Source: Demerara Waves

Police have arrested a 27-year-old food vendor and recovered $500,000 in cash, a motor car and a .32 revolver as investigations continue into the armed robbery of a 57-year-old Canje businessman and his family on Saturday night.

Police Headquarters reported that the suspect, a resident of Vryman’s Erven, New Amsterdam, Berbice, was arrested around 14:00 hrs on Sunday.

Police said the motor car is suspected to have been used during the robbery. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a .32 revolver containing two rounds of ammunition.

The firearm, ammunition, cash and motor car were lodged as investigations continue. The suspect remains in custody, while police are working to locate other persons suspected of being involved in the incident.

The robbery occurred around 19:30 hrs on Saturday, at the businessman’s premises at No. 2 Village, East Canje, Berbice.

The businessman, Jagnarine Persaud, known as “Balram,” said he was attending to business in the cashier area on the lower flat of the building when the men entered the establishment. His five-year-old son was in the yard, while several customers were also outside at the time.

According to Persaud, one of the men was armed with a handgun, while the other two carried a baseball bat and a cutlass.

The men allegedly demanded all the money he had before forcibly opening a drawer and removing cash from the day’s sales. They subsequently demanded more money, and when Persaud told them he had nothing else to give, one of the men threatened to kill him.

Fearing for his life, Persaud handed over the keys to another drawer containing a large sum of cash. The men reportedly collected the money before escaping in a waiting dark-grey car.

Persaud described the ordeal as traumatic for himself and his family, noting that the men repeatedly threatened to kill him.

Source: NEW ROOMS SITE

Police destroyed approximately seven acres of suspected cannabis cultivation during an eradication exercise at Wiruni, Upper Berbice River, on Sunday. Police Headquarters, in a statement, said the cannabis had an estimated street value of GY$26.8 million.

Police ranks, led by a Gazetted Officer, conducted the exercise between 07:00hrs and 19:00hrs.

During the operation, four cannabis cultivations located in proximity to one another were discovered.

The first cultivation measured approximately two acres and contained about 15,000 suspected cannabis plants ranging from four to six feet in height. A makeshift camp containing approximately 40 pounds of dried cannabis was also found at the location.

The second cultivation measured approximately one acre and contained an estimated 4,000 suspected cannabis plants ranging from five inches to one foot in height.

The third cultivation covered approximately two acres and contained about 10,000 suspected cannabis plants ranging from five to six feet in height.

The fourth cultivation also measured approximately two acres and contained an estimated 8,000 suspected cannabis plants ranging from six inches to two feet in height.

No arrests were made, and investigations are ongoing.

Source: NEW ROOMS SITE

SVC/AJM CC put on a masterclass at the Anna Regina National Stadium on Sunday, crushing Mahdia (Movements Family) by 67 runs in the grand final to capture the Lotto/Let’sBet One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast title.

In their first year, the rounded-up unit, led by Kemol Savoury, who was in his fourth final, also won the $2 million top prize, courtesy of Star Rentals.

Led by a scintillating Man-of-the-Final performance from Kevon Boodie, who smashed a blazing 67 off just 32 deliveries—anchored by five fours and six towering sixes—and a fluent 42 off 27 balls from Jonte Thomas, SVC/AJM posted a formidable 132-2 in their allotted 10 overs.

The pair put on a match-defining 119-run partnership in just 8.5 overs, putting the game firmly in their control.

In response, Mahdia’s chase never got off the ground as a disciplined SVC pace attack strangled the innings, restricting them to 65-8.

Leon Swamy led the bowling effort with 2-3, ably supported by Ojay Shields (2-13) and Keyon Sinclair (2-14), sealing a comprehensive victory and leaving Mahdia to settle for the $1 million runners-up purse.

Earlier, Mahdia steamrolled GrillMaster Sip N Play All-Stars by 100 runs in the first semi-final.

Batting first, Mahdia posted a commanding 157-5, powered by Ershaad Ali’s destructive 65 off 25 balls, including seven sixes and a boundary.

Ali and Andy Lall (33 off 14) laid the platform with a blistering 72-run opening stand in 4.2 overs, while Yeudestir Persaud added a quickfire 23 off 13. Despite Devon Wharton claiming 2-44 for GrillMaster, their batting lineup completely collapsed in the chase, bundled out for 57 in 9.4 overs.

Junior Sinclair’s 19 off 12 was the only double-digit score, as Neiland Cadogan wreaked havoc with 4-11, backed by Persaud (2-6) and Orrin Gibson (2-9).

The second semi-final proved equally one-sided as SVC/AJM brushed aside Lusignan Bulls DTP II by 78 runs.

Powered by an unbeaten half-century from the in-form Johnathan Fernandes (51), alongside vital contributions from Kemol Savory (27 not out), Jamar Ifill (15 not out), and Boodie (15), SVC posted 144-3.

Joshua James took 2-54 and Dequan Bamfield claimed 1-21 for Lusignan, but their reply faltered at 76-6. Veteran West Indies pacer Miguel Cummins starred with the ball, claiming 3-14, while Nial Smith (1-9) and Ojay Shields (1-18) tightened the screws, and Vishwanauth Ramalakhan top-scored with 20.

As a result, both losing semi-finalists pocketed $500,000, matching the $500,000 awarded to each team that triumphed in their respective zone finals.

The packed finals day also featured vibrant undercard action, highlighted by a high-scoring five-over women’s clash where Tapakuma (Elite Warriors) defeated Capoey United by 59 runs.

Tapakuma piled up an imposing 111-1, driven by Tramaine Marks’ sensational 58 off 17 balls and Shonette Belgrave’s 40 off 15. In reply, Capoey were restricted to 52-1, with Tapakuma collecting the $90,000 winner’s prize and Capoey taking home $60,000.

Adding star-studded entertainment to the schedule, the President’s Exhibition Match saw the One Guyana XI—featuring Ministers Charles Ramson and Steben Jacobs—defeat Team Eagles to cap off an unforgettable day of tapeball cricket in Essequibo.

Source: NEW ROOMS SITE

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Monday said a private investor is preparing to commission a new poultry processing plant in Guyana, an investment expected to triple the company’s processing capacity.

The President spoke on Monday at the inaugural Farmers’ Conference held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre at Liliendaal, in observance of Agriculture Month. Dr. Ali said efforts to strengthen the country’s food production sector are continuing with private investors supporting the nation’s food security targets.

“One of the private investors in poultry is about to commission to start up a large processing plant, a new poultry processing plant that will triple their capacity in terms of processing here in Guyana,” the President said.

The Head-of-State did not disclose which private investor will be establishing the new facility. However, it will complement the tunnel-ventilated poultry pens developed under the Ministry of Agriculture.

Dr. Ali said the development reflects growing investor confidence in the government’s agricultural policies, infrastructure investments and commitment to food security.

“These investments are not accidental. These investments are following the lead of government, the policies we are implementing, the investment we are making in infrastructure,” President Ali said.

He also said that by the end of next year, 50 per cent of the hatching eggs that imported will be produced locally with the longer-term goal of approaching full self-sufficiency by the end of 2028.

Dr. Ali pointed to findings from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which highlighted agriculture’s importance to Guyana’s economic resilience, diversification and development strategy. Agricultural production has expanded by an average of 10 per cent annually since 2022 and the growth is attributed to government investments, subsidies and the efforts of farmers.

President Ali said the government is also engaging commercial banks to improve access to affordable financing for agricultural producers. Already, Republic Bank Limited has set aside loans for agriculture development at preferential rates and the Demerara Bank limited is offering poultry loans at 5 per cent per annum.

Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha said the conference will provide farmers an opportunity to network and engage with industry leaders.

“As a government, we cannot make progress in agriculture without the farmers themselves, their experience matters, their concerns matter,” the minister said.

He said that increased production must be matched by reliable markets, processing capacity and stable prices for farmers. Following the morning’s sessions, a Farmers’ Market will be held in the compound.

Source: NEW ROOMS SITE

Healthcare delivery in Region Nine (Upper Takutu – Upper Essequibo) is being strengthened through upgrades to district health facilities and the introduction of a digital system.

The efforts to improve the management of medicines and medical supplies within the region was lauded by Dr. Levan Henry, the Regional Health Officer. Speaking to the News Room recently, he said four health facilities in the region, particularly, Annai Central, were upgraded in 2025.

This provides residents with access to more services within their communities. He said surgeries can now be performed locally, reducing the need for patients to travel to Georgetown and neighbouring hospitals.

He said the region is also using regular medical outreaches to bring specialist services to residents.

“While we do not have specialist doctors here, we do ensure that specialists come to these areas and provide service,” Dr. Henry said.

General practitioners are also stationed in the communities to provide ongoing care. Dr. Henry said Annai, in particular, serves as an important healthcare point for surrounding communities because of its central location and the number of people who travel through the area for the market and other services.

He also said the implementation of the Cortex system is making it easier for health workers to manage drugs and medical supplies across the region.

“The Cortex actually makes managing drugs and medical supplies a lot easier,” he said.

According to Dr. Henry, health workers had to go through physical records page by page to determine how much of a particular item had been received or used before this system was introduced.

The system is currently focused on drugs and medical supplies, although additional functions could be incorporated in the future.

Source: NEW ROOMS SITE