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Team Guyana, featuring Anish Ramlall, Domitre Ranking, Arren Vanlewin and Stephen George, has advanced to the next round of the Under-23 3×3 basketball tournament in Paraguay.

The event marks the conclusion of a High-Performance Training Camp ahead of this year’s Junior Pan American Games.

Under the leadership of Coach Willon Cameron, Guyana will now face Group A winners Paraguay on Friday.

Drawn in Group A alongside Argentina, Grenada and the Cayman Islands, Guyana faced a mixed set of results in the group stage.

The Cayman Islands were forced to withdraw due to two injuries sustained during pre-tournament training, resulting in a walkover win for the other teams.

Guyana battled Grenada but came up short in a 16-21 contest, and against tournament favourites Argentina, they were defeated 10-21.

Coach Cameron noted that it was the first time the players were competing together as a unit, but highlighted their steady progress throughout the training camp.

“The tournament was a great opportunity for the players to apply what they’ve learnt since the programme began on Monday,” said Coach Cameron.

The camp, hosted in Paraguay’s capital, Asunción, runs until June 13 and is part of a wider initiative to prepare teams for the upcoming Junior Pan Am Games.

Guyana’s participation comes on the heels of a newly-signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and the Paraguayan Olympic Committee, designed to foster greater collaboration and development in sports.

Other countries participating are Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil, Paraguay, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Roca and the United States Virgin Islands.

The post Guyana through to knockout stage of U-23 3×3 tournament in Paraguay appeared first on News Room Guyana.

As Guyana experiences an unprecedented wave of investment and economic development, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Kathy Smith, is urging local businesses to embrace structural growth and move away from an informal way of doing business.

Speaking in a recent interview with News Room, Smith described the current moment as an exciting time for the country, acknowledging that while there are growing pains, the opportunities for sustainable growth are significant.

“What I want to say to businesses is to get away from the informal way of doing business.

“It is a really good time for us in Guyana; there is a lot of investment taking place locally, and foreign investors are coming into this country. If you want to sustain, grow, and make a profit, you have to set up structures,” Smith revealed.

She explained that businesses can formalise their operations by establishing a physical location. According to Smith, this is not only crucial for growth but also for building trust with financial institutions and partners.

President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Kathy Smith

“We are still seeing people getting contracts, but their business is still at home, their business is on their cellphone, their dinner table…

“… if you want to last in this business sector, you have got to find ways to sustain yourself. Create a structure, find a location, collaborate with somebody. If rent is a bit expensive for you to go at it alone, find another small business and do that,” Smith urged.

But beyond profitability, the GCCI President pointed to other responsibilities of business owners.

“Being in business is not just to support yourself and your family only; you have a duty to community and to country. To community by ensuring that you employ people, support the enhancement of your community, and once we do that, our country can grow.”

In acknowledging challenges and what she described as ‘growing pains’, Smith highlighted an important trend in the local economy—an increase in financing opportunities for businesses.

“We’re seeing more financing becoming available, not just through banks and financial institutions, but also from private sector organisations and government initiatives,” she said.

“The government is making it possible for small and emerging businesses to access projects that give them the cash flow they need.”

However, she stressed that access to these resources must be matched with accountability and structure.

“If you want financial institutions to invest in you, they need to trust you. And they can only trust you if you show them you have systems in place.”

The post GCCI’s President calls on local businesses to ditch informal practices and seize Guyana’s booming investment wave appeared first on News Room Guyana.

When the Round-of-32 games in the inaugural June Madness Futsal championship, powered by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and Ansa McAL, commenced on Wednesday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Stabroek Ballers romped to a huge 11-1 win over Game Changers to highlight the night’s proceedings.

Along with Stabroek Ballers, four other teams- Gold Is Money, Corinthians, Spanyards and Bent Street ‘B’- have all booked their spots in the Round-of-16.

Two seeded teams were sent packing on the night- Stabroek ‘B’, which fell to Spanyards, and Espyanol, downed by Corinthians.

Leading the charge for Stabroek Ballers were Brandon Solomon (6^th, 9^th and 24^th) and Deon Alfred (16^th, 18^th and 27^th) with a hat-trick each.

Seon Taylor added a double in the 25^th and 29^th, with one each for Randy Maynard (13^th), Lionel Holder (23^rd) and Shem James in the final minute of play.

Game Changers’ consolation goal came off the boot of Emmanuel Lewis in the penultimate minute of the match in which they were total outplayed by the more seasoned Stabroek Ballers, one of the 16 seeded teams that earned second round spots.

Spanyards, who defeated Unity Ballers 5-2 in their first round match, proved that they are as good as the seeded teams when they racked up their second win, trouncing Stabroek ‘B’ 7-3, led by a brace from Tyreck Cummings (5^th and 17^th) and Omar Brewley (13^th and 29^th).

They were ably supported by Kendolph Lewis (2^nd), Teshawn Gordon (20^th) and Jashawn Moore in the 25^th minute. Stabroek ‘B’ three goals came from Kevin Padmore (15^th), Jamal Bristol (27^th) and Jonathan McKenzie in the 28^th minute.

Gold Is Money easily put away Young Stars 3-0 on account of goals from Randolph Wagner (6^th and 29^th) and Tevin Troyer.

In a clash of the Spanish teams, and a very physical showdown, Corinthians outhustled Espyanyol 4-1, thanks to goals from Mauel (5^th), Luiz David (15^th), Adriane Talla (28^th) and Carlos Escobar in the 28^th minute.

Espyanol’s consolation goal was scored by Felix Nunez in the 24^th minute.

The night’s opening clash was a close match-up, but Bent Street ‘B’ was able to hold their nerves to edge Albouystown ‘A’ 3-2.

Samuel Garnett (16^th), Lennox Young (17^th) and Tyric McAllister in the 21^st minute laid the platform for the win and a place in the Round-of-16. Albouystown ‘A’ tucked in two late goals from Timothy Thomas (26^th) and Ezikiel Telford in the final minute of play.

Five more matches are slated for Thursday night.

The post Stabroek Ballers maul Game Changers as five teams advance in June Madness Futsal appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Police are investigating a case of Robbery Under Arms following a chilling early-morning home invasion on Tuesday that left a 24-year-old chef nursing a gunshot wound.

The victim, Carlos Conyern, of Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt, was reportedly attacked around 03:30 hrs while sleeping in the upper flat of his home. He was confronted by two masked men—one armed with a handgun—who broke into the building through a southern window.

According to police reports, the intruders woke Conyern and demanded cash. When he began shouting “thief” out of fear, the armed assailant responded by firing a single shot, striking him in the lower abdomen.

The suspects then grabbed two Samsung mobile phones valued at G$85,000 and G$35,000 respectively, before escaping the same way they entered—through the window—fleeing in an unknown direction.

Conyern was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he received medical treatment. Police say his condition is currently listed as stable.

Investigators recovered one .32 calibre spent shell from the scene. The Guyana Police Force has confirmed that investigations are ongoing as they work to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.

The post Chef shot during early-morning home invasion in South Ruimveldt appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The launch of Orinduik Marine Services (OMS), a locally-owned company focused on subsea and diving support for the oil and gas industry, marks a bold stride in Guyana’s local content ambitions, President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali declared on Wednesday.

Speaking at the unveiling of the OMS facility in Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, President Ali called the moment “local content coming to life, not as a slogan, but as a strategy.”

President Ali delivering the feature address at the launching of the Orinduik Marine Services

OMS, spearheaded by Guyanese entrepreneur Harrychand Tulsi, will offer cutting-edge training in offshore safety, navigation, and subsea technology, not just to locals, but to participants from across the Caribbean.

The company will focus on two vital aspects of offshore operations: Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Diving Services, both central to subsea installations and maintenance.

President Ali described the venture as a cornerstone in Guyana’s strategy to not only benefit from oil wealth, but to shape a highly skilled, homegrown workforce capable of operating, innovating and eventually leading in high-tech sectors.

In his address at the Orinduik Development Incorporated Training Centre’s compound in Lusignan, President Ali said that “sovereignty means having people who can design, operate, and innovate across all sectors, allowing Guyana to prosper long after the era of oil and gas.”

He added, “You are seeing a classroom on waves. You are seeing training in real-world, high-risk, high-value environments. This is your time. This is your moment to prepare, to train, to dream and to ride.”

President Ali reemphasised that true national development is measured not just by GDP growth or infrastructure, but by the transfer of knowledge and the transformation of people.

“We are coming for every opportunity,” President Ali asserted. “We are building local companies to go after every world-class operation.”

He described OMS as a direct outcome of deliberate policy.

“This didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of sound policymaking, of a policy matrix that people trust,” he said, pointing to the 2021 Local Content Act which requires oil and gas operators to prioritise Guyanese hiring and skills development.

President Ali also positioned the state-of-art Lusignan facility as a launchpad for regional leadership, with OMS poised to support marine operations in CARICOM countries like Suriname and Jamaica.

“No investment comes without trust, vision, and sustainability in policy,” he said, noting that OMS’ arrival reflects investor confidence in Guyana’s economy and long-term direction.

Additional scene from the launching ceremony held on Wednesday

The facility is expected to play a critical role in assembling subsea oil and gas wellheads, installing pipelines and valves, and maintaining Floating Production Storage and Offloading units (FPSOs) and marine vessels.

OMS founder, Harrychand Tusli and Michal Arnold, CEO of OMS Subsea (UK), also spoke at the launch, which took place with minimal fanfare but maximal significance.

“Let us welcome Orinduik Marine Services as a partner in progress, a builder of skills and a bridge to the future,” President Ali said.

The post Orinduik Marine Services to train Guyanese in subsea diving services, support O&G industry appeared first on News Room Guyana.

To foster an environment of excellence and create safe spaces for its children, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) launched its “Enhancement of Child Care and Early Learning Facilities and Development Services Grant” on Wednesday.

This grant was launched during the “International Day of Play- Play With a Purpose” event, held at Unique’s Daycare, Pre-school and Nursery School at La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara.

While delivering the feature address, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud stressed the importance of equally investing in childcare facilities and human resources.

Keeping this in mind, the grant was implemented through the CPA to support privately owned daycare facilities to become centres of excellence.

“Today, I proudly announce that we will be launching a Childcare and Development Grant, which will be given to ten care centres in regions two, three, four, five, six, seven, and ten,” the Minister disclosed.

Minister Persaud went on to say that “Each care centre will receive $200,000 towards making their centres not only achieve minimum standards but to become centres of excellence.”

The Minister continued to say, “This support does not only stop there, but these centres will also continue to be nurtured and guided by the CPA team.”

“We will continue to do this until every centre in this country is at that stage of excellence. This includes both the physical appearance of the centres and their human resources,” Minister Persaud assured.

The grant will continue to be distributed annually to facilities that meet the requirements.

This transformative financial support underscores the Government of Guyana’s commitment to fostering children’s holistic development and ensures that they are rightfully cared for.

It falls under the mandate of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s CPA to keep “Every Child Safe.”

The post CPA unveils grant to enhance childcare facilities and early childhood development appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Respected Indigenous leader and former Vice President Sydney Allicock has publicly endorsed President Irfaan Ali and the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) for a second term in office.

Allicock, who served as Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs under the APNU+AFC administration and hails from the Guyana Action Party (GAP), a key representative of Indigenous interests, cited disillusionment with the state of the opposition and the PPP’s commitment to Indigenous development as key reasons for his endorsement.

Speaking exclusively to News Room on Wednesday, Allicock reflected on his time within the APNU+AFC coalition, describing a growing sense of marginalisation for smaller parties like GAP.

“Being a GAP member, a small party within the coalition, we felt sort of neglected… When we started with [Former President David] Granger, we were all inclusive, we had a voice,” he said.

Allicock revealed that recent efforts to regroup within the opposition were unconvincing and poorly coordinated. “Although we had meetings with both the AFC and the PNC/R, we were never confident enough that we were ready… Everyone seemed to be watching their own presidency, not seeing the bigger picture.”

He attributed much of the current turmoil in the opposition to internal power struggles, suggesting that the original spirit of unity has been lost. “We were there in the coalition trying to keep the group together, but over time things ran their course and we couldn’t hold on.”

With the September polls looming, Allicock said he consulted widely with community members in the hinterland and believes that President Ali deserves another term.

“If President Ali could be given the chance to continue, I believe much more could be achieved… We need unity, sensible discussions, and collective decision-making,” he emphasised.

He praised the current government’s approach to Indigenous development, particularly its investments in transportation, training, and employment.

Allicock urged Indigenous communities to seize the opportunities being created, warning against complacency and dependency.

When asked if his endorsement was personal or indicative of broader support within GAP, Allicock acknowledged that others share his views, even if they have not yet made their positions public.

“This is my personal position… but others, though not outspoken yet, have recognised the direction the country is heading. I don’t want to say they’ve crossed over, but they’re certainly rethinking.”

Allicock joins a growing list of opposition figures who have backed the PPP/C.

To those still undecided, Allicock had a clear message:

“Guyana is a beautiful and rich country, yet it seems we are poor in such richness. We must listen to those vying for leadership and take time to make the best choice. That’s what I’m doing, and I encourage others to do the same.”

The post Fmr. APNU+AFC Gov’t Minister Sydney Allicock endorses President Ali appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has confirmed the deportation of seven Guyanese nationals from the United States of America, each implicated in a range of criminal offences.

The offences include grand larceny, assault, sexual assault, aggravated assault, illegal entry, and domestic violence. According to the Ministry, the specific charges are as follows: one case each of grand larceny, assault, aggravated assault, illegal entry, and assault involving domestic violence, along with two cases of sexual assault.

While these matters are already in the public domain, the Ministry used the opportunity to remind all Guyanese citizens of the grave consequences of unlawful conduct and violations of immigration laws while living abroad.

“Citizens are strongly urged to pursue only legal and authorised channels for migration, employment, education, and travel,” the statement read. It warned that involvement in criminal activity or any attempt to enter or remain in a foreign country illegally may lead to arrest, imprisonment, and eventual deportation.

Reaffirming its commitment to public safety and national security, the Ministry stated that it continues to collaborate with international partners to manage migration and enforce laws in the best interest of Guyana and its people.

The Ministry urged Guyanese to act responsibly and uphold the country’s reputation while residing or travelling overseas.

The post Seven Guyanese deported from the U.S were involved in criminal activity – Home Affairs Ministry  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

A 40-year-old man is in police custody following a late-night armed robbery in Georgetown, during which a young sales clerk was allegedly assaulted and robbed of an undisclosed amount of cash.

The suspect, identified as Dwayne John, of Lot 56 Bent Street, Werk-en-Rust, is accused of robbing 20-year-old Avinesh Singh at gunpoint around 23:15 hrs on Monday night. The incident occurred at Kent Snackett/Cheese Please Stand, located on Cornhill Street, Stabroek.

Singh was reportedly manning the business at the time when John entered the premises, brandished a firearm, and punched the sales clerk in the face. The suspect then grabbed a small box containing cash and fled the scene.

The stolen money reportedly belongs to Ken Youderian Camacho, a 30-year-old businessman of Houston, East Bank Demerara, who owns the popular roadside snackette.

According to investigators, Singh and two other men pursued the fleeing suspect, who in turn discharged several rounds in their direction as he escaped into nearby Leopold Street.

Police patrol ranks, who were in the vicinity, responded promptly after being alerted. They were able to apprehend the suspect in Leopold Street, where they observed a wound on his chest.

During questioning, John allegedly confessed to discarding both the firearm and the stolen cash in a nearby drain while fleeing. He took the ranks to the location; however, despite a search of the drain, no weapon or money was recovered.

The suspect is currently in police custody and is assisting with ongoing investigations. Police have not yet confirmed the exact amount of money stolen, and efforts are continuing to recover the missing items.

The post Robbery suspect tells Police he discarded gun, stolen cash during escape appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Ballistic tests have confirmed that the fatal bullet which claimed the life of 29-year-old construction worker Rondell Clarke was discharged from an AR rifle assigned to a private security officer, the Guyana Police Force said on Wednesday.

Clarke, a resident of Foulis on the East Coast of Demerara, was allegedly shot by a security guard on the evening of Sunday. The incident occurred between 19:30 and 19:45 hrs along Second Street in the community.

Following his shooting, Clarke was picked up in a conscious state by police ranks and transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he was admitted to the critical surgical bay. Tragically, despite the efforts of medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries at approximately 20:20 hrs the same night.

on Wednesday, during a post-mortem examination, investigators recovered a damaged metal fragment from Clarke’s body. That fragment was immediately sent to the Crime Laboratory of the Criminal Investigations Department for ballistic analysis.

Experts have since concluded that the fragment was discharged from an AR rifle that had been issued to Messiah Mussendeen, a security officer employed by Force Security Solutions. The rifle is now a key piece of evidence in the ongoing investigation.

Further examination also linked a 9mm spent shell casing recovered from the crime scene to a pistol assigned to Devon Boucher, another Force Security Solutions guard who was reportedly present at the time of the incident.

However, police have made it “unequivocally clear” that the fatal shot which led to Clarke’s death came specifically from the AR rifle in the possession of Mussendeen.

The 25-year-old suspect was arrested shortly after the incident and remains in police custody as investigations continue. His firearm had been seized by authorities for forensic examination.

The Guyana Police Force has assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway and pledged that all relevant evidence will be pursued to ensure justice is served in the killing of Rondell Clarke.

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