Digicel has announced the immediate closure of its Caribbean-wide news platform Loop News and revealed plans to wind down regional sports broadcaster SportsMax by August 8.
In a statement on Tuesday, the telecommunications giant said the move is part of a strategic pivot from consumer-facing media to scalable, enterprise-grade services within Digicel Business.
“This is a strategic repositioning to ensure Digicel is best placed to deliver secure, scalable services for the future,” said Liam Donnelly, Group Chief Business Officer.
“While we are proud of the legacy of SportsMax and Loop News, we are now focused on where we can create the greatest value for our customers and the communities we serve.”
It noted that impacted staff had already been advised and that transition support would be provided in line with local labour laws.
SportsMax, launched in 2002, featured local, regional, and international premier sporting content.
It is also hailed for helping to forge the careers of many successful on-air and behind-the-scenes talents.
Similarly, Loop News, founded in 2014, quickly became a trusted source of news, winning several awards and building an engaged community of readers and viewers.
Digicel says its new focus will centre on Trend Media and the recently acquired Symptai, allowing it to offer an expanded suite of ICT services, including cloud, cybersecurity, digital advertising, and compliance.
These offerings, it noted, will be supported by strategic partnerships and a growing demand for end-to-end managed solutions across the region.
“We extend our gratitude to the teams behind these brands and to the audiences who welcomed them into their lives,” Donnelly said.
“Their work has left a lasting mark, and we thank them for it. Likewise, we would like to thank the readers and viewers of Loop News and SportsMax for spending time with us over the years. It’s been a privilege to inform and entertain you.” (Jamaica Gleaner)
Alfred Mekdeci has resigned as President of the Cue Sports Association Guyana after a successful 18-month tenure that established the nation’s first official billiards body.
Mekdeci, a key figure in the sport’s development within Guyana, oversaw the association’s formation and has been credited with significantly boosting the profile of cue sports nationwide.
During his time in charge, Mekdeci spearheaded the introduction of national championships to raise playing standards and increase participation at a structured level.
Players and enthusiasts have acknowledged his dedication to fostering a stronger cue sports community in Guyana.
“It has been an honour to serve as the first president of the Cue Sports Association,” Mekdeci said in a statement.
“I am immensely proud of the progress we have made and I am confident that the association is on a strong path for future success. The time is right for new leadership to take the association forward with fresh perspectives.”
Steven Persaud, a long-standing member of the cue sports fraternity in Guyana who has been involved with the association since its inception, is taking over as acting president.
Persaud expressed his gratitude for Mekdeci’s work and his optimism for the future.
“Alfred has built a fantastic foundation, and I am privileged to be taking on this role,” Persaud commented.
“My focus will be on continuing to grow cue sports in Guyana, attracting new players to the game, and building on the momentum we have.”
The Cue Sports Association Guyana will now look to this new chapter with anticipation, hoping to build on the foundations laid by Mekdeci and further elevate the sport both domestically and on the international stage.
Mekdeci will continue his involvement in the sport by hosting a new annual 9-Ball Championship, titled “King of the Slate,” scheduled to begin in August.
This event is expected to draw talented players from across Guyana and further fuel interest in cue sports within the region.
Details regarding the championship dates and registration will be released in due course.
Lisa Persaud, a single mother and teacher, is pleading for justice nearly a year after her 16-year-old son, Kaden Persaud, was attacked and left with severe head injuries in Kingelly, West Coast Berbice.
Kaden, a student of the Rosignol Secondary School, was beaten by two males, including a 15-year-old. The October 2024 assault left him with a gaping wound to the head which required 42 stitches and ongoing physical and emotional trauma.
An emotional Lisa spoke with the News Room on Tuesday about the toll the incident has taken on her son.
“My son is the one left suffering because since this incident has happened my son has become a very agitated person, he is withdrawn, he is no longer his jolly-happy self that he was prior to this incident,” Lisa explained.
According to Lisa, one week prior to her son being attacked, the 15-year-old was involved in a fight outside a math lesson in Rosignol.
“My son and other children were coming out of the lesson, my son ended up getting push down due to scuffle, so what the 15-year-old is claiming is that my son and him are village men and my son should have rendered assistance to him,” Lisa told the News Room.
A week later, while staying with his grandmother in Kingelly Village, Kaden was sent to collect bread from the front of the road and on his way, he encountered the 15-year-old and the other suspect.
“Now I don’t know if he [15-year-old] felt bad he get beat up or whatever, but the Saturday while he [Kaden] was walking he said he saw these two boys passing and turned back and came down the street towards him. He [Kaden] said he put his head down in his phone and he continued to walk, he said he wanted to laugh because he remembered the 15-year-old get beat up and the 15-year-old came up to him and started chucking him,” Lisa explained.
Lisa Persaud and her son Kaden
This escalated when the two males picked up a piece of wood and started to beat Kaden.
“They picked up a piece of wood and hit him thrice in the head and once across his back. They kicked him and left him there,” Lisa recounted.
Despite being in and out of consciousness, Kaden managed to stumble back to his grandmother’s house, where he collapsed and brought down a clothesline in the process. He was rushed to the hospital.
“He had a big hole in his head. He had to get 42 stitches,” Lisa said, her voice breaking.
“This is my baby, I would have worked very hard, I am a single parent, and I have been a teacher for the past 12 years. I would have worked very hard to bring up my son by myself, his father has never been a part of his life, has never given him anything. I am not ashamed to tell you that I struggled with my child and he is not a child that does give me headache, he don’t get into trouble,” Lisa continued.
Lisa said she has spent a lot of money to get her son proper healthcare, he had to undergo therapy and since the incident his life has not bene the same.
“He’s getting frequent headaches. He had to get spectacles. He’s withdrawn and struggling to understand why this happened to him. I’ve had to send him for counselling,” she explained.
Now, nearly a year later, Persaud is calling on the relevant authorities to intervene.
Acknowledging that the mother of the 15-year-old took him to the station, Lisa said the young boy has told many versions of what transpired.
“The boy has admitted that he beat my child and he is trying to make frivolous excuses as to why he beat my son.
“I am hoping that somebody can intervene on our behalf and my son can get justice, I am not saying throw the 15-year-old in jail, but if he can have this type of aggression at this age, it is clearly showing that he needs some help,” Lisa said.
She told the News Room that the file was sent to welfare and returned because of a missing birth certificate. She has since included the birth certificate.
“But the part that is sickening is the boy that is of the age to be charged, is walking free and nobody is doing anything about it, this has been going on for months,” an exasperated Lisa stated.
2023 champions Eccles All-Stars, 2024 semifinalists Diamond Gunners, and The Guard have secured their places in the semi-finals of the East Bank/West Demerara zone in the third edition of the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast.
After weather disruptions on the initial two days, Monday witnessed a flurry of quarter-final action across three venues: Laluni, Police Sports Club, and Meten-Meer-Zorg Ground.
The final quarter-final between Young Steppaz and Trensetters will determine the last semi-finalist, who will then face Eccles.
The other semi-final will see Diamond Gunners lock horns with The Guard.
These remaining matches, including the semi-finals and final of this zone, are provisionally scheduled for Sunday, July 13, starting at 09:30 h at the Malteenoes Sports Club.
Ganesh Puran slammed an unbeaten 116 off just 35 balls for Young Steppaz against Hyde Park
The Guard endured a tense quarter-final clash at Police against CJIA Warriors but ultimately prevailed by five wickets.
Chasing a stiff target of 156, they reached the mark in just 9.1 overs, thanks to a brutal onslaught from Kevon Boddie, who blazed 65 off 21 balls (one four, nine sixes).
Richie Looknauth’s quickfire 17 and Kevon Boddie’s unbeaten 34 (four sixes) ensured victory despite CJIA conceding a hefty 32 extras.
Nolan Hodge’s aggressive 61 (two fours, seven sixes) had propelled CJIA Warriors to 155-3 in their ten overs.
At Laluni, Diamond Gunners made short work of their quarter-final against the home side.
They bundled out Laluni for a paltry 72 and then cruised to a nine-wicket victory, reaching 73-1 in a mere 4.3 overs.
Andrew Lim led the charge with a swashbuckling unbeaten 54 off just 14 deliveries, which included two fours and seven sixes.
Dorain Grenion (3-8), Marlon Boele (2-8), and Damion Sardinha (2-16) were the chief destroyers with the ball for Diamond.
Eccles served up a dominant performance in their quarter-final encounter against Young Guns, who had earlier overcome Stripling Warriors.
Eccles chased a target of 105 without losing a wicket in just 6.4 overs.
Quazim Yusuf smashed an unbeaten 70 off 21 balls, studded with 11 sixes, while Jonte Thomas provided solid support with an unbeaten 35 (five sixes) from 19 balls.
The final match at MMZ witnessed a record-breaking individual performance.
Ganesh Puran slammed an unbeaten 116 off just 35 balls for Young Steppaz against Hyde Park.
His explosive innings included 16 sixes and one four, helping Young Steppaz post a formidable 166-2 and secure a 30-run victory.
Following the completion of the East Bank/West Demerara zone, the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast will move to the Georgetown/East Coast Zone on July 19 and 20, and the Essequibo zone on July 26 and 27.
The highly anticipated national finals are scheduled for Sunday, August 3. Admission to all venues is free.
The Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast is supported by a number 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 and 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 and Technical Solutions.
ENet, Guyana’s only 5G network, is proud to announce its partnership with the ExxonMobil Global Super League (GSL), which bowls off in Guyana on July 10, 2025. As part of this exciting collaboration, the Unnecto Bolt 5G has been named the official smartphone of the tournament.
Built to deliver ENet’s ultrafast 5G mobile experience to more Guyanese, the Unnecto Bolt 5G combines standout performance with exceptional value. The device features a 50MP rear camera, dual view video, 5G connectivity, face unlock, 128GB internal storage (expandable up to 1TB), and a built-in FM radio. It also supports up to 12GB of virtual RAM, offering smooth, reliable performance for everyday use.
To bring fans even closer to the action, ENet will be giving away a Unnecto Bolt 5G at every match to the official Fan of the Match, celebrating the passion and energy of the local crowd and offering firsthand access to this powerful device.
“The Bolt 5G is all about giving more people access to great technology without the high price tag,” said Robert Hiscock, Head of Mobile at ENet. “It’s fast, reliable, and packed with features that matter. Just like the GSL, it’s made for the people, and we’re excited to bring the two together to create something special this cricket season.”
The ExxonMobil Global Super League brings together top regional and international cricket talent in a celebration of sport and culture. Tickets start at just $500 GYD for general matches and $1,000 GYD for Guyana Amazon Warriors games, which will also feature halftime performances by soca stars including Nailah Blackman. It’s a summer experience packed with action, entertainment, and unbeatable value for families and fans alike.
ENet, Guyana’s only locally owned telecommunications provider, continues to invest in future-ready infrastructure to deliver fast, reliable service across the country. As an official GSL partner, ENet reaffirms its commitment to innovation, accessibility, and supporting events that bring Guyanese communities together.
The Unnecto Bolt 5G is available now exclusively at ENet stores countrywide.
A total of 165 students make up the first batch of persons enrolled in the Guyana Online Academy of Learning’s Health Sciences Programmes.
Over 300 courses were introduced to the academy through a partnership between GOAL and the Medversity. Medversity is a Healthcare EdTech company that provides training through a blended learning model.
The launch of the first set of courses was held on Tuesday during a virtual launch held via Zoom.
Of the 165 students, 141 of them are females. Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony said this partnership will greatly improve the nation’s capabilities to produce well equipped medical practitioners.
“We really look forward to using the courses that you have here to upskill our doctors and nurses so that they would be able to deliver a high quality of medical care to the people of Guyana and in time to come,” Dr. Anthony said.
Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony.
Dr. Anthony also noted that with several new hospitals being built, there is a need for well-equipped medical practitioners.
The persons enrolled in these courses will do online programmes and then receive a certificate upon its completion. Two course are allocated to each learner and therefore two certificates will be allotted to each learner.
Gerald Jaideep, the Chief Executive Officer of the Medvarsity said he is hopeful that this partnership will develop further.
“We hope this evolves into deeper partnerships to improve not only the healthcare outcomes for the medical professionals, but also the general public,” Jaideep said.
Gerald Jaideep, the CEO of Medversity.
The initial discussions for the partnership commenced during a meeting in Delhi, India. GOAL’s director Jacob Opadeyi said GOAL is always trying to develop new training opportunities. He said with these new courses introduced, more persons in the medical field can become further trained and equipped.
The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) in its 2020 manifesto committed to providing 25,000 scholarships. It has since worked with several partners through GOAL to deliver on this commitment allowing persons to pursue their Masters and PhDs.
Disorderly and domestic-related murders, drug trafficking — particularly at border locations — and cybercrime are among the major crimes currently affecting the population.
Property-related crimes, often linked to excessive alcohol consumption, are also on the rise.
Crime Chief and Deputy Commissioner Wendell Blanhum made this disclosure on Tuesday during the third episode of the Safeguarding the Nation programme.
Blanhum explained that these trends help guide the priorities of Police operations, with a strong focus on known hot spots.
“The reality is that most crimes are committed by a small minority of the population, which is why most of our attention is focused on key offenders and hot spots,” Blanhum said.
According to him, fear of crime is shaped more by personal experience than statistics. To ensure public safety, he said the Police are focusing on what he described as the three Cs — crime prevention, community presence and collaboration.
To this end, the Police rely on crime data to target hot spots. Blanhum said there has been increased deployment in crime-prone areas to ensure criminal elements do not prey on vulnerable residents. He added that there is also continued collaboration with community groups and international partners to tackle everyday crime and organised crime threats.
“Every crime, no matter how rare, has a real victim, and those stories spread faster than statistics. High-profile incidents — for example, a shooting or robbery — stay in people’s minds and fuel fear. They overshadow the progress we have made.
“We as Police must do more to show the public what has been happening behind the scenes — for example, increased visibility, community awareness and engagement, and public awareness programmes,” Blanhum explained.
He also urged citizens to desist from spreading misinformation.
“Together we can keep our communities safe. We are here to work with you. My message is: we are listening, we are working, and we won’t stop until every Guyanese feels safe,” Blanhum said.
A newly surfaced document has confirmed that Dr Mark DeFrance, Chairman of A New and United Guyana (ANUG), was suspended from practising medicine for two years after forging records, including the signatures of his supervisors.
The document — an Institutional Registration Workbook seen by the News Room over the weekend — shows that Dr DeFrance falsified his rotation time and forged the signatures of several supervisors. The paperwork is stamped by the Industry Health Centre and details the fraudulent entries that led to his suspension.
In December 2024, Dr DeFrance publicly admitted to what he vaguely described as “misconduct” during a party press conference but stopped short of revealing the full story behind his suspension.
“That is what I am saying. It was misconduct,” he told reporters when pressed on whether he had been found guilty of medical malpractice in 2016. He confirmed the matter went before the Medical Council and was heard by Justice Jo Ann Barlow, resulting in his ban from 2016 to 2018.
At the time, Dr DeFrance insisted the issue was “laid to rest”, downplaying its seriousness. However, the new revelation makes clear that forgery — not just generic misconduct — was at the heart of the disciplinary action.
A source familiar with the case had previously hinted that the offence was “very serious”, contradicting Dr DeFrance’s attempt to brush aside the controversy.
The fresh disclosure comes as Dr DeFrance and ANUG recently joined forces with US-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed and his political movement WIN to contest the upcoming September 1st elections.
Since then, two founding members – Ralph Ramkarran and Timothy Jonas – along with other senior members of ANUG have resigned.
Highlighting that the development of its people must be at the heart of regional priorities, newly appointed CARICOM Chair and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged Caribbean leaders to act urgently and strategically in the face of growing global instability and escalating internal challenges.
Holness warned that the region can no longer afford to delay action on issues such as security, climate change, trade and economic co-operation.
“The theme of this meeting captures the truth, that security and resilience are not optional but are the foundation for prosperity. People-centred development and strategic partnerships are not merely aspirational, they are essential,” he said.
Holness made this call as he was speaking at the opening of the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, which is being held in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
The meeting is being held under the theme “People, Partnerships, Prosperity. Promoting a Secure and Sustainable Future.”
Regional leaders at 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM (Photo: CARICOM/July 6, 2025)
Warning that small states remain highly vulnerable to global economic shocks, natural disasters, and political marginalisation, Holness said, “that is why we must think strategically, act collaboratively, and remain focused on the values and interests that unite us.”
He called for stronger regional institutions and a commitment to self-determination. “As we enter a new order which seems to be emerging in the world, we must be strategic, strengthen institutions, and take responsibility for our own destiny—because that is the only way we are going to really get it if we really want it.”
Holness underscored that human development must be placed at the heart of regional priorities. “Ensuring food security, access to decent work, climate protection and, importantly, opportunities for our youth—we must focus on our people. We must also focus on partnerships, because global progress is built on networks of trust.”
He stressed that the emerging global shifts offer new opportunities for the region to deepen ties, particularly with Africa, and to enhance intra-CARICOM trade and co-operation.
Pointing to the region’s resource capacity, Holness said, “Guyana with energy and land, Suriname with energy and land, Trinidad, Jamaica with incredible human resources—what has stopped us for these many years? We have been saying we really have to get it. Did we really want it?”
Holness identified security and sustainability as the two most urgent policy priorities for CARICOM, especially given the dual threats of climate change and gang violence. He described the climate crisis as a “non-avoidable reality” and said upcoming discussions will give special attention to climate finance and the region’s preparedness for COP30.
He also sounded the alarm on the rise of gang violence across the region, calling it an immediate threat to CARICOM’s social and economic stability. “We need to launch a war on gangs of a similar nature to the war on terror,” he said. He pointed to Haiti as a critical example and said the region must treat this issue with the urgency it demands. “The scale and magnitude of the problem which is being faced by almost all member countries of CARICOM cannot be addressed overnight. It will require significant investment and unified public support.”
Holness reaffirmed CARICOM’s support for Haiti, saying the conference will offer a critical platform for dialogue on its ongoing crisis. “We remain committed to advancing solutions that provide peace, stability and development for our sister nation and, by extension, the wider community.”
He added, “We cannot be true to our principles in CARICOM if we do not redouble our efforts with the international community to garner support for the mission in Haiti. We cannot leave our brothers and sisters in Haiti at the mercy of gangs.”
In his capacity as CARICOM lead, Holness committed to promoting “a free, transparent, rules-based, inclusive and equitable multilateral trading system.”
The conference will also address a wide range of human and social development matters, including telecommunications, transportation, industrial growth and shifting demographics.
Holness concluded by noting the interconnectedness of global crises, from the humanitarian disaster in Gaza to the war in Ukraine, and reaffirmed CARICOM’s commitment to peace.
“In this moment, we must be resolute in preserving CARICOM as a zone of peace and reaffirm our commitment to working with the international community to promote de-escalation, uphold diplomacy, and lasting solutions grounded in mutual respect,” he urged.
See below full message on the occasion of CARICOM Day from President Dr Irfaan Ali:
On this CARICOM Day, I extend heartfelt greetings and warmest wishes to all Guyanese and our brothers and sisters across the vibrant Caribbean Community.
This is a day to celebrate not only our shared history and rich cultural heritage but also the unbreakable bonds of regional solidarity that have made CARICOM a towering symbol of unity and cooperation for more than five decades.
Guyana remains unequivocally committed to regional integration, a principled commitment from which my government will not rescind, resile, or recede. Our collective future, as Caribbean peoples, lies in our ability to bravely and wisely work together in a common cause.
Regional integration is no longer a lofty aspiration; it is an urgent necessity, and one that is now more critical and compelling than ever.
The daunting headwinds that confront our fragile region compel us to boldly and collaboratively deepen our multifaceted partnerships. These include the rising frequency and intensifying impact of natural disasters, the existential threat of global climate change, the unpredictable volatility of external markets, and the pressing need to preserve our precious region as a zone of peace, free from territorial aggression, internal instability, and the menacing scourge of transnational crime. In these perilous times, CARICOM remains our collective shield and moral compass.
We must vigorously strengthen and strategically expand intra-regional trade, aggressively advance our efforts toward long-term food security, and ensure resilient energy systems and sustainable environmental protections. Guyana is committed to playing its part in these ambitious undertakings—whether through our growing food production capacity, emerging energy resources, or our support for regional mechanisms aimed at deepening integration. At the same time, we must continue to engage traditional partners while proactively forging new strategic alliances, so as to guard against the looming threat of economic protectionism that endangers the economic sovereignty of small and vulnerable states.
Importantly, we must also safeguard and vigorously defend our cherished democratic traditions. The strength and viability of our regional project depend on the preservation and integrity of the democratic values we hold dear. Our member states must remain firmly within the democratic fold, ensuring that the respect for the democratic will of the people remains eternally inviolable.
For over five decades, CARICOM has stood proudly and consistently tall, asserting our collective presence in global affairs, deepening our internal bonds, and proving that unity in diversity is not just a lofty slogan but a lived regional reality. Let us, as one Caribbean people, move forward with unshakeable determination, clear vision, and unflinching solidarity. The challenges are real, but so too is the indomitable strength of our regional unity.
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Lisa Persaud and her son Kaden 100vw, 640px”><figcaption class=)
Ganesh Puran slammed an unbeaten 116 off just 35 balls for Young Steppaz against Hyde Park 100vw, 376px”><figcaption class=)
Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony. 100vw, 221px”><figcaption class=)
Gerald Jaideep, the CEO of Medversity.</p>
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Regional leaders at 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM (Photo: CARICOM/July 6, 2025)