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The post Geeta Chandan Edmond says she resigned from PNC/R after endorsement of President Ali appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Hailed as a burgeoning “national spectacle” and a vital “breeding ground for Guyanese talent,” the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast was officially launched on Saturday, promising a bigger and more lucrative tournament in its third iteration.

 The expanded competition, set to commence on June 28 in Berbice, has garnered significant backing from the corporate sector and the highest levels of government, underlining its growing stature in the nation’s sporting landscape.

Deodat Indar, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, who represented President Dr. Irfaan Ali at the launch event at RS53 Etkezo, lauded the tournament’s expansion, which aims to feature up to 80 teams.

Minister Indar emphasised the tournament’s role in uncovering local talent and promoting unity.

“This tournament is a breeding ground for Guyanese talent,” Indar stated.

 “Cricket is a household name; a sport that unites…One Guyana is about unity, building from the ground up.”

He commended the organizers, FL Sport, for crafting a product that has earned the trust of the corporate community, evidenced by the return of numerous sponsors and the addition of new partners.

The significant increase in prize money reflects the tournament’s growth and success.

Zonal winners will earn GY$ 300,000 and a coveted spot in the national finals.

From left: Natasha Persaud of Kares Group of Companies, FL Sport’s John Ramsingh, and Minister Deodat Indar with the championship trophy

Former national cricketer Steven Jacobs described the event as a “national spectacle,” praising its wide reach and audience engagement.

Echoing a challenge from President Ali, Jacobs called for the inclusion of female teams to ensure the tournament’s continued growth and its potential to attract regional and international interest.

FL Sport has embraced this call, announcing plans to include at least four female teams in this year’s edition.

Tournament Director John Ramsingh expressed his gratitude for the government’s support, which has granted access to some of the premier cricket facilities across the country.

 He highlighted the strong private sector partnerships that have enabled the tournament to offer substantial rewards to the players and attract international attention.

“We are thrilled to be back on board,” said Natasha Persaud, representing title sponsor Kares Group of Companies, noting their pleasure in seeing the tournament’s year-on-year expansion.

The preliminary rounds will be held across four zones: Berbice (June 28-29), East Bank/West Demerara (July 5-6), Georgetown/East Coast Demerara (July 19-20), and Essequibo (July 26-27).

The tournament will culminate in a grand finale on August 3rd at the National Stadium, Providence.

The Georgetown/East Coast Demerara zone has the capacity for up to 32 teams.

For registration and further information, interested teams can contact Akeem Greene via WhatsApp at +5926352235 or visit the “One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast” social media pages.

The post ‘A Breeding Ground for Talent’: Kares One Guyana T10 unveils lucrative and expanded tournament appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has announced that it will commence a Claims and Objections Exercise on June 16, 2025, as part of preparations for the upcoming General and Regional Elections.

The Claims phase of the exercise will run until 18 June 2025. In anticipation of a high turnout, GECOM has extended the opening hours of its Registration Offices nationwide.

While the standard operating hours are 08:00 to 18:00 hrs, GECOM has confirmed that on 16, 17, and 18 June, offices will remain open until 20:00 hrs (8pm) to accommodate increased public participation.

This extension applies to all GECOM Registration Offices across the country, which will now operate from 08:00 to 20:00 hrs on the specified dates.

Guyanese citizens who will be 18 years or older by 30 June 2025, and who are citizens by birth, descent, or naturalisation — as well as Commonwealth citizens residing in Guyana for one year or more — are eligible for inclusion in the Official List of Electors (OLE) for the 2025 elections.

GECOM is urging all eligible individuals to visit the Registration Office responsible for their area during the extended hours to:

* Make a claim for inclusion on the OLE if their name is not currently listed;
* Apply for a transfer if they no longer reside at the address under which they were previously registered;
* Request a name change if they have legally changed their name since last registering; or
* Correct information if there are errors in the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE).

The Commission encourages timely participation to ensure all eligible voters are accurately recorded ahead of the electoral process.

For more information, residents may contact their local GECOM Registration Office or visit [GECOM’s official website].

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Months after he died while in custody at the Parfaite Harmonie Police Station, Police have wrapped up their investigation into the death of block maker, Delon Lawrence, who is accused of stabbing a female security guard while in a minibus.

Police Headquarters, in a statement, said one suspect was arrested and questioned in relation to Lawrence’s death.

According to the Police, the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has wrapped up its probe into Lawrence death.
So now, the case file will sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice on Monday, June 16.

After beaten and left unattended, block maker dies in Police custody

Police report had stated that Lawrence was on a route 31 minibus on March 15, 2025, when he was accused of stabbing a female passenger with a knife and being beaten by concerned citizens.

He was arrested by police and taken to the La Grange Police Station, then to the Parfaite Harmonie Police Station, but was later pronounced dead by Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) while in police custody.

However, relatives have provided a different account of events.
They alleged that Lawrence died while in police custody because he was not given medical attention despite his injuries.

The post Suspect questioned, OPR wraps up probe into death at police station appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The High Court has ordered the seizure of $10 million from businessman, Naitram Outar for his alleged involvement in a kickback scheme linked to a land sale.

In a ruling handed down on Wednesday, Justice Peter Hugh directed the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) to confiscate the funds as they were deemed proceeds of crime and tainted property.

The court further ordered that the seized money be paid into the Consolidated Fund under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act.

According to the Police, the case stems from a search conducted by SOCU officers on July 15, 2024, at Outar’s residence in Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

Although the initial search was for narcotics and other illegal items, officers found and seized $10 million after Outar failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the large sum.

Subsequent investigations revealed that Outar conspired with another businessman to facilitate the sale of two acres of land in Ogle for $50 million.

Outar was responsible for arranging the deal and was to receive $40 million, with the remaining $10 million paid as a kickback to individuals associated with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), Police said.

SOCU continues to investigate other individuals allegedly involved in the corruption scheme.

Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, head of SOCU, has issued a stern warning to those attempting to corrupt the system, emphasizing that law enforcement will relentlessly pursue offenders until they face prosecution.

SOCU was represented by Prosecutor David Brathwaite.

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Regional food giant, Grace Kennedy has been invited to establish a manufacturing presence in Guyana by Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh.

The Finance Minister speaking during the fourth Jamaican export and investment mission to Guyana, acknowledged the company’s strong global brand amid Guyana’s growing agro-processing potential.

“Grace Kennedy has a huge global footprint, you go into mainstream supermarkets in the US and you see Grace Kennedy products on the shelves.

“We would be delighted for you to come to Guyana to set up a manufacturing presence in Guyana,” an enthusiastic Dr. Singh said in response a representative from the company who inquired about the potential investment in Guyana.

Highlighting Guyana’s agricultural potential, the Finance Minister stated that the country is well-positioned to supply produce such as coconuts to Grace Kennedy products.

“We have a huge coconut industry.

“The truth is, Grace Kennedy coconut water should have in the fine print – Product of Guyana. Your coconuts shouldn’t come from Thailand, your coconuts should come from Guyana,” the minister said.

He went on highlight Guyana’s agro-processing potential with an abundance of fruits and vegetables now been cultivated here. Singh said these products can easily be transformed into value-added goods under the Grace Kennedy brand.

“Agro-processing is extremely important, all those crops we grow could easily be packaged and branded as Grace products,” Singh said.

The minister made it abundantly clear that the government is open to partner with Grace Kennedy.

However, should Grace Kennedy opt to invest directly or to license a local manufacturer, he said, Guyana is ready to support.

“It can be a Guyanese manufacturer, and you work out with them your standards, branding and labelling, that is also a possibility.”

The post Finance Minister invites Grace Kennedy to set up manufacturing operation in Guyana appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh is encouraging Guyana’s banking sector to step beyond its traditionally conservative lending practices and support the country’s private sector by embracing other forms of collateral.

Speaking during the second day of a Jamaican export and investment mission to Guyana, Dr. Singh addressed concerns raised about banks requiring only land or other fixed assets as collateral for loans.

“The banking sector has historically been conservative, I am choosing my words carefully, erring on the side of risk aversion which is not necessarily a bad thing because we want strong banks and strong balance sheets and we want them to maintain good quality portfolios.

“But there is room, I believe, for the banking sector to be more aggressive I believe, in relation to lending to the Guyanese private sector,” Dr Singh stated.

He further revealed that conversations are also ongoing on what the banks can do and what is needed from the government to enable them to be more aggressive.

According to Dr Singh, the government has already taken policy steps to facilitate change in the banking sector like enacting legislation that allows movable collateral to be used as security for loans. This means that assets such as equipment, inventory, and even vehicles can now be legally pledged to access financing.

“We are working with the sector as well to enable them to accept more financial assets like receivables that can be pledged, invoices that can be discounted which is standard technology in more sophisticated banking systems, and some banks are doing this,” Dr. Singh said.

He added, “We want to see more take up of this so the legal framework is in place, the banks now need to respond to that framework, legally and regulatory framework and step out a little bit from their historic comfort zone which is almost risk free lending, lending secure banking.”

Highlighting Guyana’s rapid economic transformation, Singh said the government is also working with banks to improve the ease with which businesses can assess financing.

He further stated with the country’s push to build a more diversified and resilient non-oil economy, improving access to credit will enable the private sector to scale up.

The post Finance Minister urges banks to step out from ‘comfort zone’ & expand lending appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) have officially unveiled their 15-man squad as they prepare to defend their fortress at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence in the highly anticipated ExxonMobil Global Super League (GSL) 2025.

With a squad rich in international experience and a blend of explosive youth and proven veterans, the Warriors are poised for a thrilling campaign.

Manager of the Guyana Amazon Warriors Leon Johnson unveiled the trophy at the launch ceremony on June 13, 2025 (Photo: News Room/Kirth Cadogan)

Following a strong third-place finish in the inaugural 2024 season, the Warriors have made a few key adjustments while maintaining a solid core led by marquee names such as Imran Tahir, Moeen Ali, Romario Shepherd and Gudakesh Motie.

New additions to the squad include rising wicketkeeper-batters Jewel Andrew and Amir Jangoo, along with seasoned top-order powerhouses Johnson Charles and Evin Lewis.

Left-arm spin maestro Akeal Hossein brings additional firepower to the bowling unit.

Also joining the squad are Rahmanullah Gurbaz, returning to the Warriors set-up after successful Caribbean Premier League (CPL) stints, Irish pacer Mark Adair, and Pakistani all-rounder Saud Shakeel, offering versatility and depth.

The Warriors will be without key players Shai Hope, Kevlon Anderson and Roston Chase, who are on West Indies Test duty. Keemo Paul is sidelined due to injury.

The 2025 GSL season kicks off in grand style with debutants Central Stags (New Zealand) and Hobart Hurricanes XI (Australia) battling it out in a day game followed by the Guyana Amazon Warriors facing off against defending champions Rangpur Riders of Bangladesh in the night fixture on the same day at Providence.

Also competing are Dubai Capitals, the reigning champions of the International League T20.

GUYANA AMAZON WARRIORS SQUAD: Imran Tahir, Evin Lewis, Johnson Charles, Moeen Ali, Shimron Hetmyer, Saud Shakeel, Romario Shepherd, Dwain Pretorius, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein, Ramanullah Gurbaz, Mark Adair, Jewel Andrew, Shamar Springer, Amir Jangoo (GSLT20)

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Raul Binand was remanded to prison on Friday after the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) found 21.972 kilogrammes (or about 48.4 pounds) of cocaine in a car along David Street, Kitty on Wednesday.

In a release, CANU said Binand appeared before Magistrate Annette Singh at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court. He pleaded not guilty to the offence of possession of cocaine for trafficking. Bail was refused, and he was remanded to prison until July 11, 2025.

CANU said the motorcar was intercepted on Wednesday. When searched, several parcels containing a “whitish powdery substance suspected to be cocaine” were found.

It was noted that the suspects were arrested and taken to CANU Headquarters afterwards. Investigations are said to be ongoing.

The post Man remanded to prison after nearly 50 pounds of cocaine found in car appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Georgetown, Guyana. June 13, 2025 – LNDCH4 Guyana is pleased to announce the arrival of the Backup Battery Storage System (BESS), which landed at the John Fernandes wharf today. The BESS forms a critical part of the power plant’s emergency support system and is engineered to ensure uninterrupted energy delivery in the event of turbine failure. 

The inclusion of this advanced battery system reinforces LNDCH4’s commitment to delivering a reliable power solution for Guyana. With a total capacity of 30 megawatts (MW), the system was shipped in twenty-two (22) containers which comprises of battery racks, six (6) inverters, auxiliary transformers and a fully integrated Power Distribution Center (PDC) shelter. It also includes an Energy Management System (EMS), Battery Management System (BMS), Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS), Fire suppression system and HVAC units to ensure optimal performance and safety under all conditions. 

One of the twenty-two containers being offloaded from the vessel

Designed to respond instantaneously, the BESS provides critical backup power to protect the integrity of the electrical grid and maintain operational stability in unexpected scenarios. This latest delivery joins the growing list of critical components already received for the project, including two state-of-the-art gas turbines, each capable of generating 45 MW of electricity. 

The arrival of the BESS marks significant progress of the Gas-to-Energy (GtE) progress and highlights LNDCH4’s commitment to Guyana. Country manager Humberto Lopez stated “This shipment demonstrates our continued commitment to the highest standard of operational excellence.” 

As a key component of Guyana’s landmark Gas-to-Energy (GtE) initiative, the BESS will enhance the project’s efficiency and reliability; helping to stabilize the national grid, reduce carbon emissions and support the delivery of affordable electricity to homes and businesses across the country. 

LNDCH4 continues to meet international standards in quality, health, safety, environment and innovation. With our team working on-site around the clock, focused on meeting international quality standards and the arrival of the BESS, the project moves one step closer to completion, ensuring Guyana’s transition to a more modern, energy-secure future (LNDCH4 press release)

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