Blog

Darien Best, lead coach of the renowned Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), is immersed in a two-month coaching education programme at Jain University’s high-performance eco-system in India.

His presence in Bangalore is a testament to the Guyana government’s ambitious multi-sport development initiative, coordinated through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme.

READ MORE: https://newsroom.gy/2025/03/03/table-tennis-players-commence-training-at-jain-university/

Best is the solitary local figure representing the discipline of cricket, quietly absorbing knowledge and forging connections.

His selection, endorsed by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) following his recent contributions to the Guyana Harpy Eagles during their Four-Day trials, reflects his growing reputation as a promising coach.

Best, a Cricket West Indies Level Two certified coach, will work closely with top-tier Indian high-performance coaches, gaining invaluable insights into modern coaching methodologies.

The programme at Jain University, renowned for its cutting-edge facilities and expertise, is designed to enhance coaching and athletic capabilities across various disciplines.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., in addressing the entire contingent of Guyanese before their departure, underscored the importance of this opportunity.

He urged the participants to “pave the way for many more athletes,” emphasising the need to maximise the use of the “great facilities” at Jain University and to share their newfound knowledge upon their return.

This initiative is crucial to the government’s broader strategy of building a core of talented athletes and coaches capable of competing internationally.

The post Guyanese cricket coach Darien Best eager to upskill at Jain University appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Cricket West Indies press release

Cricket West Indies (CWI) is pleased to confirm that Dr. Kishore Shallow has been nominated unopposed as President of CWI to serve a second consecutive term. Vice-President Azim Bassarath, has also been nominated unopposed.

The term will officially commence on March 29, 2025, at CWI’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Antigua, where the organisation is headquartered.

This would mark the second successive election in which President Shallow would be elected unopposed, reflecting the confidence and support he continues to receive from the cricketing fraternity across the region.

His nomination was put forward by the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) and the Leeward Islands Cricket Board (LICB).

Vice-President Bassarath’s nomination came from the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) and the Windward Islands Cricket Board (WICB), reinforcing the broad-based support for the leadership team as they continue to drive the development and progress of West Indies cricket.

President Shallow expressed gratitude for the continued trust placed in him, stating: “Being unopposed for a second term is a strong endorsement of the leadership and direction we have taken at Cricket West Indies. It speaks to the level of confidence in our vision and the progress we have made in stabilising and advancing West Indies cricket.”

“Now, we must build on that progress, staying focused on the task at hand and not allowing ourselves to be distracted from our ultimate goal. We are one in purpose, working together for the betterment of West Indies cricket.”

“I understand full well the responsibility that comes with this position, and I remain committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and good governance.”

“I want to sincerely thank the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board and the Leeward Islands Cricket Board for their nomination, as well as all our stakeholders for their continued support. It is truly humbling to serve in this capacity, and I do not take this trust lightly.”

Vice-President Bassarath echoed similar sentiments, saying: “It would be a privilege to continue serving as Vice-President of Cricket West Indies. The passion and dedication of everyone involved in our cricketing ecosystem inspires me every day.”

“As we seek to embark on a new term, I am committed to ensuring we continue to make decisions that benefit our players, fans and the future of West Indies cricket. I thank all our members for their confidence, and I look forward to working together for the betterment of the game.”

President Shallow and Vice-President Bassarath’s unopposed nominations were confirmed on February 27, 2025 at the close of the nomination period. (CWI)

The post Dr. Shallow nominated unopposed to serve second term as CWI president appeared first on News Room Guyana.

(Reuters) – The Trump administration said on Tuesday it was ending a license that the U.S. has granted to U.S. oil producer Chevron since 2022 to operate in Venezuela and export its oil, after Washington accused President Nicolas Maduro of not making progress on electoral reforms and migrant returns.

Chevron will have through April 3 to wind down exports from Venezuela, according to an update of the license, published by the U.S. Treasury Department.

A Chevron spokesperson said the company was aware of Trump’s directive and would abide by any direction given by Treasury to implement it.
The Venezuelan communications ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the move.
When U.S. President Donald Trump announced last week the reversal of the license, which has allowed Chevron to export more than 200,000 barrels per day of crude from Venezuela, Venezuela Vice President Delcy Rodriguez called it “a damaging and inexplicable decision.”

Chevron’s joint ventures with state oil company PDVSA represent over a quarter of the country’s entire oil output.
Maduro’s 2024 reelection was backed by Venezuela’s electoral authority and top court, but vehemently contested by the opposition, the U.S. and others.

Maduro and his government have always rejected sanctions by the United States and others, saying they are illegitimate measures that amount to an “economic war” designed to cripple Venezuela.

The cancellation of licenses for Chevron will reduce the dollars on offer in Venezuela’s exchange market, stoking depreciation of the local bolivar currency and prices, analysts have said.
It represents the latest economic challenge for Maduro, whose government for years has applied orthodox measures to tamp down formerly sky-high inflation, restricting credit, curbing public spending and until recently, holding the exchange rate steady.

A similar wind down order by Trump’s previous administration in 2020 allowed Chevron to produce crude in Venezuela and remain as a partner in the joint ventures, but banned any exports or imports by the U.S. company in the country, which led to a severe reduction of production over the time and an accumulation of billions of dollars in unpaid revenue by PDVSA to Chevron.

The post US orders wind down of Chevron’s oil exports from Venezuela in 30 days appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Devon Williams, a 24-year-old motorcyclist from Aishalton, Deep South Rupununi, Region Nine, died early Monday along the Marudi Trail.

Police Headquarters said the fatal accident happened sometime between 01:00 hrs and 04:00 hrs.

It was reported that the motorcyclist was riding with his girlfriend along the trail to the Marudi Mountain area and dropped her off at her camp. He then left to go pick up his stepson, during which he allegedly fell onto the road surface where he received injuries to his head and about his body.

At about 04:00 hrs, the motorcyclist was picked up by a public-spirited citizen and taken to the Aishalton District hospital.

On arrival at the hospital, he was seen and examined by a doctor who treated him and immediately referred him to the Lethem Regional Hospital where he was transported via ambulance.

At about 13:30 hrs Monday, on arrival at Lethem Hospital, he was re-examined by a doctor on duty who treated him for head injuries. He was pronounced dead while receiving treatment.

The body is at the Lethem Regional Hospital’s Mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Investigations are ongoing.

The post Motorcyclist, 24, dies in Reg. 9 accident  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Eighteen persons, including seven children, are now displaced after a fire of unknown origin destroyed their Meadowbrook Gardens, Georgetown house on Sunday night.

The fire started around 18:55 hrs and completely destroyed the house situated at Lot 8 Bamboo Drive, Meadowbrook Gardens, Georgetown.

The house was owned by George Reid and his wife, Barbara.

Barbara Reid

At the scene, Barbara told the News Room that she was plying her trade as a vendor when she was informed about the fire

“Somebody told me the house was on fire. By time I came down, I saw the entire building engulfed,” Reid said.

Three of the occupants were trapped in the building but they were eventually rescued.

“We are living here about 48 years. All the children and grandchildren born here,” Barbara said.

A total of 18 persons were displaced after a fire destoryed the Meadowbrook Gardens, Georgetown house (Photo: News Room/ March 03, 2025)

The Guyana Fire Service was summoned and three tenders were dispatched to the scene. However, upon their arrival, the entire building was already engulfed in flames.

It is believed that the fire started from a mattress in one of the bedrooms.

“My big son said that he saw a mattress ablaze,” Barbara recounted.

An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire.

“We would also like say thank you for the Fire Service. They done a good job in containing the flames from spreading because it would have been a disaster to other family members because the houses are very close,” Barbara added.

Three of the occupants were trapped in the building but they were eventually rescued. (Photo: News Room/ March 03, 2025)

The displaced occupants are currently seeking shelter at the homes of friends and relatives.

As they seek to rebuild, they are seeking the public assistance.

Anyone willing to assist the family can contact them on telephone numbers 681-0056, 679-3504 or 672-1039.

The post 18 persons homeless & seeking help after Meadowbrook fire appeared first on News Room Guyana.

See below the full release from the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG):

The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) wishes to express its serious concern regarding Venezuela’s recent military presence in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This action raises significant apprehension about the respect for Guyana’s sovereign rights over its territorial waters and natural resources.

We extend our support to the government and people of Guyana in addressing this military incursion, which challenges Guyana’s established rights within its EEZ and its engagement in the development of its offshore oil and gas resources. The Federation is deeply troubled by Venezuela’s actions and their implications for international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which affirms Guyana’s rights over its waters and seabed.

We would like to remind the international community of Guyana’s legitimate entitlement to explore, exploit, and manage its resources within its EEZ. It is our hope that Venezuela will acknowledge and respect Guyana’s sovereignty, refraining from actions that may exacerbate tensions and impede the peaceful resolution of this enduring dispute.

Furthermore, we encourage all trade unions, civil society organisations, and concerned individuals to unite in support of the rights of the Guyanese populace concerning their natural resources. FITUG is committed to advocating for a peaceful resolution of this matter through the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where Guyana’s position has been recognised, ensuring that any outcome is grounded in respect for international law.

We appeal to Venezuela to honour the principles set forth by international law and to refrain from any further acts that may be perceived as aggressive. The people of Guyana are resilient and committed to their sovereignty and development, and FITUG remains dedicated to supporting these principles.

The post ‘Venezuela should acknowledge, respect Guyana’s sovereignty’ – FITUG appeared first on News Room Guyana.

See below the full statement issued by France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs: 

France expresses its concern over the March 1st incursion by a Venezuelan Coast Guard patrol ship in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone near the Stabroak Block oil reservoir.

France calls on Venezuela to respect Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the principles of international law and the order issued by the International Court of Justice on December 1, 2023, stating that it must refrain from any unilateral action liable to alter the situation that currently exists off the coast of Essequibo.

The post France tells Venezuela to ‘refrain from any unilateral action’ after incursion in Guyana’s waters  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

See below the full release from the World Bank:

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved a new project designed to improve energy efficiency and expand the use of renewable energy across three Caribbean countries: Grenada, Guyana and Saint Lucia. The $131.87 million project will partner with the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States and the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency to address the region’s critical energy challenges and drive economic growth by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.

The Caribbean is highly dependent on imported petroleum products for electricity generation and imports account for around 90% of petroleum consumed, far exceeding the global average of 21%. The region’s aging infrastructure, with 96% of power generation relying on diesel-fired plants, further complicates matters, in addition to small, isolated grids being at risk from hurricanes, floods, and droughts. In Grenada, many generating units will reach the end of their economic life in the next two to four years. Additionally, the cost of rebuilding infrastructure after natural disasters, such as the 6% of GDP spent to restore Grenada’s grid after Hurricane Ivan (2004), highlights the economic burden of these challenges.

The new Caribbean Efficient and Green Energy Buildings Project will focus on two key goals: reducing energy consumption in public buildings and increasing the adoption of renewable energy systems. It will retrofit buildings with energy-efficient technologies and integrate renewable energy systems such as rooftop solar panels into public infrastructure. Approximately 500 public buildings will be retrofitted to enhance energy efficiency, reducing energy consumption by at least 20%, delivering both economic savings and environmental benefits. These efforts will not only decrease reliance on imported fossil fuels but will also build resilience against power outages, which are common in the region due to extreme weather events like hurricanes and floods.

The project will also provide assistance for participating countries in developing and implementing regulatory frameworks that encourage green energy investments, including guidelines for energy performance standards, net billing for solar power, and policies to integrate electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. Harmonizing regulations across countries will allow for greater economies of scale and cost savings, as well as strengthen the region’s collective energy security. A key component of the project will emphasize capacity-building, including increasing female participation in the energy sector.

“This project aims to foster regional cooperation, allowing participating countries to benefit from shared platforms, resources and collaboration. By working together, Saint Lucia, Grenada, and Guyana can address energy sector constraints and prepare for a sustainable, low-carbon future,” said Lilia Burunciuc, World Bank Director for the Caribbean. “The Caribbean stands to gain significant economic benefits from this project, including the creation of green jobs, lower electricity bills for citizens, and enhanced energy resilience.”

The project is funded by a combination of donors and mechanisms. The World Bank’s International Development Association is providing concessional financing of $40 million to Grenada, $30 million to Guyana, and $30 million to Saint Lucia. Additionally, grants of $3.3 million will be provided to the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Commission to support pooled procurement at the regional level, and $0.7 million to the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency which will provide technical assistance. The Global Environment Facility is contributing a US$1.791 million grant to Saint Lucia and, Grenada will receive a loan of US$8.5 million from the Clean Technology Fund while a US$8.2 million loan and US $0.38 million grant are provided to Guyana from the Canada Clean Energy and Forest Climate Facility.

The post World Bank greenlights funding for more renewable energy plans in Guyana appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton recently revealed that the government can no longer delay the introduction of migrant labour into Guyana because of the growing demand.

Even so, he urged Guyanese workers to work diligently to capitalise on the demand themselves.

“We are at the point where no more can we hold back the tide as a government in bringing in migrant labour to this country,” Hamilton stated while speaking at the launch of a training programme in Bartica, Region Seven on Friday last.

He urged Guyanese workers to strive to be their best as competition may come from foreign labour.

“The day is quickly coming when grave competition will be in this space, we can’t hold it back anymore,” the minister said.

He added, “We cannot continue to live in this space to think that nothing will change, you better try to be the best you can be in whatever skillset you have.”

Last year, the government announced a strategic plan to tackle the country’s labour shortage dilemma.

The Manpower Design and Strategic Unit was also established in September 2023, to provide statistics on areas where more human capacity is needed. Based on a 2021 report from the International Office for Migration (IOM), Guyana needs at least 100,000 skilled personnel for its medium-term development.

The post Migrants helping to ease labour demand – Hamilton appeared first on News Room Guyana.

As they prepare for their second appearance in the Milo U-18 National Secondary School Football Championship, Abram Zuil Secondary School (AZSS) is leaving no stone unturned.

The team has scheduled a series of warm-up matches, aiming to sharpen their skills and build momentum ahead of the prestigious national tournament.

Last season, AZSS made an impressive run to the Round-of-16, where they played to an exhilarating 4-4 draw against Ann’s Grove Secondary before being eliminated 5-3 on penalties.

Lester Noel (left) and Omar Kendall

Now, with renewed determination, the squad is focused on surpassing their previous performance.

On Sunday, AZSS kicked off their preparation with a thrilling 4-4 draw against Essequibo Technical Institute (ETI) in their opening friendly encounter.

The match was an intense battle, showcasing the attacking prowess of both teams. Omar Kendall opened the scoring in just the second minute, giving AZSS an early lead.

Lester Noel doubled the advantage in the ninth minute, but ETI quickly responded with an equaliser from Randy Dejonge in the third minute, followed by a goal from Reis George in the 14th minute to put them ahead.

ETI extended their lead when Dejonge struck again in the 31st minute, and moments later, Adon Stephney converted a 37th-minute penalty to make it 4-2.

However, AZSS fought back, with Kendall completing his hat-trick by scoring in the 62nd and 71st minutes to secure the draw.

Despite the result, Abram Zuil’s coach Azizi Christiani remains optimistic about the team’s potential, focusing on fine-tuning strategies and improving defensive stability ahead of the tournament.

With more warm-up matches on the horizon, AZSS will continue to test their squad’s depth and adaptability.

Possible upcoming fixtures include matchups against 8th of May Secondary, one of Essequibo’s Top Clubs Dartmouth Dominators, and a highly anticipated rematch with Tertiary Institution Essequibo Technical Institute.

The team is eager to make a statement in this year’s Milo U-18 Championship, aiming for a deeper run in the competition.

As the countdown to kick-off begins, the entire Abram Zuil Secondary community is rallying behind their team, hoping to witness history in the making.

The post Abram Zuil gears up for Milo U-18 football c’ship with competitive warm-ups appeared first on News Room Guyana.