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See the full statement issued below:

On November 21, 2024, Demerara Bank Ltd proudly commemorated its 30th anniversary, celebrating three decades of excellence and impact in the banking industry. During this landmark event, the Chairman of Demerara Bank Ltd delivered an inspiring speech that reflected on the bank’s remarkable journey, its accomplishments and its aspirations for the future.

The Chairman began by honoring the pioneers who have gone to the great beyond, the individuals who were visionary in conceptualizing, creating and continuously leading the growth of Demerara Bank over the past 30 years. He stated that they played a crucial role in laying the foundation for the bank’s success. Special recognition was also given to the late Dr. Yesu Persaud, along with respected directors Mr. Hemraj Kissoon and Mrs. Chandra Gajraj, whose vision, perseverance and commitment have left a lasting legacy.

He highlighted the bank’s impressive growth from an initial equity investment of US$2 million by its founding shareholders to a current market capitalization approaching almost three quarter of a billion US Dollars. This phenomenal growth not only signifies Demerara Bank Ltd’s financial success but also its substantial contributions to the national economy through taxes, job creation, shareholder dividends and stimulating economic activities.

Beyond these tangible achievements, the Chairman emphasized the bank’s vital role in instilling self-confidence and belief in the potential of the Guyanese people and what they can achieve once they are determined to work hard, be disciplined in their approach and committed to lofty goals, even when they face challenges.

The Chairman also expressed sincere gratitude to the Executive leadership team, management and dedicated staff members, whose efforts have been pivotal to the bank’s success. He also conveyed his gratitude to the group of young professionals who bought into the vision and left their secured positions elsewhere to start creating the institution, long before it opened its doors for business and to those who joined after the commencement of the journey 30 years ago. He further expressed special appreciation for Mr. Pravinchandra Dave, who admirably served as CEO for 22 years, and extended congratulations to the current CEO, Mr. Dowlat Parbhu, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the bank towards an innovative banking experience in Guyana.

The Chairman thanked the members of the board of Directors, both those who served in the past and those presently serving for their guidance, insights and leadership as they have helped to shape a great institution!

Finally, and by no means least, he thanked the thousands of customers across the length and breadth of Guyana who supported the bank from the very beginning and throughout its 30 years, who were proud to do business with the only bank that has so far been born out of the indigenous Guyanese Private Sector and provides world class services to meet the evolving needs of customers. He gave the assurance that the bank is more committed than ever to continuously improve and expand its services to its customers as Guyana continues on its phenomenal growth path.

The post Chairman reflects on milestones as Demerara Bank celebrates 30 years appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo believes immediate action is needed as concerns mount over the growing issue of expired goods being sold in Guyana’s supermarkets.

At a press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo didn’t mince words, condemning the practice as both dangerous and irresponsible.

His comments come in response to a recent report that highlighted a surge of substandard and expired products flooding the local market, a situation he believes is driven by a mix of corruption and weak regulatory oversight.

Jagdeo, speaking about his own experiences, recalled a recent visit to a Hotel, where he discovered a bottle of soda that had expired six months before it was even sold.

“I tasted it, and it was clear it was off,” he said. “When I checked the bottom, it was supposed to expire a year later, but after having it analyzed, we found it was already past its date. Worse, the expiration had been re-stamped.”

Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo (DPI Photo)

His investigation traced the re-stamping back to a facility on the East Coast of Demerara, suggesting a deliberate effort to pass off expired goods as fresh.

“It’s not an isolated incident,” Jagdeo warned.

“This is happening across the country, and it’s not just about expired goods. Some businessmen are buying products cheap, re-stamping them, and selling them at inflated prices. But it’s the people who are at risk, particularly our children.”

Jagdeo’s remarks echo broader concerns raised by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), whose President, Kester Hutson, has been vocal about the problem.

Hutson urged the public to speak out against expired and poorly labeled goods, calling for tougher monitoring by government agencies like the Food Analyst Department and Guyana Bureau of Standards.

The Vice President noted that the issue is not just about businesses cutting corners—it’s also about regulatory failure.

He warned that some agencies responsible for monitoring imports and product safety might be turning a blind eye, whether due to corruption or sheer oversight.

“Some people in customs or health departments may not be doing their jobs, or they may be turning a blind eye to it. We cannot let this continue,” Jagdeo stressed.

As Jagdeo put it, “This is a matter of life and death. The penalties should be severe, and the public and media should help expose this dangerous practice.”

The post Jagdeo sounds alarm over expired goods flooding supermarkets appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has confirmed that Starlink, the satellite internet company owned by tech billionaire Elon Musk, is seeking a license to provide internet services in Guyana.

This marks a significant step in the country’s push towards digitalization, which Jagdeo highlighted as a critical component of President Irfaan Ali’s vision for a digital society.

On Thursday, during his weekly press conference, Jagdeo shared details of the ongoing discussions between President Ali and Elon Musk.

“I know that Starlink is seeking a license in Guyana to provide internet services. So that’s being actively considered by the Government of Guyana,” he said.

Jagdeo emphasized the importance of ensuring that companies providing such services are registered and taxed, noting that many individuals in Guyana have been importing their own Starlink dishes without paying taxes.

“Right now, a lot of people are just bringing in the dish themselves, and they’re installing these dishes, and then they don’t have to pay any taxes… it’s a bit unfair to the other companies that are providing the same service,” he explained.

Beyond internet services, Jagdeo detailed the broader scope of the digital transformation underway in Guyana.

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UK adventurer Charlie Bicknell believes that he has found the tallest point of Mount Roraima, which essentially translates to the highest point in all of Guyana.

Mount Roraima, explored many times before, serves as the tri-junction point between Guyana, Venezuela and Brazil.

It was once thought that the highest peak of Mount Roraima was on the Venezuelan side, but Bicknell is claiming otherwise following his expedition here recently.

It was once thought that the highest peak of Mount Roraima was on the Venezuelan side, but Bicknell is claiming otherwise.

He climbed up Roraima’s “face” from the Guyana side and ascended a peak way higher than what was recorded on the Venezuelan side.

Unlike the other countries where information was readily available, Charlie found that in Guyana, there’s no record of where the tallest point is.

“So I particularly wanted to find it,” he told the News Room this week.

Charlie says he has not experienced anything like Mount Roraima in any other part of the world.

“I brought three instruments with me: my GPS watch, my GPS phone and a barometer which measures air pressure and gives you the altitude.”

Charlie says Guyana is unique and he has not experienced anything like Mount Roraima in any other part of the world.

“On top of the mountain is all sorts of crazy shapes and faces and creatures carved into the rocks, and I think if I am not wrong, the top of Roraime has been exposed to 500 million years of erosion, so there’s all of these unbelievable shapes on top of the mountain and all of these crazy canyons and valleys. Just being on top of Roraima is a unique experience.”

In an interview with the News Room this week, the 31-year-old said he’s on a mission to climb the tallest mountain in every country in South America, and having completed eight already, he is moving on to Columbia, Suriname, Chile and Argentina.

After collecting all of his information, the aim is to make a documentary of the 12 mountains.

“This goal of climbing the 12 mountains of South America was a dream I had for years. As the years have gone by no one has actually completed this challenge.”

The post UK explorer says highest peak of Mount Roraima is on Guyana side appeared first on News Room Guyana.

In an effort to bridge the gap between traditional installation methods and cutting-edge technology, local technicians and engineers in Guyana Wednesday participated in a specialised training seminar on LG products.

The initiative, designed to enhance technical skills and improve daily operations, took place at GT Motorsports in Georgetown.

The seminar, led by LG Air Solutions field engineer Eduardo Valdes and supported by Platinum Sales and Services—LG’s local distributor and service centre—focused primarily on LG’s air conditioning units, widely used in Guyana’s expanding commercial sector.

Participants received in-depth training on installation, troubleshooting, diagnostics, and best practices for optimising product efficiency. Valdes highlighted the importance of understanding advanced equipment to ensure compatibility with modern installation techniques.

LG Air Solutions field engineer Eduardo Valdes (Photo: News Room/ November 21, 2024)

Typically, technicians rely on traditional installation methods that may not align with newer equipment, Valdes explained.

This training helps them gain the knowledge required to install and maintain these systems efficiently, which is crucial for meeting customer needs.

Valdes added that the seminar forms part of a larger certified training programme offered in Panama, where select technicians gain advanced credentials.

Two trainees from Guyana participated in the certification programme last year, and they returned with improved skills, which allowed them to resolve installation issues more effectively.

The seminar also provided valuable insights to enhance customer satisfaction.

Mahendra Boodhoo, owner of Platinum Sales and Services (Photo: News Room/ November 21, 2024)

Valdes noted that the goal is to give technicians the tools they need to work faster and more efficiently, so they can “serve the customers quickly.”

Addressing the Needs of Guyana’s Growing Commercial Sector

The training aligns with the rapid growth of Guyana’s commercial infrastructure, including the rise of apartment complexes, hotels, and office buildings.

Mahendra Boodhoo, owner of Platinum Sales and Services, stressed the importance of equipping local professionals with knowledge of energy-efficient technology and modern installation techniques.

Participants at the seminar (Photo: News Room/ November 21, 2024)

“Technology and LG is way above what we know locally,” Boodhoo stated.

A Commitment to Continuous Training

Approximately 50 participants from various companies in the electronics business attended the seminar.

Platinum Sales and Services aims to host similar training sessions quarterly to maintain a consistent focus on skill development and technological advancements.

As Guyana continues to modernise its commercial sector, training programs like this are crucial to ensuring the local workforce can adapt to and excel with advanced technology.

The post Skilling Up: Local technicians, engineers benefit from LG training appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Please see below statement from Mr Dowlat Parbhu to mark Demerara Bank’s 30th anniversary:

“As we prepare to celebrate Demerara Bank’s 30th anniversary on November 21, 2024, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude. This milestone is more than just a marker of time—it is a celebration of the vision, resilience, and commitment that have shaped us into the solid and respected financial institution we are today.

“From the beginning, our late founding chairman, Yesu Persaud, envisioned a bank that would stand as a pillar of strength and service, not just in profitability but in its impact on customers, communities, and the country. Today, that vision has flourished. Demerara Bank is not merely a bank; it is a trusted partner, a financial innovator, and a beacon of excellence for all we serve.

“What sets us apart is not just what we do, but how we do it. Our commitment to excellence drives every decision. Whether it’s bringing innovative solutions to market, such as contactless Visa cards and offsite lending with same-day approvals, or pioneering sustainable practices by powering our locations with solar energy, we have always sought to lead by example.

“Over the years, we’ve grown with purpose—expanding our network of branches and ATMs, introducing drive-thru services, and establishing a presence in key locations like MovieTowne and soon to Amazonia Mall. We’ve also embraced digital transformation to ensure banking is simpler, faster, and more accessible.

“Yet, what matters most to us is you. Everything we do is centered on your needs. Your trust has been the foundation of our success, and your loyalty has fueled our journey. We are deeply committed to continuously raising the bar—whether it’s through personalized customer care, innovative products, or contributing to the economic growth of our nation.

“As we look to the future, we do so with the same determination that has brought us here. We are excited to commemorate this milestone with a series of activities that celebrate our valued customers and stakeholders and the integral role they’ve played in our success.

“On behalf of everyone at Demerara Bank, thank you for being part of this incredible journey. We look forward to building an even brighter future together.”

The post Demerara Bank at 30: CEO restates commitment to simpler, faster, more accessible banking appeared first on News Room Guyana.

See below the full joint statement from the 2nd India/CARICOM Summit:

The Heads of State and Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Republic of India met in Georgetown, Guyana, the location of the Headquarters of the Caribbean Community, at the invitation of His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, on 20 November 2024 for the Second CARICOM-India Summit.

The Meeting, co-chaired by the Chair of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, the Honourable Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada, and the Honourable Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, was attended by the Heads of State and Government of Antigua and Barbuda, The Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Barbados, The Commonwealth of Dominica, the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Foreign Ministers of Belize, Jamaica, and Saint Kitts and Nevis and the Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community, Dr. Carla Barnett.

The Leaders recalled their First Summit held on 25 September 2019 as well as other engagements between the Foreign Ministers of CARICOM and India, recognising their important contribution towards strengthening the significance of the important relationship between India – the world’s fastest growing and anticipated third largest economy and a major political and military power – and the Small Island and Low-Lying Coastal Developing States of the Caribbean Community.

They expressed pride in the shared historical and cultural ties, strengthened by bonds of friendship through the decades, the great progress made through fruitful dialogue, and the momentum generated in recent years. They were inspired by the existing bilateral and regional initiatives as well as the agreements by both sides, and their cooperation in various international and multilateral fora on political and economic matters that have been instrumental in advancing their respective national development agendas.

The Leaders reviewed the existing trade and investment relationship between CARICOM Member States and India, and the recent progress driven by mutual interest in sectors such as energy, agriculture, ICT, healthcare and pharmaceuticals. They expressed their commitment to advance the growth and prosperity of their respective economies and to enhance their ability to respond to development challenges, promote mutual interests, and influence global developments.

In so doing, they acknowledged the significant scope for boosting trade, investment and economic cooperation between CARICOM and India, and the strengthening of economic and commercial relations, and looked forward to the convening of the Tenth Edition of the India-Latin America and Caribbean Conclave as an important platform to foster economic partnership and enhance trade and investment opportunities.

The Leaders noted with satisfaction the constructive deliberations during the Second Meeting of the CARICOM-India Joint Commission, held on 6 November 2024 and agreed to:

1.      reaffirm the importance of the CARICOM-India relationship based on mutual respect, shared interests, cultural ties, deep friendship, and a continued commitment to freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and reformed multilateralism.

2.      promote further development of the CARICOM-India partnership through enhanced coordination of positions on the global international agenda.

3.      strengthen economic and commercial relations and cooperation between CARICOM Member States and India in the following key areas:

• Energy and Infrastructure – through collaboration on renewable energy, energy efficiency, trade and investment in the energy sector, decentralized solar applications including, but not limited to, solar rooftop, solar mini and micro grids, solar desalinations units and solar cold storage, utility scale solar and battery storage; even as the Region seeks to diversify its energy mix, and promote collaboration in the strengthening of maritime connectivity for the development and consolidation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.
• Agriculture and Food Security – acknowledging that recent global developments and instability have exacerbated existing inequalities in food and nutrition security, they noted the CARICOM Agri-Food Systems Agenda aimed at strengthening the current food and nutrition security in the Region by reducing the Region’s food import bill by 25% by the year 2025, and agreed on the need for greater reliance on innovation and technology, including climate smart technology; expansion of agri-business and agri-processing; strengthening of transport and logistics support systems partnership in food production; high-yielding seeds and agriculture machinery; experience sharing in sustainable agriculture, food sufficiency and food security, and research and technology support. They also agreed on collaboration between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and institutions such as the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) to boost efforts under the coordination of the CARICOM Ministerial Taskforce on Food Production and Food Security;
• Health and Pharmaceuticals –including generic medicines; drug testing laboratories; radiation technology; cancer therapy; dialysis machines; sea ambulances and the Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri (BHISHM) Cubes;
• Technology and Innovation, and Human Resources and Capacity Building in education, digital public infrastructure digital health, information technology, agriculture, food processing and biofuels, as well as space-based applications which could be utilized, inter alia, in agriculture production, security surveillance, early warning systems and the tracking of sargassum along coastal areas. The two sides will also foster collaboration between their respective institutions of learning and research in areas of common interest.

On Global and Regional Issues, the Leaders engaged in an exchange of views on Haiti, Climate Change, Reform of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs), and matters pertaining to the United Nations:

4.      With respect to Haiti- the Leaders expressed grave concern about the deepening complex crisis and urged international support, to enable restoration of security and political stability to allow the people of Haiti to live in peace and work towards realising the country’s developmental objectives.

5.      Noting that critical economic sectors, infrastructural development and lives continue to be adversely affected by climate change, they called for an intensified global effort to hold the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, recognizing that this would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change, agreed on the need for robust climate financing, including the New Collective Quantified Goal on climate finance, and for urgent action across the climate agenda, and emphasised the vulnerability of the Global South, in particular, Small Island and Low-Lying Coastal Developing States. In this regard, they also emphasised the importance of a collaborative global response to climate change and applauded India’s leadership in the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and Global Biofuel Alliance.

6.      The Leaders acknowledged the particular vulnerabilities of CARICOM countries to external shocks and, consequently, called for a comprehensive reform of the international financial architecture. They highlighted the importance of active participation and engagement at the global level, through shared membership of inter-governmental and global processes such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth, the Group of 77, the Non-Aligned Movement and other multilateral fora.

7.      They recognised India’s significant global influence and its leadership as an advocate for the interests of the Global South, and applauded the commendable achievements of India, in its capacity as recent President of the G20 in pushing for economic growth, focusing on debt, bringing ambition on climate finance, technology and several areas of paramount importance to developing countries, including CARICOM.

8.      The Leaders reiterated the urgent need for reform of the United Nations Security Council and called for more equitable geographical representation of current global realities and for a Security Council that is more efficient, transparent and responsive to the needs of all Member States to effectively fulfill its mandate of maintaining international peace and security, in an evolving global context. They agreed on the need for comprehensive reforms of the UN Security Council, including expansion in permanent and non-permanent categories of membership, and for closer coordination at the level of Permanent Representatives in New York, in furtherance of the reform process, and enhanced representation for Small Island Developing States.

People-to-People Contact and the Strengthening of cultural linkages:

9.      The Leaders acknowledged the importance of strengthening people-to-people links between CARICOM and India and committed to deepening these ties through initiatives in areas such as sports, culture, music, film, media, tourism, yoga, exchange programs, and building connections between their diplomatic academies. They also agreed to foster collaboration between their respective institutions of higher learning and research in areas of common interest.

They expressed deep appreciation to the Government and People of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana for the warm welcome and hospitality afforded to them during the Second Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Caribbean Community and the Republic of India.

They decided that the Third CARICOM-India Summit will be held in India and agreed that the Foreign Ministers of CARICOM and India will follow-up on the decisions and agreements adopted at this Meeting.

The post CARICOM and India strengthen ties at landmark second summit in Georgetown appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Global Tours and Travel, in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Guyana and the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), is inviting the public to “What Happens in Miami…”, an immersive American cultural and travel experience.

The event is planned for Saturday, November 30, at 16:00 hrs at the Promenade Gardens in Georgetown for a dynamic event that celebrates the best of American culture right here in Guyana.

It will showcase the United States as a top-tier travel destination, offering a taste of its iconic food, music, art, and sports.

Attendees will also discover lesser-known gems across the U.S., and patrons attending will have the chance of winning one return ticket to anywhere in the United States in 2025, compliments of United Airlines.

Under the theme, “Eats, Beats, and American Travel Treats,” a vibrant lineup of live music with local and international performers is on the cards.

“Swing by the ‘Swinging Bandstand’ for everything from pop, Latin, and jazz to hip-hop, country, and R&B. Delight in a hand-picked selection of popular tunes, dance displays, and even a stylish American fashion showcase,” organiser Waynewright Orderson said in a statement.

“Kick back with premium handmade cigars from the Dominican Republic, try your hand at throwing an American football, or take a baseball swing—all while enjoying a refreshing cocktail,” the statement said.

“As you explore the Promenade Gardens, keep cool with a variety of classic American drinks, including beer, wine, coffee, energy drinks, juices, and cocktails. Whether you’re craving a craft brew or a fruity beverage, there’s something for everyone,” it added.

“What Happens in Miami…” brings a culinary feast of American favorites and regional specialties, offering something for every taste.

Children under 12 will be admitted free and will have a specially designated area to play on the bouncy castle, engage in a number of electronic games, have their faces painted, and just have a grand time.

The event coincides with Thanksgiving weekend, an American holiday.

The post ‘What happens in Miami’ – A taste of America in Georgetown appeared first on News Room Guyana.

By Telesha Ramnarine 

telesha@newsroom.gy 

Coordinator of the Guyana National Road Safety Council Ramona Doorgen has said that accidents involving large trucks must be addressed as soon as possible.

In an interview with News Room on Wednesday, she called for people to retake the driver’s test, especially given the increase in truck accidents.

“We would like to see drivers retake the test even after five years. They should. We need to refresh our memory. We have so much happening…and we forget the fine print of what we should be doing,” she observed.

Doorgen also called attention to the fact that many truck drivers are young and inexperienced.

“If you’re getting your provisional at 16 and you’re supposed to get your driver’s license at 18, then a 19 or 21-year-old do not have the experience to drive those trucks.”

Then there are those truck drivers who would breach the regulations just for the sake of making extra money.

“Remember the truck has so much weight already and then there’s a specific weight it should be carrying. It’s a Caribbean attitude I think, or it’s a Guyanese attitude; I don’t know what it is. If the truck can carry 40 and they can put a little bit more, it looks nice to them, they make more money, but look at the consequences.”

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