Guyanese stranded overseas must fill out application online
Guyanese who have been unable to return home due to the closure of international borders must make their application online to the relevant authorities.
This was relayed in a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Public Diplomacy Department.
“Guyanese nationals must complete the application for an entry form, which can be found on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as on those of Guyana’s overseas missions — embassies, consulates general and honorary consulates — should you wish to return to Guyana,” the release stated.
It was explained that after submission of their applications, persons will receive confirmation of receipt of the application and confirmation of an intended date of travel.
However, Guyanese nationals are being advised to wait on approval from the Government of Guyana and “should not attempt to travel to Guyana without gaining prior approval from the Government.”
It was noted in the release that all approvals for re-entry will be done in phases in a manner deemed appropriate by the Ministry of Public Health. Further, persons entering Guyana will have to follow protocols established by the Public Health Ministry.
“Guyanese nationals should expect to be screened and possibly tested for the novel coronavirus on return to Guyana. This is a condition of return and will be undertaken at the point of entry. It is anticipated that all persons entering Guyana will need to exercise patience as social distancing and health and safety protocols will be observed.”
The protocols are deemed necessary to slow the spread of the virus as Guyana has 137 cases of the coronavirus coupled with 11 deaths and 62 recoveries.
2016 murder accused arrested in Port Mourant
The police acting on information arrested the suspect at a house in Port Mourant on Sunday.
The man, Anthony Jhagroop was wanted for the murder of Yugeshwar Shiwcharran which occurred in July of 2016. 
Commander of B Division Calvin Brutus told this newscast that the man operated a barbershop where he lived with a woman and his infant son.
Jhagroop who is the prime suspect in the man’s murder escaped from the La Grange Police Station four years ago.
He gave his name as Sonny Dyal to police investigators when he was arrested. He was handed over to the Police on the West Bank of Demerara. The Police investigations into the matter are ongoing.
School teacher on a mission to help single parents – ‘I will help as much as I can’
By Tracey Khan – As single mother of two and a nursery school teacher, Rozanna Mohamed has made it her mission to help vulnerable persons affected by the devastating COVID-19 pandemic in Guyana.
Using her connection as a teacher in Berbice, she has already distributed over 200 hampers to mostly single mothers from Albion to Molsen Creek, Corentyne.
Rozanna told this newscast that, “when the COVID-19 pandemic hit Guyana which caused the lockdown, businesses were closing down and jobs were lost rapidly, I knew it was going to impact everyone, especially single mothers and the elderly. These groups are already very vulnerable and have been experiencing hardships, the pandemic only made it many times worst.”
As a consequence, Rozanna sprung into quick action and begun making food hampers for families as she saw the need, using her own money and resources. 
As the need grew greater and word of her good deed spread, donations started pouring in, this allowed her to expand the outreach and provide for more families.
“I posted on Facebook and before you know it single mothers from across Guyana have been messaging me and calling me for support. I did not shun them but I connected with people I know and made sure help was sent to them…with the help of a friend, I setup a PayPal donation where I have been receiving small amounts to assist with the food hamper distribution,” she explained.
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Her plan is to continue with her outreach after the pandemic, “and will include mothers with a disabled child, elderly persons with an amputation and elderly person with a CVA (stroke). I feel these segments of society is in the shadows and are most neglected and there is no financial support available for them. I will help as much I can.” 
The kind hearted school teacher with the help from some of her friends she donated two mattress and stationery supplies to a single mother in need. 
“Those kids have no electricity or water so it’s hard for learning to take place.”
Bartica records first COVID-19 Case
Mayor of Bartica, His Worship Gifford Marshall confirmed on Friday that the mining town has recorded its first novel coronavirus (COVID-19) case.
Despite five cases recently recorded in Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region 7), Bartica was COVID-19- free until the results were confirmed on Thursday, the Mayor said.
Mayor Marshall informed that the victim, who was on assignment in the region would have travelled through the hinterland region before finding out they were infected with the virus.
The victim and another person who had travelled to Aranka, a COVID-19 hotspot in Region 7, were tested and only one result returned positive. However, both are currently in institution isolation. Another two suspected cases, who were in contact with the first victim are also awaiting test results.
It was just last week that Region 7 record its first coronavirus case and Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Karen Boyle cautioned that the virus is slowly spreading across Guyana, with 7 out of 10 regions affected.
Regional Health Officer of Region 7, Dr. Edward Sagala also informed that five cases (coming from Aranka in Region 7), have since been transferred to Georgetown.
The Mayor of Bartica is calling on residents to be cautious and treat every contact as a suspected case.
“Treat everyone as a suspected case it which therefore means you will keep the necessary distance between yourself and that individual. You will protect yourself by wearing a mask and ensure that the person you are speaking to or communicating with you, that they also wear a mask. You must ensure that your children are off the streets and home and you will also comply with the curfew,” he stated.
He also called on residents to be wise and take play a cooperative role to combat the pandemic.
“A collective and collaborative effort is needed at this time. Please do not panic, it is no time for us to get frustrated but it’s time for us to be wise and make sound decisions in our own interests because the life you save may be yours.”
As of May 22, 2020, Guyana, has recorded 127 COVID-19 cases with 47 recovered cases, while 10 persons have lost their lives to the virus.
GPOC announces early pension payment for June
The Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) has announced that the payment of Old Age Pension for June 2020 will begin on Thursday, May 28, 2020, at all Post Offices countrywide.
The GPOC disclosed that recently implemented alphabetized system will be in effect
The alphabetical system, using surnames/last names, will be employed for senior citizens to receive their payment during the first five payment days of the month at Post Offices in Region 2,3,4,5,6 and 10.
Seniors will be paid as follows:
- Thursday, May 28 – Surnames/last names beginning with the letters A to D
- Friday, May 29 – Surnames/last names beginning with the letters E to K
- Monday, June 1- Surnames/last names beginning with the letters L to P
- Tuesday, June 2 – Surnames/last names beginning with the letters Q to T
- Wednesday, June 3 – Surnames/last names beginning with the letters U to Z
Seniors will be allowed to cash their coupon on any day after the fifth payment day.
It was also noted that the GPOC will continue to enforce a minimum distance of three feet between individuals accessing their services, to limit the number of persons entering the Post Office at any given time.
Senior citizens as well as other persons who plan on visiting any of the post office across the country are reminded to wear their face masks and sanitise their hands before entering the building.
The GPOC assured that the public areas in post offices will also be sanitised regularly throughout the day.
American born – Guyanese teen accepted in 30 colleges with US $1M in scholarship
By Tracey Khan – Saniya Gajadhar is a proud first-generation American-born Guyanese who has been accepted into 30 colleges and received over the US $1M in scholarship funds.
Speaking to this newscast after finding out the good news Saniya said, “I feel very blessed and accomplished.” 
When asked about her support system in achieving this monumental goal, she referenced her grandfather who is the patriarchy of their family for his sacrifices which has placed her in a position to achieve the “American Dream”
My maternal grandfather, Rajindrah Ramrattan, is a great example of the “American Dream” because he came here with barely anything to his name and has amassed financial security, started his own successful business, and has earned respect from those around him…working tirelessly, 7 days a week, he sacrificed his time with family. I’ve benefited from his hard work and I believe that his dedication to making a better life for himself and our family has come full circle. If there is anything that he and I share, it is working hard in silence and allowing our success to be the noise.
She further credited this success to parents, Christina Ramrattan and Roopnarine Gajadhar, and to hard work, and dedication. 
“As my mother would say, “it takes a village to raise a child” and I couldn’t agree with her more. The constant support from my family, educators, mentors, and friends has been a huge contributing factor along my journey to success. Getting here also took self-discipline, many sleepless nights, and even a few tears…Both sides of my family migrated from Guyana to the United States during the ’80s. From the stories that I’ve heard, it wasn’t easy to move to an entirely different country to start over but, they did.
Saniya has decided to attend, “St. John’s University this fall as a sports management major. I had originally planned on going to the University of Louisville but, under our current circumstances, I feel that it is best to be close to home. Honestly, I believe that attending St. John’s University is a part of my fate. It is my uncle’s alma mater.
Her plan is to then attend Law school and become a Sports Lawyer.
Even though Saniya has never visited Guyana, its culture and traditions have been instilled in her because of her family’s roots.
Saniya is a senior at High School for Community Leadership in Queens, New York. The 17-year-old is involved in a number of causes and she is the General (President) of MUN, an accomplished dancer, the first female coach/manager for the Boy’s Varsity/JV Basketball Team at Jamaica High School, the treasurer of Glamour Gals, a daycare volunteer, and a peer tutor. The busy young woman also has time to work on the weekends, creating tasty delicacies for local bakery “Cakes By Sherry.” 
While she is proud of her accomplishments, the one thing she holds dearest is her effort in raising awareness and donations towards the ongoing fight against cancer.
Saniya is also a product of the New York-based Nonprofit organization – Guyanese Girls Rock Foundation, Young Women’s Leadership Academy. She was part of the first cohort of students to join the program back in 2018. YWLA is mentoring program for High School girls ages 14-17 who are of Guyanese descent, and focuses on developing self-confidence, building identity and teaching leadership skills. 
The organization was founded by a Guyanese girl who rocks, Mrs. Cloyette Harris Stoute. “I feel like a proud mom. Saniya is a bright young woman who possess superior leadership qualities for her age. She is gem and a pleasure to have in our program. I have no doubt and that she’ll achieve anything that set her mind to”, Mrs. Harris-Stoute shared.
NCTF approves conditional re-entry of Guyanese stranded overseas
The National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) today held a special meeting to consider the applications of various groups of Guyanese stranded overseas as a result of COVID-19 emergency measures and who have requested returning to Guyana.
Within the controlled re-entry policy, the NCTF has approved the return of approximately 300 Guyanese nationals who are stranded overseas and who have registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via Guyanese Embassies, High Commissions and Honourary Consuls.
This approval encompasses Guyanese nationals in Trinidad and Tobago and in New York, New Jersey, Florida and other states in the United States of America and also in other countries.
The approval is strictly subject to the following conditions:
(i) Only applicable to Guyanese nationals resident in Guyana who are stranded overseas and who registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as at Thursday, May 21st, 2020 (this approval is not applicable, at this time, to Guyanese nationals who are resident in other countries).
(ii) Guyanese nationals in possession of a valid Guyanesepassport (the Immigration Department of Guyana will also accept any passenger whose Guyanese passport expired within six months prior to arrival).
(iii) All requirements of the Ministry of Public Health and other relevant ministries and agencies being fulfilled.
(iv) Results of COVID-19 tests (PCR with results in English language) being provided at least 48 hours PRIOR TO ARRIVAL.
(v) The applicants or their employers covering all costs for their return.
(vi) Entry is permitted by air only.
The NCTF re-iterates that no person who tests positive for COVID-19 will be permitted entry into Guyana and that ALL arriving passengers must undergo the PCR tests and submit the results (which must be in English) at least 48 hours prior to their arrival in Guyana.
Persons who qualify to return to Guyana under this approval are asked to make urgent contact with their nearest Guyanese diplomatic mission and complete the necessary paperwork and submit the relevant documents and information.
The NCTF reaffirms that Guyana’s airspace remains closed and that the flight applications for each arriving flight related to this approval of the return of the approximately 300 stranded Guyanese must be submitted, by the airline or operator, to the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority for approval.
The NCTF empathizes with Guyanese who have been stranded overseas for several weeks and some of whom have been sheltering in challenging circumstances. The NCTF sincerely thanks Guyanese residents overseas and other persons who have provided shelter and accommodation for these persons. The NCTF anticipates that these persons will return to Guyana over the course of the next two weeks.
The NCTF, within the controlled re-entry policy, is eager to ensure that every Guyanese who is stranded overseas returns home within the shortest possible time while ensuring that the health and safety of Guyanese in Guyana are maintained and not compromised in any way.
COVID-19 transmission high despite emergency measures – MoPH data shows
Data released by the Ministry of Public Health has shown that despite the emergency measures the rate of transmission continues to climb.
This was disclosed by the Director of Primary Health Care of the Public Health Ministry, Dr. Ertenisa Hamilton during the May 21 COVID-19 update.
Dr. Hamilton noted that the majority of the COVID-19 cases in Guyana (69) were detected and confirmed during the first cycle of the emergency measures which ran from April 3 to May 4, 2020.
Data provided by the surveillance component of the Health Emergency Operations Centre showed that despite efforts and advisories continually issued, local transmission increased.
The second cycle of emergency measures took effect immediately on May 4, and as of May 16, 23 new cases had been confirmed. As of May 21, the total number of confirmed cases stands at 127
Dr. Hamilton, noted the Ministry’s concerned with growing numbers even as the entire country is under curfew, persons are asked to p wear face masks, practice social distancing and other safety guidelines.
She specifically pointed out two hinterland regions which have recorded new cases. “As of today, Region 1, now has 2 confirmed cases in 2 of their subdistricts. Region 7 has a total of 7 cases. This is not good; this is the situation that we were working so hard to prevent.”
She warned that because of the non-adherence to the safety measures the number of confirmed cases continues to rise.
“You will see from the pattern that the expected results from the measures implemented that persons have not participated fully. Where it was expected that the transmission would have slowed, we are still having new cases every day.” Dr. Hamilton explained.
It was also pointed out that 73 of the 127 confirmed cases are men, representing 57 percent of the total number of persons infected. Also, of the 10 recorded deaths recorded, eight of these are men.
Men’s Health Coordinator of the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Dennis Bassier underscored that the ratio stands at 71 males: 54 females in terms of positive cases. The age range of the men infected thus far is between 16-59 years.
Dr. Dennis Bassier advised that men act responsibly and help their country in fighting the prevalence of the COVID-19 infection.
“It is a general understanding that men have poor health-seeking behaviour; this is further emphasised by the current situation…. Lots of males that have been positively diagnosed are not single. As a result of this, their partners and children have to be tested due to them being exposed.”
He called on them to stay at home, practice social-distancing, wear their facemasks, become acquainted with the recommended guidelines and put them into practice.
10 recoveries; COVID-19 cases rise by 2
Ten more patients have recovered from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) taking the total to 57 recoveries so far.
This was disclosed by the Director of Primary Health Care Services, Dr. Ertenisa Hamilton, in the daily COVID-19 Update.
The total confirmed infections have risen by two and stand at 127. Of the total, 60 are active with Guyana having recorded 10 deaths.
More persons have been tested, with dozens more tests being conducted within the last 24 hours. A total of 1,329 tests have now been conducted with 1202 negative results.
There are 60 active cases in isolation at various facilities across Guyana while 3 critical patients remain in the COVID-19 ICU at the GPHC.
The virus that has now spread to seven of the ten Administrative Regions of Guyana with Central Georgetown continuing to be the epicenter of the virus.
Dr. Hamilton warned that despite the measures implemented the numbers continue to rise because persons are refusing to adhere to the safety guidelines.
The Public Health Ministry is reminding that there are necessary steps that must be adhered to by everyone. These include staying at home and only going out for essential services; maintaining physical distancing in public spaces; washing/sanitising hands before eating, touching your face and before engaging in activities with others and reaching out for medical attention when unwell or coming into contact with a positive case
Globally the total number of cases is 4,789,205 with 318,789 deaths. In the Region of the Americas the total number of cases is 2,105,670 with 125,843 deaths.