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In a heartwarming initiative, Team Mohamed’s is set to make a profound impact on the lives of over 20,000 nursery school children across Guyana through its toy drive.

This ambitious project aims to bring smiles to the faces of children in every public nursery school in all Administrative Regions, spanning from Crabwood Creek in Berbice to Karasabai in the Deep South Rupununi.

The project, which is the brainchild of reflects his strong desire to give back to the community and create moments of joy for the youngest members of society.

As the Christmas term approaches its conclusion, various teams from Team Mohamed’s will be dispatched across the country to distribute the toys to the eager children.

According to a statement by Team’s Mohamed, this year’s toy drive marks a significant milestone as it extends its reach to some of the most remote areas in Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine.
For the first time, children in these distant regions will experience the joy of receiving gifts during the festive season.

The distribution plan is comprehensive, with specific numbers allocated for each region: Region 1: 52 schools, benefiting 2,104 children; Region 2: 55 schools, reaching 1,899 children; Region 3: 64 schools, bringing joy to 3,661 children; Region 5: 36 schools, impacting 1,660 children; Region 6: 69 schools, spreading happiness to 3,582 children; Region 7: 34 schools, with 1,354 children benefiting; Region 8: 25 schools, bringing joy to 757 children; Region 9: 58 schools, reaching 1,829 children; Region 10: 40 schools, putting smiles on the faces of 1,834 children. “Team Mohamed’s extends best wishes to the teachers and children for a prosperous and enjoyable festive season,” the statement said.

Rebecca Lashley, known widely as Eloise, was born on October 26, 1923, to Barbadians Joseph and Mathilda Lashley and was the only one in her family to be born in Guyana.

Her late parents came to Guyana with their daughters, (her elder sisters), Rhoda and Louise seeking employment opportunities in the former British colony.

There, they managed to find jobs on one of the sugar estates in the country as cane harvesters. Sometime later, Eloise’s father decided that he no longer wanted to spend the rest of his life in Guyana, and returned to Barbados where he passed away some years later.

Eloise married and was able to give birth to five children, four of whom are alive today. The ages of her children range from 81, 74, 70 and 59 years respectively.

Now living at Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara, Eloise celebrated her 100th birthday three days ago.

With everything that she would have experienced, the centenarian took those lessons and taught her children good morals. She taught them how to be independent and self-sufficient. Although this was sometimes tough for her children to do, they obeyed nevertheless.

Eloise was able to complete her primary education and went on to learn the art of sewing and excelled as a seamstress; she made exceptional bridal gowns and a host of other pieces.

In addition to being a terrific seamstress, Eloise was also a housemaid for an overseer at the estate, where she was loved for her cooking and baking skills and gained popularity for making tasty custard blocks and icicles.

As another source of income, she washed and ironed other people’s clothes. Eloise, according to her loved ones, can be described as a hardworking and caring woman and despite the many difficulties life threw her way, she is a fighter, never a quitter.

Eloise has continued to live in the community of Uitvlugt, and is seen as the matriarch of the village.

Shania Persaud is a dancer and small business owner. On Wednesday, she was admitted to the local bar and is now among Guyana’s newest lawyers.

Persaud’s petition was presented before Chief Justice Roxane George, SC, by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, SC. She was surrounded by her family, friends and colleagues.

Days before, Persaud graduated from the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS) in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T).

Persaud told the News Room that she always knew she was going to pursue law; her mother insisted on it.

So, she went about immersing herself in the field as a way of honoring her mother’s dreams.

Along the way though, Persaud realised there was an innate passion for it.

“Throughout [my time at the University of Guyana] and Hugh Wooding, that’s kinda when I developed a passion and love for law.

“I always grew up wanting to help people and I think that’s a career that helps me to do that,” the lawyer said.

But studying law wasn’t all she did.

In fact, Persaud has been dancing with the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha since she was just eight years old. That saw her participating in many of the iconic Naya Zamana productions and other events organised by the Sabha.

In 2020, she also started a small business – the Cheap Thrills gift shop. According to Persaud, this was a way for her to earn some income to help offset the heavy costs of law school.

During the course of her studies, Persaud found herself balancing her dance life, managing her small business, interning at a law firm and studying. Not unexpectedly, it was an exhausting venture.

“I would go to work, then go to UG, then go to dancing, and after that, (do my) assignments, pack orders and the cycle would repeat,” Persaud said.

She believes she was able to manage well because of the support she got from her parents, two sisters, friends and even her dog.

Now, Persaud works with the Ministry of Legal Affairs.

Shimron Hetymer was born on 26th December 1996. He is professional West Indies Batsman. Shimron was the captained of West Indies Under-19 team and Indies won U-19 World cup in 2016 under his captaincy. He plays for Guyana Amazon Warriors in CPL.

Hetymer start his test cricket career against Pakistan on April 2017. His ODI career start on December 2017 against New Zealand and T20I career was start on 1st January 2018 against New Zealand. In 2022 IPL franchise Rajasthan Royal bought him.

Shimron Hetymer wife name is Nirvani Umrao. She was born on 21st May 1996. Her education qualification is not known she keep it private. Niravni and Hetymer dated each ohter for so long times before taking their relationship on next level.

Hetymer proposed Umrao on 25 December 2019 at eve of Christmas Day. They post their engagment pic on thier’s instagram page. Hetymer and Nirvani never shy for posting their pictures on social media platform and show their love so much towards each other.

Nirvani Umrao Career–

Nirvani active on the social media platform she kept quite about professional life of her. There is not so much information about what Umrao does for living.

About Hetmyer’s and Nirvana baby-

They both have a child named Nate Hetymer he was born on 10th may 2022. Hetymer left IPL in mid way because of birth of his son. They both love their baby so much.

Where did Shimron Hetmyer meet Nirvani Umrao?

Hetymer said that he meet her on the Facebook. He messaged Nirvaniso many times before getting the reply. Shimron Hetymer proposed Nirvani on 25th December 2019.

US-based Guyanese Keanna Jardine will soon join a NASA research team to study the OSIRIS-Rex samples at Arizona State University.

In an emotional interview with the News Room GUYANA on Friday, the Planetary Scientist recounted her journey from Durban Street, Lodge, and Georgetown to the USA.

At 10 years old, Jardine migrated to the United States of America with her parents, Anthony Jardine and Osnah Jardine. There she completed her middle and high school education before advancing to Adelphi University and then the University of Central Florida where she got her Master’s and PHd in Physics, with a concentration in Planetary Science.

“Growing up in Guyana I’ve always, you know looked at the stars in my grandmother’s yard so that inspired my journey and interest in what I’m doing.

“Living in Guyana you don’t see a path to these career opportunities and so when I moved, my goal was not to focus on astronomy, physics, or planetary science at all but as I moved through my studies, opportunities arise and let me full circle back to what my initial interest was growing up in Guyana,” Jardine said.

During her sophomore year at college, her mother died in a car crash during a visit to Guyana. The family never got justice following the accident but for Jardine, this was her defining moment.

“The biggest challenge was losing my mom. She died here in Guyana, that was a challenge then and it still is now.

“I had to push and that same professor really held on to me and said “you’re going to finish” and my dad was a big supporter. He said all I want you to do is finish College. I ended up pushing through and even passed that…It is a realization of how far we still need to go. Being a woman, being black in America, there’s a lot of obstacles that we have to overcome to even be where we need to be,” Jardine said.

With the support of a professor who encouraged her to move out of her comfort zone and pursue studies in planetary science and her family, she was able to graduate and secure her spot with NASA.

“You have to push and find opportunities, don’t put yourself in a box. You have to search and find… when you want something you have to go for it,” Jardine advises. (News Room GUYANA)

At Timehri, close to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Matthew Sookhoo watched airplanes land and take off every day as a child. He had aspirations of going into the aviation industry and becoming a pilot. He wanted to be an air traffic controller like his well-known father.

While his father, Roy, established himself in air traffic control, Matthew hoped to one day become a pilot, and he was determined to fulfil that dream

On July 30th, 2023, the young aviator successfully completed training to become a commercial pilot, a feat which he said was the culmination of a long and arduous journey in aviation thus far, and is the beginning of a career he always envisioned while growing up at Timehri.

“I’ve been exposed to aviation at an early age due to my dad’s job,” he said. “Ever since then, my dream has been to become a career pilot.”

Sookhoo obtained a job as a Flight Dispatcher with Trans Guyana Airways at the Eugene F Correia International Airport at Ogle, and during this time, he was a member of the first group of Licensed Flight Dispatchers trained in Guyana.

He was enthusiastic about that job, and he noted that at one point he had given up on his plans to become a pilot.

“I started to develop myself within the Operations Department (at Trans Guyana), then it happened so suddenly, where I realized that just dispatching flights is not what I want to be doing for the rest of my life,” he said. As such, he got up one day and started searching for suitable flight schools which he could attend at the time. He also started putting his plans in place to follow his dream.

“I found a school in Florida, got all the relevant documentation together, and set out on that course of beginning flight school,” he added.

On 13th July 2021, Sookhoo started classes at a flight school in Florida, and six weeks later, he acquired his private pilot licence, or PPL.

“My first solo flight was one of the greatest feelings ever, but at the same time, a very stressful and anxious event, one of the main reasons being that you are, for the very first time, flying without an instructor, which means all the responsibilities are on me,” he recounted.

After obtaining his PPL, Sookhoo returned to Guyana and continued working as a Flight Dispatcher. “It took me just over a year to continue flight school,” he said.

Once more, he travelled to Florida and enrolled in the same flight school he had attended during his initial training. This time, his aim was to complete Instrument and Commercial training in one trip.

In instrument training, a pilot rating is earned through intensive training focused on flying solely by reference to instruments. For Sookhoo, the task was challenging.

“Instrument was a bit tough, especially since I took such a long break between training. At times it felt like Instrument training was impossible to get right, and then one day it all came together naturally,” he said.

He was signed off by the school, which means he successfully met the requirements to become an instrument rated pilot; he passed his Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) check ride. With that aspect of training completed, the task was now for Sookhoo to complete the commercial training at the flight school.

“In this phase, I had some of the most fun time building within Florida’s Airspace,” he added. He then completed his commercial check ride on July 30, 2023.

Being away from one’s family can be challenging, and this was one of the difficult aspects of his journey thus far, Sookhoo said.

“The journey was difficult at times, especially being so far away from home, my parents, brother, and close friends,” he said. “Sometimes I felt like taking a break, fly to Guyana, and be home for a bit, but then the last time I did that, it took me over a year to get back into school,” he said.

As for his family’s support, Sookhoo said his parents, Roy and Sharon Sookhoo, and younger brother Marc, have been his biggest fans and supporters.

“Mom was mostly overexcited after I completed each stage, celebrating the little wins that eventually led to the main one,” he said. His father was equally excited, he added.

For the young pilot, the journey has only now begun. He said he plans to return to Guyana and serve as a commercial pilot, providing the best of his abilities to the aviation sector here.

The young aviator also had a few words of advice for youths who may plan to enter the world of aviation, or any career path they have a calling for.

“Never give up on your dreams! Even if it seems impossible, put in the hard work, be dedicated, and all the pieces will come together, making it a success,” the young pilot said.

Mohindhar Doodnauth and Stephanie Prashad are two of the latest lawyers to be admitted to the Guyana Bar, both having recently graduated from the Eugene Dupuch Law School in The Bahamas after copping their Legal Education Certificate (LEC).

Doodnauth, 25, and Prashad, 32, were both admitted last June 7 before Justice Navindra Singh and in the company of family and friends.

As his legal career is relatively new and it is in its formative stages, Doodnauth told that he is yet to find his niche in legal practice.

“My decision to become a lawyer was predicated on a number of personal factors ranging from the flexibility of the profession to the marketability of a legal education. However, from a purely pragmatic position, a legal career presented as a stable career path which complimented my proclivity for research and writing,” he shared.

As a word of advice to fellow youths who may be inclined to pursue a career in law, Doodnauth said among the key factors for success would be the ability to ensure that proper research is done into a career in law.

Meanwhile, Prashad is a Corporate Lawyer managing a variety of contracts, employment, and civil matters.

“I have been practicing corporate law in the US for over five years as a way to blend my passions for law and finance, and look forward to utilizing my transnational contract and tax experience to help support industrious and entrepreneurial Guyanese citizens grow their businesses in this age of innovation,” she told

In words of advice to others desirous of pursuing a career like hers, she said:

“I would advise that developing your community is just as important as taking your studies seriously. Both your education and your support system need attention and investment, as they provide invaluable opportunities for mentorship, knowledge sharing, and professional growth, enabling you to expand your professional connections, gain diverse perspectives, and navigate challenges more effectively.”

 

26-year-old Christine Crystal Hope’s life has been a series of struggles and hardships and when she gave birth to her three beautiful baby boys it was a joyous occasion.

However, that bliss quickly turned into worry as she thinks about her and the babies’ future. Abandoned by her family for years, Christine was left to face life’s challenges alone.

The young mother’s situation is dire. She has no family, no permanent home, and no means of income. Currently, she and her four children, including her triplets and a 19-month-old daughter, are living in a cramped space called ‘The Camp’, in Kwakwani, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), after being displaced by floods.

They are staying with her former partner’s mother, along with her nine children, but to further complicate the situation, Christine has a sick brother to take care of, adding to her financial burden.

Despite her difficult circumstances, Christine remains hopeful and determined to provide a better life for her children.

“I don’t want my kids to struggle the way I did as a child,” she said, her voice cracking with emotion. “Every time I call my mother for help, she never wants to help. My dad, I don’t even know where he is. After mom left for Suriname, my father took us in, and he had us moving from house to house. I didn’t get to finish school. I came out of form four. But I always wanted to become a nurse, and I hope that when I am back on my feet, I can get a job and pursue my dream.”

The journey to achieving her dream seems daunting, and Christine knows that there is a great challenge ahead. But she is determined to do her best to provide for her children, despite the obstacles she faces. She recalled that while living in people’s homes, she and her brothers were sometimes ill-treated.

“Sometimes you don’t get the treatment you expect, and it was very hard,” she saysid, her voice trembling.

She is hoping to receive assistance to provide a proper place for her triplets to stay and to provide for their needs.

“I am hoping that I can get some assistance because it is very challenging, the situation in which I’m staying,” she said, tears welling up in her eyes. “I have no family members that I can go by, and I want to give my children a better life.”

Christine’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope in the face of adversity. Let us come together to support this young mother and her triplets, and ensure that they have a brighter future.

They deserve the chance to thrive and succeed, despite the difficult circumstances they face. Persons who are desirous of helping the new mother can contact her on telephone number (592) 699-5392.

The Men on Mission has partnered with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MONR) to construct a two-bedroom house for a single mother of three, Sandra Lewis of Christiansburg, Linden, Region Ten.

Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Lewis said she has been residing in the dilapidated house for over nine years.

The woman explained that due to the uncomfortable living conditions, she was prompted to contact the MoM and the natural resources ministry for assistance.

“I got on to the Men on Mission and they come forward… Me and my three kids are living there and it’s very uncomfortable right now,” Lewis explained.

The team began constructing the new structure aback Lewis’ old house on March 2.

Meanwhile, the Chief Inspector of Wismar Police Station, Mark Lyte stated that they are seeking further assistance from the corporate society to push the home-building project.

“Ms Lewis would have made contact with several persons within the community. She eventually reached out to the police, along with the Minister of Natural Resources and the permanent secretary. Through this project, about two weeks ago, we came and laid some blocks. We also donated another set of blocks for the construction and the wood for the roof,” the Chief inspector Disclosed.

He noted that the team is motivated to help vulnerable families and also reaffirmed the ‘One Guyana’ vision, which speaks to the inclusion of every Guyanese in development.

“We are working on a ‘One Guyana’ theme from the Men on Mission to make every Guyanese feel comfortable and loved by the members of the community and the government,” he noted.

The police inspector added that despite Lewis’ situation, her son is an ‘A’ student at Mackenzie High School.

“We’re happy about that despite the situation that she is living, she is still making an effort to ensure her children have a proper education and making sure they are on top of it.”

To date, approximately 40 houses have been constructed through the MOM initiative, while another 50 houses will be built in 2023.

The Men on Mission which is the brainchild of President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, is an initiative that seeks to combat toxic masculinity by fostering a good environment and a safe space for men, as well as fostering integrity, productivity, and accountability, through mentoring and humanitarian engagement.

Three bouncing baby boys were delivered at the Georgetown Public Hospital Cooperation on February 28, 2023 to parent Christine Crystal Hope.

The 26-year-old second-time mother revealed that she was surprised but yet overwhelmed with joy upon finding out at 16 weeks of her pregnancy that she was having triplets. ”I was surprised, shocked but yet still happy,” she said.

Her babies’ father comes from a family lineage of triplets.

The man’s first set of children was a twin: a boy and a girl; unfortunately, the boy died.

Both parents are from Kwakwani, a small community in the Upper Berbice district, Region Ten.

Although Christine was overwhelmed with joy to welcome her three ‘kings’ into this world, the journey was far from a smooth one, since she was a high-risk mother.

She spent nine weeks on bed rest at the Kwakwani Hospital prior to her delivery. “Won’t say stressful, but I was going through a lot. The last part was a bit rough and I was thinking about giving up, my baby (her 19-month-old daughter from previous relationship) was at home and I was in the Hospital during the Christmas season,” she told this publication in a recent telephone interview.

The mother was transferred to GPHC at 30 weeks of her pregnancy.

She gave birth at 34 weeks by way of C-Section to her three healthy baby boys.

However, since 37-40 weeks is considered a full term delivery, the babies were placed under observation by doctors of the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

The last time the GPHC delivered triplets was on July 22, 2021, according to Cheleuna Providence, the Strategic Planning and Communications Manager at GPHC.

Meanwhile, Christina, who is unemployed, related to this publication that her babies’ father has since abandoned her.

She and the man started dating in June 2022 and she got pregnant in August.

Christina currently lives in an area known as the ‘camp’, with the mother of her first child’s father.

With three additional babies to take care of, the young woman is hoping for assistance to improve her living condition and to provide for her children.

Persons willing to help can contact her on 699-5392.