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Madelene Suharsono, a 17-year-old Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) at St. Rose’s High School has secured a US$10,000 scholarship after she won her category in the Guyana Energy Conference’s first essay competition.

Suharsono along with several other students was awarded at the 2025 edition of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo taking place at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown.

The aspiring lawyer told the News Room that she almost did not enter the competition.

“At first I was not interested in this competition because I thought I would have gotten last place,” Suharsono explained.

But now, with more knowledge of the oil and gas industry, Suharsono plans to pursue environmental law.

“The reason that I entered the competition is because I wanted to know more about the oil industry, the economic benefits along with long impact it has on Guyana’s economy along with its consequences,” the young woman explained.

Like all other first-place winners for all categories, Suharsono also received US$1000 along with a cellular phone on Tuesday. The second-place winners for all categories received US$500 and an iPad while US$250 and a cellular phone was awarded to third-place winners.

“So when I wrote about the potential long-term benefits I wrote about the job creation, improved infrastructure like roads, schools, buildings [and] hospitals,” Suharsono said.

The competition was launched last year in October for secondary school students and attracted over 160 entries, all of which were marked by an 11-member team of seasoned teachers and national markers from across the country.

The competition allowed for participation in three categories on various topics on the oil and gas sector.

In the Category 1 Level (Forms 1 to 2), 68 students submitted essays.

The winners for this category are as follows: 1st Place: Muzamil Mohamed, the Bishops’ High School; 2nd Place: Xavi Bishop. Marian Academy; and 3rd Place: Roopechand Sanchin Doonwah, Christ Church Secondary.

In Category 2, 45 students from Forms 3 and 4 made entries. The winners of this category are as follows 1st Place: Michael Jardine, West Demerara Secondary School; 2nd Place: Anaiya Benjamin, Queen’s College; and 3rd Place: Lennicia Waldron, Brickdam Secondary School.

In Category 3, 54 students from the Form 5 and CAPE levels made submissions.

The winners of this Category are as follows: 1st Place: Madelene Suharsono, St. Rose’s High School (CAPE): 2nd Place: Shekinah Yorrick, Bishops’ High School: 3rd Place: Angelia Persaud, Queen’s College.

The Ministry of Education was a critical partner in streamlining the participation of the schools from varying parts of the country, while the exclusive private sector partner for the essay competition was One Communications.

The telecommunications giant sponsored the cash and technological prizes for each category while the Chairman of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, Anthony Whyte generously sponsored the US$10,000 scholarship to the Category 3 winner.

The post St. Rose’s CAPE student wins US$10,000 scholarship at Energy Conference Essay Competition appeared first on News Room Guyana.

J. Hunter Farris, the Senior Vice President- Deep Water at ExxonMobil, on Tuesday, confirmed that additional associated gas resources exist in the prolific Stabroek Block offshore Guyana.

The additional resources, he said, can double the amount of gas supplied to the power plant under construction at the mega Gas-to-Energy project at Wales, West Bank Demerara, and possibly even help fire a second power plant.

“Today, we can confirm that we identified additional associated gas resources that can fill the new 225-kilometre Gas-to-Energy pipeline, more than doubling the amount of gas available for Guyana’s domestic use from an already completed pipeline,” he said during his presentation at the Guyana Energy Conference.

That means about 120 million cubic feet per day (mcf/d) of gas can be supplied, Farris added. Currently, it is expected that about 50 mcf/d will be supplied to the project at Wales.

A 300-megawatt (MW) power plant is being constructed in Wales; it will use natural gas from the Stabroek Block to generate cleaner, cheaper electricity. Additionally, a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) processing plant will treat the gas, removing liquids such as propane and butane for commercialisation.

Farris posited that the additional gas supply can provide additional grid stability, drive diversification and help attract different sources of investments.

Meanwhile, ExxonMobil is still appraising more gas resources offshore Guyana, particularly in the southeast portion of the Stabroek Block. This appraisal programme, Farris said, cost about US$1.5 billion.

At a recent press conference, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited President Alistair Routledge said there is also much optimism about the natural gas reserves at Longtail (which is found in the south-east portion of the Block). It is estimated that the development could produce about one billion cubic feet per day of natural gas.

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Cyril’s Transportation Service, a company proud of its 100 per cent Guyanese ownership and staffing, is making waves at the 2025 Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, currently underway at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston.

With a reputation for offering “effortless transportation, unforgettable experience,” Cyril’s is showcasing not only its fleet of state-of-the-art vehicles but also its deep commitment to local content and services.

In an exclusive interview with The News Room on the opening day of the conference, Mikhail Persaud, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, shared his vision for the future of Cyril’s and its pivotal role in Guyana’s growing energy sector.

Cyril’s has seen significant growth and investment over the past year, especially in the modernization of its fleet. With brand new SUVs and buses, the company is elevating its service to meet the demands of a corporate clientele while providing more comfort and style.

“New vehicles are always a hit with people,” Persaud noted, adding that the newer vehicles bring a more polished, corporate feel to their operations.

In addition to catering to business clients, Cyril’s offers services to the broader public, including both locals and international visitors. The company provides airport transfers, city transportation, and even a unique party bus service.

The party bus, popular among locals, allows passengers to bring their own drinks while enjoying music on board, with some booking the service for up to six or seven hours.

In an exclusive interview with The News Room on the opening day of the conference, Mikhail Persaud, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, shared his vision for the future of Cyril’s and its pivotal role in Guyana’s growing energy sector.

Persaud emphasised the company’s dedication to keeping its workforce local, stating, “We’re 100% owned by Guyanese, and all of our employees are Guyanese. We intend to keep it that way for as long as we can.”

While recognising the country’s growing needs may one day require expanding beyond local talent, he reaffirmed their commitment to supporting and hiring from within Guyana for the foreseeable future.

“We want everyone to experience the high level of service we’re providing,” Persaud said, adding that the company’s offerings go beyond simply serving the oil and gas industry.

“This is the energy conference, but we don’t want to focus solely on oil and gas. We want everyone to experience the service we provide and enjoy it.”

Persaud also highlighted Cyril’s commitment to supporting local businesses in every aspect of its operations.

“All of our support services, from technology to training, are sourced from Guyanese companies,” he explained.

“We believe in investing in what Guyana can offer, rather than sending money abroad or bringing in foreign companies.”

As Guyana’s oil and gas sector continues to boom, Persaud acknowledged the industry’s central role in driving business for Cyril’s Transportation, but emphasised the company’s desire to grow into other sectors as well.

“We’re not just about oil and gas. We want to diversify and continue to provide the best services to Guyanese and foreign nationals alike.”

The post Cyril’s Transportation makes strong local impact at 2025 Energy Conference appeared first on News Room Guyana.

By Isanella Patoir

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Tuesday said a thorough probe is underway to determine the facts surrounding the Monday attack on soldiers along the Cuyuni River close to the Venezuelan border.

“We are taking this very seriously, even if, and I am not saying this is the case, we have to do the evaluation, even if it is an armed gangs or any of those organisations that operate on the Venezuela side of the border, this is serious, because they fired on ranks in uniform,” President Ali said.

The six soldiers who came under gunfire are being transported to the city for treatment.

The President spoke with reporters at the sidelines of the 2025 Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown.

“Let us get the evaluation and then we will discuss our procedure that is important for the protection of our men and women in uniform and also of our sovereignty.”

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) said the soldiers were ambushed by masked gunmen and were attacked from the Venezuelan side.

“We want to ensure they have the best care and sometime later today we are going to position to have more details of what actually occurred,” President Ali said.

Those injured are: Second Lieutenant Ansel Murray who was shot to the right side of the head; Sergeant Kevon Davis who was shot in the right foot and ankle; Corporal Andre Fraser who received gunshot wounds to the left side of the abdomen and shoulder; Corporal Kevin Henry who was shot in the left arm and shoulder; Lance Corporal Travis Yorrick who was shot in the right thigh; and Private Ezron Samuel was shot in the right side of the abdomen.

After the attack on Monday, GDF mobilised reinforcement along the Cuyuni River. GDF in a statement said the resupply vessel en route from Eteringbang to Makapa came under fire from the group of armed men.

The patrol immediately responded to the attack and engaged the assailants with return fire.

Police Headquarters reported that the armed individuals are suspected to be linked to the Sindicatos, a Venezuelan gang.

The Guyana Defence Force said it remains steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of all ranks and ensuring the nation’s security.

The post President Ali says thorough evaluation underway after soldiers attacked on Cuyuni River appeared first on News Room Guyana.

A United States (US) company has proposed a venture in refined fuels to the Government of Guyana, a move that could vastly improve energy security and affordability in the tiny South American country.

This was announced by Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Tuesday during the opening ceremony of the 2025 edition of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo.

The company is called Curlew Midstream.

“(The deal) will first fulfill national demand and then service northern Brazil and the rest of the region,” Dr. Ali said in an address focused on the emerging investment opportunities in Guyana’s energy sector.”

He added, “We are in the process now of working out the details and finalising this so that our people here in Guyana and across the region can benefit from this facility.”

He also noted that the venture could see about US$300 million being invested in the initial stages.

Subsequently, the President told reporters that the deal is still being hammered out but it is envisioned that the fuel will be refined outside of Guyana.

However, a storage facility to store the barrels of oil will be constructed here.

Outside of this venture, Guyana has been eyeing a 30,000-barrel oil refinery that would harness some of the prolific oil resources offshore.

In January 2024, the country’s Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh announced that nine proposals were submitted to the government for the design, financing and construction of a refinery.

Discussions on oil refinery narrowed to five interest groups but strategic reserves still being explored

During a State visit to the Dominican Republic in August 2023, President Ali and his counterpart, President Luis Abinader, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of an oil refinery in Guyana that could possibly refine at least 50,000 barrels of oil daily.

President Abinader, who also spoke at the opening ceremony of the conference on Tuesday, said the Dominican Republic will make the final decision on the oil refinery in the coming months.

The post Guyana wants to save big with new refined fuels deal with US company appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Guyanese sprinter Athaleyha Hinckson has been awarded a scholarship to Louisiana State University (LSU).

Hinckson will join the LSU track and field team in the autumn, bolstering their sprint squad. This follows fellow Guyanese athlete Malachi Austin in securing a full scholarship to LSU.

The news comes after fellow Guyanese sprinter Tianna Springer, a CARIFTA Games and Youth Commonwealth Games 400m champion, recently committed to the University of Georgia.

Hinckson, who competed in the 100 m and 200 m at the 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships, enjoyed a successful 2024.

She won gold in the 100m at the South American U20 Championships and secured gold and silver in the 100m and 200m, respectively, at the CARIFTA Games.

Hinckson’s best of 11.39 seconds in the 100m, set at the 2024 Guyanese Championships, was ranked seventh in the world for Under-18 runners and is a South American U18 area record.

She also holds a South American U18 area record in the 60m (7.39 seconds) and a personal best in the 200m (23.76 seconds).

The post Guyanese sprinter Athaleyha Hinckson secures LSU scholarship appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Tuesday said the six soldiers who were shot after being ambushed by masked gunmen in the Cuyuni River are currently being medically evacuated to Georgetown for urgent follow-up medical care.

“The health and well-being of our personnel remain the highest priority, and all necessary measures are being taken to ensure they receive the best possible treatment. Additionally, the families of the affected ranks have been contacted and are being kept informed of their condition,” the GDF said in a release.

Earlier on Tuesday, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Irfaan Ali in a statement said an army Bell 412 helicopter was en route to evacuate the injured soldiers.

Those injured are: Second Lieutenant Ansel Murray who was shot to the right side of the head; Sergeant Kevon Davis who was shot in the right foot and ankle; Corporal Andre Fraser who received gunshot wounds to the left side of the abdomen and shoulder; Corporal Kevin Henry who was shot in the left arm and shoulder; Lance Corporal Travis Yorrick who was shot in the right thigh; and Private Ezron Samuel was shot in the right side of the abdomen.

“We are deeply concerned about the well-being of our soldiers who were injured in yesterday’s attack on a military patrol.
“I had the opportunity to speak with 2LT Ansel Murray, SGT Andre Frazer, SGT Kevon Davis, CPL Kevin Henry, LCPL Troy Yorrick, and PTE Ezra Samuel. I expressed my gratitude for their service at our borders and assured them of the nation’s support and my concern for their well-being,” President Ali said.

Further, the Guyana Defence Force said it remains steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of all ranks and ensuring the nation’s security.

After the attack on Monday, GDF mobilised reinforcement along the Cuyuni River. GDF in a statement said the resupply vessel en route from Eteringbang to Makapa came under fire from the group of armed men.

The patrol immediately responded to the attack and engaged the assailants with return fire. Police Headquarters reported that the armed individuals are suspected to be linked to the Sindicatos, a Venezuelan gang.

The post Injured soldiers evacuated for medical care in Georgetown appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Gladwyn Tracey, a 42-year-old manager of Hart’s Suite located at First Avenue Bartica, was arrested by Police and faced two charges of discharging a loaded firearm and drunk driving.

The case was called at the Bartice Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Teriq Mohamed.

Tracey pleaded not guilty to the charge of discharging a loaded firearm; he was granted $60,000 bail and the matter was adjourned to March 13 for continuation.

He, however, pleaded guilty to the drunk driving charges and was fined $200,000.

The post Bartica man charged for drunk driving, discharging loaded firearm  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Four men who reportedly robbed a group of Chinese nationals were charged and subsequently placed on $1.9 million bail each.

The men charged are: 24-year-old Andra Stewart, 25-year-old Nya John, 28-year-old Negus Lamaizon, and Matthew Jahlu.

They were charged relative to an investigation into an alleged robbery under arms committed on Chinese nationals Liu Bo, Chaung Yang, Wei Han, Qiao Peng Deng, and 29-year-old Gary Mitchell on Wednesday, February 12 at Republic Park, East Bank Demerara.

The men were arrested that same day and charged on Monday (February 17) with five counts of robbery under arms.

The four accused appeared at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrate’s Court on Monday and pleaded not guilty. They were, however, placed on $1.9 million bail each, with the conditions that they report to the CID Headquarters, Vlissengen Road, every Friday (except for Fridays when they are required to attend court), and lodge their passports with the authorities.

The matter has been adjourned to April 10, 2025.

The post Four men charged, placed on $1.9M bail each after Chinese nationals robbed appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Press Release from the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club

The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) 2025 Drag Racing Championship got off to a spectacular and seamless start at the South Dakota Circuit as racers and fans alike were treated to a thrilling day of high-speed action under bright sunshine.

With an incident-free event and a perfectly functioning timing system, the race day proceeded smoothly, with all classes completing ahead of schedule and new champions emerging in each category.

History in the making– Women and youth shine on the track

The day saw a significant milestone for female competitors, with Ashley Persaud (#162, Toyota ZN86) becoming only the second female to win a class while competing against the men, taking victory in the 16-second Class.

Meanwhile, Crystal Singh (#1320, Volkswagen Golf R) dominated the Female Class, setting a new standard for women in motorsport.

She now holds the title of fastest female on the track, clocking an impressive 12.847 seconds, a record that is sure to inspire more women to take up the sport.

Matthew Daby and his Junior Dragster blazing the track (Photo: GMS&SC)

Adding to the day’s historic achievements, 12-year-old Matthew Daby became the fastest junior driver down the 1320-foot strip, posting a stunning 13.193-second run in his Junior Dragster.

He followed in the footsteps of his father, Peter Daby (#728, Mazda RX-7), who set the fastest time of the day with a blistering 9.506-second pass.

Peter Daby’s Mazda RX-7 set the fastest time of the day (Photo: GMR&SC)

Round One Winners– 2025 GMR&SC Drag Racing Championship

• Female Class (Crystal Singh – #1320 – Volkswagen Golf R)
• 16-Second Class (Ashley Persaud – #162 – Toyota ZN86)
• 15-Second Class (Mohamed Saifudeen Roshandin – #131 – Toyota Levin)
• 14-Second Class (Fareem Edoo – #128 – Toyota Corolla AE92)
• 13-Second Class (Omesh Persaud – #1484 – Nissan Pulsar)
• 12-Second Class (Wasim Khalawan – #165 – Lexus IS200)
• 11-Second Class (Vishal Gewan – #17 – Toyota Caldina)
• 10-Second Class (Damion Persaud – #198 – Toyota Caldina)
• 9-Second Class (Peter Daby – #728 – Mazda RX-7, third generation)
• 600cc Bikes (Shem Chattersingh – #101)
• 1000cc Bikes (Jermaine Chattersingh – #103)

A positive start for GMR&SC– Momentum to build on

With a strong turnout of competitors and fans, the GMRSC’s first round of the 2025 Drag Racing Championship was a resounding success.

The event saw many new drivers lining up for the first time, showcasing the continued growth and popularity of the sport in Guyana.

The club remains committed to fostering a competitive yet safe racing environment and looks forward to building on this momentum throughout the season.

As the championship progresses, fans can expect even more thrilling battles, record-breaking runs, and new talent emerging on the track.

The post Females among standout performers in Round One of Drag Racing C’ship appeared first on News Room Guyana.