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Cyril’s Transportation Service, a company proud of its 100 per cent Guyanese ownership and staffing, is making waves at the 2025 Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, currently underway at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston.

With a reputation for offering “effortless transportation, unforgettable experience,” Cyril’s is showcasing not only its fleet of state-of-the-art vehicles but also its deep commitment to local content and services.

In an exclusive interview with The News Room on the opening day of the conference, Mikhail Persaud, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, shared his vision for the future of Cyril’s and its pivotal role in Guyana’s growing energy sector.

Cyril’s has seen significant growth and investment over the past year, especially in the modernization of its fleet. With brand new SUVs and buses, the company is elevating its service to meet the demands of a corporate clientele while providing more comfort and style.

“New vehicles are always a hit with people,” Persaud noted, adding that the newer vehicles bring a more polished, corporate feel to their operations.

In addition to catering to business clients, Cyril’s offers services to the broader public, including both locals and international visitors. The company provides airport transfers, city transportation, and even a unique party bus service.

The party bus, popular among locals, allows passengers to bring their own drinks while enjoying music on board, with some booking the service for up to six or seven hours.

In an exclusive interview with The News Room on the opening day of the conference, Mikhail Persaud, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, shared his vision for the future of Cyril’s and its pivotal role in Guyana’s growing energy sector.

Persaud emphasised the company’s dedication to keeping its workforce local, stating, “We’re 100% owned by Guyanese, and all of our employees are Guyanese. We intend to keep it that way for as long as we can.”

While recognising the country’s growing needs may one day require expanding beyond local talent, he reaffirmed their commitment to supporting and hiring from within Guyana for the foreseeable future.

“We want everyone to experience the high level of service we’re providing,” Persaud said, adding that the company’s offerings go beyond simply serving the oil and gas industry.

“This is the energy conference, but we don’t want to focus solely on oil and gas. We want everyone to experience the service we provide and enjoy it.”

Persaud also highlighted Cyril’s commitment to supporting local businesses in every aspect of its operations.

“All of our support services, from technology to training, are sourced from Guyanese companies,” he explained.

“We believe in investing in what Guyana can offer, rather than sending money abroad or bringing in foreign companies.”

As Guyana’s oil and gas sector continues to boom, Persaud acknowledged the industry’s central role in driving business for Cyril’s Transportation, but emphasised the company’s desire to grow into other sectors as well.

“We’re not just about oil and gas. We want to diversify and continue to provide the best services to Guyanese and foreign nationals alike.”

The post Cyril’s Transportation makes strong local impact at 2025 Energy Conference appeared first on News Room Guyana.

By Isanella Patoir

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Tuesday said a thorough probe is underway to determine the facts surrounding the Monday attack on soldiers along the Cuyuni River close to the Venezuelan border.

“We are taking this very seriously, even if, and I am not saying this is the case, we have to do the evaluation, even if it is an armed gangs or any of those organisations that operate on the Venezuela side of the border, this is serious, because they fired on ranks in uniform,” President Ali said.

The six soldiers who came under gunfire are being transported to the city for treatment.

The President spoke with reporters at the sidelines of the 2025 Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown.

“Let us get the evaluation and then we will discuss our procedure that is important for the protection of our men and women in uniform and also of our sovereignty.”

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) said the soldiers were ambushed by masked gunmen and were attacked from the Venezuelan side.

“We want to ensure they have the best care and sometime later today we are going to position to have more details of what actually occurred,” President Ali said.

Those injured are: Second Lieutenant Ansel Murray who was shot to the right side of the head; Sergeant Kevon Davis who was shot in the right foot and ankle; Corporal Andre Fraser who received gunshot wounds to the left side of the abdomen and shoulder; Corporal Kevin Henry who was shot in the left arm and shoulder; Lance Corporal Travis Yorrick who was shot in the right thigh; and Private Ezron Samuel was shot in the right side of the abdomen.

After the attack on Monday, GDF mobilised reinforcement along the Cuyuni River. GDF in a statement said the resupply vessel en route from Eteringbang to Makapa came under fire from the group of armed men.

The patrol immediately responded to the attack and engaged the assailants with return fire.

Police Headquarters reported that the armed individuals are suspected to be linked to the Sindicatos, a Venezuelan gang.

The Guyana Defence Force said it remains steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of all ranks and ensuring the nation’s security.

The post President Ali says thorough evaluation underway after soldiers attacked on Cuyuni River appeared first on News Room Guyana.

A United States (US) company has proposed a venture in refined fuels to the Government of Guyana, a move that could vastly improve energy security and affordability in the tiny South American country.

This was announced by Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Tuesday during the opening ceremony of the 2025 edition of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo.

The company is called Curlew Midstream.

“(The deal) will first fulfill national demand and then service northern Brazil and the rest of the region,” Dr. Ali said in an address focused on the emerging investment opportunities in Guyana’s energy sector.”

He added, “We are in the process now of working out the details and finalising this so that our people here in Guyana and across the region can benefit from this facility.”

He also noted that the venture could see about US$300 million being invested in the initial stages.

Subsequently, the President told reporters that the deal is still being hammered out but it is envisioned that the fuel will be refined outside of Guyana.

However, a storage facility to store the barrels of oil will be constructed here.

Outside of this venture, Guyana has been eyeing a 30,000-barrel oil refinery that would harness some of the prolific oil resources offshore.

In January 2024, the country’s Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh announced that nine proposals were submitted to the government for the design, financing and construction of a refinery.

Discussions on oil refinery narrowed to five interest groups but strategic reserves still being explored

During a State visit to the Dominican Republic in August 2023, President Ali and his counterpart, President Luis Abinader, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of an oil refinery in Guyana that could possibly refine at least 50,000 barrels of oil daily.

President Abinader, who also spoke at the opening ceremony of the conference on Tuesday, said the Dominican Republic will make the final decision on the oil refinery in the coming months.

The post Guyana wants to save big with new refined fuels deal with US company appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Guyanese sprinter Athaleyha Hinckson has been awarded a scholarship to Louisiana State University (LSU).

Hinckson will join the LSU track and field team in the autumn, bolstering their sprint squad. This follows fellow Guyanese athlete Malachi Austin in securing a full scholarship to LSU.

The news comes after fellow Guyanese sprinter Tianna Springer, a CARIFTA Games and Youth Commonwealth Games 400m champion, recently committed to the University of Georgia.

Hinckson, who competed in the 100 m and 200 m at the 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships, enjoyed a successful 2024.

She won gold in the 100m at the South American U20 Championships and secured gold and silver in the 100m and 200m, respectively, at the CARIFTA Games.

Hinckson’s best of 11.39 seconds in the 100m, set at the 2024 Guyanese Championships, was ranked seventh in the world for Under-18 runners and is a South American U18 area record.

She also holds a South American U18 area record in the 60m (7.39 seconds) and a personal best in the 200m (23.76 seconds).

The post Guyanese sprinter Athaleyha Hinckson secures LSU scholarship appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Tuesday said the six soldiers who were shot after being ambushed by masked gunmen in the Cuyuni River are currently being medically evacuated to Georgetown for urgent follow-up medical care.

“The health and well-being of our personnel remain the highest priority, and all necessary measures are being taken to ensure they receive the best possible treatment. Additionally, the families of the affected ranks have been contacted and are being kept informed of their condition,” the GDF said in a release.

Earlier on Tuesday, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Irfaan Ali in a statement said an army Bell 412 helicopter was en route to evacuate the injured soldiers.

Those injured are: Second Lieutenant Ansel Murray who was shot to the right side of the head; Sergeant Kevon Davis who was shot in the right foot and ankle; Corporal Andre Fraser who received gunshot wounds to the left side of the abdomen and shoulder; Corporal Kevin Henry who was shot in the left arm and shoulder; Lance Corporal Travis Yorrick who was shot in the right thigh; and Private Ezron Samuel was shot in the right side of the abdomen.

“We are deeply concerned about the well-being of our soldiers who were injured in yesterday’s attack on a military patrol.
“I had the opportunity to speak with 2LT Ansel Murray, SGT Andre Frazer, SGT Kevon Davis, CPL Kevin Henry, LCPL Troy Yorrick, and PTE Ezra Samuel. I expressed my gratitude for their service at our borders and assured them of the nation’s support and my concern for their well-being,” President Ali said.

Further, the Guyana Defence Force said it remains steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of all ranks and ensuring the nation’s security.

After the attack on Monday, GDF mobilised reinforcement along the Cuyuni River. GDF in a statement said the resupply vessel en route from Eteringbang to Makapa came under fire from the group of armed men.

The patrol immediately responded to the attack and engaged the assailants with return fire. Police Headquarters reported that the armed individuals are suspected to be linked to the Sindicatos, a Venezuelan gang.

The post Injured soldiers evacuated for medical care in Georgetown appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Gladwyn Tracey, a 42-year-old manager of Hart’s Suite located at First Avenue Bartica, was arrested by Police and faced two charges of discharging a loaded firearm and drunk driving.

The case was called at the Bartice Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Teriq Mohamed.

Tracey pleaded not guilty to the charge of discharging a loaded firearm; he was granted $60,000 bail and the matter was adjourned to March 13 for continuation.

He, however, pleaded guilty to the drunk driving charges and was fined $200,000.

The post Bartica man charged for drunk driving, discharging loaded firearm  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Four men who reportedly robbed a group of Chinese nationals were charged and subsequently placed on $1.9 million bail each.

The men charged are: 24-year-old Andra Stewart, 25-year-old Nya John, 28-year-old Negus Lamaizon, and Matthew Jahlu.

They were charged relative to an investigation into an alleged robbery under arms committed on Chinese nationals Liu Bo, Chaung Yang, Wei Han, Qiao Peng Deng, and 29-year-old Gary Mitchell on Wednesday, February 12 at Republic Park, East Bank Demerara.

The men were arrested that same day and charged on Monday (February 17) with five counts of robbery under arms.

The four accused appeared at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrate’s Court on Monday and pleaded not guilty. They were, however, placed on $1.9 million bail each, with the conditions that they report to the CID Headquarters, Vlissengen Road, every Friday (except for Fridays when they are required to attend court), and lodge their passports with the authorities.

The matter has been adjourned to April 10, 2025.

The post Four men charged, placed on $1.9M bail each after Chinese nationals robbed appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Press Release from the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club

The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) 2025 Drag Racing Championship got off to a spectacular and seamless start at the South Dakota Circuit as racers and fans alike were treated to a thrilling day of high-speed action under bright sunshine.

With an incident-free event and a perfectly functioning timing system, the race day proceeded smoothly, with all classes completing ahead of schedule and new champions emerging in each category.

History in the making– Women and youth shine on the track

The day saw a significant milestone for female competitors, with Ashley Persaud (#162, Toyota ZN86) becoming only the second female to win a class while competing against the men, taking victory in the 16-second Class.

Meanwhile, Crystal Singh (#1320, Volkswagen Golf R) dominated the Female Class, setting a new standard for women in motorsport.

She now holds the title of fastest female on the track, clocking an impressive 12.847 seconds, a record that is sure to inspire more women to take up the sport.

Matthew Daby and his Junior Dragster blazing the track (Photo: GMS&SC)

Adding to the day’s historic achievements, 12-year-old Matthew Daby became the fastest junior driver down the 1320-foot strip, posting a stunning 13.193-second run in his Junior Dragster.

He followed in the footsteps of his father, Peter Daby (#728, Mazda RX-7), who set the fastest time of the day with a blistering 9.506-second pass.

Peter Daby’s Mazda RX-7 set the fastest time of the day (Photo: GMR&SC)

Round One Winners– 2025 GMR&SC Drag Racing Championship

• Female Class (Crystal Singh – #1320 – Volkswagen Golf R)
• 16-Second Class (Ashley Persaud – #162 – Toyota ZN86)
• 15-Second Class (Mohamed Saifudeen Roshandin – #131 – Toyota Levin)
• 14-Second Class (Fareem Edoo – #128 – Toyota Corolla AE92)
• 13-Second Class (Omesh Persaud – #1484 – Nissan Pulsar)
• 12-Second Class (Wasim Khalawan – #165 – Lexus IS200)
• 11-Second Class (Vishal Gewan – #17 – Toyota Caldina)
• 10-Second Class (Damion Persaud – #198 – Toyota Caldina)
• 9-Second Class (Peter Daby – #728 – Mazda RX-7, third generation)
• 600cc Bikes (Shem Chattersingh – #101)
• 1000cc Bikes (Jermaine Chattersingh – #103)

A positive start for GMR&SC– Momentum to build on

With a strong turnout of competitors and fans, the GMRSC’s first round of the 2025 Drag Racing Championship was a resounding success.

The event saw many new drivers lining up for the first time, showcasing the continued growth and popularity of the sport in Guyana.

The club remains committed to fostering a competitive yet safe racing environment and looks forward to building on this momentum throughout the season.

As the championship progresses, fans can expect even more thrilling battles, record-breaking runs, and new talent emerging on the track.

The post Females among standout performers in Round One of Drag Racing C’ship appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill on Monday threw his support behind a motion proposed by Opposition Parliamentarian, Volda Lawrence, to restore Georgetown’s Le Repentir Cemetery.

The historic burial ground, established in 1861, has long been a site of neglect and decay, but Edghill assured parliamentarians that the government is already taking steps to address these issues.

“I thank the Member for giving us this opportunity to discuss such an important subject,” Edghill said, acknowledging Lawrence’s motion.

He stressed that the government is neither unwilling nor unable to restore the cemetery, adding that beautification and enhancement plans are already in motion for cemeteries across Guyana.

Edghill highlighted ongoing works at Le Repentir Cemetery, including the installation of fencing to prevent illegal dumping and address the issue of “tomb squatting”. He also outlined a comprehensive plan for the cemetery’s restoration, which includes the construction of six main roads, 13 cross streets, and four footpaths.

“Don’t let anyone fool you,” Edghill said. “The government is way ahead in this process. There is no fight here. We already have the plan.”

However, Edghill raised concerns over some of the obstacles to the cemetery’s restoration, noting that certain tombs have been buried along roads, making it a sensitive issue to relocate them.

Despite this, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ongoing rehabilitation efforts.

A key point of contention during the exchange was Lawrence’s claim that the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC), which is responsible for the cemetery, lacks the financial resources to undertake the necessary rehabilitation.

Edghill disagreed with this statement, pointing instead to the billions of dollars owed in unpaid taxes by Lawrence’s own party, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R).

“If the PNC/R would pay their rates and taxes, City Hall would have the funds to do its work,” Edghill said.

In fact, he said if they paid just a fraction of the monies they owe, it would be enough for City Hall to fix the main roads, cross streets, and drainage around the cemetery.

Moments before and in what Edghill described as a well scripted presentation, Lawrence outlined the critical need for intervention at the cemetery. She referred to Le Repentir as a “sacred resting place” for many of Guyana’s forefathers, community leaders, and martyrs.

Yet, she painted a grim picture of the cemetery’s current state, describing it as an “ugly scene of neglect and decay,” a “haven for criminal activities,” and a dangerous environment for visitors.

Lawrence’s words echoed the frustrations of many Georgetown residents, who have witnessed the gradual decline of the cemetery over the years.

“Tombs have collapsed, there are no bridges, and it looks like a jungle,” she said, stressing that the cemetery’s conditions go beyond a municipal concern—it is a national issue.

Recognising the cemetery’s historical importance, Lawrence called for urgent intervention to restore its infrastructure, with particular emphasis on proper drainage systems.

The post Plans outlined to restore and prevent dumping and ‘tomb squatting’ at Le Repentir cemetery appeared first on News Room Guyana.

In a heated exchange during a sitting National Assembly sitting on Monday, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony rejected claims made by former Health Minister Dr. Karen Cummings, that the country’s healthcare system is failing pregnant women.

Dr. Cummings, representing the opposition APNU+AFC party, suggested that the healthcare system was “hemorrhaging” and in critical need of reform following the deaths of three expectant mothers this year.

However, Dr. Anthony swiftly rebutted these assertions, emphasising the strides made under the current PPP/C government.

The Health Minister contrasted the present situation with the record of the previous administration. In 2018, the country recorded 23 maternal fatalities. The figure dropped to 14 in 2024.

Addressing the specific cases of maternal deaths in 2025, Dr. Anthony highlighted the complexity of the patients’ conditions, which occurred at the Port Mourant, Charity, and Bartica Hospitals.

These deaths, he said, were the result of severe medical issues such as ruptured arteries, bleeding, cardiogenic shock, severe anaemia, and multi-organ failure, complications that are not easily preventable despite the best healthcare efforts.

“The system did not fail,” Dr. Anthony declared.

“It was, in fact, highly responsive to these critical cases. While the conditions were severe, the healthcare system’s rapid reaction was evident,” he added.

The Minister also detailed the improvements in the healthcare sector since the PPP/C government took office, specifically in maternal and emergency care.

Dr. Anthony pointed to an increase in the number of operating theatres, which has more than doubled since the previous government’s tenure, from fewer than 10 to more than 24.

Along with the expansion of facilities, the Minister also highlighted the growth in the number of medical staff, improved supervision, and an overall elevation in the quality of care provided.

“The healthcare system has been improved to respond more effectively to these complex challenges,” he explained, dismissing the opposition’s claims as unfounded.

The post ‘System not failing’ – says Health Minister on maternal deaths appeared first on News Room Guyana.