Police ranks in Region Eight uncovered a significant quantity of cannabis during a foot patrol in Mahdia on Wednesday.
Between 11:10 hrs and 13:15 hrs, two officers conducted routine stop-and-search operations in the Central Mahdia area and around the Mahdia Arcade. Several persons were searched for illegal firearms, ammunition, narcotics, and wanted status, but nothing unlawful was found on any of the individuals.
However, further searches in the vicinity of the Mahdia Arcade led to the discovery of three bulky plastic bags hidden in an abandoned yard. The bags, found concealed inside an old refrigerator and a black garbage bag, contained a total of six transparent plastic parcels and numerous small ziplock bags—all filled with leaves, seeds, and stems.
One of the bags also included a package labelled “Gummy Cannabis Flower,” believed to be an infused product.
The narcotics were photographed at the scene and taken to the Mahdia Police Station, where they were weighed and confirmed to total 800 grams. Investigations are ongoing.
Marlon Jones, a 38-year-old taxi driver from Lot 106 Third Avenue, Bartica, has been charged with the offence of receiving stolen articles.
Jones was arrested on June 15, 2025, and formally charged on June 17, 2025, under Section 237(1) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01. The items in question reportedly belonged to Chinese national Jianmei Qiu.
The accused appeared at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (June 18) before His Worship Teriq Mohammed, where the charge was read to him. He pleaded not guilty.
Jones was granted bail in the sum of $80,000. The matter has been adjourned to July 21, 2025.
In an apparent sign of retreat, the Alliance For Change (AFC) has submitted a fresh proposal to the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), seeking renewed coalition ties under drastically scaled-back terms.
News Room understands that the AFC, which has seen a wave of top-level departures and dwindling political momentum since Nigel Hughes took over leadership, is now asking for just 35% of the political stake in any potential coalition—down from an earlier demand of 65%.
A source within the AFC confirmed to News Room that the new proposal, submitted one day ago, is being reviewed by Norton and the APNU. However, some elements of the document remain points of contention for Norton’s party.
Juretha Fernandes has already parted ways with the AFC to position herself as a potential Prime Ministerial candidate for the APNU and there is speculation that others—such as Sherod Duncan—may also follow suit.
According to the source, the revised proposal includes the AFC’s desire to name the Prime Ministerial candidate and nominate a Speaker of the National Assembly—both choices to be acceptable to the APNU. The AFC is also pushing for an independent Representative of the List, a critical function in the coalition dynamic, as well as the requirement that appointments of all Ministers and Junior Ministers receive mutual approval.
Additionally, the AFC is floating the idea of establishing a new Ministry or Commission dedicated to national planning, with a specific focus on transportation—a sector the party believes is critical to national development.
The softened approach signals a significant shift in the AFC’s bargaining posture and has prompted speculation about the party’s long-term viability. With some of its key members stepping back and support waning, there are growing doubts about whether the AFC could even secure a seat on its own in the upcoming elections.
“The party is clearly repositioning,” the source said.
“But the question is whether it has anything left to bargain with,” they added.
Juretha Fernandes has been tapped to be the Prime Ministerial candidate for A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), as the political shake-up ahead of the upcoming general elections in the opposition continues to widen.
Fernandes, a Member of Parliament for the Alliance For Change (AFC), is expected to run alongside APNU’s presidential candidate, Aubrey Norton.
Her selection comes amid the AFC’s failure to re-enter a coalition agreement with APNU, effectively positioning Fernandes as a defector to the People’s National Congress (PNC), the dominant party within the APNU alliance.
The announcement marks a clear departure from earlier speculation that Ganesh Mahipaul, an opposition MP, would be tapped for the Prime Ministerial post.
Mahipaul had been widely considered a frontrunner following the resignation of PNC’s Amanza Walton-Desir. Some insiders had even suggested Walton-Desir was seeking the prime ministerial nomination herself.
APNU has yet to officially confirm the full slate of its leadership team for the elections, but Fernandes’ emergence as the PM candidate sets the stage for a new political narrative.
Whilst Road Warriors, as expected, breezed past Spaniards in the main supporting clash of the night when the Round-of 16 in the inaugural June Madness Futsal championship got underway, it was Bomb Squad and Bent Street ‘B’ who stole the spotlight with resounding wins.
In the main shindig, futsal fans would have easily given the experienced Bent Street ‘A’ the nod to get past Bomb Squad, but the underdogs rose to the occasion to knockout their opponents.
Bent Street drew first blood when Pernel Schultz sent them into the lead with just 32 seconds on the clock.
The energetic Bomb Squad, despite trailing, matched their opponents play for play, but were not able to break down their rock solid defence.
Bent Street were able to double the lead in the 17th minute through a Solomon Austin goal.
Things got even more bleak for Bomb Squad when they found themselves 3-0 down, this time, Schultz doubled his tally with a 19th minute goal.
It seemed a done deal for Bent Street ‘A’, but the boys from Bomb Squad’s never-say-die attitude would spell trouble for their opponents.
Raushan Ritch reduced the deficit in the 21st minute when they found the back of the nets and then a bold and strategic move was made by the Bomb Squad Coach to request the yellow ball.
It was a move that would stun Bent Street when Kayo Fernando’s shot nestled in the back of the nets in the 23rd minute to draw his team level to the ruckus cheers of the fans, it was game on.
Two minutes later it was all over for Bent Street when Kemar Beckford nailed the winner for Bomb Squad in what can be considered one of the greatest comebacks in futsal history.
Bent Street ‘B’ started off proceedings in this round when they downed Stabroek Ballers ‘A’ 4-2.
Bent Street ‘B’ drew first blood in the opening minute through Randy Roberts, but that advantage was soon cancelled out when Deon Alfred netted the first of his brace in the third minute for Stabroek Ballers.
Lennox Young scored the first of his hat-trick for Bent Street ‘B’ in the 16th minute to restore their slim advantage, but this was again cancelled out in the 26th when Alfred scored his second.
Unanswered goals form Young in the 29th and 30th minute sealed a quarter-final place for Bent Street ‘B’.
Road Warriors displayed ripping form once again
Road Warriors easily took care of business against Corinthians via a 7-1 scoreline; they were led by the competition’s leading goal scorer, Luis DaSilva with three goals to take his overall tally to seven.
Arckson Andreazza added a sixth minute Yellow Ball goal (counted as two) while there was one each for Matheus DeSilva in the sixth and Ricardo Silva in the 29th minute. William Dos Santos’ 11th minute goal was the lone response for Corinthians.
Gold Is Money (red) edged Spaniards in a close tussle
Gold Is Money edged Spaniards in the other match, 2-1 to also book their place in the final eight.
Dextroy Adams (ninth) and William Europe (27th) were on target for the winners, with Spaniards’ consolation goal coming from Omar Brewley in the 10th minute.
Meanwhile, the final four matches in the Round-of-16 will be played on Thursday night following the start of the female segment of June Madness with two matches from 20:00h.
Thereafter, from 21:30h, Ballers United will oppose Z-Tekk, North East will come up against Linden All Stars, Back Circle ‘A’ face Festival City and Back Circle ‘B’ challenge Sparta Boss to cap the night.
The four male winners will advance to join Bent Street ‘B’, Gold is Money, Road Warriors and giant killers, Bomb Squad in the quarter-finals set for Saturday.
À moins de huit mois de la date prévue pour l’investiture d’un nouveau président et d’un nouveau Parlement, le processus politique censé conduire Haïti vers des élections démocratiques semble de plus en plus compromis. Le Conseil Présidentiel de Transition (CPT), mis en place en mars 2024 sous l’égide de la CARICOM et des États-Unis, fait aujourd’hui face à une crise interne profonde, marquée par des querelles intestines, des accusations de corruption, et un blocage quasi total de son fonctionnement.
Dans une lettre adressée à la presse et relayée par le Miami Herald, Frinel Joseph, l’un des deux membres observateurs du CPT, brise le silence. Nommé par la société civile, Joseph n’a pas droit de vote mais assiste aux délibérations du Conseil. Dans son texte, il dénonce une institution gangrenée par les conflits internes, incapable de remplir sa mission, et devenue source de suspicion et de désillusion dans la population.
« Le Conseil Présidentiel de Transition est bloqué à cause de luttes internes entre les membres votants, qui s’accusent mutuellement sur la place publique, alors qu’il ne reste qu’environ huit mois à leur mandat », écrit-il.
Dès ses premiers mois d’existence, le CPT a été secoué par un scandale de corruption. Trois membres votants — Louis Gérald Gilles, Smith Augustin et Emmanuel Vertilaire — ont été accusés d’avoir réclamé un pot-de-vin de 100 millions de gourdes à l’ancien directeur de la Banque Nationale de Crédit (BNC), Raoul Pierre-Louis, en échange du maintien de ce dernier à son poste. L’Unité de Lutte Contre la Corruption (ULCC) a conclu qu’il existait des éléments suffisants pour une enquête judiciaire. Mais malgré la pression, les trois membres ont refusé de démissionner.
Dans un souci de compromis, Gilles et Augustin ont renoncé à la présidence tournante du Conseil, mais cela n’a pas suffi à apaiser les tensions. La rotation elle-même, prévue par une résolution du 12 mai 2024, est vivement critiquée par Joseph, qui estime qu’elle viole l’accord initial du 3 avril 2024 et qu’elle introduit une instabilité nuisible au transfert de responsabilités.
Face à ces dérives, Joseph affirme avoir formulé plusieurs propositions internes, notamment l’adoption d’un code d’éthique pour encadrer les comportements des conseillers. Toutes ont été rejetées ou ignorées. Il dit également avoir demandé au Conseil de clarifier publiquement les rumeurs sur le niveau des rémunérations perçues par les membres et leurs proches — des montants qui, selon des rapports relayés dans la presse locale, atteindraient l’équivalent de plus de 76 millions de gourdes par mois par conseiller. Il qualifie ces chiffres d’« inexacts », mais regrette le silence du Conseil, qui laisse les rumeurs prospérer.
La dernière réunion du CPT en tant qu’organe collégial remonterait à plus de deux mois. Entre-temps, les membres se sont lancés dans une guerre de déclarations, s’accusant mutuellement de nominations politiques abusives et d’entrave au bon fonctionnement du gouvernement. La question des postes diplomatiques est particulièrement sensible : le président actuel du Conseil, Fritz Alphonse Jean, accuse le ministère des Affaires étrangères d’avoir procédé à des centaines de nominations. En retour, Smith Augustin accuse Jean et son allié Leslie Voltaire d’avoir recommandé personnellement 14 des 26 ambassadeurs proposés.
Malgré ces tensions, Joseph tente de mettre en lumière quelques réalisations, comme la désignation de Didier Fils-Aimé en remplacement de Garry Conille au poste de Premier ministre. Mais il déplore le manque de respect des textes fondateurs, et l’incapacité du Conseil à s’élever au-dessus des intérêts partisans.
Pendant que les membres du Conseil s’entre-déchirent, la situation sur le terrain continue de se détériorer. Plus de 2 600 personnes ont été tuées cette année dans des violences liées aux gangs, selon les Nations Unies. Le nombre de déplacés atteint un nouveau record de 1,3 million. La majorité du territoire national est en proie à l’insécurité, y compris des zones en dehors de la capitale.
Le déploiement de la mission internationale de sécurité dirigée par le Kenya reste incertain, le référendum constitutionnel est toujours en suspens, et aucune date n’a encore été fixée pour les élections promises. La crédibilité du Conseil est au plus bas, tant sur la scène nationale qu’internationale.
La lettre de Frinel Joseph soulève une question fondamentale : le Conseil Présidentiel de Transition est-il encore capable d’assurer sa mission ou faut-il envisager un autre mécanisme pour sortir Haïti de l’impasse ? La communauté internationale observe avec préoccupation, tandis que les Haïtiens — privés d’élections depuis l’assassinat de Jovenel Moïse en 2021 — perdent chaque jour un peu plus confiance dans les institutions.
À mesure que l’échéance de février 2026 approche, l’incertitude plane sur l’avenir politique du pays. Et si rien ne change rapidement, le Conseil Présidentiel de Transition risque de s’effondrer sur lui-même — emportant avec lui les derniers espoirs d’un retour à la normalité institutionnelle.
A new era of opportunity has begun for small contractors in Linden, Region Ten, who have used government fixed-rate road contracts to launch and expand their businesses.
This has enabled some contractors to support their families, pursue education, and open retail shops and gymnasiums.
Fixed-rate projects involve an agreed price set before work begins, a model particularly effective when the project scope is clearly defined.
Launched by the government last October, this initiative is already making a tangible difference to people’s lives.
Linden’s Shaquille Alexander used the opportunity to establish a gymnasium, which not only benefits himself and his family, but also the entire community.
Shaquille Alexander, beneficiary of the fixed-rate road contracts initiative
“Coming from an extended family, having been awarded the contract for the first time, it was very good for me, it improved a lot of things in my life,” Alexander told the Department of Public Information (DPI)on Friday.
Alexander, who went from a gym instructor to a gym owner, said he is getting to work with people and take care of his family.
The initiative extends beyond employment, empowering young people, single parents, and struggling families with a genuine opportunity to thrive, succeed, and build something of their own.
Latoya Bonus, beneficiary of the fixed-rate road contracts initiative
Single mother Latoya Bonus also saw her life and that of her children transformed after receiving a government fixed-rate road contract.
“When I got my first contract, I was very happy because at that time I was in it. From my first contract to now, I have evolved a great lot pertaining to my kids, my business, and everything. I have grown,” she said.
Bonus also expressed her appreciation to the government for this project, which she said has a powerful impact on single mothers like herself, who may need a start or a helping hand.
“He [the President] is putting smiles on a lot of women’s faces, feeding a lot of mouths, and likewise making a lot of children happy,” Bonus said.
Samuel Grey, a young resident, was able to see his goals become a reality after obtaining a contract.
Samuel Grey, beneficiary of the fixed-rate road contracts initiative
“Besides learning a lot about doing contractual work, it came in handy financially. A lot of projects that I wanted to do were done through my obtaining one of these contracts,” Grey said.
He expressed hope that the government would continue this initiative, especially since the impact it is having is visible throughout Linden, particularly among the younger generation.
Beyond paving the way for financial freedom, fixed-rate road projects eliminate the need for small contractors to navigate complex tendering processes. This eases the burden on those who often struggle to predict final costs and secure fair opportunities.
Ultimately, this intervention underscores how well-executed government policies can unlock opportunities, lift families out of hardship, and transform lives.
Fifty percent of over 2,000 traffic tickets issued through Guyana’s new automated electronic ticketing system have already been paid, according to Traffic Chief, Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh.
Singh made the disclosure during an interview with the News Room, noting that while payments are encouraged, offenders still have the right to contest tickets in court.
“You do have the option to contest too, based on the circumstances at the time,” he stated.
The automated system, officially launched on April 7, 2025, currently operates at ten locations and was developed primarily to monitor speeding. However, it also detects a range of other offences, including tinted windows, coloured lights, and failure to wear seat belts.
“The CCTV footage is utilised in a court of law as evidence to prove that the offence was committed,” Singh explained, adding that the system is paving the way for smarter, more remote traffic enforcement.
“What it helps us with now is what’s intended in the future—smart traffic management. So, less of us on the road now to portray an image… but more remote monitoring, where when you commit the offence, you are being observed in real time.”
The system is calibrated by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) and is supported by recent amendments to the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02.
Payments for tickets can be made conveniently at any MMG agent nationwide, using the ticket number or by scanning the QR code printed on the ticket.
A lucky customer who dines at each of the 21 restaurants participating in the 18th season of Guyana Restaurant Week (GRW) between June 20 and 29, 2025, will earn a special reward: dinner for two at the yet-to-be-named Restaurant of the Year.
The announcement was made on Monday by Dee George, President of the Tourism & Hospitality Association of Guyana, during the official launch hosted at Swingerz Sky Golf Restaurant, a first-time GRW participant located at Movietowne.
“This year there’s a special treat because we want to tempt you to do that journey across the properties… who indicates that they have visited all the properties, they will be awarded a dinner for two at the restaurant of the year,” George said.
The initiative is designed to encourage diners to explore the full variety of eateries on offer during this year’s event, which includes seven newcomers adding fresh flavours and culinary experiences to the menu lineup.
Shaniya DeCosta, a representative of Swingerz, said the restaurant is always looking for ways to improve and impress.
“For customers it means that they get to experience a different side of food in Guyana because we try to basically combine a variety of foods with different flavours,” she shared.
Meanwhile, Krysann Younge, owner of Bia Bia Tex Mex Cuisine in Region Seven, expressed gratitude to her supporters in both Georgetown and Bartica.
“I want to say thank you to our supporters from Georgetown because they have literally travelled all the way to meet me, they make TikToks, they create content, and I want to say thank you to Bartica too for receiving me the way that they did,” she said.
Participating in her second GRW, Younge revealed a new featured item this year: stuffed boudin balls made of cook-up rice, stewed chicken, mozzarella cheese, and plantain.
Here are the 21 restaurants participating in GRW2025:
Aagman Indian Restaurant
The Beach Specialities Restaurant & Bar – Caribbean Inn
In a fusion of sporting excellence and top-tier musical entertainment, the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee is set to stage the biggest Guyana Cup horse race meet on August 17 at the Rising Sun Turf Club in West Berbice.
The 17th edition of the marque sport event will have over G$50M at stake, one of the largest purse ever for a horse racing event in the Caribbean.
A record 11 hotly contested races are carded for the day, with race one galloping off at 11:00h. Gates will open at 09:00h.
Flashback! Olympic Kremlin charging to victory in the Guyana Cup 2024 at Rising Sun Turf Club
This year’s event is set to give the ‘Sport of Kings’ an unprecedented boost with the announcement of a record-breaking G$20M (approximately US$100,000) purse for the feature race.
“The move follows the long-awaited passage of new Horse Racing Legislation, which has been hailed as a pivotal moment for the sport in the country,” the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee said as it swiftly responded to the legislative development by significantly increasing the stakes.
The feature race winner will take a record purse of G$10M, the most significant first prize in Guyanese racing history.
And when the sun goes down, international artistes Machel Montano, Popcaan and Ravi B, along with their respective bands, will take centre stage in a fusion of soca, dancehall and chutney music.
Speaking at the official launch of the event on Tuesday in the boardroom of title sponsor Banks DIH Limited were Banks Beer Brand Manager Brian Choo-Hen, Operations Manager of the Guyana Cup Andre Rochford and founder of the Guyana Cup, Nasrudeen Mohamed Jr.
Races carded for the day:
Guyana Bred Non-Earners (Four years and older)
Guyana Bred (Three years and older) classified K-Class and Lower
Guyana Bred (Three years and older) classified J-Class and Lower
Guyana and West Indian Bred Juveniles
Guyana and West Indian Bred classified H-Class and Lower
Guyana and West Indian Bred classified G-Class and Lower
Guyana Bred Derby
Sprint Classic Open to all Classes (Three years and up)
Imported Juvenile (New Event)
Brazilian and West Indian Bred Derby (New Event)
Guyana Cup 2025 (automatic entry for 2024 champion Olympic Kremlin of Slingerz Stable)
The Imported Juvenile and Brazilian and West Indian Bred Derby will be introduced at the Guyana Cup for the first time.
Imported Juvenile: This race was created to facilitate the participation of ‘younger’ foreign competitors, who have expressed an interest in featuring in the Guyana Cup.
“The Committee is paying attention to the large importation of top-bred horses, which would help the breeding industry in the future,” the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee explained.
“The top bloodlines being bred in Guyana will result in stronger, more competitive thoroughbreds to compete at the higher levels, locally and internationally.”
The Committee is contemplating a change to either the Guyana Cup and/or the Imported Juvenile being a race for only fillies.
“This would be a game-changer to import more top quality mares for a brighter future for our breeding industry.”
Brazilian and West Indian Bred Derby: The Guyana Cup Derby typically features West Indian and Guyana Bred horses, and over the years, the West Indian Bred animals have repeatedly been dominant over the locals.
About this new race, the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee said: “We found it appropriate to introduce a race where the Brazilian horses race against the West Indies Bred horses for the first time ever in the Guyana Cup Derby.”
“It is a known fact that Brazilian horses have demonstrated excellent performances in top classes regionally and internationally, hence we are creating a level battlefield in Guyana for these horses to showcase their talents.”
Venue Layout and Costs
The transformation of the venue is geared to enhance the spectator experience, giving them a view of the horse racing and the concert from any area of the Rising Sun Turf Club they choose to visit.
General Admission: G$6,000 (Early bird G$5,000)
Access to horse racing and concert
VIP: G$55,000 (Early bird G$40,000)
Stage front access to concert, and also gives access to horse racing during the day
VVIP: G$100,000 (Early bird G$75,000)
All-inclusive ticket gives access to designated VVIP Cabana-style area for the horse racing from 10:00h to 18:00h, perfectly positioned with a main stage in front of the finish line and a massive 24ft viewing screen. From 18:00h to 01:00h, ticket holders will enjoy the view from an elevated deck at a prime location beside stage front. VVIP access includes food and drinks all day and night, with stylish cocktail tables.
Elevated Cabana: G$300,000
This Cabana caters for 15 persons in a private elevated 12×12 tent for horse racing only, complete with two tables, 10 chairs and dedicated toilet access. All Cabanas are inter-connected by a stylish catwalk, creating a unified viewing experience where guests can celebrate together while enjoying an unobstructed view of the entire homestretch to the finish line.
Non-Elevated Cabana: G$200,000
Each Cabana package includes a private non-elevated 12×12 deck for the horse racing only with two tables and 10 chairs. It caters for 20 persons.
Corporate Package: G$1,500,000
This package offers a VVIP experience in the day (09:00h to 18:00h) and an elevated deck in the night (18:00h to 01:00h). An escort is provided. Features of the all-inclusive package are food and drinks, 12×12 elevated deck with luxury seating for 12 persons, five premium bottles (one champagne, four spirits), a dedicated waitress and prime visibility in the VVIP zone.
Attractions: In the lead up to the race, there will approximately 30 road shows across the country, geared to promote the mega event. Billboards will also be mounted at strategic points.
On the day itself, there will be a ‘Kiddies Zone’, a vibrant cultural parade to showcase Guyana’s diversity and 10 small businesses will be given an opportunity to showcase their products and services.
Title sponsor Banks DIH Limited will also erect a ‘Banks Village’, giving access to all types of ticket-holders.
In terms of traffic management on the day and general safety for patrons, the the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee is working closely with the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Fire Service to put systems in place for an incident-free day.