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The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has announced its top-performing cane harvesters for the  First Crop of 2025, with Uitvlugt Estate claiming the top three positions across the entire industry. The announcement was made during a simple yet significant ceremony held at the Rose Hall Estate on  Friday, June 6, 2025, where the top twelve harvesters from across GuySuCo’s estates were formally recognised for their outstanding productivity. 

Mr. Leon Seelall of Uitvlugt Estate was named the Most Productive Harvester for First Crop 2025,  delivering an impressive 644.81 tonnes of cane in just 54 days, averaging 11.94 tonnes per day. His colleagues, Mr. Keyoma Pilgrim and Mr. Danier DeChuna, also from Uitvlugt, secured the second and third spots with 622.45 tonnes and 435.82 tonnes, respectively. All three harvesters, through their dedication and consistent performance above the daily average, earned an average day’s pay of $32,000.  This remarkable achievement marks the second consecutive crop in which Uitvlugt Estate has produced top harvesters for the Corporation. 

The Most Productive Cane Harvester Programme is a relatively new initiative introduced in the Second  Crop of 2024. Conceptualized by GuySuCo’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Paul Cheong, the programme was designed to enhance motivation, encourage accountability, and ultimately improve productivity within the harvesting teams. 

“Our aim is to foster a results-driven culture where every individual understands the value of their role and is inspired to give their best,” said CEO Cheong. “This initiative not only boosts morale but also  ensures our employees are recognized for their dedication and hard work.” 

In addition to the Uitvlugt awardees, top harvesters from other estates who were recognized include: 

∙ Albion Estate: Mr. Kumar Deodat, Mr. Vicky Seenarine, and Mr. Mahase Sukhnandan

∙ Blairmont Estate: Mr. Kheran Bissoondyal, Mr. Totaram Sanichara, and Mr. Anthony Lewis

∙ Rose Hall Estate: Mr. Nigel McDonald, Mr. Tavell Lovell, and Mr. Samuel Jhingree 

In his remarks, Mr. Cheong also acknowledged the challenges posed by the ongoing developmental  boom, which has drawn many skilled workers to other sectors. “GuySuCo remains steadfast in its  commitment to regaining and retaining talent through competitive compensation and recognition-based  programmes such as this one,” he said. “Our harvesters are the true heart of GuySuCo- without them,  there is no sugar. We are determined to ensure they always feel valued.” 

The Guyana Sugar Corporation extends sincere appreciation to all its harvesters for their commitment and hard work during the First Crop. The Corporation remains optimistic about the continued impact of this programme in boosting industry morale and productivity as it charts a course toward greater sustainability and growth (GuySuCo press release) 

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Nicholas Narine, a 28-year-old labourer of Agricola, East Bank Demerara, died on Monday after he was allegedly shot by 27-year-old Rafael Bollers.

Police Headquarters said the incident occurred around 08:15 hrs at Titus Street, Agricola.

Investigations so far revealed that Narine and the suspect are known to each other. On the date and time mentioned, Narine was in the company of others, cleaning a drain at Titus Street, east of the suspect’s yard, where there is a concrete fence. At the time, the suspect was armed with a handgun and discharged several rounds in Narine’s direction.

The victim fell to the ground, helpless. The suspect then ran out of the yard and made good his escape in a southern direction, with the firearm. The victim was taken to the Diamond Hospital, where he was seen and examined by a Doctor, who pronounced him dead.

The victim received three gunshots to his right side abdomen (one to his back and one to his right upper hand).

The scene was processed by detectives, and one 9mm spent shell was found at the scene. Several persons were questioned, and statements were taken. The body was escorted to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, awaiting an autopsy.

Efforts are being made by Police to locate the suspect as investigations continue.

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Rondell Clarke, a 29-year-old construction worker from Foulis, East Coast Demerara, was allegedly murdered on Sunday.

Police Headquarters stated that the incident occurred at Second Street, Foulis, sometime between 19:30 and 19:45 hours. The suspect, a 25-year-old male security officer employed with a private security service, was arrested and is assisting with the investigations. The Police also confiscated his firearm.

The security officer allegedly shot Clarke.

Clarke was later picked up in a conscious state by Police ranks and escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for medical attention.

Upon arrival, he was admitted to the critical surgical bay. However, at approximately 20:20 hrs Sunday, he was pronounced dead. His body was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary, where it was placed into storage pending a post-mortem examination.

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More than 40,000 residents along the East Bank corridor will now have access to high-quality, reliable healthcare with the official opening of the state-of-the-art Diamond Regional Hospital.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, flanked by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, Cabinet ministers, health officials and members of the public, commissioned the facility on Sunday evening.

The hospital, built to meet Chinese, British, and American medical standards, offers round-the-clock emergency care, surgeries, maternity and neonatal services, and outpatient clinics. With 75 inpatient beds, three operating theatres, and advanced diagnostic tools like CT scanners, digital X-ray, and ultrasound, it promises to raise the bar for public health delivery in Guyana.

“This is not just about a building,” President Ali told the crowd. “It’s about dignity, equity, and life itself. We are investing in people.”

He stressed that the services offered will not depend on one’s income or social standing. “Everyone must have a minimum standard of care—regardless of where they live,” the President added.

The Diamond facility was built in collaboration with China’s Sinopharm International and is part of a broader $37.2 billion national health infrastructure project, which includes new hospitals in Lima, De Kinderen, Enmore, Bath, and Skeldon.

“These hospitals are not stand-alone projects,” President Ali said. “They’re part of a connected, future-ready health system.”

The government’s goal is not only to improve access but also to standardise care across all regions. From matching equipment to consistent medical protocols, the aim is to provide seamless and sustainable healthcare nationwide.

Complementing these upgrades is a massive investment in training, with over 6,000 nurses expected to be trained in the next five years. New nursing schools have already opened in Regions Two, Six, and 10.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said the former Diamond hospital, in operation for 18 years, could no longer meet demand.

“In 2020, we made some upgrades and converted it into a ‘smart hospital’, but the needs kept growing,” he said. “This new facility ensures people on the East Bank have access to the best care.”

The launch was also attended by Chinese Ambassador Yang Yang, Sinopharm Vice President Yan Hailu, and Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Malcolm Watkins.

Beyond the coast, hospitals are also being built in Moruca, Kamarang, Kato, and Lethem, alongside a Paediatric and Maternal Hospital at Ogle and a modern facility in New Amsterdam. Major upgrades are underway at existing hospitals in Bartica, Linden, and West Demerara.

President Ali reminded attendees that these projects were promised in the PPP/C’s 2020-2025 manifesto, which outlined a plan for a world-class, inclusive health system. Despite delays caused by COVID-19, the government has already upgraded more than 400 health facilities, including 26 health centres.

With investments also being made in electronic health records, AI diagnostics, and robotic surgery, Guyana is on track to become a regional health hub.

“By 2028, we’ll have 12 new hospitals up and running,” the President affirmed. “We’re building a system that will serve not just Guyanese—but the wider Caribbean.”

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After a scintillating final of the ExxonMobil Guyana Future Warriors tapeball blast Demerara leg on Sunday, Grove Primary emerged new champions, beating 2024 winners, Stella Maris Primary by six wickets.

In the main event at the National Stadium, Providene, the East Bank Demerara-based Grove Primary won the toss and inserted the city side, Stella Maris Primary.

Stella Maris were contained to 47-2 after their eight-over allotment expired, but Grove Primary survived an early scare to eventually reach 49-4 with 10 balls to spare.

Wayne Green provided a late impetus for Grove, hitting two fours and a six during his top score of 17 not out while getting support from Roles Melville who made 12 from six balls.

Titus Allicock chipped in with nine not out to see his side over the line.

Eyeon Glasgow was the pick of the bowlers for Stella Maris, taking 2-14 after removing Sherwin Bunbury and Terrence Frank with three deliveries.

Earlier, Stella Maris were gifted 26 extras as Glasgow top scored with 12 not out from 20 balls.

The tournament’s Most Valuable Player, Roles Melville of Grove Primary collects his prize from ExxonMobil Guyana’s Suzie DeAbreu

Melville ended as the leg’s Most Valuable Player and leading wicket taker with nine scalps to his name, while Stella Maris’ Clyde Jacobs finished as the leg’s leading run getter with 88, scoring the tournament’s lone half-century.

In the semi-finals, Stella Maris opened the day with a victory over West Ruimveldt Primary in a one sided nine-wicket win.

Stella Maris won the toss and inserted West Ruimveldt Primary who made 67-3 after Steven Orie clubbed four boundaries in his innings of 20 not out.

Support came from Seon Harsham (13) and Eli Henry (12 not out).

Stella Maris then raced to 69-1 in five overs as Jacobs smashed five fours and a six on his way to a top score of 35 not out. Aaron Perkins belted two sixes in his 12-run cameo.

In the second semi-final, Grove Primary benefitted from three dropped catches by St. Pius to advance with a six-wicket victory.

Grove also won the toss and elected to field where they contained St. Pius to 40-4 as no batsman reached double figures and extras accounted for 22.

Melville continued his impressive form with the ball, taking 2-8.

Bowled! Part of the action on the final day at the National Stadium, Providence

In the chase, Joshua Ramotar, who opened the batting, steered his side to victory with a composed 14-ball 24 not out.

His innings featured three fours and one six.

Kevon Pile looked to secure St. Pius’ spot in the final, taking 3-10, but it ultimately came down to dropped catches saw them losing the match.

The tournament now heads to Berbice where 16 teams will compete this weekend (June 14-15).

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In a historic step to decentralise sports development and unleash the immense potential of Guyana’s hinterland regions, the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport and National Sports Commission have launched a historic flash-drive distribution programme to provide coaching and refereeing video resources to communities throughout all 10 administrative regions.

Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle disclosed that important coaching and refereeing material for the 13 core sports was included in 219 flash drives that were distributed at the National Toshaos Council late last month at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre.

The targeted sports are track and field, badminton, basketball, boxing, cricket, football, hockey, rugby, squash, swimming, table tennis, tennis, and volleyball, Ninvalle informed.

He added that Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. is the driving force behind this innovative programme, which seeks to level the playing field for aspiring players and officials by imparting the same fundamental knowledge of these sports to rural populations.

Ninvalle acknowledged the substantial unrealised potential that exists in these communities and is confident that having access to this vital information will be essential to fostering and developing the next generation of Guyanese athletes.

He applauded the effort of Assistant Director of Sport Melissa Dow-Richardson in obtaining the data.

The recent laptop distribution to the hinterland areas by the government is inextricably tied to the success of this effort.

Because of this earlier investment in digital infrastructure, these vital coaching and refereeing resources will now be distributed effectively with the aid of the local sports officers and sports councils, further guaranteeing that the material is utilized to its full potential.

“The Ministry and National Sports Commission envision that this project will contribute to the expansion and advancement of sports at all levels by significantly raising the caliber of coaching and officiating in these hinterland areas. This historic project demonstrates the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport’s steadfast dedication to developing a thriving and encompassing sports culture across Guyana, ensuring that no community is left behind in the collective and national quest for athletic greatness,” the Director of Sport concluded.

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See below the full statement issued by the Ministry of Housing and Water 

The Ministry of Housing and Water – Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), has taken note of recent claims circulating on social media regarding a section of the new housing development at Little and Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara. The Ministry wishes to set the record straight with the following facts:

FACT: All allottees within the Diamond Housing Scheme are Guyanese.

Contrary to the baseless rumours, not a single house lot or turnkey unit in the area has been allocated to non-Guyanese. As a matter of policy, land allocation is strictly reserved for individuals who are legally recognized as Guyanese in accordance with the laws of Guyana.

The allottees in this scheme are former squatters who previously illegally occupied the river dam on the East Bank Demerara in the following communities: Herstelling, Covent Garden, Prospect, Farm, Diamond, Grove, and Friendship. They were relocated from the zero-tolerance zone through a programme to address river dam squatters.

A total of 291 squatter households were identified, and to date, 228 families have been allocated house lots or government-constructed homes.

While 37 Venezuelans were found squatting in the area, they have been deemed ineligible under the housing programme, as it serves only Guyanese.

These former squatters were allocated lands near the four-lane Heroes Highway—a prime area poised for growth and development. Their placement guarantees increased property values for their homes and offers long-term socio-economic benefits for the beneficiaries.

FACT: Only government-approved turnkey homes were constructed by the Ministry.

These homes adhering to strict quality and design standards were offered at a cost of $5.2 million, not $7 million as falsely reported.

The wooden structures seen in some parts of the scheme were constructed by the relocated squatters themselves, who were allocated land only. The Ministry has not been involved in the design or construction of these self-built homes.

FACT: First-phase infrastructure works were completed in the housing scheme, making it accessible, and upgrades will be executed soon. On May 12, 2025, tenders were opened for the infrastructure upgrades and awarded to small contractors. These works will be done in 39 lots, valued at $780 million, and include the construction of reinforced concrete roads, road shoulders, and drainage systems.

The contracts were awarded on June 5, 2025, and work is scheduled to commence by June 15, with completion expected by July 31, 2025. All contracts have been awarded in full compliance with the relevant procurement standards.

The Ministry urges the public to refrain from sharing sensational claims that only serve to mislead citizens and discredit national housing programme and ongoing development efforts.

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