Police ranks from Regional Division #1 arrested a shop owner in Port Kaituma following the discovery of more than 25 grams of cannabis during a search of his business premises on Friday.
According to police reports, the shop owner voluntarily handed over two Ziplock bags containing what appeared to be cannabis when officers initiated the search.
A further inspection led to the discovery of a bulky plastic bag, which contained several additional Ziplock bags also suspected to contain the illicit substance.
Upon completion of the search, the total weight of the suspected narcotics amounted to approximately 25.3 grams.
The man was cautioned and taken into custody. He remains detained pending charges.
The family of Adriana Younge has issued a public statement strongly opposing any planned protests aimed at halting her upcoming burial in order to demand a second post-mortem examination.
Lewis Amika, a relative of Younge, expressed the family’s dismay in a statement released on Saturday, saying:
“It has been brought to our (the family’s) attention that persons are planning to protest and stop the burial of Adriana Younge until another post-mortem is done! We do not agree to or condone this action. We will bury Adriana in a peaceful manner on Monday.
Honour Adriana and the wishes of her family. NO PROTESTS!”
Younge’s funeral is tentatively scheduled for early next week, with Monday mentioned as the likely date.
Concerns had recently surfaced over calls for a second post-mortem examination (PME), with some individuals alleging that the push was politically motivated and did not reflect the true wishes of the immediate family.
The family’s statement appears to be a direct response to those claims, emphasising their desire for a respectful and undisturbed farewell.
Adriana Younge’s death has attracted public attention in recent weeks, with various groups questioning the circumstances surrounding it. Although the initial post-mortem was completed, factions within the community – some reportedly tied to political interests – have advocated for a second examination.
The family, however, is urging the public to respect their decision and allow them to grieve and proceed with burial arrangements without interference.
On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the Government of Guyana has reiterated its commitment to upholding press freedom, highlighting both the vital role of journalism in a democratic society and the emerging threats posed by the misuse of Artificial Intelligence.
In a message, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Information and Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy, reflected on the indispensable nature of a free and ethical press in safeguarding democracy.
He underscored that the emergence of AI technologies presents a dual-edged sword for journalism—offering powerful tools for innovation, while simultaneously posing risks such as misinformation, deepfakes, and algorithmic bias.
Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy (Photo: DPI/Tuesday, May 16, 2023)
“In Guyana, we have witnessed the disturbing rise of misinformation and disinformation, including from certain media quarters that have cast aside professional ethics in favour of blatant political bias,” Minister McCoy stated. “This erosion of standards marks a troubling departure from the sacred principles that have long guided the Fourth Estate.”
He called upon the media fraternity to recommit to the core values of objectivity, integrity, and ethical journalism, describing the press as more than a profession—it is, he said, a fundamental pillar of democratic society. “Its credibility must be protected not only by government or institutions but by those who serve within its ranks,” he added.
The Minister further emphasised that while oversight and accountability must not infringe upon press freedom, they are necessary to safeguard it, particularly in an era where technology amplifies both truth and falsehood.
Media workers at the World Press Freedom Day conference (Photo: News Room/May 3, 2022)
Highlighting the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government’s record, Minister McCoy stated that the administration has worked deliberately to create a media environment that is open, dynamic, and inclusive. “We encourage diverse voices and constructive public dialogue,” he noted.
As information becomes more easily manipulated, the message cautioned, the collective responsibility to preserve truth must grow stronger. The Minister called for the ethical use of AI in journalism, urging its deployment for public benefit rather than ideological disruption.
In a solemn moment of remembrance, the government also expressed profound sorrow for journalists who have lost their lives in war zones and under oppressive regimes worldwide. “Their courage and their unwavering pursuit of truth serve as a sobering reminder of the high price many pay for press freedom,” the statement read.
Minister McCoy also acknowledged the essential role played by UNESCO in defending press freedom globally. He praised the organisation’s efforts in championing journalistic rights and promoting independent media.
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, has raised serious concerns over calls for a second autopsy in the death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge, despite a unanimous conclusion from three internationally acclaimed forensic pathologists that the child died by drowning.
Speaking on Friday, Dr Anthony questioned the rationale behind seeking another post-mortem when the initial examination was thorough, witnessed by family representatives, and deemed satisfactory by all parties involved—including the family’s own expert, American pathologist Dr Gary Collins.
“If everyone was satisfied with the initial autopsy, why is there now a request for another pathologist?” Dr Anthony asked. “The body was handed over to the family on Monday and is no longer under police protection. If another autopsy is done, we don’t know what may have happened to the body in that time.”
The minister warned that the integrity and legal effect of a second autopsy could be questionable, particularly since the body has not remained in official custody since the original procedure.
According to Dr Anthony, the initial autopsy was performed by a team that included Dr Collins—Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Delaware, nominated by the family—as well as Dr Shubhakar Karra Paul, a UK-trained forensic pathologist serving in Barbados, and Dr Glenn A. Rudner of Mount Sinai Hospital, USA. All three independently and collectively concluded that Adriana died from drowning, with no signs of forced submersion or trauma.
“This was a transparent, meticulously documented process,” Dr Anthony stated. “The entire procedure was recorded on video, and the findings were shared with the family—who expressed satisfaction at every stage.”
Dr Anthony noted that the autopsy included full body scans and internal examinations, with samples sent for advanced analysis to Mount Sinai and the National Medical Services Laboratory in the United States.
Now, a fourth opinion is reportedly being sought from Trinidad and Tobago- Dr Hubert Daisley—a controversial figure previously criticised for an incorrect cause of death determination in a 2013 case, where he mistakenly attributed a death to strangulation/murder rather than an asthma complication. At the time, Trinidad’s then-Health Minister stated that Dr Daisley was not qualified as a forensic pathologist under their Medical Board.
Dr. Anthony stressed that Dr Daisley would first need accreditation from Guyana’s Medical Council before being allowed to practise locally—an independent body which must assess his qualifications and determine his fitness to perform such work.
“It seems like there are elements trying to delay this process and create controversy,” Dr Anthony added. “We have scientific evidence, credible experts, and transparency. The question is: what is the real motivation here?”
Adriana Younge was discovered dead in a swimming pool at a local hotel on 24 April during a family outing. Her body was examined on 29 April and subsequently released to her family for burial.
The government has reiterated its confidence in the findings of the original post-mortem and cautioned against undermining public trust in the process without credible reason.
In observance of World Press Freedom Day 2025, the Guyana Press Association (GPA) has joined the global media community in reflecting on the theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.”
This year’s theme recognises the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on journalism and its transformative role in modern media. The GPA has welcomed AI’s potential as a valuable tool in journalism—enhancing research, content creation, fact-checking, and data visualisation—while also urging vigilance to safeguard press integrity and democratic values.
In a statement, the GPA noted that, amid a rapidly evolving digital landscape and shifting advertising revenues from traditional to online platforms, AI presents a unique opportunity for media outlets to generate high-quality, engaging content more cost-effectively. These innovations could strengthen media sustainability and open new avenues for monetisation, particularly for legacy media adapting to the digital era.
“AI can assist journalists and editors in producing credible, appealing content, using data to tell stories that resonate with audiences,” the Association stated. “Its role in fact-checking and analysis supports the journalistic mission of accuracy and truth.”
However, the GPA also emphasised the need for responsible AI use, advocating a balanced approach that retains the human expertise vital to ethical and professional journalism. It cautioned media houses against replacing skilled staff with automated systems, underlining the importance of preserving journalistic standards and the human judgement essential to public service reporting.
As Guyana prepares for general and regional elections later this year, the Association has issued a call for heightened awareness around misinformation and disinformation, especially content generated through AI that may appear deceptively authentic. Editors, publishers, and political stakeholders have been urged to exercise care and uphold ethical standards, ensuring that AI is not misused to manipulate public opinion or erode democratic trust.
Quoting UNESCO, the GPA highlighted both the promise and peril of AI in democratic processes: “AI offers powerful tools for combating disinformation and empowering voters, but also presents risks such as deepfakes that could undermine trust in institutions.”
Looking ahead, the GPA sees AI as a valuable asset in public relations, recommending its use in sectors such as law enforcement. The Association proposed that the Guyana Police Force explore AI technologies to present crime trends more effectively, both statistically and from a sociological perspective. With innovations such as AI-generated press releases or even humanoid robots delivering media briefings, AI could transform public engagement and policy dialogue in the future.
On this World Press Freedom Day, the Guyana Press Association reaffirms its commitment to embracing technology while defending the core values of journalism—transparency, accountability, and the public good.
– Questions arise over credibility as experts already agree on drowning verdict
A fourth post-mortem opinion in the death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge is reportedly being sought despite three internationally recognised forensic pathologists already concluding that she died by drowning.
The new figure at the centre of controversy is Dr Hubert Daisley, a Trinidad and Tobago-based pathologist whose name surfaced on social media on Friday night.
His potential involvement has sparked concern, as Dr Daisley has previously come under fire for an incorrect cause of death determination in a high-profile case. In 2013, he publicly apologised after wrongly attributing a death to murder, when the individual had actually succumbed to asthma-related complications.
Then, Trinidad’s Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan said Daisley was not qualified as a forensic pathologist by the Medical Board.
Adriana was found dead in a hotel swimming pool on April 24, just one day after visiting the facility with family for a day out. Her body was released to her family for burial last Monday, after three forensic experts—each with substantial international credentials— examined the body.
Those experts include Dr Glenn A. Rudner of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, Dr Shubhakar Karra Paul, an internationally appointed government pathologist from Barbados, and Dr Gary L. Collins, Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Delaware, who was chosen by Adriana’s family. All three ruled Adriana’s death as drowning, with no evidence of forced submersion.
Collins was, in fact, found by the family’s Lawyer, Darren Wade, and nominated by them to participate in the procedure – a decision fully supported by the government.
The emergence of Dr Daisley in the case has raised eyebrows, not only due to his past controversies, but also because both Adriana’s parents had reportedly agreed to accept the findings of the initial post-mortem examination, which was conducted in the presence of two doctors representing the family’s interests.
Some persons now speculate that political actors may be seeking to politicise the child’s death, rather than the initiative coming directly from the grieving family. Dr Daisley was previously appointed by opposition leaders in 2012 to participate in autopsies related to a politically sensitive case involving the deaths of three men in Linden, Guyana, during public unrest.
It remains unclear whether this latest move reflects new concerns from the family or represents an attempt by political figures to cast doubt on the findings for their own purposes.
The call for yet another opinion has left many questioning how many voices are needed before the truth is accepted.
The Guyana Police Force has announced its intention to appeal a decision by the Mahaicony Magistrate’s Court to grant bail to businessman Dennis Persaud, who has been charged under the Cyber Crime Act for allegedly inciting acts of terrorism.
Persaud, 37, residing at Lot 5, West Strathavon, Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara, was arrested on Tuesday, 29 April 2025, by ranks of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Police Headquarters. He was formally charged on Friday, 2 May 2025, with the offence of using a computer system to incite persons to commit a terrorist act—specifically, encouraging individuals to burn speed cameras—in violation of Section 18(1)(d)(ii) of the Cyber Crime Act No. 16 of 2018.
He appeared before Magistrate Allan Wilson the same day. The charge was read to him, and he was not required to enter a plea. Although the police prosecutor strongly objected to the granting of bail, the court released Persaud on $150,000 bail.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Guyana Police Force described the court’s decision as “legally untenable” and not reflective of the seriousness of the charge, which involves the use of digital platforms to incite terrorism—a matter with far-reaching implications for public safety and national infrastructure.
“The Force is of the firm view that the decision does not align with the gravity of the offence and runs counter to recent rulings by other Magistrates in similar cybercrime cases,” the statement read.
Officials further indicated that steps are already underway to challenge the bail decision, citing the need to preserve public confidence in the justice system and ensure accountability in matters relating to national security and cyberterrorism.
The matter has been adjourned until Tuesday, 3 June 2025, for report and disclosure of statements.
A group of individuals, including a woman, were remanded to prison on Friday after being charged with acts of terrorism and cybercrime in Region Six.
Junior David, a 22-year-old fisherman from Rampoor Corriverton, Berbice, was arrested on April 28 for acts of terrorism committed in Dukestown, Corriverton. He faced Magistrate Tuana Hardy at the Whim Magistrates Court, where the charge was formally presented.
David was not required to enter a plea, and bail was refused.
The case has been postponed until May 22 and transferred to the Springlands Magistrates Court.
Additionally, a 17-year-old labourer from Alness Village, Corentyne, Berbice, was arrested on April 30 in connection with acts of terrorism that took place on April 29 at Alness Public Road.
He appeared before Magistrate Hardy at the Whim Magistrates Court, where the charges could not be read due to his age.
The court ordered that he be placed in the custody of his grandmother.
Another 17-year-old labourer from Kildonan Village, Corentyne, Berbice, was also apprehended on April 30 for acts of terrorism on April 29 at Kildonan Public Road.
Like the previous accused, he appeared before Magistrate Hardy, and while the police swore to the charges, they could not be read due to his age.
He was sent into the care of his older brother, and the matter was adjourned to June 6.
Tilawattie Singh, known as “Angela,” a 47-year-old livestock farmer from Lot 4 Ankelville, Port Mourant, Corentyne Berbice, was arrested on May 1 for using a computer system to incite a terrorist act that occurred on April 28 at Ankelville.
The charge is laid under section 18 (1) (d) (ii) of the Cybercrime Act No. 16 of 2018, contrary to section 18 (2) of the same act.
Tilawattie also appeared before Magistrate Hardy, where she was not required to plead.
The words of Guyana Harpy Eagles skipper Tevin Imlach when quizzed on whether he would consider the possibility of being West Indies Test captain.
The resignation of Kraigg Brathwaite has left a void yet to be filled, and Imlach has emerged as one of the candidates for the job, given his tremendous success with the Guyana Harpy Eagles in the West Indies Four-Day Championship.
Imlach, a wicketkeeper/batsman who played his first two Test matches against Pakistan in January, has led the Harpy Eagles to consecutive Four-Day titles, copping the title this season without losing a match.
The 28-year-old was also prolific with the bat, amassing 538 runs, the sixth most in the competition. He averaged 67.25 from 10 innings with three hundreds and a fifty.
West Indies next Test series is against Australia in the Caribbean in late June, early July.
The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) has joined forces with overseas-based national player Ruth Adams to host a full day of women’s basketball activities on May 3 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, aimed at revitalising the female side of the sport in Guyana.
Adams, who hails from Plaisance and migrated to the United States at the age of eight, has built a remarkable career playing professional basketball both in the USA and Europe.
Now, she returns home with a mission to give back and inspire the next generation of female players.
The day’s activities will bounce off at 11:00h with a basketball clinic for girls of various age groups, led by Adams herself.
The clinic is part of her “What About the Girls” campaign- a personal initiative aimed at empowering and encouraging young women to pursue basketball with passion and purpose.
“The goal is to re-energise female participation in the game,” Adams said.
“There’s no shortage of talent here in Guyana, but girls need opportunities, support, and a system that believes in them. While the sport has grown, there’s still a lot of work to be done on the women’s side.”
Following the clinic, fans can look forward to a competitive women’s match-up between the University of Guyana Trojans and the Panthers, set to tip off at 15:00h.
The game will showcase some of the country’s top female talent.
GBF President Michael Singh praised Adams’ efforts and stressed the importance of her involvement.
“It’s critical for our young girls to see someone like Ruth, a daughter of the soil, who has lived the dream of playing professional basketball. Her journey is a testament to what’s possible, and we’re grateful for her commitment to giving back,” Singh said.
He added that the GBF stands fully behind initiatives like Adams’ and welcomes any collaboration that supports the growth and development of basketball in Guyana.
Admission is free, and the public is encouraged to attend and support the movement for greater female participation in basketball.
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Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy (Photo: DPI/Tuesday, May 16, 2023)</p>
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Media workers at the World Press Freedom Day conference (Photo: News Room/May 3, 2022)
