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Primary school cricket came into sharp focus on Thursday (March 6) in Georgetown when key stakeholders gathered for the launch of the third annual Republic Bank ‘Five for Fun’ nationwide competition 2025.

The banking institution has teamed up with the Guyana Cricket Board, Cricket West Indies, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to provide a platform for budding talents to thrive.

Representatives of those bodies spoke at the launch, with the recurring themes being an encouragement to the students to grab the opportunity and praises for Republic Bank for yet again committing as the main partner.

In-school training will commence on March 10, followed by the preliminary zone competitions, the zonal and county playoffs, then the ‘Five for Fun’ Festival on June 11.

The ‘Five for Fun’ concept promotes the engagement of 75 primary schools in Guyana, impacting over 1,500 boys and girls.

They will be 25 participating schools in each county, further sub-divided into five zones in Berbice and Demerara and six zones in Essequibo.

Berbice: Upper Corentyne, Lower Corentyne, New Amsterdam, Canje and West Berbice

Demerara: Georgetown, East Bank Demerara, East Coast Demerara, West Demerara and Upper Demerara

Essequibo: East Bank Essequibo, Wakenaam Island, Leguan Island, North Essequibo Coast, South Essequibo Coast and Bartica

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Guyana Football Federation press release

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has officially confirmed the coaching staff and provisional squad for the Senior Men’s National Team as they prepare for the upcoming Gold Cup preliminaries.

The technical team will be led by Wayne Dover, with Marco Bonofiglio- who previously served as the head coach for the U-17 men’s team during the CONCACAF U-17 qualifiers- joining as Assistant Coach alongside Sam Cox.

The provisional squad features a mix of experienced and emerging talents including:

Goalkeepers: • Quillan Roberts • Kai McKenzie-Lyle • Akel Clarke • Sese Norville • Jamaine Cumberbatch • Joshua Narine

Forwards: • Isaiah Jones • Enoch George • Osaze DeRosario • Omari Glasgow • Morgan Ferrier • Abumchi Benjamin • Liam Butts • Deon Moore • Marcus Tudor • Neron Barrow • Stephen McDonald

Midfielders: • Malcom Miggins • Chris Macey • Kadell Daniels • Nathan Ferguson • Maliq Cadogan • Nathan Moriah-Welsh • Elliot Bonds • Stephen Duke-Mckenna • Kelsey Benjamin • Curtez Kellman • Daniel Wilson • Ryan Hackett • Darron Niles

Defenders: • Reiss Greenidge • Liam Gordon • Jalen Jones • Terence Vancooten • Terique Mohammed • Jeremy Garrett • Leo Lovell • Colin Nelson • Romaine Brackenridge • Kvist Paul • Raushan Ritch • Kevin Layne • Dominique Bobb • Sealon Sue • Cedric Osborne • Marcus Wilson • Shakem Welcome

As the team intensifies its preparations, the final squad for the Gold Cup preliminaries will be announced in due course.

The GFF remains committed to assembling the best team possible to represent Guyana on the regional stage.

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A group of talented Guyanese athletes and coaches has departed for India on a prestigious sport scholarship, marking the fulfillment of a promise made by the Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport Charles Ramson Jr.

According to Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, the milestone underscores the Government of Guyana’s commitment to sport development and international collaboration through the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Ministry of Sport.

The delegation, consisting of both players and coaches, represents the disciplines of table tennis, cricket, badminton, swimming and basketball.

Among those making the journey are table tennis players Nigel Bryan and Kristian Sahadeo, cricket coach Darien Best, badminton coaches Frank Waddell and Akili Haynes, swimmer Paul Junior Mahaica, and swimming Coach Shanice Mahaica.

Basketball Coach Warren Wilson is also in India.

Ninvalle expressed immense satisfaction in seeing this initiative come to life, adding, “This is a promise fulfilled, one that we have worked tirelessly to ensure. It is our hope that every athlete and coach takes full advantage of the knowledge and training they will receive in India.”

He emphasised that this group is just the beginning, stating, “This is the first of many scholarships that will be awarded by the Government of Guyana through the NSC and the Ministry of Sport. We are committed to creating more opportunities for our athletes to train at an elite level and bring back valuable skills to help develop sports in Guyana.”

He noted that the initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision of sport development, talent nurturing, and international partnerships.

The athletes and coaches will engage in intensive training programmes at the JAIN University in Bangalore, gaining exposure to world-class facilities and coaching techniques.

Upon their return, they are expected to contribute significantly to the local sporting landscape, raising the level of competition and mentoring the next generation of Guyanese athletes.

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Students who received scholarships through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme will be supported by the government, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said on Thursday.

The Vice President’s statement came days after the GOAL Director, Professor Jacob Opadeyi, noted there has been an issue between Staffordshire University and the ISDC, two organisations part of the scholarship venture.

Through GOAL, Guyanese can access several degree programmes offered by Staffordshire University through ISDC, which is a UK Education facilitator. However, the existing arrangement between the university and ISDC has faced some challenges.

GOAL scholarships for Staffordshire University not fake – Prof. Opadeyi

Jagdeo said Professor Opadeyi and his team are engaging both parties so that the matter can be resolved for the students who are pursuing Staffordshire degrees. However, he committed the government’s support.

“I want to assure people that we will not leave anyone by the wayside,” he said.

Already, Professor Opadeyi and his GOAL team engaged officials from both institutions hoping to resolve the matter soon so that Guyanese scholarship awardees can continue learning comfortably. Some feedback is expected by Thursday and students should expect the issue to be resolved in about two weeks, according to the GOAL Director.

However, he clarified that the issue isn’t one that GOAL has control over. He provided letters to show that bona fide arrangements were in place for GOAL scholarship awardees.

Students were told of the issue on Monday during a virtual town hall meeting. Professor Opadeyi said alternatives are being instituted for students.

If students want to continue their studies under the ISDC/Staffordshire arrangement, he has asked for two weeks to resolve the issue. The GOAL Director is optimistic that both institutions will return to the existing arrangement.

If students wish to change programmes, however, they will be supported.

The post No GOAL student will be ‘left by the wayside’ – Jagdeo appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said Venezuela is in a weak position, making “infantile” statements but affirmed that Guyana remains relentless in its engagement with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and its international partners.

Jagdeo spoke about Venezuela’s recent actions that have escalated tensions with Guyana and threatened peace in the region at his weekly press conference on Thursday.

According to the Vice President, Venezuela has breached a December 2023 ICJ ruling and the Argyle Declaration with its recent actions and a plan to hold elections for Guyana’s Essequibo region which it claims.

Guyana seeks urgent Court intervention to stop Venezuela’s electoral plans for Essequibo

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.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation explained that the electoral plans would result in “preparatory acts” that would directly affect both the people of Essequibo and Guyana’s territorial integrity.

As such, the government is asking the ICJ to urgently intervene and order Venezuela to cease any actions to further claim Essequibo, as well as refrain from any activities that might alter the current status of the area.

Jagdeo, however, said, “Venezuela is in a weak position.”

He added, “We will continue with all of our partners. We have strong support from the United State State Department, the United Kingdom Government, the French Government, and the Caribbean Community.”

Meanwhile, the Vice President also described statements from Venezuelan officials about Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali as “infantile.” In recent written statements, Venezuela officials have referred to President Ali as the “Caribbean Zelenskyy,” comparing him to the Ukrainian leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The government’s current engagement with the ICJ marks the second time Guyana has sought provisional measures from the World Court. In its first request, filed in late 2023, the Court ruled in Guyana’s favour, ordering Venezuela to “refrain from taking any action which would modify the situation that currently prevails in the territory in dispute.” The country believes that Venezuela’s planned elections would directly breach this order, as they would result in a clear and unjustified alteration of the status quo.

The Guyanese government has expressed serious concern that any further delay in court intervention could cause irreparable harm to its sovereignty and the rights of its citizens living in the Essequibo region.

The post ‘Venezuela is in a weak position’ – Jagdeo says Guyana still pursuing all diplomatic channels appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Vice President Dr, Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday confirmed that the government will soon commence the distribution of the one-off $100,000 cash grant for newborn babies.

He made the announcement on Thursday at his weekly press conference; he said it is a matter he has been engaging President Dr. Irfaan Ali on.

Once that distribution starts, Jagdeo said the government will try to distribute the grant in “real time” or soon after the baby is born. The distribution will also be retroactive, so all grants will be distributed to the families of all babies born since January 1, 2025.

“Every child born from the first of January would be eligible,” he said.

As part of key budgetary measures meant to support the population, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh earlier this year announced that a one-off $100,000 voucher will be given for every newborn baby.

Dr. Singh announced this as he winded down his presentation of the 2025 National Budget. This voucher will be for every newborn baby, born in Guyana to a Guyanese mother.

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Noting that there has been a “significant” reduction in these incidents, Director of Prisons (ag), Nicklon Elliot said that a total of 44 prisoner-to-prisoner attacks were recorded in 2024.

“A total of 44 incidents were recorded for the year 2024 at the five prison locations with a population of 2,000,” Elliot revealed on Thursday.

He made this revelation while speaking at the opening of the Prison Service Senior Officers’ Conference.

Incidents in prisons can encompass a wide range of events, both violent and non-violent. These incidents can pose serious challenges to the safety and security of prisoners, staff and the general public.

Some common forms of these incidents include assaults, riots, escape, self-harm and suicide.

This improvement, Elliot strongly believes, is mainly due to the exposure of prisoners to various training opportunities.

In fact, he highlighted that in 2024, a total of 820 prisoners were exposed to various training opportunities including literacy and numeracy, technical and vocational training, stress and anger management and conflict resolution.

Currently, the prison service officers have a total of 25 training prorgammes.

Overall, Elliot said 2024 has been a year of transformation of the Prison Service, which saw several developmental changes, which were in keeping with the Government’s manifesto to address prison reform.

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It is not every day that you see a woman operating a tyre shop, but for Natoya Defreitas, a 41-year-old mother and wife, it is more than just a job – it is her passion.

For the past 12 years, she has dedicated herself to her business – Tire King – located at Dennis and Sheriff Streets in Georgetown.

During an interview with the News Room Defreitas said the name was chosen because “we said we are the king of tyres.”

Even with challenges Defreitas remains committed to her work.

Defreitas operates the shop with some support from her husband and even now, as she prepares to welcome her fifth child in just four weeks, she continues to work every day.

“I had a passion for tyres, so for example if I see a vehicle on the road, the first thing I look at is the tyres and if I am walking I would say, your tyre needs air or something is wrong with your tyre,” Defreitas said.

Despite her passion for doing what she loves, balancing work and family life is no easy task.

Defreitas not only operates the tyre shop but also train her workers.

“Sometimes when I get home I am so tired all I want is my bed but my husband helps me out a great deal, I couldn’t ask for a better husband.

“And I have big kids so they would help out with the smaller ones,” the businesswoman explained.

And even while her children are her motivation for her work, they do not share the same passion for the business. With four daughters, she hopes that her unborn son might one day carry on the legacy.

“I guess you have to like what you are doing and I love this, like literally when I don’t come to work I feel sick,” Defreitas expressed.

The tyre shop is opened 24hours except on Sabbath Days since Defreitas and her family are Seventh Day Adventists.

The tyre shop is opened 24hours except on Sabbath Days since Defreitas and her family are Seventh Day Adventists.

“You can come here at 2:00 in the morning and we are open, so you don’t have to worry about where you will go to fix your tires, you wouldn’t be left on the road.

“If you need a plug or patch we can do it, we patch motorcycle tubes, bicycle tubes, there is a lot of electric bikes now and we look after those also. We also sell tires, we have used and new tyres, it is not much but we have things our customers would usually come for,” the businesswoman told the News Room.

Defreitas not only operates the tyre shop but also train her workers.

“Like if you come here and you want to know like how to take off a tyre I can show you. I have a lot of knowledge about it, like if I have a new staff and if they come and they don’t know anything about tyres we will train them,” Defreitas said.

Even with challenges Defreitas remains committed to her work.

“Sometimes I feel like giving up because dealing with the public is not easy.

“Because some people they have bad days and they come out and they would try to take it out on you, even though you try to be nice. I try to be calm with them but sometimes I want to lash out but I remember is the public I am dealing with.”

With plans to open a second location in the future, Defreitas is happy to do what she loves.

“Tyre shop is really good, it’s a good experience, but you gotta like it and I love dealing with tires.”

 

 

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Banks DIH Limited, a leading name in the beverage industry, has announced a new campaign, “Freshness is Domestic,” highlighting its commitment to promoting local production and strengthening the Guyanese economy.

At a press conference held at the company’s Thirst Park Head Office, Marketing Director Carlton Joao spoke about the significance of supporting locally produced goods, emphasising the positive impact this has on the economy. “The consumption of locally produced products leads to a significant positive impact on our economy in Guyana,” he said.

He went on to explain the core values of the campaign: “Freshness is Domestic! Local manufacturing is a cornerstone of sustainable development, economic vitality, and community strength. By choosing to support local producers like Banks DIH Limited, we are investing in a future that values our people, our planet, and the prosperity of all Guyana. This is an easy choice for us that benefits not only the present but generations to come.”

At Banks DIH Limited, the company believes that the finest products come from Guyana itself. “We ensure that our foods and beverages are not only fresh but also of the highest quality, from production to consumption,” said Joao. This focus on quality enables Banks DIH to maintain strict quality control and ensure that their products reach customers in the shortest time possible.

Banks DIH is dedicated to fostering the growth of local manufacturing industries. Through investment in production facilities and collaboration with Guyanese suppliers, the company has created jobs for over 1,600 people across its national operations. “Supporting local manufacturing is not just a business; it’s a commitment to our nation’s prosperity,” said Joao.

The company’s campaign also shines a spotlight on the promotion of local content. Banks DIH takes pride in using local talent and prioritising high-quality products that reflect the unique character of Guyana. By celebrating local culture and heritage, the company aims to bring the distinctive flavours and traditions of the country to a broader audience. Products such as ICEE, Triskits Biscuits, Rainforest Water, Taste Snacks, Demico Chicken, D’Aguiar Wines, Banks Beer, GT Beer, and Classic Beer are just a few examples of the company’s locally produced offerings.

In addition to promoting local content, Banks DIH’s campaign encourages consumers to choose Guyanese-made products. By fostering a sense of pride and community, the company hopes to build a stronger, more vibrant economy. “We believe that Guyanese products are the best choice for every Guyanese,” Joao concluded, emphasising that supporting local businesses is a vital step towards a prosperous future for the country.

By investing in local production, Banks DIH Limited is not only securing its own future but also contributing to the broader development of Guyana’s economy and ensuring that future generations benefit from a thriving, sustainable business environment.

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Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday urged citizens to reflect on the heroism of all the ordinary Guyanese involved in efforts to safeguard the country’s democracy when it came under threat in 2020.

Jagdeo, the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), reflected on the events of March 6, 2020. That was four days after the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, the day when protests erupted in several areas over widespread dissatisfaction with the way the Guyana Elections Commission handled the process following the March 2 polls.

“We had massive protests at Lusignan, in Cotton Tree and in Bush Lot and a number of people, particularly young people, came out because they had been following the events of the previous four days and they saw what was taking place that what was happening before our eyes was that APNU was attempting to steal the elections right in front our eyes,” Jagdeo said at his weekly press conference.

Jagdeo said many protestors were shot at with pellets, many of whom still carry around those pellets in their bodies. For him though, those individuals were intent on fighting with the PPP/C for the preservation of democracy.

And he said, “Every day, they go around and they have some pain (because of the pellets).

“It’s a stark reminder of the period, the threat of the period for our country and their courageous act, their heroism, for standing up against the PNC and the AFC, and their combined attempt to rig the elections.”

Individuals who guarded the ballot boxes ahead of the national recount, Jagdeo said, were also among those whose contributions should not be forgotten. And those citizens, alongside the regional and international players who worked to ensure the will of the people was respected, should not be forgotten, he stressed.

As the country prepares for the 2025 General and Regional Elections, the Vice President opined that efforts are being made to erase the events of 2020. He rejected those efforts and affirmed that the PPP/C will once again win the elections.

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