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Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Friday again slammed the Guyana Police Force for what he described were “callous” and “misleading” actions, and he vowed that there will be consequences for persons culpable.

“For me I’m just as concerned about what happened here as any other citizen because I saw a callous behaviour on part of the police, and misleading the public too.

‘This One Will Not Slide’ – Guyanese united as a nation demanding answers

“There will be consequences,” Jagdeo said at an engagement with students on Friday.

Police Headquarters on Thursday afternoon admitted that details shared in an initial release about Adrianna Younge, an 11-year-old girl who was missing and later found dead in the Double Day Hotel at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, were inaccurate.

Police did not state what parts of the release were inaccurate.

(more…)

By Kurt Campbell

kurt@newsroom.gy

In a unified wave of sorrow and fury, Guyanese across the country have risen in protest, mourning the tragic loss of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge, whose body was discovered at the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo. Her death, surrounded by unanswered questions and perceived institutional failures, has ignited a firestorm of national outrage that continues to escalate.

What began as a desperate search on Wednesday for a missing child has quickly evolved into a national reckoning. Crowds stood watch outside the hotel overnight with her grieving parents. That vigil has since grown into a nationwide movement, galvanised further by the heart-wrenching confirmation of Adrianna’s death and the grim circumstances surrounding it.

Protesters filled the streets on Thursday, with more gathering on Friday outside the Leonora Police Station, where the hotel owners remain in custody. Their cries for justice echo through the nation—but perhaps the loudest voices are being heard online – where Guyanese of all backgrounds have condemned not just the tragedy, but the manner in which the authorities handled it.

The Guyana Police Force, facing severe public backlash, has admitted to releasing inaccurate information. The initial statement claimed that CCTV footage had shown Adrianna entering a red and black motorcar—an assertion that was later retracted. This retraction has only deepened public mistrust, with growing fears of a cover-up and calls for accountability.

From the halls of government to the comments of everyday citizens, outrage has spilled onto social media. President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo have both publicly rebuked the police’s mishandling of the case, pledging full support to ensure the truth is uncovered and that those responsible—regardless of rank—are brought to justice.

The nation’s collective grief is palpable. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have become digital memorials and platforms for justice.

John Edghill wrote: “The image of the father in the pool cradling the lifeless body of his daughter continues to permeate my mind. Negligence wrapped in uniforms and duty abandoned at the altar of carelessness, greed, and other evils. I offer my prayers to the family and a nation in pain.”

Attorney Sase Gunraj echoed similar sentiments:
“Whenever the Guyana Police Force blunders, the citizens suffer the brunt and the Government is blamed.”

Private citizens have poured out their emotions, articulating the helplessness and horror that has consumed them.

Shaniya De Costa wrote:
“Words can’t even describe the situation… A total stranger’s story has totally consumed me. No matter how many words I tried to put together, they weren’t enough. They didn’t convey enough pain.”

Journalist Alva Solomon penned:
“Guyana’s daughter… Regardless of race, creed, or political standing—we all woke up with this angel on our minds. We hope those responsible, including the police commander who tried to cover up your death, are dealt with severely—not only by the system, but by the Father.”

Even religious institutions have broken their silence, offering condolences while condemning the perceived injustices surrounding the case.

Minister Vindhya Persaud stated:
“I stand with the parents, the family of Adrianna Younge, and with the community in their time of grief and pain.”

The circumstances surrounding Adrianna’s death are as painful as they are perplexing. She had been at the hotel’s pool on Wednesday, yet multiple searches of the premises yielded nothing until her body was found the following day. Questions abound: How was she missed? Was there a deliberate effort to mislead investigators? And who will be held accountable?

Fiery protests have followed. Demonstrators blocked main roads and torched both the hotel and the residence of its owner. There is no sign that the public’s fury will wane anytime soon. The demand is clear: justice must be served—and swiftly.

As Guyana mourns its lost daughter, it also finds itself at a crossroads. Adrianna Younge’s name now symbolises more than a tragedy—it is a rallying cry for justice, transparency, and reform in a system many believe has failed the people it is meant to protect.

This one will not slide.

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicted that Guyana’s real GDP will expand by 10.3% this year, building on the double-digit growth recorded over the past year. And the body’s Director of the Western Hemisphere Department, Rodrigo Valdés acknowledged that the country has been enjoying “very good” economic management.

Mr. Valdés noted that Guyana and Suriname are neighbouring countries with nascent oil and gas sectors contributing to economic development. However, he stressed that prudent economic management is needed to ensure the natural resource wealth is sustainably used.

“We’re seeing very good management in Guyana, and now Suriname has to establish the framework for this to work for them,” Mr Valdés said at a press briefing on Friday.

He also acknowledged that Guyana’s economy has been rapidly expanding and opined that it will continue to develop speedily.

For its part, Guyana started producing oil in 2019 and is set to produce about one million barrels of oil daily by the end of the decade. In its April 2025 outlook, the IMF said Guyana’s real GDP will expand by 10.3% this year and 23% next year. The growth expected this year is the highest projection for the western hemisphere.

This isn’t the first time the IMF has praised Guyana’s economic management.

In its Staff Concluding Statement for the 2025 Article IV Mission, the IMF highlighted Guyana’s impressive economic growth, driven by a combination of rapidly expanding oil production, robust non-oil output, and substantial public infrastructure investment.

The IMF commended Guyana’s authorities for their commitment to macroeconomic stability, fiscal sustainability, and inclusive growth. The report, however, noted that while signs of overheating are not yet apparent, it remains critical for the government to closely monitor macroeconomic trends and continue implementing policies to avoid any imbalances. The IMF also recognised the positive impact of social transfer policies, which have increased disposable income and reduced poverty, and recommended further targeted transfers to support Guyana’s sustainable development goals.

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See below the full statement issued.:

The Government continues to foster an environment for job creation opportunities and to partner with various businesses to assist with this and today was no different in Region Six (East Berbice Corentyne) where Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh attended and delivered the feature address at the launch ceremony of a job fair and expansion of operations of Centerville Office Support Limited. Dr. Singh was accompanied by Regional Vice Chairman of Region Six Zamal Hussain.

Centerville Office Support Ltd. is a leading provider of specialized customer service solutions and officially opened its expanded site office in Berbice while hosting a job fair designed to attract, engage, and recruit new talent from that Region. It provides outsourced client support services exclusively to the legal sector and its clientele includes law firms, corporate legal departments, and independent attorneys across North America. The business offers a wide range of remote support services, including client intake and onboarding, virtual receptionist and phone handling and legal document preparation and administrative support. The company already has over 300 employees currently working remotely across various parts of Guyana since starting up operations in Guyana two and a half years ago and will now be adding an additional 200 at Number 75 Village to its workforce.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Singh reiterated Government’s commitment to continue to partner with the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector and the wider business community for growth and expansion to allow for economic opportunities.

Dr. Ashni Singh

“President Ali has said on every available opportunity that he and his govt are building a Guyana that has economic opportunities for every single citizen of our country and that means opportunities of several types. When we say we want to create opportunities for every single Guyanese person to uplift and improve their lives, we are speaking about education and training, employment, entrepreneurial or business opportunities. Even if you did not have the opportunity to complete high school through the traditional routes, you don’t have to assume that this means this is the end of the road in terms of uplifting yourself academically, or that you should rule yourself out of the workforce forever,” Dr. Singh said as he addressed those in attendance.

The Senior Minister added that it is for this reason Government is providing am additional route for persons to get high school diplomas or their equivalent including through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship programme and for training programmes for persons to be able to get training free of charge that will allow for certification for them to enter the workforce. He pointed out that Government wants every single person to take advantage of these opportunities.

Minister Singh also alluded to President Ali being responsible for bringing the new Telecommunications Act into operation upon his first month in office which has now allowed for three companies to have fibre optic cables across various parts of the country enabling the cost of bandwidth to come down to one tenth of what it was in August 2020. This has further enabled companies like Centreville and its parent company and shareholders in the United States to come and create jobs for Guyanese people. The Minister therefore expressed strong appreciation to the company for its confidence in Guyana.

Nalini Locke, Operations Manager of Centerville Office Support Inc. who also spoke at the launch said, “We believe that Berbice holds untapped potential in its workforce—individuals who are capable, committed, and eager to grow. This expansion is part of our long-term strategy to empower regional communities through employment and career development. We are not just looking to fill job vacancies. We are building careers with pathways for advancement, on-the-job training, and performance-based incentives.”

Only last week the Minister also alluded to Government’s commitment  to provide economic opportunities for Guyanese during the expansion of another company at Emore on the East Coast of Demerara- VChart- which is expected to create 250 jobs.

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See full release from Scotiabank here:

Scotiabank has been recognised as the Caribbean’s Best Bank 2025 by Global Finance with several individual country wins, including Guyana. Global Finance Magazine (New York) selects the best financial institutions around the world every year and is a trusted standard of excellence.

Joseph D. Giarraputo, Publisher and Editorial Director of Global Finance commented “Global Finance’s Best Bank Awards honor financial institutions that excel in diversity of offerings, long-term stability, and technological innovation. The winners of this year’s awards are those banks that attended carefully to their customers’ needs in difficult markets and accomplished strong results while laying the foundations for future success.”

Nafeeza Gaffoor – Country Manager, Scotiabank Guyana thanked the Bank’s employees and reiterated its commitment to clients. “We are excited by this recognition as it shows that we are making progress against our strategy. The award reflects the hard work and dedication of our team and all that we are achieving together as we create value for our clients. Our strong performance and introduction of innovative digital enhancements has enabled us to lead the local market. We remain focused on deepening client relationships, leading with advice and following with solutions, as we build high quality experiences.”

Nafeeza Gaffoor – Country Manager, Scotiabank Guyana

This award follows the Bank of the Year 2024 title earned by Scotiabank Guyana just a few months ago, in December 2024. The Bank is focused on making it easier for clients to do business with Scotiabank. In keeping with this, highlights of the Bank’s recent accolades include the redesigned and enhanced way for clients to bank 24/7 from their mobile phones, via the Scotia Caribbean App; as well as the upgraded Scotia OnLine Banking platform, which now includes one-time password protection and expanded bill payment options. The Bank has also made enhancements to its merchant services, providing secure and innovative payment solutions such as the creation of a proprietary Application which integrates unmanned solutions/kiosks.

Scotiabank was also recognized as the Best Bank 2025 in Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Turks & Caicos. Read more about the 2025 Global Finance Best Bank awards here.

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The owner of the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, remains in police custody as authorities continue to investigate the disappearance and subsequent death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge.

While the Guyana Police Force has yet to officially confirm the detention of any suspects, despite persistent enquiries, well-placed sources close to the investigation have confirmed the detention of a Mr Bhola.

Several hotel employees who were on duty at the time of Adrianna’s disappearance on Wednesday are also in custody. Her body was discovered in the hotel’s swimming pool approximately 20 hours after she was reported missing.

Adrianna had been visiting the hotel’s pool with family members on Wednesday. Multiple searches of the premises, conducted between Wednesday and Thursday morning, initially yielded no results.

A police statement previously reported that CCTV footage showed Adrianna entering a red and black Raum motorcar bearing registration number PSS 4684, which allegedly drove off towards Vreed-en-Hoop. That statement was later retracted by the police.

On Thursday evening, President Irfaan Ali met with Adrianna’s parents, relatives, and close friends, describing the meeting as an “emotional encounter.” He offered them his unconditional support, love, and prayers, and reiterated his earlier pledge that “every aspect of this case will be investigated comprehensively.”

An independent international pathologist is scheduled to arrive in Guyana to conduct a post-mortem examination on Adrianna Younge’s body. The results of the examination will be crucial in determining what transpired, particularly as the hotel has since been destroyed by fire, set by angry protestors in the wake of the disturbing discovery and perceived police inaction.

The independent pathologist, Dr Shubhakar Karra Paul, is travelling from Barbados. He brings with him extensive experience in forensic and legal medicine, having previously assisted local experts in identifying victims of the tragic fire at the Mahdia Secondary School Female Dormitory in May 2023.

 

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Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday voiced deep concern and suspicion over the involvement of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) and the Alliance for Change (AFC), following the circulation of a fraudulent link posing as an official recruitment portal for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Speaking at a press briefing, Dr Jagdeo revealed his initial reaction upon encountering the fake link. “When I saw it, my first thought was: this looks like the work of the PNC and AFC,” he said, referencing the opposition parties’ history with electoral misconduct.

He cautioned members of the public to avoid falling prey to what he implied could be a data collection ruse.

“Be careful you don’t get duped and end up applying to them for a job,” he warned. “They could be trying to take your personal information. Maybe they’re struggling to recruit polling agents.”

Earlier in the day, GECOM confirmed the existence of a fraudulent URL (https://tinyurl.com/gecom-gy-recruitment), which falsely claims to be its online employment recruitment portal for the upcoming General and Regional Elections.

In an official statement, GECOM unequivocally distanced itself from the fake site, reiterating that it has not created or authorised any such online recruitment platform.

“The general public is hereby notified to disregard this attempt by persons unknown, keeping in mind that the provision of personal information could have serious consequences,” the Commission said.

GECOM expressed concern that such acts of mischief, including the spread of misinformation and disinformation, are likely to increase during the election period. The Commission has therefore called on individuals to cease these actions, citing potential damage to public trust and the democratic process.

“These actions can (i) hinder participation in the democratic process, (ii) cause confusion and mistrust, and (iii) undermine the credibility of electoral processes,” the statement added.

Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and to verify the authenticity of any information concerning GECOM’s operations. The Commission advised that official information will always be shared through its verified website – www.gecom.org.gy – and emphasised the importance of checking the accuracy of URLs before clicking any links.

Anyone who encounters suspicious content or has concerns is encouraged to contact GECOM at telephone numbers 225-0277-9, 223-9650 or 223-9653, or via Facebook Messenger at facebook.com/GuyanaElectionsCommission.

 

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Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has described the latest International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR) from the U.S. Department of State as a “positive” and encouraging assessment of Guyana’s efforts to combat drug trafficking and financial crimes.

Speaking on Thursday, Jagdeo said that despite some ongoing concerns about bias in such international evaluations, the 2025 report reflects genuine recognition of the country’s advances in counter-narcotics operations and law enforcement.

“I think it was a positive report,” he stated. “When you learn to read these reports, you’ll see they carry systemic bias and are often written by lazy people who cut and paste. But the truth is, this one shows the good work we’ve been doing.”

The report highlights Guyana’s deepening collaboration with the United States, particularly in drug interdiction. In 2024, joint operations between the Guyana Defence Force, the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU), and U.S. law enforcement led to two record-setting cocaine seizures.

One operation uncovered 4.4 metric tonnes of cocaine at a remote airstrip near the Venezuelan border, while another intercepted a semi-submersible vessel carrying 2.3 tonnes off the country’s coast. With a combined estimated street value of over US$195 million, the seizures mark a dramatic increase from previous years and signal what Jagdeo described as a “maturing and effective” law enforcement approach.

“These are the parts of the report you don’t often hear,” Jagdeo said. “But they show real progress.”

The Vice President also addressed the growing challenge of narcotics smuggling into Guyana via sea and air routes, noting that while some substances are legal in exporting countries, they remain banned locally. In response, he said the government has modernised its legal framework, enforced compliance, and taken decisive action when credible allegations of misconduct arise.

One such example was the high-profile investigation and prosecution of senior police official Calvin Brutus, which was cited by Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) assessors as a case study during their review of Guyana.

The U.S. report further endorses Guyana’s 2022–2026 National Drug Strategy Master Plan, which prioritises interdiction, public health, and legal reform. It also praises the launch of the National Defence Institute (NDI) in 2024—a move aimed at enhancing national and regional counter-narcotics capabilities.

International partners have increasingly applauded Guyana’s intensified crackdown on money laundering, a key pillar of its national strategy. According to the INCSR, the country’s efforts align closely with international obligations under the Vienna Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.

Jagdeo emphasised that while the government remains aware of persistent challenges, Guyana’s trajectory is one of improvement and growing international credibility.

The post Jagdeo welcomes U.S narcotics report as ‘positive’ recognition of Guyana’s progress appeared first on News Room Guyana.

At some point, you’d think the toss gods would show Royal Challengers Bengaluru a little mercy at home. But once again, the coin turned its back on Rajat Patidar.

This time, though, the bad luck ended right there as they posted 205 for 5, their highest score at home so far.

For all that, another heartbreak loomed, but RCB turned it around sensationally to clinch their first home win – and perhaps their most dramatic win at any venue – of IPL 2025.

The losing side were Rajasthan Royals, who came into this contest having let back-to-back games slip out of their control in the final over.

Their tension seemed to have defused when Dhruv Jurel, having scratched his way to 18 off 23, found his hitting range, and when he and Shubham Dubey ransacked 22 off Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the 18th over, the equation came down to 18 off 12.

Then came Josh Hazlewood.

He was ice-cold in the moment, producing a masterful 19th over of unhittably steep bounce – conceding just one run and taking two wickets, of Jurel and Jofra Archer in successive balls.

It was left to Yash Dayal, the same man who had held his nerve in a now-legendary last over to deliver their previous home win, against Chennai Super Kings last season. And he delivered as RR lost by 11 runs having had the chase in their grasp for so long.

The M Chinnaswamy Stadium erupted. RCB had finally found their voice at home and, with it, a long-overdue win that put them in the top three. For RR, this was a fifth straight loss that left them on the brink. (ESPNcricinfo) 

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Just one week after inviting public input on the initiatives the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) should pursue in its new term, General Secretary Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has announced an overwhelming response from Guyanese at home and abroad.

At his press conference on Thursday, Dr Jagdeo confirmed that over 100 written submissions were received, alongside more than 1,500 messages via WhatsApp — with many individuals submitting multiple ideas.

“I want to thank everyone for their efforts in sharing these ideas,” Jagdeo said.

According to the PPP/C General Secretary, the suggestions touched on nearly every area of national life — from foreign policy and economic development to local infrastructure issues such as garbage collection, drainage, and pasture maintenance for livestock.

“There were both broad policy proposals and very specific solutions to everyday problems,” Jagdeo noted. “Many people also used the opportunity to ask questions.”

In response to some of these queries, Dr Jagdeo offered several clear affirmations:

• Cash grants will continue in the next term.
• Old-age pensions will see increases over the next five years.
• Taxes on vehicles are set to be reduced.
• Sporting facilities will be upgraded both on the coast and in the hinterland.

A significant number of submissions addressed concerns around drainage, flood control, and water management. Jagdeo indicated that these are already part of an ongoing development plan involving major investments and collaborative efforts between public works and regional officials.

Other community-level suggestions included the removal of derelict vehicles, improved parking systems, and relocating small industrial operations such as auto repair and upholstery services that disturb residential areas.

On that front, Jagdeo revealed a longstanding idea is gaining renewed interest: creating designated business zones in the backlands of villages.

“We’ve been considering this for some time, and now even those who were previously reluctant to move are recognising the need for change,” he said.

Places of worship also made specific appeals, including for free access to utilities. Jagdeo clarified that while many already receive free water, electricity may be capped rather than entirely free.

Health care efficiency and the digitisation of public services also featured prominently in public suggestions — themes already prioritised by the party in previous addresses.

“People clearly want a less burdensome experience when dealing with government services, and we’ve committed to making that a reality,” said Jagdeo.

In conclusion, Jagdeo expressed confidence that the feedback validates the direction the PPP/C has already set for its new term.

“The ideas we’re receiving confirm that our vision is in line with the needs and aspirations of the people. This engagement is exactly what we hoped for.”

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