Blog

Press Release from the Guyana Football Federation

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) on Saturday successfully conducted an Anti-Doping Workshop for the Boys Under-17 National Team at the National Training Centre (NTC), Providence.

The initiative is part of the GFF’s unwavering commitment to upholding integrity and fair play in football at all levels and in alignment with FIFA Forward 3.0 regulations.

Led by esteemed sports administrator Dr. Karen Pilgrim, the workshop provided an interactive and educational experience for 21 players and five staff members.

Dr. Pilgrim, who serves as Guyana’s Member Country Representative on the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organisation, guided participants through essential topics such as anti-doping best practices, ethical considerations, and compliance measures.

This session aimed to enhance the players’ understanding of the critical importance of combating doping in sports while reinforcing GFF’s dedication to fostering a clean and ethical sporting environment.

Attendees actively engaged in discussions, gaining valuable insights to help them navigate the challenges and responsibilities associated with fair play.

The workshop forms part of FIFA Forward 3.0’s mandate for Member Associations to implement anti-doping initiatives from 2023 to 2026.

It also reflects GFF’s proactive approach to building awareness and cultivating a culture of compliance among players and staff at every level of football in Guyana.

Dr. Pilgrim expressed her satisfaction with the participants’ enthusiasm and engagement during the session, emphasising the importance of equipping young athletes with the knowledge to make informed decisions throughout their careers.

The GFF remains committed to promoting integrity in football and ensuring that its players uphold the highest ethical standards both on and off the field.

The post GFF hosts Anti-Doping Workshop for U-17 Boys national team appeared first on News Room Guyana.

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Saturday announced that the country’s servicemen and women will benefit from a one-month bonus.

“Today, I want to announce that this year 12,000 of our service men and women will receive the annual bonus,” President Ali announced.

He was at the time addressing the Guyana Defence Force’s Annual Christmas Luncheon held at Base Camp Seweyo, Linden/Soesdyke Highway.

The announcement will see a sum of $1.6 billion being paid out.

“So in addition to your $100,000 grant, you will be receiving this year, one month of annual bonus – which is $1.6 billion transferred to our men and women in uniform.

“This is a demonstration again of our commitment, our love, for you,” President Ali announced.

The incentive is in recognition of the soldiers’ dedication in safeguarding the nation and its people.

“Today, we applaud you

“We, a grateful nation, we are thankful for your service, your sacrifice and your commitment in the continuous oath of defending our homeland and keeping Guyana safe.

“The job of a solider is not defined by a Term of Reference alone.

“The job of solider requires agility. It requires continuous training, discipline, commitment, fitness; it requires a life that is very much different – one that is completed dedicated to the protection and the safeguard of our country and our people,” President Ali said.

The post President announces one-month bonus for 12, 000 servicemen and women appeared first on News Room Guyana.

See below full statement from the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA):

The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) at its 40th Annual General Meeting resolved to strategize and work together for greater growth in the sector.

President of the GGDMA, Mr. Ronaldo Alphonso noted that despite the many challenges the industry faced this year, it has only served to make the resolve of the miners stronger.

He explained that even with drought and labour issues the industry must work for sustainable growth and develop and capitalise on new opportunities.

The meeting was informed that the GGDMA and the Government of Guyana has just signed an Investment Development Agreement [IDA] for vehicles and spares on December 9, 2024 for a period of 2 Years. The Association will be meeting with the Guyana Revenue Authority shortly to discuss the working of the IDA and the requirements that Miners need to meet to qualify for this incentive. Additionally, the government has partnered with the GGDMA for the development of several interior roads and bridges and the Association has also been given a fast track to getting their issues ventilated with the various government departments via the establishment of a direct mining portal.

The GGDMA says it is heartened and grateful for the support that the Government continues to provide to the sector despite the petroleum boom and the rise of the construction sector. This year the GGDMA Executives continued to meet regularly with His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on the needs and support for the mining sector. The President has been fully supportive of the sector and has worked with the GGDMA to advance initiatives that will help bolster growth. As a result, the sector was able to get several benefits including:

*IDA on Vehicle and Spares

*VAT Exemptions on Spares for Machinery, Spares for the Dredges and all industrial grease and hydraulic oils. For those miners who sell directly to the GGB. This is now a part of the recently signed IDA with the government and is valid for two (2) years.

*Addressing Labor shortages in the Mining Sector
Three (3) New Roads for the Mining Sector plus G$2.2B in rehabilitation works are currently being undertaken by the GGMC on existing roads. Toroparau to Kartuni Road, Kartuni to Cuyuni Road, and Toroparau to Makapa Road.

*Opening up of lands for small and medium scale miners through Lotteries held by GGMC.

*Quarterly meetings with the Minister of Natural Resources and Technical Meetings with GGMC.

*Mining Direct Portal linking the GGDMA, MNR, GGMC and the GGB.

The GGDMA is satisfied with the support given to the sector by the current Government, noting that several of the concessions that were returned to them since 2020 have been maintained and efforts are being made to expand benefits for miners. The GGDMA is committed to continue working with the Government to achieve joint goals for the sector and stamp out illicit activities that negatively impact the sector.

Members at the meeting also raised the issue of the recent shortage of mercury which has seen the price skyrocket and some dealers exploiting the situation.

Mr. Avalon Jagnandan, Administrator of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), has reiterated the Association’s unwavering dedication to representing the interests of all miners across the country. Speaking on the Association’s ongoing initiatives, Mr. Jagnandan emphasized, “The GGDMA remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating on behalf of our members. We will continue to actively engage with the Government of Guyana and all key stakeholders to ensure the interests of the mining community are protected and advanced.” As part of its outreach efforts, the GGDMA hosts regular open days, providing miners with an opportunity to meet with the executive team, raise issues of concern, and seek assistance. Mr. Jagnandan encouraged all miners to take advantage of these sessions, underscoring the Association’s open-door policy and commitment to addressing members’ needs. He added that the GGDMA remains a pillar of support for the mining sector, championing initiatives that promote sustainability, growth, and the well-being of its members.

The 40th AGM was held at the headquarters of the GGDMA. Marking a historic milestone, the event introduced a mini exhibition for the first time, offering suppliers and service providers an exceptional platform to showcase their products and services to the mining community.

The post GGDMA, Gov’t ink 2-year agreement for vehicles, spares to boost sector appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Press Release from Mahendra Boodhoo slate

Female circuit racing champion Sharima Khan has officially endorsed the Mahendra Boodhoo and Mohamad Shairaz Roshandin slate for the upcoming Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) elections, highlighting their pivotal role in advancing opportunities for women in motorsport.

Khan noted that under the current administration, women in motorsport have made significant strides, a historic achievement for the GMR&SC.

“In the club’s history, nothing like this has ever been accomplished for women,” she said.

“There is now a clear path for females to enter the sport, gain confidence, and compete alongside their male counterparts.”

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. with the current executive of the GMR&SC

She also acknowledged Luis Kumar, a key member of the executive slate, for his dedication to women in motorsport, calling his contributions instrumental in creating new opportunities for female racers.

“I urge all voting members to support this slate, especially my fellow female members. This is an opportunity we’ve never had in the past,” Khan stated.

“Thanks to this administration, women like myself and others coming into the sport now have an easier path to participate, grow, and succeed.”

Khan’s endorsement underscores the Boodhoo and Roshandin team’s impact on motorsport in Guyana and highlights their commitment to inclusivity, equality, and growth within the sport.

The GMR&SC elections are scheduled to take place on December 19 from 18:00h at GT Motorsports, and the endorsement from one of Guyana’s top female racers adds momentum to the team’s re-election bid.

Editor’s Note: Based on documents seen by this news outlet, former president Rameez Mohamed has also announced a bid for the top position

The post GMR&SC elections: ‘Speed Queen’ Sharima Khan endorses Boodhoo/Roshandin slate appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Avishawn Munroe, the Deputy Chief Security Officer attached to Professional Guard Service, was on Saturday arrested after he was allegedly found in possession of an unlicensed gun and ammunition belonging to the security firm.

Police Headquarters reported that Munroe was apprehended at around 03:45 hrs at Cummings Street, Georgetown.

According to Police Headquarters, a police mobile patrol team, led by an Assistant Superintendent, stopped the car Munroe was driving.

A search was carried out and Police said Munroe was found in possession of a .32 Taurus pistol, along with 9 matching rounds of ammunition, in his pants waist.

“Munroe was asked if he had a license to carry the firearm and he said ‘no’,” Police said.

In fact, he told the Police that the firearm is owned by Professional Guard Service.

Munroe was escorted to the Alberttown Police Station, along with the firearm and ammunition, which were marked and lodged to be taken to the ballistic section for analysis.

Munroe was placed into custody as investigations continue.

The post PGS Deputy Chief Security officer arrested for unlicensed gun, ammunition appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Rain meant only 13.2 overs were possible on the opening day of the third Test between Australia and India in Brisbane.

Openers Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney guided Australia to 28-0, with an lbw appeal by Akash Deep against the latter the only chance of note at the Gabba.

The five-match series is level at 1-1 after Australia’s 10-wicket win in Adelaide last week.

India made two changes to their side from the second Test, with seamer Deep replacing Harshit Rana and Ravindra Jadeja coming in for fellow spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.

The only play came in two spells during the morning session, after India won the toss.

Play was abandoned just over an hour before the scheduled close.

Play will start at the earlier time of 09:50h (23:50 GMT) for the remainder of the match, with 98 overs scheduled each day, although more rain is forecast.

India must win at least two of the final three Tests to guarantee a place in June’s World Test Championship final at Lord’s.

Defending champions Australia will reach the final if they win two of the remaining Tests. (BBC)

The post Aus v Ind: Only 13.2 overs possible on rain-affected opening day in Brisbane appeared first on News Room Guyana.

A Lance Corporal and a 29-year-old man are currently in Police custody following a two-vehicular crash along the Good Hope Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara.

The accident involved a pickup belonging to the Guyana Police Force.

The accident occurred at about 03:35 hrs Saturday.

It involved a Guyana Police Force motor-pickup, PAG 5250, driven by Lance Corporal Jamal Thompson and motor car, PVV 6015 owned and driven by Reinaldo O’Selmo, a 29-year-old resident of Belfield, ECD.

According to a Police report, the Force pickup was heading east along the northern lane of the railway embankment with its flashing light on.

The car was heading out of Good Hope Access Road and when it reached the T-junction, Police said the car made a right turn onto Good Hope Railway Embankment Road and into the path of the Police vehicle.

As a result, the front of the Police vehicle collided with the back of the car and both vehicles were damaged.

Police said a notice of intended prosecution was served on both drivers, who are in custody assisting with the investigation.

The post Lance Corporal arrested after Police vehicle involved in crash appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Two men were taken into Police custody on Friday night after they were allegedly nabbed with an illegal round of ammunition, a knife and other items.

In custody are Sean Millington, a 48-year-old watchman, who has no fixed place of abode and Andel Bovell, a 22-year-old resident of ‘B’ Field Sophia, Georgetown.

Police Headquarters said the men were arrested by ranks on mobile patrol, who noticed them acting suspiciously while they were walking on Dennis Street, Sophia.

As a result, Police said the ranks approached the men and carried out a search on them during which a .40 round of ammunition was found in pants pocket of Millington.

Millington was asked if he is the holder of a firearm license and he said ‘no’. So, he was then told of the offence committed, cautioned and arrested.

Afterwards, a search was also carried out on Sears and one blue A25 cellular phone and a black-handle knife was found in a haversack that he was carrying.

Sears also questioned about the cellphone but did not state where he got the phone from. He was then arrested.

Both suspects were escorted to the Ruimveldt Police Station, where the items were were marked and lodged in the presence of the two suspects.

The suspects were then placed into custody as investigations continue.

The post Men arrested after found with illegal ammo, knife in Sophia appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Jabez Jaazuel Williams, a 22-year-old pork-knocker of Mabaruma, Region One (Barima- Waini) was allegedly murdered on Friday after he was involved in an altercation.

Police Headquarters reported that another pork-knocker, 25-year-old Caldale Conyers was implicated in the alleged murder.

After the alleged murder, Police said ranks went to the Nassano Backdam, North- West District, Region One and engaged Conyers. He was at a mining camp owned by Pernell Hudson.

Conyers was told that he was implicated in Williams’ death.

He told the ranks that he and Williams were drinking ‘high wine’ and an energy drink at the camp.

They later drank some beers and sometime after, Williams left. Conyers related that about 21:00 hrs, he found his clothes around the campground and a naked Williams around.

“An argument broke out between us.

“Williams then grabbed a piece of round wood and dealt me three lashes to my forehead and shoulder,” Conyers reportedly told the officers.

He continued, “I then armed myself with a cutlass and dealt Williams two chops- one to his right-side neck and another to his left hand- causing wounds and bleeding.”

Williams was taken to the Pakera Hospital in the North-West Dostrict after the altercation. He was, however, pronounced dead.

Meanwhile, ranks later took Conyers to the campsite and then arrested him. He is in custody at the Port Kaituma Police Station.

The crime scene was also examined; evidence was collected and the scene photographed. Investigations continue.

The post Pork-knocker, 22, dies after fight in Reg. 1 appeared first on News Room Guyana.

David Lammy, the British Foreign Secretary, made it clear that the United Kingdom firmly supports Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

“As you know, the UK government was very supportive of Guyana and very critical of the aggression that we were seeing from the Maduro regime.

“… Britain will continue to support our very close friend in the region and Guyana becomes- and is- such an important country in the Caribbean basin. And the UK truly understands that,” Lammy told the News Room on Friday.

The boundary between Guyana and Venezuela was determined by an arbitration tribunal 124 years ago, but Venezuela rejected the award in 1962, saying it was flawed.

A mechanism was set up to solve the controversy and after decades of talks failed, the United Nations Secretary-General referred the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which is the UN’s principal judicial organ.

The case is ongoing with both sides participating in the proceedings.

Venezuela has, from time to time, upped its aggressions towards Guyana. Tensions were heightened at the end of 2023 when the country held a referendum over Guyana’s Essequibo region. The UK and other international partners supported Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty then.

Lammy said the UK will continue to support Guyana as it believes the controversy was settled a century ago. He also noted that UK businesses were not daunted by Venezuela’s claims and they continue to seek investments in Guyana.

Lammy visited Guyana this weekend as part of his first trip to the Caribbean as the Foreign Secretary of the new Labour government.

The post UK’s support for Guyana’s territorial integrity unwavering – Lammy appeared first on News Room Guyana.