Blog

Mexico kicked off their World Cup campaign with a chaotic 2-0 victory over South Africa, who went down to nine men at a packed Azteca Stadium.

Julian Quiñones opened the scoring early in the 9th minute, finding the back of the net after being set up by Érik Lira.

In the second half, South Africa’s discipline crumbled as Yaimil Sithole was sent off with a straight red card in the 49th minute.

Taking advantage of the extra man, Raúl Jiménez doubled Mexico’s lead in the 67th minute via an assist from Roberto Alvarado.

The closing stages turned increasingly frantic as South Africa went down to nine men when Themba Zwane received a straight red card in the 84th minute, before Mexico’s César Montes was also dismissed deep into stoppage time (90’+2).

Despite the late chaos, Mexico comfortably closed out the match to secure three points.

Group A action continues on Thursday evening when South Korea faces the Czech Republic from 22:00h.

The post FIFA WORLD CUP 2026: Mexico secures 2-0 win over nine-man South Africa appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Following the historic launch of robotic surgery in Guyana on May 26, 2026, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has successfully completed a landmark week of pioneering robotic surgical procedures from June 1 to June 5, 2026, further positioning Guyana as a regional leader in surgical innovation and advanced healthcare delivery.

The official launch of robotic surgery formed part of Guyana’s 60th Independence Anniversary celebrations and featured the world’s longest robotic telesurgery spanning across 20,000 kilometres using the SSI Mantra 3 Robotic Surgical System. The launch also included Guyana’s first robotic inguinal hernia repair, performed by Dr. Hemraj Ramcharran and GPHC’s local surgical team, who underwent specialized robotic surgery training in India. This was followed by a locally performed cardiac case led by Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, founder of the SSI Mantra robotic surgery system.

Building on this groundbreaking achievement, GPHC advanced its robotic surgery programme from June 1 to June 5, 2026, with General Surgery, Urology, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology successfully performing a series of first-of-its-kind procedures. Each procedure completed during the week represented a historic first for Guyana and the English-speaking Caribbean.

The Urology Department introduced the practice of robotic urology on Monday, June 1, 2026, under the guidance of Dr. Rajendra Sukhraj, Consultant Urologist. The two successful operations were renal cyst decortication and varicocelectomy. They constituted the achievement of a critical breakthrough in minimally invasive urology.

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology introduced robotic gynaecology on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, as two operations were performed successfully. One was bilateral salpingectomy by Dr. Padmini Singh, while the other operation performed was ovarian cystectomy by Dr. Radha Sookraj. Such surgical techniques were a step forward in improving women’s health and offered minimally invasive options.

Wednesday, June 3, 2026, saw the introduction of general robotic surgery. Dr. Bibi Hussain performed the very first robotic surgery of Guyana in bariatrics. She performed a Single Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (SAGB). 

On Thursday, June 4, 2026, both the Gynaecology and General Surgery Departments made further progress in the implementation of robotic surgeries by carrying out several other procedures. Dr. Radha Sookraj carried out a bilateral salpingectomy while Dr. Padmini Singh performed a cystectomy on one of the ovaries. In addition, there was a robotic cholecystectomy carried out by Dr. Jagnanand Ramnarine. This procedure represented a further important milestone in developing the services of robotic general surgery at GPHC.

As part of the final day of the Robotic Surgery Week, Dr. Hemraj Ramcharran performed a robotic cholecystectomy and Dr. Jagnanand Ramnarine carried out an inguinal hernia repair procedure. It is worth noting that both operations contributed significantly to expanding the scope of activities of the existing robotic surgery program of GPHC.

The success of the robotic surgery programme was supported by the expertise of the Anaesthesia Department, including Dr. Arturo Marrero, Dr. Tiffany Fiedtkou, Dr. Fernando Ramirez, Dr. Liselotte Garcia, and Dr. Gisela Rodriguez.

An important factor in the success of this initiative was the strong performance of the operating theatre and biomedical support teams. Specific mention needs to be made of Devonna Bowman and Naomi Roopnarain, operating theatre assistants, who received special training in India before being able to support the surgeons during the procedures. 

The Biomedical Department staff members, namely Dervin Bennett and Imran Alli, who assisted in setting up the equipment for the SSI Mantra 3 Robotic Surgical System, also deserve recognition for their contributions towards ensuring the success of the platform’s deployment during the week. All surgical operations that took place during the week were supervised by visiting General Surgeon Dr. Pedro Luis Maldonado from Ecuador. Assistance in technical and clinical matters was rendered by SSI representatives, namely Mr. Shivam Bhat and Mr. Mohit Tripathi, who worked hand in hand with the GPHC teams.

In less than two weeks since its official launch, GPHC has managed to incorporate robotic surgery in the departments of Urology, Gynaecology, Bariatric Surgery, and General Surgery. Such achievements make Guyana the pioneer of a multi-speciality robotic surgery program among the countries of the English-speaking Caribbean based on the SSI Mantra 3 Robotic Surgical System. Multidisciplinary collaboration was key to the success of these robotic surgeries (GPHC press release)                                                   

The post GPHC advances multi-specialty robotic surgeries  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The paper committal proceedings involving four of the accused charged in connection with the deadly explosion at the Mobil gas station on Regent Street in October 2025 continued on Thursday.

At the start of the hearing, members of the media were temporarily excluded from the virtual proceedings after attorneys in the matter raised legal arguments which the magistrate said they asked not to be heard by the press.

Following the conclusion of those submissions, the proceedings resumed with the prosecution tendering additional statements into evidence. More than 200 statements have now been tendered since the commencement of the paper committal proceedings earlier this week.

The court also received other pieces of evidence, including discs, photographs, medical reports and DNA analysis reports.

The paper committal proceedings began on Monday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, during which more than 100 statements were tendered into evidence.

The matter was adjourned until June 29 for continuation.

A paper committal is a legal process in which a magistrate determines whether there is sufficient evidence to commit an accused person to stand trial in the High Court based on written evidence and legal submissions, rather than live witness testimony.

Venezuelan national Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo, who prosecutors allege masterminded the attack, is jointly charged with Alexander Bettencourt, Johnny Boodram and Krystal La Cruz.

Two other accused men, Ramesh Pramdeo and Wayne Correia, who were charged in a separate magisterial district, were freed in April after the court upheld a no-case submission in their favour.

During previous court appearances, Ramirez Poedemo repeatedly claimed responsibility for the attack and called on the court to release the other accused. However, following an adjournment in the matter, the court was informed that the Director of Public Prosecutions had decided to proceed with the charges against the remaining defendants.

The October 2025 explosion claimed the life of young Soraya Bourne and caused widespread shock across the country.

The post More statements, DNA analysis tendered as paper committal continues in gas station bombing case appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Hire car operators serving the New Amsterdam to Corriverton route are calling on authorities to crack down on private vehicle owners who they say are illegally transporting passengers and affecting their livelihoods.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Atherley McDonald, a hire car operator with 15 years of experience, said the issue has become increasingly problematic over the past two to three years.

McDonald said licensed hire car operators are required to comply with strict regulations, including restrictions on vehicle tint, music systems and dress code, while also paying road service and other fees. However, he claimed that private vehicle owners are operating freely without meeting the same requirements.

“We are asking the Minister of Home Affairs, the Police Commissioner and the Regional Commander to look into this matter. These private cars are working every day just like hire cars, but they are not operating under the same rules and regulations,” McDonald said.

He added that the growing number of private vehicles collecting passengers has reduced earnings for hire car operators, who are already struggling with rising operating costs, including fuel prices.

“Some taxi services have private cars working, that is wrong. They are supposed to have hire cars to provide services not a private car,” he said.

Another operator, Ivor Dhuman, echoed similar concerns, stating that the increasing number of private vehicles on the road has made it difficult for licensed operators to secure passengers.

Badhram Singh, who has worked as a hire car operator for about 20 years, described the situation as unfair and said many operators are facing financial hardship.

“This is the hardest time because everything gone up. We want the government to just help we concerning the gas price and the police stop the private cars to work. The extra money that we supposed to make the private cars making. It’s unfair for us to get hire cars and private cars doing the same work,” he disclosed.

Meanwhile, Region Six Traffic Officer Superintendent Charles Hooke acknowledged the issue, noting that some vehicle owners are operating private transport services from their homes through phone bookings.

He said the police are encouraging members of the public to report such activities, as operating a private vehicle for hire without the necessary authorization is an offence.

Hooke also urged citizens to avoid using private vehicles for public transportation, warning that passengers may not be fully covered by insurance in the event of an accident.

“Private-hire is an offence against the State. Persons who travel with private vehicles are not fully covered by Insurance in the event of them involving in an accident wouldn’t benefit anything in terms of having a reward from the Insurance company. Were are asking persons to desist from traveling in private vehicles,” Hooke stated.

The post Private cars as taxis: Corentyne hire car operators call for action appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Guyana Hockey Board has unveiled the Diamond Jubilee Cup to mark a momentous milestone, celebrating 60 years of Guyana’s Independence.

The outdoor tournament, backed by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, is set to light up the Guyana National Stadium from June 11-15.

Action gets underway on Thursday evening with the round-robin group stages starting at 18:30h.

Teams will battle it out over four days of intense competition, all aiming for a spot in the top two to book their place in Saturday’s grand finale under the stadium floodlights.

The men’s draw features some of the finest talent in the domestic game. Recent MVP Omar Hopkinson brings his formidable form to the pitch, alongside junior national captain Shaquan Favorite, who is tasked with leading from the front.

Fans can also look forward to some trademark flair, with Hikers’ explosive star Jamarj Assanah and Saints Hockey Club’s skilful Jabari Lovell both named in what promises to be a highly competitive field.

In the women’s tournament, the star power is equally compelling.

Old Fort skipper Carolyn Deane brings invaluable experience to her side, while reigning MVP Abosaide Cadogan is expected to spearhead the attack for GCC.

At the other end of the pitch, Saints’ highly respected goalkeeper Sarah Harry will provide a formidable barrier in goal.

The post Elite outdoor hockey takes centre stage at National Stadium from June 11-15 appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Guyana’s Golden Jaguars face a crucial road to redemption following the confirmation of the 2026/27 Concacaf Nations League schedule, which sees them dropped into League B after a tough relegation from the top tier.

Concacaf has announced that the tournament will get underway this September, serving as the definitive qualifying pathway for the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup.

For Guyana, the upcoming campaign offers an immediate chance to right the wrongs of their previous relegation-bitten cycle, but they must navigate a revamped League B format to reclaim their spot among the region’s elite.

The Road Ahead: Key Dates

• Official Group Stage Draw: Thursday, 23 July 2026 (7pm ET)
• League B Group Stage: 21 September – 6 October & 9–17 November 2026
• League B Centralized Finals: 22–30 March 2027

Having tasted life in League A, Guyana find themselves back in the 16-team League B alongside fellow relegated sides Cuba, French Guiana, and Guadeloupe.

The path back to the top tier will require absolute consistency. Under the current format, the 16 nations will be split into four groups of four.

Only the four group winners will earn automatic promotion back to League A, whilst also booking a spot in a newly introduced centralised Championship in March 2027 to play for the League B title.

However, there is no room for complacency; finishing bottom of the group, and a catastrophic drop into League C awaits.

 

In a bid to reduce player fatigue and travel demands across the region, Concacaf will continue using centralised venues for League B matches.

The fixtures will be heavily dependent on regional rankings.

The September and October matches will be hosted by the third- and second-highest-ranked teams in their respective groups.

Crucially, the final, high-stakes matches in November will be hosted entirely by the highest-ranked teams—meaning Guyana will need to leverage their ranking coefficient to secure hosting advantages when it matters most.

The journey begins on Thursday, 23 July, when the official draw in Miami will map out Guyana’s opponents.

League A (16 teams in alphabetical order): Canada, Costa Rica, Curaçao (promoted), Dominican Republic (promoted), El Salvador (promoted), Guatemala, Haiti (promoted), Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States.

League B (16 teams in alphabetical order): Barbados (promoted), Belize (promoted), Bermuda, Bonaire, Cayman Islands (promoted), Cuba (relegated), Dominica, French Guiana (relegated), Guadeloupe (relegated), Grenada, Guyana (relegated), Puerto Rico, Saint Kitts and Nevis (promoted), Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sint Maarten

League C (9 teams in alphabetical order): Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda (relegated), Aruba (relegated), Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat (relegated), Saint Martin (relegated), Turks and Caicos Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The post Nations League: Guyana look to bounce back in League B appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Police have identified the suspected bandit who was fatally shot during an attempted armed robbery at a supermarket on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, on Wednesday night as 24-year-old Nia Emmanuel of Norton Street, Lodge.

According to an update from investigators, Emmanuel died during the alleged robbery attempt which occurred around 8:40 p.m.

Police said a .38 revolver recovered at the scene, along with three live rounds, one spent shell from the weapon and three 9mm spent shells, have been lodged for forensic examination.

The body was taken to Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it is awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Investigators also revealed that Emmanuel was wanted in connection with an alleged discharging of a loaded firearm with intent matter that occurred on November 3, 2025.

Police are continuing their investigations and are seeking to locate other suspects believed to have been involved in the attempted robbery.

The post Wanted man identified as bandit killed during supermarket robbery attempt appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The government is moving ahead with plans to construct a daycare centre for the children of prison officers and staff as part of ongoing efforts to enhance welfare services within the security sector.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has invited bids for the construction of the facility at Parade Street, Kingston.

The project forms part of the government’s broader agenda to improve working conditions and provide greater support systems for members of the disciplined services and their families.

When completed, the daycare centre is expected to provide a safe and nurturing environment for young children while their parents carry out their duties, helping to ease childcare challenges faced by prison officers and civilian employees.

Over the past several years, the government has invested heavily in strengthening the country’s security architecture while simultaneously improving the welfare of personnel serving in the disciplined services.

These efforts have included salary adjustments, improved infrastructure, upgraded accommodation and training facilities, as well as initiatives to enhance the overall well-being of officers and their families.

The planned daycare facility is expected to complement these measures by providing an additional support service for employees of the Guyana Prison Service.

The Ministry of Home Affairs recently invited bids under the National Competitive Bidding process for the construction of the centre. Interested contractors have until June 30 to submit proposals.

The project underscores the government’s commitment to creating a more supportive working environment for public servants, particularly those serving in critical sectors responsible for public safety and national security.

The post New daycare centre planned for prison officers’ children appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Guyana HomeHub, the real estate search platform that launched in January, will exhibit at the International Building Expo 2026, running June 25 to 28, 2026 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. The platform positions itself as a trusted alternative to the social-media property listings that have long defined house and land hunting in Guyana, replacing what its founder calls “chaos” with a managed platform where agents and listings are reviewed and approved before they appear.

The Expo comes as Guyana’s property market moves with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Yet buyers and renters, both at home and across the diaspora in cities such as New York, Toronto and London, have had no single trusted portal to search, leaving most transactions to informal Facebook and WhatsApp posts where scams and duplicate listings are common.

Since launching on January 7, 2026, Guyana HomeHub has grown to more than 42 approved agents and over 155 active listings, and is available free on the web and as an app on both iOS and Android. The company reports an iOS conversion rate of 29.6 percent, roughly six times the industry average, which it points to as a sign of strong demand for a trusted service.

Agents are reviewed and approved before they can publish, and listings are screened before they appear. The platform does not claim every agent is government-licensed — in Guyana, formal licensing can take years — but says it provides a level of accountability that informal channels do not.

“For too long, buying property in Guyana has meant Facebook posts, WhatsApp messages and hoping it’s real,” said founder and CEO Darren L. Buckner. “We built Guyana HomeHub to bring order to that chaos — agents and listings reviewed, real accountability, one trusted place.”

A significant part of the platform’s audience sits overseas, among Guyanese who left for opportunity and now want to invest back home. The platform is built to let them search, verify and connect with real agents from abroad.

“Guyanese in New York, Toronto and London want to invest back home, but the fear of being scammed stops them,” Buckner said. “We exist to remove that fear.”

Buckner, a US-based entrepreneur whose wife, Rochelle Buckner, is Guyanese, built the platform himself over roughly seven months using artificial intelligence as his development team, with no prior formal technical training. He describes the market as personal as much as commercial. Guyana HomeHub is the first market of Portal HomeHub, a multi-country platform he calls “the Zillow of the Global South.”

At the International Building Expo, the Guyana HomeHub team will demonstrate the platform and the app at its booth and engage directly with visitors exploring the country’s building and property sector.

“The International Building Expo is where Guyana shows what it’s building,” Buckner said. “A verified real estate platform belongs in that conversation.” [Press Release]

The post Guyana HomeHub brings verified property search to the International Building Expo 2026 appeared first on News Room Guyana.