Blog

Guyanese sprinter Daniel Williams has made history by setting a new South American indoor 200m record at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Championships in Gainesville, Florida.

Representing Life University (Georgia), Williams clocked an impressive 20.48 seconds to win the final, eclipsing the previous record of 20.65 seconds set by Brazilian Olympic medalist Robson Caetano da Silva in 1989.

Williams’ achievement marks a significant milestone in his career, which has seen him rise from a promising youth athlete to a record-breaking sprinter.

The sprinter from Linden gained international attention as a 400m silver medalist at the 2017 U18 World Championships and later won multiple medals at the U20 South American Championships.

His progression has continued in the US college circuit, with recent notable performances including a 20.88s 200m indoor time and a 33.32s 300m indoor time.

This record-breaking run solidifies Williams’ position as a leading figure in South American sprinting, with potential to compete at major international events, including the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. (Modified press release from Atletismo Sudamericano)

The post Guyana’s Daniel Williams shatters South American indoor 200m record appeared first on News Room Guyana.

With new plants commissioned and existing ones upgraded, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal has promised that the entire Essequibo Coast will soon have access to treated/potable water.

“On the Essequibo Coast itself, as we are doing for the entire country, we have been ensuring two things happen: 100 percent access to potable water and to address treated water to the household.

“To eliminate that red look, that red water coming from your taps with the iron content,” Croal said on Saturday as he addressed residents gathered at the Ministry of Housing and Water’s ‘Dream Realised’ housing drive in Region Two.

To ensure that is achieved, Croal said the Onderneeming plant would be commissioned by April at the latest.

“We have already started putting into the system the treated plant which serves more than half of the Essequibo coast getting treated water,” he said.

The Lima water plant was upgraded to avoid disruptions, which is experienced in the evenings.

“Now it’s 20 hours and we’re getting treated water from that system,” Croal said.

Additionally, a contract was signed for a new plant to be constructed at Marias Lodge, which will serve the remainder of the Essequibo coast.

“That will therefore see 100 percent access to treated water,” Croal said.

The Government has committed to providing 100 percent access to treated water to all citizens by the end of 2025. This initiative aligns with the country’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The post Entire Essequibo Coast to soon receive 100% potable/treated water appeared first on News Room Guyana.

With a backlog of over 2,000 house lot applications, work is being carried out to develop two housing schemes along the Essequibo Coast in Region Two.

Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal said on Saturday that it includes the extension of the Onderneeming Housing Scheme, where infrastructure works are scheduled to begin before the end of March.

The Onderneeming Housing Scheme consists of some 500 lots. Once works are completed, allottees will be able to access their lands.

Meanwhile, over at the Buxton/ St Joseph housing schemes, Croal said persons were not shown their lots yet because of challenges with flooding.

Arial shot of the Buxton/ St Joseph housing schemes. [Photo: Ministry of Housing and Water/ March 01, 2025.]

To address this, Croal said the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) is working to come up with a long term solution.

“Some work has already started by the NDIA to desilt the area and put some work in place to address it long term,” Croal said.

With desilting ongoing, Croal said a new drainage canal and pump will be installed.

“By and large once we address that, persons would be able to access their land. We want this to be addressed by April the latest,” Croal said.

Minister of Housing and Water , Collin Croal during a visit to the extension of the Onderneeming housing scheme. [Photo: Ministry of Housing and Water/ March 01, 2025.]

Altogether, the two areas accommodate around 791 house lots.

According to Croal, additional lands have been identified at Charity by the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission.

Altogether, the aim is to clear the existing backlog of applications in the region.

“We are very optimistic…we are working to clear the backlog of over 2000 in the system,” Croal said.

The post Housing schemes being developed in Region Two to clear backlog of applications appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Pedal cyclist, 32-year-old Keron DeFreitas, died in an accident that occurred at approximately 18:45hrs on Friday at Hill Foot, Soesdyke Linden Highway.

The incident involved a motor lorry, #GAD 5947, driven by 67-year-old Ovid Spencer from Liliendaal, and the pedal cyclist, Keron DeFreitas, from Lot 2 Ideal Road, Soesdyke Linden Highway.

Initial investigations revealed that the lorry was travelling west along the southern driving lane of Hill Foot Road. At the same time, the pedal cyclist was also heading west on the western side of the road, riding in front of the lorry.

As the lorry attempted to overtake the cyclist, the left side front portion of the vehicle collided with DeFreitas. The impact caused him to fall onto the roadway, and tragically, the left front wheel of the lorry rolled over him and his bicycle.

The cyclist sustained severe injuries as a result of the collision. He was promptly assisted by public-spirited citizens who rushed him to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre. Despite being examined by Dr Baker, DeFreitas was pronounced dead.

A Notice of Intended Prosecution has been issued to Spencer, the driver of the motor lorry. He is currently in police custody, where he is assisting with the ongoing investigation into the fatal incident.

The post Collision on Soesdyke/Linden Highway claims life of young cyclist appeared first on News Room Guyana.

An accident occurred at around 18:40 hrs on Friday on the Perth public road, Essequibo Coast, resulted in the deaths of three individuals while leaving another seriously injured.

The incident involved a motor car, #HB 7377, owned and driven by 69-year-old Ezekiel Stanuel, a farmer from Lot 39 Public Road, Dartmouth Village. Two motorcycles were also involved in the collision. The first motorcycle, #CN 6561, was driven by 62-year-old Leon Marks, from Lot 214 Hoppie Street, Dartmouth, who was accompanied by 28-year-old pillion rider Reion Alphonso from Lot 660 Charity Extension Scheme.

The second motorcycle was driven by 18-year-old Davenand Bernard of Onderneeming, Essequibo Coast.

Police at the accident scene on Friday night

According to initial investigations, motor car #HB 7377 was travelling north along the western driving lane when the driver reported seeing a motorcycle approaching at high speed in the opposite direction. The motorcyclist was described as having a loud engine noise and bright headlights, which impaired the driver’s visibility.

In a bid to avoid a potential collision, Ezekiel Stanuel slowed down and stopped the vehicle. However, another motorcycle, heading in the same direction as the car, overtook it and collided head-on with the first motorcycle, which was heading in the opposite direction. The crash resulted in a loud impact followed by an explosion, causing both motorcycles to become engulfed in flames.

The pillion rider, Reion Alphonso, was thrown onto the windshield of the car and subsequently onto the roadway, along with the two motorcyclists. All three individuals received severe injuries.

Davenand Bernard, who had fallen near his motorcycle, suffered significant burns to his upper body. Leon Marks, who was found unconscious, was rushed to the Oscar Joseph Hospital (Charity), where he was declared dead. His body is currently in the hospital’s mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Davenand Bernard was taken to the Suddie Public Hospital, where he was also pronounced dead. His body is now at the hospital mortuary, pending post-mortem.

Reion Alphonso was initially treated at the Oscar Joseph Hospital, where he was admitted before being referred to the Suddie Public Hospital. Despite efforts to stabilise him, he tragically succumbed to his injuries and passed away while receiving care. His body is currently at the hospital mortuary, also awaiting a post-mortem examination.

The driver of the motor car, Ezekiel Stanuel, was arrested and taken into custody at the Anna Regina Police Station. He is assisting with ongoing investigations into the incident.

The post Three die following accident at Perth, driver arrested appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Saturday afternoon confirmed the presence of a Venezuelan naval vessel operating within Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The vessel, GDF said, was identified as the Guaiqueri (PO 11).

In a statement issued by the GDF, the force reassured the public that it is closely monitoring all activities in the nation’s maritime domain. The GDF reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana.

“The GDF remains vigilant in monitoring all activities within our maritime domain and reiterates its commitment to upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana,” the statement read.

The GDF confirmed that its security protocols are intact, and it is continuously coordinating with relevant partners, mobilising necessary resources to ensure a measured and appropriate response to any developments in Guyana’s waters.

“The GDF, in collaboration with our partners, continues to assess the security implications of this development and remains proactive in maintaining the stability of our maritime space,” the statement added.

The Defence Force assured citizens that the security and well-being of the nation are of the highest priority. It concluded by reaffirming its dedication to the protection of Guyana’s air, land, and sea domains.

The post GDF monitoring Venezuelan naval presence in Guyana’s waters appeared first on News Room Guyana.

England’s dismal Champions Trophy campaign ended with a sorry seven-wicket defeat by South Africa in Karachi.

Already out of the tournament after two losses from two, England were unable to lift themselves after captain Jos Buttler announced his impending resignation a day earlier.

Their batting woes deepened as they were bowled out for 179 in 38.2 overs, with Joe Root’s 37 the highest score amid a flurry of horrid dismissals. Buttler made 21 in his final outing as skipper.

That effectively sealed England’s seventh consecutive one-day international defeat by the halfway stage and South Africa took just 29.1 overs to complete their chase.

Jofra Archer took two early wickets, but Rassie van der Dussen hit an unbeaten 72 and Heinrich Klaasen 64 from 56 balls as the pursuit became a procession.

The Proteas progress as group winners to the semi-finals, where they will play the loser of Sunday’s match between India and New Zealand.

England immediately head home after a torrid start to 2025. They have not been on a worse losing run for 24 years and their record in 2025 reads 10 defeats in 11 matches across one-day and T20 matches.

This is also the first time they have failed to win a match in the group stage of a global event.

There is, at least, a break of almost three months before their next fixture- a Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge which begins on May 22n to mark the start of the men’s home international summer. (BBC)

The post England’s Champions Trophy campaign ends in sorry defeat appeared first on News Room Guyana.

CARICOM issued a strong statement following reports on Saturday that confirmed Venezuela’s military vessels close to one of Guyana’s Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) platforms, located within Guyana’s maritime territory.

In a briefing earlier, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, informed CARICOM of the incident, which has been described as a provocative act that stands in direct violation of international law and the principles outlined in the 2023 Argyle Declaration.

The Argyle Declaration, which promotes peace and regional cooperation, explicitly calls for both Guyana and Venezuela to refrain from unnecessary confrontational actions. CARICOM’s statement emphasised that such provocative conduct, as witnessed on March 1, 2025, undermines the region’s shared commitment to peace and stability.

The incident, initiated by Venezuela, contradicts the efforts of CARICOM and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) to maintain the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace. CARICOM has reiterated its strong position, stressing the importance of resolving the long-standing border dispute peacefully, as prescribed by the International Court of Justice, which is already overseeing the case.

Caribbean leaders at a recent Heads of Government meeting in Barbados (Photo: CARICOM)

In light of the recent developments, CARICOM has called for the immediate removal of Venezuela’s military vessel from Guyana’s waters. It has also urged Venezuela to cease further engagements with FPSO platforms in the region.

“At this juncture, patience, calm, and restraint are of the utmost importance,” said the CARICOM statement.

“Both sides must avoid any further acts of provocation. The resolution of this controversy remains entirely possible through dialogue and diplomatic means, without resorting to aggression or hostility.”

CARICOM reiterated its unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana, reaffirming its commitment to a peaceful resolution in line with international law.

The post CARICOM demands removal of Venezuelan vessel from Guyana’s waters; calls it provocation appeared first on News Room Guyana.

See below the full statement issued by the Alliance for Change below:

The Alliance For Change condemns, in strongest possible terms, the barefaced show of force exhibited by Venezuela today, when it’s navy vessel entered Guyana’s territorial waters and brandished its lawlessness.

There is absolutely no doubt that the area where the Liza offshore well, and the supporting vessels and infrastructure lie, are well within Guyana’s territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone. Just a few short days ago, our soldiers were ambushed, and today, the navy patrol boat was used to intimidate and threaten those on the Liza Prosperity. This lawless and reckless behaviour must be called out for what it is. It will be confronted.

The AFC stands in solaridty with the Government and armed forces of Guyana and calls on every Guyanese to stand ready to engage and defend against any attempt to violate our sovereignty.

The post AFC says resolute in defence of Guyana’s territorial integrity appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Liberty and Democracy Group has strongly condemned the recent incursion of a Venezuelan military vessel into the waters of Guyana’s Essequibo region. The incident, denounced by the Government of Guyana, is seen as a direct violation of Guyanese sovereignty and a flagrant challenge to international law.

In a statement, the Liberty and Democracy Group described the Venezuelan action as “unacceptable” and called for it to be “firmly condemned.” The group reaffirmed its support for the Government of Guyana in its commitment to defending its territorial integrity.

Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, has made clear the seriousness of the situation and stressed his nation’s resolve to protect its borders in the face of increasing aggression from Venezuela’s government.

The group pointed out that Guyana’s actions have adhered to international mechanisms designed to resolve such disputes, while the regime of Nicolás Maduro has consistently ignored the principles of peace and stability that are fundamental to the region.

The Liberty and Democracy Group further stressed that respecting internationally recognised borders is a core principle of the global order, and there can be no justification for imposing force to challenge a nation’s sovereignty.

The group also called upon the international community to stand in solidarity with Guyana, ensuring that its sovereignty is upheld and that it is not undermined by Maduro’s regime, which the Liberty and Democracy Group argues seeks to exploit Guyana’s vast energy resources. They further emphasised that Guyana’s growth presents the potential for the country to become a global model for development, which makes the Venezuelan attempts to assert control over its territory all the more concerning.

The statement was issued by a collective of former heads of state and members of the Liberty and Democracy Group, including Guillermo Lasso (former President of Ecuador), Iván Duque (former President of Colombia), Rafael Calderón (former President of Costa Rica), Mireya Moscoso (former President of Panama), Mario Abdo Benítez (former President of Paraguay), Jamil Mahuad (former President of Ecuador), Luis Fortuño (former Governor of Puerto Rico), Mariano Rajoy (former President of Spain), Felipe Calderón (former President of Mexico), Mauricio Macri (former President of Argentina), and Jorge Quiroga (former President of Bolivia).

These leaders united in their call for global unity in supporting Guyana’s right to maintain its territorial integrity and peace in the region.

The Freedom and Democracy group is a political forum founded by Iberoamerican ex-presidents in 2023. This is a right and center-right-led group that aims to discuss political matters in the Ibero-American region.

The post Former Latin American, European leaders in solidarity with Guyana amid Venezuelan military incursion appeared first on News Room Guyana.