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June 9, 2025- The Ministry of Education has officially concluded the national distribution of the 2025 “Because We Care” Cash Grant and School Uniform and Supplies Grant.

This year, over 205,000 students across the country benefited from the initiative, which saw the disbursement of approximately $11.28 billion to parents and guardians. Each child received a total of $55,000, a combined sum from the “Because We Care” and the School Uniform and Supplies Grants, reinforcing the Government of Guyana’s commitment to supporting families and ensuring that children are equipped to participate fully in their education.

The 2025 rollout saw distribution across all eleven education districts and Georgetown. Region 3, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, recorded the third-largest distribution total with over $1.53 billion disbursed to parents of 27,830 students, while Region 6, East Berbice-Corentyne followed with $1.26 billion issued for 23,023 students.

Region 4C, East Coast of Demerara, also saw a significant share of the grant, with $1.23 billion given to support 22,465 students. In Region 4B, the East Bank of Demerara, 19,461 students benefited from grants totaling $1.07 billion.

Regions 1, Barima-Waini and 2, Pomeroon-Supenaam, received $797 million and $706 million respectively. Other regions such as Region 5, Mahaica-Berbice, Region 7, Cuyuni-Mazaruni and Region 9, Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo, received $638 million, $447 million, and $595 million, respectively.

For more information on the ‘mop up’ dates, click this link

Region 8, Potaro-Siparuni, with an enrolment of 4,373 students, received $240 million, while Region 10, Upper Demerara-Berbice, saw $646 million disbursed to parents of 11,747 students. Georgetown accounted for the highest single distribution total, with $2.1 billion reaching the parents of 38,284 students.

The Ministry of Education expresses sincere appreciation to Regional Education Officers, District Education Officers, head teachers, teachers, and support staff across the country who worked diligently to ensure a smooth and successful grant distribution. Their efforts were instrumental in the efficient and timely rollout of this important national programme.
The Ministry acknowledges that some parents and guardians may have been unable to collect the grant during their scheduled distribution dates. To address this, a mop-up period will be announced shortly to facilitate those who missed their original pick-up opportunity.

The “Because We Care” cash grant is a direct investment in the future of Guyana’s children. It reflects the Government’s continued commitment to equity in education and to reducing the financial burden on families, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The Ministry remains committed to the success of this initiative and to the broader goal of delivering quality education to all (Ministry of Education press release)

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A traveller from Guyana was caught with 3.5 kilogrammes or about 7.7 pounds of cocaine hidden in several pairs of shoes at the Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada.

The cocaine is said to be worth about CA$ 437,000 or about G$66.8 million.

“The evidence was seized and both it and the traveller were turned over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Ontario,” a Facebook post from the Canada Border Service Agency stated.

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EDGE Sports Management (ESM) is proud to present the 2025 EDGE Series, taking place from July 12–20 in Georgetown, Guyana.

This multi-sport event will feature 3×3 Basketball, Table Tennis and Criterium Cycling, with the goal of highlighting the depth, diversity and excellence of Guyanese athletic talent.

The EDGE Series was created to provide a dedicated platform for local athletes to perform at home in a professionally run, high-profile setting.

Too often, Guyanese athletes go unseen on their own soil. This event aims to change that by giving athletes the stage they deserve and the support they need to grow.

Held in collaboration with the Guyana Basketball Federation, the Guyana Table Tennis Association, and the Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycling Club, the Series brings together Guyana’s top performers across three distinct sports, while also welcoming regional competitors to test their skills against our nation’s best.

The EDGE Series is more than competition- it’s about building pride, opportunity and visibility for Guyanese athletes. From juniors to national representatives, this event offers athletes the exposure, challenge, and encouragement needed to move forward in their sporting journeys.

The EDGE Series aims to spotlight Guyanese athletes on a national stage, providing them with the recognition and competitive opportunities they deserve.

It seeks to foster stronger community engagement and build a loyal fan base for local sports, while also creating a clear pathway for athletes to progress toward national and international representation.

Chelsea Edghill, CEO of EDGE Sports Management

Additionally, the event promotes collaboration across sports federations to enhance the systems of support available to athletes at every level.

Chelsea Edghill, CEO of EDGE Sports Management, shared: “The EDGE Series is for Guyanese athletes first. We want to celebrate them, challenge them, and most importantly show them and the country just how valuable their talent is. This is our opportunity to rally behind local sport and move it forward together.”

Events will take place at major venues in Georgetown, including the National Gymnasium and downtown race routes for the night criterium.

Full schedules and event details will be available at www.edgesmgy.com

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The ExxonMobil Guyana Linden Inter-School Football tournament concluded on Sunday (June 8) with an electrifying match between Mackenzie High School and Linden Technical Institute (LTI), finishing 2-2 after regulation time.

LTI would then go on to win the contest, edging Mackenzie High 5-4 on penalty kicks.

In the third place playoff, Linden Foundation Secondary kept their cool and made easy work of Wisburg Secondary, winning 3-0.

Mackenzie High School had the perfect start to the championship match with Azizi Grant scoring the fastest goal in the tournament in the first minute with an incredible long distance shot and Kymani Mackenzie doubling the score in the 24^th minute.

LTI then demonstrated why they were tournament’s favourites, keeping their composure and responding in the 30th minute with a blistering shot from outside the 18-yard box from Amari Cummings.

National youth player Dexter Milo then levelled the score in the 45^th minute.

The second half was a defensive battle in front of hundreds of fans as both teams held their nerves and took the game to kicks from the penalty spot.

The champions Linden Technical won G$400,000 to be used on a project to benefit the team and school, second place Mackenzie High G$200,000, Linden Foundation G$100,000 and Wisburg G$50,000.

Tournament MVP Dexter Milo Jr. from LTI will be awarded a Laptop. Best Goalkeeper Samuel Petrie and other individual awards, including an Academic and Sports Excellence award, will be presented at a presentation ceremony on a later date.

This year’s tournament also featured Christianburg Wismar Secondary School, New Silver City Secondary, Kwakwani/Arima Secondary School and Harmony Secondary School, who all performed incredibly.

All participating schools were a part of life skill workshops focusing on Men’s Health, Media Training, Confidence Building and Goal Setting.

All participating teams were also presented with a full set of gears (uniforms). Games were also played in Sub-Region Two, in Kwakwani to the delight of the players and residents.

A lucky fan- young Denzil Farrell- won a brand new iPhone 15, compliment of ExxonMobil Guyana.

The organising body New Era Entertainment to like to thank ExxonMobil Guyana, Bumper to Bumper Services, Ansa McAl Trading Limited, the Ministry of Education, the Regional Health Department and all participating schools for making this tournament a success.

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The Guyana Basketball Federation’s representatives- Coach Willon Cameron and U-23 standouts Stephen George, Arren Vanlewin, Anish Ramlall and Domitre Ranking- are currently participating in a 3×3 high-performance training camp in Paraguay.

The camp, hosted in the South American nation’s capital, Asunción, runs until June 13 and is part of a broader initiative aimed at preparing teams for the upcoming Junior Pan American Games.

The opportunity follows the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and the Paraguayan Olympic Committee, paving the way for deeper sporting collaboration and development.

President of the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF), Michael Singh, expressed gratitude to the GOA for supporting 3×3 basketball, widely regarded as the sport’s fastest-growing discipline.

“3×3 basketball is high on the GBF’s agenda,” Singh said.

“This training opportunity in Paraguay plays a critical role in building out our development ecosystem for the format, and we’re thankful to the GOA for making this a reality.”

The Guyanese trio comes from diverse basketball backgrounds, with Ramlall playing NCAA Division II basketball at St. Cloud State University in the United States, while Ranking represents Colts Basketball Club, one of the nation’s top teams, under the guidance of Coach Cameron.

George is a dynamic talent for the Amelia’s Ward Jets, and Vanlewin, represents the Kwakwani Untouchables.

Coach Cameron brings a wealth of experience to the programme. A physical education teacher at President’s College, Cameron holds a degree in Sports Coaching from the University of the West Indies, along with FIBA Level 2 certification.

His résumé includes leading the Colts Basketball Club to back-to-back national titles as head coach.

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Villages along the East Bank, Soesdyke, Timehri and Highway will this weekend be locked in intense battle when the 2025 edition of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) East Bank/Soesdyke/Timehri Cluster Inter-Village Seven-A-Side Knockout Football competition takes place.

The venue is the President Youth Choice Ground, Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, with a grand march pass of the contesting villages set to ignite the start of action on Saturday (June 14) from 10:00h.

Defending champions, Kuru Kururu ‘A’ will be enjoying home advantage this year, but will have to bring their A game and more in order to stave off the challenges that are expected from the other villages that will be coming with their eyes focused on the top prize of G$700,000.

Second place will be worth G$500,000 with third valued at G$300,000, whilst fourth place will receive G$200,000. The top three individual players will also be rewarded.

Some of the best players along this corridor will be suiting up for their respective villages and while the rules allow for three non-village players, many of the villages have already disclosed that they are confident of winning the big prize with their villagers.

Amongst the villages already confirming their participation ahead of Thursday’s deadline are Kuru Kururu ‘A’ and ‘B’, Laluni, Herstelling, Soesdyke, Mocha, Eccles, Swan, Waiakabra, Airport Ballers from Timehri and Spaniards from Diamond.

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In his prime- at age 29- Nicholas Pooran has called time on his international career, ending his journey in the West Indies colours.

The left-hander, one of the most sought-after player on the global T20 circuit, made the announcement via his Instagram platform on Monday.

“After much thought and reflection, I’ve decided to announce my retirement from international cricket,” he said.

Pooran represented the West Indies in 106 T20I, scoring 2,275 runs with a highest score of 98, among 13 half-centuries. He has a strike rate of 136.

In ODIs, the Trinidadian played 61 matches, amassing 1,983 runs with three hundreds and 11 fifties. He finishes with an average of 39.66 and strike rate of 99.15.

Pooran has never played Test cricket.

Following Pooran’s announcement, Cricket West Indies issued the following statement:

Cricket West Indies extends sincere gratitude and appreciation to Nicholas Pooran for his outstanding contributions to West Indies cricket.

Nicholas officially informed the leadership of his decision to retire from international cricket, bringing to a close a significant chapter in his career.

A world-class player and a game changer, Nicholas leaves the game as the most capped West Indian in T20 Internationals with 106 matches and the leading T20I run-scorer with 2,275 runs.

His performances on the field and influence within the team have made a lasting impact on West Indies cricket.

We salute his achievements and thank him for the moments he has given fans across the region and beyond.

We wish him all the very best in the next phase of his journey.

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Keon Narine, a 22-year-old electrician of Agricola, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was arrested on Monday after he allegedly discharged a firearm at the home of the man accused of killing his brother earlier in the day.

Police Headquarters said the firearm was discharged with intent a a house owned by Gideon Bollers, a 60-year-old carpenter of Agricola. Gideon’s son, Raphael Bollers, has been accused of killing Keon’s brother, Nocholas Narine.

Nicholas was killed earlier Monday.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Narine went to Brutus Street on a motorcycle, reportedly armed with a firearm, and stopped in front of the house and discharged several rounds, which hit the house in several places.

The 22-year-old man then made good his escape.

Subsequently, Police ranks went to Keon’s home, where he was apprehended. A search was conducted on the premises and an AR-15 Rifle and one magazine containing five (5) live 5.56 rounds of ammunition were found in a bedroom, where the suspect was.

He was told of the allegation and the offences committed, cautioned, arrested and escorted to the Ruimveldt Police Station, along with the firearm and ammunition.

When questioned further at the station, Narine told detectives that he shot at the house because Gideon’s son killed his brother, Nicholas. He also said that the firearm belonged to his brother.

Detectives who processed the scene recovered eighteen (18) 5.56mm spent shells. The suspect remains in custody, as further investigations are in progress.

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The curtain rises once again on one of Guyana’s most cherished cultural showcases—the 32nd Annual Mother and Daughter Pageant—taking centre stage on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the National Cultural Centre, under the enchanting theme: “A Symphony of Love.”

Presented by Supa Stylistics in proud partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Government of Guyana, this year’s production promises a refreshing harmony of tradition and innovation—where elegance, emotion, and entertainment come together in one magical evening.

Once again, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has collaborated closely with producers to ensure that this highly anticipated event—now an integral part of Guyana’s cultural tapestry—is executed with the world-class entertainment features our nation deserves.

A Night of Fashion, Family & Flawless Vibes

From the glitz of the KFC Red Carpet Experience at 6 PM to the glamour of the main event at 8 PM, audience can expect a full sensory journey. The red carpet is not just a photo op—it’s an event within the event! Attendees will enjoy free food, drinks, ice cream, exclusive product giveaways, live interviews, and more—all included in the ticket price.

Surprises That Strike the Right Note

This year’s edition introduces a special non-competitive showcase of fathers and sons, making the 2025 pageant a true celebration of the entire family unit. Each day this week, featured father-son pairs will be revealed via the pageant’s official platforms—building anticipation for an unforgettable show night.

Big Prizes, Bigger Memories

Every ticket-holder is automatically entered for the grand door prize—a trip to a surprise international destination, announced just before the show. Last year’s winner jetted off to London. Who will win 2025’s ultimate getaway?

Glamour with Purpose

Competing mothers and daughters stand to win a dazzling array of prizes, including local and international experiences and tangible gifts from Guyana’s top brands. But beyond beauty, this event continues to honour resilience, heritage, and love across generations.

Platinum Sponsors: Powering the Pageant’s Magic

This year’s celebration is proudly supported by three platinum sponsors, each bringing their own flair to the pageant experience:

• IGLOO – Title sponsor for the Igloo Junior Category, IGLOO has collaborated with the pageant for over a decade, delivering sweet smiles and even sweeter scoops. As always, expect free ice cream in the lobby courtesy of IGLOO.
• SAB Properties – Title sponsor for the SAB Properties Middle Category, this company has long served corporate Guyana with pristine real estate and is now elevating expectations with two new apartment complexes in Middleton and Ogle, promising luxurious living for modern families.
• KFC – Taking over double duty this year as the title sponsor for both the KFC Senior Category and the Red Carpet Experience, KFC brings splendor and fantasy both on stage and at the event’s glittering red carpet starting at 6 PM.

A Word from the Producer

Dr. Sulan Fung, pageant producer and newly minted Howard University Dental School graduate, shared the reason behind the rescheduled date:

“I graduated on May 10—the usual pageant date. We wanted to celebrate that milestone with family, and so we moved the pageant to the eve of Father’s Day to honour all families.”

[Press Release by Supa Stylistics ]

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In an emphatic address on Monday, President Dr. Irfaan Ali told graduates of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) to put their new skills and knowledge to good use in Guyana.

 “Guyana needs you, we need your skills, we need your voice, we need your passion, we need you to stay, we need you to lead,” President Ali told the graduates as Guyana is undergoing massive transformation.

At the first graduation ceremony this year being held under the theme “Enhancing the Nation’s Human Capacity,” President Ali applauded the graduates for taking the opportunity available through GOAL to upskill.

The Head of State directed majority of his address to the graduates, acknowledging their sacrifices and celebrated their achievements.

He positioned them as vital agents in shaping a modern, equitable, and globally connected Guyana. This year over 2000 persons are set to graduate with the first 580 were conferred with their master’s degrees on Monday.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

“Today is a proud moment not just for you but for our nation.

“You have done more than complete a course of study, you have vindicated the trust your country placed in you. You have shown that learning remains one of the most powerful forces for personal and national development,” the President said.

GOAL was designed to support those who could not afford to study abroad or take time away from their jobs. The programme brought virtual classrooms into homes across the country, breaking barriers of distance, cost, time, and according to President Ali, even self-doubt.

President Ali added that the programme has changed not only how education is delivered, but who gets to access it.

At the ceremony, he also recognised and applauded the 70 per cent of women who have enrolled in GOAL.

“When we speak about empowering women, this is what it looks like,” the President said as he asked all the female graduates to stand as they, particularly single mothers had to balance jobs, parenting and their education.

 “You stayed the course, and now here you are with your certificate in hand, and your eyes fixed on the future. And what a future it is,” the President said.

He told the graduates that their journey is only just beginning and urged them to be role models and leaders to those around them.

“The responsibility begins today, as the future of Guyana rests in its human capital. Go forward not only as graduates, but as ambassadors of positivity,” the President said.

He encouraged all Guyanese, especially those who have not yet applied to GOAL, to seize the opportunity.

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