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Retired Assistant Police Commissioner Carol Fraser never intended to pursue a career in law enforcement, but looking back, she said if she had to do it over again, the Guyana Police Force would be her first choice. In an interview with the News Room, Fraser shared that her 34-year journey in the Force allowed her to grow professional and personally shaping her into the woman she is today.

“If I had to do it over, I would chose the police as my career. Because of the police my network is very large, I have been able to travel to countries, to attend programmes and my knowledge gained I don’t think I would have been able to gain it in any other sector.

“It might have been different but I would not have to garner the wide and vast amount of knowledge with me today and be the person I am,” Fraser told the News Room as she reflected on the many challenges she faced and also spoke of the rewards and growth that came from her decades of dedicated service.

“The Guyana Police Force was never my initial thought to be a police but I came to Georgetown and took an interview and the salary at the time was $700 at GWI and after that I was sitting in the living room of a family friend and saw the ad for the police and I looked at the salary and it was $1, 320 and I said this is more than what I interviewed for and I said I can take the shot and see what happens,” Fraser recalled.

The rest was history. The very next day, Fraser went to the Felix Austin Training College at Eve Leary in Georgetown and wrote the entrance examination and was accepted into the Police Force.

But it hasn’t always been an easy journey. Even from the start during her training, Fraser said she wanted to give up.

“There were many times I thought, no this isn’t for me.

“But I had an instructor by the name of Dale Alves and every time I pack my bag to go home while I was training, he would say: ‘if you go now, when things get better you wouldn’t be there to enjoy it and you don’t quit at your first stress.’ So, I kept that in mind but there were still times when I wanted to leave and you had persons there who motivated you,” Fraser told the News Room.

Retired Assistant Police Commissioner Carol Fraser

Fraser served as a Constable from 1990 to 1995, she was promoted to Corporal and then in 2004 to Sergeant. By 2007, she was an inspector and three years later promoted to Assistant Superintendent. Six years later, Fraser became a Deputy Superintendent, then Superintendent and in January 2025 she was promoted to Assistant Commissioner.

Throughout her career, she served in key leadership roles including Commander for Regional Division 5, Director of the Command Centre, the first female Manager of the Police Credit Union, Training Officer of Guyana Police Force Academy as well as the Finance Officer and Welfare Officer.

“Working in a male dominated organisation it is not as easy, the bars are not sometimes always equal for you to be promoted,” Fraser told the News Room and so, she took it on herself to do something about this.

While serving in the Force, Fraser graduated from the University of Guyana with two degrees and a masters.  She earned her first degree in social work, second in public management and a master’s in public administration.

“What I did, I pursued my career, I studied other than sitting down and wimping about not being promoted I got in the know, I challenged myself to understand what happens in the Force, how it happens and ofay myself with different departments and divisions. So, even though the promotions were not forthcoming my upward mobility in terms of knowledge within the Force increased,” the retired policewoman said.

Fraser also spent part of career lecturering on domestic violence and child abuse in Guyana. She is now urging officers to be patient and understanding when dealing with abuse victims.

“On the part of the police patience is needed and understanding that the victim always look at circumstances – if I leave, who will take care of my children – and then you have the part where they look at things that help them survive and then on the police side where the victim will come one, two, three, four times and renege and the police have to understand that this is part of the persons having being abused, so you have to be patient with them,” Fraser explained.

She also highlighted the importance of community engagement, especially in vulnerable areas, to better understand the dynamics of domestic abuse and violence.

With a message for her fellow officers, Fraser said she is proud to have been a policewoman.

“You need to work together, you need to look out for each other because even as a police officer, sometimes you feel alone.

“I am proud to have been a policewoman because of the lives I have been able to change and the systems also that I have been able to work and be a change agent.”

 

 

 

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Some cycling clubs have publicly extended their gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission (NSC) for their crucial role in ensuring the staging of the 42nd Independence Three-Stage Road Race.

Following initial uncertainty surrounding the event, the NSC’s direct engagement on Monday with the nation’s leading cycling clubs proved decisive.

The race is slated for May 17-18.

During these discussions, the Commission underlined the continued significance of the race, not only as a key fixture in the national sporting calendar but also as a vital symbol of unity, a platform for youth engagement, and a celebration of Guyana’s rich sporting heritage.

This intervention and the subsequent open dialogue were instrumental in restoring the race to the schedule, a move welcomed by cyclists, fans, and the wider public.

In a joint statement, the management and riders of KFC Cycling Club, KARCC, Carlton Wheelers, Fly Ace, Flying Star, Team Coco, Continental, and Team Alanis expressed their sincere appreciation.

“Despite initial uncertainty surrounding this year’s event, the NSC acted decisively,” the statement read. “Thanks to that intervention and the open discussions that followed, the race was restored to the schedule, much to the delight of cyclists, fans, and the general populace.”

The clubs highlighted that the 2025 edition is expected to deliver a thrilling showcase of talent and determination, further reinforcing this historic event’s value and growing prestige.

“We commend the NSC’s commitment, logistical support, and willingness to listen and act in the best interests of the sport and its stakeholders,” they added.

The clubs reiterated their commitment to the growth and development of cycling in Guyana.

They stated their readiness to continue collaborating with the Ministry and the NSC to elevate the iconic race further and support the national vision for sport and youth development.

This prestigious event, conceptualised initially by former National Cycling Coach Mr. Hassan Mahamad in 1983, has become a staple on the sporting calendar.

Race Schedule:

Stage One

• Date: Saturday, 17 May
• Start Time: 07:30
• Route: Starts at Corriverton Police Station and finishes in New Amsterdam.

Stage Two

• Date: Saturday, 17 May
• Start Time: 14:00
• Route: This stage begins at the Berbice River Bridge and ends at Liliendaal, Georgetown. It will feature sections of the original historic route. After crossing the Mahaicony Bridge, the peloton will turn left onto the old Mahaicony Road and then right onto the traditional Drill Road. At the new Mahaica Bridge, the cyclists will turn right to use the old Mahaica Road en route to the finish.

Stage Three

• Date: Sunday, 18 May
• Start Time: 07:30

Route: Due to ongoing roadworks along the Linden Highway, this final stage will begin in the Eccles Community. Due to ongoing construction on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, the third and final stage will be contested as a circuit race on the East Bank of Demerara.

The circuit, starting from the Eccles Dump Site Road and heading west, will turn left at Windsor Estates and then towards ‘Red Road’ in Providence before looping back to the Heroes Highway.

Each lap is approximately two miles, with riders expected to complete 30 laps, totaling 60 miles.

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The People’s Youth Organisation (PYO) officially launched its Tapeball Cricket Tournament on Sunday.

The tournament will bring together 21 teams from across Region Two for what promises to be an exciting display of local talent.

The tournament, set to feature players from all corners of Essequibo, significantly emphasises nurturing young cricketers, mandating the inclusion of at least two Under-19 players in every match squad.

This strategic move aims to provide a vital platform for young talent to gain exposure and experience alongside more seasoned players.

The launch event, held in Region Two, was attended by several key figures, including Regional Vice Chairman Humace Oudit, Head of the PYO Faraz Baksh, Regional Sports Organizer Wazeeda Bacchus, and Head of the PYO Sports Committee and Tournament Organizer Azizi Christiani.

Regional Vice Chairman Humace Oudit lauded the initiative, highlighting its potential to foster community cohesion.

“This tournament is a platform for engagement, camaraderie, and healthy competition. It brings our communities together and reflects the true spirit of ‘One Guyana’—where everyone has a place and a role,” Oudit stated during his remarks.

Tournament Organizer Azizi Christiani outlined the structure and expectations for the competition, predicting a high standard of play.

“This tournament promises to be one of high quality and stiff competition,” Christiani commented.

He also expressed gratitude to the title sponsor, Harischan Ramballi, for his crucial support and acknowledged the Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture’s ongoing contributions to youth development efforts in Region Two.

The tournament will commence on Saturday, May 17, 2025, with further first-round matches scheduled for May 18 and May 24.

Round 1 Fixtures:

• Royal Strikers vs Providence Vipers
• Evolution vs Charity
• Health Warriors vs Renegades
• Aurora Knight Riders vs Wakapao
• Burikilli Jaguars vs Franchise 11
• Team Royals – Bye
• United Crew vs New Road Titans
• Affiance vs Reliance
• PCA Fishermen vs Advanced Construction/Solution
• Jaguars vs Aurora Mavericks
• Queenstown vs Capoey

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Migrants from Venezuela in Guyana, many with children enrolled in schools, are benefitting from the education grants currently being distributed in across the country. The distribution of the ‘Because We Care’ student grants commenced on Monday in Regions Seven and Nine.

Deodat Deochand, a Guyanese father who returned from Venezuela with his three daughters and wife, told the News Room that it has been challenging to adjust to life in Guyana.

After living in Venezuela for almost two decades, he returned to Guyana in 2022. He has two daughters attending the St. Anthony Primary School – they are in Grades Two and Five – his eldest daughter is sitting for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exam. Deochand said his daughters speak Spanish and this makes interactions in school difficult.

“The language beating them but they are trying…the other one writing CXC and she really trying,” Deochand said.

Though the family benefitted from the student grant before, he said this was the first time he went to receive the grant, as previously, his wife handled this.

With more distribution sites and teachers on the ground assisting, the Ministry of Education has made efforts to make the distribution of the grant smoother.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand visited schools in Region Seven and she noted the turnout of persons who migrated from Venezuela and have children enrolled in schools. She said the student grant is for every student in the school system and how the cash is utilised to benefit these students is to be determined by the parents.

“Once your children are registered, each and every child will get this grant in this country.

“It’s important to note that you have Venezuelans who have children in school whether they are from [Venezuela] with Guyanese parentage or not,” the minister said.

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A Smythfield, New Amsterdam man was remanded to prison after he was charged with the murder of 44-year-old Leon Fordyce called ‘nastyman’ on Tuesday.

Eubeern Bristol, also known as ‘Eusie’, 39, appeared before Magistrate Michelle Matthias at the Albion Magistrate’s Court.

The court was informed that on Sunday, May 4, at High Dam, Caracas Village, West Canje, Bristol, alongside another individual, was involved in the murder of Fordyce.

Bristol was not required to enter a plea to the indictable charge.

During the proceedings, Police Prosecutor Sergeant Mark Edwards said the case file is complete and revealed that law enforcement is actively pursuing another suspect in connection with Fordyce’s death.

Edwards confirmed that once this suspect is apprehended, further investigations will be conducted, and the case file will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.

In response to inquiries from Bristol’s lawyer, Sasha Robertson, who participated virtually, Edwards addressed the outcome of the case should the police fail to arrest the other suspect. He ensured the court that there would be no impediment to advancing with the matter as planned.

Edwards requested an extension of three weeks for obtaining statements, which Magistrate Matthias granted.

Bristol has been remanded to prison, and the case is scheduled to be reviewed on June 9.

Leon Fordyce called ‘nastyman’

On the day in question, 35-year-old Seon La Fleur, also known as “Shawn,” was arguing with 44-year-old Angelisha Newyear, accompanied by Neon De Jonge Bristol. The dispute revolved around threats made against Newyear’s 26-year-old son, Gregory De Jonge.

The argument escalated, and during the confrontation, Shawn stabbed Newyear in the abdomen.

In a separate incident, Leon Fordyce reportedly received a blow to the head and was pronounced at New Amsterdam Hospital.

Upon hearing about the altercation, Gregory De Jonge rushed to the scene and attacked Shawn with a machete before fleeing the area.

It is noted that Angelisha Newyear had a relationship with Leon Fordyce.

 

This publication understands that Fordyce was in the process of closing his shop when he was viciously attacked.

Shortly before the incident, Shawn’s mother, 50-year-old Nicola Christine La Fleur, spoke with her son. She later received a distressing call about the situation.

When she rushed outside, she found Shawn unresponsive on the road, suffering from a severe head wound.

When asked about the motive behind these tragic events, Nicola revealed that her son was troubled about the paternity of a two-month-old child.

Reports indicate that both Shawn and Gregory have been named as the fathers of the child.

On May 9, 2025, Gregory was charged and remanded to prison for the murder of La Fleur.

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As the probe into the death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge continues, President Dr Irfaan Ali has assured the grieving family and Guyanese that he and his government honoured the requests made.

“Everything that I’ve committed to in the case. We’ve brought in the independent pathologist, and they have done their work. Then there’s an independent investigator in,” President Ali told reporters at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Monday.

The investigator he mentioned is Leonard McCoshen, a retired officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, on Monday, confirmed that McCoshen is scheduled to arrive in Guyana Monday night to assist in the investigation.

Lawyers meet Police Commissioner in search for answers in Adriana Younge’s case

The government engaged Mr. McCoshen after Adriana’s family requested that international law enforcement bodies be engaged by the Government of Guyana to investigate the young girl’s death.

For her autopsy, three international pathologists were brought to Guana. They are: Dr Glenn A. Rudner of Mount Sinai Hospital, New York; Dr Shubhakar Karra Paul, a government-appointed pathologist from Barbados; and Dr Gary L. Collins, Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Delaware, who was chosen by Adrianna’s family.

The President was specifically asked if the government would seek the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to aid in the investigation.

“I’ve done what I said I would have done. The political handlers are now at work aggressively. Let the political handles deal with what they want to,” President Ali told reporters.

US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, told reporters that the FBI could possibly assist with the investigations, but such a request would have to be made by the Government of Guyana.

Speaking at the sidelines at the event at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Theoriot reportedly explained that once the government makes a request, the FBI would then determine how they can support the local probe.

US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theoriot, engaging reporters (Photo: News Room/ June 14, 2024)

The investigation into the death of Adriana is at the evidence-gathering stage. Detectives are “examining several possibilities and theories,” which will be evaluated against the evidence gathered, Blanhum told reporters on Monday.

Asked about the Younge family’s confidence in the investigation, Blanhum responded: “We have selected the best [investigators] to work on this matter, and the investigators are very objective. I’ve instructed them to ensure that they do not disregard any information or any evidence during this process.”

Adriana went missing at the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen on April 23. Her body was discovered in the hotel’s pool on April 24.

The Crime Chief revealed that the relatives of the young girl were questioned over the weekend and that at least two more individuals who were at the pool will also be questioned.

The owner was arrested and later released after the statutory detention period expired. Blanhum also addressed this.

“The hotel owner, there were certain conditions imposed on him, he has to continue reporting to the police on a daily basis [and] also prohibited from leaving the jurisdiction,” Blanhum said on Monday.

He further added that “The investigators are in possession of video footage prior, or at the same time when an alarm was raised that she [Adriana] was missing,” Blanhum said.

The Younge family, who have postponed Adriana’s funeral since her passing on 24 April, are hoping for significant investigative progress before laying her to rest.

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President Dr. Irfaan Ali presented a security strategy using the acronym ‘HITLIST’ during his address at the 39th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP), currently underway at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

HITLIST outlines several pillars to be addressed during the conference to strengthen the Caribbean region’s security and crime fighting efforts, such as H for Human capital, I for Infrastructure, T for Technology, L for Legislation, I for Intelligence, S for Systems and T for Training.

“We must agree that we face a human capital challenge in the region,” President said during his remarks. And so, he called for better working conditions, including housing, respectful work environments, and greater access to training and education to retain and grow talent within Caribbean police forces.

The 39th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP), currently underway at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

On infrastructure, the President emphasised the importance of strategic regional investments. He announced Guyana’s plans to build a state-of-the-art forensic facility, equipped with the latest technology and training support, to serve not just Guyana but the entire region.

Technology was also discussed with the Head of State highlighting the need for the use of technology across borders to support intelligence gathering and real-time data sharing.

This brings legislation into the picture.

“How do we develop an infrastructure in the region that allows easier sharing of information, more proactive sharing of information, this leads to legislation the L,” the President explained.

He revealed that Attorney Generals in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have been tasked with reviewing regional laws related to crime and public safety, with a view towards seamless legal cooperation across jurisdictions.

And this is where various systems comes in.

“One of the main reasons the public express trust and dissatisfaction issue is the level of human impact on the systems itself,” President Ali said.

The 39th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP), currently underway at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

He added, “In the region there is also complete reliance on human intervention and input at every level of policing. This system must change to have human as the backbone but technology as the frame.”

Finally, President Ali talked about training as the last pillar of HITLIST.

Specifically highlighting India’s Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC), which offers free training in cutting-edge fields, the President challenged the commissioners present at the conference to take full advantage of it.

“I can champion this for you. Get the applications in and I am telling you, I will take a personal interest in ensuring I follow-up on all applications coming from the region under the ITEC programme,” President Ali pledged.

The 39th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP), currently underway at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

He also urged the police commissioners to take time to examine the HITLIST as he further mentioned Guyana’s plans for a Regional Police Academy with internationally certified programmes.

Meanwhile, the President further spoke about the harmful consequences of using crime as a tool for political gain as well as glorifying crime.

“The politicising of crime and criminality and the glorification of crime and criminality, now this may sound uneasy in this room but when political actors and architecture see crime as an opportunity for political puppeteering it becomes dangerous,” he said.

Stressing that crime should be recognised for what it is, the President called for a unified approach in dealing with crime.

“Crime and criminality is not an opportunity to get into government or is not an opportunity to beat the system, because it affects all of us and if our interest is in the development of countries and our economies then we have to do what is right wherever we sit or stand,” the Head of State said.

 

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The court case involving city businessman, Marlan DaSilva, who was charged with the brutal killing of his partner, Kenesha Vaughn, has been adjourned to May 22, 2025.

The case was called on Monday before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman via Zoom. The case was adjourned for statements of declaration to be filed.

DaSilva is awaiting a preliminary inquiry (PI), which is a judicial hearing held in the Magistrate’s Court for serious offences such as murder. It is not a trial itself. Before a PI can commence, there is a procedure. This procedure includes the disclosure of statements taken from witnesses in the case.

City businessman to be charged with murder of partner

In the case of Vaughn, all statements have not yet been disclosed to the court. Only when that is done can the PI commence. The next step would be for witnesses to testify before the court.

When all evidence is before the Court, the body is then tasked with determining whether there is sufficient evidence for the defendant (DaSilva) to proceed to trial. That trial is usually conducted in the High Court before a Judge.

DaSilva is accused of killing his partner on the evening of February 22 at their Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara house, shortly after returning home.

According to a Police report, DaSilva and Vaughn had an argument during which the businessman reportedly slapped her. In retaliation, Police said Vaughn reportedly reached for a knife and approached the suspect.

It was at this point that DaSilva pulled out his licensed firearm from the waist of his pants and discharged several rounds in Vaughn’s direction, hitting her about the body.

Police ranks were later contacted, and Vaughn was taken to the Diamond Hospital, where she died while receiving treatment. The incident was captured on CCTV footage which has since been admitted as evidence.

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Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Monday, assured Guyanese that the country’s borders are being monitored and all foreign partners are consistently updated on the developments with neighbouring Venezuela.

Venezuela had announced that it intends to hold elections in the Essequibo region, an area internationally recognised as Guyana’s territory and has been under Guyana’s administration for over 100 years. So the Venezuelan election plan, scheduled for May 25, 2025, is seen by Guyana as a direct violation of the Court’s Order and international law.

Earlier this month, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) unanimously reaffirmed provisional measures granted in December 2023 and told Venezuela that it shall refrain from conducting, or preparing to conduct, elections in the Essequibo region.

President Ali acknowledged this ruling from the ICJ and affirmed that Guyana is a “rules-based” state committed to international law.

However, he said, Guyana’s borders are being monitored and the government is engaging foreign partners on the developments concerning the ongoing controversy.

“We are not sitting back also.

“I want to assure you and all Guyanese that the Guyana Defence Force, the government, and every stakeholder, we are putting everything in place to ensure that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana are protected,” President Ali told reporters at the sidelines of an event on Monday.

World Court tells Venezuela to refrain from conducting elections in Essequibo region 

He also assured citizens that Guyana’s sovereign space will be protected.

The border controversy between Guyana and Essequibo is decades-old. The boundary, as internationally recognised, was settled in 1899 through an Arbitral Award. It was accepted by Venezuela and Guyana (then British Guiana) until the 1960s as Guyana approached its independence. Guyana has taken its case to the ICJ, hoping for a final, binding settlement of the controversy.

 

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