Blog

See below the full release:

Tropical Shipping showed its commitment to the communities it serves on Wednesday by hosting a disaster management workshop. More than 70 representatives from emergency service agencies, businesses, and tourism organizations took part in the half-day session. The goal was simple: build private-public partnerships now to enhance Guyana’s resiliency after a disaster strikes.

“As a shipping company, we recognize the essential role that strong private-public partnerships play in effective disaster management,” said Tropical Shipping Country Manager Glenis Hodge. “Prior to a natural disaster, close coordination with government agencies enables us to anticipate disruptions, strategically position resources, and support preparedness efforts. In the aftermath, this collaboration becomes even more critical, facilitating the swift reopening of ports, restoring supply chain operations, and ensuring the timely delivery of essential goods such as food, water, and medical supplies to affected communities.”

Major Lakhaman Persaud, Preparedness Manager, Civil Defence Commission of Guyana

“Partnerships are critical for effective disaster preparedness and response,” said Major Lakshman Persaud, Preparedness & Response Manager of the Guyana Civil Defense Commission. “In pre-disaster preparedness, useful networks can be identified or built with key persons trained for specialist roles in disaster management. In response to a disaster, the private sector can mobilize resources and finances for the response, including specialists such as medical, aviation, technology, etc., who will aid the response
actions in the affected areas.”

Partners and organizations that attended the workshop included:
• Ms. Kathy Smith, President, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI)
• Mr. Komal Singh, Chairman, Shipping Assoc. of Guyana
• Mr. Rafeek Khan, President, Guyana Manufacturing & Services Assoc. (GMSA)
• Ms. Dee George, President, Tourism & Hospitality Assoc. of Guyana
• Major Lakshman Persaud, Preparedness & Response Manager, Civil Defense Commission of Guyana
• Mr. Chandrada_ Chintamani, General Manager, Muneshwers Ltd.

• Mr. Shane Ram, CEO, Shane Ram Coaching & Consulting
  • Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, Deputy Executive Director of
  Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA)
  • Professor Roy Watlington (retired), University of the Virgin Islands

Tropical has held annual disaster preparedness workshops throughout the Caribbean for more than 25 years. The sessions focus on how communities can develop recovery plans so businesses, schools, and governments can resume operations after a major hurricane or event.

“This powerful partnership ensures more effective preparedness, rapid response, and resilient recovery efforts, ultimately saving lives and speeding up rehabilitation and reconstruction for sustainable development,” said Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, Deputy Executive Director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).

Rick Murrell, Retired President, Advisor and CEO, Tropical Shipping

Tropical was recently exempted from new port fees imposed by the Trump Administration, a huge relief to the Caribbean market it serves. The workshops are important to strengthening the region, so a natural disaster does not devastate its economy. Tropical has additional disaster management seminars scheduled on other islands this year.

“Part of our company’s mission is to support the health and well-being of the Caribbean, and Central and South America before, during, and after a natural disaster,” said Tropical Shipping President Tim Martin.

“Our commitment to the communities we serve is to strengthen them, and these workshops are tools for resilience.”

The post Tropical Shipping hosts disaster preparedness workshop appeared first on News Room Guyana.

More than a week after she was last seen, 48-year-old Jenny Mohammed was found dead in a garbage bag that was wrapped in a tarpaulin.

The woman’s dead body was found on Thursday, June 19. Police have arrested her husband, daughter and son-in-law as the probe into her alleged murder unfolds.

Jenny Mohammed’s body was found in a garbage bag, dumped near the new Eccles, East Bank Demerara road

The News Room understands that Jenny was allegedly brutally stabbed to death at her house. The trio then reportedly placed her body in a garbage bag, and wrapped the body bag in a tarpaulin before dumping it.

A rope was also tied to Mohammed’s neck, and her body bore multiple stab wounds, the News Room was told.

Mohammed was reported missing by her relatives on June 10, 2025. After a missing person’s report was lodged, the News Room was told that the Police went to the house where they found a substance suspected to be blood.

So, Mohammed’s reputed husband, her daughter, and her son-in-law were taken into custody.

Jenny’s daughter and son-in-law are in custody

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed the suspects’ arrests. He said an investigation was ongoing. During the probe, investigators, acting on information received, were taken to the new Eccles, East Bank Demerara road, leading to Ogle East Coast Demerara, the suspects, and Mohammed’s body was recovered.

The News Room was informed that during questioning, Mohammed’s daughter and her husband (that is, Mohammed’s son-in-law) admitted that they devised a plan to kill her. They reportedly said the woman was abusive.

Investigators have since recovered the murder weapon, a knife.

The post Missing Non-Pariel woman stabbed to death, body dumped in garbage bag appeared first on News Room Guyana.

First Lady Mrs Arya Ali and other officials on Friday commissioned Zia’s Play Park, a recreational haven developed under her National Beautification Project.

The project was a collaboration between the Office of the First Lady, the Ministry of Public Works and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Guyana.

The new park, which is located in Leonora, WCD, is outfitted with play amenities for children, a gazebo, washroom facilities, comfortable seating, lighting, and a variety of fruit trees.

Zia’s Play Park will serve as a vital communal hub for several villages across the West Coast, offering families a safe and scenic place to relax, socialize, and exercise.

Speaking at a simple commissioning ceremony, First Lady Arya Ali reminded the gathering that while true development can be measured by new roads and bridges, it also encompasses an improved quality of life for citizens.

“Each time we open a new park or public space, it reminds us that apart from roads, bridges, and big buildings, development is also about creating spaces where our children and people can relax, feel safe, and enjoy a better quality of life,” she said.

Zia’s Play Park at Lenora was commissioned on Friday. (Photo: Office of the First Lady)

The National Beautification Project, led by the Office of the First Lady, has already transformed nine public spaces across the country into thriving parks and recreational areas. With eight more currently under development, the initiative is reshaping the physical and social landscape of communities by promoting environmental sustainability, social cohesion, and healthy lifestyles.

“…as a government we have placed great emphasis on ensuring that our citizens build stronger bonds with each other. That’s the real beauty of public spaces; they bring us closer as families, as
neighbours and as a nation,” the First Lady added.

First Lady Mrs Arya Ali during her remarks at the commissioning ceremony. (Photo: Office of the First Lady)

As she closed her remarks, the First Lady issued a plea to the residents of Leonora and neighboring villages to ensure they properly manage the facility and guard against vandalism and destruction which have been observed at other public venues across the country.

“I hope it brings joy to your children, peace to your families, and pride to the community. Please take care of it. Guard against vandalism and destruction which we have seen at so many of our
public spaces. We want our children to continue to enjoy these amenities, so you have the duty to ensure this park is taken care of,” Mrs Ali stressed.

She also encouraged residents to “keep working together as we continue to build a Guyana where development feels personal, where beauty is part of everyday life, and where our communities always have a place to grow and thrive.”

Chinese Ambassador Yang Yang also delivered remarks at the ceremony, emphasizing the warm and friendly relations between Guyana and China. She noted too that China is proud to be supporting Guyana’s development through a number of projects and programmes, including Zia’s Play Park.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar and Regional Chairman of Region three, Mr Inshan Ayube, also delivered brief remarks, underscoring the rapid expansion and unprecedented development in region three (Office of the First Lady press release)

The post First Lady commissions new community park at Leonora appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Juretha Fernandes, who has been selected as the Prime Ministerial candidate for the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition, on Friday pledged to uplift Guyanese and provide necessary leadership. 

“I am grateful to stand alongside Aubrey Norton, a principled leader, whose vision for a people-centered government aligns with the APNU Coalition’s highest ideals. This role is not a platform for personal ambition, but an opportunity to work within a team dedicated to equitable development, where every Guyanese benefits from our nation’s wealth.  

“… Together, with humility and resolve, we will prove that leadership means lifting others,” Fernandes said in a statement shared on her Facebook post. 

Fernandes, who has been part of the Alliance For Change (AFC), defected to APNU amid the AFC’s failure to re-enter a coalition agreement with APNU. Two other AFC colleagues, Sherod Duncan and Deonarine Ramsaroop, joined her in crossing parties.

Speaking about her selection on Friday, APNU’s Aubrey Norton said Fernandes is intelligent and represents a key group, Guyana’s Indigenous women. For these reasons and more, APNU believed that she is a suitable Prime Ministerial candidate.

For her part, Fernandes said: “To be selected as the Prime Ministerial Candidate for the APNU Coalition is both an immense honor and a profound responsibility, one I accept with humility, knowing that no meaningful progress is achieved alone.”

 

The post No personal ambition: Juretha Fernandes pledges to uplift Guyanese  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

See below the full statement issued: 

Acado Guyana, the official distributor for Swiss products in Guyana, last week launched a new sustainability project with the shared goal of increasing awareness of their new line of boxed peas, beans and vegetables.

The project, titled “Unboxing the Future”, was piloted in six High Schools across Georgetown, reaching over 200 students, providing them with supplies for Food and Nutrition classes.

Acado and Swiss describe this year’s project as the first of many to come in the years ahead and highlighted the student engagements as a demonstration of their investment in the future of the communities in which they operate.

Tetrapak is an eco-friendly packaging, allowing consumers to ditch the can opener, and more easily access Swiss’ already well-known products including sweet kernel corn, mixed vegetables,  baked beans, red kidney beans, chickpeas, black beans and lentils.

The post Swiss takes sustainability to the classroom with “Unboxing the Future” project in Georgetown appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMRSC) proudly announces its full endorsement of His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali for a second term as President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

This endorsement reflects the Club’s deep appreciation for the President’s steadfast commitment to sport, especially motorsport, and for delivering on his promises during his 2020 campaign trail.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali holds the chequered flag with Guyanese driver Mark Vieira

Among the most significant of those promises was the pledge to support the expansion and modernisation of the South Dakota Circuit.

Today, that promise has been fulfilled.

With direct aid and support from President Ali’s administration, the circuit has been extended to an international length of 1.6 miles, making it capable of hosting regional and international racing events.

In addition to the track upgrade, the access roads leading into the facility have been newly paved, greatly improving accessibility for fans, officials and competitors.

President Irfaan Ali with officials of the GMR&SC at the South Dakota Circuit

Furthermore, construction is underway on a new grass spectator mound.

This addition of infrastructure will enhance viewing experiences and further establish the circuit as a premier motorsport venue in the Caribbean.

President Ali’s government has fulfilled campaign promises and demonstrated a long-term vision for motorsport growth.

Recognising that motorsport is among the most expensive sports to develop, his administration has shown an extraordinary commitment to phased infrastructure improvements to bring Guyana to the international motorsport stage.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali interacting with fans at South Dakota Circuit

Over the past five years, President Ali’s leadership has also seen a national boost in sports investment, with over G$21.6 billion allocated across disciplines.

His belief in sport as an economic engine and a source of national pride is apparent.

His presence at events like the GMR&SC International Race Meet and consistent public statements on the role of sport in economic development speak volumes about his genuine support.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali shares a moment with seasoned motor-racing competitor Harold Hopkinson

The GMR&SC is confident that with continued leadership from President Ali, the motorsport fraternity and all of Guyana’s sporting communities will see sustained progress and opportunity.

For these reasons, and in recognition of his vision, delivery and continued engagement with the sporting sector, we at the GMR&SC stand firmly in support of President Irfaan Ali’s bid for a second term. (GMRSC)

The post GMR&SC endorses President Irfaan Ali for second term, cites transformative support for motorsport development appeared first on News Room Guyana.

(Jamaica Observer) Food and financial services conglomerate GraceKennedy Limited (GK) is thrilled about its recent invitation to set up manufacturing operations in Guyana and has indicated that it will continue to leverage available opportunities in the oil-rich territory as well as the wider Caribbean.

Commenting on the appeal for GK — one of the region’s largest food manufacturers — to expand its footprint in Guyana, Group CEO Frank James said he is encouraged by the possibilities.

“GraceKennedy has had a presence in Guyana that spans many decades and we will work to build on this as we also explore new opportunities in that country and throughout the wider region,” he said in response to Jamaica Observer queries.

The invitation which was extended by Guyana’s Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh, during a recent Jamaican export and investment mission, welcomed the prominent Jamaican company to “set up shop” in Guyana, highlighting its global reach and trusted brand reputation as valuable assets to Guyana’s agro-industrial development.

“We would be delighted for you to come to Guyana to set up a manufacturing presence in Guyana,” Singh told a representative of the company who inquired about investment opportunities during the trade mission.

The invitation, which aligns with Guyana’s broader strategy of attracting foreign direct investment into its agro-processing sector, also supports GraceKennedy’s ongoing mission to expand its regional footprint through strategic partnerships and manufacturing initiatives.

Highlighting Guyana’s growing potential as a hub for agro-processing backed by its large cultivation of fresh fruits and vegetables, the minster pointed to the country’s thriving coconut industry as an area of opportunity, he believes that GK, through its world-famous brand, could push more value-added offerings.

“The truth is, GraceKennedy coconut water should have in the fine print – Product of Guyana. Your coconuts shouldn’t come from Thailand, your coconuts should come from Guyana,” he said as he underscored the potential for packaging and branding Guyana-grown crops under the Grace brand.

The minister further said that Guyana stands ready to facilitate GraceKennedy’s entry to the country whether independently or through partnership with local manufacturers. “It can be a Guyanese manufacturer, and you work out with them your standards, branding and labelling; that is also a possibility.”

GK’s food division, which now accounts for about 70 per cent of its total business, earns the bulk of revenues supported by robust output from its manufacturing and retail operations.

The company’s manufacturing network now spans six cutting-edge factories, strategically positioned across Jamaica. These include its Grace Agroprocessors plant in Denbigh, Grace food processors meats, Grace Agroprocessors Houndslow, Dairy Industries Jamaica, Grace Food Processor (NALCAN) along with its more recently acquired UniBev factory which specialises in the bottling of spring water.

In addition to the production of high-quality high-branded food products, GK’s manufacturing division also offers robust co-manufacturing and private label solutions with exceptional production capacity and scalability to meet global demands.

GraceKennedy already has a foothold in Guyana and in moving on this offer will further lay the groundwork for expanded operations and deeper market integration.

“Our current operations include the distribution of Grace and Grace-owned food brands through two distributors as well as a 30 year representation of our Western Union brand and the availability of our Bill Express Service,” James said.

 

 

 

The post GraceKennedy eager to ‘explore new opportunities’ in Guyana appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Even though Aubrey Norton says A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) remains open to returning to a coalition with the Alliance For Change (AFC), Nigel Hughes on Friday said the AFC has moved on and is focused on preparing for the upcoming elections.

“I think the prospects of anything positive coming out from further engagements, the prospects are marginal. We have moved on, and we are heading straight to the election as I am sure APNU is,” Hughes, the leader and Presidential candidate of the AFC, said on Friday.

Earlier Friday, Norton expressed some willingness to still engage in dialogue with the party even though he believed the AFC’s earlier coalition proposals had some “impossible suggestions.”

“We are willing to continue discussions,” Norton said on Friday.

Coalition talks: AFC had certain ‘conditions’ to accept Norton as Presidential candidate- Hughes 

APNU and AFC held government office between 2015 and 2020 as a coalition; they had been engaged in talks to revive the alliance ahead of this year’s general elections, but those discussions collapsed dramatically. Just this week, Juretha Fernandes parted ways with the AFC and has been named APNU’s Prime Ministerial candidate; her AFC colleagues Sherod Duncan and Deonarine Ramsaroop followed. The trio was expelled from the AFC subsequently.

A major stumbling block in the earlier discussions was the matter of a presidential candidate for the possible coalition. The AFC has also been pushing for a “consensus candidate,” that is, someone seen as more electable than Mr. Norton. Last week, Hughes clarified that the AFC has not demanded that it be given the Presidential candidate spot in a possible coalition with APNU, but maintained that the AFC wants the consensus candidate instead of Norton Norton.

(more…)

See below the full release from the Guyana Marine Conservation Society: 

The Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS) and the National Toshaos Council (NTC) on Thursday signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing collaboration on marine and coastal conservation efforts, with a strong focus on Indigenous community engagement and leadership.

The MoU was signed by Annette Arjoon-Martins, Project Director of GMCS, and Ms Sonia Latchman, Vice Chairperson of the NTC, at a ceremony held at the NTC’s Headquarters in Sophia, Georgetown. The agreement outlines a framework for cooperation between the two organizations in support of sustainable natural resource governance, biodiversity protection, and community-led development in Indigenous communities, particularly in and around the Barima Mora Passage (BMP) in Region 1.

Under the agreement, GMCS will provide financial and technical support for the preparation and implementation of Village Sustainability Plans, development of community-based green enterprises, and delivery of training and education programmes focused on mangrove conservation and coastal ecosystem stewardship. In turn, the NTC will support the integration of these initiatives into community planning and assist with stakeholder coordination and knowledge sharing.

The partnership underscores the shared commitment of GMCS and the NTC to ensure that Indigenous peoples are central actors in conserving Guyana’s rich coastal and marine biodiversity. The MoU will be in effect for two years, with both parties meeting quarterly to review progress and identify future actions.

This collaboration is an important step toward strengthening Indigenous leadership in biodiversity conservation while building resilience and sustainable livelihoods in vulnerable coastal communities. It also directly supports the goals of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, which emphasizes the importance of Indigenous inclusion, ecosystem protection, and the development of sustainable, low-carbon economic opportunities at the community level.

The planned collaborative work between the two organizations will be supported through two major ongoing projects implemented by GMCS: the EU-funded project “Developing the Capacity of the Barima Mora Passage Communities in Natural Resources Governance”, and the IDB-funded project Securing the Future of the Barima Mora Passage Mangroves and Its People”. Both initiatives aim to strengthen natural resource governance, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods in coastal and Indigenous communities in the BMP, with a focus on building local capacity, supporting green enterprises, and advancing the goals of Guyana’s LCDS 2030.

The post ‘Historic’ agreement inked between Toshaos Council, Guyana Marine Conservation Society appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana (AmCham Guyana) and the Guyana Development Initiative (GDI) recently hosted Professor Joseph Fuller of the Harvard Business School for two impactful engagements with the local private sector, aimed at addressing urgent workforce challenges and strengthening the implementation of strategies within organizations.

Professor Joseph Fuller, a globally recognized expert in management, workforce development, and economic competitiveness, served as the keynote speaker at a Symposium on “The Future of the Workforce” held on Wednesday, June 18. His visit also included a private roundtable discussion on “Strategic Implementation” on Thursday, June 19. Professor Fuller is widely respected for his extensive consulting experience, working with senior executives and policymakers on a variety of issues related to corporate strategy and national competitiveness. He co-heads the Managing the Future of Work Project at Harvard Business School.

Professor Joseph Fuller of the Harvard Business School with local private sector players

The symposium convened 150+ AmCham Guyana members, representatives of the private sector, government officials, and development partners to examine the transformative forces reshaping the world of work. Professor Fuller discussed the profound implications of demographic changes on global workforce dynamics, emphasizing the increasing importance of productivity and the competition for talent. He also highlighted the transformative potential of generative AI in enhancing productivity, while also providing insights on how to address key challenges as it relates to AI and workforce participation, such as the need for focusing on social skills and continuous learning to adapt to future work environments.

The private sector roundtable discussion featured a high-level group of senior business executives and leaders focused on the key elements of strategic implementation, specifically on why leaders have challenges implementing the strategies they formulate within their organizations and what they can do to bridge the gap between vision and action. This allowed executives to engage directly with Professor Fuller, sharing their perspectives and discussing practical solutions tailored to Guyana’s business environment on cultural shifts, structural labor shortages, employee motivation, and the integration of digital technologies.

The two business events are part of a broader initiative led by AmCham Guyana and the GDI to support capacity development in Guyana’s private sector by connecting local leaders with international expertise. AmCham Guyana and the GDI remain committed to fostering a collaborative partnership aimed at strategic business management and development in Guyana (AMCHAM press release)

The post Harvard Professor engages local private sector on workforce challenges, development  appeared first on News Room Guyana.