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The Government of Guyana on Wednesday announced its third withdrawal for the year from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF), amounting to US$300 million. This withdrawal was made pursuant to the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act 2021, as amended by the Fiscal Enactments (Amendment) Act 2024, following parliamentary approval.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Finance, the total parliamentary approval for withdrawals from the NRF in 2024 amounts to US$1,586,150,331 (approximately G$329,885,563,088). The recent transfer of US$300 million (G$62.394 billion) to the Consolidated Fund occurred on July 22, 2024.

This latest withdrawal brings the total withdrawals for the year 2024 to US$850 million (approximately G$176.782 billion), out of the approved total of US$1.586 billion (approximately G$329.9 billion).

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A mid-afternoon fire on Wednesday has left Dawn Hopkinson and her elderly father, Albert Hopkinson, known as ‘Major’, homeless. The house at Third Avenue, Bartica became engulfed in flames around 13:00 hrs with the fire suspected to have started in one of the rooms in the upper flat.

Neigbhours rushed to the scene after seeing smoke emanating from a room window. At the time, Albert Hopkinson was upstairs in his bedroom, while his daughter was reportedly cooking downstairs.

When the fire service arrived, the wooden structure was already fully ablaze, with thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Despite efforts from onlookers and neighbours, the fire rapidly spread and could not be immediately contained.

In an act of bravery, Sinead Holder, a Bartica resident, along with two others, entered the burning building and successfully rescued Albert Hopkinson who is in his early 90s and suffered severe third-degree burns. Meanwhile, his daughter courageously attempted to salvage their belongings from the inferno, resulting in significant second-degree burns for herself.

Emergency responders quickly transported both Albert and Dawn Hopkinson to the Bartica Regional Hospital, where they are receiving ongoing medical treatment. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, which remains undetermined.

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Shawn Davidson, a 24-year-old construction worker residing in the North East Squatting Area of Georgetown, has been formally charged with attempted murder after an incident involving his one-year-old stepson.

The alleged offense took place on July 17 and Davidson appeared before Senior Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. During the court proceedings, Davidson was presented with the charge of ‘Attempt to commit Murder’, in violation of Section 103(c) of the Criminal Law Offences Act, Chapter 8:01.

According to the legal protocol, Davidson was not required to enter a plea during the initial court appearance. The magistrate ordered Davidson to be remanded in custody until August 12 pending further legal procedures and a report on the case.

The case has stirred concern in the local community of North East Squatting Area, where Davidson resides. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged attempted murder of the infant stepson.

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In a planned intel-led operation early Wednesday morning, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) uncovered a substantial cache of firearms and ammunition at a residence in Georgetown. Led by a Superintendent, the operation at Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, resulted in the seizure of 26 handguns and high-powered rifles along with a significant quantity of assorted ammunition.

The operation unfolded at approximately 05:30 hrs, when police personnel executed a search warrant at the residence of Eon Fagundes, a 47-year-old clothes vendor. Upon arrival, Fagundes was observed exiting his home carrying a bag containing firearms and ammunition. He admitted to police that he did not possess a firearm license.

During the subsequent search of Fagundes’ residence and his vehicle, which he confirmed to be under his regular use, law enforcement discovered an extensive array of weaponry concealed in bags and a suitcase. The inventory included various firearms such as Sig Sauer, Ruger, FN-45, Smith and Wesson, Berretta, Spring Field, Canik, and Glock models, each accompanied by corresponding magazines and ammunition rounds.

The police also apprehended five individuals present at the scene for questioning, namely Carol Fagundes, Eon’s 66-year-old mother, Devena Persaud (22 years), Theresa Fagundes (49 years), Tessa Persaud (48 years), and Clement Thornton (48 years), identified as a Handyman.

Following the confiscation of the firearms, ammunition, and related items, the GPF’s Ballistic Section took custody of the materials for further examination, marking, and secure storage in accordance with legal protocols.

For now, Eon Fagundes and the individuals detained will await legal proceedings as the investigation progresses.

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