A man was taken into custody after ranks from the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) seized more than 28 kilograms of cannabis on the West Coast of Berbice.
In a statement, CANU said the suspect, identified as Andre Abel, was arrested during an intelligence-led operation the operation conducted between Calcutta Village and Ross Village.
During the operation, CANU said its ranks uncovered 28.392 kilograms of suspected cannabis.
Abel was escorted to CANU Headquarters along with the seized narcotics. Investigations are ongoing.
Three Cuban nationals have been remanded to prison after being jointly charged with the murder of a fellow Cuban national in Diamond, East Bank Demerara.
The three accused appeared before the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday where they were jointly charged with the murder of Yudivian Cardenas Amador Almagro.
The accused are Alejandro Igalza Rios, called “Papote”, 26, a barber; Juan Pablo Ferrer Perez, 29, a construction worker; and Mairely Felicita Medinas Alvarez, 24, a labourer. All three reside at Timehri, East Bank Demerara.
The trio was arrested on July 29 and July 30, in connection with the murder which occurred on July 22, at Diamond, East Bank Demerara.
They appeared before Magistrate Dylon Bess. As the charge is indictable, the accused were not required to enter pleas. They were remanded to prison, and the matter was adjourned until September 21, 2026.
Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article inadvertently published the same photograph twice while identifying murder suspect Alejandro Igalza Rios. The duplication was an editing error and has since been corrected. We regret the mistake and any confusion it may have caused.
2026.8.3 MV Barima murder case adjourned as prosecution given time to complete evidence disclosure
The murder case against three Transport and Harbours Department employees charged over the deadly MV Barima tragedy has been adjourned until September 7.
The matter came up on Monday before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir at the Charity Magistrate’s Court, where Senior Police Legal Advisor Mandel Moore requested additional time to complete disclosure of the prosecution’s evidence to the defence.
Moore told the court that he had secured the fiat authorising the prosecution but said witness statements and documentary evidence had not yet been fully disclosed.
The three accused—Captain Kevin Price, Chief Mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts, and Goods Superintendent Delon Granderson—appeared virtually from prison while handcuffed and were further remanded into custody.
As the joint murder charge is indictable, the accused were not required to enter a plea. They were represented by separate defence attorneys during the proceedings.
When the matter resumes, the prosecution is expected to complete disclosure, paving the way for paper committal proceedings, during which the magistrate will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to send the case to the High Court for trial.
The three men were jointly charged with murder following legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions in connection with the July 18, 2026, sinking of the 87-year-old MV Barima. Police allege they murdered 68 named victims and other persons unknown when the passenger and cargo ferry capsized approximately 9.3 nautical miles off the Essequibo Coast near Devonshire Castle.
The vessel had departed the Kingston Goods Wharf in Georgetown for Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini) carrying 179 passengers and crew, along with cargo.
The disaster claimed 73 lives, while 76 people survived and about 30 others remain missing.
Meanwhile, a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) established by President Dr. Irfaan Ali is expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Director of Public Prosecutions Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, has said the CoI’s work will not affect the criminal case, stressing that both proceedings can continue simultaneously.
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The captain and two other crew members charged with murder in connection with the deadly MV Barima tragedy were further remanded to prison on Monday.
The case was called before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir at the Charity Magistrate’s Court.
The accused: Kevin Price called ‘KP’, a 40-year-old captain of Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara; Rondell Dwayne Roberts, a 42-year-old chief mate of Meadow Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara; and Delon Granderson, a 33-year-old goods superintendent of Fellowship, West Coast Demerara appeared via zoom.
The courtroom was filled with relatives of the accused.
Price and Granderson were represented by attorney Dexter Smartt along with a team of lawyers, including Dexter Todd. Attorney Everton Lammy-Singh appeared for Roberts.
During the proceedings, Prosecutor Mandel Moore informed the court that he is now in possession of a fiat, the written authorisation permitting him to prosecute the matter.
The magistrate informed the court that the prosecution has provided partial disclosure to the defence. Partial disclosure means that only some of the prosecution’s evidence, witness statements and documents have been handed over.
Moore requested that the matter be adjourned to August 31 to facilitate full disclosure. The Charity Magistrate’s Court only sits on Mondays. As such, the magistrate said that he would have to adjourned the matter to the next available date which is September 7.
The matter was therefore adjourned to September 7, when the prosecution is expected to provide full disclosure. This will see the prosecutor sharing all relevant evidence, witness statements and other evidence intended to be relied upon during the case with the defence.
The three men have been charged with the murders of the victims of the MV Barima tragedy, which occurred on July 18, 2026. The disaster claimed the lives of 73 people, while another 30 remain unaccounted for. Seventy-six passengers survived.
A day after the vessel sank, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips disclosed that two crew members, including the captain, tested positive for narcotics.
The Prime Minister has since said that the accused continue to receive psychosocial support.
Police Headquarters previously stated that the murder charges were instituted following legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
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David Singh, a 41-year-old taxi driver of Eccles New Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment after he was involved in a fake firearm licence scheme.
In a release issued on Thursday, Police Headquarters said the man was arrested on Sunday, July 26, 2026, and charged on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
He appeared before Magistrate Dylon Bess at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrates’ Court, where the charge was read to him. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to eighteen months’ imprisonment.
Previously, Police reported that a 35-year-old contractor and his 30-year-old brother, an operator, were reportedly approached by Singh, who claimed he could help them secure firearm licences. During the process, the brothers allegedly paid a total of $2.6 million.
Police said they later received documents purporting to be approvals for firearm licences. However, investigators said the documents were subsequently examined and determined to be fraudulent.
Four men were remanded to prison on Tuesday in connection with an alleged robbery that reportedly left a Corentyne family without millions of dollars in cash and valuables.
The accused are 21-year-old construction worker Steve Tsoi, called “Timmy,” of Alness Village; 21-year-old labourer Mohan Panchoo, called “Leon,” also of Alness Village; 24-year-old Derwin Hawker of Nurney Village; and 23-year-old Kristopher Mendonca, called “Khris,” of Alness Village.
The men appeared before Magistrate Tuanna Hardy at the Albion Magistrate’s Court, where they were jointly charged with robbery unarmed.
The court heard that on July 14, 2024, the four accused allegedly robbed businessman Narinedutt, called “Passy,” 51, of $3.5 million in cash.
It is further alleged that Jayadevi Ramnarine, 30, a 10-day worker, was robbed of a gold ring valued at $112,000, while 31-year-old Monica Balgobind was allegedly robbed of gold jewellery valued at $362,500.
During Monday’s proceedings, Police Prosecutor Corporal Leon Jones objected to bail, citing the seriousness and prevalence of the alleged offence and claiming that dangerous weapons were used during the incident.
Mendonca was unrepresented in court, while Tsoi, Panchoo and Hawker were represented by Attorney-at-law Akim Lampkin, who made an application for bail on their behalf.
After hearing arguments from the prosecution and defence, Magistrate Hardy denied bail and ordered all four accused to be remanded to prison.
The matter will return to court on August 18, 2026, for a report.x1200
A 49-year-old Brazilian woman has been remanded to prison after being charged with the murder of her husband at Rock Creek Backdam, Puruni River.
Doroteia Castilho Maia, of Manaus, Brazil, and Rock Creek Backdam, Puruni River, appeared before Magistrate Teriq Mohamed at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
The charge stems from the fatal stabbing of Antonio Pereira Figueredo, a 53-year-old Brazilian gold miner, also of Manaus, Brazil, and Rock Creek Backdam, Puruni River. The incident occurred on Saturday last.
Maia was not required to enter a plea to the indictable charge and was remanded to prison.
The matter was adjourned until August 31, 2026.
Police had reported that the couple were involved in an argument at the mining camp when he allegedly sustained a stab wound to the abdomen. Investigators also recovered a kitchen knife believed to have been used in the incident.
2026.7.20 MV Barima Tragedy: Total of 69 persons now rescued, 27 dead bodies recovered so far
Following the MV Barima tragedy, another two persons have been rescued while authorities have now recovered 27 bodies.
This was revealed by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips at a press briefing on Monday evening.
The government had said on Sunday that 67 persons were rescued. At Monday’s briefing, it was noted that the two additional persons were crew members who were not accounted for in the initial 67 tally.
Meanwhile, of the 27 bodies, at least four are children.
The Prime Minister said the search and rescue operation is still unfolding, more so since the location of the sunken MV Barima has been identified and recovery operations are ongoing.
It is believed that about 83 persons are still missing. The government has been able to determine that 179 persons were travelling on this vessel following a review of footage at boarding.
“Our focus is on finding people,” the Prime Minister said, noting that local search efforts are now being supported by a team from French Guiana and a forthcoming team from Trinidad and Tobago.
He also said that maritime professionals have informed him that the sunken vessel may have pockets of air and as susch, there may still be survivors there.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) mark Phillips (in blue shirt) leading the Monday night press conference
The MV Barima, a passenger and cargo vessel, left Port Georgetown on Saturday afternoon and was heading to Port Kaituma in Region One. Late Saturday night, tragedy struck.
This tragedy has gripped the nation but striking revelations have raised many questions.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill on Sunday night said officials initially believed they were searching for 116 passengers and 17 crew members, based on the official manifest. But investigations revealed that only 35 of the 67 rescued were listed on the passenger manifest, meaning 32 survivors were never officially recorded as passengers before the vessel left Georgetown.
The vessel’s cargo manifest showed it was carrying 268 tonnes of cargo, below its licensed capacity of 284 tonnes. But now that is also under question. The discovery means authorities no longer know how many people were actually aboard the ferry when it capsized. Additionally, the vessel’s captain and first engineer have been arrested after both tested positive for narcotics.
2026.7.19 MV Barima tragedy: Captain, first engineer arrested; only 35 of 67 rescued were on passenger list
Authorities now say they are unsure how many people were aboard the vessel that capsized seven miles offshore Guyana on Saturday night and have arrested the captain of the vessel after he tested positive for narcotics.
Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Works, who has responsibility for the transport sector, said the authorities were initially searching for 116 passengers as that was on the manifest; they were also searching for 17 crew members.
But now, it has been discovered that only 35 of the 67 rescued have been found to have been listed on the passenger manifest.
Having realised that some of those rescued were not on the manifest, it became clear that the passenger list was wrong.
“I am outraged.
“We are talking about operational breaches; people will be dealt with,” Edghill said at a late-night press conference in Georgetown.
Government officials at a press briefing on the MV Barima tragedy on Sunday night. From left: Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud
The captain is in Police custody as well as the first engineer, both of whom tested positive for narcotics.
Two people have been confirmed dead.
Guyana’s international and regional partners have offered assistance in the search and rescue operations.
For hours, they floated together in the darkness, clinging to a single life jacket and to the hope that daylight would come.
When the MV Barima capsized off the coast of Region Two on Saturday night, Loureen Singh, 48, thought she was going to die.
The businesswoman, who sells clothing in Port Kaituma, had been travelling to the North West District. It was a journey she had made many times before, often spending a month at a time in the mining community before returning home.
But this trip would be different.
Thrown into the sea as the vessel overturned, Loureen found herself struggling to stay afloat in the darkness.
Nearby was Carlita Matabheek, 32, who, despite not knowing how to swim, had managed to grab hold of a life jacket after the vessel capsized.
The two women found each other in the water.
Carlita asked Loureen a simple question.
Could she swim?
“A little,” Loureen replied.
It wasn’t enough to survive alone.
Carlita told her to hold on.
She assured her that if they stayed together, they would make it through the night until rescuers found them.
The women wrapped themselves around the life jacket, drifting for hours in the open sea, encouraging one another not to give up.
Around them was darkness, uncertainty and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
By morning, both women were still alive.
Rescuers eventually pulled them from the water, bringing an end to an ordeal that had begun the night before.
On Sunday afternoon, they sat quietly beside each other, sharing a meal.
The bond forged in the sea was unmistakable.
Nearby sat Carlita’s husband, Adam Matabheek, who had also survived after spending the night adrift.
Just a few feet away, however, was a very different scene.
Adam’s younger brother, Nathaniel Matabheek, sobbed uncontrollably, waiting for any news of his wife, Rachel Welch, and their three young children — Nathaniel Jr., 8, Natalia, 5, and Ezekiel, 3.
The family remains missing as search-and-rescue teams continue combing the waters.
For Loureen and Carlita, survival came through courage, faith and an unexpected act of compassion between two women brought together by tragedy.
For Nathaniel and many other families, the waiting continues.
Twenty-four-year-old Travis James, the man accused of killing his pregnant partner, Kerryann Standiford, reportedly told investigators that she armed herself with a knife, which he managed to take away from her, before he held her by the neck in an attempt to restrain her.
He claimed that after pushing her against a plywood wall, he noticed blood coming from her mouth and realised she was no longer breathing.
James also allegedly told investigators that he dug a shallow grave behind the Chelsea Park, Mahaica house where he rented the lower flat, wrapped Standiford’s body in a red blanket, buried it and covered it with dirt and sand.
James, a porter of Chelsea Park, Mahaica, was on Wednesday charged with the murder of Standiford.
The charge alleges that he murdered Standiford sometime between July 1 and July 10, 2026, at Chelsea Park, Mahaica.
James appeared before the Mahaicony Magistrate’s Court, where he was not required to plead to the indictable charge. He was remanded to prison until August 3, 2026, for statements and fixture.
Police said Standiford left her Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara home on July 3 after telling relatives she was travelling to Chelsea Park to visit James. She was never seen alive again.
Her partially decomposed body was discovered in a shallow grave behind the Chelsea Park property on July 10 after investigators responded to reports of a foul odour emanating from the backyard.
Further information gathered by the News Room revealed that during questioning, James participated in a video and audio-recorded interview in which he allegedly recounted the events leading to Standiford’s death.
Police also conducted a video-recorded walkthrough at the alleged crime scene during which James allegedly pointed out where he buried Standiford’s body.
Investigators said he also identified the locations where he placed the spade, bucket, shovel and the knife he claimed had been used by the deceased. During the walkthrough, James allegedly demonstrated how he held Standiford by the neck, indicated where he observed blood coming from her mouth and pointed out where she fell to the ground.
The bucket, knife, shovel and spade were recovered, dusted for fingerprints and lodged as evidence.
A 26-year-old shopkeeper from Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara, has been sentenced to three years and five months in prison after being found guilty of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.
Ezekiel Lewis called ‘Bell’ was convicted on Tuesday following a trial before the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.
Police said Lewis was arrested on October 8, 2025 and charged two days later under Section 5(1)(a)(i) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Chapter 10:10.
He first appeared before Magistrate Teriq Mohamed on October 10, 2025, when the charge was read to him. Lewis pleaded not guilty, and the matter proceeded to trial.
At the conclusion of the trial on Tuesday, the court found Lewis guilty and he was sentenced.
A 38-year-old cane harvester was granted $250,000 bail on Tuesday after appearing before the Blairmont Magistrate’s Court on a rape charge.
Lookesh Daljit, called “Willy”, of Lot 14 Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, Region Five, appeared before Magistrate Michelle Matthias.
It is alleged that on June 11, 2026, Daljit engaged in sexual penetration with a 26-year-old woman without her consent while in Region Five.
The indictable charge was read to Daljit, who was not required to enter a plea.
During the hearing, the prosecution did not object to bail and informed the court that investigations had been completed and the matter was ready to proceed.
Magistrate Matthias subsequently granted bail in the sum of $250,000 and ordered Daljit to remain at least 50 feet away from the virtual complainant. He was warned that any breach of the order could result in his bail being revoked and him being remanded to custody until the conclusion of the case.
Daljit stood before the Magistrate, visibly trembling with tears streaming down his face.
The defendant was also instructed to attend all future court hearings.
The matter was adjourned to June 29, 2026, for statements.
Reports suggest that on the day in question, Daljit allegedly went into his sister-in-law’s house and asked her for a birthday present. Within minutes, he shifted the conversation and asked for sex. When she declined, he disregarded her response, took off his clothes, and insisted that she do the same. After allegedly having intercourse with her, he left the scene.
The woman later reported the incident to the police and sought medical help.
Daljit was subsequently arrested and charged.
Shaeed Mohammed, called ‘Max’, was on Tuesday charged with the brutal murder of seven-year-old Adriel Aftab Mohamed.
Mohammed, a 23-year-old resident of Providence, East Bank Essequibo, appeared before Magistrate Alisha George at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
It was alleged that on June 5, 2026, at Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo, Mohammed murdered the child. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge. The matter was adjourned to July 20, 2026, for a report on statements.
The charge was instituted after investigators received legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Mohammed was arrested on Saturday and reportedly confessed to the crime.
Deputy Commissioner and Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum had previously disclosed that detectives secured digital evidence linking the suspect to the crime scene at the time of the attack. According to Blanhum, when confronted with the evidence, the 23-year-old admitted to the offence and provided investigators with details of what occurred.
Adriel was killed on the morning of June 5 while at home with his 72-year-old great-grandmother. The elderly woman was also seriously injured during the attack and remains under medical care.
A post-mortem examination conducted on Monday found that the child died as a result of an incised wound to the neck. Investigators also observed evidence of both sharp and blunt force injuries on the boy’s body, injuries consistent with the use of a knife.
Police recovered a knife from the crime scene, which investigators said the suspect identified as the weapon used to kill the child and injure his great-grandmother.
A 33-year-old taxi driver of Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara, was on Thursday remanded to prison after being charged in connection with the discovery of ten AK-47 rifles in Berbice.
Stephen Rajah appeared before the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court where a possession of firearm charge was read to him.
He was not required to plead to the indictable offence and was remanded to prison after bail was refused. The matter was adjourned to June 15, 2026.
Rajah was arrested on Friday, May 22, after Police ranks, who conducting a stop-and-search exercise along the Berbice River Bridge Access Road, intercepted a black Toyota Fielder Wagon bearing registration number HC 9018. Police said the driver sped away from the ranks and escaped.
Acting on information received, ranks later searched an area along No. 11 Village Public Road, Corentyne, where ten AK-47 rifles wrapped in plastic and cloth were discovered.
Investigators said the firearms bore markings consistent with 7.62x39mm rifles and appeared tampered with, allegedly to obscure serial numbers.
Rajah was later intercepted at Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara, in the same vehicle and taken into custody as investigations continue.
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2026.4.10 Strangulation of 7-year-old: Mother claims “can’t remember” committing act; murder charge soon
Twenty-six-year-old Sarah Elizabeth Shivpersaud, who suffocated her seven-year-old daughter and attempted to murder her young son at their Fyrish, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice–Corentyne) home on Sunday, was discharged from the Port Mourant Hospital after she attempted to take her own life.
However, as the investigation continues into the gruesome act, the woman, after her discharge, was taken back to the scene by detectives, who are now preparing their file to be sent to the Chambers of the Director of Prosecutions (DPP) for advice on the way forward. In the meantime, she will remain in custody.
Nevertheless, according to reports received, the woman claimed that she could not remember what took place on the fateful day. She is presently being psychologically evaluated.
Despite her claims, Police sources indicate that statements continue to be collected and key details verified as the probe advances.
Shivpersaud is accused of killing her daughter, Isabella Dabadial, and also attempted to strangle her son, Ethan. The incident reportedly took place at about 11:30h.
It was reported that the woman had been experiencing emotional distress after her husband left the home several days prior and refused to return. She is also said to have told investigators that she had nothing to eat on the morning of the incident and became overwhelmed.
Prior to committing the act, she reportedly posted a photo of her and the two children, seeking forgiveness for what she was about to do.
After committing the act, Shivpersaud attempted to take her own life by cutting the veins behind her ankles. She was admitted to the Port Mourant Hospital until her discharge on Thursday.
Meanwhile, little Isabella Dabadial was confirmed dead after she and her brother were rushed to the same hospital. Her younger sibling survived the ordeal.
An autopsy performed on the body of Isabella proved that she died from manual strangulation.
2026.4.9 Berbice tragedy: Mother remains hospitalised
Sarah Elizabeth Shivpersaud, the mother accused of strangling her seven-year-old daughter and attempting to kill her young son and herself, remains hospitalised.
The News Room was reliably informed that Shivpersaud was still receiving medical treatment up to Thursday. She is under Police guard.
The investigation into the matter is ongoing.
Shivpersaud reportedly told investigators that she had been experiencing emotional distress after her husband left the home several days prior and refused to return.
She said that on the morning of Sunday, April 5, after waking up and having had no food, she suffocated her daughter, Isabella. Shivpersaud also admitted that she attempted to suffocate her one-year-and-nine-month-old son, Ethan, but was unsuccessful.
A post-mortem examination later confirmed that Isabella died as a result of manual strangulation.
Following the incident, Shivpersaud reportedly attempted to take her own life but survived.
The incident has grappled the nation.
2026.4.7 Berbice tragedy: 7-Y-O girl was manually strangled to death
A post-mortem examination has found that Isabella Dabadial, the seven-year-old girl who died on Sunday, was manually strangled to death.
In a release, the Guyana Police Force said Government Pathologist Dr. Vivekanand Brijmohan performed the examination at Bailey Funeral Home, Number 4 Village, West Coast Berbice. He gave the cause of death as manual strangulation.
The body was subsequently handed over to relatives for burial.
Isabella was strangled by her mother, Sarah Elizabeth Shivpersaud.
Shivpersaud confided to investigators that she was experiencing emotional distress after her husband had left the residence several days prior and had refused to return. The woman stated that upon waking on Sunday, having had no food, she suffocated Isabella. She also admitted to having attempted to strangulate or otherwise suffocate her son, Ethan, who is one year and nine months old, but was unsuccessful.
Following the incident, Shivpersaud attempted suicide but failed.
An alarm was raised, and several individuals intervened. Shivpersaud and her children were transported to the Port Mourant Public Hospital. Isabella was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Shivpersaud was admitted, treated, and sutured; she is currently in a stable condition under police guard.
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Months after he was arrested for the illegal possession of narcotics, Rajesh Mookram was sentenced to four years imprisonment and fined $27 million after he was found guilty of the crime.
The sentenced was handed down by Magistrate Taunna Hardy at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, April 2.
In a statement, the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) said that the case stemmed from a November 2025 operation during which Mookram was intercepted by its officers while riding a motorcycle at Sandaka Creek, Corentyne, Berbice.
During the operation, CANU said Mookram led officers to a location where a search uncovered two bulky salt bags containing 30 kilograms of cannabis.
A 28-year-old East Bank Berbice man was on Thursday remanded to prison after being charged with rape and attempted murder involving the mother of his child.
Christopher Ali, a seaman of Pepper Street, Edinburgh, appeared before Magistrate Michelle Matthias at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court.
Ali was not required to plead to the indictable charges.
The first charge alleges that between December 1 and 31, 2024, he engaged in sexual penetration of a 15-year-old girl, Tiana Chapman. The second charge states that on February 24, 2026, at Heat Burn Village, he attempted to murder and unlawfully wounded Chapman.
Police Prosecutor Sergeant Colin Clarke objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the offences, the accused’s alleged attempt to flee the jurisdiction, and concerns for the victim’s safety.
The court heard that Chapman sustained 25 stab wounds during the February 24 attack.
Magistrate Matthias, after considering the nature of the charges, the safety of the victim, and the risk of flight, refused bail and remanded Ali to prison on both matters.
He is expected to return to court on April 16.
Chapman, who was present in court, is said to be recovering after being hospitalised in the intensive care unit following the stabbing.
Reports indicate that Ali and Chapman shared a relationship and have an 11-month-old child together.
In a separate incident, Ali was reportedly found in the Upper Berbice River on March 14, where he was beaten and chopped by unknown individuals. He later received medical treatment before being taken into police custody.
Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the stabbing are ongoing.
Twenty-eight people have died in road accidents across the country between January 1 and March 21, 2026, with a majority of the fatal crashes linked to speeding.
Statistics provided to the News Room revealed that speeding was a factor in 18 of the fatal accidents recorded so far this year, making it the leading cause of deadly collisions.
The victims include 12 motorcyclists, eight pedestrians and six drivers, along with one car occupant and one pedal cyclist.
A total of 27 vehicles were involved in the fatal crashes, 16 of which were motorcars.
It was also disclosed that most of the fatal accidents occurred between 18:00 hrs and 23:59 hrs and that males accounted for the overwhelming majority of victims, with 23 males and five females losing their lives.
Most of the victims were between the ages of 25 and 42.
In an interview with the News Room, Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh said despite the deaths, there has been a 26 per cent decrease in the overall number of accidents nationwide for the period when compared to the same period last year.
He attributed the reduction to several measures implemented by the Guyana Police Force, including increased deployment of traffic ranks, consistent enforcement, public education campaigns, and the rollout of the Safe Road Intelligence System.
“When you look at the Safe Road Intelligence System, as that unfolds across all the regions, that will definitely play a big role. It is already playing one,” Singh said.
The Traffic Chief explained that speeding often becomes deadly when drivers fail to consider road surface conditions, weather, animals or other vehicles on the roadway.
In many cases, he said motorists lose control while attempting to brake suddenly, causing vehicles to overturn and leading to severe injuries or death.
While law enforcement will continue to strengthen its operations, Singh stressed that motorists must also take personal responsibility for their actions.
“Motorists must also play a critical role. They have to recognise that their behaviour must be altered.
“I would want to encourage the public to be more law-abiding… to be voluntarily compliant is a must,” Singh urged.
He emphasised that reducing road deaths requires a combined effort from both authorities and the public, warning that waiting until a crash occurs to change behaviour often comes at a tragic cost.
Two days after falling overboard during a fishing trip, 28-year-old Aladdin Dookie of Number 77 Housing Scheme, Corriverton, Berbice, was found dead.
Reports state that on March 21 at around 17:59 hours, Dookie, who was the captain of the boat, along with three others, was fishing near Orealla Village on the Corentyne River in Berbice.
According to the information gathered, while trying to start the engine by pulling the choke, Dookie accidentally fell overboard after leaning too far over the side of the boat. He was seen going underwater and has not resurfaced since.
In response to the tragic incident, a search party was organized to comb the area for Dookie, but he was not found.
Dookie’s wife, Amrita Singh, told the News Room that around 13:30 hours on Tuesday, she was informed that her husband had been found. She said Dookie’s body was spotted floating near Siparuta, not far from Orealla.
According to Singh, the police were notified, and they traveled to the area to retrieve the body. A postmortem examination is expected to determine the cause of death.
Singh recalled that Dookie left home on Wednesday, March 18th, and was expected to spend five days. She said the last time she spoke to her husband was on Thursday at noon, and he promised to return her call. Singh added that she tried to call him but couldn’t get through.
“Me husband wasn’t a bad person, he always provide for us. If is the last food he get, he ah make certain he wife and pickney eat and left he self without,” the grieving woman stated.
Singh further said, “seven years now me husband do fishing work and nothing like this never happen. Me glad if me husband could’ve return alive.”
She expressed that with her husband’s passing, the family’s main breadwinner, it will be difficult for her and their four children to manage in the future.
Dookie leaves to mourn his wife and their children—daughters, ages nine and one year five months; and sons, ages six and four.
A DJ accused of inciting a brutal sexual assault at Raghoo’s Bar has been committed to stand trial, while his co-accused has been freed after the court upheld a no-case submission.
Leon De Freitas, a 36-year-old DJ of Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, was on Tuesday committed by Magistrate Tameika Clarke at the Friendship Magistrate’s Court to stand trial at the next practicable sitting of the Demerara Assizes.
Meanwhile, Ryan Rajnarine, a 30-year-old office assistant of Soesdyke Back Road, was discharged after the magistrate upheld a no-case submission made on his behalf by his attorney Bernard DaSilva.
The charges stem from the July 13, 2025 incident at Raghoo’s Bar along the Soesdyke Public Road, where it was alleged that individuals at the establishment encouraged the sexual assault of a woman.
Rajnarine and De Freitas had been jointly charged with inciting Barry Sullivan to commit rape.
Sullivan, who is accused of carrying out the assault, was committed to stand trial at the High Court last December.
The case had sparked national outrage after a video of the assault circulated widely on social media, prompting a wide-ranging police investigation. Authorities had alleged that the accused were involved in the entertainment activities at the bar on the night in question and encouraged the attack while patrons looked on.
Proceedings against De Freitas will now continue before the High Court.
The Guyana Police Force has launched an investigation into the escape of a man held on suspicion of raping a child after he fled from lawful custody at Matthews Ridge in the North West District, police headquarters said on Saturday.
The suspect, identified as Randy James Smith, had been in custody in connection with the alleged rape of a child under the age of 16. Police said the investigation into the sexual offence had already been completed and Smith was expected to be formally charged before his escape.
Authorities have launched a manhunt and are taking steps to locate and recapture the suspect, the police force said in a statement.
The Guyana Police Force also appealed to the public to provide any information that could assist in Smith’s swift apprehension.
2026.1.9 Road deaths increase slightly in 2025 as speeding remains major cause
A total of 124 fatal road accidents resulting in 137 deaths have been recorded for the year 2025, marking a slight increase when compared to 2024, according to Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh.
Singh, speaking with the News Room on Friday, pointed out that while the increase may appear minimal, it remains a serious concern. In 2024, there were 117 fatal accidents resulting in 132 deaths.
“Even though the increase is small, it is still an increase, because one death or one fatal accident is one too many,” he stated.
According to the Traffic Chief speeding and driver inattentiveness continue to be the primary causes of fatal accidents. He explained that many drivers lose control of their vehicles due to excessive speed, particularly when they are unfamiliar with the roads they are using.
“As a result of speeding, drivers often lose control and collide with multiple vehicles, or their vehicles turn turtle, leading to the deaths of themselves or other road users,” Singh said.
He noted that authorities have recognised speeding as a persistent trend over time and, in response, the Safe Road Intelligence System, which includes speed cameras, is currently being rolled out nationwide.
The Traffic Chief said law enforcement agencies will continue their traffic enforcement and road safety education exercises, but stressed that meaningful change ultimately depends on drivers themselves.
“At the end of the day, personal responsibility will determine the level of discipline with which the road is used, along with voluntary compliance by drivers,” Singh said.
He added that without greater discipline and acceptance of responsibility by motorists, there will be little change in attitudes or behaviour on the country’s roads.
“If there isn’t compliance and a greater level of discipline in how the roads are used, then there would be no real change,” Singh warned.
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2026.1.7 Prison-break carnage: A Stabroek News investigation
This is the conclusion of an examination of the number of persons who died between February 23, 2002 and August 28, 2008. By Stabroek News’ count, 590 persons were killed during that period. For many years, the number of persons who died in the violence that followed the February 23rd, 2002 Camp Street jailbreak and the circumstances of their deaths have been the sources of heated disputation. As part of a public service journalism project to shed more light on that period, Stabroek News compiled from its archives a list of persons killed between February 23, 2002 and August 28, 2008.
The daring escape of five prisoners from the Camp Street Prison on February 23rd 2002 was the catalyst for one of the bloodiest periods in the country’s history resulting in hundreds of lives being lost in robberies, police officers being slaughtered and a parallel security arm springing up leading to many men being killed execution-style and with the drug trade playing a major role in key events of that period. It was during this period that Guyanese first came to learn of drug lord Roger Khan and the role he played in mobilizing fighters against the escapees in a bid to protect his narcotics turf and that of other businessmen. Khan would later be apprehended in Suriname and seized by the US authorities in Trinidad before being flown to the US where he completed a 10-year drug sentence and was deported to Guyana on September 20 2019.
2026.1.2 Ex-girlfriend remains in custody as probe continues into fatal Linden shooting
The 24-year-old ex-girlfriend of Amar Jones remains in police custody as the investigation into the fatal shooting continues, Regional Commander Kurleigh Simon told the News Room on Friday.
A motor vehicle was also seized as part of the ongoing probe.
Jones, described as a devoted father and a hardworking young businessman, was gunned down in broad daylight on Tuesday while he was waiting to pick up his 5-year-old daughter along the Half Mile Public Road.
According to a Police release, the incident occurred at approximately 15:00 hrs while Jones was in a motor canter. Amar worked with his family’s tow truck, wrecking and machinery business.
Speaking with the News Room, a close relative said Amar, who recently celebrated his 27th birthday on December 14, was a jolly and friendly person who enjoyed playing football and was in the process of building his house.
The relative explained that he and Amar worked closely together. On Tuesday, just 10 minutes before tragedy struck, the relative said Amar was waiting on his daughter to arrive.
The News Room understands that Amar was with a friend in the canter and had asked the friend to collect his daughter from the vehicle moments before the gunman opened fire.
Investigations revealed that an unidentified man discharged several rounds in Jones’ direction and then fled the scene. The search for this suspect is still ongoing
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