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The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) on Monday conducted a joint intelligence-led operation at the Middlesex, Essequibo Coast premises of businessman/gold miner Ramanand Ganesh and seized two illegal firearms and a large quantity of cash.

A SOCU press release noted that Ganesh and his wife, Vallina Ganesh, are now in custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations concerning gold smuggling and money laundering.

“This latest action forms part of a broader national strategy to dismantle criminal networks engaged in gold smuggling and other forms of organized crime. The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) reaffirms the agency’s commitment in the investigation and prosecution of gold smugglers and money launderers, at the same time maintaining the integrity of Guyana’s natural resources sector and ensuring that those who breach the laws are brought to justice,” the release noted.

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Sebastiao De Oliveria Moura, a Brazilian and Director of Gago Gold Inc., was Monday charged with five counts of money laundering and subsequently granted $1.75 million bail.

A release from the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) noted that he was previously charged with failing to keep and produce a book to an officer of the board or to another person authorised by the Board contrary to Section 9(4) of the Guyana Gold Board Act, Chapter 66:01.

He appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates Court I, before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty where he was not required to plead to five indictable charges of money laundering.

He was granted bail at a sum of $1.75 million for the five counts of money laundering, and the cases were adjourned to April 22, 2025 for disclosure.

According to Deputy Commissioner and head of SOCU, Fazil Karimbaksh, investigations commence on February 7, 2024, after a joint intelligence-led operation was conducted by officers of SOCU, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Guyana Gold Board (GGB), and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). A search was carried out on Moura’s business place situated at 19 Albert Street, Bourda, Georgetown, for local and foreign currencies, cheques, electronic devices, precious stones, gold and financial records.

During the search, large amounts of local and foreign currency bills were found. Authorities found G$81.1 million, US$6,057, and SR $240.00. Additionally, 4018.15 pennyweights of gold valued $112.5 million and diamonds weighing 3.5 grams were found on Mr. Moura’s business premises.

After intense investigation which lasted for over one year SOCU instituted charges on the basis that the monies, gold and diamonds are tainted properties relating to the offence of money laundering and gold smuggling and are the proceeds of crime in contravention of section 3(1)(c) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act, 2009, Cap. 10:11.

The SOCU release said a summary of all the money laundering charges revealed that  Moura acquired or possessed the monies, gold, and diamonds knowing, or having reasonable grounds to believe, that the said monies, gold, and diamonds were derived, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly from proceeds of crime.

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The Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS)—Guyana’s new automated traffic enforcement initiative—became operational, marking a major step forward in the country’s efforts to improve road safety through the use of smart technology.

Within hours of going live, according to a statement from Police Headquarters, the system captured a vehicle with license plate PAJ 4671 traveling at 152km/h in the East Coast area. The Guyana Police Force has since sought a summons to prosecute the registered owner, Leon Kyte.

Alongside the speeding violation, high-resolution images generated by the system flagged additional concerns, including an obscured ID mark (number plate) and the prohibition of tinted glass. The summons will cause the owner to appear on a date and time at a Magistrate Court of the district.

The Police release said the SRIS uses intelligent software and advanced camera technology to automatically detect traffic violations such as speeding, improper license plate display, and unsafe vehicle modifications. The cameras used in the system are approved and certified by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), ensuring accuracy and reliability in enforcement.

This initiative forms part of the Government of Guyana’s broader commitment to building safer, smarter, and more sustainable communities through digital innovation and modern infrastructure.

The Guyana Police Force urged all motorists to observe posted speed limits, ensure their license plates are clearly visible, and maintain vehicles in compliance with national safety standards. The goal of the SRIS is protecting lives, promoting accountability, and creating safer roads for all Guyanese.

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The supremely talented Realeanna Grimmond stroked a superb fifty and the bowlers backed up brilliantly as Berbice inflicted an 86-run defeat on Essequibo in the second round of the Guyana Cricket Board’s Senior Female Inter-County T20 competition on Monday at the LBI ground, East Coast Demerara.

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The right-handed Grimmond cracked a free-flowing 61 off 51 balls (5x4s, 2x6s) as Berbice piled up 149-8.

Sheneta Grimmond made 30 off 17 (5x4s) in the winning total.

The Grimmonds! Realeanna (right) and Sheneta were the standouts with the bat for Berbice (Photo: News Room/Avenash Ramzan/April 7, 2025)

Tremaine Marks (2-17) and Kumarie Persaud (2-20) were the top wicket-takers.

In reply, Essequibo, who won the opening round match against Demerara on Saturday at the same venue, capitulated for 63 in 16.4 overs.

Essequibo’s top bowlers Kumarie Persaud (left) and Tremaine Marks (Photo: News Room/Avenash Ramzan/April 7, 2025)

Persaud with 14 and Varuni Pitamber 10 were the only players into double-figures in a disappointing batting display.

Sherika Campbelle was outstanding, returning figures of 3-12 off four overs, one of which was a maiden.

Tiea Isaacs picked up 2-8 off four overs and the experienced Plaffiana Millington bagged 2-6 off four overs bowling the new ball.

Wicket-taking trio! From left: Tiea Isaacs, Plaffiana Millington and Sherika Campbelle (Photo: News Room/Avenash Ramzan/April 7, 2025)

The competition wraps up on Tuesday with Berbice facing Demerara from 09:30h.

A win for Berbice will guarantee them the title, while victory for Demerara will bring net run rate into play to decide the champions as all three teams will have a win and a loss each.

It is from this tournament the Guyana team will be selected to compete in the Cricket West Indies’ Women’s T20 Blaze, set for April 28 to May 12 in St. Vincent.

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See below the full release from the Ministry of Finance: 

April 07, 2025: Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, along with Central Bank Governor Dr. Gobind Ganga, this afternoon met with the Chief Executive Officers and other representatives of commercial banks to discuss recent developments in the banking system specifically in relation to the market for foreign exchange.

At the meeting, note was taken of the continued availability of adequate levels of foreign currency in the financial system as a whole to meet ongoing demand, despite occasional timing differences. These timing differences have resulted in some delays being encountered in the settlement of orders for foreign currency from time to time at some commercial banks.

In order to ensure that pending requests for foreign currency are met in a timely manner, the decision was taken that a sum of US$100 million will be injected into the market with immediate effect and distributed across all commercial banks. This injection will provide immediate relief to the system in meeting pending demand for foreign currency, while the temporary timing mismatches unwind themselves.

Meanwhile, the Government remains closely engaged with the private sector including the commercial banks in the interest of ensuring that the market continues to function efficiently.

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Romel Persaud from Therapy Cocktails in Essequibo has been named the winner of the Guyana leg of the El Dorado Rum Heritage Cocktail Competition, which took place on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Herdmanston Lodge in Georgetown.

Persaud stood out among the finalists with his cocktail, “Afternoon Brew” — a bold coffee Old Fashioned that pays tribute to his Essequibo roots and the rich heritage of coffee cultivation.

The other finalists were Steven Pharbo (Bistro Wine & Champagne Bar), Damon Crandon (Herdmanston Lodge), Melissa Armenteros Leyva (RS53 Etkezo), Ray Rodrigues (Tribe Gastronomic Lounge), and Mahendra Ramkellawan (Bistro Wine & Champagne Bar).

The runners-up were Melissa Armenteros Leyva from RS53 Etkezo, who finished in second place, and Ray Rodrigues from Tribe Gastronomic Lounge, who placed third.

The judges for the competition included Sharon Sue-Hang Baksh, Master Blender at Demerara Distillers Limited; Oren Coleman, internationally acclaimed mixologist from the UK; and Dhanika Singh, Cocktail Enthusiast.

As the winner of the Guyana leg, Romel Persaud will advance to the Global Finals, where he will compete for the top prize of $5,000 USD and a collection of rare El Dorado Rums. The global competition, held in Guyana at the renowned Diamond Distillery, Guyana’s last remaining distillery, will see 10 bartenders from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Trinidad, Germany, France, Norway, Australia, and Guyana competing for the title.

“I’m shocked and honored to win the Guyana leg and excited to move on to the Global Finals,” said Persaud. “This has been a great experience, and I look forward to the next round of the competition.”

The Global Finals offer participants a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Guyanese culture, lifestyle, and heritage before showcasing their final creations to a panel of esteemed judges.

The Global Finals of the El Dorado Rum Heritage Cocktail Competition will be judged by Shaun Caleb, Master Distiller at Demerara Distillers Limited; Marie King, International Rum and Cocktail Specialist from the USA; and Timo Janse, bar owner, celebrated bartender, and cocktail aficionado from Spain (Demerara Distillers Limited press release)

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The transition to renewable energy in Guyana and the Caribbean is a major factor for job creation.  Daren Pinard, Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour of the Commonwealth of Dominica, on Monday said the shift to renewable energy is necessary to create a sustainable future.

Pinard’s remarks were made at the 13th International Labour Organization (ILO) Meeting of Caribbean Labour Ministers, held at the Arthur Cung Conference Centre, Georgetown.

“Decent Work for Resilience: Securing the Future of Caribbean Labour,” is the theme of this year’s meeting. Labour Ministers, policymakers and social partners are in Guyana to discuss labour and employment issues with the objective of shaping the future of work in the region. The signing of the 3rd Decent Work Country Programme was also signed on Monday. This programme represents the tripartite commitment to develop a harmonious labour market.

Pinard noted that this year’s theme also sheds light on the areas of focus which can greatly improve the region’s job market and boost its ability to play a better role in responding to climate change. He said the shift to renewable energy in the Caribbean provides jobs that will greatly secure the futures of many persons.

“Picture a future with solar technologies and geothermal turbine engineers are among the most sought after jobs or professions in the Caribbean, where young people see their future not as something to fail but with excitement as something to shift with their hands, their ideas and their passion,” Pinard said.

He also noted that the use of renewable energy is an area that many countries in the regions are exploring. Converting from fossil fuels to renewable energy is part of climate-smart efforts to meet net zero by 2050.

During the launch ceremony for the areas of focus that will greatly impact the outcome of labour policies for Guyana, as well as those that will be adopted by other Caribbean countries, were discussed. Gilbert Houngbo, the Director-General of the ILO, said social justice in workplaces affects women among other vulnerable groups.

“This is a critical moment that calls for a renewed commitment to the core values that inspire the creation of justice, humanity and peace, and should guide us as we work towards a new social context. One that is based on social justice, equitable economic growth, solidarity and environmental protection,” Houngbo said, noting some of the key factors that must be addressed at the meeting.

Acknowledging the need for serious discussions and adoption of new and updated labour policies, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton said there is immense focus on remigration and climate safety here.

Further expounding on climate safety, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips said Guyana is committed to promoting a greener and safer economy with emphasis on job security.

“As we move toward green economies, we must do so in ways that protect jobs, support communities and actively reduce inequality. A  just transition means shifting toward a sustainable low carbon economy without leaving workers or communities behind,” the Prime Minister said.

Guyana is investing heavily in renewable energy and this is through ways of solar powered electric vehicle charging stations, solar panels for hinterland communities and the massive gas-to-energy project.

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Jasprit Bumrah could not prevent Mumbai Indians slipping to a 12-run defeat on his return from injury as Royal Challengers Bengaluru held on to win a high-scoring match in the Indian Premier League.

India fast bowler Bumrah, playing for the first time since January after a back injury, took an economical 0-29 from four overs but RCB still posted 221-5 with Virat Kohli hitting 67.

Mumbai took their chase to the wire but came up short after Hardik Pandya was caught at deep mid-wicket for 42 from 15 balls off Josh Hazlewood’s bowling at the start of the penultimate over.

Hardik had hit three fours and four sixes to leave 28 runs to get from the last 12 balls.

After he fell, Mitchell Santner struck Hazlewood for six but was caught at long-off off Hardik’s brother Krunal Pandya, who took three wickets with his left-arm spin while defending 19 from the last.

Mumbai ended on 209-9 with Tilak Varma top-scoring with 56 from 29 balls. He put on 89 in just 34 balls with Hardik in the middle overs of the chase.

Earlier, Kohli shared a partnership of 91 with Devdutt Padikkal, who made 37 after England’s Phil Salt was bowled by Trent Boult for four in the opening over.

RCB’s score was lifted further by Rajat Patidar’s 64, and 40 from just 19 balls by Jitesh Sharma. Liam Livingstone was out for a two-ball duck.

Bumrah, 31, whose last appearance was in India’s fifth Test against Australia in early January, only conceded two boundaries in his four overs. He was the only Mumbai bowler to concede less than 10 runs per over.

The win means RCB join Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans on six points at the top of the table, but are third courtesy of their net run-rate. Mumbai are eighth with four defeats from five. (BBC)

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More than a month after he was charged and remanded, city businessman Marlan DaSilva awaits a preliminary inquiry (PI) into the brutal killing of his partner, Kenesha Vaughn.

The case was called on Monday morning before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman.

During the hearing, the prosecution disclosed some of the statements in the matter. The case was adjourned to April 28 for further disclosure.

A preliminary inquiry is a judicial hearing, held in Magistrate’s court for serious offences such as murders. 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.

Businessman charged with murder of young 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, in this case, 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.

Earlier in the day, DaSilva was imbibing and liming with a group of friends at a popular city spot. Whilst there Vaughn reportedly called him and asked that he come home; he became annoyed.

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. She immediately fell to the ground.

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.

DaSilva was charged with murder in keeping with legal advice obtained from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

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Puerto Rican team Carolina won the One Guyana FIBA 3×3 Quest on Sunday evening, bringing an end to a historic two-day tournament at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

It was a watershed moment for the sport, with Guyana becoming the first English-speaking territory in the Caribbean to host the prestigious tournament.

Click here to view full results 

Carolina defeated Distrito Nacional of the Dominican Republic 21-15 in the Open final, to secure a spot in the prestigious FIBA 3×3 World Tour in Edmonton, Canada.

Carolina comprised Antonio Ralat, Bryan Gonzalez Colon, Gary Diaz and Nathaniel Butler, while Distrito Nacional was represented by Sadiel Rojas, Rayner Moquete, Diego Moquete and Enmanuel Labata Uribe.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission Kashif Muhammad (right) presents the MVP prize to Bryan Gonzalez Colon of Carolina 

Local side Renegades suffered an exit at the quarter-final stage, losing 14-21 to Maloney Pacers, while the other two Guyanese teams- Georgetown and Untouchables- did not make it past the group stage.

At the conclusion of the championship, Antonio Ralat of Carolina, Sadiel Rojas of Distrito Nacional and General Secretary of the Guyana Basketball Federation Patrick Haynes spoke to the media.

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