NEWS
Education Ministry: Book grant payments under way
The Ministry of Education said disbursements for the School Supplies and Book Grant were being issued on a phased basis, in a statement on August 25. "To date, 5,248 payments have been issued, with the remaining 14,752 payments scheduled for completion by September 5." The ministry said priority consideration for the grant will be given to applicants in the categories of individuals who receive public assistance, are unemployed, have disabilities, or are from low-income households. The statement cited Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, saying, “This initiative reflects our government’s commitment to equity and educational opportunity for every child. Read more here
Rajaee among 15 for whom SoE detention orders issued, amid concerns he’s still communicating with gang from inside army base
Murder accused Rajaee Ali was among 15 men whom the State yesterday issued detention orders for under the State of Emergency (SoE). The orders were gazetted yesterday. According to the order against him, which was signed by Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander, Ali is alleged to have conspired with the GR8 Gang Alliance to “imminently carry out targeted killings of law enforcement officers and other public officials in public spaces using high-powered rifles.” The order added that Ali was able to “traffic in prohibited articles within the Maximum Security Prison (MSP) and communicate and engage in gang activity,” despite his incarceration at both the prison and the Defence Force bases in Chaguaramas. Ali was one of five inmates moved from the MSP in Arouca to Chaguaramas at the start of the SoE on July 18 by Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro. At the time, it was said that Ali had been able to communicate with his affiliates from inside the prison. Read more here
POLITICS
Penny tells government: Pay workers on time in August
Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles is asking government to ensure that pensioners and workers are paid on time in August. Speaking during a media conference at the Office of the Opposition Leader, Charles Street, Port of Spain, on August 25, Beckles said she and other PNM MPs had received complaints that pensioners and some daily-rated workers were getting their payments late. Read more here
BUSINESS
Royal Castle comes to Champ Fleurs
Local fried chicken franchise, Royal Castle, is expanding its footprint in TT with a new, drive-thru-equipped branch at The Shops at Champ Fleurs. With direct access to the Eastern Main Road and the Priority Bus Route, the location gives customers a wealth of convenience. Speaking at the branch's opening on August 25, Nadia Winchester, human resources manager at Royal Castle, said that’s why the location was chosen. "We are hoping to capture all those people who are looking for convenience. When you’re driving home in the evening and don’t want to come out of the car, you can swing into the drive-thru and then turn right back onto the main road. Read more here
Young questions NGC board member’s role in SIS overpayment
Former energy minister Stuart Young yesterday called on the Government to say whether a current board member of the National Gas Company (NGC) was among those who authorised millions of dollars in overpayments to Super Industrial Services (SIS) Ltd, which remain unrecovered. Young has also called on the United National Congress (UNC) Government to state whether a decision has been handed down in the years-long court battle between NGC and SIS over the latter’s failure to deliver the Beetham wastewater recycling plant, after being paid US$121.7 million. Read more here
REGIONAL
New Great Diamond to Buzz Bee Dam highway another step towards fully connecting Guyana
Commuters can now look forward to improved travel and reduced congestion, as President, Dr Irfaan Ali on Monday officially opened the new $10.1 billion Great Diamond to Buzz Bee Dam highway. At the commissioning ceremony, President Ali emphasised that the new road is more than just concrete and asphalt; it’s a symbol of the government’s strategic vision and commitment to improving the lives of all Guyanese. “That is the difference a government makes when it governs with foresight, and we are not stopping here at Buzz Bee Dam. This road will not end at Great Diamond; we are extending it to Soesdyke.” Government also plans to connect the road to Linden. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Israeli double strike on Gaza hospital - what we know
A double Israeli strike on a hospital in Gaza killed 20 people including journalists and health workers, according to the outlets they worked for, the World Health Organization and the Hamas-run health ministry. At least one person was killed in an initial strike, and others in a second attack minutes later as rescuers and journalists attended the scene at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis. The five journalists worked for international media outlets, including the Associated Press, Reuters, Al Jazeera and Middle East Eye. Later on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident a "tragic mishap" which Israel "deeply regrets" and said military authorities were "conducting a thorough investigation". Read more here
26th August 2025