Blog

Shamar Williams, a 24-year-old resident of Sophia Squatting Area, Greater Georgetown, was charged on Monday after he assaulted a Police Officer and was involved in other traffic-related offences.

Williams, who first appeared in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Fabayo Azore, had the following charges of assault, committed on a Police Constable, read to him:

• Assault Causing Actual Bodily Harm. He pleaded not guilty and was placed on $15,000 bail
• Damage to Property. He pleaded not guilty and was placed on $10,000 bail
• Assault of a Peace Officer with Intent to Resist Lawful. Williams was remanded to prison on this charge

This matter was adjourned until June 23, 2025.

Additionally, Williams later appeared before Magistrate S. Lallram at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court, where the undermentioned traffic-related charges were read to him:

• Unlicensed Driver. He was found guilty, and fined $30,000 or 6 weeks imprisonment
• Failure to Confirm to Sign. He was found guilty, and fined $20,000 or 4 weeks imprisonment
• Failure to Wear Safety Helmet. He was found guilty, and fined $10,000 or 2 weeks imprisonment
• Breach of One-Way Street. He was found guilty, and fined $20,000 or 4 weeks imprisonment
• Uninsured Motor Vehicle. He was found guilty, and fined $30,000 or 6 weeks imprisonment
• Unlicensed Motor Vehicle. He was found guilty, and fined $20,000 or 4 weeks imprisonment
• Uncertified Motor Vehicle. He was found guilty, and fined $25,000 or 5 weeks imprisonment
• Maintenance of Motor vehicle. He was found guilty, and fined $20,000 or 4 weeks imprisonment
• Obscured Rear ID Mark. He was found guilty, and fined $150,000 or 30 weeks imprisonment
• Failure to have Front ID Mark. He pleaded not guilty, and was placed on $10,000 bail.

The post Sophia resident charged with assaulting Police Officer, other offences  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

See below the full statement issued:

The Beharry Group is proud to announce the acquisition of the Pizza Hut franchise in Guyana, effective June 1, 2025. This strategic move represents the Group’s continued investment in the quick-service restaurant sector and its commitment to delivering high-quality, globally recognised dining experiences to the Guyanese public.

As part of the transition, all Pizza Hut locations across Guyana will be temporarily closed from May 31 to June 4, 2025 to facilitate minor infrastructural enhancements. These changes are being made to ensure a seamless and refreshed experience for customers as operations resume under new management.

The restaurants will reopen on June 5, 2025, with more exciting developments to follow in the coming weeks.

“This acquisition reflects our vision to grow the presence of leading global brands in Guyana while elevating service and product quality through strong local leadership,” said a spokesperson for The Beharry Group. “We thank our valued customers for their patience and look forward to serving you even better in this exciting new chapter for Pizza Hut.”

Customers can follow Pizza Hut Guyana on social media for reopening updates and a first look at what’s new.

The post Pizza Hut locations closed until Thursday as ownership shifts to the Beharry Group appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Some 13 health and pharmaceutical companies from seven EU member states are in Georgetown this week, as the European Union’s Health and Pharma Investment Mission officially opened on Monday at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston.

The three-day mission, which runs from June 2–4, forms part of the EU’s flagship Global Gateway initiative, designed to foster sustainable investment and deepen ties with strategic partners across the globe. In Guyana, the focus this week is firmly on healthcare and pharmaceuticals.

Organised by the EU Delegation in Guyana, the mission brings European firms face-to-face with key Guyanese stakeholders, offering a platform to forge partnerships and explore commercial opportunities; understand regulatory frameworks and market trends and engage directly with the country’s rapidly expanding health infrastructure.

The agenda features a packed programme of seminars, business meetings, and field visits, offering valuable insight into what is fast becoming one of the most dynamic investment destinations in the region.

EU Ambassador Rene Van Nes and Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony are both expected to underscore the strategic significance of this collaboration at the opening.

Guyana’s rapid economic ascent has caught the attention of global investors. With a GDP growth rate of 62.3% in 2022 and a projected 37.2% in 2023, the South American nation—bolstered by its burgeoning oil and gas sector—is now actively courting diversified investment to build resilient, future-ready systems.

The healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, in particular, are being prioritised by the Guyanese government, with incentives such as tax breaks and reduced tariffs offered to manufacturers and suppliers operating locally. Combined with Guyana’s strategic geographic location and expanding healthcare infrastructure, the country presents a compelling case for European firms seeking to establish a regional footprint.

This week’s mission builds on high-level EU-Caribbean engagement. At the CARICOM Heads of Government Conference on February 19, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a new initiative to support pharmaceutical production in Barbados and Guyana. The programme includes regulatory cooperation, investment support, and education partnerships, with the aim of developing independent pharma value chains in the Caribbean.

A day earlier, President Irfaan Ali announced a visionary plan to position Guyana as a regional biopharmaceutical and healthcare research hub, working in partnership with the EU, Rwanda, and Harvard University. The initiative will focus on vaccine development, oncology, genomic research, AI-driven diagnostics, and the use of Guyana’s biodiversity for medical innovation.

With this mission, the EU is signalling a long-term commitment to Guyana and the Caribbean. It is not just about trade and investment, but about shared growth, knowledge transfer, and sustainable development.

The post Several EU health, pharma firms in Guyana until Wednesday to scope investment opportunities appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Press Release from the Guyana Football Federation

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is pleased to officially announce the Golden Jaguars squad selected to contest the upcoming round of fixtures in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers.

The 24-man squad features a strong mix of local and overseas-based talent across all areas of the pitch, as Head Coach Wayne Dover and his technical team look to make a strong start to the campaign.

The squad is currently in Costa Rica for an intensive preparation camp that began last week.

The team will remain there until June 4, after which they will make their way to Nicaragua for the opening match slated for June 6.

Head Coach Wayne Dover has thus far expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and the benefits of the training environment.

Guyana, drawn in Group D alongside Panama, Nicaragua, Montserrat and Belize, will continue with a crucial home fixture against Montserrat on Tuesday, June 10, at the Leonora Track and Field Facility, West Coast Demerara.

Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00h.

The World Cup Qualifiers represent a monumental opportunity for Guyana, as only the top team from each group advances to the next round on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The post GFF announces 24-member Golden Jaguars squad for upcoming World Cup Qualifiers appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The ‘Because We Care’ school cash grant distribution commenced in Regions Three, Four and Six this week.

Parents and guardians of students living in the regions are advised to check the Ministry of Education’s distribution schedule posted to their Facebook page for guidance on the date and area to uplift the grant.

This year the cash grant is $50,000 and the uniform voucher is $5,000, making it a total of $55,000 that each child will benefit from.

In Region Four, some $2.1 billion is expected to be distributed in Georgetown, another $1 billion along the East Bank of Demerara and $1.2 billion along the East Coast of Demerara, according to Education Minister Priya Manickchand.

Manickchand explained that the school registration lists were prepared in advance to make the process easier.

“No complaints about waiting time or people not getting their grant and it’s smooth though because we put a lot of back work into it,” the minister said.

When the distribution concludes across all regions, there will be a ‘mop up’ distribution period to ensure that parents and guardians who missed their dates due to circumstances, can uplift the grants.

Manickchand also noted that parents have the option of authorising trusted persons to uplift the grant on their behalf. The authorised person would have to present proof of identification for themselves and the parent or guardian of the child.

The post ‘Because We Care’ cash grant distribution commences in additional regions  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The government is creating its five-year strategy to transform agriculture and food production, with Region Three positioned as a crucial driver in this push for a productive farming sector.

President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali continued his engagement on Sunday with important stakeholders, including farmers and fisherfolk at the National Track and Field Facility in Leonora, Region Three.

On Sunday, President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali outlined the government’s plans for the agriculture sector of Region Three

The head of state explained that the nation’s food strategy cannot adopt a one-size-fits-all model.

Instead, the president said, it must be grounded in each region’s unique competitive advantages, through targeted investments by the government.

For example, despite distributing over 1,000 agricultural leases in Region Three over the last four years, farmers continue to face three main issues: lack of productive lands, underutilised existing lands and high production costs due to lack of access.

In addressing this issue, the government is conducting an audit of all the farm-to-market access dams in Regio Three and will put aside massive resources to transform these dams.

“We are going to set aside $50 billion [in the initial phase] to [transform] all of those farms to market access dams – into all weather, hard surface roads,” President Ali announced.

By creating new access roads and infrastructure investments, approximately75,000 acres of land will be unlocked, meaning tens of thousands of acres will be brought into productive use quickly.

“But access is not all that you need,” the president said. “You will have access but the capital investment to develop those lands will be incredibly high. So, the government will form different agriculture districts with you.”

Scenes from the engagement on Sunday

These agricultural districts will be formed in the region, each supported with government-assigned machinery to ease capital development costs for farmers.

Two major road projects from Schoonard to Parika and the opening up of the Del Conte-Sand Hills Road link—will unlock additional hundreds of thousands of acres for agriculture, sand mining, and tourism.

The Del Conte Roadwill provide easier access for places like Bonasika, Aliki and Lanabali, among others and creating accessibility for thousands of farmers along this area.

“If we don’t have this, we don’t have any new lands…. that is what we are about, talking to you about a clearly defined vision [and] understanding what investments are needed to ensure that vision is realised,” the head of state underscored.

Meanwhile, national drainage infrastructure will continue to receive major investment, with systems like the Hope Canal earmarked for the region to help mitigate flooding.

This project aims to improve the drainage and irrigation systems in the region, specifically at B-line in Canals Polder. The design for this canal has been completed and is currently at the procurement stage.

The president over the last three days have held extensive discussions with farmers in Regions Two, Five and Six to listen and solicit ideas that will form the government’s five-year strategy for Guyana’s farming industry (Republished from the Department of Public Information)

The post $50 billion to transform dams into all-weather roads appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Samuel Sandy, the Regional Vice Chairman for Region Four and member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), has endorsed President Dr Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) ahead of the 2025 General and Regional Elections.

Sandy joins several political players who expressed support for Dr. Ali and the governing party. Days ago, the Region Four Chairman, Daniel Seeram also gave the same endorsement.

See below the full release from Samuel Sandy: 

I have consistently supported the work of President Dr. Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C government, and I stand resolute in my conviction that the Government of Guyana is in capable, visionary hands. Under their leadership, Guyana has experienced unprecedented economic growth, strengthened international partnerships, and significant infrastructural development across every region. From transformative investments in healthcare, education, and housing to major advancements in energy and national security, this government has delivered results that have directly improved the lives of our people.

It is imperative that this administration continues its mandate, not only to consolidate these gains but to guide Guyana through this critical period of economic expansion and social transformation. The PPP/C remains the only political movement with the experience, competence, and inclusive vision necessary to unify our diverse society while responsibly managing the opportunities and challenges of our rapidly changing nation. I am proud to endorse President Dr. Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C for the 2025 General and Regional Elections.

The post PNC’s Samuel Sandy endorses Irfaan Ali, PPP  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Investigators now believe that the early Sunday morning fire at Church Hall, Durban Street, Lodge, Georgetown, may have been an act of arson.

According to a release by the Ministry of Home Affairs, surveillance of the church hall located at Lot 27 Durban Street, Lodge, Georgetown, was reviewed, and the footage shows an individual wearing a hood entering the premises at approximately 04:48 hrs, shortly before the fire was reported. The fire service was alerted at about 05:20 hrs.

An initial release stated that it was believed that the fire was electrical.

The property is owned by Juan Edghill, the Minister of Public Works. The building’s structure and contents were extensively damaged by the fire. However, there have not been any reports of injured persons as a result of the incident.

The investigation is ongoing, and the person or persons found culpable will face the full “brunt of the law,” according to the ministry’s release.

Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the authorities. The public is also urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.

The post UPDATE: Arson now suspected in Church Hall fire appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Joe Root became England’s leading run-scorer in one-day internationals as his sparkling unbeaten 166 secured a three-wicket win over West Indies in Cardiff.

Root, who is also his country’s highest run-scorer in Tests, finished with 166 from 139 balls as England reached their target of 309 with seven balls remaining to take the three-match series with a game to spare.

He surpassed World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan’s tally of 6,957 runs on the way to his highest ODI score, leading England’s recovery from 93-4, which included ducks for Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett and Jos Buttler.

Root combined with Harry Brook for a third-wicket stand of 85, before a masterful partnership of 143 with Will Jacks put England within touching distance of victory.

A fierce spell from Alzarri Joseph, who finished with 4-31, accounted for Jacks for 49 and Brydon Carse for two to keep West Indies interested, but Root and Adil Rashid calmly ticked off the remaining 21 runs, sealed in style by a classical Root drive down the ground.

Earlier, West Indies’ 308 was set up by Keacy Carty’s 103, bookended by half-centuries from Brandon King and Shai Hope – and with plenty of assistance from England’s sloppy fielding.

Carty and King added 141 for the second wicket, but the former was put down on by Duckett on one and Saqib Mahmood on 41, while Duckett also dropped King on 11 and somehow squandered a run-out opportunity when both batters were stranded in the middle of the pitch in the 21st over.

The innings fell away from 205-2 when Carty fell three balls after reaching his century, with Rashid taking 4-63 and Mahmood’s three late wickets mopping up the tail.

The visitors were left to rue wasting 14 balls of their innings as the last five wickets fell for 50 runs, the lower order offering Hope little support as he was last to depart for 78 from 66 balls.

The third and final ODI takes place at The Oval on Tuesday. (BBC)

The post Root slams 166* to give England ODI series win over West Indies appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Guyana assumed the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council on Sunday, June 1, 2025, for one month.

The packed schedule for the month includes several mandated meetings of the Council, including on Syria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Central Africa, Sudan, Libya, and Yemen. There will also be a mandated meeting on Resolution 2334 regarding Israeli settlements on Palestinian territories.

On June 19, Guyana’s President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali will chair a High-Level Open Debate on “Poverty, Underdevelopment and Conflict: Implications for the Maintenance of International Peace and Security,” featuring briefers from the United Nations system and the African Union, and participation from a number of UN Member States. The debate will build upon previous discussions in the Council on the relationship between sustainable development and international peace and security, zeroing in on poverty and underdevelopment as both drivers and consequences of conflict. It comes at a time when armed conflicts are increasing and the Sustainable Development Goals are not on track to be achieved by 2030.

Guyana will also organize the annual Children and Armed Conflict Open Debate on June 25. In addition to briefings from the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict, Virginia Gamba, and UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell, the debate will feature statements from Member States in reaction to the Secretary-General’s annual report on Children and Armed Conflict.

Guyana will also focus the Council’s attention on some of its priority areas, including conflict prevention and the security-development nexus, the impacts of climate change on peace and security, the protection of children in armed conflict, and the women, peace and security agenda.
Council members are expected to adopt the Programme of Work on Monday June 2nd, following which Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, will brief the media on the Programme and plans for the Presidency.

Guyana was elected to the Security Council for a term of two years from January 2024 to December 2025. Prior to its current term, Guyana served on the Council in 1975-1976 and 1982-1983 (Modified release from the Permanent Mission of Guyana to the United Nations)

The post Guyana assumes Presidency of UN Security Council; Pres. Ali to chair high-level debate on June 19 appeared first on News Room Guyana.