Blog

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) 

The post IPL 2025: Kohli and Hazlewood break RCB’s home slump as Royals botch another chase appeared first on News Room Guyana.

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.”

The post Hundreds of suggestions pour in for PPP/C’s next term; Jagdeo confirms support for key policies appeared first on News Room Guyana.

In what Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo described as an “extremely sad day” for Guyana, he has issued a strong call for transparency and accountability from the Guyana Police Force, demanding answers and the release of video footage related to the death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge, whose body was discovered in a hotel swimming pool a day after she was reported missing.

Younge’s body was found at the Double Day Hotel on Thursday, where she had gone with family on Wednesday. Speaking on the matter, Jagdeo extended his “deepest condolences to the family” and stressed that both the grieving relatives and the nation deserve answers.

“There are too many inconsistencies in the story that has been weaved,” Jagdeo said. “We expect a thorough investigation. The President has already announced a complete, detailed investigation into how this young girl lost her life.”

Jagdeo expressed disbelief at the conflicting information made public so far. “I listened to the father in a video saying they searched and the young lady was not found. I saw the release from the police, which claimed the pool was checked since last night.”

The police statement also reported that CCTV footage showed Adrianna entering a red and black Raum motor car bearing registration number PSS 4684, which allegedly drove off toward Vreed-en-Hoop.

“If you [the police] viewed footage with the young lady entering a car, then release the footage that you viewed,” Jagdeo demanded. “We want to see it too, and the family will want to see it. How after this young lady left, her body returned to the pool? Something is wrong and we have to get to the bottom of this. And we will not rest until we do.”

In a separate tragedy, Guyana is also reeling from a gruesome murder-suicide that claimed the lives of four family members and left a fifth critically injured

The suspect, identified as Maline’s husband, Parmanand Ramdial, was found dead in the home from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Ramdial had reportedly been released on bail after assaulting his wife, a fact that has raised serious questions about the justice system’s handling of domestic violence cases.

“This man should not have been in possession of a legal firearm after an assault charge,” Jagdeo stated. “He should have been asked to lodge it immediately. The moment that happens, the police should have taken away his firearm. We will look at this matter too.”

Jagdeo emphasised that both incidents highlight systemic failures that must be addressed. “We all have to act. These are lives lost – children, women, entire families. The people deserve answers. And they will get them.”

The post Police must answer questions, too many inconsistencies in story on girl’s death, says VP Jagdeo appeared first on News Room Guyana.

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.

In the original release, Police said officers were searching for a man, who was only known as Orlando, for questioning about the alleged abduction of Younge. The young girl was, however, found right at the hotel where her family members believed she was all along.

See below the full statement issued:

The Guyana Police Force wishes to clarify information previously disseminated regarding an alleged abduction involving 11-year-old Adrianna Younge, which was reported to have occurred on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, between 13:02 hrs and 14:00 hrs at the Double Day Hotel, Tuschen Public Road, East Bank Essequibo.

Fiery protest as body of 11-Y-O Adrianna Younge found; Double Day’s dark history resurfaces

Following preliminary investigations, it has been determined that certain details contained in the initial statement circulated were inaccurate. As such, the Force is currently reviewing the internal communication processes that led to the release of that statement.

The Guyana Police Force assures that a comprehensive investigation will be carried out to determine every action taken by the police. The circumstances under which inaccurate information was disseminated, including what led to such information, will also be thoroughly examined.

The Divisional Commander and all ranks involved in the preparation and dissemination of the initial report will be interviewed, and appropriate actions will be taken to prevent future occurrences of this nature.

The Guyana Police Force remains committed to maintaining transparency and accuracy in all public communications. We urge members of the public to remain calm as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding this incident. Further updates will be provided as soon as credible and verified information becomes available.

The safety and well-being of our citizens, particularly our children, remain a top priority.

The post Police admit details in report on Adrianna Younge were ‘inaccurate’ appeared first on News Room Guyana.

An independent international pathologist is scheduled to arrive in Guyana this afternoon at 17:30 hrs to conduct a post-mortem examination on the body of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge.

The young girl was tragically found dead in the pool of the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, sending shockwaves across the nation.

In a statement earlier today, President Dr. Irfaan Ali reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to uncovering the full truth surrounding the circumstances of Adrianna’s death.

“No resource will be spared in getting to the facts and the truth,” President Ali assured. He also directed the Commissioner of Police to assemble a special investigative team to examine every aspect of the incident.

While maintaining full confidence in Guyana’s local pathologists, the government has opted to engage an external expert to ensure transparency and build public confidence in the investigation’s findings.

The independent pathologist, Dr. Shubhakar Karra Paul, is arriving from Barbados and brings extensive expertise in forensic and legal medicine. He also assisted local forensic experts with the identification of persons who died in the horrific fire at the Mahdia Secondary School Female Dormitory in May 2023.

Dr. Paul holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Karnatak University (1996), a Doctor of Medicine from Manipal University (2001), and is a Diplomate of the National Board in New Delhi (2002). He is also a member of the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine at the Royal College of Physicians in the UK.

Dr. Paul has held professional licenses with the Barbados Medical Council (Specialist Registration No. 1886, 2021–present), the UK General Medical Council (2009–2021) and the Indian Medical Council (1998–2009).

The government’s decision to commission an independent autopsy comes amid national mourning and growing public demand for clarity and justice. President Ali also promised transparency, instructing that law enforcement clearly communicate every action taken since the matter was first reported.

The post Int’l Pathologist arrives in Guyana later today for independent autopsy on Adrianna Younge appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Six Brazilian men have been detained following an intelligence-led operation targeting illegal mining activities within the Kanuku Mountain Protected Area in Central Rupununi.

The operation, which took place between 12:30 and 04:45 on Thursday, was led by Commander of Region Nine, Assistant Commissioner R. Rose, along with Divisional Detective Officer ASP Conway and three other detectives. The team was supported by Inspector Moses and three ranks from the Tactical Services Unit, Vickram Manoo and two staff members from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), as well as Village Toshao Acher Moses and three councillors from Katoka Village.

Upon arrival at the remote mountain site, authorities discovered six male Brazilian nationals suspected of conducting illegal mining operations within the environmentally sensitive and legally protected region.

Further investigations are currently underway. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to protecting Guyana’s natural heritage and enforcing laws within designated protected areas.

The Kanuku Mountains are known for their rich biodiversity and cultural significance, and are considered one of the last untouched wilderness areas in Guyana.

The post Brazilians detained during illegal mining operation appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Scores of angry protesters which included relatives of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge and residents of several West Coast Demerara communities allegedly set fire to a building at Vergenoegen that belongs to the Bhola’s, proprietors of the Double Day Hotel.

On Thursday morning around 10:00hrs, the body of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge was found floating in the pool of the Double Day Hotel at Tuschen. This sent relatives and residents of Tushen into a frenzy as they set the hotel on fire, looted stocks and destroyed vehicles.

Adrianna had been reported missing on Wednesday afternoon after she visited the hotel with her grandmother, Carol Xavier, and other relatives around 1:02 PM.

Relatives and citizens stated that Younge’s body was not in the pool upon inspection hours before. It is believed that the child was already dead when her body was moved to the pool.

The Fire Service is on the scene battling the flames; they are also making efforts to save another home nearby from going up in flames.

The post Protestors set house belonging to hotel owner ablaze appeared first on News Room Guyana.