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Women and Gender Equality Commission concerned at silence of Police Force top brass on rape allegations against Senior Officer

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Women and Gender Equality Commission concerned at silence of Police Force top brass on rape allegations against Senior Officer

The Women & Gender Equality Commission today expressed its concern at the deafening silence of the executive management team of the Guyana Police Force after allegations of sexual assault have been leveled against a Senior Police Officer.

In a statement issued by Chairperson of the Commission, Indra Chandarpal, the Commission said it has taken note of the recent media reports in which a female police officer has accused a high-ranking male police officer of multiple sexual assaults and also noted the response from the Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond.

However, the Commission said the continued silence of the top brass of the Police Force after all these months is troubling.

“What is particularly unacceptable in this instance, is that serving members of the Guyana Police Force, who are mandated to serve and protect the public, are themselves subject to sexual abuse from within their own institution. The victims very often, are themselves subject to the same fear and other constraints that are often the more potent features of sexual exploitation in the workplace and serve to retard them from reporting to the relevant agencies,” Ms. Chandarpal said in the statement.

Ms. Chandarpal noted that over the past several years, the Commission has done extensive work to educate the public as a whole, but particularly people in the workplace with regard to the unlawfulness of sexual harassment and the gravity of sexual offences and has urged persons to report such matters recognizing that in many instances, victims are constrained by fear and embarrassment. 

The Commission said while it is unable to confirm whether any appropriate actions were taken in response to the allegations of rape, it questioned whether the officer accused was relieved from duty as is customary in this type of case.

“Every Guyanese has the right to work and to do so in a safe environment. No one in this country should ever be made to choose between their safety, their dignity and their livelihood.   Human Rights are meaningless if those who violate it are protected by the very institutions charged with upholding said rights.  It is the responsibility of all of us but in particular those who bear a duty of care, including Ministers, Agency Heads and Law Enforcement to ensure the rights of all rights holders are protected and upheld,” the Commission noted.

It said the case represents a test of Guyana’s institutions on whether they are capable of holding the ‘powerful’ accountable. It is therefore an imperative that we must not fail in this instance.

In a brief statement last Friday, the Guyana Police Force announced that a special investigative team has been established to probe the report filed by the female police officer against Deputy Commissioner of Police, Fizal Karimbaksh.

Source: News Source Guyana

All SBAs for students preparing to sit 2027 CSEC exams must be completed -says Education Ministry

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All SBAs for students preparing to sit 2027 CSEC exams must be completed -says Education Ministry

The Ministry of Education in a statement today reminded that students preparing to sit the 2027 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations must complete all prescribed School-Based Assessment (SBA) requirements.

The Ministry’s statement followed an advisory from the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).

In its statement, the Education Ministry emphasised that Paper Three is strictly not authorised as an SBA substitute for secondary school students for the 2027 examination cycle.

“Secondary schools are therefore prohibited from directing or permitting students to undertake Paper 3 in lieu of an SBA, or communicating to parents and students that such a replacement is permitted”, the statement said.

It was further explained that all Grade 11 students enrolled in CSEC subjects requiring an SBA are directed to resume or continue their assessment tasks to meet the prescribed March 2027 submission deadline.

According to the Ministry of Education, schools must allocate sufficient instructional time, guidance and supervision to ensure students refine and complete their work on schedule.

Additionallu, Headteachers are required to oversee the immediate resumption of SBA activities across all departments, monitor progress towards completion and provide targeted interventions for students who may need additional support.

Education Officers will also be required to conduct regional school visits, review SBA progress records and engage school administration to ensure that all of our candidates are on track.

These directives clarify local requirements following advice from the CXC regarding plans to discontinue SBAs for thirteen subjects starting in 2028, with conditional implementation beginning in 2027.

The Ministry confirmed that for Guyana’s 2027 CSEC cohort, all existing SBA requirements remain fully in effect.

Source: News Source Guyana

Small protest outside SOCU Head Office demands Karimbaksh be sent on leave

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Small protest outside SOCU Head Office demands Karimbaksh be sent on leave

Member of Parliament for the APNU, Sherod Duncan, today said the State’s refusal to send the Head of the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU), Fizal Karimbaksh on administrative leave, pending an investigation into allegations of rape against him, is sending a bad message to victims of sexual violence.

MP Duncan was among a small group of persons who picketed SOCU’s Head Office today calling for Karimbaksh to be removed from Office. A female Police Officer has accused Karimbaksh of rape and sexual assault. The Police Force has since announced a special investigation.

Duncan said this is not the first time Karimbaksh has been accused of sexual assault, and he must be removed from Office to pave the way for an independent, fair and thorough investigation into the allegations now leveled against him.

“I believe that Karimbaksh has stayed on, is allowed to say on because he got secrets for them, the government that is, and the Government has secrets for him. It sends a bad signal to the female especially in the Guyana Police Force that when something like this happens to them, God forbid, that they have no recourse, that they could file a complaint, that they can send a written statement but once that person is backed by the Government, that person shall not be moved. It sends a bad, bad signal,” MP Duncan said.

Last Friday, Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond said the Deputy Commissioner of Police should be sent on administrative leave pending a full and independent investigation into the allegations of rape made against him.

However, Minister Walrond noted that the Police Service Commission, which institutes disciplinary proceedings against Senior Police Officers, has not been reconstituted.

MP Duncan said the Home Affairs Minister’s indication that Karimbaksh should be sent on administrative leave should have been enough for him to step down from office given the serious allegations against him.

Meanwhile, former APNU MP Annette Ferguson took umbrage to statements by the Home Affairs Minister that the investigation will involve a confrontation between the accused, and accuser.

“The law governing sexual offences misconduct is very clear, so why would you even think about going to a confrontation when the victim would have stated already, whether by paper committal what would have transpired between herself and the accused Mr Karimbaksh. So, I am not in support of the minister position on confrontation,” Ferguson said.

She said the victim must not be made to relive the trauma.

Media manager, Leroy Smith was also among those on the picket line. He told reporters he opted to join the protest given the long list of allegations of sexual assault levied against the senior police officer.

 “This thing is very straight forward. A precedence has been set. You had Henry Greene that had to leave, you had Carl Wilson, you had Mahendra Singh and you had several other police officers whose names I can’t recall right now but they were sent off the job for allegations of a lesser nature but also sexually related also,” Smith said.

He said the Home Affairs Minister has the power to send Karimbaksh on administrative leave or cause him to be sent on administrative leave.

Rights Organization and the Opposition have also called for Karimbaksh to be removed from office, pending the completion of the investigation into the allegations of rape made against him.

Source: News Source Guyana

Forensic Lab capacity being strengthened to process evidence locally – News Room Guyana

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Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond says efforts are underway to strengthen Guyana’s Forensic Laboratory so that evidence from criminal investigations can be processed locally, reducing the need to send samples overseas.

In criminal investigations, Walrond said evidence processing remains another critical area, particularly when it comes to preserving evidence while a case is before the courts.

To this end, Walrond said work is being done to expand the capabilities of the Forensic Laboratory, allowing Guyana to conduct more testing locally instead of sending samples abroad.

“We are also building up the capacity of the Forensic Lab so that we are able to process our own evidence right here in Guyana so our samples don’t have to be sent abroad,” Walrond said during an appearance on the Starting Point podcast.

She identified ballistic and toxicology testing among the areas where greater local capacity is being developed.

According to Walrond, the lack of capacity to conduct certain tests has previously affected criminal cases, particularly where authorities were unable to test a particular weapon or determine the presence of a specific drug.

“Many times in some cases we didn’t have the capacity to test a particular weapon or to test for a specific drug; the cases have all faltered,” she said.

The ability to properly process and preserve evidence, Walrond said, is critical to building strong cases and securing convictions.

“A thorough and robust investigation helps to secure a conviction, which is what you ultimately want,” she said, adding that the ultimate objective is for “the perpetrator to feel the penalty of the crime.”

She said significant resources are also being invested in building the capacity of the Police, noting that 500 police officers have already received training in evidence processing.

According to Walrond, investigative capacity has improved, including through the use of technology aimed at reducing reliance on eyewitness accounts. She pointed to the use of cameras as one example.

She also highlighted the importance of training police officers in taking statements and handling evidence. She explained that statements obtained from witnesses and victims must be prepared in a way that allows them to withstand scrutiny in court.

Source: NEW ROOMS SITE

High Court refuses Seeram’s bail application – News Room Guyana

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High Court Judge, Joy Persaud- Singh on Monday refused former Region Four Chairman, Daniel Seeram application for bail days after he was found guilty of assaulting his ex-wife and remanded to prison.

Seeram, through his attorney, Nigel Hughes had approached the High Court for a judicial review of Magistrate Abigail Gibbs decision to remand him. He is currently awaiting sentence which is slated for November 2.

In her ruling, the Judge said the court finds no indication that magistrate Gibbs acted unlawfully, rationally or outside her judication.

As such, the application was dismissed and the magistrate decision to refuse bail for Seeram was upheld. It therefore means Seeram is to remain on remand.

Following Friday’s decision by the magistrate, Seeram was being held at the Sparandaam Police station lockups awaiting the bail hearing.

Seeram currently serves as the National Border Patrol Director.

He reportedly assaulted his ex-wife, causing grievous bodily harm on September 11, 2023, at the Cummings Lodge, Georgetown apartment they shared.  He was arrested and placed on $50,000 station bail.

Sources previously told the News Room that on the day in question at about 03:00 hrs, Seeram returned home, during which he and his wife got into a heated argument.

The argument escalated and the couple ended up in a scuffle during which they allegedly beat each other. It is also alleged that Seeram brandished his licensed firearm during the incident.

Seeram eventually left the apartment and a report was made at the Turkeyen Police station by his wife. At the time, there were visible marks of violence about her body.

Source: NEW ROOMS SITE

‘I am ready to earn another opportunity’ – Kevin Sinclair targets Guyana Harpy Eagles return – News Room Guyana

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National cricketer Kevin Sinclair has publicly declared his intention to resume his professional career, confirming he has entered a formal reintegration process established by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) after an extended period on the sidelines due to disciplinary issues and personal setbacks.

In a comprehensive statement released on Monday, the 26-year-old opened up on the soul-searching that followed his omission from national setups, revealing he has completed therapy with clinical practitioner Dr. Wil Campbell to address personal challenges that impacted his career.

Sinclair confirmed that Dr. Campbell has formally endorsed his readiness to return to the game, clearing a crucial hurdle in his path back toward domestic, regional, and ultimately international cricket.

“Cricket is more than a sport to me—it is the game I have dedicated my life to, the profession through which I supported myself and my family,” Sinclair said.

“Suddenly finding myself on the sidelines, without the game and livelihood I had worked so hard to build, forced me to confront many things about myself, my decisions, and my future.

During my time away, I have had the opportunity to reflect deeply on my actions and responsibilities. I understand that being a professional cricketer comes with responsibilities both on and off the field, and I take accountability for the areas in which I fell short.

Sinclair’s career reached a critical junction in April 2026 when GCB officials convened a press conference to address his exclusion from the Guyana Harpy Eagles’ Regional Four-Day squad.

At the briefing, Chairman of Selectors Ramnaresh Sarwan cited persistent “disciplinary issues” dating back to 2024, including an internal report during the Super50 Cup that culminated in the withdrawal of Sinclair’s central contract.

Captain Tevin Imlach also detailed a match-day flashpoint at the Everest Cricket Club where Sinclair left the field during a crucial passage of play.

While Sinclair previously offered context regarding severe personal grief—including the loss of his brother—and medical distress during those incidents, his latest statement focuses squarely on accountability and proactive reform rather than defence.

“I recognise that attending sessions, receiving support, or simply saying that I have changed is not enough,” Sinclair stated.

“Growth must be demonstrated through my actions, discipline, consistency, accountability, and the choices I make moving forward. I am not asking for anything to be handed to me. I am simply asking for an opportunity to earn my way back.”

Expressing gratitude to the GCB for establishing a structured pathway for his return, the off-spinning allrounder insisted that his long-term ambition to wear the maroon of the West Indies remains undiminished as he prepares to rebuild trust with selectors, teammates, and administrators.

“Representing Guyana has always been an honour,” Sinclair noted. “The dream of once again putting myself in a position to represent my country—and hopefully, through performance, discipline, and hard work, earn another opportunity at the West Indies level—remains very much alive. I understand that this journey will not happen overnight.

Trust must be rebuilt, opportunities must be earned, and standards must be met. I am ready to work, I am ready to prove myself, and I am ready to earn another opportunity.”

FULL STATEMENT FROM KEVIN SINCLAIR: 

“MY JOURNEY BACK TO THE GAME I LOVE

Today, I want to publicly share an important step in my life as I begin my journey toward reintegration into Guyana, regional, and ultimately West Indies cricket.

More than two years ago, my cricket career was placed on hold following personal issues I encountered. As a result, I was no longer involved in national or regional cricket, and I also lost my central contract.

It was one of the most difficult periods of my life.

Cricket is more than a sport to me. It is the game I have dedicated my life to, the profession through which I supported myself and my family, and something I have loved from childhood. Suddenly finding myself on the sidelines, without the game and livelihood I had worked so hard to build, forced me to confront many things about myself, my decisions, and my future.

During my time away, I have had the opportunity to reflect deeply on my actions and responsibilities. I understand that being a professional cricketer comes with responsibilities both on and off the field, and I take accountability for the areas in which I fell short.

But I did not want to simply sit and wait for another opportunity. I made a conscious decision to work on myself and address the areas of my life that required change.

I am particularly grateful to Dr. Wil Campbell, my therapist, with whom I participated in multiple sessions. I approached those sessions with an open mind and a genuine willingness to listen, learn, improve, and better understand myself.

Working with Dr. Campbell has been an important part of my journey of personal development, reflection, and growth. The process has contributed significantly to my self-awareness and has helped me address issues that affected both my personal life and cricket career. It has challenged me to continue working toward becoming a better man, father, teammate, and professional.

Following our work together, Dr. Campbell has expressed his view that I am ready to move forward with the reintegration process and return to playing the game I love. I am grateful for his guidance, support, and encouragement throughout this journey.

I am also sincerely grateful to the Guyana Cricket Board for initiating and establishing a process through which I can work toward returning to cricket. I appreciate the opportunity to take the necessary steps, meet the required expectations, and demonstrate my readiness to move forward.

At the same time, I recognize that attending sessions, receiving support, or simply saying that I have changed is not enough.

Growth must be demonstrated through my actions, discipline, consistency, accountability, and the choices I make moving forward.

That is not only what I intend to do—it is what I am committed to doing every day moving forward.

I am not asking for anything to be handed to me. I am simply asking for an opportunity to earn my way back.

I remain committed to training, maintaining the required standards, and doing whatever is necessary to demonstrate that I am ready to once again contribute positively to Guyana and regional cricket.

Representing Guyana has always been an honour. The dream of once again putting myself in a position to represent my country—and hopefully, through performance, discipline, and hard work, earn another opportunity at the West Indies level—remains very much alive.

I understand that this journey will not happen overnight.

Trust must be rebuilt.

Opportunities must be earned.

Standards must be met.

Over the past several months, I have been working hard behind the scenes—physically, mentally, and personally—to prepare myself for this opportunity. I know there is still work ahead, and I am prepared to continue doing it.

To my family, friends, supporters, and everyone who stood beside me during one of the most challenging chapters of my life, thank you. Your support gave me strength during a period when cricket was no longer there to provide the structure, purpose, and livelihood I had known for so many years.

This journey is not about forgetting the past or pretending it did not happen. It is about accepting it, learning from it, taking responsibility for my shortcomings, and using those lessons to build a better future.

Today, I am taking another step forward.

I love this game. I still believe I have cricket left in me, and I believe I still have something positive to contribute.

I am ready to work.

I am ready to prove myself.

And I am ready to earn another opportunity.

THE JOURNEY BACK BEGINS.”

Source: NEW ROOMS SITE

Young people urged to create, innovate and lead Caribbean tourism – News Room Guyana

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The Caribbean’s next generation of tourism leaders must get ready to lead the industry now. This is according to Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism and Aviation, Charles Fernandez, who was the featured speaker at the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) held at the Atlantic Suites by Hyatt in Kingston, Georgetown on Monday.

Fernandez challenged the familiar phrase that young people are the leaders of tomorrow. Rather, he said, they are in the room and must be allowed to be the leaders of today.

“There’s something we say to young people all the time, you’re the leaders of tomorrow. We do mean well when we say it, but I want us to stop saying that because the future is not tomorrow, the future is today” he said.

 

Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism and Aviation, Charles Fernandez. (Photo: GTA)

He warned that telling young people their moment will come later could mean failing to give them opportunities to lead now. For Minister Fernandez, that leadership starts with changing how young people view tourism.

“Don’t only ask where could I get a job in tourism, ask where can I create value in tourism, ask what problems can I solve,” he said.

That could mean a farmer becoming part of the tourism supply chain, a web developer creating tools for visitors, or a content creator telling Caribbean stories to audiences around the world. He said the region’s tourism is more than hotels, it is agriculture, transportation, technology, entertainment, music, fashion, communities, the very essence of what makes Caribbean people.

Meanwhile, Tobago’s Junior Minister of Tourism, Jole St. John, similarly stressed the importance of mentorship and collaboration, urging tourism stakeholders to give young people access to knowledge, resources and meaningful opportunities.

“Our greatest strength as a region does not come from competing against one another but in what we can accomplish collectively,” St. John said.

Source: NEW ROOMS SITE

GTA Director urges Caribbean destinations to diversify tourism without losing authenticity – News Room Guyana

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Caribbean destinations must find new ways to diversify their tourism offerings while protecting the culture and traditions, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Kamrul Baksh, said on Monday.

Baksh was speaking as part of a panel at the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) at the Atlantic Suites by Hyatt in Kingston, Georgetown, where regional tourism stakeholders are examining the future of the industry.

He said tourism is a complex and cross-cutting industry, creating opportunities across a wide range of sectors and requiring destinations to look beyond traditional tourism offerings.

“You have to understand the industry. The industry is very intricate, very cross-cutting. There are many opportunities. You need to first understand all the various sides,” Baksh said.

The forum on Monday focused on the role youths play in becoming the future leaders of the industry. Baksh said the region must consider how existing cultural and heritage assets can be transformed into meaningful tourism experiences while ensuring that their authenticity is not lost in the process. Baksh said destinations need to examine the types of experiences they offer and identify opportunities to diversify their tourism products.

“It is important not to dilute the authenticity of our experiences,” he stressed.

He said the growing importance of artisans and traditional skills can provide both cultural value and entrepreneurial opportunities. Baksh spoke of an 80-year-old woman he met in the South of Guyana, who practices weaving, but her daughter may not necessarily want to continue the craft herself, she is interested in the entrepreneurial side of it.

He said such situations highlight the need to preserve traditional knowledge while allowing younger generations to find new ways to build businesses around it.

“The artisan side of things is very important. You have to understand how to create it. Passing down the knowledge and information is very, very vital as well,” he said.

Baksh said the proliferation of young entrepreneurs in the Caribbean tourism industry, particularly in tour operations, over the past six years, shows the high interest of youth in the industry. He encouraged those entering the sector to develop an understanding of the industry as a whole before finding their own niche.

“You have to have a great sense of the entire industry as a whole, find your niche,” he said.

Baksh said the future of Caribbean tourism will depend on attracting visitors and creating a wider range of authentic experiences that allow destinations, communities and entrepreneurs to benefit from the industry’s growth.

 

 

 

Source: NEW ROOMS SITE

‘The dream is alive’ – Forde hails Golden Jaguars after perfect Nations League window – News Room Guyana

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Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President  Wayne Forde declared that “the dream is alive” after the Golden Jaguars capped a flawless Concacaf Nations League window, insisting Head Coach Marco Bonofiglio and his squad have “made believers of us all.”

Reflecting on an exceptional run of four straight victories that leaves Guyana top of League B, Group A with 12 points and a plus-14 goal difference,  Forde paid rich tribute to the players, technical staff, and administrative workers following Sunday’s 8-1 demolition of Dominica in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico.

“What a remarkable way to conclude the first window of the Concacaf Nations League campaign,” Forde said. “What we are seeing is not only reflected in the results on the pitch, but in the chemistry, discipline, confidence and body language of our players and staff. There is a sense of togetherness and belief within this group that is deeply encouraging.”

The GFF President singled out Head Coach Marco Bonofiglio for his leadership in professionalising the senior men’s national team setup, noting that returning to the confederation’s flagship tournament remains the squad’s ultimate mandate.

“When I tasked Coach Marco with leading the professionalisation of our Senior Men’s National Team programme, I made it clear that the objective was not simply to participate, but to deliver results for the nation while building a programme capable of sustaining success,”  Forde explained.

“One of the principal performance objectives placed before him was qualification for the Concacaf Gold Cup. While we still have two crucial matches to play, I believe it is fair to say that Marco and this team have made believers of us all.”

Addressing the administrative and financial commitment required to sustain international success, Forde revealed that substantial capital has been injected into the squad’s preparation, with further backing earmarked for the crucial November fixtures.

Guyana Football Federation President, Wayne Forde

“To date, the GFF has invested more than GYD 70 million in preparing and supporting the Golden Jaguars through these four matches, with a further GYD 35 million projected for the November window,” Forde stated.

“International football is demanding, both on and off the field. Behind every match is an enormous amount of planning, sacrifice, coordination and financial commitment.”

On the pitch, Guyana delivered their most authoritative attacking performance of the campaign at the Estadio Centroamericano, extending their winning streak in all competitions to nine consecutive matches.

Omari Glasgow opened the scoring after just five minutes before Torquay United forward Deon Moore doubled the lead in the 19th minute. Captain Elliot Bonds added a third six minutes later, and Glasgow completed his brace in the 33rd minute to send Guyana into the interval with a commanding 4-0 cushion.

The offensive tempo showed no signs of abating after the break. Slingerz FC forward Curtez Kellman made it five in the 54th minute, and Moore grabbed his second three minutes later.

Although Reon Cuffy pulled one back for Dominica in the 68th minute, Enoch George immediately restored the five-goal buffer before Bonds sealed his own double in the 75th minute to lock up an 8-1 triumph.

The emphatic victory builds on earlier wins against Puerto Rico (1-0), the Cayman Islands (2-0), and Dominica (5-1), positioning Guyana as clear favourites to earn promotion to League A and secure a berth at the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup.

Looking ahead to November’s concluding group matches against Puerto Rico and the Cayman Islands, Mr Forde called on supporters across Guyana and the global diaspora to maintain their energy behind the team.

“We have come this far together, but the job is not yet done,” Forde urged. “To our travelling contingent, I wish you all a safe journey. Go home, rest, regroup and refocus. Then we come back in November ready to take it all the way. To our Golden Jaguars, thank you for making us proud. The dream is alive.”

 

Source: NEW ROOMS SITE

Miner, 33, arrested after unlicensed gun, ammo found under vehicle mat – News Room Guyana

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A 33-year-old miner was taken in custody after he was allegedly found in possession of an illegal 9mm pistol and 11 matching live rounds of ammunition which was hidden under a vehicle mat at in the Pappy Show Police Station compound on Sunday.

Police Headquarters said the discovery was made at about 16:45 hrs during a Police operation.

According to a statement, the vehicle, which had three occupants, arrived at the station while travelling to Tamakay Landing, Mazaruni River.

The occupants were asked to exit the vehicle before ranks conducted a search, Police Headquarters said.

During the search, ranks found the 9mm pistol and 11 rounds of ammunition concealed beneath a floor mat in the front passenger area.

Police said the suspect, a resident of Durban Street, Lodge, Georgetown, fled into nearby bushes after the firearm and ammunition were discovered. Ranks pursued him and he was arrested.

The suspect is not a licensed firearm holder. He remains in custody as investigations continue.

Source: NEW ROOMS SITE

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