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See below the full statement issued by the Ministry of Health: 

The Ministry of Health firmly denies the recent article alleging that billions of dollars of drugs expired between 2023 and 2024. This claim is misleading and inaccurate and misrepresents the Auditor General’s report. The Ministry wishes to clarify that the expired medications, medical supplies, and laboratory supplies in question date back to before 2022 and, in some instances, were from 2019 and beyond. These are now being responsibly disposed of by national and international safety protocols. For the medications bought in 2023, $12,546,000 expired or 0.01%; similarly, for 2024, $13,471,899 expired or 0.06%.

The drugs referenced in the article were procured and stocked primarily before 2019 and during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have since expired due to various factors, including changes in medical needs, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and new treatment protocols. The Ministry has been engaged in an ongoing process of identifying and safely disposing of these outdated medications to ensure that only viable, effective drugs are available for use.

The Ministry of Health remains committed to maintaining the highest standards in healthcare delivery. Regular audits are conducted to monitor pharmaceutical stocks, and efforts are underway to strengthen the supply chain management system.

The Ministry follows established procedures for the environmentally safe disposal of expired pharmaceuticals, per the guidelines provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other regulatory authorities. These processes ensure that expired drugs do not pose any health or environmental risk.

The Ministry of Health reaffirms its commitment to providing all citizens with safe, effective, and up-to-date medications.

The post Health Ministry refutes article claiming billions of drugs expired in 2023 -2024 appeared first on News Room Guyana.

See below the full release from the Ministry of Agriculture: 

On Friday, APNU+AFC MP, Sherod Duncan attempted to take a swipe at the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, on a project his government embarked on in 2017/18.

A contract was awarded by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) in the sum of US$3.602M equivalent to $753.397M on 5 June 2018 for the design, supply, installation and commissioning of nine fixed and three mobile high capacity engines.

The contract was signed on 03 September 2018 by the previous APNU+AFC Coalition government to an Indian company, Apollo International.

US$4 million loan was taken from the Indian Exim Bank in 2017 for the purchase of the engines. The deal was signed by former Finance Minister Winston Jordan in Washington.

In the 2021 Auditor General Report, “ten of the twelve engines… supplied were determined to be undersized and incapable of running the pumps on a long-term basis.”

The coalition had boasted “to reduce the risks of flooding in low-lying areas across the country and will bring relief to residents and farmers.

On September 3, 2018, the coalition began procuring the engines by signing a deal of US$3.6m with Apollo International for the supply and installation of the 12 drainage pumps.

The then agriculture minister Noel Holder told the nation that his Coalition government had procured the right engines for the job.

The engines were to be delivered within 12 months, but that never happened.

The wrong engines arrived in March 2020, during the election fiasco. Over US$2.3m were already paid to Apollo.

In 2021, a second payment of US$501,000 was made, and the engines were installed on the pumps at various locations across the country.

After finding out that APNU+AFC had purchased the wrong engines, the current government withheld the balance payment.

“The current government ordered an assessment to be done on the engines by a technical team. The team reportedly recommended that ten of the 12 engines found to be undersized and incapable of the job “be replaced,” the 2021 AG report stated.

The remaining balance was to be used to replace the wrong engines and fix the ones installed.

The new government is in negotiations with the Indian Company to have the matter settled.

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha had said that the purchase of the wrong engines was a “blunder by APNU+AFC.”

The post Engines for drainage pumps highlighted in Auditor General’s report were purchased by APNU/AFC appeared first on News Room Guyana.

See below the full release issued by the NDIA:

The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) wishes to address and clarify several unwarranted claims published in the Stabroek News on October 11, 2024, regarding the Belle Vue Pump Station project.

The article stresses that “The Auditor General’s Report for 2023 says $160.8 million was paid to the firm headed by Mikhail Rodrigues known as `Guyanese Critic’ for the Belle Vue Pump Station works but up to August 14, 2024, no works were in progress at the time of the visit of the auditors.”

As stipulated in the contract, the effective commencement date for the construction of the pump station was February 6, 2024.

In accordance with the contract and upon submission of a mobilisation advance bond, an advance of $129,831,525 was paid.

Subsequently, works commenced with the construction of cofferdam and the removal of an old deteriorated sluice which was within the footprint of the work area for which interim valuation number one, totaling $31,062,903 was certified by the engineering supervisory consultant following which payment was effected by the NDIA.

As the works progresses, along with the supply of some of the steel sheet piles on site, greenheart piles and the installation of test bearing piles, interim payment number two, totaling $21,615,810 was certified by the engineering supervisory consultant following which payment was effected by the NDIA.

The project is still within the contractual period and the contractor is still on site. The Ministry of Agriculture and NDIA with its Technical Officers have been meeting with contractors, including Tepui Group Inc. and consultants to ensure that projects are completed as per contract.

It must be made clear that the NDIA values transparency and accountability in all is operations. We are committed to providing updates on project progress and addressing public concerns as they arise.

In fact, engineers from the NDIA and the supervisory consultant are regularly visiting various project sites, overseeing work to ensure compliance with specifications outlined in contracts.

This proactive approach underscores our dedication to maintaining and enhancing the country’s drainage and irrigation infrastructure.

The post Belle Vue Pump Station still within contractual period – NDIA appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has lauded the recent economic and social policies announced by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, highlighting its potential positive impact on both citizen welfare and the broader economy.

Speaking on Thursday in Parliament, President Ali unveiled a series of interventions aimed at promoting economic growth, reducing income inequality, and improving employment prospects.

The GCCI, in response, praised the government’s focus on aligning economic development with human development and social inclusivity, noting that these policies will likely inject substantial disposable income into households and drive greater economic activity across the country.

By mid-2024, Guyana had already recorded an impressive economic growth rate of 49.7 percent.

The Chamber commended the government’s continued efforts to ensure that this growth is coupled with improvements in the quality of life for all Guyanese, including initiatives aimed at reducing the cost of living and expanding employment opportunities.

Among the key measures announced were a one-off cash grant of $200,000 for each household, which is expected to inject $60 billion into the economy, and the elimination of tuition fees at the University of Guyana starting in 2025.

Additionally, the President outlined plans to raise the public sector minimum wage to $100,000 per month, introduce vaccine manufacturing in the country, and reduce electricity costs by the end of next year.

Healthcare and education were also high on the agenda, with the government pledging to strengthen healthcare interventions and invest in the Guyana Technical Training College, transforming the institution into a global oil and gas training hub and positioning Guyana as an international education destination.

The GCCI also expressed particular interest in the government’s plans for economic diversification, especially in the agriculture sector, as well as measures to enhance energy production and distribution. These steps are expected to have a significant impact on the business community, fostering greater stability and growth.

The Chamber welcomed the government’s commitment to private sector development and expressed optimism about the benefits of these policies. Looking ahead, the GCCI is eager to continue its dialogue with the government to further improve the business environment and support Guyana’s sustained development.

The Chamber also anticipates further initiatives in Budget 2025 aimed at addressing the cost of living and bolstering private sector growth.

The post GCCI applauds President Ali’s bold economic and social policy announcements appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) of Guyana has congratulated the government for its innovative and progressive initiatives focused on digitalisation and modernisation, as outlined by President Dr Irfaan Ali in his address to the National Assembly on Thursday.

The PSC has hailed these transformative projects as vital steps in closing the digital divide, improving the ease of doing business, and fostering the growth of the private sector.

In a statement, the PSC noted that a standout feature of the President’s announcement was the investment in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) hubs across the hinterland and riverain areas. Funded by the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund, the construction of 141 hubs, with plans to expand to 200 communities, is seen as a significant step towards digital inclusion.

This initiative aims to provide residents and students in remote regions with access to essential online resources, offering new educational and economic opportunities.

The PSC expressed strong support for this initiative, noting that it will play an important role in ensuring equitable growth throughout the country.

Additionally, the government’s introduction of the Electronic Planning and Development Single Window System was praised as a major leap forward in modernising the planning and construction processes.

The new system will streamline applications, reduce waiting times, and promote transparency and efficiency, strengthening Guyana’s position as a top destination for investment.

The PSC believes this will enhance confidence in the private sector and encourage faster project approvals, ultimately driving economic expansion.

The PSC also recognised the government’s ambitious plans to build Silica City, which will serve as a model for smart, sustainable urban development. This project, part of Guyana’s broader vision for growth, will provide critical infrastructure to support the country’s expanding population and economy.

The PSC expressed its eagerness to collaborate with the government to realise this vision, which is expected to attract both domestic and international businesses, create jobs, and foster innovation.

In addition, the PSC welcomed recent fiscal measures aimed at enhancing the standard of living for all Guyanese. The government’s introduction of tax incentives, along with investments in healthcare, education, and social services, was seen as a key strategy to improve the competitiveness of the business environment and boost consumer spending.

The decision to reduce electricity costs and eliminate bridge tolls further underscores the government’s commitment to improving living conditions.

The PSC noted that the government’s focus on digital education, coupled with the provision of free university education, will equip the workforce with the necessary skills for Guyana’s future industrial development.

The post Private Sector Commission praises government’s progressive digital, economic initiatives appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The police in Berbice are investigating a killing that occurred Thursday night about 21:00 hrs at No.76 Housing Scheme, Upper Corentyne, Berbice.

The deceased has been identified as Micheal Jackson called ‘Junior’,22, A Fisherman of No.72 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

While details remain sketchy, the News Room has been informed that his brother in law, Terrence Simon Adams called “Black Brain”, 27, also a Fisherman of Fourth Street, No.76 Housing Scheme, Upper Corentyne, Berbice murdered Jackson.

It is alleged that the two had an argument which erupted into the deadly encounter.

The suspect has not been arrested, more details in a subsequent report.

The post Corentyne  fisherman murdered by brother-in-law appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The local private sector could consider raising its payments to workers following President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s announcement on Thursday that all public sector workers would earn no less than $100,000 monthly from 2025.

The President made this announcement on Thursday as he addressed the 12th Parliament of Guyana, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Georgetown.

Private sector representatives were among those who gathered at the conference centre for the President’s address. Some of those representatives shared their reactions to the bold interventions announced by the President soon after his address.

“While the public sector will go at a minimum of $100,000, yes, we can also see some movement in the private sector also. It will automatically force us to move our salaries and wages upward to meet those demands,” Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Komal Singh told the News Room.

BREAKING: All public sector workers to earn no less than $100,000 by 2025

Singh was keen on pointing out two considerations, however. First, he explained that payments in the private sector are driven by supply and demand. So market forces are likely to impact what a person earns.

That occurrence leads to the second phenomenon. Because supply and demand influence payments and Guyana has been grappling with labour shortages, Singh said that wages and salaries in the private sector have already increased substantially.

Meanwhile, the President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Kester Huston said raising the minimum wage is something that can be seriously considered with the right incentives.

“We’re hoping that we can match that.

“The private sector operates different from the public sector. We’re expecting to have some incentives in doing business as a private sector to really accommodate that,” he said.

As consideration is given to possibly raising the minimum wage in the private sector, Hutson said the President would be engaged on incentives that can be provided.

Currently, the minimum wage in the private sector is $60,000. It increased from $44,200 in July 2022.

The post Private sector could consider ‘matching’ govt’s $100,000 minimum salary appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Guyana Zoo is poised for a major expansion as part of plans to develop green spaces in the capital city, Georgetown, and attract more tourists.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced this on Thursday as he addressed the 12th Parliament of Guyana.

He also said the zoo will be developed with international standards in mind and that the Botanical Gardens where the zoo is housed, will be enhanced overall. The capital city, Dr. Ali said too, will be enhanced as the government hopes to promote its cultural history.

“These are all parts of building a beautiful Guyana, a new Guyana in which we must take pride in,” President Ali said.

Later Thursday, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo spoke more about the plans for the zoo.

“The zoo has been languishing for a while,” the Vice President said at a People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) press conference on Thursday afternoon.

However, it is believed that the zoo can be expanded to include a learning centre and a dining area so children can see more animals while also enjoying a family-friendly environment.

This expansion is likely to unfold at the eastern end of the Botanical Gardens where persons usually engage in bidwatching activities. Jagdeo, however, noted that any expansion efforts must prevent any disturbance to the birds’ habitats.

“It’s a concept that we’re looking at that will give our children more opportunities to be exposed to animals and stuff like that,” he said.

A private sector-led safari-type zoo elsewhere is also being considered. Jagdeo believes this can be a major income earner, adding to Guyana’s ecotourism product.

The post ‘Languishing’ Guyana Zoo to be expanded with focus on learning, family-friendly environment appeared first on News Room Guyana.

In a positive assessment of the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute’s (GWLI) efforts and by extension the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) programme, a recent review conducted by the Auditor General’s Office reveals both achievements and areas where improvements could further empower vulnerable women across the country.

Launched in 2021, WIIN was designed to provide women and girls, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, with the skills and resources needed to access employment or start their own businesses.

With an investment of $185.5 million over two years, including $64 million allocated to WIIN in 2021, the initiative aimed to create opportunities for economic independence and personal empowerment.

The audit, which covered the period from January 2021 to December 2022, found that the WIIN programme has had a positive impact on many women.

Over 6,000 individuals across all ten administrative regions of Guyana participated in the training, which exceeded the original targets. This figure represents 41% of those who applied during this time, with training offered in seven technical and vocational areas.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud (center)
along with WIIN coordinator, Sanjay Pooran receives over 100 sewing machines from Silvie’s
Industrial Solutions’ Deepawattie Persaud

The GWLI has made significant improvements to the programme since its inception. While initial courses were offered at Level 1, the programme has since expanded to include up to Level 3 in the same areas, with the addition of two new subjects.

The Institute has also hired additional staff to ensure that more people can be trained effectively and efficiently, creating better working environments and providing essential equipment to support staff in their roles.

However, the review also highlighted some challenges that need to be addressed for the WIIN programme to reach its full potential.

While the programme successfully trained many individuals, a significant number of vulnerable women – especially unemployed single mothers – were not reached.

A class of WIIN graduates share a photo opportunity with Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud

Of the 14,663 applicants, 2,571 were identified as the most vulnerable women, but only 410 were able to participate in the programme, leaving 84% of those in need without access to the opportunities provided.

The Auditor General’s Office recommended a number of steps for the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute to improve its outreach and effectiveness.

Key recommendations include better staffing, enhanced monitoring and evaluation of personnel, and more targeted efforts to ensure that vulnerable women are given the support they need to participate and succeed.

The post WIIN Programme makes strides, Auditor General’s review highlights areas for growth appeared first on News Room Guyana.

By Telesha Ramnarine

A new television pilot for Guyana’s first Creole comedy-detective show, The Granny JJ Adventures: Guyana’s Daily Detective, is set to begin filming on the East Bank Demerara in 2025.

Based on a popular series of books, the show dramatizes the efforts of an elderly grandmother to solve perplexing crimes within her community.

Despite the fears stemming from her past, the show’s creators believe viewers will be drawn into her struggles to make Guyana a better place for future generations.

Joshua Cartwright, author of Granny JJ Adventures – Guyana’s Daily Detective, and Line Producer Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts sat down for an interview with the News Room on Thursday.

They are working to promote the new TV series and encourage Guyanese businesses to invest in it through sponsorships.

Directed by Orin Beaton from the UK, the series will consist of eight episodes, each approximately 30 to 45 minutes long, airing weekly.

Around 20 years ago, Cartwright married Glenda from Soesdyke, and the books are inspired by her mother. The first book, however, was written as a way to help their daughter better understand her heritage.

“I just fell in love with this amazing place: the generosity of the people, the vibrancy of the culture, and the wonderful sayings. I love all the Creolese.

“… Especially across the diaspora, people enjoy reading this when I mention things like ‘sit down grater’, ‘wash boards’, and all the things they had when they were growing up – licks like peas. It gives people a chance to come together and reminisce about the aspects of Guyana that I loved,” Cartwright shared.

Glenda, who co-wrote the script, revealed that her mother was the inspiration for the character. “Juliet Garrett, my mother, raised ten children; she was tough, smart, and could figure me out in a flash. We want Guyanese to be able to look at the screen, ‘buss a laff’, and say ‘dat is just like me granny so-and-so!’”

Roberts, who is responsible for coordinating and pulling the project together, said what she loves most about it is how inherently Guyanese it is.

“I feel like this project is a really good way to introduce the past to the younger generation. It’s a fun way for them to learn about the past, the history, and how we were culturally,” she explained.

The Granny JJ Adventures books are available on Amazon.

The post Guyana’s first Creole comedy-detective series set to film in 2025 appeared first on News Room Guyana.