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In a groundbreaking step toward building a more inclusive society, First Lady Arya Ali on Wednesday commissioned the Center for Equity, Opportunity and Innovation at Palmyra, Canje, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). The facility—the first of its kind not just in Guyana but the entire Caribbean—is housed within the Empower Guyana building and is expected to directly employ 120 persons with disabilities.

According to the First Lady, the Center represents more than just employment; it embodies a national shift in recognising inclusion as a right rather than a privilege.

Delivering the keynote address, Mrs. Ali painted a stirring vision of the Guyana she believes this project brings closer to reality.

“We are building a society where the child in Mahaica with a hearing disability can dream of being a coder. Where the woman in Albion with limited mobility can become a business owner. Where the young man in Rosignol, who once felt cast aside, can now earn his own living with pride. That is what revolution is. Quietly. Powerfully. Irreversibly.”

First Lady Arya Ali speaking at the commissioning (Photo: Office of the First Lady)

More than a workplace, the Center promises dignity, purpose, and the opportunity for persons with disabilities to contribute meaningfully to Guyana’s development. It will also support entrepreneurs with disabilities who produce items such as snacks, paintings, and crafts. Their products—alongside others made at the Center—will be featured in a retail space on site.

“To my Guyanese family, I urge you: support this Center. Visit it. Buy from it. Talk about it. Celebrate it. This is your Center too,” the First Lady appealed.

(Photo: Office of the First Lady)

She also spotlighted Region Six as an emerging hub for social innovation:

“The East Berbice-Corentyne region—often spoken about as a rice and sugar belt—is today the frontier of inclusion. It is now the home of a business center built not as a token, but as a tool—for empowerment, for agency, for pride.

“You see, this is just the first project of its kind in our Region. And, by region I don’t mean Region Six. I mean that this Business Center is the first of its kind in the Caribbean. So, today in making history… is something we should all be immensely proud of.”

The project traces its roots to 2022, following the First Lady’s interactions with members of the disability community. Many expressed a strong desire to contribute to society but faced systemic barriers—chief among them, access to employment.

“I even tried, in futility, to lobby companies to hire persons with disabilities over the last few years. Without a job, there is no income. Without income, there is no independence. And without independence, how can one truly thrive?”

This realisation, she explained, led to the birth of the Center through her Office’s InclusAbility initiative.

(Photo: Office of the First Lady)

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to equitable development, Mrs. Ali stated:

“Our President, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and by extension the government have made it clear that development must include every citizen. That we must not just build roads and bridges, but also open pathways of opportunity for those who didn’t previously have access. And that is a commitment we are very serious about.

“This Center is an embodiment of that promise. It reflects our government’s steadfast belief that social services, infrastructure, and innovation must come together in ways that transform lives, especially for those most vulnerable among us.”

(Photo: Office of the First Lady)

The facility includes five specialised workstations, each designed to showcase the creativity and potential of its staff:

• Workstation 1: Web services, including online marketing and small electronics repair
• Workstation 2: Arts, crafts, and souvenir production
• Workstation 3: Garment construction and screen printing
• Workstation 4: Catering and commercial food preparation
• Workstation 5: General-purpose creative work

Additional features include a therapy room for mental health and wellness, a cafeteria to foster community, an administrative office, and a training room to promote leadership and innovation from within.

The compound also houses a shade house, managed by staff, for additional skills development and sustainability.

“This center will provide continuous skills and business development training not only to those employed here, but to persons with disabilities across the country,” Mrs. Ali noted.

The event saw attendance from several key officials including: Mr. Ganesh Singh, Chairman of the National Commission on Disability; Mr. David Armogan, Regional Chairman of Region Six; Dr. Ashni Singh, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and Public Service and Minister Susan Rodrigues, from the Ministry of Housing & Water.

(Photo: Office of the First Lady)

Each echoed the First Lady’s sentiments, applauding the initiative and commending the government’s growing efforts toward true inclusivity.

 

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In what has been described as an extraordinary medical feat, the Neurosurgery Department at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has successfully treated and saved four patients who sustained direct gunshot wounds to the head between January and April 2025.

Each of the patients presented with severe and often fatal injuries, including open, penetrating skull fractures, brain contusions, and embedded fragments of metal or bone. Yet, through swift emergency neurosurgical intervention, all four survived and were discharged in improved condition—an outcome rarely achieved even at leading trauma centres globally.

The first case, operated on February 17, involved a 21-year-old man who suffered a right frontal comminuted depressed skull fracture, with injuries suggestive of a warhead-type impact. He was successfully operated on and is now recovering at home.

The second case was a 46-year-old man who presented on April 8 with a penetrating skull fracture and brain contusion. He underwent emergency surgery and was discharged into state care on April 15.

Just days later, on April 14, a 27-year-old male was rushed in with a similar right frontal penetrating injury and contusions. Following surgical management, he too made a successful recovery and was discharged.

The fourth case, treated on April 22, was perhaps the most complex. A 19-year-old man arrived with a left occipital open skull fracture, extensive haemorrhagic contusions, and multiple bone and metal fragments lodged in his head. Emergency surgery was again successful, and he is now in recovery.

All four cases were handled by GPHC’s dedicated neurosurgery team, whose skill and decisive action made the difference between life and death.

Successfully managing even one such case is considered a rare achievement. To treat and save four patients with gunshot wounds to the head within a four-month span is an extraordinary testament to the clinical excellence and growing trauma care capacity at GPHC.

The hospital commended its neurosurgery unit for its precision, resilience, and unwavering commitment to saving lives, reaffirming its goal to deliver world-class trauma and emergency care to the people of Guyana.

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Openers Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont hit their second successive centuries as England hammered West Indies by 143 runs in the second one-day international in Leicester.

Jones, whose hundred in Derby on Friday was her first in international cricket, made a sublime 129 from 98 balls having been dropped on 43, while Beaumont struck 106 in England’s imposing 366-6.

The pair added 202 in 29.2 overs, following their stand of 222 in the opener, before Emma Lamb’s 55 and Sophia Dunkley’s 31 from 19 balls capped another utterly dominant batting performance.

In a contest made even more one-sided by the absence of Windies skipper Hayley Matthews because of a shoulder injury, the tourists trudged to 223 all out in 45.4 overs in reply.

Opener Realeanna Grimmond of Guyana made a spirited 53 from 72 balls with two sixes on her ODI debut, and Jannillea Glasgow added an entertaining 44 from 24, but the eventual result was a foregone conclusion, such is the gulf between the sides.

Alice Capsey finished with 3-41, while Linsey Smith and Lauren Filer also took two wickets each, but England’s bowling attack lacked threat in the middle overs as they struggled to create breakthroughs from West Indies’ lack of attacking intent.

The win also secures a comprehensive ODI series win for England under the new leadership of Nat Sciver-Brunt and Charlotte Edwards, with the third and final match taking place at Taunton on Saturday after the hosts also swept the T20s 3-0. (BBC)

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The British Chamber of Commerce Guyana (BritCham Guyana) wishes to inform you that our Business Forum and Networking event originally scheduled to take place on 11th September,2025 at Stamford Bridge, Home of English Premier League’s Chelsea Football Club in London, UK, will be rescheduled to a later date.

Following consultations with our members and sponsors, the board has decided to reschedule the event due to conflicting activities in Guyana. BritCham Guyana are currently working closely with Chelsea Football Club to confirm a new date that aligns with the 2025 English Premier League’s schedule, which will be released on 18th June, 2025. We endeavour to announce a new date for this highly anticipated event before 1st July.

We also take this opportunity to encourage those who are not yet members to explore the value of joining BritCham Guyana. Membership provides:

• Access to high-level networking events and trade missions
• Enhanced visibility across UK and Guyanese markets
• Opportunities to engage with key government and private sector stakeholders
• Priority access and discounts for major events such as this one

We sincerely thank those who have expressed interest in attending or becoming a sponsor, as well as our members and partners, for your continued support and understanding.

For more information, please feel free to contact the BritCham Secretariat at (+592) 708 9989 or email info@britchamgy.com.

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President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced that investments will soon be made to expand aviation education in Guyana.

He said plans are underway to introduce a local programme to train professionals across all areas of the aviation sector, including pilots.

“Very soon, we will invest here in Guyana in expanding aviation education—in every aspect of aviation. Aviation management, training of pilots, aeronautical engineers—every single sphere of aviation life will be part of the training programme we want to offer here in Guyana,” President Ali stated.

The Head of State made this disclosure during his address at the launch of KLM Dutch Airlines on Tuesday night.

Reflecting on the sector’s growth over the years, President Ali noted that passenger traffic in Guyana has significantly increased. As a result, the current focus is on building a system that can accommodate 3 million people passing through the economy by 2030.

To support this vision, he emphasised the need for an ecosystem capable of sustaining such expansion.

“I am very proud of all that we have been able to achieve—moving our seat capacity coming into Guyana from 336,000 to almost 1.5 million seats.

“…Four years ago, we had just about five carriers serving our country. Today, we have eleven. We were connected to six destinations; today, we are connected to sixteen. These connections don’t happen by accident—you must have confidence in the economy,” President Ali said.

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A 28-year-old driver was placed on $1 million bail after he was charged in relation to the explosions that occurred at the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost and the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) substation in Georgetown last month.

Jason Jacobis of Annandale, East Coast Demerara, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. He was charged with two counts of facilitating a terrorist act.

Jacobis, who was represented by attorney Mikel Puran, was not required to plead to the indictable charges.

The prosecutor objected to bail. However, bail was granted with the condition that Jacobis lodge his passport and report to the Ruimveldt Police station every Friday.

G/Town Explosions: Driver was paid $20,000; claims Venezuelans threatened to kill his family

The case was adjourned to July 2 for report.

In a Police release sent days ago, Jacobis was not named as one of the suspects. He is now the second suspect who was charged with the crimes, however.

Last week, Seon Carmichael, a 35-year-old minibus driver from Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara, was remanded to prison after being charged with facilitating two acts of terrorism.

Police have issued wanted bulletins for the three main suspects: two Venezuelans and a Brazilian known only as “Flavio Tasso.” Investigators say they have gathered CCTV footage and other evidence linking the men to the explosions. They remain on the run.

The News Room understands that Jacobis surrendered to the Police after noticing the wanted bulletins. He allegedly sold a vehicle to one of the suspects.

Police Headquarters has been investigating the explosions at the outpost and the substation. It was previously reported that the gate of the East Ruimveldt Police outpost was blown off after an improvised explosive device was thrown at the facility by unknown individuals.

Police said the two incidents occurred around the same time on Saturday, May 17. So, authorities said they were investigating the possibility of a coordinated effort between the two incidents.

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The statutory meeting of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Tuesday came to an abrupt end following a walkout by opposition-nominated Commissioner Desmond Trotman, stalling key election preparations.

Trotman’s exit, just minutes after the meeting commenced, effectively halted discussions on several agenda items crucial to the advancement of the Commission’s work in the lead-up to the  September 01, 2025, General and Regional Elections.

Speaking with News Room, government-nominated Commissioner Sase Gunraj explained that GECOM’s weekly statutory meetings, traditionally held on Tuesdays, require a quorum comprising the Chairperson and two Commissioners from each side — two from the government and two from the opposition.

Sase Gunraj

Gunraj confirmed that the government-nominated Commissioners Clement Rohee, Manoj Narayan, and himself were present for the meeting, alongside opposition-nominated Commissioners Desmond Trotman and Vincent Alexander.

“An agenda had been set, covering several critical matters related to the upcoming elections,” Gunraj stated.

According to him, shortly after the meeting commenced, Alexander inquired about unresolved issues not placed on the agenda. The Chairperson reportedly explained their exclusion. However, Trotman objected to proceeding with any other matters in their absence and exited the meeting.

“As a consequence, the meeting lost its quorum,” Gunraj said. “Not only were we unable to address the agenda items, but we also could not discuss off-agenda matters critical to the holding of elections.”

Following the disruption, the Chairperson issued notice for another meeting to be held on Thursday. Gunraj noted that, as provided for in the Constitution, the quorum for that meeting would now be the Chairperson and any three Commissioners.

“The Constitution contemplates the participation of a majority of Commissioners, likely to encourage thorough deliberation. But this trend of walkouts and delays has been ongoing — even before the announcement of the election date,” Gunraj lamented.

He described Tuesday’s aborted meeting as yet another instance of what he termed “a deliberate strategy of delay, obfuscation, and filibustering.”

“In essence, there was no meaningful discussion on any single issue. This has long characterised our engagements and gives the strong impression that there is no real desire by some Commissioners to ensure successful elections,” he added.

While he did not have the agenda for the aborted meeting in front of him, Gunraj stressed that there are “key decisions” the Commission must make urgently, including finalising timelines for the application of symbols and nomination deadlines.

“This kind of walkout at such a critical juncture appears clearly designed to frustrate the process,” Gunraj said.

Asked whether these actions could jeopardise the timeline for the elections, he responded cautiously.

“I don’t want to cast doubt or be a naysayer. As a realist, I’ve looked at the timeline and was perhaps the first to say it is practical and achievable. But when mischief-makers act up, we always have to cater for these eventualities.”

So far, Gunraj said, a review of the Commission’s work plan does not reveal any major impact caused by the walkouts.

Continuous registration has already ended, and the Claims and Objections period is set to begin later this month. Nomination Day has been announced, and training for staff is ongoing, as GECOM continues its preparations for the September 2025 polls.

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England romped to a 3-0 series clean sweep over West Indies with a seven-wicket victory in the third one-day international at The Oval.

Chasing 246 in 40 overs after rain, Jamie Smith crashed 64 from just 28 balls – his first ODI half-century – as England reached 100 after just eight overs.

That was the joint-fourth quickest any men’s side has reached three figures in the format and they were able to complete their chase with 10.2 overs to spare with Ben Duckett hitting 58 and Joe Root 44.

Smith’s assault quickly eradicated fears England would be punished for letting a good position slip in allowing West Indies to post 251-9 in their rain-interrupted 40 overs.

In an innings split in two by a 90-minute rain delay, Gudakesh Motie’s 63 at number eight rescued an innings that was floundering at 154-7 despite Sherfane Rutherford’s 70.

But Adil Rashid took 3-40 and, despite the bowling lacking accuracy throughout, England secured their first ODI series win since before their white-ball downturn began at the 2023 World Cup.

New captain Harry Brook will look to continue his perfect start in charge in the three-match T20 series which starts in Chester-le-Street on Friday.

Brook’s big call pays off

Brook has been charged with reinvigorating England’s white-ball fortunes after a third poor major tournament in a row led to Jos Buttler’s resignation, and could hardly have had a better start.

The clean sweep is their first since one in the Netherlands in 2022 and one of the biggest decisions of his tenure so far – the promotion of Smith to open – appears to be paying off.

Smith showed glimpses in making 37 in the first ODI and with more effortless shot-making on his home ground showed why, despite the 24-year-old having never opened the batting in professional cricket, England have given him this role.

His first runs came off the inside edge but afterwards he cleanly struck another nine fours and three sixes as he targeted the leg side without resorting to slogs.

Having raced to 44 in 22 deliveries, he was dropped at mid-wicket by Justin Greaves and lifted Gudakesh Motie for six over long-on to reach fifty.

In the rest of the over he swept a four, rocked back to hit Motie for six again over mid-wicket and was bowled by the left-arm spinner but Smith had taken any jeopardy from the chase.

Duckett, also dropped on 15 in a lacklustre effort by West Indies, allowed his new opening partner to take the leading role in their opening stand of 93 and was eventually caught by Roston Chase.

The only surprise was that Root top-edged a catch to fine leg off Alzarri Joseph as he eased towards the winning line but, perhaps fittingly, that left captains new and old – Brook and Buttler – to secure victory, Buttler doing so with a huge six.

Bowling a mixed bag

England rediscovering the rhythms of 50-over batting has been welcome.

Their bowling has also impressed at times in this series but this showing proved there remains significant room for improvement.

The recalled Evin Lewis pulled Brydon Carse to mid-wicket, Brandon King drove Matthew Potts to point and Shai Hope pulled Saqib Mahmood to deep square leg all within the first powerplay – an opening 10 overs delayed by 30 minutes after the Windies were stuck in traffic – but those wickets came amid the regular loss of line and length by England’s pace trio.

Left-hander Rutherford, who missed the first two matches of the series because of his commitments at the Indian Premier League, played a lone hand either side of the rain to rebuild as Rashid dismissed Keacy Carty for 29 and Justin Greaves and Chase in consecutive deliveries.

Ultimately, Rutherford was caught at long-on mistiming a pull off Carse, leaving West Indies seven down in the 28th over with the innings still in danger.

Motie, having earlier hit Rashid’s hat-trick ball for six, chanced his arm with a counter-attack and ended up adding 91 in 68 balls with Alzarri Joseph.

The overs of England’s fifth bowler were again made up by part-time spinners Will Jacks and Jacob Bethell, who were largely innocuous while Carse, Potts and Mahmood struggled for penetration with the older ball.

That, though, is a problem for another day.

Brook’s rebuild is under way while West Indies, who will be able to call on all-rounders Jason Holder and Andre Russell plus former captain Rovman Powell in their ranks, will hope to be more competitive in the T20s. (BBC)

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In response to several violent and physical attacks against traffic officers by citizens, Traffic Chief Assistant Commissioner, Mahendra Singh, said ranks have been instructed to use taser guns as a non-lethal measure in confrontations.

In a statement, Singh revealed that a significant number of citizens are bent on breaking the laws by committing traffic breaches and not cooperating with traffic officers when caught.

He noted that it has become popular for offenders (motorists) to attack traffic officers who are unarmed all of the time.

“I want to re-emphasise that this type of behaviour by our citizens will not be condoned by the Guyana Police Force, more so the Department. Anyone found committing any traffic offence in this country and when challenged by our traffic officers resort to violently resisting and assaulting them will be met with the full force of the law.

“I have given instructions to all traffic officers throughout the country to continue enforcing the laws as mandated by the Police Act Chapter 16:01 and be prepared to deal condignly with violators who would attempt to resist them violently,” the Traffic Chief said in the statement.

The move comes amid recent social media posts showing members of the public violently assaulting and resisting uniformed police ranks.

According to Singh, traffic officers will now be issued with taser guns to protect themselves and to subdue offenders while enforcing the law and bringing them to justice.

“No longer will members of the public be allowed to violently assault members of the Force with impunity when enforcing the laws. All offenders are forewarned that whoever commits traffic violations and does not cooperate with the Police as is mandated by the Constitution of Guyana will be dealt with as provided for by law,” the Traffic Chief stated.

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David Daniels, AFC’s Region Seven Chairman and Founder of the Small Miners Association, has endorsed President Dr. Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) ahead of the September 1, 2025, General and Regional Elections.

Daniels told the News Room that he joined the Alliance For Change (AFC) in 2018, ahead of the Local Government Elections that year. He is grateful to the party for entrusting him with leadership, but believes that his vision for development better aligns with President Ali’s and the PPP’s.

“It is just fitting that if I see that your vision and my vision align, then I will support you.

“Me ain’t born in no party, I represent the people… I represent that constituency of mining, and I will continue to represent that,” Daniels said.

Daniels opined that much progress has unfolded under President Ali’s government. He also believes that the President’s focus on diversifying the economy, instead of focusing solely on oil and gas developments, is important.

“What I have seen is the transformation in the mining industry. I have seen that our continuous engagement with the (Ministry of Natural Resources), the President, and the stakeholders is that the President is someone who wants to see what is good and what is right for the industry.

“My decision right now- joining onto President Ali and his team and this current government- will help small miners, will help who I think is my constituency,” Daniels said.

 

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