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See below the full release: 

Protector of Guyanese women, children and migrants – Ayodele Dalgety Dean – has been announced as the Anthony N Sabga Awards, Caribbean  Excellence Laureate for Public & Civic Contributions. 

The announcement was made in Port of Spain this morning.

Dalgety-Dean’s NGO, Blossom Inc, offers services to protect women and children from violence, including therapy, forensic interviewing of witnesses and victims of violence for use in court, and services that encourage migrants and refugees to participate in the economy and society. It operates eight centres in five of Guyana’s regions. 

Dalgety-Dean will receive the Guyanese equivalent of TT$500,000 at a gala ceremony in Port of Spain on June 7. 

Three other 2025 laureates announced today include jazz trumpeter  Etienne Charles of T&T, e-commerce agri-entrepreneur Rachel Renie Gonzales also of T&T, and cancer researcher Dr Simone Badal of Jamaica. 

The Anthony N Sabga Awards, Caribbean Excellence has been in existence  since 2005. It has awarded 66 Caribbean nationals with over $32 million in  funding to support their work. 

For more information, please contact Robert Clarke at  

robert.clarke@ansamcal.com or 1-868-470-4871.

The post Guyanese activist wins ‘Caribbean Excellence’ award appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali and the new United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio engaged each other on Monday.

In a statement, Mr. Rubio’s spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the two leaders spoke to address the crisis of illegal migration and “agreed to jointly address this regional imperative and challenge.”

Importantly, it was noted: “The Secretary affirmed the United States’ steadfast support of Guyana’s territorial integrity in the face of Nicolás Maduro and his cronies’ bellicose actions.”

Late last year, Guyana’s Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said the government expects “strong solidarity” from Florida Senator, Marco Rubio who then nominated by United States President- elect Donald Trump to lead the State Department.

‘Strong solidarity’ expected from Trump’s pick for Secretary of State – Jagdeo

“He is aware of the Venezuela issue and we expect strong solidarity from him and President Trump, the US administration on the Guyana/ Venezuela border controversy that is now before the International Court of Justice,” Vice President Jagdeo said then.

The border controversy case is squarely before the ICJ. Both parties are participating in the case.

Guyana hopes for a full, final and binding judgement that the border between the two states was settled after the 1899 Arbitral Award and a reaffirmation that the Essequibo region belongs to Guyana.

The US and other countries part of the wider international community have expressed support for Guyana.

 

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Suresh Singh, the newly sworn-in government Member of Parliament, stirred the National Assembly on Monday with his passionate maiden speech during the 2025 budget debate.

In an address that electrified the House after eight long hours, Singh tied his presentation to the principles of mercy, illustrating a stark difference between the current People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government and the APNU+AFC coalition.

The young parliamentarian described the opposition as “merciless,” reminding of the closures of several sugar estates under the APNU+AFC coalition. He recounted how 7,000 sugar workers, and by extension, their families, were impacted when the coalition shut down key estates.

“You are merciless,” Singh declared, pointing to the economic and social toll this decision had on communities including his along the East Coast of Demerara.

In contrast, Singh presented the PPP/C as merciful, dedicated to uplifting the nation’s people through a series of social initiatives and investments in education and youth development.

Singh’s speech was peppered with references to the opposition’s failures, particularly in delivering on promises made in their 2015 manifesto.

He cited broken promises on job creation, youth development, and the economy, framing the APNU+AFC as a party that “neglected” and “deprived” the people they were meant to serve.

“Ask them what they have done for you,” Singh urged the Guyanese public.

Highlighting the increase in the cash grant for children, Singh praised the party’s commitment to improving the lives of young Guyanese.

The MP went on to defend the government’s record, stating that over 9,000 Guyanese had graduated from the University of Guyana under the current administration, while thousands more benefited from the GOAL Scholarship programme.

Singh also highlighted the administration’s efforts in housing, pointing out that 41,000 house lots had been distributed, with more than half going to young people.

Singh who held the position of Director of Youth, particularly focused on youth empowerment, mentioning initiatives such as the robotics and coding programme, which had seen the creation of 66 training hubs across the country.

Furthermore, he lauded the revitalisation of the President’s Youth Award, a programme he claimed had been abandoned by the previous government.

The speech was met with loud interruptions from the opposition, but Singh remained unwavering. He concluded with a declaration that the PPP/C was dedicated to ensuring that every Guyanese had the opportunity to succeed.

The post Merciful vs. Merciless: Suresh Singh challenges opposition on legacy in first parliamentary speech appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Monday launched a new software application called ‘Padna’ which will allow new taxpayers and businesses to register online and receive electronic copies of their documents.

The venture forms part of GRA’s effort to get all of its services online allowing transactions to be completed much easier.

By downloading the Padna app, taxpayers will be able to register for a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) online and receive reminders about upcoming obligations. Individuals will also be provided with electronic versions of their documents.

The app also includes a vehicle calculator to help taxpayers to calculate taxes for vehicles.

Sese Jones, Head of GRA’s Information Technology Department said the app is a move to make interactions between staff and members of the public user-friendly while saving time, allowing for increased productivity.

“What we are now doing is offering that registration process online. So you can initiate your first application for a TIN online,” Jones said.

“Because we are dealing with the identity of a person. This is the first interaction GRA will be having with this person, we want to make sure you come in and validate the authenticity of the document you uploaded.

“But this should be the last time really, you will need to come into the office. All of our other experiences, we are trying to make them online,” Jones explained too.

How Padna works: 

1) The process requires an individual to download “Padna”.

2) In the app, they can click on ‘new registration; (whether it’s for an individual or business), fill out the necessary details, upload the supporting documents, and submit.

3) Once submitted, individuals will be provided with a case number.

4) Thereafter, they will be required to visit the nearest GRA location to verify their identity

5) Once the process is completed, the application is reviewed and an email is sent to the registrant confirming whether application was successful. They will then be asked to visit a GRA location to make payment and uplift their TIN certificate.

Padna adds to the lineup of other similar solutions offered by GRA such as Optimal, for filing of tax returns; the LRPS (License Revenue Processing system), for online processing of driver licenses registration; and ASYCUDA, a customs management system.

Meanwhile, GRA Deputy Commissioner General, Hema Khan said as GRA continues to computerise and modernise its operation, the online services help to enhance service delivery through IT infrastructure.

The Padna app can be downloaded via Google Play store or App store.

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The 2025 National Budget Debate continued on Monday where the allocation for security infrastructure became a hot topic with heated exchanges between the Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, and Shadow Minister Khemraj Ramjattan.

Ramjattan, who served 34 years in the National Assembly and was Minister of Public Security, argued that the government’s approach to security spending is flawed.

He acknowledged the substantial budget increase from $94 billion in 2024 to almost $109 billion in 2025, a rise of 14.5%.

While this is impressive, he contended that much of the increase is skewed towards physical infrastructure rather than strengthening personnel tasked with maintaining law and order.

Ramjattan was particularly critical of the $1.7 billion allocation for the reconstruction of Brickdam Police Station.

“This is a disproportionate allocation,” Ramjattan stated, questioning whether the government is neglecting areas outside Georgetown, such as the hinterland and coastal regions.

Furthermore, Ramjattan raised concerns about the allocation of $250 million for training 1,700 Police Officers.

He argued that this investment is insufficient, as specialised, career-focused training is crucial for preparing officers to respond to emerging crime trends.

“We cannot afford to leave out the human element in our security framework,” he stressed.

His concerns extended beyond the Police force. Ramjattan criticised the government’s approach to prison reform, suggesting that $6.2 billion allocated for prison infrastructure could be better spent on rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.

He argued that improving the conditions within the country’s prisons should be a priority, particularly given the increasing complexities of crime in Guyana, including transnational criminal activities.

In response, Robeson Benn, the Minister of Home Affairs, launched a passionate defence of the government’s security budget.

He described the planned investments as part of a transformative agenda that would modernise the country’s security infrastructure and tackle crime at its roots.

Benn acknowledged the importance of infrastructure but stressed that Guyana is undergoing a period of unprecedented growth, largely due to the country’s oil discoveries. He argued that this transformation is already visible across the nation—new roads, schools, police stations, and fire stations are a testament to the PPP/C government’s commitment to development.

“I had hoped that the member (Ramjattan) would have taken the high road,” Benn said, implying that Ramjattan’s comments were dismissive of the progress that has been made.

Pointing to an increase of over 400% in car registrations from 2017 to 2023, Benn sought to illustrate the growing prosperity of the country.

He suggested that the rise in vehicles, among other indicators, signals a country on the rise, where crime is increasingly being driven by complex international issues rather than purely local concerns.

The government, Benn asserted, is responding to these challenges with targeted investments in infrastructure to ensure a safer future for all.

Benn did not shy away from criticising his political opponent’s track record, accusing Ramjattan of presiding over “shameless” conditions in prisons during his tenure. Referring to a visit he made during the COVID-19 pandemic, Benn described prisoners sleeping under tents in overcrowded conditions, calling it “chicken pen” treatment.

The post Benn hails security transformation as Ramjattan demands more focus on training appeared first on News Room Guyana.

See below full release from Papa John’s Guyana:

Papa John’s Guyana is excited to announce that customers can now place online orders for pickup at our Vlissengen Road location. Whether ordering through our website at www.papajohns.gy or via the Papa John’s app—available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store—our online ordering system offers a seamless and convenient experience.

Customers can pay securely using any major local or foreign credit card. The new system also keeps customers updated every step of the way. Mobile app users will receive real-time notifications when their pizza is being prepared and ready for pickup. Website users who provide their email address will receive similar updates via email.

Both platforms give customers the option to purchase as a guest or create a profile. By creating a profile, return purchases become even easier, allowing for a faster checkout experience.

Looking ahead, Papa John’s will soon roll out a loyalty rewards program for all registered customers. This program will allow customers to earn points on purchases that can be redeemed for free or discounted products. Rewards members will also enjoy early access to innovative new products and tasting events.

In addition, Papa John’s Guyana is preparing to launch a delivery service in the near future to make it even easier for customers to enjoy our delicious pizzas.

Order online today and experience the convenience of Papa John’s online ordering system!

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(Reuters)  The U.S. and Colombia pulled back from the brink of a trade war on Sunday after the White House said the South American nation had agreed to accept military aircraft carrying deported migrants.

U.S. President Donald Trump had threatened tariffs and sanctions on Colombia to punish it for earlier refusing to accept military flights carrying deportees as part of his sweeping immigration crackdown.

But in a statement late on Sunday, the White House said Colombia had agreed to accept the migrants after all and Washington would not impose its threatened penalties.

“The Government of Colombia has agreed to all of President Trump’s terms, including the unrestricted acceptance of all illegal aliens from Colombia returned from the United States, including on U.S. military aircraft, without limitation or delay,” it said.

Draft orders imposing tariffs and sanctions on Colombia would be “held in reserve, and not signed, unless Colombia fails to honor this agreement”, it added.

“Today’s events make clear to the world that America is respected again. President Trump … expects all other nations of the world to fully cooperate in accepting the deportation of their citizens illegally present in the United States,” the White House statement said.

In a statement late on Sunday, Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo said: “We have overcome the impasse with the U.S. government”.

“The government of Colombia … has the presidential plane ready to facilitate the return of Colombians who were going to arrive in the country this morning on deportation flights.”

The statement did not specifically say that the agreement included military flights, but it did not contradict the White House announcement.

Murillo and Colombia’s ambassador to the United States will travel to Washington in coming days to follow up on agreements that led to the exchange of diplomatic notes between the two governments, the Colombian statement added.

Washington’s draft measures, now on hold, include imposing 25% tariffs on all Colombian goods coming into the U.S., which would go up to 50% in one week; a travel ban and visa revocations on Colombian government officials; and emergency treasury, banking and financial sanctions.

Trump also threatened to direct enhanced border inspections of Colombian nationals and cargo. Ahead of the announcement of an agreement on the flights, a State Department spokesperson said the United States had suspended visa processing at the U.S. embassy in Bogota.

Colombia is the third-largest U.S. trading partner in Latin America.

The U.S. is Colombia’s largest trading partner, largely due to a 2006 free trade agreement that generated $33.8 billion in two-way trade in 2023 and a $1.6 billion U.S. trade surplus, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

‘DEGRADING TREATMENT’

Trump declared illegal immigration a national emergency and has imposed a crackdown since taking office last Monday.

He directed the U.S. military to help with border security, issued a broad ban on asylum and took steps to restrict citizenship for children born on U.S. soil.

The use of U.S. military aircraft to carry out deportation flights is unusual. U.S. military aircraft carried out two flights, each with about 80 migrants, to Guatemala on Friday. Mexico also refused a request last week to let a U.S. military aircraft land with migrants.

Trump has said he is thinking about imposing 25% duties on imports from Canada and Mexico on Feb. 1 to force further action against illegal immigrants and fentanyl flowing into the U.S.

Brazil’s foreign ministry on Saturday condemned “degrading treatment” of Brazilians after migrants were handcuffed on a commercial deportation flight. Upon arrival, some passengers also reported mistreatment during the flight, according to news reports.

The plane, which was carrying 88 Brazilian passengers, 16 U.S. security agents, and eight crew members, had been originally scheduled to arrive in Belo Horizonte in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais.

However, at an unscheduled stop due to technical problems in Manaus, capital of Amazonas, Brazilian officials ordered removal of the handcuffs, and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva designated a Brazilian Air Force (FAB) flight to complete their journey, the government said in a statement on Saturday.

The commercial charter flight was the second this year from the U.S. carrying undocumented migrants deported back to Brazil and the first since Trump’s inauguration, according to Brazil’s federal police.

U.S. officials did not reply to requests for comment about Brazil.

The post US, Colombia reach deal on deportations; tariff, sanctions put on hold appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Guyana Squash Association has lauded government’s injection of G$8 billion into sport in 2025, representing a significant increase from the previous year’s budgetary allocation.

In 2024, government had invested a record G$4.6 billion in sport, and the substantial increase in 2025 has found favour with the Squash Association.

The Association, in a release signed by President David Fernandes, said it is looking forward to witnessing the positive impact the funding will have on the nation’s athletes, coaches and communities.

Below is the full statement issued by the Guyana Squash Association 

On behalf of our sporting community, the Guyana Squash Association would like to extend our thanks to the government for their support over the years.

The focus on enhancing sporting infrastructure for a variety of sports in various regions is helping to build a strong, proud sporting legacy.

This year’s proposed budget is another significant step forward, not just for squash but for all sports in Guyana.

It is a clear indication of the government’s commitment to fostering athletic talent, bringing communities together, and creating opportunities for athletes from all disciplines to shine on the national and international stage.

Sport plays a central role in nation-building, helping to shape our national identity, instill pride, and create a powerful, positive image for our country on the global stage.

We are hopeful that the budget, which reflects such a strong dedication to sport, will receive a favourable passage through parliament this week.

The investments made will undoubtedly strengthen our sporting culture, not just in squash but across all sporting fields, creating a brighter future for our athletes and future generations.

We sincerely appreciate the government’s efforts to support both the grassroots and elite levels of sport and look forward to seeing the positive impact this funding will have on all our athletes, coaches and communities.

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A fresh legal charge has been formally instituted against  Seeindra Marimutoo, a 43-year-old poultry vendor hailing from Portuguese Quarters in Corentyne, Region Six.

He is accused of fatally wounding 18-year-old Parmand Pertab.

Marimutoo was remanded to prison in November after being charged with the murder of Pertab. The incident, which sparked significant public interest, occurred during an alleged robbery attempt at the Port Mourant Market, Berbice.

Following consultation with the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), legal counsel determined it was more appropriate to withdraw the initial charge of murder and substitute it with a charge of manslaughter. The charge was laid under Section 94 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act Chapter 8:01 of the laws Guyana.

Poultry vendor remanded to prison for chopping bandit to death

On Monday, January 20, Marimutoo appeared before the Whim Magistrate’s Court, presided over by Magistrate Tuanna Hardy. The court granted him bail of $600,000, thereby allowing his provisional release pending further legal proceedings. He is scheduled for a return appearance in court on February 17.

Initially, when Marimutoo made his first court appearance Attorney-at-law Latchmie Rahamat, representing him, said there were plans to petition the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to review the charge.

Rahamat cited Guyana’s constitutional protections, arguing that self-defense, including using necessary force to protect property, can serve as a full legal defense in such cases.

Dead is Parmand Pertab. At right is the crime scene

The defense highlighted the role of key witnesses who reportedly saw the confrontation, suggesting that law enforcement had not adequately documented their statements.

The robbery took place at approximately 09:15 hrs on October 26 where a quantity of gold and silver jewelry were stolen. Pertab was armed with a cutlass while the second suspect was armed with a handgun.

The businessman opened his jewelry shop at around 07:30 hrs and began attending to customers.

At about 09:15 hrs, Pertab approached, wielding a cutlass, and began striking the businessman’s assistant, injuring him.

Meanwhile, the second suspect, armed with a handgun, instructed the businessman and his assistant to lie on the ground. They complied, and the robbers began filling a blue string bag with jewelry before fleeing on foot.

The businessman raised an alarm, attracting market patrons who tried to stop the robbers. In response, the armed suspect fired three shots, injuring a bystander in his right leg and left thigh.

Pertab, still carrying the cutlass and the blue bag with the stolen jewelry, was confronted by several persons at the market, including Marimutoo.

They managed to disarm him, retrieve the stolen jewelry, and hand it over to the Police. All stolen items were recovered and accounted for, Police said.

During the confrontation, Pertab sustained multiple injuries and collapsed.

Both the injured bystander and Pertab were taken to Port Mourant Public Hospital. Pertab later succumbed to his injuries during treatment while the injured bystander, Mark Lovell, was treated and later discharged himself.

A post-mortem conducted on Pertab revealed that he died from multiple wounds compounded by shock and hemorrhage.

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