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Joint press statement by the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) and the Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation (GYMMAF)

Michael Singh, president of both the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) and the Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation (GYMMAF), has publicly endorsed His Excellency President Mohamed Irfaan Ali for a second term as Head of State, highlighting the President’s visionary leadership and unprecedented investment in sports development as key reasons for his support.

With national elections set for September 1, Singh believes that Guyana’s sporting future, particularly in basketball and mixed martial arts, will benefit immensely from another term under President Ali’s stewardship.

“Over the past five years, we’ve witnessed a level of government support for sports that is truly historic,” Singh stated.

“President Ali has not only built infrastructure but has built hope. His administration’s investment has created a foundation for sustainable growth across multiple disciplines.”

Since taking office in 2020, President Ali’s government has allocated a staggering G$21.61 billion toward sports development, an unmatched level of funding in the country’s history.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport saw its budget grow from $805.3 million in 2020 to a record $8 billion in 2025.

Singh noted that such investment reflects a deep understanding of sport’s power to unify communities, empower youth, and elevate Guyana’s international presence.

As a long-serving head of the GBF, Singh praised the direct impact of government backing on basketball’s resurgence in Guyana.

“Under President Ali, we’ve seen new courts built and old ones brought back to life across the country. That kind of infrastructure sets the stage for real grassroots and national development,” Singh said.

He added that the national basketball teams have received full government funding to participate in international competitions which was practically non-existent before 2020.

In addition, Singh spotlighted the Government-sponsored One Guyana Basketball League, describing it as a landmark achievement for the sport.

Looking forward, Singh said the GBF is aiming to secure three new indoor facilities to support youth academies and club-level competitions, two mini-buses to provide transportation for school, academy, and senior players across regions, comprehensive medical insurance for players and referees, and a professional basketball league modeled after the CPL, with salary caps designed to attract top-tier regional talent.

Meanwhile, although newly elected as president of the GYMMAF, Singh is already laying out ambitious plans for the sport’s growth, putting forward plans he believes can be realized with continued support from the Ali administration.

“MMA in Guyana is on the cusp of a breakout,” Singh said.

“With government backing, we can equip gyms for academy to senior pro level training, implement healthcare and insurance coverage, and provide recovery amenities like cold plunge pools and saunas.”

For Singh, endorsing President Ali is about continuity and vision.

“This election is not just about politics, it’s about progress. And in President Ali, we have a leader who sees sport not as a pastime, but as a pillar of national development,” he said.

According to Singh, both the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) are closely monitoring Guyana’s development across various sectors and are expected to play a significant role in advancing the country’s sports landscape.

With basketball and MMA poised for continued growth, Singh believes that a second term for President Ali would further cement Guyana’s rise as a sporting nation to watch.

The post GBF and GYMMAF president endorses President Ali for second term appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), aunched its cutting-edge digital platform: the Beneficiary Registry and Document Management System (BRDMS), marking a transformative milestone in the digitalisation of social services in Guyana.

The digital system was developed by Synergy International Systems Inc at a cost of US$1.2 million. The system will reduce application processing times from weeks or months, to mere minutes.

The platform aims to digitise all of the Ministry’s functions, covering 50 core social services, and will benefit around 100,000 individuals including senior citizens, pensioners, survivors of gender-based violence, and persons living with disabilities.

“Today, we are recognisng the importance of data and why data is so essential to a country, to the world, crafting policies that are strategic, transformational and policies and programme that ensure that there is inclusivity of every beneficiary that requires our service,” Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud said.

Over 300 computers and 50 printers were deployed to regional offices, ensuring nationwide connectivity and efficiency with the system.

This system will make the ministry more accountable, strengthen transparency, and ensure that policy decisions are based on accurate, timely data.

To ensure accurate data is inputted into the system, the ministry is now training more persons.

“Today, it is really an important opportunity for us to celebrate yes, but for use to understand the magnitude of work that must happen after this. This is a digital roadmap, and we are doing things in the right way, carefully thought out and meticulously designed,” Minister Persaud stated.

The system further incorporates communities where the ministry’s services are available in Guyana while data will also be used to take services to potential communities.

Real time information will also be generated for the government to better serve citizens.

IDB Country Representative, Lorena Solórzano during remarks hailed the initiative as a major accomplishment not only for Guyana but for the entire Caribbean region.

“This moment is the result of sustained multiyear partnership that has started [with] initial inceptions in 2018 very slow, and in 2020,” Solórzano said.

Over the past five years, the Ministry of Human Services has focused on strengthening both its human capacity and technological systems.

 

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The Queen’s College Old Students Association (QC-OSA) will this year honour the achievements of girls who attended the school from 1975 to 2025.

This is to mark the 50^th anniversary of girls attending the school. The events will be held from October 17 to October 19, at the school’s campus.

Initially, the first batch of girls were admitted into the school in September 1975. This was a monumental moment for young girls living in Guyana as it was provided girls the opportunity to receive a sound education without restrictions.

In observing 50 years since, Queen’s College is recognising the trailblazers and achievers who completed their secondary education there.

The events will include an exhibition which will have the achievements of girls who attended the school on display for several days, virtual event, tea party at Austin House, for which tickets will go on sale this month and a panel discussion.

A special edition, 50^th anniversary magazine will also be developed to recognise the school’s achievements.

President of the QC-OSA, Devindra Kissoon said women have excelled at QC over the decades because of their dedication to empowering themselves.

“[It is] strictly because of their discipline, conscientiousness and commitment to be able to achieve the tasks; they want a better life.

“They have distinguished themselves in all fields, in all professional disciplines, political disciplines,” Kissoon said.

President of the QC-OSA, Devindra Kissoon during his remarks.

These are remarkable feats that Kissoon said the QC-OSA is determined to continue providing support for students and the school in ensuring that girls continue to excel there.

The school’s Principal, Donna Lewis-Isles said it is an honour to celebrate 50 years of girls attending the school. She said this meant more inclusivity for girls attending and it has propelled these students into becoming trailblazers in various professional fields.

“This paved the way for the generation to come, their achievement in Academia, leadership, service and society are a testimony to the power of inclusion and progress.

“This celebration not only tribute to the past but a call for a continuing shape of a future where every student, regardless of the gender, can be a leader and an inspiration,” the Principal said.

Principal of Queen’s College Donna Lewis-Isles during her remarks.

For this event to be a success, QC-OSA has prepared several comprehensive packages. The Bronze package is $100,000 and it covers event branding, anniversary memorabilia; the Silver package is $200,000 and provides access for a quarter page magazine ad, event branding anniversary memorabilia, and one tea party ticket; the Gold package is $300,000 and it provides access to a half page magazine ad, event branding, anniversary memorabilia and three tea party tickets; the Platinum package is $500,000 and it provides access to a full page magazine ad, event branding, anniversary memorabilia, and five tea party tickets.

 

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Public Works Minister Juan Edghill announced that the new Ogle to Eccles Highway will be connected to the new Demerara River Bridge soon, allowing persons to travel more easily.

Ashoka Buildcon, the Indian company that built the Ogle to Eccles Highway, has been engaged to continue the road from Eccles to Providence, Edghill disclosed on Monday.

Edghill also highlighted that the cost of roadwork from Eccles to Providence will be charged at the same rate as the Ogle to Eccles Highway.

“Even though there are increases in the construction market, we got it for the same price,” Edghill boasted.

The new Ogle to Eccles Highway was commissioned on Monday. The new Demerara River Bridge, which is expected to significantly address major traffic congestion, should be completed sometime in August.

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A new community-based business offering safety and emergency response training has launched in Guyana.

Action On Scene Establishment – Safety & Emergency Response Training was founded by emergency response professional Fayon Jordan, who has more than two decades of teaching experience. The organisation provides first aid, CPR, and occupational safety courses for individuals, schools, and workplaces.

In a press release, the company said it aims to improve public preparedness and save lives through “practical, hands-on education”.

“Our goal is not only to empower everyday people with the knowledge and confidence to take action when it matters most, but also making an impact on the way we think about safety and lifesaving measures”, said Ms Jordan, Training Director.

Fayon Jordan and Burton Hubbard of Action On Scene Establishment at the launch of their new safety training initiative in Guyana. (Photo: Action On Scene Establishment)

The training services include:

• First Aid, CPR and AED training for adults and children
• Safety workshops for schools and youth groups
• OSH-based workplace safety and compliance training
• Internationally recognised OSHAcademy courses (via CARIOPS)
• Custom on-site and community-based sessions

Summer programme for children

The organisation has also launched a two-day summer course for children aged 7 to 15, titled “Junior Lifesavers on Scene”. The course introduces children to basic lifesaving skills, including responding to injuries, calling for help, and performing hands-only CPR. Participants receive a certificate of participation.

Children take part in a hands-on first aid training session as part of the “Junior Lifesavers on Scene” summer programme in Guyana. (Photo: Action On Scene Establishment)

According to the release, this is one of the few structured first aid training programmes for children currently available in Guyana.

Media enquiries and bookings can be made via:

Fayon Jordan (Training Director): (592) 693-7697
Burton Hubbard (Business Development): (592) 609-4220

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This article is based on a press release from Action On Scene Establishment – Safety & Emergency Response Training.

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Attorney General Anil Nandlall on Monday told farmers and other residents in Mahaica and Berbice that they will be duly compensated if their lands must be acquired by the State to facilitate electricity distribution efforts.

Lands belonging to these residents may be acquired for the installation of Guyana Power & Light (GPL) transmission cables bringing cheaper and more reliable electricity from the Wales Gas-to-Energy project.

Over 100 residents, particularly farmers from Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, to Blairmont, West Coast Berbice, were engaged on this project on Monday at the Latchmansingh Primary School, Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall engaging residents of Mahaica and Berbice

Nandall told them that state lands will be utilised for the project. However, where state lands are not available, private properties will be affected. As such, any private owner will be duly compensated.

“In this exercise, the Government’s priority is to ensure that your proprietary interests are protected, that the process embarked upon is fair and transparent, and that, as far as possible, we arrive at consensual positions on what fair market value is for whatever property is being acquired.

“While the Government will provide lawyers and certificates of valuation, you will be free to retain lawyers of your choice and secure certificates of valuation from valuation officers of your own choosing,” a release from the Ministry of Legal Affairs quoted Nandlall as saying.

He also reportedly highlighted that farmers will be compensated if any of their crops are removed.

According to the statement, the transmission cables are intended to distribute electricity generated by the Wales Gas-to-Energy Project and will extend as far as Number 53 Village on the Corentyne Coast.

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Ten young women from Guyana’s hinterland regions have received scholarships for maritime training through the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali. This project is expected to help these young women excel in the male-dominated field.

This US$120,000 project is a collaboration between Tidewater Inc. and the Office of the First Lady.

Through this three-year project, the 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.

First Lady Mrs. Arya Ali addressing the awardees (Photo: Ameer Sattaur/ Office of the First Lady/ June 30, 2025)

First Lady, Mrs Arya Ali, handed out the scholarships to the recipients during a ceremony held at Baridi Benab, State House, on Monday.

In her address to the young women, Mrs Ali said the scholarships provide highly specialised training opportunities to young women in an attempt to achieve gender parity in a male-dominated industry.

“This programme ensures that women from our hinterland regions, particularly our indigenous women, have access to the same kinds of academic and training opportunities that those of us on the coastland usually have,” she said.

Highlighting the current labour shortage in the industry, the First Lady said the young women are among the first set of “trailblazers” who will reshape the industry.

She added that the initiative is important as it ensures that an environment is created in which women are identified and selected for careers in the maritime industry.

“This is not just a scholarship. It is a promise that you belong, that you are capable, and that you will lead,” Mrs Ali told the recipients.

Through a shorter programme, the First Lady’s Office and the Atlantic Alliance Maritime and Offshore training institute have already provided Basic Safety training and Ship Security awareness training to 60 women from Regions One, Seven and Nine.

And in the coming weeks, another 40 young women will be trained through that programme.

President and Director of Tidewater Inc., Quintin Kneen, described the young women as symbols of ambition, resilience and possibility.

He said the initiative is not just about education and training but focuses on access, breaking barriers, and signaling that the decision-making rooms belong to women too.

“To the cadets, we believe in you, we are proud of you, and we will be cheering you on every mile of the way,” Kneen said.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, in his remarks, said financing of these scholarships puts Guyana in a position where women can be seen in the operations and involved in the business in the maritime sector.

“We are bridging the gap in careers and working with girls and young women to ensure particularly that underserved areas are heavily impacted,” Edghill said.

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The notion that early childhood practitioners are ‘less than’ other educators was firmly challenged at the 2025 Early Childhood Development Conference, held under the theme ‘Elevating Early Childhood Development, Strengthening Standards, Enhancing Service and Building Partnership.’

The conference has brought together over 300 early childhood practitioners to share ideas and strengthen systems for practitioners who work with children from birth to age eight, a time described as critical for brain development.

The conference was organised by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security with the support of UNICEF and the Government of Canada.

“We, who serve in early childhood institutions, are more than just caregivers, we are not even teachers, we are more than just teachers…” Dr. Michelle Semple-McBean, the featured speaker at the conference, said.

Dr. Semple-McBean is an Early Childhood Development specialist and a lecturer at the University of Guyana.

The 2025 Early Childhood Development (ECD) Conference (Photo: UNICEF Guyana and Suriname)

Dr. Semple-McBean, during her remarks, said early childhood development practitioners have impacted and continue to touch the lives of children and families in Guyana. However, Early Childhood Development practitioners are often faced with comments that they are not teachers but ‘babysitters’.

On Monday, the conference was held to empower these practitioners and lend support to challenges they may face.

“Many cannot be who we are, many cannot do what we do, and many cannot touch the life of a child,” Dr. Semple-McBean stated to loud applause from practitioners gathered at the conference from across Guyana.

The conference further addressed a range of critical issues including child protection, nutrition, play-based learning, fire prevention, early screening, and health assessments of Early Childhood Development environments.

The 2025 Early Childhood Development (ECD) Conference (Photo: UNICEF Guyana and Suriname)

UNICEF Guyana Representative, Fiona Persaud, also announced several key initiatives such as finalisation of a Multi-Sectoral ECD Policy, the development of parent and caregiver manuals, and the donation of play-based ECD resources to childcare facilities across Guyana.

Meanwhile, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, during her remarks, stated that the conference was born out of a pressing need to address the real challenges faced by early childhood caregivers.

“This conference has been born out of a burning need and also a heartfelt desire of mine to engage you, bringing you together in an environment where you can share your ideas, develop solutions to challenges and limitations you may face every day,” Minister Persaud said.

She revealed that over 1,000 Early Childhood Development practitioners have been trained nationwide. Through the WIIN programme, 50 individuals were supported to open their daycare facilities.

Minister Persaud further noted that of the 360 daycares in Guyana, 350 are licensed, each focused on ensuring the safety and security of children.

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Former Executive Member of the People’s National Congress Reform, Thandi McAllister, has lamented the exclusion of young people in leadership while former President David Granger was in office.

McAllister, who has thrown her support behind President Dr. Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), spoke about the exclusion of youth under the Granger presidency. She took umbrage that Mr. Granger recently told young Guyanese voters to reject empty promises.

“I believe that Granger’s utterances, perhaps, would have held more weight if he had lived those words while he was President and while he had the opportunity to demonstrate to youth that we are important.

“Regrettably, he did not. Regrettably, what we saw was a geriatric movement, and it is that movement, in my most humble opinion, that has him where he is now – out of office, a former President fighting for a voice, fighting to be heard like he fought to be heard while he was at the helm,” McAllister said during this week’s episode of the Starting Point podcast.

Mr. Granger was President after a PNC-led APNU+AFC coalition won the 2015 elections.

‘Stay the course with my brother’- Fmr. PNC Exec backs Irfaan Ali for President

Though youth inclusion was a major pillar of his party’s campaign, McAllister said once elected, young people were excluded. This eventually led to her departure from the party, after years of service.
Guyana’s next General and Regional Elections are scheduled for later this year. Dr. Ali of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) is seeking a second term in office.

McAllister, an attorney, recently said the upcoming elections will “determine the future of the country,” even as she said much has unfolded since President Ali was elected in 2020. So she joined many others who called for citizens to support Dr. Ali.

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A United States congressman says the U.S. Congress is alarmed about businessman Azruddin Mohamed’s candidacy in the upcoming elections.

“In the U.S. Congress we are alarmed by the regime in Venezuela’s attempt to undermine Guyana through its pro-Maduro puppet candidate Azruddin Mohamed, who is sanctioned by OFAC,” Congressman Carlos Gimenez said in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter).

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.

Former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Mae Thomas, was also implicated in the corruption allegations.

Since then, Azruddin has gotten heavily involved in local politics and is contesting Guyana’s 2025 General and Regional Elections with his party, We Investment in Nationhood (WIN).

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