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See below the full statement issued by Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, the Chairman of the Board of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation: 

(On Thursday) a senior doctor who has served the GPHC for a number of years was fired. Two other senior doctors were suspended.

The disciplinary action followed an incident involving the delivery of a baby that occurred at the GPHC recently.

The Board insists that where there is evidence of inappropriate behavior by staff, there will be no tolerance and there will be severe consequences. The case before us in this instance clearly demonstrated that senior staff members acted in a manner inconsistent with their responsibilities.

The Board commends management for their thorough, and rapid investigation. We commend management for its candid approach.

Senior doctor dismissed after GPHC probe into stillbirth case

The GPHC has set high standards and we are grateful that the vast majority of staff adhere to the high standards we expect.

By and large, the vast majority of the staff of GPHC conduct themselves and carry out their responsibilities with compassion and at a high quality consistent with international standards. We take the opportunity to commend the staff for their dedicated and high standard service to the thousands we serve.

The Board has insisted that where these standards are deliberately not upheld, the responsible staff members will face stern consequences.

While these actions cannot repair and remove the hurt and pain endured by the family, we hope that the action taken by the hospital will bring some relief.

The Board thank the family for working with the hospital to bring some closure to the unfortunate incident.

The post ‘Severe consequences’ for hospital staff who behave inappropriately – Dr. Ramsammy appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Children’s Mashramani Competition Finals commenced on Thursday with an enthusiastic audience comprising schoolchildren in uniform and their teachers.

Attendees gathered at the National Cultural Centre to witness students and colleagues perform on stage.

The finals are set to take place over two days, with the first day featuring the Calypso and Dramatic Poetry Competitions and the second day dedicated to the Dance and Hip Hop Segments. The competition alternated between dramatic poetry and calypso performances, a strategic arrangement catering to the attention span and engagement levels of younger spectators.

Calypso Competition

8-10 Age Group

Competitors in this category showcased stage presence, audience interaction, and thematic costumes. Some participants faced challenges with synchronising their singing to the background track, highlighting the potential benefit of further musical coaching. Standout performances included Ashanti Garnett from Region 8, whose smooth, melodious voice effectively conveyed a message on road safety. Kymani Meusa captivated the audience with his energetic presence and use of era-specific slang, maintaining engagement throughout his performance. Overall, competitors delivered vibrant presentations, leaving audiences with meaningful messages. The winners of this category included; first place Ashanti Garnett from Mahdia Primary, second place Kymani Meusa from St. Gabriel’s Primary, and third place Uzziah McDonald from Revon’s Academy.

11-13 Age Group

This category featured diverse and impressive performances, with young competitors demonstrating notable vocal ranges. The stage was filled with expressive movements as preteens vied for the top prize. Each participant brought unique elements to their performance, making it a closely contested round. The winners of this category included; first place Odeila Pickering from New Silvercity Secondary, second place Stephon Romain from Christ Church Secondary, and third place Jada DeSouza from Santa Rosa Primary.

14-18 Age Group

The senior category saw intense competition, with high school students delivering compelling calypso performances. Some incorporated backup singers, dancers, and elaborate props to enhance their presentations. Judges took considerable time deliberating on the winners. Noteworthy performances included Samira Bisnauth from Anna Regina Secondary in Region 2, who impressed with a commanding vocal performance paired with rhythmic dance moves. Gardana Alberts of New Silvercity Secondary demonstrated strong breath control and vocal clarity, earning enthusiastic support from the audience. The winners of this category included; first place Gardana Alberts of the New Silvercity Secondary, second place Dhalia Amsterdam of the Tutorial Academy, and third place Kenesha Fraser of President’s College.

Dramatic Poetry Competition

8-10 Age Group

All of the performances were a welcoming sight to behold as the brave young category carried their pieces to amazing heights. Two standout performances in this category were Brandon Henry from Region 1 and Acquila Sinclair from Region 6. Henry portrayed an energetic grandfather, engaging the audience with humor and a surprise dance routine. Sinclair played an elderly woman frustrated with a cash grant registration process, delivering her performance with natural characterization despite minor technical difficulties. The winners of this category included; first place Destiny Abrams from the Sir James Douglas Primary, second place Jahajiel Smith from the Graham’s Hall Primary and third place Aquila Sinclair from the Sandvoort Primary.

11-13 Age Group

This category saw a mix of confident and nervous performances. Some competitors struggled with forgetting lines and stage fright, but many recovered well. One competitor even dissolved into tears as she forgot her lines on stage and ran backstage in an emotional state. Kareem Jabar from Christ Church Secondary defended his title by portraying a concerned police officer urging citizens to uphold the law. Trinity Thomas gave a moving performance as a poverty-stricken youth, bringing real tears to the stage and stunning the judges. The winners of this category included: first place Kareem Jabar of Christ Church Secondary, second place Ashanna Davis of New Amsterdam Multi and third place Trinity Thomas of Wismar Hill Primary.

14-18 Age Group

The senior competitors displayed skillful control over their roles and adapted well to unexpected challenges. Some performances garnered widespread support from fellow schools, occasionally disrupting the performers’ focus but also providing motivation. Notable acts included Lebrun Washington from Three Miles Secondary, who dramatized the consequences of delinquency through an engaging performance. Ciara Dowden of West Demerara Secondary School delivered a nostalgic piece on Guyanese rural life, enhanced by lighting and sound effects, making her performance particularly memorable.  The winners of this category included; first place David Hackett of the Bishops High, second place Ciara Dowden of West Demerara Secondary and third place Shania Dawson of Hope Secondary.

The competition highlighted the continued popularity of calypso in Guyana’s interior regions, with Regions 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9 delivering strong performances marked by stage presence, confidence, and vocal control. The event underscored the talent and enthusiasm of Guyana’s youth, reflecting the enduring cultural significance of Mashramani (Deandra Daniels)

The post Excitement high at Children’s Mashramani Competition finals appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Former Assistant Commissioner of Police, Calvin Brutus on Wednesday withdrew a lawsuit he filed against the Police Service Commission (PSC) tribunal convened to investigate disciplinary charges against him.

The notice of withdrawal and discontinuance was filed by the lawyers for Mr. Brutus: Eusi Anderson, Renea Marcus and Casside Nurse.

The tribunal, in early February, recommended that Mr. Brutus be dismissed following allegations of serious misconduct during his tenure as acting Deputy Commissioner of Police.

Brutus fired from Guyana Police Force

Hearings were held, but Mr. Brutus, though invited, did not appear. The PSC later communicated his dismissal via a letter. His dismissal took effect from February 5.

The charges stemmed from actions between August 2020 and July 2024, and the tribunal delved into claims of breach of discipline and discreditable conduct.

The Police Service Commission, an independent constitutional body empowered under Article 212 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana, oversees disciplinary control within the Guyana Police Force, particularly for officers holding ranks above Inspector.

(more…)

By Faith Seabra 

In 2016, Kobe Smith lost his mother—not just to cancer, but to a system that failed her.

“She died not only because cancer is deadly and dangerous and terrible, but she died also because she lacked access,” said Smith.

The resources existed, but they were out of reach. His mother’s death was preventable, and that fact drives him to ensure Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) can provide affordable, if not free, services to the women of Guyana.

“I keep thinking of my mother. Of the mothers and sisters and girlfriends of even those I’ve never met. I’m going to use my personal loss to ensure that persons are able to benefit from services they ordinarily cannot.”

Kobe Smith and his late mother

Now 27, Smith stands as the youngest Executive Director of GRPA, the country’s leading organisation for sexual and reproductive health services. His mission is deeply personal: to ensure that no woman is denied the care she needs simply because she can’t afford it.

“We need to look at the national context: Women are dying.”

Kobe doesn’t just advocate for better healthcare access; he challenges the very culture that shapes it. And part of that means holding men accountable.

His frustration is clear. In his view, the responsibility for sexual health has been unfairly placed on women for too long. Men must take ownership.

“Men really need to step up. It’s 2025 and we’re still talking about the same things our parents were talking about 25 years ago,” he said regarding the rampant transmission of sexually transmitted ailments.

In a country where sexual health is still treated as a taboo topic, GRPA has taken an unconventional approach: humor, boldness, and social media.

“We can’t just tell people, ‘Get tested.’ That doesn’t work. So we had to get innovative,” Kobe explains.

One of GRPA’s most viral campaigns involved using fruits to demonstrate different penis sizes and condom options. It was cheeky, clever, and impossible to ignore.

“Some may say ‘oh it’s too comedic,’” he admits, “but it really isn’t. The information has always been out there, but people don’t actively seek it.” So they made it unavoidable.

The response? Thousands engaged, thousands learned.

“We have to be creative, innovative, and bold. That’s our responsibility.”

For Smith, advocacy isn’t a career, it’s a promise. A way to ensure that no woman is denied care, that no girl grows up without reproductive health knowledge, and that his mother’s story doesn’t repeat itself. His loss has become a national fight. And he’s not backing down.

The post Kobe Smith’s fight for better healthcare fuelled by loss of mother  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

In a significant development for the Golden Jaguars, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has announced that their upcoming home match against Guatemala in the Concacaf Gold Cup qualifiers will take place at the Barbados Football Association (BFA) Technical Centre on March 21 with kick-off scheduled for 21:00h.

The decision to shift the venue comes after extensive discussions with Concacaf officials and a comprehensive evaluation of logistics, timelines, and playing conditions.

GFF President Forde stated, “After careful consultations, it was determined that relocating the match to Barbados was the best course of action in line with the competition regulations.”

The GFF remains dedicated to ensuring that future home fixtures for national teams are held on Guyanese soil, a commitment emphasized by the president in light of this temporary relocation.

The Golden Jaguars face a formidable challenge against Guatemala, a team that boasts a strong football pedigree.

Ranked ninth in Concacaf, Guatemala has participated in every Gold Cup since 1963, missing only six editions.

In contrast, Guyana currently sits at 19th in the rankings and made it to the main draw in 2019, but has struggled to progress beyond the preliminary rounds in subsequent attempts.

Recent encounters between the two nations have not been favorable for the Jaguars. In their last two meetings, Guatemala emerged victorious, winning 3-1 during League A of the Nations League and 4-0 in the Gold Cup preliminaries in 2021.

As the competition heats up, the Golden Jaguars will be aiming to secure a victory in this pivotal match.

Following the home fixture in Barbados, the teams will meet again on March 25 in Guatemala.

The winner, on aggregate, will advance to the Group Stage of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup.

The post Golden Jaguars’ home match for Gold Cup qualifiers relocated to Barbados appeared first on News Room Guyana.

See below the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation:

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has concluded its internal investigation into the recent stillbirth case at term pregnancy, which was reported in the media. The investigation was conducted thoroughly to ensure a comprehensive review of all aspects of care provided during the incident.

The hospital’s independent review panel determined that the managing doctors did not adhere to the required medical protocols and thereafter made several recommendations. These recommendations have been accepted and implemented by GPHC’s management and include:

• The termination of a senior doctor who had oversight of the shift and case and whose failure to supervise contributed to breaches in protocol.
• The suspension of two doctors with senior oversight of the case for a period of 28 days.

The hospital administration has since met with the patient and her relatives to provide a full update on the investigation’s outcome and the corrective actions taken. The family has indicated their satisfaction with the measures implemented.

GPHC deeply regrets that this incident occurred and acknowledges the impact on the affected family. We reaffirm our commitment to continuous improvement, accountability, and upholding the highest standards of patient care. The hospital will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The post Senior doctor dismissed after GPHC probe into stillbirth case appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), producers of the world-renowned Demerara Rums, has significantly upgraded its ageing capacity with the construction of a new barrel ageing warehouse, Warehouse N, at its Plantation Diamond, East Bank Demerara facility.

Designed to accommodate 30,000 barrels, the new warehouse brings DDL’s total ageing and storage capacity to 130,000 barrels. This expansion supports the company’s ability to meet rising international demand for aged Demerara Rums while preserving the signature quality and rich flavours that define Demerara Rums. Demerara Distillers Limited was one of the pioneers in the aged rum category with the launch of its award winning El Dorado 15 Year Old in 1992. A key part of the operation is the ageing of the rums in Oak barrels for periods of 1 year to as high as 50 years.

Constructed at a cost of GYD 730 million, Warehouse N represents a significant investment in the company’s future. During a recent walk-through by the Board of Directors, Komal Samaroo, Chairman of DDL, highlighted the importance of this milestone: “As the demand for premium aged rums continues to grow, this new facility ensures that we can continue to deliver our award-winning rums while upholding the rich heritage and craft that have made Demerara Rums a household name for rum connoisseurs globally. The warehouse represents another milestone in our journey to solidify Guyana’s position as a leader in the aged rum industry.”

With increased storage capacity and improved efficiency, the new facility will support the long-term ageing process, ensuring that every bottle of Demerara rum delivers the rich, signature flavours that rum enthusiasts worldwide have come to love.

Demerara Distillers Limited is the only remaining distillery in Guyana and prides itself on the preservation of over 300 years of distilling history. Best known as the only remaining producer of Demerara Rums, DDL is also the proud producer of the El Dorado Range of rums, Diamond Reserve Rums, and Ivanoff Vodka (Demerara Distillers Limited press release)

The post DDL expands ageing capacity with new $730M barrel warehouse appeared first on News Room Guyana.

As Guyana prepares for its General and Regional elections later this year, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali urged the country’s military to remain vigilant against any attempt to disrupt order.

“While we do not anticipate unrest or anything that is contrary to the rule of law, we must remain vigilant against any attempt to unsettle internal order.

“The Defence Force will be on standby, prepared to act if necessary to uphold stability and protect the democratic process,” President Ali said on Thursday at the opening of the Annual Officers’ Conference at Camp Ayanganna.

President Dr Ifaan Ali addressing soldiers at the opening of the Annual Officers’ Conference (Photo: Office of the President/February 13, 2025)

He, however, noted that the soldiers are free to exercise their franchise and vote as they desire. What is expected, Dr. Ali said, is that members of the disclosed forces will act professionally at all times.

“Every member of the force has a right to vote according to their conscience and as long as I am Commander-in-Chief their right will be respected. The professionalism of the military will always be upheld,” President Ali highlighted.

He also noted that elections are a fundamental pillar of democracy and the process must unfold in an environment free from intimidation, violence, or disruption. Guyana’s democracy, the Commander-in-Chief noted, depends on “free, fair and peaceful” elections.

Officers gathered at the opening of the Annual Officers’ Conference (Photo: Office of the President/ February 13, 2025)

“Our duty is to the nation, to its security and the preservation of law and order, not to any political interest,” President Ali noted.

During the last elections, which were held in 2020, there were attempts by the opposition to derail the electoral process with the help of staff from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). It took five months for Dr. Ali, and the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), to get into office though they won the March 2020 elections.

The 2025 elections are scheduled for later this year.

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