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Couples and friends looking for a relaxed and creative outing will gather at the Hibiscus Restaurant & Lounge on Saturday, 28 June 2025, for the second edition of Wine n Design, a social event that blends art and leisure.

Hosted by Waypoint, the event offers attendees the chance to sip wine while engaging in artistic activities in a casual, welcoming setting. Organiser Savitri Basdeo told the News Room the event has already sold out.

“It’s a creative and relaxing experience where our guests sip on wine while exploring their artistic side,” Basdeo said in a telephone interview. “It’s all about self-expression and a great atmosphere.”

The event runs from 16:00 to 19:00 hrs and includes unlimited wine, snacks, giveaways, flower pots and design supplies, soil, and a starter kit. The clay pots were sourced from a small business based in Wakenaam, Region Three.

Basdeo, who first hosted the event in 2024, said the positive feedback from participants encouraged her to organise another. She emphasised that no artistic skills are required to take part.

“The idea is to create a cosy alternative for people who want a night out without the typical bar scene,” she said. “Sometimes you just want to unwind with friends and do something fun, but low-key.”

Last year’s event featured tote bags as the design medium. This year, the focus shifted to flower pots, and Basdeo said she is already planning a Christmas-themed edition for December.

Tickets are priced at GY$10,000.

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In an address following the release of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) results, President Irfaan Ali reminded parents, teachers, and students that this examination does not define a child’s future. Nevertheless, the Head of State congratulated all students on their results and said that the future is bright for them in Guyana.

“To these children, I want you to remember, most of you are still 11 and 12 years old – you have your whole life ahead of you. This is not an exam to determine who is better than who. This is an exam that is administered at a very early stage in your life. Do not use this as the basis on which you determine your future,” President Ali during a video message on his Facebook page.

To the parents and guardians, Dr Ali implored them to also not pressure their children into believing that the NGSA is the most defining moment of their lives.

“It is at this moment that we have to reassure all of our children, those who did exceptionally well and those who may not have done as well as they would like; it is at this moment we must reassure them and tell them they are very young,” the President stated.

Meanwhile, President Ali further expressed pride in the national performance, noting marked improvements across all subject areas, which he attributed to continued investments in the education sector.

“I am very proud of the tremendous improvement in every subject area. It tells you that our investment is getting the results we want. It tells you that our capability and capacity is improving,” he said.

The improvements at the NGSA are also the best performances in five years.

For English language, 69.25% of the pupils passed; last year, this was 66.79%.

In Social Studies, there was a 64.7% pass rate compared to 62.88% last year.

In Science, the pass rate went up from 54% last year to 63.7% this year.

And finally, mathematics- which was described as the “troublesome subject” across the region – the pass rate is 55.51%, compared to 40.36% last year.

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Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Sébastien Sigouin, said on Tuesday that his tenure will see strengthened Canadian support for Guyana’s commercial growth and social development, with increased collaboration expected across key sectors.

Speaking at a Canada Day reception at his residence in Bel Air Gardens, Georgetown, Sigouin said the newly elected Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, and his Cabinet are committed to expanding global partnerships, including with Guyana.

“Our message is very clear—building a stronger Canada to be a stronger partner in the world,” Sigouin said. “We are here to strengthen ties, bring new partnerships and support each other through challenges.”

President Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Foreign Minister Hugh Todd, and other senior government officials attended the event.

Sigouin highlighted accelerated commercial engagement, noting the scheduled arrival of Canadian airline Air Transat in December. A memorandum of understanding was also signed between Canada and Guyana to facilitate greater collaboration on trade and development initiatives.

Among current projects is a state-of-the-art tug and barge facility, developed by G Mining and Guyana Ports, which is expected to create more than 1,500 jobs. In addition, Canadian support through the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is being channelled towards social services across the country.

President Ali thanked the Canadian government for its continued support, particularly amid tensions related to the border controversy with Venezuela. He described Canada’s assistance as “generous,” especially in healthcare and development cooperation.

“We welcome the extension of the CARIBCAN trade agreement until 2033, which provides greater predictability and strengthens our trade relations,” Ali said. “We invite Canadian businesses to explore opportunities in agriculture, infrastructure, public housing, eco-tourism, and especially climate-smart agriculture.”

Canada has also pledged to support the protection of women and children, including migrants living in indigenous communities. Sigouin noted that this commitment aligns with Canada’s recognition of its own Indigenous peoples and the importance of inclusive development.

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Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Sébastien Sigouin, on Tuesday said Canada will join the Carter Center in observing the general and regional elections on 1 September 2025, to ensure they are fair and transparent.

The High Commissioner made the disclosure during his remarks at the Canada Day celebration held at his residence in Georgetown.

“Canada will work with the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities. We will work with the Organisation of American States, and we will work with the Carter Center to ensure accessibility, transparency, and fairness—because a strong democracy makes for a strong nation,” Sigouin said.

Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Sébastien Sigouin during his remarks on Tuesday. (Photo: Avidesh Narine/ June 24)

On Tuesday, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) said 24 political parties had indicated their intention to contest the election. The Commission is scheduled to consider and approve the symbols submitted on Tuesday, 1 July 2025.

Political parties are required to submit their respective Lists of Candidates on 14 July 2025—Nomination Day for the General and Regional Elections.

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A new chapter beckons for Indian-born Australian cricketer Nikhil Chaudhary as he gears up for a thrilling debut at the ExxonMobil Global Super League (GSL) in Guyana- donning the purple of reigning Big Bash League (BBL) champions, the Hobart Hurricanes XI.

With the GSL gathering champions from top T20 leagues across the globe, the stage is set for a festival of elite cricket, and for Chaudhary, it’s a platform that could redefine his career.

The right-arm all-rounder is buzzing with anticipation, embracing the grind and eyeing an exciting and life-changing tournament debut.

“My preparation in the off-season is pretty much more about fitness than the skills because we’ve been doing the skills whole year, so these couple months or three months is all about the fitness so we can go through the season without having any injuries,” said Chaudhary from his home in Australia.

A decade of quiet, consistent work fuels Chaudhary’s game plan- simplicity and awareness at the crease.

“My preparation is very simple; I have been doing this for the last 10 years…So, simple preparation, just watch the ball and hit the ball. Maybe it can be a bit different in Guyana because obviously a bit of more spin there, a bit of more turn so the sweeps might be coming in too much there.”

Though yet to make his international debut, Chaudhary’s value lies in his versatility- a flexible asset for the Hurricanes across formats and positions.

“My place in Hobart Hurricanes is not that simple. I can bowl the Powerplay overs, I can bowl in the middle or it can be at the end. Same with the batting. I did numbers 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 last year…I can really do all the aspects in the game.”

After tasting international exposure in the 2024 Abu Dhabi T10, where he rubbed shoulders with stars like Rovman Powell, Shadab Khan and Dwayne Bravo, Chaudhary’s appetite for growth has only intensified.

“It was amazing. I’m a big learner of the game, so I keep learning so I can just put those things into my game in the future.”

With 20 BBL appearances and nine wickets already under his belt, Chaudhary has his eyes set on soaking up wisdom from leg-spin maestro Imran Tahir at the GSL.

“Tahir has been one of the best leg spinners in the white ball (game) we have seen in last, what, 10 years?… I want to learn from him…how to bowl different balls to the different batsmen.”

Among the many things he’s looking forward to in Guyana, the electric pace of teammate Riley Meredith tops his list.

“I am really looking forward to seeing Riley Meredith coming in and bowling super rapid. What he has done in the Big Bash for us, getting those quick wickets in the start is what you want in T20s.”

Off the pitch, there’s plenty about Guyana that excites the 29-year-old former Punjab player, including the country’s famous gold chains.

“It’s an amazing place. I’ve been hearing from Tim David and (Ben) McDermott about Guyana. All my gold chains are from India, but Chris Jordan gets his from Guyana. So really looking forward to those experiences. Maybe I can get one more chain there and that’ll be my fourth one.”

The Hobart Hurricanes XI will be just the second Australian side to feature in the GSL, following Cricket Victoria’s runner-up finish to the Rangpur Riders in the 2024 inaugural season.

Their GSL journey kicks off July 11 against ILT20 champions Dubai Capitals, with the final set for July 18- all matches unfolding at the iconic Guyana National Stadium in Providence. (GSL)

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Twenty-four (24) political parties desirous of contesting in the upcoming General and Regional Elections have submitted symbols to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for approval.

The submissions were made in response to a Notice inviting potential contestants to submit their respective symbols no later than June 23, 2025.

The Commission is scheduled to consider and approve the symbols received on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

Immediately thereafter, the Parties will be informed about the outcome of the Commission’s considerations regarding their respective submissions.

Political Parties are required to submit their respective Lists of Candidates on Nomination Day for General and Regional Elections 2025, i.e. on the 14th July, 2025, along with a copy of their pre-approved symbol to the Chief Election Officer.

GECOM remains committed to engaging all stakeholders to ensure that they are adequately prepared for this critical statutory timeline in the electoral process. (GECOM press release)

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Police are investigating a river mishap that resulted in the death of Damion Fredericks, also known as “Smirf”, on Monday night.

Reports are that the incident occurred around 22:30 hrs near Jacklow in the Lower Pomeroon River.

According to information reaching the News Room, Fredericks and two other men – Shane Narine and Joseph Melville – were consuming alcohol earlier in the night at a club and they left for another spot in Charity, Essequibo Coast.

The men departed in separate boats. Melville claimed that Narine and Fredericks left together in a wooden balahoo powered by a 40hp Yamaha outboard engine, which was owned and driven by Narine. Meanwhile, Melville departed with another individual, identified only as “Akash”, in a different balahoo with a 15hp engine.

Melville reportedly told Police that after retrieving his vessel from a relative’s place, he was crossing the Jacklow River when his boat was struck on the left side, causing it to capsize and throwing him into the water.

Roland Ramdeen, a 41-year-old boat builder told Police that he was at home watching television when he heard a loud sound on the river. He immediately launched his boat and went to the scene to investigate.

Upon arrival, Ramdeen observed two damaged boats. He also found Narine and Fredericks in one of the boats, both with injuries to their faces and heads. Fredericks was unresponsive while Narine was conscious and screaming in pain.

Ramdeen rushed Narine to the Charity Hospital, where he was examined and admitted in critical condition before being transferred to the Suddie Public Hospital.

Fredericks was transported separately by relatives to the Charity Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His body was later taken to the Suddie Public Hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Melville was also examined at the hospital and subsequently taken into police custody as investigations continue.

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Thirty-year-old Kizzian Baird and Junior Richmond were remanded to prison on Tuesday after they were charged with two counts of murder.

They are accused of committing a double-murder at Baramita on June 16, 2025 at New Star Backdam, North West District.

Dead are Wendy James and Mark Thomas.

Baird and Richmond appeared at the Port Kaituma Magistrate’s Court. The charge was read to them by Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh.

Three suspects arrested after Baramita double murder

They were not required to plead and the case was adjourned to August 14 for disclosure.

Police Headquarters had reported that between June 16 and 19, a police team from Regional Police Division One executed a thorough search of the New Star Backdam area after the suspects fled their homes.

They were apprehended in various hiding spots within the Backdam region.

They have undergone video and audio interviews, and witnesses have provided written statements confirming the suspects’ involvement in the acts.

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It has now been revealed that 23-year-old Saffia Mohamed did most of the work in strangling and stabbing her mother to death at Non-Pariel, East Coast Demerara in a story that has shocked the nation.

She has now been charged with her husband who helped carry out the gruesome crime.

Saffia also tried to implicate her father, but Police have since freed him after realizing he was not at home and was being set up.

Saffia is reported to have planned and executed the murder of her mother, Jenny Mohamed, on June 10, police investigations revealed.

Non-Pariel Murder: Woman died from multiple stab wounds, other injuries – Autopsy 

According to investigators, Saffia repeatedly stabbed her mother and strangled her, while her husband, 24-year-old Austin Ramchand, prevented Jenny from escaping.

Ramchand reportedly restrained Jenny in a chair while Saffia continued the attack. The couple later wrapped Jenny’s body in a garbage bag and tarpaulin and disposed of it in a trench along Eccles New Road, East Bank Demerara.

Both suspects appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, charged with murder.

They were remanded to prison without plea, with the case adjourned until August 4 for reports and the filing of statements.

Initially, Saffia and Ramchand attempted to implicate Jenny’s husband, Rasheed Mohamed, in the murder, but police investigations confirmed that he was not at home when the crime occurred and he was subsequently released.

Jenny Mohamed was reported missing on June 12, prompting police searches.

On June 16, forensic teams found bloodstains at the home indicating attempts to clean the crime scene. Jenny’s decomposed body was recovered on June 19 following confessions by the suspects, bearing multiple stab wounds and evidence of strangulation.

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President Dr Irfaan Ali has again expressed confidence in the ongoing transformation of Region Three and called on businesses and residents to capitalise on the numerous opportunities emerging from the region’s rapid development.

Delivering the keynote address at a dinner hosted by the Essequibo Islands–West Demerara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the President emphasised that the government’s substantial investment in the region requires the active involvement of locals to fully realise its potential.

“I therefore urge the Essequibo Islands–West Demerara Chamber of Commerce and Industry to work closely with me in transforming this bold vision for Region Three into a practical, results-driven development plan,” President Ali stated.

He highlighted that financing for the region’s swift growth is readily accessible, with financial institutions prepared to provide loans and other support mechanisms. Notably, he pointed to a marked increase in credit to the private sector, including loans, mortgages, and business financing, which have significantly expanded access to economic opportunities over the past five years. The region is serviced by all major banks, facilitating ease of business operations.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali during his remarks on Monday evening.

Dr Ali further outlined the government’s multi-billion-dollar investment in Region Three, aimed at transforming it into a dynamic hub for multiple sectors. Key infrastructural projects—such as road and bridge construction, farm-to-market access roads, new schools, and the large-scale gas-to-energy initiative—are all expected to enhance the region’s appeal to investors.

“Investment in this region will enhance its competitiveness, stimulate increased industrial and commercial activity, and establish the groundwork for accelerated economic development,” the President remarked.

He also noted that the influx of development projects is generating employment within the region, reducing the need for skilled individuals to seek opportunities elsewhere. Addressing this issue, he said, is a core focus of the government’s regional development agenda.

Meanwhile, Bhabita Albert, President of the Essequibo Islands–West Demerara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to supporting local businesses.

“The region will not progress solely through public sector initiatives; there must be a collaborative balance. That is why the R3CCI is committed to being actively involved every step of the way,” Albert stated.

She added that the Chamber is optimistic that ongoing dialogue with the Government of Guyana, various embassies, and the Regional Democratic Council will strengthen public–private partnerships to further propel regional development.

Importantly, Albert noted that logistics challenges are expected to ease significantly upon the completion of the New Demerara Harbour Bridge.

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