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As the Demerara Cricket Board’s highly anticipated Independence T10 Cup draws closer, Naven’s Construction has embraced the fund-raising initiative, pumping the biggest sponsorship to date to the May 25 event.

Exactly two weeks prior to the exciting championship at the LBI Ground, Naven’s Construction has committed G$440,000 to the tournament, which is geared to generate funds to assist with the development of the sport in the county of Demerara.

Naven’s Construction is based at Lot 178 Block 8 Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, and deals in the construction of houses, carpentry, renovation, plumbing, tiling, ceiling, fencing and foundation and other related fields.

Speaking on behalf of the company, Naven Persaud said the construction firm is always looking at ways and means of supporting to the development of sport, in this specific case, cricket.

Persaud said it is important avenues are created for the young Guyanese to showcase their skills, as he lauded the Demerara Cricket Board for putting together the Independence T10 Cup.

He urged cricket fans and members of the general public to support the fund-raising initiative, which he deemed as important to fostering the growth and development of the sport locally.

Secretary of the Demerara Cricket Board Davteerth Anandjit welcomed Naven’s Construction as a partner in development, expressing gratitude to management for seeing the importance of supporting such an initiative.

Anandjit expounded that corporate support for the development of cricket is critical, and he encouraged other members of the corporate community to follow suit.

The Demerara Cricket Board executive added that plans are moving full steam for the grand Independence T10 Cup, with teams and players to be announced in the coming days.

Eight first division teams from the county will compete for top honours, with the format being a one game knockout. Total cash prize of G$500,000 and trophies will be up grabs at the one day event.

While the teams will be represented by players within the respective associations, each team is allowed two guest players from other counties.

The champion team is guaranteed G$250,000 cash plus trophy; the runners-up G$150,000 and trophy, while the losing semi-finalists will be receive G$50,000 each.

On the individual side, Man-of-the-Match in the semi-finals and final will receive a trophy.

Action will bowl off at 10:00h and conclude under floodlights.

The post Naven’s Construction ‘batting’ with DCB for Independence T10 Cup appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Bodybuilding in Guyana is set for a significant new era following confirmation that the ‘Stage of Champions’ event has been granted International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) Pro Qualifier status.

The new status means the Stage of Champions will now offer three coveted IFBB Pro Cards for the bodybuilding, men’s physique, and bikini categories.

These cards serve as a golden ticket, allowing athletes to compete in the prestigious IFBB Pro League and potentially reach the sport’s highest levels.

The first Stage of Champions event under the Pro Qualifier banner is scheduled for June 7, 2025, in Georgetown.

An IFBB Pro Card is a professional accreditation, typically earned by achieving high placings in recognised amateur contests such as those sanctioned by the National Physique Committee (NPC).

The Stage of Champions, trainer Videsh Sookram’s initiative, has garnered considerable support locally and regionally. Its elevation to Pro Qualifier status is seen as a major leap forward for the development of bodybuilding in Guyana and the wider Caribbean.

The decision, confirmed on Saturday evening during a meeting at the Roger Boyce Classic in Barbados, marks a historic milestone for the sport in the country.

Those key officials at the meeting included the President of the Guyana Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation (GBBFF), Roger Callender, National Coach and CEO of Stage of Champions, Videsh Sookram, alongside the President of the IFBB, Dr. Rafael Santonja, and the President of the Central American & Caribbean Bodybuilding Federation (CAC), Tony Peña.

The post Guyana’s Stage of Champions awarded IFBB Pro Qualifier status appeared first on News Room Guyana.

As the Guyana senior women’s team stands again within touching distance of securing a historic maiden Cricket West Indies (CWI) Women’s T20 Blaze title, assistant coach Clive Grimmond has underscored the critical need for the team to uphold the consistency that has been the bedrock of their impressive campaign.

Guyana will face defending champions Jamaica in the final today at 18:00 h local time at the Arnos Vale Ground in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Speaking to the News Room Sport, Grimmond emphasised the occasion’s significance. “To win the title on Sunday it will be the first time Guyana will win the senior title,” he stated.

He attributed the team’s stellar run heading into the final to collective effort and adherence to strategy. “The key so far is that everyone is playing the role; we just have to continue and be consistent.”

The Guyanese unit has displayed formidable form throughout the tournament, their only blemish in the preliminary phase being a loss to their final opponents, Jamaica.

Assistant Coach Clive Grimmond

However, their overall performance saw them finish at the top of the standings, a testament to their consistent play.

Grimmond also highlighted the positive atmosphere within the squad. “The vibe in the team is so good right now at training session and in the games,” he added, suggesting a confident and cohesive unit ready to take on the challenge.

A victory in today’s final would mark a significant milestone for Guyana women’s cricket. It would be their first senior regional title after they came close in previous editions of the tournament.

Having navigated the preliminary stage with four wins out of five matches, including crucial victories that secured their top spot, Guyana will look to turn the tables on Jamaica in this decisive encounter and etch their name in the history books.

The post Grimmond urges Guyana to ‘maintain consistency’ as maiden senior women’s title beckons appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Trinidad & Tobago Legions are champions of the inaugural season of the West Indies Breakout League after defeating the Leeward Islands Thunder by 17 runs at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on Saturday.

After being put in to bat by the Thunder, the Legions posted 181-5 from their 20 overs.

Opener Kamil Pooran led the way with 73 off 44 balls, including seven fours and four sixes.

Captain Joshua Da Silva, who entered proceedings at 83-4 halfway through the 11th over, made a crucial 40* off 31 balls, including four fours and a six.

TAROUBA, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – MAY 10: Kamil Pooran of Trinidad & Tobago Legions (L) bats while Jewel Andrew of Leeward Islands Thunder keeps during the West Indies Breakout T20 League final match between Trinidad & Tobago Legions and Leeward Islands Thunder at Brian Lara Cricket Academy on May 10, 2025 in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago. (Photo by Daniel Prentice/CWI)

Joshua James also provided some excellent lower middle order hitting with 26** off 16 balls, including one four and two sixes.

Captain Karima Gore and Micah McKenzie picked up two wickets each.

Then, despite a rapid 36-ball 63 at the top of the order from Kofi James, the Thunder were restricted to 164-9 in their 20 overs.

Jyd Goolie was excellent with his four overs of off spin, picking up 3-13 from his four overs, including the crucial wickets of James, Karima Gore, and Anderson Mahase.

Pacer McKenny Clarke also bowled well for his 3-34 off four overs. (SportsMax)

The post Trinidad & Tobago Legions power to Breakout T20 title appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Former Government Minister and Parliamentarian Amna Ally passed on Saturday at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Since the news of her passing, many have reflected on her life in politics and her contributions to Guyana’s development.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali, in a statement shared on his Facebook page, noted that Ms. Ally had a long career as a Parliamentarian dating back to 1985.

During her decades of service, he noted, she served in many roles, including as the Chairperson of the Social Services Committee and member of the Parliamentary Management Committee, Standing Orders Committee, and Appointive Committee. Additionally, she served as the Minister of Social Protection from 2015 to 2020.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to Amna’s family and loved ones during this time of mourning. May her soul find eternal peace,” the President said.

Ms. Ally was a member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and the party, in a statement, reminded Guyanese that she had many responsibilities over the years.

And the PNCR said, “Throughout her life, Ms. Ally exemplified service, integrity, and patriotism. Her contributions have profoundly shaped our party and our country, and her legacy will continue to inspire us.”

It also affirmed that Ms. Ally left an indelible mark on Guyana’s history.

Party member and current Parliamentarian, Jermaine Figueira, spoke to Ms. Ally’s character and the impact she had on his life in a Facebook post. His reflections were a touching, personal tribute to a woman he said was a “formidable force” and a “towering figure in Guyana’s political history.”

“She recognized my potential as a young member of the party and played an instrumental role in my political journey. Her mentorship, support, and unwavering belief in my abilities left an indelible impact on my life. When Amna believed in you, she gave her all; she was fiercely loyal and unrelenting in her support.

“In our final conversations, she expressed concern for the future of the party she loved so deeply. While those moments were filled with emotion, I am grateful that I had the chance to assure her that her contributions had not gone unnoticed, that she had indeed given so much, and that her legacy would endure. I reminded her that change is inevitable, it will come, and brighter days lay ahead,” Figueira wrote in his post.

Tributes for Ms. Ally came from across the political divide, too.

Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall and Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, both from the People’s Progressive Party Civic, were among those who reflected fondly on her life.

“Being a woman in politics, hers couldn’t have been the joy ride it can often look like. We didn’t share political views but we shared a healthy relationship that grew into a lovely friendship.

“… Her conversations with me were always frank. And caring,” Manickchand said on Facebook.

Similarly, the Attorney General acknowledged their differing political views but hailed her contributions to Guyana’s development.

“Although we were on opposite political sides and obviously saw things differently, I think we both enjoyed the common ambition of working for a better Guyana. She was an exceptional politician and served her Party and its constituents with admirable loyalty and commendable commitment,” he said.

It was only this year that she resigned from the PNCR, a move resulting from her concerns over the treatment of women in the party.

The post Amna Ally remembered as a ‘formidable force’  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Ruthan Shortt, a single mother of Kwakwani, Region Ten, said her journey from being a ‘teen mom’ to recently graduating as a nursing assistant is owed to the unconditional support she received from her mother.

The 26-year-old told the News Room that she became pregnant at 13-years-old. She was able to complete her secondary school education after her grandparents, Yvonne and Hilton Simon assisted her.

Unfortunately, the couple died after she graduated secondary school and she had to quit her job as a sales worker at a nearby store to tend to her daughter, Roniye, who is now 12-years-old.

Eventually, the Ministry of Health’s Patient Care Assistant Programme was launched in the region and she applied. Shortt said the programme spanned six months and it was a challenge because she had to focus on her school work and caring for her daughter during this time.

It was her mother, Nikessa Prince who was a pillar of support in her life, helping to surmount the challenges she faced then.

Ruthan and her mother, Nikessa when she graduated from the patient care assistance programme.

Split between two communities, Shortt was adamant to successfully complete the patient care programme and reap the benefits of her sacrifice, fulfilling the dreams her grandparents had.

Shortt said her family supported her even in the face of stigma about her teenage pregnancy but building a career in healthcare has helped heal the pain she feels she caused the family by becoming pregnant at a young age.

“It was hard, not just on me, but my mom. The stigma attached to a teenage pregnancy often makes mothers feel isolated, judged and unwanted, but thank God for my mom,” Shortt said.

“It’s like jumping back to my grandmother. She was sick, I used to see them do a dressing [for her]. I always wanted to be in the healthcare system to help people,” she said.

Then she decided to further her studies; she ventured into the Nursing Assistant programme.

Shortt said mothers make extreme sacrifices for their children and she has witnessed that with her own mother, who made it possible for her to complete this programme.

“A mother’s love, I can’t even explain it. She [her mother] was there through out with endless support,” Shortt said, graciously reflecting on her mother.

The post With support from her mother, Kwakwani woman achieving her career goals appeared first on News Room Guyana.

A tragic incident in the Corentyne River has resulted in the death of boat captain Glen DeVair, 65, known as ‘Shiko,’ and left nurse Shunika Williams, 29, hospitalised.

DeVair, a former Toshao of Orealla and an ambulance captain employed by the Health Ministry, was operating the Orealla/Siparuta River Ambulance at the time of the mishap.

The incident unfolded between 01:00 hrs and 11:30 hrs on Saturday.

The News Room understands DeVair was transporting a patient and the nurse to Skeldon Hospital in Corriverton, Berbice. However, the boat later struck a tree.

When ambulance failed to make its scheduled return, a search party was promptly dispatched. The vessel was later discovered wedged between trees on the left bank of the Corentyne River.

Tragically, DeVair was found dead, while Williams, who is reportedly pregnant, was discovered unconscious. She was first taken to the Skeldon Hospital and then to New Amsterdam Hospital for further treatment.

Investigations into the incident are actively underway.

The post Fmr. Toshao dies after river mishap appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Odessa Primus, a Guyanese comedian-turned-political commentator, was denied entry into the United States on Friday.

Reliable sources confirm that the decision by U.S. immigration authorities is directly linked to her association with Azzurdin Mohamed, a Guyanese businessman currently under U.S. sanctions.

Primus departed Guyana early Friday morning but was returned the same evening. Upon arrival at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), she spoke briefly to members of the media but avoided directly addressing the circumstances of her return.

The News Room has confirmed that Primus’ B1/B2 visitor visa was cancelled by U.S. authorities and she was denied entry at her port of arrival – the John F. Kennedy Airport in New York.

According to immigration protocols, U.S. officials may deny entry for reasons including suspected visa misuse, refusal to comply with questioning, or associations deemed contrary to U.S. interests.

Multiple sources indicate that Primus’s denial was specifically related to her open support and close association with the Mohamed family. Primus has previously defended Azzurdin Mohamed on social media, reposted his videos, and criticized the Guyana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) seizure of Mohamed’s vehicles for tax underreporting.

She is also believed to have engaged in activities during prior visits to the U.S. that were perceived as representing the interests of the Mohamed family.

She is also believed to have engaged in activities during prior visits to the U.S. that were perceived as representing the interests of the Mohamed family. In the past, more recently, several other individuals linked to the family have reportedly faced detention, questioning, or other immigration actions upon arrival in the United States, including head of a local security company.

In her previous trip, it was made known on social media that despite her close relations with the Mohameds, she was not detained or refused entry. However, on this occasion, it went differently.

The News Room understands that Primus did not contest the decision and voluntarily withdrew her application for entry, avoiding further legal or administrative complications. She was granted her U.S. visa nearly a year ago and has made several trips since.

Odessa Primus and Azzurdin Mohamed

Despite the seriousness of the incident, Primus used humor to deflect questions at the airport and has not issued an official statement regarding the visa revocation or the exact nature of her connections to the sanctioned businessman.

The post Odessa Primus denied entry to the U.S; close association to sanctioned businessman cited appeared first on News Room Guyana.

A fire suspected to be an act of arson destroyed a two-story abandoned wooden house at Pilot Street and Strand, New Amsterdam, Region Six, on Friday.

The blaze also partially damaged a neighbouring building.

Just a day before, the New Amsterdam Town Council posted a warning about the building’s unfitness for habitation.

In an interview with reporters, Divisional Fire Officer, Clive McDonald stated that firefighters responded swiftly, arriving at about 04:50 hrs to find the structure fully engulfed in flames. Their prompt action helped contain the fire and prevent more extensive damage to nearby properties.

McDonald confirmed the fire was deemed malicious since there was no electricity or occupants in the building.

“There is no electricity in the building—it’s unoccupied—so there is no natural source that could have caused the fire. Based on the scene analysis and the dynamics of the fire, we have deemed it malicious,” McDonald revealed

He said the case has been handed over to Police for further investigations.

Additionally, McDonald addressed communication issues, noting that the division’s main phone line is inactive, but they are working to restore it. The public can reach the New Amsterdam Fire Station at 333-2261 for emergencies.

The post Abandoned building in New Amsterdam destroyed by fire, arson suspected  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

In a decade, bilateral trade between Guyana and the European Union soared, and the group has emerged as the top buyer of crude produced in the Stabroek Block offshore.

The strong trade relationship was highlighted by both Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali and EU Ambassador to Guyana, René van Nes, at the Europe Day celebrations on Friday evening at the Herdmanston Lodge, Georgetown.

President Ali said EU imports from Guyana were valued at US$9.7 billion (or about GY$2 trillion) in 2024. And he noted that about 66% of the crude produced in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana went to the grouping of European countries.

“We are very happy and we will accept your thanksgiving that we are contributing positively to the energy security of Europe,” President Ali said.

Ambassador van Nes also acknowledged that the EU has been a major purchaser of Guyana’s oil. But that’s not all.

According to him, the bilateral trade soared from just about GY$15 billion in 2014 to GY$2.4 trillion in 2024- a mega increase over 10 years.

And as Guyana’s economy continues to flourish, the Ambassador urged Guyanese to do more business with the EU.

“Whoever trades with us, knows that they are treated equally and fairly.

“Guyana, as a CARICOM member, can export to the EU duty-free and tariff-free,” he reminded the gathering.

Capitalise on ‘duty free, tariff free’ export to the EU- Ambassador

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