Blog

History beckons as the sixth edition of the ‘Stage of Champions’ event has been granted International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) Pro Qualifier status.

This marks the first time such an event will be held in the country, offering local and regional athletes a direct pathway to professional status.

The ‘Stage of Champions’ will occur on June 7 at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) in Georgetown.

Winning an IFBB Pro Card allows athletes to compete in the prestigious IFBB Pro League, opening doors to lucrative prize money and the highest levels of the sport globally.

According to Videsh Sookram, the event’s founder, the journey to this point has been significant.

“We started Stage of Champions with no initial support, but it has grown into a mega event,” Sookram said, expressing his hope that Guyanese competitors can secure pro cards on home turf.

Roger Callender, President of the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF), described the development as a “groundbreaking” step for local bodybuilding.

The event will feature elite physiques from across the Caribbean and beyond, with athletes confirmed from Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, and Barbados, among other nations.

IFBB and CAC-certified international officials will judge the competition.

Three coveted IFBB Pro Cards will be awarded across the bodybuilding, men’s physique, and bikini categories.

The stakes are high, with the overall bodybuilding champion set to receive GYD$600,000 (approximately US$3,000), and the Men’s Physique champion GYD$300,000.

Traditional bodybuilding categories will offer GYD$ 200,000 for first place, GYD$ 100,000 for second, and GYD$ 60,000 for third across various weight classes.

The event has garnered significant backing from Twins Manufacturing, Fitness Express, Camille’s Academy, Linkin Technology, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, which have provided full support.

The ‘Stage of Champions Edition Six’ is scheduled to begin at 19:00 local time on June 7, with tickets priced at GYD$5,000.

The post Lucrative prizes on offer as Guyana set to host historic international bodybuilding Pro-Card qualifier appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The  Under-20 Women’s National Football Team is intensifying its training camp at the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) National Training Centre as it prepares for the 2025 Concacaf Women’s U20 Championship.

According to the Guyana Football Federation, the squad is the only Caribbean nation to have reached this final qualification stage for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.

The Lady Jags have focused on tactical readiness, technical execution, and team chemistry.

As part of their preparations, they recently shared the pitch with members of Police FC’s women’s contingent, which includes several former national players.

This session provided valuable match exposure and an inspiring experience, fostering mentorship and camaraderie between the young hopefuls and seasoned professionals.

Adding to the day’s activities, the U20 players also had a brief meet-and-greet with participants from the ongoing GFF-Blue Water Shipping U15 Girls’ Tournament, bringing together two generations of female footballers.

The U20 squad commenced camp earlier this week before their Group A competition in Costa Rica, where they face a highly competitive group.

Guyana’s Fixtures (all matches at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto, Costa Rica):

• May 30: USA vs Guyana
• June 1: Guyana vs Costa Rica
• June 3: Puerto Rico vs Guyana

The Lady Jags and their technical staff remain determined to represent Guyana at the highest level on the international stage.

The post Junior Lady Jags intensify preparation as FIFA U-20 World Cup qualification draws near appeared first on News Room Guyana.

During a historic visit to Guyana, NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon emphasised the crucial role of relentless dedication and hard work in achieving sporting greatness.

The two-time NBA champion, renowned as “The Dream,” engaged with the Guyanese basketball community, including aspiring young players, at a special event hosted at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) on May 23.

Olajuwon, a guest of President Dr. Irfaan Ali, shared insights from his illustrious career and fielded questions about his journey from a football-loving youngster in Lagos, Nigeria, to a global basketball icon.

The 62-year-old, who famously only took up basketball at 16, captivated the audience with his soft-spoken yet powerful reflections.

“Talent can only take you so far,” Olajuwon stated.

“What separates the good from the great is how committed you are, how much you’re willing to sacrifice, and how consistent your work ethic is.”

This message of discipline resonated throughout the interactive session, which was initiated by Charles Ramson Jr., Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport.

Hakeem Olajuwon and Minister Charles Ramson Jr. during the interaction session at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (PHOTO: Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport)

Attendees, from school-level players to former administrators, eagerly quizzed the former Houston Rockets centre.

Olajuwon recounted his early sporting life, explaining that football was his passion before discovering basketball.

“It was all new to me,” he admitted with a smile. “But I fell in love with the discipline and beauty of the game.”

A devout Muslim, Olajuwon also spoke of how his faith provided a grounding influence throughout his decorated 18-year NBA career, which saw him secure back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995, being named Finals MVP on both occasions, and earning an Olympic gold medal.

The visit, described as a “once in a lifetime opportunity” for many in Guyana’s basketball fraternity, is part of broader efforts to develop sport nationwide.

MORE PHOTOS: https://www.facebook.com/newsroomgy/posts/pfbid0VGvQy52VEdv2C6V7WZ8axEttq3cfUmxye2vUf8NdBT9KpogLBBbWAWdpHZeCQTrYl

The post NBA legend Hakeem ‘The Dream’ Olajuwon stresses ‘commitment and sacrifice’ on landmark Guyana visit appeared first on News Room Guyana.

As Guyana celebrates its 59th Independence Anniversary, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has issued a message of pride, reflection, and resolve, reaffirming its commitment to national unity and the defence of the country’s territorial sovereignty.

Recalling the significance of 26 May 1966, when the Golden Arrowhead was first raised, the PPP hailed the historic occasion as the birth of a sovereign nation—an end to colonial rule and the beginning of Guyana’s journey as a free and self-governing people.

“That moment marked not only the end of colonial rule, but the birth of a sovereign nation filled with hope, pride, and determination,” the statement read.

The Party paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of those who led the struggle for self-rule, emphasising that Independence brought the opportunity for Guyanese to chart their own course under one flag. That triumph, the PPP said, remains a source of collective memory and national pride for all citizens.

Reflecting on the nearly six decades since Independence, the PPP acknowledged the many challenges Guyana has faced—including political, economic, and social trials—but noted that none has diminished the country’s unity or resolve.

Central to the Party’s message was a firm stance against Venezuela’s “spurious and unlawful claim” to a significant part of Guyana’s sovereign territory.

“This threat strikes at the heart of our national integrity and identity,” the Party stated, adding, “Yet, as we have done in the past, the Guyanese people continue to stand resolute—united in purpose, unwavering in our defence of our territorial sovereignty, and confident in the justice of our cause.”

The PPP expressed confidence that the Guyanese spirit—marked by resilience, courage, and determination—will continue to guide the nation through current and future adversities.

Extending warm wishes to Guyanese at home and abroad, the Party used the occasion not only to celebrate, but to urge reflection on the sacrifices of past generations. It encouraged citizens to draw inspiration from the legacy of the forebears who laid the foundation of modern Guyana.

Looking to the future, the PPP underscored its commitment to prudent resource management, inclusive growth, and equal opportunity, emphasising its vision of a Guyana where every citizen has a fair chance to thrive.

“The road ahead will not be without obstacles,” the statement read, “but with continued resilience, unity, and hope, there is no limit to what we can achieve together.”

In closing, the Party called on all Guyanese to recommit to the values of justice, freedom, equality, and national unity.

“Let us honour the sacrifices of our forebears not only in word, but through action and service to our country,” the statement said.

“Happy Independence Day to all Guyanese! May our Golden Arrowhead continue to fly high, symbolising the strength, pride, and aspirations of a people determined to shape a brighter future.”

The post PPP reaffirms commitment to unity, sovereignty on Guyana’s 59th independence anniversary appeared first on News Room Guyana.

See below the full statement from General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C): 

I welcome President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s announcement of September 1st, 2025 as the date for General and Regional Elections.

As the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), I am proud to say that we are ready to deliver our message of continued progress to the people of Guyana in the upcoming election campaign.

Since returning to Office in August 2020, our government hit the ground running, and we have not looked back. In the face of a global pandemic, we acted decisively — expanding COVID-19 testing, securing life-saving vaccines, reopening the economy, and restoring essential public services. Within just 40 days, we passed an emergency budget to remove burdensome taxes, support vulnerable groups, and revive critical sectors of the economy. And we did far more than that. In just under five years, we have restored confidence in the economy and created thousands of jobs for the Guyanese people. From agriculture and infrastructure to energy, ICT, and tourism, we have driven broad-based, inclusive growth. We invested heavily in healthcare, education, affordable housing, social welfare, and built stronger, safer communities. Over this period, thousands of house lots have been distributed, putting land and homeownership within reach for ordinary Guyanese families. We tempered the impact of the global increase in the cost of living by increasing disposable income across both the private and public sectors. To ease the financial burden on families and businesses, we introduced several initiatives — including subsidies on electricity and water, the removal of all taxes on gasoline and diesel, and the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector, which led to cheaper access to data and other services. We also reduced mortgage interest rates and implemented a range of additional measures aimed at putting more money into people’s pockets. At the same time, we tackled rising living costs through targeted interventions for the elderly, unemployed, women, youth, and vulnerable communities, while safeguarding jobs and incomes nationwide.

Importantly, we did not just deliver on our 2020–2025 manifesto — we exceeded it by listening to the needs of our people and taking decisive action. We implemented initiatives that ensured all sections of society benefited — from miners and farmers to public servants, youths, entrepreneurs, and ordinary families in every community.

As we look ahead to 2025–2030, our re-election campaign will focus on our plans to build on this strong foundation. We will create thousands more jobs across new and traditional sectors expand healthcare services with over 6,000 new jobs in that sector alone, and establish hubs for medical tourism, biotech, and information technology. We will modernise education by embedding STEM, AI, and digital skills in classrooms, increasing scholarships, and growing a Digital Guyana. Housing development will accelerate with the distribution of 5,000 house lots annually, alongside new climateresilient communities like Silica City. Major infrastructure projects — including new bridges, highways, deep-water harbours, modern airports, and waterfront developments — will reshape our national landscape, boost connectivity, and support economic diversification. Through pro-business reforms and SME financing, we will continue to open opportunities for every Guyanese citizen. We also recognise that important work remains in several key areas. These include improving garbage collection and community drainage systems to foster cleaner, healthier neighbourhoods, expanding street lighting and other initiatives to enhance community safety, and making more land available for small miners and farmers to boost productivity and support sustainable livelihoods.

Needless to say, throughout our term, we have faced relentless obstruction from the Parliamentary Opposition, whose political games have done the country a disservice.

The PNCR/APNU/AFC/WPA, in whatever form they present themselves to the electorate, have no track record to stand on – no record of delivering for the Guyanese people – and nothing credible to offer the electorate. As such, Guyanese can expect their characteristic campaign of lies, racism and division to continue, along with the usual long list of unrealistic, lofty, populist promises, which they have no intention of fulfilling.

Our Party anticipates this and we will meet this challenge head-on, exposing their deception at every turn.

The PPP has always stood for democracy, social justice, economic growth, and national unity. That commitment remains unshaken. We will continue working to build a Guyana where every citizen – young and old, of every race, gender and religion – has the opportunity for a progressive and prosperous life.

We are ready for the 2025 Election. And we are prepared to win it for the people of Guyana.

The post ‘We are ready for the elections’ – PPP’s Jagdeo says, highlights promises delivered since 2020  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Sunday night announced that Guyana’s General and Regional Elections will be held on Monday, September 1, 2025.

The Guyanese Head of State made the announcement as he gave his presidential address for Guyana’s 59th Independence Anniversary. The anniversary celebrations are at Albion, Berbice, this year.

Dr. Ali said this decision comes after he engaged the Chairwoman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, and has been assured of the Commission’s readiness to hold elections on this date.

The President added that he will soon issue the proclamation for the dissolution of Parliament.

The post BREAKING: Elections will be held on September 1 appeared first on News Room Guyana.

In a move lauded by the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Queensway Security Service rewarded three of its employees for their exceptional performances on Sunday while representing Guyana at the recently concluded Caribbean Boxing Championships in St. Lucia.

Jamal Eastman, Joel Williamson, and standout performer Terron Wintz were recognized with monetary incentives at Queensway’s Canje, Berbice office, underscoring the company’s commitment to supporting local talent.

Wintz emerged as the most decorated among the trio, pocketing a total of $350,000. Of that sum, $100,000 was designated to support his ongoing training and nutrition, while the remaining $250,000 was a reward for clinching the coveted Best Youth Boxer award at the Championships.

Competing in the youth division, Wintz dominated his 67kg final bout against St. Lucia’s Denzel Stephens, with the referee stopping the contest two minutes and 36 seconds into the second round.

Williamson and Eastman were each awarded $100,000 for their efforts in the ring. GBA President Steve Ninvalle expressed hope that Queensway Security’s gesture would set a precedent for other companies that employ athletes.

“This kind of corporate involvement is critical,” Ninvalle said. “Queensway has shown they understand what is needed for our athletes, not just in boxing, but in any sport. to excel. These young men train tirelessly, and support like this goes a long way.”

Ninvalle also took the opportunity to highlight the GBA’s intensified focus on youth development in recent years, pointing to the surge of interest in boxing among the nation’s youth, especially in regions like Berbice.

“We’re investing heavily in our youth programme,” Ninvalle emphasized. “Our aim is to expose more young boxers to elite competition, regionally and internationally, so that they have the platform and experience to one day transition into successful professional careers.”

The GBA, under Ninvalle’s leadership, has been instrumental in nurturing grassroots talent across Guyana.

The association’s recent efforts have borne fruit, with Guyanese boxers making their mark on regional stages and earning accolades.

“Time and again we have proven that with the right structure and support, our amateur boxers can rise to any occasion,” Ninvalle said.

Ninvalle noted that the presentation not only celebrated the young pugilists’ achievements but also marked a progressive step forward in corporate-GBA collaboration.

The post Queensway Security Service rewards rising Berbice boxing stars appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Kaecy Carty delivered a career-defining knock of 170 runs off 142 balls, while Jayden Seales tore through Ireland’s top order to help the West Indies secure an emphatic 197-run victory (D/L) in the rain-impacted third One Day International at Malahide on Sunday, levelling the three-match series at 1-1.

Following his maiden century (102) in the rain-affected no-result on Friday, Carty returned with even greater authority to anchor the Windies to a commanding 385 for 7—their highest-ever total in an ODI against Ireland.

Despite an early wobble at 4-2 after the dismissals of Brandon King (1) and Evin Lewis (14), Carty and captain Shai Hope led the recovery with a crucial third-wicket partnership of 137 runs. Hope matched Carty’s tempo with a polished 75 from 75 balls, striking nine fours and two sixes before falling in the 30th over.

Carty then combined with Amir Jangoo (22) to add 78 more, before launching into a flurry of boundaries with Justin Greaves, who blasted his maiden ODI fifty—a blistering 50 off just 23 deliveries featuring five fours and three sixes.

Their 97-run stand for the fifth wicket in just 6.2 overs powered West Indies past 340 before Carty finally fell for his brilliant 170, which included 15 fours and eight sixes at a strike rate of 119.71.

Greaves’ cameo and a late burst from Matthew Forde (12 off 5) ensured the Windies closed at 385/7, leaving Ireland with a daunting chase.

Ireland’s bowlers struggled to contain the West Indies firepower, with Barry McCarthy (3-100) and Liam McCarthy (2-93) both going for over nine runs per over. Andy McBrine (1-56) was the most economical, while George Dockrell chipped in with one wicket.

In reply, Ireland, chasing a revised target 363, never got going. Jayden Seales set the tone with a double strike in his second over, removing Andy Balbirnie (3) and the dangerous Paul Stirling (26) before dismissing Harry Tector (0) to leave the hosts reeling at 40 for 3.

Cade Carmichael showed some resistance with a composed 48 off 61 balls, but lacked meaningful support. Lorcan Tucker (29) and George Dockrell (23) threatened briefly, but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. A sharp run out from Evin Lewis ended Andy McBrine’s useful knock of 28, before Greaves and Roston Chase wrapped up the innings.

Seales was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 26 from 5.5 overs, while Alzarri Joseph (1-37), Greaves (1-35), and Chase (1-1) all contributed. Ireland were bowled out for 165 in 29.5 overs, handing West Indies a massive 197-run victory—their second-largest margin of victory by runs in ODIs. (SportsMax)

The post Carty 170 headlines West Indies’ massive series-levelling win appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Heinrich Klaasen’s batting heroics were the centrepiece of Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) innings in Delhi, as his unbeaten 39-ball 105 set up a comfortable 110-run win against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

His breathtaking century – the joint-third fastest in IPL history – came off just 37 balls and left KKR chasing an improbable 279 to win.

KKR’s fall was swift, barring a few big hits from Sunil Narine, Manish Pandey and Harshit Rana along the way.

SRH stifled them with Jaydev Unadkat’s change-ups earning him 3 for 24, left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey grabbing 3 for 34 and Eshan Malinga finishing with 3 for 31.

SRH’s win, that ended a five-game losing streak to KKR, lifted them temporarily up to sixth (Lucknow Super Giants could overtake them if they win their last league match).

KKR are eighth and both teams completed their IPL 2025 campaigns for the season on different notes. (ESPNcricinfo)

The post Klaasen’s 105* the highlight as SRH finish IPL 2025 in style appeared first on News Room Guyana.

With hundreds of Guyanese waving the Golden Arrowhead and voices raised in patriotic song, the National Patriotic Concert held Saturday night on the Essequibo Coast was more than just a cultural celebration—it was a powerful and defiant stand against Venezuela’s escalating campaign to challenge Guyana’s sovereignty.

In a stern and unwavering address, President Irfaan Ali declared that Guyana remains on high alert as Venezuela continues to take “illegal and aggressive actions” aimed at annexing the Essequibo region—actions which he described as a “flagrant violation” of international peace, law, and order.

“There is only one truth,” President Ali said firmly. “Essequibo belongs to Guyana.”

His message, delivered to a crowd of thousands and broadcast nationwide, was as much a rallying call to citizens as it was a rebuke of Venezuela’s repeated attempts to undermine international rulings and agreements. Flanked by members of the Cabinet, joint services, and top diplomats, the President outlined a troubling pattern of Venezuelan provocations, in direct contravention of rulings from the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“These are not symbolic gestures. These are real violations,” Ali warned. “From illegal referenda to unlawful bridge construction, unauthorised overflights, and even the threat of sham elections in Guyanese territory—Venezuela is breaching every principle of international law.”

The President recalled the December 2023 ICJ ruling which clearly stated that Venezuela must refrain from any actions that could alter the status quo of the Essequibo region, which remains under Guyana’s full administration. Yet, he noted, Venezuela has persisted—most recently by announcing plans to hold elections over the territory and by constructing a military bridge to the area.

“These actions amount to an unlawful annexation,” he said. “They are rejected—then, now, and forever.”

Ali detailed Venezuela’s recent moves, including the promulgation of laws to incorporate the Essequibo into its national territory and aggressive incursions in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, where international oil operations are under way. Just this week, Guyanese military patrols in the Cuyuni River came under fire from across the Venezuelan border.

“We will not bend. We are stronger,” Ali said, his voice rising above the patriotic music and cheers of a united crowd. “Venezuela must respect our sovereignty, our borders, and the authority of the ICJ.”

The international community, including CARICOM, the Commonwealth, the Organisation of American States, and the United Nations Security Council, has issued strong statements of support for Guyana and condemnation of Venezuela’s acts.

But even as global consensus builds, President Ali’s message was one of unyielding resolve: “Essequibo is not up for negotiation. Our borders were settled in 1899 and the ICJ is the only forum for any dispute—not aggression, not propaganda, not elections.”

The concert featured spirited performances of Guyanese dance, music, and culture—all delivered against the backdrop of a nation standing united.

“We are not showcasing weapons,” Ali said. “We are showcasing love, culture, and peace. But we are also sending a clear message: Guyana will not be intimidated.”

As Essequibo continues to stand at the centre of geopolitical tension, Guyana’s stance is unequivocal—and, as the President concluded to roaring applause: “All of Essequibo belongs to all of Guyana. And that is how it will remain.”

The post Guyana on high alert as Venezuela threatens international peace and order appeared first on News Room Guyana.