The Ministry of Public Works has launched a comprehensive campaign to address longstanding infrastructure problems across Georgetown, tackling issues such as deteriorating roads, failing bridges, and inadequate drainage systems that have plagued residents for years.

Over the weekend, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill led a team of engineers on an extensive series of site inspections in several vulnerable communities. The outreach covered areas including Agricola, Container City, Rasville, Benn Kirton Drive, Rivers View, Sussex and Hill Streets, Middle Road, Barbie Dam, Bamboo Drive, Meadow Brook, Kitty, Bel-Air Park, North Sophia, and Merriman’s Mall.

During these visits, residents openly expressed frustration over years of neglect by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (G/MCC). They highlighted poor drainage and crumbling road networks as major contributors to persistent flooding and transportation woes, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

Minister Edghill, in direct response, assured communities that urgent government intervention is forthcoming. He instructed his technical team to gather information from residents to facilitate return visits and detailed assessments. These evaluations will inform tailored action plans designed to meet the unique infrastructural needs of each community.

“The Government of Guyana will not abandon Georgetown or any of its wards because of the incompetence and immature politics of City Hall,” Edghill declared. “People are suffering and we will act. The government will do what it takes to improve lives and livelihoods.”

This initiative is part of a broader national infrastructure development strategy being implemented by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration. The plan aims to modernize and rehabilitate infrastructure across all ten administrative regions, with a focus on community-level development and inclusive growth.

In 2024 alone, the Ministry of Public Works managed over 4,500 public infrastructure projects nationwide. These projects engaged contractors at all levels—from small community-based teams to large engineering firms—spanning a wide range of roadworks, bridge construction, and urban upgrades.

Key undertakings included:

The $475 million Cemetery Road Project in Georgetown;

21 contracts for 2.7 km of concrete roads and 10 contracts for 9.8 km of roads in Region One (Barima-Waini);

7 contracts for 35 km of laterite roads in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni);

42 contracts for 2.5 km and 66 community participation road projects in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni);

7 contracts for 350 km of laterite roads in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), including 1.5 km each in four key villages;

And in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), a total of 100+ contracts covering roads in Kwakwani, Ituni, and Coomaka.

Over 3,000 community roads were constructed or rehabilitated in 2024, with small contractors playing a pivotal role in transforming neighborhoods across the country. In Region Ten alone, more than 300 contractors executed projects valued at over $4 billion.

Complementing road development, nearly 200 new bridges are either underway or completed nationwide. Notably, in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), 45 of the 46 bridges on the route to Lethem are being replaced to boost accessibility. Major bridge projects—such as the ongoing construction of two four-lane bridges, including one across the Wismar River—are also reshaping the country’s transportation network.

The government has underscored its commitment to building resilient and inclusive infrastructure that supports national development, reduces urban-rural disparities, and improves the day-to-day lives of all Guyanese.

The post Government Launches Aggressive Infrastructure Overhaul in Georgetown appeared first on Sheriff News Network - Guyana.

A Jamaican national was fined $75,000 on Friday after pleading guilty to making a false statutory declaration in an attempt to fraudulently obtain a Guyanese birth certificate under a fictitious identity, with the intent of facilitating travel to Europe.

Adrian Anthony Williamson appeared before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where the charge was formally laid.

The court heard that on April 29, at Charlotte Street, Georgetown, Williamson knowingly signed a statutory declaration claiming to be a Guyanese national named Jamal McAndrew—a claim he knew to be false.

In his address to the court, Williamson explained that he was staying on the East Coast of Demerara and admitted he had no relatives in Guyana. He told the Magistrate he is originally from Jamaica and had travelled to Guyana as a transit point with hopes of eventually reaching Europe. He said a friend had advised him that obtaining Guyanese documentation could assist in this process.

“I know what I did was wrong,” he told the court, expressing remorse and requesting leniency. “I have no one here, and I’m willing to pay a fine, please, my worship.”

The prosecution objected to bail, citing the gravity of the offence and noting that the charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison. However, after considering his remorse and personal circumstances, Magistrate Azore opted to impose a $75,000 fine in lieu of custodial sentencing.

The post Jamaican man fined for false declaration to obtain Guyanese birth certificate appeared first on Sheriff News Network - Guyana.

Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony has firmly denied claims made in a viral audio recording in which a woman alleges she was sent by the minister to witness the post-mortem examination of 11-year-old Adriana Younge.

The recording, which began circulating on social media on Sunday night, features a female voice identified as Tiana Serena Lewis-King, a nursing assistant employed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

In the recording, the woman claims she was present during the April 28 autopsy and asserts that the child died from suffocation rather than drowning.

Minister Anthony, in a statement released on Monday, clarified that he has never met or spoken to Lewis-King and did not instruct her or anyone to attend the post-mortem on his behalf.

“As far as I am aware, I do not know this person. I have never met this person and have never spoken to this person,” Dr. Anthony stated. “Therefore, assuming she was present, she was not there upon my instructions or on my behalf.”

He further stated that the post-mortem was conducted under strict protocol and oversight, including full video documentation and a detailed log of all attendees, as is standard for such sensitive procedures.

“It is public knowledge that the post-mortem examination was videotaped,” Dr. Anthony said. “My information is that the said record does not show this person being present at the post-mortem.”

He added that the Guyana Police Force, which managed the videography of the procedure, has since reviewed the footage and confirmed that Lewis-King was not present.

In light of the claims made and their potential to mislead the public and damage reputations, Dr. Anthony said the matter has been formally taken up by the police, who are investigating the origin and intent of the recording.

“I remain in consultation with my lawyers regarding legal proceedings I may wish to pursue against this individual who is obviously trying to maliciously tarnish my professional, public, and personal reputation and standing,” the minister added.

The recording was released hours before the young girl was expected to be laid to rest. However, her family, has postponed her burial, for space to grieve.

The post Health Minister denies sending nurse to Adriana Younge’s autopsy, police launch probe appeared first on Sheriff News Network - Guyana.

A workplace accident at Zheng Xin Aluminium Alloy Doors and Windows Processing Factory, located at Lot 26 Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD), has claimed the life of Eddie Yang, a Chinese national.

Guyana Daily News understands that the incident occurred at about 23:46 hours on Saturday.

Reports are that Yang, a resident of Bagotstown, EBD, was reportedly working near the front of the premises when a large quantity of glass, stored inside a 40-foot container, unexpectedly fell, trapping him beneath the weight.

Co-workers who were present at the time raised an alarm and rushed to rescue Yang. He was transported to a nearby healthcare facility, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The Ministry of Labour (MoL) has said that the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department has launched a formal investigation.

The probe is being led by Senior Occupational Safety and Health Officer Darwin Bourne and OSH Officer Ray Hosannah. Their objective is to determine the circumstances that led to the collapse and assess whether safety protocols were adequately followed.
The Ministry noted that the investigation falls under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, Chapter 99:06 of the Laws of Guyana, which mandates thorough reviews of workplace incidents to enforce compliance with national safety standards.

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, expressed deep condolences to the relatives, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.

“The Ministry of Labour, and by extension the Government of Guyana, offers heartfelt sympathy to the grieving relatives, co-workers, and friends of Mr. Eddie Yang,” Minister Hamilton stated.

“We also take this moment to underscore the critical importance of maintaining good safety and health practices at all workplaces to prevent such heartbreaking tragedies.”

The post Chinese national dies after container with glass falls on him at Grove factory appeared first on Sheriff News Network - Guyana.

The funeral service for 11-year-old Adrianna Younge, whose tragic death has gripped the nation, has been postponed.

Her mother, Amecia Simon, made the emotional announcement on Monday morning, citing the family’s overwhelming grief and the need for space and clarity.

In a statement, Simon described the devastating loss of her daughter as “a pain greater than words.”

“My heart is shattered beyond words. As a mother there is no pain greater than losing your child—she was my heartbeat, my everything,” Simon expressed.

“My precious Adriana was the light of our lives, and in this unbearable moment, we are clinging to the love she gave so freely and the memories that will live with us forever.”

Simon took the opportunity to thank the public for the outpouring of support in the days since Adrianna’s death.

The girl’s death has seen messages of sympathy, protests for justice, and moments of silence.

“I want to take this moment through my tears and brokenness to thank each and every one of you near and far who have stood with our family during this impossible time,” she said.

“The messages, prayers, hugs, and tears shared with us—they have held us up when we thought we couldn’t stand.”

The family explained that the decision to postpone the funeral was made out of a desire to honour Adrianna with the love, dignity, and peace she deserves.

“Due to ongoing matters and our family’s need for space and clarity as we grieve, we have made the painful decision to postpone Adriana’s funeral today. Please know this was not easy,” Simon stated.

“We will announce new details once we are able. We ask for your continued prayers and your understanding.”

Adrianna, a student of Parika Primary School, was reported missing in late April at Double Day Hotel and later found dead in the hotel’s pool.

Her passing has led to widespread calls for justice and sparked nationwide protests.

“My baby girl touched so many hearts, and that love—your love—is helping us find strength. Thank you from the depths of a mother’s heart.”

The family said they will notify the public of a new funeral date in due course. In the meantime, they are asking for continued prayers, privacy, and support as they navigate their sorrow.

The post Funeral of Adrianna Younge postponed as mother pleads for space to grieve appeared first on Sheriff News Network - Guyana.