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With the commissioning of the massive $1.2 billion Onderneeming Water Treatment Plant in Red Village Onderneeming, Region Two, the Essequibo Coast now enjoys  87 per cent access to clean, treated water — a significant increase from just 40 per cent.

His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali  joined scores of delighted residents on Friday to commission the new, state of the art, plant that is designed to treat 10 million liters of water per day (MLD).

Designed and constructed by Toshiba Water Solutions, it is the third major plant to be commissioned by the government under the Coastal Water Treatment Infrastructure Programme (CWTIP).

Some 18,000 persons from villages like Supenaam, Good Hope, Spring Garden, Good Intent, Aurora, Makeshift, Dryshore/ Warousie, Hibernia and Fairfield among others, are being served by the massive plant.

In his feature address before the unveiling of the plaque, President Ali said that a modern Guyana must be built on improved social services like education, health, roads, housing, and especially clean water.

The government’s current goal is to ensure that by the end of the decade, all Guyanese, from the coastland to the hinterland, have access to 100 per cent treated water..

“This is what people-centered governance looks like: investing in infrastructure that directly improves people’s lives,” the president underscored.

Beyond access, he explained that the focus is now on quality, delivering safe, clear, and drinkable water that meets World Health Organisation (WHO) standards.

This includes constructing seven new water treatment plants under the CWTIP programme to eliminate the reddish, metallic water that many residents have endured due to high iron content in groundwater.

“We are not content with just giving you water at the better pressure. We want to give you water that is safe, that is clear, that is drinkable, that is healthy. Water that transforms all the indicators of a healthy and good life,” he affirmed.

Additional Investments

President Ali said the government has invested over $2.5 billion in water infrastructure in Region Two between 2020 and 2025. This includes the newly commissioned water treatment plant.

Additional investments include two new wells and expanded access in previously neglected communities along the Pomeroon River, bringing first-time potable water to over 2,500 people.

A second major water treatment plant will be constructed at Mariah’s Delight, addressing the longstanding issue of poor water quality between Walton Hall and Charity.

It is scheduled for completion by June 26 and will serve thousands of Essequibo residents. A massive $1 billion investment will be made to make this a reality.

“We are not stopping here. From Mariah’s Delight to the Pomeroon, the transformation continues because the people of Essequibo deserve the very best,” the president declared.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) Shaik Baksh in his remarks said this massive project is a symbol of progress, presence and the people’s power. He attributed the project’s realization to President Ali’s vision and push.

He explained that new wells were drilled by Morris Jeffrey and the GWI Well Services team at the WTP compound to supply adequate water for treatment and distribution.

According to him, this will now serve new home owners in the housing scheme currently being developed in this area.

“This is how the Government of Guyana cares for you the people of Essequibo [and] those across the length and breadth of Guyana,” he affirmed.

Residents React To Clean Water

The Department of Public Information (DPI) gathered feedback from Essequibians shortly after the commissioning ceremony, who sang praise to the government for bringing a much-needed relief.

One of them was Nadia Seeram who said the water quality in the past years was poor.

“It was very dirty, smelly [and] red,” she said, adding that, “it destroys the toilet bowl and so. I am very happy now and I would get a lot of savings in my pocket because I don’t have to buy this bright bowl and all the cleaning agents.”

Sandra (only name given) shared similar sentiments.

She said, “Everything is so clean; no red water and we are so happy about it.”

Regional Chair Vilma DaSilva also welcomed Onderneeming’s new water treatment plant, describing it as a significant achievement for the region.

“We have lots more to celebrate,” she declared, highlighting the scope of investments and transformation currently underway in Region Two

 Project’s background

The Government of Guyana has invested $40 billion to construct seven new large water treatment plants in coastal communities like Onderneeming under the CWTIP programme.  The aim is to increase access to treated water by 90 per cent by the end of 2025x

In addition to new plants, the government is upgrading twelve existing plants and installing 200 kilometre (km) of transmission mains to improve water quality, continuity of service and level of service in Regions Two, Three River, Four, Five and Six. Also, 18  small water treatment plants are also under construction in Regions Two, Four, Five and Six.

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Various development initiatives across the country will continue throughout the year with a $57.5 billion Supplementary Appropriation Bill (Supplementary Appropriation Bill No 1 of 2025) successfully piloted in the National Assembly today by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh. The Bill had been presented to the House on May 16 by the Minister for additional funds for a number of major projects and programmes as the country continues its development trajectory and undergoes vast economic expansion. It was approved by the House following extensive debate by both sides of the House.

The Bill will allow for the Government to complete a range of programmes such as its expansive electricity initiative under the Office of the Prime Minister capital programme amounting to $29.5 billion. Of this amount, $28.8 billion will go towards supporting the upgrade and expansion of electricity distribution networks. This will complement and support the 300 MW Natural Gas Power Plant currently under construction, which will result in energy costs reducing by 50 percent, and allow for the provision of reliable and adequate power to meet the energy demands of our growing economy and unlock the potential of the manufacturing and industrial sector. In addition, $738 Million is catered for the expansion of coverage to 17 previously unserved communities, while the Government has provided solar panels to a large number of hinterland communities that are not in close proximity to the national grid.

Under the Office of the Prime Minister current programme, $7.8 billion was approved to support, upgrade and maintain approximately 157 km of existing distribution network to address the immediate needs of citizens. This will boost GPL’s capacity to provide reliable electricity services to customers.

The ongoing $100,000 cash grant initiative is also catered for in the Bill and for this, an additional $3 billion has been allocated. So far, as of May 21, 2025, 617,398 citizens have registered for the cash grant across the country with 602,927 cheques having already been cut and 96 percent distributed. It is projected that an additional 12,000 persons will be registered by the end of June.

Government is currently distributing and registering persons for the cash grant at NDCs, and RDCs in the Regions and the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue.

Meanwhile, a further $12 billion will allow for continuation of Infrastructure development for Government’s aggressive housing programme under the Ministry of Housing and Water. In addition, an amount of $1.5 Billion has been allocated for the continuation of hinterland roads for improved connectivity to the hinterland from the Coast under the Ministry of Public Works, along with $1.4 billion for farm to market roads in various areas, to support the growth and expansion of the agriculture sector.

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The West Indies Women failed to deliver with the bat once again as their English counterparts enjoyed a dominant nine-wicket win to take an unassailable 2-0 T20I series lead at the County Ground in Hove on Friday.

After winning the toss and fielding first, the hosts restricted the West Indians to 81-9 from their 20 overs.

As is too often the case, a Hayley Matthews failure meant the West Indian batting effort fell woefully short.

Matthews made just six as only Shemaine Campbelle (26) and Shabika Gajnabi (22) reached double figures.

Player of the match Em Arlott picked up 3-14 from her four overs while Lauren Bell also took three wickets while conceding 28 runs in her full quota of overs.

England then needed only 9.2 overs to reach 82-1 thanks to an unbeaten 55* off 30 balls from captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and 24* off 25 balls from Sophia Dunkley.

The West Indies will be playing for pride in the third T20I on Monday. (SportsMax) 

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West Indies marched to a mammoth total of 352 for 8 on the back of Keacy Carty’s second ODI century and Matthew Forde’s record-equalling fifty as they looked to level the three-match series against Ireland, but the second ODI was washed out as rain didn’t allow Ireland’s chase to begin.

Ireland sent West Indies in under slightly overcast conditions. The West Indies openers, Brandon King and Evin Lewis, got going with boundaries through the off side but Barry McCarthy, who took four wickets in the first game, drew the outside edge from King to give Ireland the first breakthrough.

The first bowling change also worked for Ireland as Lewis drove Josh Little straight to cover point in the bowler’s first over.

Hope and Carty then rebuilt for West Indies, ensuring there wasn’t a repeat of the top-order collapse they suffered in the first ODI, as they rotated strike well with quick singles and doubles amid the odd boundary.

Hope looked the more fluent in their 81-run stand off 90 balls as Carty slowly grew into the game.

Hope also hit the first six of the game, coming down the track to Andy McBrine. But the West Indies captain nicked off on 49 to give Liam McCarthy his first international wicket.

West Indies then picked up the tempo, with Carty doing the heavy lifting and Amir Jangoo happy to keep rotating strike. Carty brought up his half-century off 67 balls in the 27th over and then started to shift gears.

Matthew Forde is all smiles after equalling the record for the fastest ODI fifty•Sportsfile/Getty Images

In the 29th over, he took on Barry McCarthy for two fours and a six. The six was probably his best shot; he backed away and slapped it over cover.

Jangoo was caught at short third off George Dockrell before Carty brought up his century in the 36th over, off 105 balls.

But when Carty was caught behind next over trying to cut Liam McCarthy and Roston Chase fell in the 44th with Paul Stirling taking a screamer at short fine leg, West Indies were reduced to 246 for 6 and suddenly were in danger of falling short of 300.

Enter Forde. He hit his second ball for a six over cover before hitting four sixes off the next over, bowled by Josh Little – three of them off consecutive deliveries.

The next two balls he faced brought ten runs as he scooped Thomas Mayes for four and six. Back-to-back sixes off Liam McCarthy in the next over saw him equal AB de Villiers’ record for the fastest ODI fifty, off just 16 balls before being bowled for a 19-ball 58.

Justin Greaves (44* off 36), who scored just seven runs of the 68-run stand with Forde, then accelerated along with Gudakesh Motie (18 off 8) to power West Indies to their second-highest total against Ireland as they plundered 106 runs off the last 42 balls.

However, it started to rain during the innings break and didn’t relent, and play was eventually called off at around 5.20pm local time, ensuring Ireland go into the final ODI with an unassailable 1-0 lead. (ESPNcricinfo) 

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A day meant to reaffirm national unity on the defence of Guyana’s territorial integrity took a turn on Friday when Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton and his APNU+AFC Parliamentarians staged a walkout during the National Assembly’s debate on the sovereignty motion.

While Norton was the only member from the APNU+AFC to condemn Venezuela’s illegal claim to the Essequibo region, he criticised the government for not allowing the opposition a more substantial role in shaping the motion. His remarks, followed by the exit of the opposition, drew criticism from top government officials.

In an invited comment to the News Room Friday night, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, described the opposition’s actions as “immature” and “not in the best interest of Guyana.”

“We submitted the motion more than a week in advance to the opposition for their response,” Todd explained. “We did not hear back from them. Today, they presented a group of speakers, and yet the Leader of the Opposition gave a lukewarm presentation and then walked out. That is deeply disappointing.”

Todd went further, expressing concern about the precedent Norton had set.

“He has created history by becoming the first Leader of a major political party to not fully support a motion reaffirming Guyana’s sovereignty. That’s unprecedented.”

The motion comes amid heightened tensions with Venezuela, which has pressed ahead with so-called elections for Guyana’s sovereign Essequibo region — a move widely condemned as illegitimate. Todd reminded that the matter is already before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and falls squarely within the scope of the 1966 Geneva Agreement.

“We inherited the Geneva Agreement when we took office in 1992 and have done everything necessary to defend our territory. This is a time for unity, not theatrics,” the Foreign Minister said.

Taking aim at Norton’s political maturity, Todd stated, “It begs the question of whether the Opposition Leader is ready for the big league. Right now, he’s operating in the little league. He needed to recognise the necessity of a bipartisan approach.”

Echoing those sentiments, Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Opposition MP Dr. Asha Kissoon also condemned the walkout, calling it a “sad day for the opposition.”

Despite the walkout, the motion was successfully passed in the National Assembly — a moment Todd described as a “good day for Guyana.”

“We are before the International Court of Justice with a strong legal team, capable ambassadors, and firm representation in Georgetown. We also have the support of CARICOM, the OAS, the Commonwealth, the EU, and our traditional partners,” Todd noted.

“It’s very disappointing that the Opposition Leader, who is expected to be au fait with the issue, would take such a position. It suggests he does not have the best interest of Guyana at heart.”

With the motion passed, the government says it will continue to press forward in defence of the country’s territorial sovereignty, while ensuring citizens remain informed and protected.

“Venezuela’s claim is without merit,” Todd added. “This is a time for maturity — not politicisation — especially on a matter as critical as sovereignty.”

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Police have launched a murder investigation into the brutal killing of 21-year-old Cuban national, Davely Morales, who was allegedly hacked to death early Friday morning by her stepfather at their residence on Pike Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

The tragic incident unfolded at approximately 07:00 hrs at Lot 56 Pike Street, where Morales lived with her family. According to law enforcement, the suspect – 40-year-old Wispriey Alfonso, also a Cuban national – is now in Police custody and assisting with the ongoing investigation.

Morales, who had recently arrived in Guyana about a month ago with her mother, Milaysi Rodrigues (38), her nine-year-old sister, and the suspect, was employed as a sales representative. The family had been renting an apartment at the aforementioned address.

Police reports indicate that the horror began when another tenant in the apartment building was startled by the sound of a woman screaming. Upon investigating, the tenant discovered the door to Apartment #1 ajar and witnessed Alfonso standing over Rodrigues in the living room, attacking her with a chopper.

The tenant also saw Davely Morales lying beside her mother, bleeding profusely from multiple chop wounds. Despite her grave injuries, Morales managed to rise and flee the apartment, only to collapse moments later in the walkway. Alfonso reportedly fled the scene shortly thereafter.

Emergency Medical Technicians from the Central Fire Station were swiftly dispatched and arrived at the scene. Morales was pronounced dead by a doctor from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), while Rodrigues was rushed to the same facility for emergency treatment. She remains hospitalised in serious condition, suffering multiple chop wounds.

A preliminary examination of Morales’ body revealed several gruesome injuries, including deep lacerations to her hands, the back of her head, and jaw. Her body was subsequently transported to Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where a post-mortem examination is pending.

In a shocking turn of events, Alfonso later surrendered to authorities at the Kitty Police Station, carrying the alleged murder weapon – a chopper still stained with what appeared to be blood. He was promptly arrested and remains in custody.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and Police have not yet disclosed a motive for the attack.

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A Brazilian national has been charged following a major intelligence-led operation by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) targeting illicit gold smuggling in Guyana’s hinterland regions.

Osmil Costa Da Silva of 111 Mile, Mahdia, Region Eight, was formally charged on Friday, 23 May 2025, with Possession of Gold by Person not being a Producer, contrary to the Guyana Gold Board Act, Chapter 66:01.

Da Silva appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court #1 before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty, where the charge was read. He entered a plea of not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of GY$75,000. The matter has been transferred to the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court, where it will next be heard on 20 June 2025.

The charge stems from a joint intelligence operation executed by SOCU on Wednesday, 21 May, in Central Mahdia. Officers arrested Da Silva at his business establishment, Filhao Shop, located in Region Eight. Authorities seized a substantial quantity of raw gold, mining equipment, documents, and over GY$17 million in cash during the raid.

According to SOCU Head, Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, the operation successfully disrupted an alleged smuggling network before the gold could be moved across Guyana’s borders. He noted the operation as part of SOCU’s ongoing efforts to curb the illegal gold trade and protect the nation’s mineral wealth.

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Parliamentarians greenlit a resolution reaffirming Guyana’s sovereignty over its internationally recognised territory on Friday, a move that is significant ahead of Venezuela’s sham elections for governor of the Essequibo region on Sunday.

A motion for this resolution was moved early Friday by Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd. A debate then ensued, with government and opposition parliamentarians rejecting Venezuela’s aggression and reiterating Guyana’s commitment to international law and diplomacy.

However, the debate took a turn after Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton contributed to the discussion. Though condemning Venezuela’s actions and underscoring the need for such a resolution, Mr Norton opined that the opposition should have had more say in the motion.

‘Guyana will not be bullied, threatened or intimidated’ – Parliament debates motion on sovereignty

Following his presentation, Mr Norton and the other APNU+AFC parliamentarians walked out of the sitting of the National Assembly. Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips called that action “unpatriotic” and said the country should be united in the face of Venezuelan aggression. Similarly, Deputy Speaker and opposition parliamentarian who represents the joinder list, Dr Asha Kissoon, urged her colleagues to act more maturely and stand with the government to reaffirm Guyana’s sovereignty.

Despite the tensions in the House, the Foreign Affairs Minister said the resolution was a win for Guyana.

“Today is still a good day and a successful day in this House for the people of this country with the representation that they would’ve received today, not only in context but in depth,” he said as he wrapped up the debate.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, then presented the Foreign Affairs Minister with a copy of the resolution.

(more…)

As Guyanese lawmakers debated the motion reaffirming Guyana’s sovereignty on Friday, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips said Venezuela’s sham elections for a state in the Essequibo region are unlawful, as no such state exists.

“To elect a governor for Guayana Esequiba is unlawful because the state, Guayana Esequiba, does not exist.

“There is no such state in Guyana. Venezuela has not demonstrated or exercised any political or legal control or jurisdiction over such a state since it does not exist in Guyana

“… Instead, we [Guyanese] have elected officials at the Regional Democratic Council level that exercise political and legal control over the entire Essequibo in the 10 administrative regions and those regions that share the part of Guyana that comprises Guyana,” the Prime Minister said on Friday.

‘Guyana will not be bullied, threatened or intimidated’ – Parliament debates motion on sovereignty

Venezuela announced that it intends to hold elections in the Essequibo, a region that Guyana has administered for over 100 years.

Guyana maintains that Essequibo is an integral part of its sovereign territory, a position upheld by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in its December 2023 ruling. So the Venezuelan election plan, scheduled for May 25, 2025, is a violation of the ICJ’s orders and international law.

The motion presented to the House asks the lawmakers to recall the motion passed on November 6, 2023, which reaffirmed the recognition of the 1899 Arbitral Award and the 1966 Geneva Agreement. It also condemns Venezuela’s actions and calls for further support.

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton also condemned Venezuela’s actions but noted that the APNU+AFC Parliamentarians wanted to contribute more to the motion. After his contribution to the debate, Mr. Norton and other APNU+AFC Parliamentarians walked out of the House.

The Prime Minister called that action “unpatriotic” and said the country should be united in the face of the aggression from Venezuela.
Similarly, Deputy Speaker and opposition parliamentarian who represents the joinder list, Dr. Asha Kissoon, urged her colleagues to act more maturely and stand with the government to reaffirm Guyana’s sovereignty.

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President Dr. Irfaan Ali met with the organisers of the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast at State House to outline significant plans for the tournament’s third year, which will see a substantial expansion in scope and participation.

The upcoming edition is set to feature a remarkable 80 teams, a considerable increase designed to broaden the competition’s reach across the nation.

Matches are scheduled to commence on June 28 in Berbice, marking the start of a series of fixtures to be held in each county.

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

During the meeting, President Ali reaffirmed his strong support for the tournament and expressed his pleasure at the organisers’ response to his call for greater community involvement in the event.

Beyond the on-field action, this year’s tournament will also feature a dedicated initiative to raise funds for charity, with a drive planned to coincide with the final.

In a symbolic gesture, Leon Johnson, captain of the reigning champion Titans All-Stars, gifted President Ali the specially handcrafted trophy made from six different species of wood.

The tournament will be held in Berbice Zone from June 28 to 29; East Bank/West Demerara Zone from July 5 to 6; Georgetown/East Coast Demerara Zone from July 19 to 20; Essequibo Zone from July 26 to 27; and Championship Finals from August 3 to August 3, National Stadium, Providence.

Meanwhile, registration for the third edition is underway, and based on the enthusiastic response, FL Sport anticipates reaching its target of 80 participating teams soon.

The registration fee is GY$ 30,000.

Prospective teams and individuals seeking further information can contact Akeem Greene via WhatsApp at +5926352235 or visit the tournament’s official social media pages under “One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast.”

The team limit for each zone, except for the Georgetown/East Coast Demerara zone, is 16.

The possibility exists that some zones may be extended beyond 16.

The Georgetown/East Coast Demerara zone can accommodate up to 32 teams.

The Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast boasts a lucrative prize structure to reward zonal success and national championship aspirations.

The winning team from each zone will pocket GY$300,000 and earn automatic qualification for the national finals.

The ultimate national champion will be awarded a staggering GY$1.7 million, while the national runners-up will receive GY$700,000.

The two losing semi-finalists will each receive GY$300,000, and the losing finalists at the zonal level will also receive GY$100,000 each.

Individual player performances are also significantly incentivized with attractive cash prizes and awards:

The Most Valuable Player (MVP) will receive GY$ 150,000 and a motorcycle.

Prizes of GY$ 100,000 are designated for the players with the Most Runs and Most Wickets.

The Player-of-the-Final at the Nationals will earn GY$ 75,000.

GY$ 35,000 will go to the Super Striker and the player with the Best Economy rate.

Some of these impressive prizes will also include custom-made trophies and televisions, adding to the prestige of individual achievements.

 

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