A couple reportedly perished during the early hours of Sunday morning after a fire ripped through their Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) house.
Dead are Haywattie Bahadur called ‘Hema’, a 52-year-old teacher and her husband, Hansraj Narain known as ‘Jermone’, a 57-year-old bus driver.
Reports are that the fire started sometime around 01:45 hrs at the couple’s Lot 1A Hyrdonie, EBE house.
The couple were reportedly trapped in the single flat house which was grilled.
Information gathered by the News Room revealed that after the fire broke out, persons nearby responded. In doing so, they called out for the couple but got no response.
Police Headquarters in a statement said ranks responded to a call of a fire by an unknown caller.
Upon arrival at the scene, Police said the building was engulfed.
So the Guyana Fire Service was summoned.
“Sub-Officer Fraser and four other ranks from the Leonora Fire Station responded with Fire Tenders #84 and #81.
“On arrival, they went into action and extinguished the fire. However, by then the entire house was already gutted,” Police Headquarters said.
The bodies of the couple were subsequently found among the debris along with a dog.
The bodies were taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Home for post-mortem examinations.
Police said an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire.
Work is advancing rapidly on the mega solar farm at Onderneeming, Region Two with the contractor aiming to complete the project ahead of schedule.
The initiative, which falls under the Guyana Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaic (GUYSOL) programme, will bring real benefits to the people of Region Two, powering homes, businesses, and communities for years to come.
Already, substantial civil works have been completed, which include site clearing and leveling.
Providing an update on the project during a site visit on Saturday, Programme Coordinator Amir Dillawar said that construction of the project’s internal roads is almost complete.
Ongoing work on the mega solar farm at Onderneeming (DPI photo)
The 15-acre project site, initially lightly forested, underwent two months of clearing before construction could begin.
Currently, the team is progressing with the pile driving phase, which entails hammering large, sturdy columns into the ground to provide a strong foundation for the structures that will be built on top.
“In terms of the piles, they have to drive 3,000-plus piles. To date, they have driven almost 1,000. So, it is an activity that requires around-the-clock work. We’re driving in excess of 100 piles a day. And we’ve already started to install the mounting structure for this site. All equipment, solar panels, et cetera, have already been shipped and delivered in Guyana for installation in this location,” Dillawar said.
Programme Coordinator Amir Dillawar (DPI photo)
He reminded that the portion under construction at Onderneeming will generate five megawatts of power and will be connected with a smaller plant that is to be built in Charity, to achieve a total of eight MW of solar photovoltaic power in the Pomeroon-Supenaam region.
“The other site in Charity is 3 megawatts of solar with battery systems to be installed there. So, this is the largest farm in Essequibo, and it is the most advanced in terms of work at this point in time,” he added.
According to Dillawar, the project is ahead of schedule, and while it is slated for completion in December this year, he expects that by mid-year it may be completed.
“They are pushing very hard to finish ahead of the schedule. [There may be delays] but it is definite that it will be done by the contractual time,” he assured.
Head of the Executive Management Committee of the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) Kesh Nandlall explained that the peak demand in the Essequibo region is about 10 megawatts, so this initiative will be a massive addition to the generation capabilities in the region.
“We are also adding additional generation as we go along. We have procured three additional generators, 1.6 MW each. They will be here in about three to six months,” he said.
This will also be complemented with the procurement of two additional Caterpillar generator sets, boasting 1.5 MW of generation capacity each. These will arrive within the next two weeks, according to Nandlall.
“The programme also has other areas that are focused on training. We will train 50 women in solar PV installation and maintenance, and this training will be a paid apprenticeship programme. We are also going to train an additional 20 individuals in the area of renewable energy management and technology,” he explained.
In fact, the project has already provided employment to several women from the community.
One such employee, Denise Tull, a mother of four said that she is now exposed to a new area of work that offers additional practice.
“I am proud to be a part of this project. For my family it is an extra income, and it feels good waking up every morning knowing that I get to go to work, because I was unemployed for a very long time,” she told the media.
The project is a major milestone in Guyana’s journey towards a greener future. It forms part of the government’s ambitious Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, which aims to harness the power of nature while protecting Guyana’s forests (Republished from the Department of Public Information)
As part of the government’s efforts to empower local government authorities across the country, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha handed over four mini-excavators to four Neighborhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).
The machines, each valued at approximately $14 million, will be used to carry out drainage works in the residential communities within their respective catchment areas.
Minister Mustapha while addressing residents at the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary Agriculture Development Authority’s (MMA – ADA) office on Saturday, disclosed that all ten NDCsin Region Five now have access to their own excavator, thanks to the Government of Guyana which represents an investment of approximately $56 million.
He told residents that as part of the government’s vision to develop a comprehensive drainage system across the country, the Ministry of Agriculture through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has a critical role to play when it comes to providing drainage and irrigation in both cultivation and residential communities.
“At the Ministry of Agriculture, we are not only focusing on the agricultural aspect of development in the country. When we have dry weather or a heavy rainy period, the Ministry of Agriculture through the NDIA plays an important role. When farmers don’t have water, we have to put systems in place to provide irrigation. Similarly, when communities are experiencing flooding, we have to provide drainage. This is why, the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, is working to develop a comprehensive drainage system across the country,” he explained.
Minister Mustapha said President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo have directed that resources be allocated to empower local government authorities to be able to maintain the drainage systems within their communities.
“Upon the instruction of the President and Vice President, we are working to empower all the NDCs so that they can become more responsive to the communities’ needs. This region, Region Five, is the first to have all of its NDCs equipped with machines to carry out community drainage works. The NDC will be responsible for developing a work programme. We know that they might not be in a position to maintain these machines so the NDIA will be responsible for maintaining the machines, providing fuel, and also paying the operator. These machines are to be used to execute community work, not private work,” the Minister explained.
Minister Mustapha also condemned the actions taken by the Chairman and overseer of the Union/Naarstigheid, who, he explained were invited to receive the machine on behalf of their NDC but chose not to attend.
“I asked the Regional Chairman to invite the officials from the four NDCs to come and receive the machines that will be beneficial to their communities and utilize them to improve their drainage. But, because of petty politics, the Chairman and the overseer from the NDC at Union/Naarstigheid refused to attend this ceremony. This machine will benefit the residents of the community. We have to move away from petty politics so that the country can move forward,” he said.
The NDCs that benefited from today’s handing over were Blairmont/Gelderland, Rosignol/Zeelust, Union/Naarstigheid and Bath/Woodleypark.
Minister Mustapha said before the end of the year, all local government authorities in Guyana will have a mini-excavator to execute works to upgrade internal drainage systems in the communities (Ministry of Agriculture press release)
Guyana Harpy Eagles secured their second consecutive win in the 2025 West Indies Four-Day Championship, defeating Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) by eight wickets at the National Stadium, Providence.
Tevin Imlach was the hero for Harpy Eagles, following up his unbeaten first-innings 126 with a crucial 80 in the second innings.
Set a target of 165 for victory on the final day, the Harpy Eagles suffered an early setback, losing Raymond Perez for just two runs.
However, Imlach and Matthew Nandu (69 not out) forged a match-winning partnership of 147 for the second wicket, guiding their team to a comfortable win.
Earlier in the match, CCC had posted a challenging 375 all out, with Kyle Corbin scoring a century (102 not out) and Johann Jeremiah contributing a solid 84.
However, the Harpy Eagles’ bowlers fought back, dismissing CCC for 132 in their second innings. Veerasammy Permaul led the attack with impressive figures of 4-41, while Ronaldo Alimohamed (2-21) and Shamar Joseph (2-28) also chipped in with vital wickets.
Matthew Nandu on the attack (PHOTO: News Room/Akeem Greene/February 8, 2025)
The Harpy Eagles will now face the West Indies Academy in a day/night match at Providence, starting on February 12 at 13:00 local time.
Test batsman Tagenarine Chanderpaul is a doubt for that match after sustaining an injury on Friday.
Below are the summarised scores of the other Round Two matches:
At Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua: Jamaica Scorpions 320 all out from 94.4 overs (John Campbell 126, Brad Barnes 56*, Kirk McKenzie 33; Jeremiah Louis 3-44, Rahkeem Cornwall 3-71, Hayden Walsh Jr 2-78) and 170 all out from 58.5 overs (John Campbell 53; Oshane Thomas 3-55, Rahkeem Cornwall 3-54) v Leeward Islands Hurricanes 335 all out from 87.4 overs (Jahmar Hamilton 93, Karima Gore 76; Marquino Mindley 4-44) & 156-5 from 41 overs (Jewel Andrew 62*, Keacy Carty 34, Kadeem Henry 25; Marquino Mindley 2-32). Hurricanes won by five wickets
At Kensington Oval, Barbados: Barbados Pride 581-9 declared from 138.3 overs (Kraigg Brathwaite 212, Jonathan Drakes 117, Leniko Boucher 65, Zachary McCaskie 49; Johann Layne 4-85, Joshua Bishop 4-137) v West Indies Academy 239 all out from 64.5 overs (Rivaldo Clarke 78, Joshua Bishop 57*; Chaim Holder 6-70) and 288 all out from 86.3 overs (Carlon Bowen-Tuckett 103*, Teddy Bishop 58; Ramon Simmonds 4-43, Jomel Warrican 6-104). Barbados Pride won by an innings and 54 runs
At Arnos Vale, St. Vincent: Windward Volcanoes 166 all out from 51.1 overs (Kavem Hodge 126, Stephan Pascal 9, Sunil Ambris 9; Khary Pierre 4-17, Yannic Cariah 4-30) and 114 all out from 35.4 overs (Jeremy Solozano 36; Khary Pierre 8-27) v Trinidad and Tobago Red Force 456 all out from 132.5 overs (Cephas Cooper 117, Jason Mohammed 103, Yannic Cariah 95, Amir Jangoo 84; Darel Cyrus 4-105). Red Force won by an innings and 176 runs
See below full press release from the Guyana Energy Conference & Supply Chain Expo:
The Guyana Energy Conference & Supply Chain Expo recently presented the University of Guyana (UG) with 50 exhibition tickets and 20 complimentary delegate passes to be used by the institution’s students and lecturers.
Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Conference, Kiana Wilburg, presented the tickets and complimentary passes to the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, University of Guyana’s Turkeyen Campus.
In brief remarks, Chairman of the Guyana Energy Conference, Anthony J. Whyte, underscored the importance of this effort, stating that it is critical for the next generation to be given a front-row seat to Guyana’s development trajectory and the key players within that sphere.
“I believe it is our duty to ensure our youths have a place at this event, to not only learn as much as they can about Guyana’s oil and gas industry, but to also interact with some of the world’s leading conglomerates across 26 industries. These engagements can go a long way in helping our youths have a better understanding of the career path they may wish to take,” said Whyte.
The Chairman added, “I look forward to welcoming the UG cohort to what will be the largest and most dynamic conference in our history; may they take advantage of the learning opportunities that await them come February 18th to 21st, 2025.”
Vice-Chancellor Mohamed Martin expressed her appreciation to the Guyana Energy Conference for the tickets and complimentary passes, noting that students and lecturers are eager to participate in the event.
The Guyana Energy Conference team thanks the University of Guyana in advance for its participation in the region’s premier event. We remain committed to ensuring our platform is a source of inspiration and guidance for our future leaders.
Almost 60 young chess players from across Georgetown are competing for the National Under-16 Chess Championship titles today at the School of the Nations.
The tournament, organised by the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) and sponsored by Kitty Square Mall, is divided into Open and Girls sections, each with seven rounds played under the Swiss format.
The Open section features some of Guyana’s top junior talent, including 15-year-old Kyle Couchman, the highest-rated junior player with an ELO rating of 1868, and Candidate Master Sachin Pitamber, 14, with an ELO rating of 1779. They face stiff competition from the Zhang siblings, Alexander and Nicholas, with Nicholas recently winning the National Under-14 title.
In the Girls section, Woman Candidate Master Aditi Joshi, 14, is vying for the title alongside players such as Ciel Clement, the 2025 Girls U12 champion, and Kataleya Sam.
Trophies will be awarded to the top three players in each section, along with prizes for the best players in various age categories.
FIDE Arbiter John Lee and his team are overseeing the tournament. The GCF expressed gratitude to the School of the Nations for hosting the event and Kitty Square Mall for their sponsorship.
For those interested in learning or playing chess, more information can be found on the GCF website, guyanachess.gy, or by contacting guyanachess@gmail.com.
Guyana will make basketball history on April 5-6 when it hosts the first-ever FIBA 3×3 Quest tournament in the English-speaking Caribbean. The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall will be the site for this landmark event.
Elite 3×3 teams from around the globe will descend on Guyana, with the winner earning a coveted spot on the FIBA 3×3 World Tour – the pinnacle of the sport.
Teams from Sweden, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Ecuador, Canada, the USA, England, Grenada, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia, and Jamaica are all expected to participate.
This official FIBA 3×3 Quest tournament offers a direct path to the World Tour, the highest level of 3×3 competition.
Teams will battle for a share of the $8,000 prize pool ($5,000 for the champions, $2,000 for second place, and $1,000 for third), as well as the chance to compete against the world’s best.
The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) sees the Quest as a game-changer for 3×3 development in the Americas and Caribbean.
GBF General Secretary Patrick Haynes
GBF General Secretary Patrick Haynes, also a member of the FIBA 3×3 Commission and CONCENCABA President, was instrumental in securing the hosting rights. He and GBF Vice President and 3×3 Organiser Rawle Toney are leading the effort.
Haynes emphasized the significance of hosting the Quest, as it provides teams in the region with a rare opportunity to qualify for the World Tour without extensive travel. The tournament will expose local talent to top-level competition.
3×3 basketball’s popularity has soared, particularly since its inclusion in the Olympics. The fast-paced, high-intensity format is ideal for urban and grassroots development.
Guyana’s hosting of the Quest solidifies its position as an emerging 3×3 hub in the Americas. The event is also expected to boost sports tourism, with teams, officials, and fans traveling to Guyana. The GBF is covering uniforms, accommodation, and ground transportation for participating teams.
The GBF is excited to host the tournament and offer Caribbean teams an unprecedented chance to reach the top of the 3×3 world. They believe the Quest will fuel greater participation and investment in the sport.
Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana played out a 1-1 draw in their Group B clash at the Estadio Nacional in Costa Rica on Friday evening at the Concacaf U17 World Cup qualifying championship.
Guyana took the lead in the 32nd minute when Joshua Morris struck home from close range after a corner kick.
However, Trinidad and Tobago levelled the score in the 54th minute, when Philip Nelson finished off a well-worked attacking move by the “Soca Warriors.”
The draw leaves both teams with a point in the group stage. Guyana’s campaign continues with matches against Saint Maarten on 11 February, Costa Rica on 13 February, and the British Virgin Islands on 16 February.
Guyana is aiming to qualify for the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup, which will be held in Qatar in November.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) is gearing up for the Regional T20 tournament, set to take place from April 27 to May 9, according to Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe.
In a recent appearance on the SportsMax Zone, Bascombe revealed that the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad and Tobago is the likely venue for the event.
CWI is currently finalising key arrangements ahead of an official announcement, which is expected soon.
The tournament will see collaboration between the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) organisers and CWI, as both entities work diligently to ensure a successful launch.
“We are working feverishly, CWI and CPL together to get those details out… I don’t want to preempt that planned media release,” Bascombe commented.
“We are in the process of finalising team names and securing a number of protected players from each territory, so we are well underway to having everything we need for an official media launch.”
Bascombe also emphasised that while new franchises will be introduced, the CPL franchises will collaborate with territorial boards, which will retain control over the teams.
Sources indicate that the tournament will impose age restrictions and aim to spotlight emerging talent in the region. Six teams will compete in a full round-robin format, culminating in finals.
This initiative is crucial for identifying regional talent, especially since the privately run Caribbean Premier League, established in 2013, has not been the ideal platform for scouting a diverse range of grassroots players.
The United States has been a key partner for Guyana, boosting security efforts including in the protection of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
And it is believed that this strong partnership is necessary to help combat regional security challenges.
“Under the leadership of President Ali, the government of Guyana under is taking a proactive approach to protect first and foremost, our sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“The United States has consistently condemned Venezuela’s claims over the Essequibo and has been steadfast in its support of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud said on Friday.
Persaud made the remarks as he addressed the closing ceremony of the “Strategy and Defence Policy Course” hosted by the William J. Perry Center in collaboration with the National Defence Institute.
According to Persaud, Venezuela’s “aggressive rhetoric” towards Guyana stands not only as a threat to national security but also challenges the region aspiration to remain a zone of peace. Those threat and several others reinforces the need for partnerships, he added.
Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud
“Regional security is increasingly facing complex and interrelated challenges that transcend borders, including drug trafficking, transnational crimes, money laundering, trafficking in persons, and displacement and illegal migration.
“The multidimensional implications and transboundary nature of these challenges require sustained hemispheric cooperation, long- term strategic planning and strengthened security sector governance,” Persaud explained.
Regional security considerations affect development too, according to Persaud.
“The growth in our economies, trade and investment opportunities, and the social-being of our citizens rely on stability and security.
“It is incumbent on each of us, as policy makers, to ensure that we create synergies in policy formulation using a holistic and inclusive approach to overcome security threats and challenges, in keeping with our national interests,” he noted.
With these considerations in mind, the Foreign Secretary outlined a series of measures on how Guyana and the region can improve its secutiry and defence capabilities. Those measures include safeguarding democracy which allows the rule of law to prevail and guarantees security.
He further noted that strong partnerships must be built amongst countries and stakeholders in the region to foster cooperation and collaboration, information, and knowledge sharing.
“Increased diplomatic efforts are key to this endeavour. The Guyana- USA strategic partnership offers opportunities to explore innovative ways in combatting security challenges, including through the use of technologies to manage security risks,” Persaud said.
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Ongoing work on the mega solar farm at Onderneeming (DPI photo)</p>
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Programme Coordinator Amir Dillawar (DPI photo) </p>
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Matthew Nandu on the attack (PHOTO: News Room/Akeem Greene/February 8, 2025) 100vw, 1434px”><figcaption class=)
GBF General Secretary Patrick Haynes 100vw, 836px”><figcaption class=)
Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud