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Gulf Valve and Piping proudly handed a sponsorship cheque to the University of Guyana Trojans.

The contribution will enable the team to participate in a highly anticipated basketball exchange in St. Lucia from June 2 to 9.

The Trojans, known for their dedication and competitive spirit, will represent Guyana internationally, fostering camaraderie and athletic development through this exchange programme.

This generous support from Gulf Valve and Piping ensures that the team can focus on its game and seize the opportunity to elevate its skills and showcase its talent.

The University of Guyana Trojans extend their profound gratitude to Randy Huntley, Managing Director of Gulf Valve and Piping, and his dedicated team for their timely and invaluable assistance.

Their commitment to youth sports development in Guyana is commendable and deeply appreciated.

As the team prepares for this exciting opportunity, they remain hopeful that additional sponsors will come forward to support their journey.

With responses from other potential partners still pending, the Trojans continue to seek further assistance to ensure a successful and enriching exchange.

The post Gulf Valve and Piping Supports University of Guyana Trojans Basketball exchange in St. Lucia appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Years after they were sentenced to death and long after their appeals were filed, attorney Nigel Hughes is pressing the Court of Appeal to continue hearing the case of two Bartica massacre convicts, despite their deaths.

Hughes’ efforts are particularly focused on Mark Royden Williams, called “Smallie,” whose name he hopes can be cleared and whose reputation he hopes to restore, even posthumously, with a final determination of the appeal.

Williams was shot dead by members of the Joint Services in June 2023 following his escape from the Mazaruni Prison. His co-appellant, Dennis Williams, known as “Anaconda,” has also since passed away. Both men were convicted in February 2017 of the brutal 2008 Bartica massacre in which 12 people, including three police officers, were killed during an hour-long rampage.

Attorney Nigel Hughes

Despite their deaths, Hughes argues that justice still demands that their appeal be heard—at least in the case of Royden Williams.

Hughes suggested that there is a matter of reputation and fairness that does not die with a person, implying that the court has a role to play in posthumous vindication if warranted.

However, the State, represented by Prosecutor Diana O’Brien, firmly opposed continuing the appeal. O’Brien argued before the Court of Appeal on Thursday that proceeding with the matter would amount to a waste of state resources and judicial time.

The case was called before Justices Dawn Gregory, Rishi Persaud, and Joanne Barlow. Notably, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Yonette Cummings-Edwards, who had previously presided over the matter, recused herself in an earlier hearing due to prior involvement in the case during its time in the High Court. She was replaced by Justice Gregory.

The original convictions stemmed from a night of terror in February 2008, when gunmen stormed the riverside town of Bartica, executing a deadly assault that left police officers Lance Corporal Zaheer Zakir, Constables Shane Fredericks and Ron Osborne, and civilians Edwin Gilkes, Dexter Adrian, Irving Ferreira, Deonarine Singh, Ronald Gomes, Ashraf Khan, Abdool Yasseen, Errol Thomas, and Baldeo Singh dead.

Following their conviction, Royden and Dennis Williams filed notices of appeal on February 16, 2017, claiming their trials were unfair and that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case.

Another co-accused, Roger “Goat Man” Simon, was acquitted of all charges. Two others, cousins Clebert Reece (“Chi Chi”) and Michael Caesar (“Capone”), pleaded guilty to lesser charges of manslaughter and received sentences of 35 and 60 years, respectively. They too have appealed their sentences.

During Thursday’s hearing, attorney Dexter Smartt, representing Reece and Caesar, requested more time to file submissions on their behalf. While the State has made it clear that the deceased appellants should not tie up the court, it acknowledges that Caesar and Reece still await judgment on their appeals.

The Court of Appeal has adjourned the case to July 17 for final arguments and submission of any outstanding documents. Whether the appeal for the deceased Williams will proceed remains uncertain—but Hughes’s push to clear his client’s name continues.

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The 20 children who lost their lives in the tragic Mahdia dormitory fire were remembered and honoured on Wednesday.

Today marks two years since the devastating blaze shook the nation.

The memorial ceremony was held in the village of Micobie, where families, friends, students, and leaders gathered in solemn remembrance.

The day was filled with tributes, songs, poems, and candlelight reflections, highlighting the enduring pain and resilient spirit of the affected families and communities.

Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill joined the observance and offered encouraging words of comfort.

He reaffirmed the government’s continued support to the bereaved families.

“We have lent support to all the families. Just like how we were there then, we were there in the months after. My presence here today is to say the government continues to stand with you,” he stated.  “Let us find courage, let us find strength and encouragement in the arms of each other.”

Minister Edghill acknowledged the collective sorrow that persisted two years on, as he urged families, particularly the parents, not to carry guilt for pursuing education for their children.

The fire claimed the lives of 19 girls and one boy, sparking national mourning and outrage. A commission of inquiry was launched after the incident, and a criminal charge was filed against the individual responsible for starting the blaze.

While Minister Edghill recognised the demand for justice, he pointed to the legal processes that are already in motion.

He assured community members and parents of the extensive efforts the government has made and continues to make to ensure this tragedy never occurs again.

“We will not relent. We will make the education of our children more achievable. We will ensure that you [the students] go to school in safe spaces, we will ensure that you can enjoy the benefits of a quality education and that your dreams and your aspirations and those of your parents will come alive and will come to full realisation,” the minister said.

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The Ministry of Natural Resources has issued a comprehensive update on the status of three audits into the expenses claimed by ExxonMobil and its co-venturers in the Stabroek Block, part of the Government of Guyana’s ongoing cost recovery verification process under the Petroleum Agreement.

The audits, covering the years 1999 to 2023, were commissioned to ensure that costs declared by ExxonMobil, Hess, and CNOOC for petroleum operations are legitimate and in keeping with the provisions outlined in the Production Sharing Agreement.

The first audit, conducted by international consultancy IHS Markit, reviewed expenses incurred between 1999 and 2017. As a result of the audit, the Government of Guyana has disputed approximately US$214 million of the submitted costs.

This dispute has triggered the contractual mechanism of appointing a sole expert to resolve disagreements. In accordance with the agreement, the Government has submitted multiple nominees for the role, and ExxonMobil, representing the co-venturers, has until 31 May 2025 to respond. The sole expert process is a binding resolution mechanism outlined in the Production Sharing Agreement.

The second audit examined declared expenses totalling US$7.2 billion for the period 2018 to 2020. Following the audit, the Government did not accept US$65.1 million in costs. This was communicated to the co-venturers, who have since provided updated documentation. These revised submissions are now under review by the Government.

Both the final reports for the first and second audits are publicly accessible via the Petroleum Management Programme’s website at: http://petroleum.gov.gy/

The third audit, covering the more recent period from 2021 to 2023, has been completed and submitted to the Government. The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is currently reviewing the initial report. The GRA continues to play a key role in Guyana’s oversight of petroleum sector expenditures.

The Ministry of Natural Resources reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and the prudent management of Guyana’s natural resources, particularly as the country’s oil and gas sector expands rapidly. It assured the public that it will continue to provide timely updates on the cost recovery audits and other oversight activities.

This multi-phase audit process underscores the Government’s intention to safeguard national interests and ensure that oil revenues are accurately accounted for and fairly distributed.

The post Gov’t disputes over US$279 million in Stabroek Block oil expenses following three cost recovery audits appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Hand-in-Hand, Guyana’s longest-established and AM Best-rated insurer, has announced its support for national squash player Michael Alphonso as he prepares to represent Guyana at the 2025 South American Senior Squash Championships in Brazil.

The company’s partial sponsorship of Alphonso’s flight is part of its ongoing commitment to youth and sports development in Guyana.

Hand-in-Hand believes in “investing in our athletes and empowering them to compete—and shine—at the highest levels.”

The 2025 Pan American Senior Squash Championships, which include the South American event, are scheduled to take place from August 21 to 27 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Alphonso will be aiming to make a significant impact on the international stage.

The post Hand-in-Hand backs Michael Alphonso Jr. for South American Squash Championships appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Amla Marshall, the Toshao of Kamarang/Warawatta in Upper Mazaruni is among leaders passionately speaking up about concerns and development needs for her village at this year’s National Toshao’s Council (NTC) Conference.

Marshall used the platform on Tuesday to command respect when women leaders like herself are speaking.

“I don’t want to be intimidated. I come here to be understood, to be listened to, and this is what we call development. I am a woman. Most of them here are leaders as well, women leaders, who have to be respected when we speak,” Marshall said with applause from other leaders.

Infrastructural development was listed a major concern for Kamarang.

According to the Toshao, her village along with Kako and Waramadong have plans to upgrade road networks to connect these communities.

“I have numerous requests that I am going to be giving to the ministries and I wish this project can become a reality before the year is up,” Marshall said.

Amla Marshall, the Toshao of Kamarang/Warawatta

She explained that the communities are willing to work on the project “but the technical part of upgrading the road is against us, so we need help in that.”

Another major concern is an infestation of rats in the community.

“We cannot do anything at this time. We do not know how to eradicate rats because they are not nature. We don’t know,” she said.

“I don’t know if they are seasonal, but that is the problem right now and our farms are being destroyed,” Marshall added.

Marshall commended the Office of the Prime Minister for the installation of ICT and Wi-Fi in Kamarang but also requested that similar services be established in Warawatta.

“Warawatta is an Amerindian village over on the other side of the river, and I would like you to consider that the people of Warawatta village benefit from such a facility,” Marshall said.

Under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Marshall expressed hope regarding her firearm application and also called for a licensed ammunition seller in the region.

“I hope that my name is on the list because I willingly submitted my application for the firearm,” the Village leader said.

Addressing transportation issues, Marshall said it is costly to travel to Georgetown.

“This is a concern for the Upper Mazaruni district as a whole. It is a pressure for us, and the cost of living is fluctuating. Please have mercy on us, buy a new government owned aircraft for us to use,” Marshall said.

While this request saw an uproar of laughter at the conference, later that afternoon Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo stated that the government will invest in an airline service in relation to the high cost to travel into the hinterland.

Marshall also spoke about the need for transportation support for the police.

“There is a need for transportation both for land and water. They depend on the village council, but how long are they going to depend on us?” Marshall asked.

She explained that during emergencies, even in the middle of the night, the police are unable to carry out their duties without transportation.

On Wednesday, Marshall spoke about her village’s agricultural prospects, particularly honey production.

“I am not sure which village in Region 7 has been doing that project, but I am happy if my village is going to be targeted with that project because right now, honey is money,” Marshall said.

She revealed that the village will also soon have a shade house up and running.

“We received the materials, but we are still waiting for the technical person to fly into our area, so we are hoping for that project soon,” she said.

Toshao Marshall also reported that an assessment had been done for fish rearing in the village.

“We are also awaiting the return of the officers to say whether we can go ahead with the project,” she stated.

Marshall noted with disappointment that letters she submitted at last year’s NTC went unanswered. Still, she expressed gratitude for the developments in her village.

“Thank you for whatever support the government agencies have given to our village council. Please correct whatever situation is happening today,” Marshall said.

The post ‘Honey is money’ – Toshao of Kamarang/Warawatta pushes for more development appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Guyanese shooters are holding their own despite challenging conditions on the opening day of the Individual segment of the 2025 West Indies Fullbore Shooting Championships at the Paragon Range in Barbados.

Rain and fading light affected play, allowing only two scheduled events to be completed. The 600-yard event was postponed to Wednesday.

Peter Persaud was Guyana’s top performer on day one, scoring 81 out of a possible 85 points from the 300 and 500-yard ranges.

He recorded 34.2 at 300 yards and 47.5 at 500 yards.

Countryman Ryan Sampson was close behind with a total of 81.5 (33.2 at 300 yards and 48.3 at 500 yards), while Vice-Captain Leo Romalho scored 81.4.

Among the leading West Indian shooters was Laurne Benjamin of Antigua and Barbuda, who scored 83.4 (35.3 at 300 yards and 48.2 at 500 yards). Barbados’ Jason Wood was one point behind with 82.4.

Ireland’s David Calvert dominated the opening day, shooting possibles at both ranges (35.5 at 300 yards and 50.6 at 500 yards) for a total of 85.11.

Irishwoman Rebecca Laird was also in strong contention with 84.6 (34.2 at 300 yards and a possible 50.5 at 500 yards).

Four ranges are scheduled for competition on day two.

West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council President, Maj, chaired the championship’s opening ceremony on Tuesday.

Ret’d Denis John Nelson of Jamaica. Brigadier Carlos Lovell, Chief of Defence Staff of Barbados, officially declared the Championship open, welcoming teams from Ireland, Canada, USA, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and the host nation.

Brigadier Lovell emphasized the importance of the competition in raising the standard of fullbore rifle shooting in the West Indies. He fired the ceremonial opening shot at the 300-yard range, hitting a V-Bull.

The Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) extended its gratitude to its sponsors for making their participation possible, including President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Brigadier Omar Khan, Commissioner Clifton Hicken, Minister Charles Ramson Jr., Godfrey Munroe, Ramsay Ali (CEO of Sterling Products), Queensway Security Ltd, Continental Group of Companies, Crown Mining, Industrial Safety Supplies Inc., Guyana Police Force, Guyana Revenue Authority, and Caribbean Airlines.

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