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See below the full statement issued by the Organization of American States (OAS): 

The General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (OAS) unequivocally condemns the recent actions of Venezuelan naval vessels that have threatened the floating production, storage, and discharge units (FPSO) of ExxonMobil operating within the international maritime territory of Guyana

These acts of intimidation constitute a clear violation of international law, undermine regional stability and threaten the principles of peaceful coexistence between nations. The OAS reiterates its strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana. The Venezuelan regime must immediately stop all aggressive maneuvers that may escalate tensions in the region.

The General Secretariat urges the Venezuelan regime to respect the ongoing international legal processes, including the resolution of the territorial dispute before the International Court of Justice. Any attempt to use coercion or force to modify established borders is unacceptable and contrary to the fundamental principles of the OAS Charter and international law in general.

We call on the international community to remain vigilant and to defend the rule of law and regional security.

Venezuelan patrol vessel spotted in Guyana’s waters; President Ali activates diplomatic action

 

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A tragic accident occurred at approximately 11:11hrs on Friday on the Bagotstown public road, East Bank Demerara, resulting in the death of a male pedestrian.

The incident involved a motor lorry (registration number GNN 9248), owned by Toolsie Persaud Limited and driven by 59-year-old Wayne McBean, a resident of Kaneville, East Bank Demerara. The pedestrian, a male of Indian descent, has yet to be identified, with details regarding his name, age, and address currently unknown.

According to initial investigations, the lorry was travelling south along the eastern driving lane of Bagotstown public road when the pedestrian attempted to cross from east to west, directly into the path of the vehicle. The collision was unavoidable, resulting in both of the pedestrian’s legs being severely crushed.

The driver, along with a group of concerned bystanders, immediately rushed to assist the injured pedestrian. The victim was placed into a pickup vehicle (registration number PLL 682) and, still conscious, was escorted by a police officer to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre. Despite the efforts of medical staff, the pedestrian was sadly pronounced dead on arrival.

The body has since been transported to Memorial Gardens Funeral Home for cold storage, where it will await identification and a post-mortem examination.

The post Accident on Bagotstown Public Road claims pedestrian’s life appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Shipping Association of Guyana (SAG) successfully hosted its Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 2025, during which a new Management Committee was elected to lead the organization.

The newly elected executives are:

• Chairman: Komal Singh
• Vice Chairman: Alan Newark
• Management Committee Members:

o	Glenis Hodge	o	Hayley Gilbert
o	Gidel Thomside	o	Gobin Persaud
o	Jennifer Prashad	o	Prittipaul Singh (Jr)
o	Nalini Jamuna	o	Immediate Past Chairman:
o	Chandradat Chintamani		Philip Fernandes

 

In his inaugural address, Chairman Komal Singh outlined key priorities for the association, emphasizing the urgent need to dredge the Demerara River channel. Recognizing the crucial role of maritime trade in Guyana’s economic expansion, Singh committed to working closely with the Government to ensure that the channel is deepened to accommodate larger vessels, thereby improving shipping efficiency and boosting economic growth.

Additionally, the Shipping Association of Guyana has commenced preparations to host the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA) Annual Conference in 2026. This prestigious event is expected to attract over 400 delegates from across the globe, positioning Guyana as a hub for regional and international maritime discussions. The conference will provide a platform for key stakeholders to engage in critical discussions on the future of shipping, logistics, and trade in the Caribbean.

The Shipping Association of Guyana remains committed to advocating for advancements in the maritime industry, fostering regional collaboration, and supporting policies that enhance the country’s shipping and logistics sector.

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[BBC] – Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky have clashed in an extraordinary exchange at the White House, with Trump telling the Ukrainian president to “make a deal or we’re out”.

The US president told his Ukrainian counterpart to be “thankful” and accuses him of “gambling with World War Three”

Zelensky says there should be “no compromises” with Vladimir Putin – but Trump says Kyiv will have to make concessions to reach a peace deal with Russia.

It was an unprecedented moment of tension, the BBC’s correspondent at the White House says.

Zelensky has now left the White House and a planned news conference with the two presidents has been cancelled

“He can come back when he is ready for peace,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform

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Guyanese artistes were treated to an unforgettable session at State House on Friday, as Jamaican dancehall icon Vybz Kartel sat down with President Dr. Irfaan Ali to engage with local musicians.

The meeting, which included a cooking session where a hearty chicken curry was served, was an opportunity for Kartel to offer words of encouragement and share reflections on his personal journey, including his time behind bars.

Vybz Kartel and President Dr. Irfaan Ali at State House – the official residence of the President. [Photo: Office of the President/ February 28, 2025]

The event was also a chance for local artistes, including women and visually impaired individuals, to interact with the renowned musician and ask him questions.

Kartel, who is in Guyana for the launch of his Str8 Vybz Rum, used the occasion to make bold statements on the importance of discipline, forgiveness, and promoting talent.

He urged the group of artistes to stay focused on their goals and cultivate a positive mindset, highlighting how the right attitude could shape their success.

Reflecting on his own struggles and experiences, Kartel spoke openly about the challenges of his past and the lessons he has learned along the way.

Vybz Kartel and President Dr. Irfaan Ali at State House – the official residence of the President. [Photo: Office of the President/ February 28, 2025]

One of the most exciting announcements of the day came when Kartel revealed that, before his highly anticipated BADERATION concert on May 24, 2025, he would return to Guyana for a special showcase. This event will feature local singers, with Kartel selecting two artistes—one male and one female—with whom he will collaborate on future music projects.

His commitment to supporting Guyanese talent was clear, and President Ali enthusiastically pledged full government support for the initiative, promising that the Government of Guyana would back it “100%.”

The meeting also saw discussions on important issues affecting the younger generation, including bullying and the need to promote positive vibes. Kartel emphasized the importance of staying grounded, disciplined, and focused in an increasingly challenging world.

Vybz Kartel and President Dr. Irfaan Ali at State House – the official residence of the President. [Photo: Office of the President/ February 28, 2025]

His message was one of hope and inspiration for those trying to break through in the competitive music industry.

Alongside Dr. Ali, Kartel was joined at the head table by Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond, and Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh was seen in the front row. Together, they discussed the potential for collaboration and the role of the arts in promoting tourism and economic growth in Guyana.

Looking ahead, Kartel’s return to Guyana for the BADERATION concert promises to be a landmark event. Scheduled for May 24, the concert will feature performances from local artistes, with each given at least an hour on stage.

Vybz Kartel and President Dr. Irfaan Ali at State House – the official residence of the President. [Photo: Office of the President/ February 28, 2025]

With his upcoming showcase and future collaborations, Kartel’s visit is more than just about the launch of his rum—it’s about fostering a new wave of talent and opening doors for Guyanese artistes to make their mark globally.

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The 11th edition of the Milo Schools’ Under-18 Football Tournament, sponsored by Massy through its Nestle/Milo brand, will commence on March 8. Twenty-four secondary school teams from across Guyana will compete for the coveted title and a $300,000 cash prize.

The tournament, organised by the Petra Organisation, was officially launched on Thursday, at Massy Distribution’s head office.

Petra Organisation Co-Director Troy Mendonca expressed his excitement, highlighting the tournament’s popularity within the school communities. “It’s a household name,” he said, noting the anticipation among students.

The tournament will follow a round-robin and knockout format.  Following an initial elimination stage, the 24 teams will be divided into six groups of four, with the top two from each group, plus the four best third-placed teams, advancing to the knockout rounds.  The competition is scheduled to conclude on May 9th.

Massy Distribution CEO Troy Beharry emphasized the company’s commitment to youth development through sports.

“Over the past 10 years, this tournament has become a staple in the football calendar in Guyana,” he stated. “It serves as a stepping stone to highlight talent and promote youths for bigger things in football, and I know many of our national talents would have come out of this tournament.”

The tournament offers significant prizes, with the winning school receiving $300,000 towards a school project of their choice.

Second, third, and fourth-placed schools will receive $200,000, $100,000, and $75,000 respectively, also for school projects.

Individual awards for MVP, Best Goalkeeper, and Highest Goal Scorer will also be presented, along with an award for the most disciplined school.

Chase’s Academic Foundation are the defending champions.

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Scores of persons, many dressed in their work attire, others accompanied by children, showed up to receive their house lots, sign for their agreement of sale or simply make a query at a housing drive that got underway in Region Two on Friday.

With documents well arranged in their hands, they waited anxiously for their turn to achieve home ownership.

That is the scene at the Ministry of Housing and Water’s ‘Dream Realised’ housing drive in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam). The event will conclude on Saturday.

Ministry of Housing and Water’s ‘Dream Realised’ housing drive in Region Two (Kirth Kadogan/News Room)

During the two-day period, 500 house lots will be allocated in Plantation Onderneeming and more than 250 persons will be signing to receive their agreement of sale.

The initiative aligns with the Ministry’s aim of ensuring that every citizen have access to affordable home ownership.

In his address to those gathered, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal said the housing programme has always been a priority for the government.

Since the PPP/C government took office in 2020, over 41,000 house lots were allocated. 791 of these allocations were in Region Two.

And this year, Croal said the aim is to allocate 25,000 house lots. This means that the government will be exceeding their manifesto promise of distributing 50,000 house lots by the end of 2025.

“When you come here and you put your land in an envelope and get a number it’s not by magic you got there…it’s a lot of work and money,” Croal said.

And it gets better, according to Croal for allocations are done this year, the land titles will be issued before the end of the year.

“All allottees that will be allocating lot this year will be accessing their lot by the end of this year,” he said.

In Region Two, Croal noted that the ministry is aiming to regularise five areas: Lima Sands, Paradise, Jib, Walton Hall and Marias Lodge.

The housing drive is the 54th of such which is being hosted since 2020.

Ministry of Housing and Water’s ‘Dream Realised’ housing drive in Region Two (Kirth Kadogan/News Room)

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues said throughout this programme, house lots were delivered at “extremely” subsidised prices.

“You come as a prospective land owner and leave as a land owner. People who come with an allocation letter and leave with their agreement of sales who will become home owners,” Rodrigues said.

The house lots being allocated in Region Two ranges from low, middle and moderate income.

“Our programmes is about delivering real results…we haven’t limited ourselves of what we can do at the ministry of housing,” Rodrigues said.

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See below CARICOM’s comments on the Guyana/ Venezuela controversy part of the communique issued after the 48th Regular Meeting of the conference of the Heads of Government: 

Heads of Government received an update on developments concerning the Guyana/Venezuela controversy. They noted with grave concern, both the statements made by the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the Chairman of the National Electoral Council of Venezuela on 27 January, 2025, declaring their intention to conduct elections in the Essequibo region of Guyana on 27 April, 2025 for a “Governor” and “Legislative Council” of the so-called “Guayana Esequiba State,” which Venezuela illegally purported to “annex” last year.

Heads of Government underscored that the convening of any such elections in Guyana’s territory would be contrary to general principles of international law, the United Nations Charter, the 1 December 2023, Order of the International Court of Justice and the agreements reached in the Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace between Guyana and Venezuela. They urged Venezuela not to attempt to carry out elections, or to intrude in any other way, in Guyana’s sovereign territory.

Heads of Government condemned the attack on 17 February 2025, perpetrated by an armed group of men from Venezuela on members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) while they were carrying out their lawful business along the Guyana/ Venezuela border.

Heads of Government welcomed the submission by Venezuela of its counter-memorial on 8 April 2024, on the merits of the case regarding the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award that had determined the boundary between British Guiana and Venezuela, and the submission of the Reply by Guyana on 9 December, 2024. They encouraged Venezuela to submit its Rejoinder, the final written pleading in the case, on 8 August 2025, in compliance with the Court’s scheduling Order.

They reiterated and underscored their unequivocal and unwavering support for the maintenance of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana and for the judicial process before the Court as the means for resolving the controversy peacefully, finally and in accordance with international law.

The post CARICOM tells Venezuela not to ‘intrude’ on Guyana’s sovereign territory appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Guyana is celebrating one of its brightest stars—international rapper and songwriter, SAINt JHN.

Known for collaborations with global superstars like Beyoncé, he’s now here in Guyana determined to help elevate the country’s cultural footprint.

Born Carlos St. John Phillips, the Guyanese-American artist is blending music, fashion, and philanthropy to showcase the country’s creative potential on the world stage.

The News Room has more on his ambitious plans to boost Guyana’s global image.

The post SAINt JHN: Championing Guyana’s global rise appeared first on News Room Guyana.