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The 20-year-old woman seen being sexually assaulted in a viral video at a bar in full view of patrons has told the Police that she was drugged and raped.

The incident that occurred at Raghoo’s Sports Bar in Soesdyke has sparked public outrage, prompting an investigation. The bar has since been shut down by authorities.

Police Headquarters, in a statement, said the young woman reported the incident to police around 20:20 hrs on Friday.

Police said the victim said she was assaulted at the bar while bystanders watched and filmed rather than intervene.

“The 20-year-old was interviewed by ranks and alleged that she was drugged and raped by three males at Raghoo’s Sports Bar located at Soesdyke,” Police said in a statement.

The footage quickly spread online, drawing condemnation from both the public and government officials.

Police have since arrested the bartender and several persons of interest. Efforts are underway to locate and question additional suspects and witnesses seen in the footage.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, condemned the attack in a statement, calling it “most reprehensible” and criticizing the inaction of those who recorded the assault instead of helping. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also launched an urgent probe into what it described as a “matter of grave concern.” Officials warned that continued sharing of the video may further violate the victim’s privacy and interfere with the ongoing investigation.

The Guyana Police Force said the investigation is ongoing.

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Jermaine Figueira has endorsed President Dr. Irfaan Ali and says he will be actively involved in the unfolding re-election campaign ahead of the September 1, 2025, General and Regional Elections.

“There’s no leader in this country who hasn’t erred and President Irfaan Ali is no exception, but I believe that his leadership far outweighs his imperfections,” Figueira said during an episode of the Starting Point podcast aired on Saturday.

The politician also opined that President Ali is keen on uniting Guyana and doing what’s best for the country. For these reasons and more, he is now happy to support President Ali for a second term in office.

However, Figueira’s revelation was not just an endorsement.

He made it clear: “My endorsement of him goes beyond rhetoric. I’m going to actively involve myself in his re-election campaign.”

A few weeks ago, Figueira resigned from the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR). After his resignation, he accused the party of losing its moral compass, drifting into ethnic politics, and failing the country in a time of national crisis.

‘I could not stay silent’ – Figueira blasts PNCR’s ethnic division, leadership decay

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A staggering 31 matches is slated over the course of Saturday and Sunday, with Saturday’s action unfolding across seven different grounds: Malteenoes Sports Club, Georgetown Cricket Club, Better Hope Community Centre, Lusignan Sports Club, Everest Cricket Club, YMCA, and the National Stadium at Providence.

The grand finale will then shift to the Lusignan Sports Club on Sunday, with the battle for supremacy commencing at 10:30h.

All eyes will be on the defending national champions, Titans All-Stars, a side boasting a formidable lineup spearheaded by the experienced Leon Johnson. He will have a wealth of talent, including Christopher Barnwell, Keemo Paul, Kemol Savory, and Quentin Sampson – names synonymous with Guyanese cricket.

However, Team Corruption has thrown down the gauntlet with some eye-catching acquisitions. Their roster now features a quartet of Trinidadian stars: Jesse Bootan, Djourn Charles, Joshua James, and Terrence Hinds. This signals their intent to go beyond their 2023 semi-final finish.

Yet, the path to glory is paved with challenges, and the Village Rams, under the guidance of seasoned tapeball campaigner and former national youth player Omesh Danram, are certainly among the top contenders. They will be banking on a blend of Danram’s experience and the exuberance of some of Guyana’s most promising young cricketers.

A closer look at the remaining teams, many representing local communities, reveals a treasure trove of cricketing talent. National players like Rajendra Chandrika and Tagenarine Chanderpaul are set to feature, alongside a host of talented junior players eager to make their mark. Keep an eye out too for Brooklyn Youth Strikers, a team with a reputation built on their performances in 2024, and the always unpredictable Pure Entertainers.

The East Coast will have its hopes pinned on teams such as Lusignan, Better Hope, Young Rivals, and Dream 11, each capable of springing a surprise. But with such a wealth of talent spread across the board, predicting the zone champion at this stage feels like an exercise in futility – it’s simply too close to call.

The complete list of participating teams reads: Mighty Tarmac Legends, Vipers All-Stars, The Other Guys, Tropix Essentials, Up Tap XI, Team Eastsyde, Hill Foot Strikers, Team Corruption, Mystic Marvels, Pure Entertainers, Mavericks All-Stars, East-West Matadors, Supernovas, Titans All-Stars, Kings, Beharry Champion XI, Better Hope All-Stars, Giftland Titans, No Limit, Team AVP, Lusignan Sports Club, Royal Raptors, Housing & Water One Guyana, Team Upsetterz, Village Rams, Powertech, Dream 11 All-Stars, Raps Blazers, Brooklyn Youth Strikers, Navins and Sons Construction XI, Young Rivals Sports Club, and Team Infinity.

Cricket fans can look forward to a weekend of high-octane action, with the finals scheduled for Sunday, July 20th, at Lusignan.

 Adding to the excitement, admission to all venues throughout the tournament is free, with matches kicking off from 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.

But the stakes get even higher at the national final, where teams will vie for a grand prize of $1.7 million. 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.

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 a wide range of sponsors, including 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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A batting show headlined by three very different innings and a combined bowling effort in which all the key men contributed something of note took Guyana Amazon Warriors, the hosts, to the Global Super League title in Providence on Friday night.

They vanquished Rangpur Riders, who had won the title in its inaugural season, and a target of 197 might have seemed achievable, but not after a powerplay of 32 for 3.

It started with the run-out of Ibrahim Zadran in the second over, followed by Dwaine Pretorius picking up the first of his three wickets – Soumya Sarkar – in the fifth, and Moeen Ali chipping in with the big wicket of Kyle Mayers in the sixth.

The fightback came courtesy Saif Hassan and Iftikhar Ahmed, who put together 73 runs for the fourth wicket in 44 balls, but another run-out, this time of Saif, triggered another slide.

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA – JULY 18: Johnson Charles of Guyana Amazon Warriors bats during the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League T20 Final match between Guyana Amazon Warriors v Rangpur Riders at Providence Stadium on July 18, 2025 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – GSLT20/Global Super League via Getty Images)

This time, they went from 102 for 3 to 126 for 8 between the 13th and the 17th overs, and there was no coming back from there.

Masterminding the dominance were Pretorius, with the wickets of Azmatullah Omarzai and Iftikhar, who top-scored with 46 from 29 balls, and Imran Tahir, who sent back Nurul Hasan and Khaled Ahmed.

Mahidul Islam Ankon threw his bat around to score a 17-ball 30, but it was too little and too late to prevent Amazon Warriors from taking the title.

For Amazon Warriors, Gudakesh Motie also picked up two wickets and the only frontline bowler who didn’t get a wicket, Akeal Hosein, conceded just 24 runs from his four overs.

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA – JULY 18: Rahmanullah Gurbaz of Guyana Amazon Warriors hits four runs during the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League T20 Final match between Guyana Amazon Warriors v Rangpur Riders at Providence Stadium on July 18, 2025 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – GSLT20/Global Super League via Getty Images)

Earlier, after Amazon Warriors had opted to bat, a partnership of 121 runs in 70 balls between opener Johnson Charles and No. 3 Rahmanullah Gurbaz set them on their way.

The two got together in the fourth over after Evin Lewis had been felled by Khaled, and batted through to the end of the 15th before Charles retired out on 67 from 48, with 11 fours and a six.

Gurbaz fell almost immediately after for a 38-ball 66, studded with six fours and four sixes, and the finishing kick came from Romario Shepherd, who slammed three sixes and a four in scoring 28 not out from nine balls. (ESPNcricinfo)

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The Guyana Police Force has shut down a city bar and arrested several persons following the circulation of a shocking video which showed a young woman being sexually violated in full view of patrons, with onlookers filming instead of intervening.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, confirmed the development in a statement on her Facebook page on Friday, describing the incident as “most reprehensible” and condemning the behaviour of those who chose to record rather than help the victim.

“It was terrible to see the DJ encouraging the perpetrator to perform lewd acts on the victim while others looked on. I immediately alerted the Guyana Police Force and the Ministry of Home Affairs, and we have been collaborating to address this reprehensible incident,” the Minister said.

The bar where the incident occurred has since been identified and ordered closed, and multiple persons are now in police custody. Minister Persaud assured that all necessary support will be given to the young woman through her Ministry.

“I urge persons not to share the video as this is a further violation of the victim,” she appealed. “We must be more public-spirited — not just record these things but step in and help, and report them immediately.”

See statement from Guyana Police Force:

As part of the ongoing probe, the establishment’s owner, Mr. Omesh Raghoo, has been called in and is assisting investigators with their inquiries. The bar has been closed indefinitely pending the outcome of the investigation.

The Guyana Police Force takes incidents of this nature very seriously and remains committed to ensuring justice is served under the law.

Investigators are urging any witnesses or individuals with information to come forward and assist with the investigation. Please note that no efforts will be spared.

In a separate statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed it has launched an urgent investigation into the assault, which has triggered outrage after clips were widely circulated across social media. The Ministry described the incident as a matter of “grave concern” and warned that sharing the video could further compromise the victim’s privacy and the ongoing investigation.

The Police Force is actively working to identify and reach the victim, while urging anyone with relevant information to contact the 4B Divisional Headquarters at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, or their nearest police station.

Authorities have stressed the importance of public cooperation in ensuring the victim’s rights are protected and that those responsible are brought to justice.

Further updates are expected as the probe continues.

The post Bar shut down, several arrested following video of woman’s assault – Minister Persaud calls for public vigilance appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has launched an urgent investigation into disturbing videos circulating across various social media platforms, which appear to depict an alleged sexual assault involving a female victim.

In a press statement issued Friday, the Ministry expressed “grave concern” over the explicit content and confirmed that the Guyana Police Force, in collaboration with both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, is actively investigating the matter.

Authorities have emphasized the seriousness of the situation and are calling on members of the public to act responsibly by refraining from sharing the videos. Doing so not only jeopardizes the privacy and dignity of the victim but could also compromise the ongoing investigation.

The Guyana Police Force is currently working to identify and establish contact with the victim seen in the footage.

In a public appeal, the Ministry has urged anyone with information that may assist investigators to immediately reach out to the 4B Divisional Headquarters in Diamond, East Bank Demerara, or report to the nearest police station.

Officials have assured the public that further updates will be provided as the investigation unfolds.

The Ministry reiterates the importance of public cooperation in maintaining the integrity of the investigative process and protecting the rights of the individuals involved.

The post Urgent probe launched over videos of alleged sexual assault appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Six of the seven lists submitted by political parties on Nomination Day have just been approved by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). This was confirmed by GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj, who noted that the only rejected list was that of the Horizon & Star Party.

Friday marked a crucial deadline in the run-up to Guyana’s General and Regional Elections, as GECOM gave its official stamp of approval to the final lists of candidates vying for seats at the polls.

While parties, including the ruling PPP/C and the main opposition APNU, faced no issues, smaller groups were forced into a last-minute scramble to meet the Commission’s requirements.

The AFC, Forward Guyana Movement and We Invest in Nationhood were among the parties that reportedly had to amend their submissions after errors were flagged earlier this week. These ranged from missing names to not having enough candidates to satisfy the minimum quota for specific categories.

Parties were given until midnight Thursday to fix any outstanding issues or risk disqualification — a failure that would have effectively silenced their voices at the ballot box when voters head to the polls in September.

With the final lists now approved, the elections body has cleared the decks for the next phase of campaigning. According to GECOM’s timeline, this milestone comes exactly 45 days before election day, setting the stage for what is expected to be an intense race as parties now turn their full attention to securing support across the country.

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Professional basketball star Joy Adams and the highly touted Ramlall sisters- Amisha, Ashna and Arshia- have been named in Coach Willon Cameron’s final roster for the highly anticipated Georgetown Women’s Basketball Classic against Suriname, scheduled for August 10-11 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The international match-up, hosted by the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF), is being seen as a major step in revitalising women’s basketball in Guyana and across the region.

According to GBF president Michael Singh, the event marks the tip-off of Guyana’s commitment to returning to the regional court in a big way.

“This series is extremely important for the growth of women’s basketball in Guyana,” Singh said.

“We recently met with President Irfaan Ali, who has pledged full support as we look to bounce the women’s programme back into action.”

Joy Adams

Making her long-awaited debut on home court, Adams, who hails from Amelia’s Ward, Linden, has played professionally in Europe, is no stranger to international basketball.

She previously suited up for Guyana at the inaugural FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup in Miami, where she delivered an impressive performance. However, this will mark her first time representing Guyana in the traditional 5-on-5 format.

Equally exciting for fans will be the debut of the Ramlall sisters, all standout players at Rosemount High School in Minnesota, USA. Their inclusion brings international flair and youthful energy to the roster.

“I’m excited to finally see Joy Adams suit up in Guyana…it’s long overdue,” Singh added.

“And having the Ramlall sisters join the squad is something special. They are the future of Guyanese basketball.”

According to Singh, “This series will be a great test to see how well the girls gel as a unit. It’s the first of many international engagements for our women, and we’re setting the tone right here at home.”

Coach Cameron, who also leads the Colts Basketball Club, has assembled a mix of experience and emerging local talent.

Meanwhile, locally, Coach Cameron shortlisted Jamaicy Ogle, Keisha Copperfield, Shanill James,

Lanasha Mohammed (Kwakwani), Malia Samuels (Kwakwani), Sherese Leacock (Kwakwani), Natalya Clarke (Kwakwani), Akeelah Campbell (Linden), Junelly Paddy (Berbice), Ronaya Grant, Brean Ritchie, Kean Andrews and Rehaicia Romain (Linden).

Cameron’s assistant coach will be Alisande Jaiserrisingh, who recently represented Guyana at the FIBA Americas Adelante Forum. Warren Wilson, head coach of the University of Guyana Trojans, will serve as the team’s manager.

“I’m eager to see how our senior women stack up against Suriname. This is a great opportunity to test our competitive level and start building chemistry as we look ahead to more international competition,” Coach Cameron said.

The GBF, in a release, said the Georgetown Women’s Classic promises two action-packed days of hoops and high expectations, as Guyana’s women aim to make a statement on their home court.

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Opposition Leader and Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC) – the largest party within A Partnership for National Unity – Aubrey Norton has announced that the APNU has finalised its manifesto after what he described as four years of wide-ranging engagements with citizens, professionals and coalition partners.

Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, Norton said the document – which he described as the product of genuine consultations and expert advice – will be formally launched in the coming days as the party intensifies its preparations for the next General and Regional Elections.

According to the Opposition Leader, the manifesto captures the essence of APNU’s People-Centred Development Strategy (PCDS) — a blueprint which promises to tackle poverty, guarantee a livable income for every household, expand social protection and transform communities.

In its previous term in office, the APNU+AFC coalition had unveiled plans for initiatives such as the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund, the allocation of oil revenues to long-term infrastructure and education projects, and support for small businesses and agriculture to diversify the economy away from oil dependency.

How much of those plan were delivered on is debatable.

While details of the newly completed manifesto are yet to be released in full, Norton said it will outline updated measures for the equitable management of the country’s oil wealth.

The plan is also expected to include proposals for quality healthcare and education, stronger social services, targeted poverty reduction, and the protection of Guyana’s territorial integrity — a reference to the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela.

In past pronouncements, APNU has hinted at direct cash transfer mechanisms for vulnerable households, targeted subsidies, and increased support for pensioners — ideas Norton reiterated when he spoke about “guaranteeing each household a livable income and creating a comprehensive social protection system.”

The party says it will be “relentless” in its efforts to take this message to communities across the country in the coming weeks. Norton expressed confidence that ordinary Guyanese are responding positively, despite what he described as “ongoing intimidation” of opposition supporters and the ruling party’s alleged use of “large infusions of money to buy support.”

In recent months, the APNU leader has also spoken about strengthening local government institutions, reforming the public sector, and creating more jobs through investments in infrastructure, agro-processing, and manufacturing.

The final manifesto, he noted, reflects the coalition’s ongoing efforts to harmonise the views of its various partners and supporters — a nod to the multi-party nature of the APNU alliance, which has at times faced internal tensions.

The manifesto is expected to be unveiled at a major campaign event soon, after which the coalition will roll out village meetings, community outreach, and other activities to sell its vision under the rallying call of “Putting People First.”

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Bradley Sampson, also known as ‘Dirty Doggie’, on Friday faced a series of charges — including unlawful wounding — all of which he denied before being granted bail in the sum of $260,000.

Sampson, 36, a resident of Lodge, Georgetown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where Magistrate Faith McGusty read a total of six charges to him.

The charges laid against Sampson are:

1. Possession of a firearm without a licence
2. Unlawful carrying of arms in a public place
3. Unlawful wounding committed on Genista Fordyce
4. Threatening behaviour towards Genista Fordyce
5. Disorderly behaviour
6. Use of obscene language

The charges came one day after Sampson surrendered to the police, days after a wanted bulletin was issued for him.

Sampson pleaded not guilty to all charges. Despite the prosecution’s objections, the magistrate granted him bail.

Sampson is accused of beating Fordyce in public with a gun.

According to a police report, Fordyce, a sales representative from McDoom, East Bank Demerara, told investigators that she was hired by Sampson to perform tasks for the WIN party on Nominations Day in exchange for $50,000.

On 15 July, she went to the Square of the Revolution in Georgetown to collect her payment, but was given only $10,000.

An argument allegedly broke out, during which Sampson reportedly assaulted her — kicking and punching her, and striking her in the head with a firearm.

Parts of the attack were caught on video and widely shared on social media.

Fordyce was reportedly offered $500,000 by US-sanctioned Azruddin Mohamed to drop the matter. This has resulted in Mohamed being sought by the police; he later turned himself in on Thursday on allegations of obstructing the course of justice. Mohamed has since been released.

The case was adjourned to 15 August 2025 for report.

READ MORE: ‘Doggie’ surrenders, currently being questioned by Police investigators – News Room Guyana

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