1,000 jobs in Region One (Barima- Waini).

The Guyanese Head of State also pledged that the salaries of Community Service Officers (CSOs) will be increased and educational opportunities will be available to them so they can elevate themselves.

The President made these announcements at a public meeting in Moruca on Saturday.

Supporters at the public meeting in Moruca (Photo: News Room/ July 19, 2025)

President Ali opened up his address at this engagement focusing on the investments made by the government over the past five years for the country’s young population. He then focused on the development of Guyana’s Indigenous People and how the government is empowering this group.

According to him, about 60 per cent of the persons in professions such as nursing and patient care are from the hinterland communities.

“This is because of investments.

“We are going to give you more every single year,” President Ali said.

The post Another 1,000 jobs for Reg. 1 coming appeared first on News Room Guyana.