Blog

Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Nigel Hughes on Tuesday night said the partnership between his party and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) was on “life support.”

And the future of that partnership, he said, depends on a favourable outcome from ongoing negotiations between the two sides.

Hughes spoke at a virtual press conference on Tuesday night. In that engagement, he clarified that the AFC is engaging APNU on possibly joining forces again, this time for the 2025 General and Regional Elections.

“The present agreement, that is the agreement between ourselves and APNU which we signed today [Tuesday], is on life support,” Hughes said.

Pressed by reporters on the use of that descriptor, Hughes said the party is guided by past experiences. He also said ongoing talks are merely exploratory but the AFC is interested in collaborating “in the national interest.”

However, he said, “Trust and confidentiality are crucial for us.”

Both parties have appointed negotiators for talks slated to end by March 31.

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

Hughes also spoke about the selection of a presidential candidate, should the parties renew their partnership. According to him, it is not automatic that the APNU leader will be that candidate as was the case in the past.

“Assuming it gets out of life support and gets back on its feet, there has to be a mechanism and a process for identifying leadership.

“For us, that process has to be driven by scientific means and polls and other mechanisms,” Hughes said.

Already, the AFC announced that Hughes will be the party’s presidential candidate. Aubrey Norton, the current opposition leader, who also heads APNU and the People’s National Congress (PNC) which is a party under APNU, said previously that any presidential candidate must be someone from the PNC. Hughes made it clear that he did not agree with that.

The two parties formed a coalition a decade ago. Together, they contested the 2015 General and Regional elections and won. They again contested the 2020 elections together but the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) was elected to government.

In the aftermath of those elections, the AFC did not renew the coalition pact though APNU and AFC parliamentarians remain together in the National Assembly and the majority opposition.

The post ‘Trust, confidentiality’ crucial as APNU + AFC partnership barely hanging on – Hughes appeared first on News Room Guyana.

There has been an increase in public cooperation with members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), an occurrence observed now that more ranks are outfitted with body cameras, according to Deputy Superintendent, Antonio Fredericks.

The Officer told the News Room that ranks have observed civilians behave more vigilant and mannerly.

“We are having the cooperation of the motorists. I don’t know if it’s because they are aware now that they are being recorded and we can use that evidence against them if there is an unwarranted altercation,” Fredericks told the News Room on Tuesday.

Police body cameras provide visual and audio evidence that can independently verify events.

Ranks using body cameras are guided by Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 1- of May 2015.

Police ranks are being trained to use the equipment, and to extract and upload footage.

“It must be noted that all ranks are equipped with body cameras. They are trained in the operation and use of the body cams,” Fredericks said.

The body cameras can be used to document law enforcement officials’ interactions with victims and witnesses during police-public encounters, arrests, and critical incidents.

Traffic Chief clarifies Commissioner’s directive on police stops without body cameras

Footage from recorded interactions, Fredericks said, are being stored in a database to be used as evidence in the event of any unbecoming exchange.

The directive for ranks to be outfitted with body cameras during their daily operations was first made public by Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, during a meeting with senior officers and the police brass two weeks ago.

Currently, the Guyana Police Force has some 800 pieces of body cameras- 500 of which were recently acquired- and plans are in the pipeline to purchase more.

The post Public cooperating with Police as more body cameras in use – Deputy Superintendent appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The newly commissioned health centre valued at about $37 million at Esau and Jacob in Region Five will now provide enhanced health services to the residents.

Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony commissioned the health facility, on Saturday.

The health centre will offer various services including maternal and child healthcare, family planning, general outpatient services, chronic disease management, home visits, pharmacy services and school health programmes.

Minister Anthony underlined that the construction of this health centre represents the government’s efforts to decentralising health services, especially to underserved communities.

Before the construction of the centre, residents from Mahaicony Creek had to travel to Mora Point to access basic health services.

The health minister stated, “We therefore decided that this is going to be an important addition where people can come and get care. That is why we have put this facility here.”

Dr Anthony reminded that the hospitals at Mahaicony and Fort Wellington are now better equipped to provide advanced health services to patients due to the crucial investments made by the government.

As such, Mahaicony Hospital performed more than 200 planned surgeries last year, eliminating the need for persons to travel to Georgetown or elsewhere for services.

Additionally, two modern digital X-ray machines were installed at both hospitals last year.

Minister Anthony also encouraged the residents to take advantage of the wide range of health services including the health screening programme (Republished from the Department of Public Information)

The post $37M health centre opens at Esau and Jacob appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Fifteen residents of Region Five have completed the 12-month Medical Laboratory Technician training programme, equipping them with the skills necessary to enhance healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes.

The comprehensive programme provided theoretical and practical training, covering key areas such as haematology, microbiology, blood banking, clinical chemistry, immunology, and urology.

Participants also received instruction in laboratory safety protocols, specimen handling, quality assurance, and data interpretation, ensuring high standards of precision in laboratory services.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Saturday, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony emphasised the importance of decentralised training programmes to meet the healthcare demands of Guyana’s rapidly evolving health sector.

Dr Anthony said, “These programmes are quite robust. So, if you don’t put in the effort, you are not going to make it. Medicine, after all, is a very serious thing. And therefore, we want to train you in a way that you can dispense your professional responsibility in the best possible manner…We also want you to deliver good, quality work.”

Minister Anthony also highlighted the significant investments made within the last few years to improve the region’s health infrastructure and services among other support.

For instance, Mahaicony Hospital has conducted more than 200 surgeries within the last year. A new $49 million digital Siemens X-ray machine was also installed at the hospital in February 2024, providing enhanced and faster imaging services.

The Fort Wellington Hospital has also benefited from the installation of a digital X-ray machine.

“These are not small investments. They are big investments. We have made them because we want the people of this region to get good healthcare services just like anybody else,” the health minister noted.

While commending the graduates for completing their course, Dr Anthony stated that they are ready to make meaningful contributions to the region’s healthcare sector.

In January 2024, the government launched the first Medical Laboratory Programme in Region Six.

This year, Guyana’s health sector will be further enhanced with a budgetary allocation of $143.2 billion.

To this end, he told the participants, “We have a lot of work to do. That is because we want to do a lot of transformational things.”

The graduation ceremony also saw the attendance of the Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Theresa Sarju, Regional Chairman, Vickchand Ramphal, and Member of Parliament, Faizal Jafferally (Republished from the Department of Public Information)

The post 15 new medical lab techs for Reg. 5 appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Glō Aesthetics is proud to announce the arrival of Zo Skin Health, the globally acclaimed skincare line created by renowned U.S. dermatologist Dr. Zein Obagi.

Now available for the first time in Guyana, Zo Skin Health offers medical-grade products designed to transform skin health and address concerns such as aging, hydration, sun damage, and more.

Known for its science-backed formulations, Zo Skin Health includes cleansers, toners, exfoliators, anti-aging treatments, sunscreen, and cosmetics.

These products promote healthy skin by boosting cell turnover, improving collagen production, reducing inflammation, and protecting against environmental damage.

“At Glō Aesthetics, we are thrilled to provide our clients with access to Zo Skin Health, a product line trusted by dermatologists and estheticians worldwide,” said Sadia Rahaman, owner of Glō Aesthetics.

“This is a game-changer for skincare in Guyana.”

Clients can now access personalized consultations with a U.S.-licensed esthetician to find tailored solutions for their unique skin concerns.

Whether it’s reducing the appearance of pores, improving hydration, or addressing anti-aging, Glō Aesthetics is equipped to guide clients on their journey to healthier, glowing skin.

Appointments are booking quickly, and products are already in high demand. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the transformative power of Zo Skin Health.

To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit @glo_aestheticsgy on Instagram or call/WhatsApp 678-5615. (Ogle + Stone press release)

The post Globally acclaimed skincare line now at Guyana’s Glō Aesthetics appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Dr. Christopher Clarke, a Guyanese computer scientist, educator, and entrepreneur, has dedicated over a decade to the field of artificial intelligence (AI). With academic credentials that include a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from the University of Guyana and a PhD in Computer Science and Engineering specialiwing in Human-AI Interaction from the University of Michigan, Clarke aims to transform AI applications and education in Guyana.

Dr. Clarke’s passion for technology began at a young age. He is a director at v75 Inc., a local tech company.

“I always had an interest in technology from since a young age, my first interest in computing was back in [Information Technology] in high school, for CSEC,” he explained.

Clarke hopes to see Guyana move beyond its focus on oil and gas towards sustainable development powered by technology.

“Technology, compared to a lot of the fields out there, has this power to be an enabler for true sustainable growth, both from an economic and social standpoint, and what I want to encourage all of the young people coming up is to even if your interest isn’t just tech, even if it is finance or the medical field or law, what you can do is get the skills in technology to be able to augment those fields.

“The next greatest innovations truly come from interdisciplinary work,” Dr. Clarke said.

While AI can seem daunting, Clarke encourages a balanced approach. He also urged people fearful of AI to conduct their own research before coming to a conclusion that it is something bad.

“The real good thing about AI field now is that it has finally being proven that it works to a good extent; it can be controlled and it can be monitored.”

He envisions AI as a transformative force for Guyana’s development, offering opportunities to advance healthcare, finance, and other sectors where the country lags.

“With Guyana on the cusp of seismic development now, we can be one of the leaders in the Caribbean, instead of taking that first fear, take the first approach towards this new technology and show how can we actually take this and leverage it and use it to benefit our citizens,” Dr. Clarke expressed.

Clarke explains that AI is centered on emulating human intelligence to make processes more efficient. His specialiSation in Human-AI Interaction emphasises integrating AI into society for seamless interaction. Dr. Clarke has plans to open a research centre for AI in Guyana and soon, the University of Guyana will launch its AI Master’s programme. The programme was developed with the help of Dr. Clarke who also lectures at the UG.

Dr. Christopher Clarke, a Guyanese computer scientist, educator, and entrepreneur

“AI, I would argue, is the hottest topic in computer science right now, given that we would have had such rapid advancements within the last four years. So you are bringing something that is fresh, new to the young bright minds in Guyana, and they have the opportunity to take it, learn it, build their own products if they want to go on and do cutting edge research if they want to, so it already just helps in terms of upskilling our younger generation,” Dr. Clarke said.

Clarke has helped design numerous AI development projects, benefiting both local and international companies. He believes the opportunities with AI are endless and hopes to see it utilised in a sustainable way.

The post AI can transform, shape sustainable future for Guyana – Christopher Clarke appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Guyana boys and girls Under-21 hockey teams have recently been included to participate in the upcoming PAHF Junior Challenge being staged in Bridgetown, Barbados, from March 9-16, 2025.

The Challenge is an important one on the hockey calendar as it qualifies teams for the second-ever Junior Pan American Games scheduled for August 9-22 in Asuncion, Paraguay.

More than 3,800 athletes are expected to compete at those games across 31 sports.

Along with the host country, Paraguay, which receives an automatic spot in the Junior Pan Am Games, top nations Argentina, Canada, Chile and USA have already qualified for the Games.

In addition, Mexico for the boys and Uruguay for the girls have also qualified by being among the highest placed finishers in the 2024 PAHF Junior Championships, which was held in Canada.

With two spots remaining in each eight-team competition, Guyana must emerge as one of the top two finishers to secure a spot in the Junior Pan American Games.

The boys are expected to be competing against hosts Barbados, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala and Venezuela.

Of these teams, Guyana has only recently competed with Barbados and Brazil, finishing above both teams in the 2023 Junior Pan American Championships.

The Guyanese girls are expected to compete against Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala, Puerto Rico and Mexico.

Guyana got the better of Barbados two years ago, but have not faced any of the other nations before.

Selection for both squads were recently concluded with 27 boys and 23 girls selected to train before being narrowed to a final 16 players each in early February.

The boys squad will lean heavily on the experience of the eight players who were part of the last junior national team that placed fifth at the 2023 Junior Pan Am Championships.

The girls meanwhile, will benefit from four overseas-based players with international experience in Sarah Kalutky, Madison and Georgiana Fernandes, and Charlia Webb and locally-based Kirsten Gomes and Clayza Bobb.

The full squads selected are as follows:

BOYS: Donnel Alleyne, Shaquon Favorite, Kallel Ferreira, David Massiah, Simeon Moore, Yonnick Norton, Jose Rodrigues, Nkosi Saul, Quinn Tobin, Daniel Woolford, Darious Alleyne, Clay Bobb, Keeland Cummings, Oswald Fraser, Navid Hussain, Javid Hussain, Jabari Lovell, Robert Marcus, Naresh Mohadeo, Jabez Walters, Baraka Garnett, John Dias, Grant Fernandes, Anthony Harry, Alex Peniston, Lucas Sargeant and Vladimir Woodroffe

GIRLS: Kadence Belony, Rebecca Bento, Africo Blackman, Clayza Bobb, Solana Crumb-Ewing, Georgiana Fernandes, Madison Fernandes, Rebecca Ferreira, Hadassah Fraser, Sueann Fraser, Kirsten Gomes, Kendra Gordon, Trinity Greaves, Sarah Harry, Tinashe Henry, Sarah Klautky, Sara Matthias, Hannah Percival, Keitanna Percival, Makaylah Poole, Ameriah Sahadeo, Kazaquah Uzzi and Charlia Webb

The post Junior hockey teams to contest PAHF Jr Challenge in Barbados appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Archery Guyana proudly hosted the 2024 National Indoor Recurve Open on January 18-19, 2025, at the Cyril Potter College of Education Auditorium, Turkeyen Campus.

This highly anticipated event brought together archers from across the nation to compete in an atmosphere charged with excitement, camaraderie and high-performance standards.

Continuing its trailblazing efforts, Archery Guyana ensured the presence of a professional physiotherapist to provide vital support to athletes.

Physiotherapist Stowell Barry, a skilled practitioner with a passion for sports therapy, was on site to deliver tailored treatments that enhanced athlete performance and reduced injury risks.

This initiative, now a hallmark of Archery Nationals, was made possible through the invaluable collaboration of Vanessa Wickham, the National Sports Clinic, and Dr. Ariane Mangar from the Ministry of Health.

Archery Guyana once again raised the bar by streaming the competition live and utilising the globally recognised IANSEO software for real-time scoring.

This ensured immediate updates for athletes, coaches and fans, adding to the electrifying atmosphere of the event.

Participants and officials of the tournament

The competition delivered riveting performances and showcased the talent and resilience of the participants.

In the Women’s category, Roshini Boodhoo delivered a commanding performance to claim the gold medal, with Karin Toppin earning silver in a spirited showing by the female archers.

In the Men’s category, the bronze medal match captivated spectators as Jeewanram Persaud faced off against the 2024 Barebow gold medallist.

In a tightly contested battle, Jeewanram emerged victorious, solidifying his place on the podium.

The gold medal match between veteran archer Sean Duncan and newcomer Lucas Chung was the highlight of the event.

Chung, competing in his first national competition, held his nerve to tie with Duncan in regulation rounds.

The tension peaked as the match went to a one-arrow shoot-off, where Chung’s precision secured him the gold medal.

The Results Management Team led by Results Manager Anopa Ramdial and Results Verifier Karim Asiyah and Shakeem Idrees released the official results as follows:

Men’s Results

• Gold: Lucas Chung
• Silver: Sean Duncan
• Bronze: Jeewanram Persaud

Women’s Results

• Gold: Roshini Boodhoo
• Silver: Karin Toppin

The energy at the Cyril Potter College of Education Auditorium was electric, with spectators cheering enthusiastically for every shot. The camaraderie among athletes, officials and fans created an unforgettable experience.

Director of Shooting Ryan McKinnon’s leadership and the dedication of competition officials, including Chairperson of Judges Robert Singh and Judges Saeed Karim and Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, ensured the event’s success.

At the presentation ceremony, Director of Shooting Ryan McKinnon delivered closing remarks, while President Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon expressed profound gratitude to key stakeholders, including:

• Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr.
• Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle
• National Sports Commission
• Guyana Olympic Association President Godfrey Munroe and Executive Committee
• Samuel Arjoon of Guyana Beverages Inc. (Oasis Water)
• Vanessa Wickham, the National Sports Clinic
• Ariane Mangar, Ministry of Health
• Physiotherapist Stowell Barry
• Members of the media

Special thanks were extended to Principal Noella Joseph and Alque Stanley for the use of the Cyril Potter College Auditorium, a venue that contributed significantly to the event’s success.

Looking ahead, Archery Guyana is excited to announce the upcoming Youth Open, scheduled for February 8-9, 2025, at the National Gymnasium.

This event invites all youth archers to participate and continue developing their skills in this dynamic and inclusive sport.

Archery Guyana remains steadfast in its mission to elevate the sport locally while setting international standards for excellence. (Archery Guyana Press Release)

The post Chung and Boodhoo excel at Archery Guyana’s National Indoor Recurve Open appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Under radiant sunshine, Lusignan Golf Club came alive, showcasing its lush green landscape and meticulously manicured fairways, setting the perfect stage for an electrifying start to 2025.

The inaugural GBTI Mastercard Golf Classic Tournament unfolded with a vibrant display of competitive spirit, as golfers from a robust field battled for glory.

As the curtains fell on this spectacular event, Orson Ferguson emerged as the tournament’s first champion of the year, etching his name into the club’s history.

This successful tournament marked yet another milestone in the enduring partnership between the Lusignan Golf Club and its esteemed sponsors, leaving both players and spectators in awe of the world-class experience.

Ferguson’s dedication to the sport was evident, as he revealed his rigorous preparation over the past month.

Speaking after his victory, Ferguson stated, “I’ve been practicing two to three times per week in the mornings over the past month. So this win is a culmination of the work I have been putting in. It’s pretty exciting to see the hard work actually paying off. It was a wonderful course to play on and it was a wonderful tournament, and thanks to GBTI for sponsoring.”

Ferguson led the field with 43 points (handicap 28), demonstrating remarkable consistency throughout the day.

The tournament also recognised additional outstanding performances.

The third-place position was secured by Rakesh Harry with 38 points (handicap 10), followed closely by Arnold Deo in second place with 38 points (handicap 19).

Top performers of the tournament with officials of GBTI

Notable acknowledgments included Rakesh Harry for the Longest Drive and Joseph Szeplake for Nearest to the Pin (NTP), both of whom showcased remarkable skill and precision.

Pernell Cummings, Marketing Manager of GBTI, lauded the efforts of the players and expressed the institution’s pride in supporting the event.

“GBTI is honoured to be a part of this tournament. It was great to see all these players coming out and supporting the tournament. We commend the players for toiling in the sun and to the winner, it was a job well done. We will definitely be supporting this club again,” said Cummings.

Anasha Ally, President of the Lusignan Golf Club, extended gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the tournament’s success.

“Thank you GBTI; it was a wonderful tournament. This is attributable to the people who turned out to the tournament and those who supported it. I would like to thank our club staff and our ground staff for making this course so beautiful. Many people have commended the LGC for the improvement on the course.”

The GBTI Gold Mastercard offers convenient payment options with credit limits ranging from US$2,000 to US$10,000, along with 4% cashback on local purchases at supermarkets, restaurants, pharmacies and more.

Meanwhile, the GBTI Executive Business Mastercard caters to business professionals with access to financial mentors, SME education programmes, and other exclusive benefits.

The Lusignan Golf Club continues to build on its reputation as a premier golfing destination in Guyana, owing much of its success to the unwavering support of sponsors like GBTI and the dedication of its members and staff. (Lusignan Golf Club Press Release)

The post Orson Ferguson secures victory in GBTI Mastercard Golf Classic tournament appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Carlton Damion Singh called ‘Fat Boy’, a taxi driver from Independence Boulevard, Albouystown, was sentenced to two years imprisonment after he pled guilty to simple larceny.

Singh appeared at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday before Magistrate Dylon Bess.

He was accused of stealing firearms and ammunition worth $3.7 million from Radar Security between December 24 – 26, 2022 at Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

In court, Singh changed his plea from not guilty to guilty.

 

The post ‘Fat Boy’ jailed for two years for stealing firearms from Radar Security appeared first on News Room Guyana.