Moonie Ramnarine, a 65-year-old businessman was arrested for the fatal shooting of a 29-year-old cane harvester on New Year’s Day.
Dead is Yognand Chaitram called ‘Boy’ from Alness Village, Corentyne, Berbice.
The businessman operates a bar at his premises at Lesbeholden. Police said he is a licensed firearm holder of a .32 pistol. The shooting incident stemmed from an argument among Chaitram and other patrons.
Ramnarine said the argument escalated with Chaitram and others breaking bottles and threatening each other.
The businessman said he attempted to close his gate when Chaitram and another man threw him to the ground, injuring his elbow.
While on the ground and being threatened with bottles, Ramnarine said he discharged two rounds from his firearm, hitting the Chaitram, who collapsed on the road. Ramnarine then secured his business place, reported the incident to the police, and surrendered his firearm and license.
Two .32 spent shells were recovered — one inside the shop and one near the gate.
Chaitram was pronounced dead at the Mibicuri Public Hospital.
The businessman is in custody assisting with the investigation, and his firearm, along with his license, has been lodged.
A New Year’s Day murder claimed the life of Reinsford Kenny at Kumung Kumung Backdam, Puruni River.
The suspect, Alpha Osafha McPhoy, also known as ‘Bat’, is a 28-year-old gold miner from Georgetown.
McPhoy was arrested and reportedly confessed to stabbing Kenny but claimed it was in self-defence.
According to a police report, both men were employed by businessman Rhyburn Elcock. The businessman told police that Kenny arrived at his shop intoxicated and was behaving disorderly.
Elcock said he removed Kenny from his premises and he later learned that the suspect stabbed him [Kenny] during a commotion outside.
A coworker, Jermain Sampson attempted to break up a knife altercation between Kenny and McPhoy but was also stabbed.
Sampson said he later found Kenny lying motionless with a chest wound.
India coach Gautam Gambhir did not confirm whether out-of-form captain Rohit Sharma would be part of the starting XI for the New Year’s Test in Sydney or not.
“The head coach is here. That should be enough,” Gambhir said to a room full of reporters wondering why Rohit was not at the pre-match press conference.
Rohit had skipped it before the third Test in Brisbane too – Shubman Gill spoke to the press then – but the explanation then was that he had not come for the optional training session at the Gabba where the press conference was being held.
Thursday’s training session at the SCG was optional too, but Rohit was there at the ground, on the eve of a Test India must win to draw the series and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
So the question was asked: Is Rohit okay? “Everything is fine with Rohit,” Gambhir replied.
And when he was asked again whether Rohit was going to play, he said: “We’re going to have a look at the wicket and finalise it [the XI] tomorrow.”
That’s where it all kicked off.
Rohit has been struggling for form. He’s averaging 10.93 in his last nine Tests and only 6.2 in this series. He was late to India’s training on Thursday.
Technically, it was an optional session, so it might not be right reading too much into it, but everybody was there.
Gill, who was left out of the XI for the MCG Test, was among the first set of batters in the SCG nets. Dhruv Jurel, who hasn’t played since the first Test in Perth, was among them too; it was one of the few times he has worked alongside the first-XI players.
Jasprit Bumrah came out from the doors leading into the members pavilion and went straight to Gambhir for a little chat.
Still there was no sign of Rohit at the nets. He had been in the main ground playing a game of foot-volleyball and then disappeared.
It was only after the others had batted for an hour that Rohit made his way out to join them, without his kit, in just his sweatshirt and shorts. He went down to where the team analyst, Hari, was standing. Then Bumrah joined the two.
This had happened at the MCG as well. Rohit took his time to get to the outdoor nets and had a fairly long session facing only throwdowns. The only difference was in Melbourne he also attended the press conference.
Rohit Sharma was a late arrival at training and did not practice like the others did at the SCG•Getty Images
At the SCG, he had a light, 40-minute hit facing the fielding coach T Dilip and throwdown specialist Daya off the sidearm. The other frontline batters were already done with their stints by this time. Rohit was batting alongside Tanush Kotian and Abhimanyu Easwaran.
There were moments that he looked good, a pull shot off the front foot for example, moments that he seemed to have fun, an apology for an awkward throwback down the pitch had him smiling from ear to ear, and moments where he batted like someone not in form, he left one that took out his off stump.
At the end of the Brisbane Test, Rohit had admitted that while he wasn’t batting well, he was still ticking all the boxes that he needed to.
“As long as my mind, my body, my feet are moving well, I am pretty happy with how things are panning out for me,” Rohit had said two weeks ago.
“Sometimes those numbers can tell you that it’s been a while since he has got big runs. But for a person like me, I think it’s all about how I feel in my mind.”
In Melbourne, he seemed to find a semblance of form, or at least a lot more faith in his defence, as he withstood a period of bowling that Pat Cummins said was pretty close to perfect from his side.
Australia hunted for his outside edge, he denied them for the first hour, but then gave them their first breakthrough when he played a risky flick shot that ended up in the hands of the gully fielder.
“As a batter as well, a lot of the things that I am trying to do is not falling in the place that I would want to,” Rohit said after India went 2-1 down in the series. “But mentally, it is disturbing without a doubt.”
Reports emerged in the media that Rohit was already thinking of retiring at the end of the Sydney Test, which then begged the question, if he was thinking along those lines, could he not step away now when the series is still alive?
India rarely reveal their XI on the eve of a Test match but Gambhir refusing to confirm whether Rohit will be part of it was odd.
Doesn’t the captain walk straight in? Isn’t he the one who decides who plays, not the other way around? The new year has begun with plenty of intrigue for India. (ESPNcricinfo)
See below full statement from President Dr Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Progressive Party.
On this historic occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), I extend heartfelt congratulations to the party, its members, and supporters, past and present. This milestone is not merely a celebration of the longevity of a political organization but a recognition of the pivotal role the PPP has played in shaping the history and destiny of Guyana.
The PPP was born out of a vision for a free, independent, united and prosperous Guyana. Since its inception in 1950, it has remained a stalwart advocate for the rights of the working class, for justice, equality, and national development. The party’s contributions to Guyana’s development and political evolution extend even to the period prior to our Independence, marking the party as a foundational pillar of our nation’s modern political modern history. The formation of the party reignited the nationalist struggle, giving voice, leadership and direction to the aspirations of a people yearning for freedom, dignity, and self-determination
Among the PPP’s early and transformative achievements was its vanguard role in the fight for universal adult suffrage. This landmark victory, which enfranchised all adults, laid the foundation for democratic governance in Guyana. It affirmed the principle that every citizen, regardless of class, gender, or ethnicity, has an equal stake in the nation’s future. The PPP’s commitment to this cause epitomized its belief in the fundamental dignity and equality of all Guyanese.
During the the dark era when the democratic will of the people was trampled upon for nearly a quarter of a century, the PPP stood resolutely at the forefront of the struggle for the restoration of democracy. Through tireless struggle and sacrifices, the party championed the return of free and fair elections, culminating in its historic victory in 1992.
The restoration of democracy brought with it the herculean task of national reconstruction. The People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) government, took on the responsibility of rebuilding Guyana from the ruins of economic decay and despair. Through its policies, programmes and projects, the PPPC government laid the groundwork for economic recovery, improved social services, and infrastructural development, rekindling hope among the people.
Beyond its national achievements, the PPP has also made significant contributions to the struggles of oppressed and colonized peoples. The PPP has championed causes such as decolonization, regionalism, anti-imperialism, national liberation and an end to apartheid. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the struggles against racial oppression and colonial exploitation, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, the former General Secretary of the party, was posthumously awarded the prestigious Order of the Companions of Oliver Tambo. His later advocacy for a New Global Human Order highlighted the need for a fairer and more equitable world system. Throughout its history, the party has forged fraternal relations with progressive forces and movements, including those fighting for freedom and national liberation.
None of these achievements would have been possible without the tireless support and unrelenting loyalty of the party’s members and its extensive grassroots support. On this the party’s 75th anniversary, the party’s membership and supporters deserve acclaim and applause!
The PPP’s commitment to the ideals of democracy, social justice, and national unity continues to inspire hope and confidence in the future of our nation. Its vision for a Guyana where every citizen has a stake in its future remains as relevant today as it was at the party’s inception.
I commend the PPP for its enduring service to our nation and its dedication to the welfare of our people, particularly the working class. As the party looks toward the future, I am confident that it will continue to be a force for good, guiding Guyana to greater heights of prosperity and unity.
UK-based company RioMed Limited has been awarded a US$3.3 million contract to design, supply, and install the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system in Guyana. The announcement was made on Tuesday by Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony, marking a significant step towards modernising and digitising the country’s healthcare system.
“We went out to public tender, we got 14 expressions of interest and then the team when they did the evaluation they were looking at 98 different technical parameters, they narrowed that down to four and of that four we have a selection of one and that contract is now being awarded.
“A UK company won the bid and that bid is for US$3.3 million,” the health minister disclosed during his ministry’s yearend press conference.
The EHR initiative is part of a larger US$97 million Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-funded project.
Phase one of the EHR implementation will begin early in 2025 at the Georgetown Public Hospital and its satellite clinics. Following its success, the system will be expanded to other hospitals across the country.
“Phase one we expect that to start early in the new year, because we have now gotten past all the contracting part of it, so it is getting the company and doing the implementation,” Dr. Anthony said.
Dr. Anthony earlier in 2024 had revealed that the e-record system aims to enhance each patient healthcare experience by providing each citizen with a smart card containing their medical history, including diagnoses, test results, and medications.
Additionally, Dr Anthony said with the new Data Protection law, there are certain requirements that will have to be fulfilled to ensure that patient’s data are “properly” protected.
To counter a nurse shortage that the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has been dealing with for some years now, health authorities have been utilising certain strategies such as training and bringing in foreign nurses.
This is according to Chief Executive Officer of GPHC Robbie Rambarran.
“Our nursing shortage has been compounded by the punctuality issue we have with nurses,” Rambarran said Monday at an end-of-year press conference at the hospital’s Resource Centre in New Market Street, Georgetown.
While a shift should have about six nurses, often times there are just about three because some are not on time, may be apathetic, or may be dealing with burn out because of their work load.
It is at such times that doctors have to fill in and complete some of the duties of nurses, Rambarran said.
He doesn’t believe that a mass migration of nurses exists like before though. “The last we checked, many of the nurses did not migrate but they work at other hospitals and there are other companies that have their in-house medical care.”
“While nurses are leaving, we are employing as well. The shortage of nurses is not a Guyana issue; it’s a global issue. There is a global shortage of nurses,” he sought to point out when pressed by media operatives to share more on the issue.
One of the strategies being employed, he said, is training. There is currently about 1,000 registered nurses in training, with another programme training nursing assistants as well.
“This building (Resource Centre) that we’re actually in, the reason for it; that we’re renting, is for training of nurses,” he said.
Another strategy, according to Rambarran, is bringing nurses from Cuba; the Cuban brigade. There are currently 33 Cuban nurses employed here.
“There are nurses that are already here, and there are about 300 more who are coming while we are finalising their accommodations,” he informed.
The nurse shortage at the moment stands at about 700.
See below press release from the Ministry of Public Works:
The Ministry of Public Works is actively monitoring the significant disruption affecting passengers stranded in St. Lucia and Georgetown due to British Airways flight BA 2159’s cancellation on Monday, December 30th. The aircraft experienced unforeseen mechanical issues.
In coordination with the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation, the Ministry is in communication with British Airways officials to expedite solutions and address the ongoing situation for the affected travellers.
British Airways has informed that they are working, diligently, to facilitate the transportation of passengers to their intended destinations as quickly as possible. They are currently exploring various options to accommodate all travelers, promptly.
To alleviate additional confusion at the airport, passengers are strongly encouraged to remain patient and to check directly with British Airways or their agents for the most current updates on their travel arrangements.
The Ministry of Public Works remains committed to closely monitoring this situation and is dedicated to working collaboratively with British Airways to resolve the issue swiftly.
Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber shares its vision for 2025 in New Year’s message
The President of the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC), Mr. Manniram Prashad extends its warmest New Year greetings to all Guyana stakeholders, partners, and citizens as we enter a promising 2025.
2024 was a year of significant progress for Guyana’s energy sector. The Chamber is proud to have witnessed and contributed to our nation’s continued growth and transformation as a leading player in the global oil and gas industry.
We have strengthened Guyana’s position as a hub for energy excellence and sustainable development through partnerships, innovation, and strategic planning.
Looking ahead to 2025, GOGEC reaffirms its commitment to advocating for responsible energy practices, fostering local content development, and driving investments that benefit all Guyanese.
The Chamber remains dedicated to ensuring that the wealth generated from our natural resources translates into lasting economic and social benefits for the entire nation.
As we embrace the opportunities and challenges of the New Year, GOGEC calls on all stakeholders to continue working collaboratively toward building a resilient, diversified, and sustainable energy future. Together, we can solidify Guyana’s role as a global leader in energy while safeguarding the environment and empowering communities.
On behalf of the Chamber, we wish everyone a prosperous and fulfilling New Year. May 2025 bring success, growth, and unity to Guyana and its people.
Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken’s New Year’s Message 2025
As the new year unfolds, we stand at the threshold of new possibilities, strengthened by the lessons of the past year.
On behalf of the Guyana Police Force, I extend warm New Year greetings to all citizens of Guyana, near and far.
May this year bring health, happiness, and prosperity to you and your families.
The dawn of a new year reminds us of our shared responsibility to build a safer and more harmonious society. As Guyana continues to progress on its remarkable development journey, the role of the Guyana Police Force remains pivotal.
In 2025, we reaffirm our commitment to providing professional, transparent, and community-oriented policing that reflects the values of integrity, fairness, and accountability.
The past year has shown us the power of collaboration. Through meaningful partnerships with communities, civic organizations, and stakeholders, we have strengthened the bonds of trust that underpin effective law enforcement.
In the year ahead, we will expand these collaborations, emphasizing innovation and inclusivity in all aspects of our work.
To the men and women of the Guyana Police Force, your resilience and dedication remain the backbone of this noble organization.
You have faced challenges head-on, often going above and beyond to fulfill your duty to the people of Guyana. As Commissioner of Police, I am immensely proud of your efforts and confident in your continued commitment to excellence.
Let us approach 2025 with a shared vision of peace and security, guided by sound planning and a steadfast resolve to uphold the rule of law.
Together, we will ensure that every citizen feels safe and valued, regardless of where they live or their circumstances.
To every Guyanese, I encourage you to embrace this year with hope and determination.
Let us work together to build a nation where safety, justice, and prosperity are within reach for all.
May the blessings of this new year bring success to our endeavors and unite us in our shared mission of progress.
According to Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony, while the ministry has made significant strides in addressing the challenges of human resources in the health sector, a shortage of healthcare workers still persists.
To address these gaps, the ministry is exploring options for recruiting healthcare workers from abroad, particularly as Guyana continues to experience migration of its professionals. And as a result, Dr. Anthony said the government is taking steps to tackle this shortage with expanded training programmes and the importation of overseas personnel to effectively staff the six new regional hospitals expected to be opened by June 2025.
“The ministry we have worked with PAHO and we have done a staffing plan of how many people we would need to address some of the migration that we have and also to address the expansion that we are doing,” Dr. Anthony stated.
He explained at a yearend press conference on Tuesday that the ministry has trained at least 2,079 medical professionals across different regions and plans to graduate 3,050 individuals in various medical specialties by 2025. Currently, 3,740 individuals are enrolled in training programs, with plans to enroll an additional 3,000 more this year.
To enhance practical training, the ministry has decentralized its programmes and constructed nine operational simulation centres nationwide, enabling hands-on practice for those trained online.
“We have been working to train people locally to be able to meet those demands that is why we have started this hybrid programme and through the hybrid programme we have been able to enroll at least 1000 person in the first batch, this year we took in another batch,” Dr. Anthony explained.
Meanwhile, the health minister revealed that the country in 2024 established several international training partnerships such as PAHO-funded programs being implemented in collaboration with the University of São Paulo in Brazil; fellowship training opportunities available through McMaster University, Northwell Health, and York University in Canada.
Additionally, the University of the West Indies (UWI) will also establish three new medical schools in nursing, medicine, and pharmaceuticals here in Guyana.
Telemedicine services are also being expanded from 59 to 89 sites, improving access to healthcare in remote areas.
Dr. Anthony also revealed that the new Enmore, Diamond and Bath Settlement hospitals are expected to be completed by March 2025, while the remaining three hospitals are slated for completion by June 2025.
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Rohit Sharma was a late arrival at training and did not practice like the others did at the SCG•Getty Images