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The construction of the landing facility and shed at the Three-door Sluice in D’Edward Village, Region Five is nearing completion.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali provided the update in a recent social media post.

The upgrades will significantly improve the working conditions for several fisherfolk across the Mahaica-Berbice region.

The ongoing construction work is a result of a promise made by the president earlier this year.

During a visit to the community in March, the head of state engaged local fisherfolk and pledged to provide the necessary facilities to expedite their processes and alleviate workplace struggles.

These progressive facilities will provide a shelter for fisherfolk while they mend fishing gear and enhance safety during fishing activities.

Currently, the fisherfolk face challenges with safely working in the early hours and properly conducting their daily duties.

In efforts to boost community involvement and guarantee residents’ satisfaction, the head of state instructed the fisherfolk to work along with the government officials to design the shed.

In addition to these facilities, the fisherfolk were also promised seedlings to kickstart their farming.

These efforts exemplify the government’s devotion to improving the lives of Guyanese whilst boosting the economy through investments in local businesses and the agriculture sector (Republished from the Department of Public Information)

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Eighty-four individuals from Region One are now certified Nursing Assistants, Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Operating Room Technicians, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the region’s healthcare workforce.

This cohort of healthcare professionals includes 50 community health workers, 23 nursing assistants and 11 operating room technicians.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at Northwest Secondary School on Thursday, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing a better standard of living for every Guyanese citizen.

Minister Croal explained that healthcare professionals play a critical role in ensuring that Guyana has a thriving and healthy population.

Healthcare professionals, he added, are the heart of the country’s healthcare system since they provide comfort and hope to patients during their most vulnerable moments.

“Your work is therefore essential not only to individuals but to the collective strength of our communities. A healthy population is the foundation of national development. You will be on the frontlines ensuring that the foundation remains strong,” Minister Croal stressed.

The minister urged the graduates to serve their communities with passion and dedication to deliver the highest level of healthcare services.

“As you step into your role, remember that every patient you meet is someone’s parent, child, or a loved one. Therefore, we have a duty to treat them with the kindness and dignity that you would wish for your own family…Healthcare is a team effort. Work with colleagues and embrace continuous learning. Remain adaptable to new technologies and approaches that enhance healthcare services,” Minister Croal said to the graduates.

He added that telemedicine is available at 13 sites in the region, with more sites to be added in 2025.

Before the end of 2024, Port Kaituma Hospital will benefit from a new theatre, increasing its capacity to perform various surgeries.

Meanwhile, Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo underscored that Region One’s health sector has witnessed a massive transformation from August 2020 to now.

This strategic move by the government has significantly improved the level of healthcare services being provided to the residents.

Dr Mahadeo urged the graduates to capitalise on the training opportunities that are available to elevate themselves in the sector.

“You have the confidence of the community. Serve your community. Your government has been providing the opportunities, you just need to make sure of them. You have to perform. You have to help us to take healthcare to a different level,” he implored the graduates.

Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley lauded the government’s strategic approach to decentralising training programmes in the health sector, to ensure hinterland residents also have access to these programmes.

Ashley said prior to August 2020, the region had a deficit of healthcare professionals in several health facilities in the far-flung communities.

Following today’s graduation ceremony, Ashley highlighted that villages like Five Star, Tassawini, Eye Lash and several others will have their own community health workers for the first time.

“Today, history is being made where we have trained two persons from Baramita who will be going back to serve Baramita from this training programme. They’re going to serve with more resources at their disposal,” the regional chairman expressed.

Deputy Director of the Health Science Division, Chandroutie Persaud-Bahadur also spoke at the graduation ceremony.

Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Steven Cheefoon; Hinterland Coordinator at the Ministry of Health, Michael Gouveia; Regional Vice Chairperson, Annansha Peters, and the Regional Executive Officer, Mr Sewchand were also in attendance at the ceremony (Republished from the Department of Public Information)

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The Guyana Football Federation (GFF), in collaboration with global sportswear brand MEYBA, is proud to launch its new team kits, marking an exciting milestone in their five-year partnership announced in September.

The kits are designed to celebrate the vibrant spirit of Guyana while equipping the national teams with cutting-edge performance apparel as they gear up for a packed 2025 calendar featuring major campaigns for both male and female national teams.

National players don the new uniforms

The year kicks off with the Concacaf U-17 Women’s and Men’s World Cup Qualifiers, then the U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers followed by the senior men’s participation in the Concacaf Gold Cup Preliminaries, the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and later on their Nations League campaign.

The senior women’s team will also take to the field for the Concacaf W Champions Cup Qualifiers.

The newly unveiled kits feature designs inspired by Guyana’s rich cultural heritage, striking colours, and passion for football.

Jonathan Jones, MEYBA’s Head of Global Marketing, shared his enthusiasm, noting: “It’s a proud day for MEYBA to release our first international kits with the Guyanese Football Federation. Guyana is a very special place, and we’re thrilled to be working with a federation that is as forward-thinking as the GFF. The kits are directly inspired by the essence, colours, and love for Guyana. We can’t wait to see them on the pitch as the Golden Jaguars prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualification with MEYBA by their side!”

GFF President Wayne Forde also expressed his pride in the partnership and the unveiling of the new kits: “This partnership with MEYBA represents an important step forward for the Guyana Football Federation. These new kits not only symbolize the pride and identity of our nation but also showcase our commitment to providing the best for our players and fans. We are excited to see our teams donning these jerseys as we continue our journey towards the Gold Cup 2025 and FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers.”

Kit Details

Men’s Home Jersey: The home kit showcases a bespoke Jacquard base with an all-over jungle sublimation pattern, representing the colours of Guyana’s national flag. Key features include omni move technology, a reflective GFF badge, tri-colour raglan sleeves, a V-neckline, and hidden design elements throughout.

Men’s Away Jersey: The away kit offers a classic pinstripe design combined with geometric jacquard elements. A dual-color reflective GFF badge and an exclusive MEYBA neckline blend retro aesthetics with modern performance.

Women’s Home and Away Kits: The women’s kits feature bespoke designs inspired by the sights, sounds, and vibrant colors of Guyana, creating a unified identity for all GFF teams.

About MEYBA

Founded in Barcelona, Spain, in 1981, MEYBA gained international recognition as the first branded kit supplier for FC Barcelona, famously worn by legends like Maradona and Johan Cruyff.

Today, MEYBA continues to deliver high-performance sportswear to professional clubs and international federations worldwide, including in Europe, the USA, Africa, and South America.

The new Guyana Football Federation kits are available exclusively at MEYBA.com starting Wednesday, 18th December.

The GFF is thrilled to continue its partnership with MEYBA, confident that these kits will not only enhance team performance but also reflect the pride and identity of the Guyanese people.

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Bangladesh completed their demolition of West Indies with an 80-run win in the third T20I at the Arnos Vale Ground.

It resulted in their first 3-0 win in a T20I series in nearly two years as they capped off a tough West Indies tour with a trophy.

After posting 189 for 7, they bowled West Indies out for 109, their lowest total against Bangladesh, with the margin of victory being Bangladesh’s second-biggest in terms of runs.

Jaker Ali continued to be their tour’s MVP, signing off with a dramatic, match-winning performance.

His unbeaten 72 powered the visitors to 189 for 7, their highest score in the West Indies, before Rishad Hossain helped bowl the opposition out cheaply.

Jaker Ali smashed 72* off 41 balls•Dec 19, 2024•Cricket West Indies

Jaker had walked off the ground when he was on 18 after a mix-up with Shamim Hossain.

But the TV umpire Zahid Bassarath instead adjudged Shamim as the one dismissed, as he had placed his bat inside the crease after Jaker.

It sparked a dramatic turnaround, as Jaker struck six sixes and three fours in his 41-ball knock.

West Indies in tailspin

For the third game in a row, West Indies lost half their side before reaching 50. After Taskin Ahmed removed Brandon King early, like in the previous two matches, Greaves was caught at long-on off Mahedi.

Johnson Charles and Nicholas Pooran struck a cluster of boundaries before Pooran fell to Mahedi for the third time in the series, bowled off an inside edge for 15.

West Indies finished the powerplay on 45 for 3. (ESPNcricinfo) 

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History was made this past weekend as Suriname hosted its first CrossFit Licensed event, the Kares Caribbean Championship ‘December Classic,’ in partnership with Rock Fitness Paramaribo and sponsored by Kares Group and Lotus Hardware.

But it wasn’t just a landmark moment for Suriname; it was a Caribbean CrossFit eruption, with 82 athletes from across the globe – Guyana, Suriname, Bahamas, French Guiana, UK, France, USA, Venezuela, and Brazil – descending on the Ring sports canter and Plantation Frederiksdorp.

Shanika Estwick added to the Guyanese medal haul with a third-place finish in the Scaled Women’s category

The two-day competition kicked off with a grueling outdoor challenge at Plantation Frederiksdorp: a 1000m kayak, 2000m run, and a punishing 5000m trail bike ride.

Athletes then faced five more intense events on Sunday, battling from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

While the international field was stacked, Guyana made a resounding statement.

Roley Chandler stormed to victory in the Intermediate Individuals division, with fellow Guyanese Kellon Reid securing a hard-fought third place.

Shanika Estwick added to the Guyanese medal haul with a third-place finish in the Scaled Women’s category.

This event was only the second CrossFit Licensed competition in the Caribbean, following Trinidad’s event in August 2024.

According to the organisers, the energy was electric, with 300 spectators fueling the athletes’ performances, and they have already announced plans for another CrossFit Licensed event in a different Caribbean country in April 2025.

The ultimate vision is to establish the competition as a premier CrossFit fixture across the Caribbean and then expand its reach globally, hitting the USA, UK, Europe, and beyond.

The Podium Finishers:

Intermediate Individuals

1st – Roley Chandler (Guyana)
2nd- Jaime Thompson (Bahamas)
3rd- Kellon Reid (Guyana)

Scaled Men

1st- Timotee Juge (French Guiana)
2nd- Dimitri Stomp (Suriname)
3rd- Kenneth Yau (Suriname)

Scaled Females

1st- Patiqua Cooper (Bahamas)
2nd- Amanda Rijsdijk (Suriname)
3rd- Shanika Estwick (Guyana)

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Attorney Selwyn Pieters in a Facebook post on Thursday night opined that the appointment of Clifton Hicken as Commissioner of Police was constitutional and any legal challenge would be futile.

Pieters said the appointment of Hicken and the five Deputy Commissioners of Police is compliant with Articles 211 (1) and (2) of the Constitution.

“It is likely, if challenged, the High Court would reject any claims that meaningful consultations did not take place,” Pieters wrote in a Facebook post.

Constitution ‘meticulously’ followed in appointment of Top Cop – President

As he made his points, Pieters referenced an earlier legal challenge mounted by Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton wherein it was argued that there were not adequate consultations between the President and Opposition Leader, as prescribed by law.

That challenge was dismissed by Chief Justice (ag.) Roxane George SC.

He also pointed out other occurrences that would support Mr. Hicken’s appointment.

“The Constitution (Prescribed Matters) Act, Cap. 27:12 will support the appointment assuming the Court finds a temporal link between the letter from the Executive President dated July 21, 2023, extending Hicken’s, prior to his 55th birthday which was on July 22, 2023,” he noted.

Pieters also reminded persons that in the case of Carol Joseph Smith v. Attorney General, delivered on 6 February 2024, the Chief Justice dismissed an application challenging Hicken’s appointment past age 55.

And in the case of Christopher Jones v. The Attorney General of Guyana and Clifton Hicken delivered on 11 August 2022, Pieters said it was appealed but never perfected and/or litigated past the Chief Justice’s decision.

(more…)

Incumbent Mahendra ‘Raj’ Boodhoo retained the top spot as President of the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) when the body held its annual general meeting and election of office bearers on Thursday evening at GT Motorsports.

News Room Sport was informed that Boodhoo defeated challenger and former president Rameez Mohamed 33-10 in the election of his slate.

The elected GMR&SC executive are Mahendra Boodhoo (President), Mohamad Shairaz Roshandin (Vice President), Azim Jaffar (Secretary), Azaad Hassan (Treasurer), Ritesh Singh (Assistant Treasurer and Secretary), Alain Hopkinson (Executive Member), Malicia Lawrence (Executive Member), Luis Kumar (Executive Member), Mark Vieira (Executive Member), Joel Evans (Technical Advisor) and John Chin (Club Captain).

During his re-election campaign, Boodhoo stated, “Our vision for GMR&SC is ambitious but achievable. Together, we can make Guyana a leader in motorsport, both regionally and internationally.”

Looking ahead, they aim to:

• Launch a Young Driver Programme under an FIA Grant
• Restart the Caribbean Championship Series and engage Latin American and U.S. competitors
• Obtain FIA Circuit Certification and international sustainability accreditation for GMRSC
• Construct a new drag strip, resurface the go-kart track, and build a modern pit facility
• Establish a Hall of Fame for drivers and riders
• Enhance safety with a lighting system for the circuit
• Promote accessibility through FIA Motorsport in a Box and invest in sim racing.

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“Canada stands with our Caribbean partners in building a resilient and sustainable future for all. The Caribbean Future Skills Fund will contribute to economic development while empowering communities to thrive. Together, we are investing in a brighter future for generations to come.”

– Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

“The development of technical and vocational skills is essential for young people to become active participants in the workforce. Through this investment we are helping to create sustainable employment opportunities for them, contributing to the Caribbean region’s economic growth, resilience, and prosperity.”

– Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development

“Guyana welcomes news of Canada’s commitment to establish a fund that will unlock new opportunities for youth from the Caribbean and promote inclusive high-quality education and training. This partnership reflects our shared vision for long term reliable economic growth and success.”

– His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana

“Canada’s leadership to create a Caribbean Future Skills Fund is a significant step towards building a more resilient youth workforce. Together we will empower the people of Grenada and youth from across the Caribbean with the skills needed for present and future employment while addressing brain drain, greater opportunities for women, marginalized and at-risk groups, especially young men.”

– His Excellency, Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada

“This partnership with Canada helps unlock the full potential of young people in Barbados. By supporting skills development and opportunities for jobs, this initiative will build a stronger and more inclusive economy in the Caribbean region.”

– Her Excellency, Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados

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See below the full statement from the Government of Guyana:

Guyanese ought not to be surprised by the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Aubrey Norton’s criticisms of the appointment of Mr. Clifton Hicken to the Office of the Commissioner of Police. Upon the retirement of Mr. David Ramnarine, Mr. Hicken was the most senior member of the Guyana Police Force but was deliberately and capriciously sidelined by the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government, which appointed two members of the Force to act in the Office of the Commissioner of Police, successively, both of whom were junior to Mr. Hicken. To date, Mr. Hicken remains the most senior member of the Guyana Police Force and, no doubt, is duly qualified to have been appointed Commissioner of Police.

The Coalition Government’s track record of constitutional violations disqualifies the People’s National Congress (PNC), the main Coalition partner, of any moral authority to lecture any one on constitutionality and the rule of law, in particular, as it relates to the appointment of Commissioner of Police. The last appointment they made to that Office was done on 31st July, 2020, the last day of their demission of Office and five months after they lost the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections. Worse yet, the appointment was made not by the President but by the Permanent Secretary of the then Ministry of Public Security. It is ironic that ‘no consultation’ is Mr. Norton’s cry now, but when that appointment was made, the then Leader of the Opposition was not even informed, moreover consulted.

For the public record, the Government maintains most resolutely that Mr. Clifton Hicken was lawfully appointed in accordance with the provisions of Article 211 of the Constitution of Guyana and in due compliance with the Constitution (Prescribed Matters) Act, Cap. 27:12.

Further, the Leader of the Opposition was duly consulted in the manner required by the letter and spirit of the Constitution in relation to that appointment.

Mr. Norton is free to take whatever legal recourse he deems necessary. It is appropriate that the Government reminds that it is not the first time that Mr. Norton will be challenging Mr. Hicken’s appointment. When Mr. Hicken was appointed to act in the Office of the Commission of Police, Mr. Norton challenged that acting appointment on the very ground that the President did not consult with the Leader of the Opposition. Mr. Norton’s legal challenge was dismissed by the High Court and he chose not to appeal that dismissal. Needless to say, any legal challenge filed will be vigorously defended.

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Clifton Hicken was Thursday sworn in as Guyana’s Commissioner of Police, after acting in the role since 2022.

Hicken was confirmed in this position after taking the Oath of Office before the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Guyana, President Dr. Irfaan Ali.

Additionally, top Police officials Ravindradat Budhram, Wendell Blanhum, Errol Watts, and Fizul Karimbaksh were sworn in as Deputy Commissioners of Police.

Mr. Simon McBean, who is out of the jurisdiction, will be sworn in as Deputy Police Commissioner subsequently.

President Dr Irfaan Ali, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn alongside the newly sworn in Police Commissioner, Clifton Hicken and top Police officials Ravindradat Budhram, Wendell Blanhum, Errol Watts, and Fizul Karimbaksh were sworn in as Deputy Commissioners of Police

Members of the political opposition were among those who opposed Mr. Hicken’s substantive appointment. A legal challenge was brought by Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton but it was dismissed by Chief Justice (ag.) Roxane George SC.

Subsequently, in a statement, Attorney General Nandlall SC said Article 211(3) of the Constitution provides that the Commissioner of Police shall vacate office when he “attains such age as may be prescribed by Parliament.”

Parliament has prescribed this in the Constitution (Prescribed Matters) Act, Cap. 27:12. Section 2 of this Act states that the retirement age of the Commissioner of Police is 55 years. However, Section 2(b) of the Act allows the President to authorize the Commissioner of Police to continue in office, but not beyond 60 years.

By letter dated 21st July 2023, and based on the recommendation of the Police Service Commission, His Excellency granted Mr. Hicken, whose 55th birthday was on 22nd July 2023, “permission to continue to act in the office of Commissioner of Police and to perform those functions until a time to be determined.

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