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The Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) says it is moving to recover more than $8 million from a contractor after heavy-duty machinery reportedly damaged a major transmission line on the East Bank Demerara, triggering widespread power disruptions on Monday.

In a statement issued Tuesday, GPL said investigations confirmed that machinery operated by S. Joseph Transportation & Machinery Rental came into direct contact with the L1 Transmission Line linking the Garden of Eden and Grove substations during works at the Grove New Housing Scheme Backlands area.

The incident occurred around 10:17 hrs on May 18 and resulted in significant interruptions to electricity supply across several communities, affecting tens of thousands of customers.

GPL said the outage caused major disruptions to households, businesses and essential services.

As a result, the power company has issued what it described as a “strongly worded” letter to the contractor and is seeking to recover $8,059,361 in operational losses linked to the incident.

According to GPL, the company has been given 14 days to settle the amount, failing which legal proceedings will be initiated.

GPL also used the opportunity to warn contractors and operators of heavy equipment about the dangers of working near electrical infrastructure.

“Strict adherence to all safety protocols when working near electrical lines is mandatory,” GPL said, while warning that breaches will attract “decisive action,” including financial recovery and court action.

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Police are investigating a fatal river mishap that occurred Saturday night in the Essequibo River near Buckhall Landing, resulting in the death of 38-year-old Andrew Christopher Bradford, called “Chris,” a pork-knocker of De William, West Coast Demerara, and Caria Caria, Essequibo River.

According to initial investigations, a speedboat operated by a 41-year-old captain from Springfield, Essequibo Coast, was travelling with five passengers around 20:00 hrs when it reportedly collided with a small wooden boat being operated by Bradford.

The impact caused the wooden vessel to capsize, throwing Bradford into the river. Immediate searches were carried out, but he could not be located.

On Sunday morning, ranks of the Guyana Police Force, along with members of the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard and relatives, resumed search efforts. Around 11:48 hrs, Bradford’s body was recovered from the river.

He was taken to the De Kinderen Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His body is currently at the Ezekiel Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem examination.

The speedboat operator remains in police custody assisting investigators.

The latest tragedy adds to concerns over river safety in Guyana and is among at least two publicly reported fatal river mishaps for 2026 so far. In February, 71-year-old Felix Smith died following a collision between two boats in the Pomeroon River. (kaieteurnewsonline.com)

Investigations into the Buckhall Landing incident are ongoing.

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Online pre-sale tickets for the highly anticipated Guyana Grand Prix have officially gone on sale ahead of the historic July 11–12 event at the South Dakota Circuit.

Following last week’s official launch—spearheaded by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali—fans can now secure their tickets online via https://guyanago.org/events/90-gt-challenge-de-las-americas-round-3-guyana-grand-prix

A spokesperson for the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) emphasised that this event represents a significant evolution in regional motorsport, noting that organisers are treating the weekend as a premium, multifaceted entertainment experience.

“The Guyana Grand Prix is more than just a day of racing; we have an entire weekend of events planned,” the GMR&SC spokesperson stated. “In the coming days, we will release more information as details are confirmed, but we wanted to get ticket sales moving early.”

Organisers revealed that the early ticket release serves a strategic dual purpose to accommodate both local fans and the international diaspora.

“Firstly, we know a lot of people in the diaspora are planning their vacations around that July period, and we wanted to ensure they have the option to plan ahead and witness high-quality racing back home. Secondly, we wanted to incentivise local fans who like to secure their tickets early by offering a discounted pre-sale price.”

The GMR&SC confirmed that the current $39 USD price tag for Sunday Grandstand tickets is a limited-time promotional offer and rates will increase as race weekend approaches.

Addressing the high demand for premium seating, the spokesperson added, “A lot of people have been asking about the VIP ticket packages, and those will go on pre-sale next week. We are just ironing out a few small details before the release, but fans and enthusiasts can rest assured that premium provisions are being made.”

The Guyana Grand Prix marks a monumental milestone for the region, serving as the third round of the prestigious GT3 De Las Americas series. The July event will represent the championship’s inaugural stop in both the Caribbean and South America.

 

The action-packed, two-day event is set to feature a thrilling grid of both local and international drivers clashing at the newly redeveloped South Dakota Circuit. ( Modified GMR&SC Release) 

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Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have qualified for the IPL 2026 playoffs, taking Gujarat Titans with them. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), meanwhile, are on the brink of elimination.

MS Dhoni made it to the ground for the first time this season, but his calf injury continued to keep him on the sidelines.

His team fought all the way through, trying to defend a total of 180, but a fifty from Ishan Kishan and utter brilliance from Heinrich Klaasen won out in the end.

Ruturaj Gaikwad was 9 off 11 at the end of the powerplay. He became the second batter this season to come through the first six overs with no boundaries after Lucknow Super Giants’ Arshin Kulkarni in the game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 7.

It doesn’t appear as if Gaikwad is out of form.

He is CSK’s second-highest run-getter. Just that he seems to be in denial about the way runs are scored in the powerplay in this IPL. With the field up, other openers are thinking boundaries all the time.

He wants to get set and then go. It’s old school and that method, on Monday, gave him 15 in 21 balls – the lowest contribution by an opener at the time of his team’s 100. (ESPNcricinfo) 

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A tantalisingly poised second-innings shootout will decide the 2026 West Indies Four-Day Championship title after Trinidad and Tobago Red Force secured a razor-thin 15-run first-innings lead over the Guyana Harpy Eagles on a gripping second day at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

The defending champions, chasing a fourth consecutive crown, now face a familiar test of their come-from-behind resolve after being bowled out for 245 in response to Red Force’s 260.

FULL SCORECARD: https://matchcentre.windiescricket.com/match/3b0b1451-f844-4668-bd79-a0082e6e297f/scorecard/1

While the surface showed some signs of settling as compared to day one,  it continued to offer plenty of encouragement for the seamers.

The bedrock of Red Force’s competitive total was an extraordinary, rearguard 98-run last-wicket stand between Anderson Phillip and Jayden Seales.

Coming together with their side in dire straits at 162-9 on the opening day—having collapsed from an initial wobble of 86 for 4 against a rampant Guyanese pace attack—the tailenders defied logic and the opposition.

Red Force resumed the second morning at 240 for 9, eventually adding 20 crucial runs to finish on 260.

Seales remained unbeaten on a career-best 70, a stellar hand supplemented by Khary Pierre’s earlier 40, while Keemo Paul (3-28) and Nial Smith (3-51) spearheaded the Eagles’ initial surge.

Guyana’s reply began with a stark reminder of cricket’s fickle nature. Opener Matthew Nandu, fresh off a monumental 237 in his previous outing, was dismissed for a duck, undone by a magnificent delivery from a fired-up Seales.

Tevin Imlach’s promotion to number three yielded a gritty but ultimately fruitless 17 off 65 deliveries, while the in-form Tagenarine Chanderpaul fell for 33. Seales meticulously set up Chanderpaul, softening him up with an inswinger before finding the edge with one that held its line.

Reduced to a precarious 93 for 5, the Harpy Eagles found saviours in Keemo Paul and debutant Jonathan Van Lange.

The pair stitched together a workman-like 82-run partnership, briefly swinging the pendulum and raising thoughts of a Guyanese lead.

However, Red Force’s relentless seam quartet refused to relent.

The turning point arrived when Joshua James returned to the attack and breached Paul’s defense, bowling him for a well-played 51 off 100 balls.

Van Lange, despite living a somewhat charmed life, contributed a valuable 46, and Gudakesh Motie chipped in with a brisk 33.

Yet, it wasn’t enough to eclipse the target.

Seales capped off a magnificent all-round day with figures of 4 for 55, while Terrance Hinds (3-46) and Phillip (2-90) ensured the final wickets tumbled swiftly, leaving the grand finale tantalisingly within reach for both sides.

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See below the full release from the Ministry of Labour: 

The Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning notes with serious concern allegations regarding the treatment of foreign workers employed at Ekaa Hrim Earth Resources in Batavia Village, Region Seven.

Acting on information received, the Ministry over the weekend launched an investigation into the alleged labour and occupational safety and health violations involving foreign nationals employed at the location.

Subsequent to the initial investigation, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Hon. Keoma Griffith this morning engaged the Acting High Commissioner of India to Guyana, H.E. Manoj Kumar.

The engagement served as a precursor to a general meeting with the thirty-eight Indian Nationals, who are attached to the mining company. This meeting held between the Ministry, aggrieved workers, and management of Ekaa Hrim provided an opportunity for the workers’ complaints to be made.

The issue of passports was raised and as a result of the intervention made by Minister Griffith, that matter has already been rectified and the passports have been returned to the workers.

Allegations of poor working conditions and unfair treatment were leveled against the employer, and as such, the Ministry has given Ekaa Hrim a period of twenty-four hours to issue a response.

The Ministry’s investigation will continue and allegations relating to wages, working conditions, and the general welfare of the workers will be addressed. The Ministry is also aware of allegations concerning the reported death of a worker on May 12, 2026, which will form part of the ongoing investigation.

A joint team of officers from the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, Guyana Police Force, Trafficking In Persons Unit under the Ministry of Home Affairs and other relevant authorities has been mobilised to conduct inquiries and assess the situation.

The Ministry is actively monitoring the matter and will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure compliance with the laws of Guyana. Further updates will be provided as investigations progress.

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(Ministry of Natural Resources and United Nations Guyana Joint Press Release) The Government of Guyana and the United Nations in Guyana signed a Declaration of Intent (DOI) to formalise the United Nations’ participation in the Global Biodiversity Alliance, marking an important step in strengthening cooperation on biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, climate resilience and global knowledge exchange.

Gail Teixeira, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and Jean Kamau, UN Resident Coordinator, signed the DOI on 18^th May, 2026.

The signing ceremony hosted by Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, took place at the Office of the President. It was attended by senior government officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, as well as representatives of UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes in Guyana.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has conveyed that the partnership reflects Guyana’s long-standing commitment to responsible stewardship of its forests, biodiversity and natural resources. He expressed that the signing by the United Nations onto the Global Biodiversity Alliance, led by Guyana, is a powerful affirmation that biodiversity protection and the sustainable management of natural resources must remain central to global development. He underscored that Guyana’s leadership in climate and biodiversity has shown that innovative partnerships can support environmental stewardship, and Guyana remains committed to sharing experiences and lessons with the international community.

“The United Nations is pleased to join this important initiative, which closely aligns with the world’s shared objectives of sustainable development goals (SDGs) while championing South-South cooperation,” said Jean Kamau, UN Resident Coordinator.

Through the Declaration of Intent, the Government of Guyana and the United Nations reaffirmed their shared commitments to integrating biodiversity considerations into national development planning and sustainable investment frameworks, in line with Guyana’s vision of pursuing development that is inclusive, low-carbon, and climate-resilient. The Declaration further underscores the importance of inclusive participation and the meaningful engagement of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, whose knowledge, stewardship and lived experience are essential to biodiversity conservation.

The Partnership is expected to contribute to stronger coordination, data-sharing and information exchange on biodiversity action within the United Nations Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, while supporting Guyana’s ongoing leadership in climate and biodiversity diplomacy.

Source: Ministry of Natural Resources and United Nations Guyana Joint Press Release

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The trial into the March 2020 elections resumed on Monday after a two weeks adjournment with a key witness, Bibi Aneishaw Mohamed continuing and concluding her sworn testimony.

The proceedings resumed after the last hearing which was held on April 30.

On that date, the defence and prosecution teams, along with the defendants, visited the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) headquarters at High Street, Kingston, Georgetown.

The GECOM headquarters has been described in court as a critical “locus” in the case. Prior to that visit, the court had also visited the Ashmins Building, which housed the GECOM command center during the controversial 2020 elections.

The trial is ongoing before acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty.

On Monday, Mohamed returned to the witness stand where she was cross-examined by defence attorneys Dexter Todd, Darren Wade and Eusi Anderson before wrapping up her testimony.

Concerns were also raised in court over the absence of one of the defendants, Volda Lawrence.

The court was informed by a fellow defendant, Carol Smith- Joseph that Lawrence was unwell, prompting the magistrate to request that a medical certificate be submitted.

The trial is set to continue on Wednesday, May 19, with more than 10 additional witnesses still expected to testify.

Nine individuals are currently before the court charged with conspiring to manipulate the election results in favour of APNU+AFC, allegedly in an attempt to deny victory to the PPP.

Those charged include Lawrence, former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, and former Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers, among others.

The controversy surrounding the March 2020 elections delayed the declaration of results for five months, until PPP candidate Irfaan Ali was sworn in as President on August 2, 2020.

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Guyana’s Orange Economy being pushed by the government is expected to greatly benefit stakeholders through the range of activities planned for the nation’s 60th Independence Anniversary Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs on Sunday appeared on the Starting Point Podcast and said that Orange Economy National Consultation is still in the works but until then, it is important for the nation to understand that this initiative provides opportunities for persons beyond entertainment.

“The Orange Economy is something that already exists, but it’s to put structure to the Orange Economy, and then to also seek out the opportunities and show persons where the opportunities are,” the minister said.

The wide range of activities in the works for the month of May, he said, will provide the entertainment industry with spill-over effects, benefiting persons such as makeup artists and taxi-drivers.

“The taxi driver on the road, the normal person, they will benefit, the bars will benefit, because once you have people in the country, they will look for entertainment,” the minister said.

The country’s entertainment and tourism industries have been in focus recently as the drive to place Guyana as a premiere destination is high on the government’s agenda.

Minister Jacobs referenced the large-scale events as an example of how multiple shows and performances attract visitors from the diaspora and neighbouring countries.

He added that sports tourism is a key pillar of the orange economy strategy, pointing to upcoming events such as the GT Challenge at the South Dakota Circuit, scheduled for July 11 and 12, which will be hosted in Guyana for the first time in the Caribbean.

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The National Racquet Centre on Sunday played host to a masterclass in squash as the 60th Independence Diamond Jubilee Invitational Tournament concluded in thrilling fashion.

Given Guyana’s long-standing dominance in Caribbean squash, the stakes were exceptionally high, bringing together the absolute crème de la crème —the top eight-ranked players across senior and under-19 categories.

FULL RESULTS: https://www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/GUYANA-60th-Independence-Diamond-Jubilee-Squash-Tournament-Invitational

The marquee Men’s Singles elite final delivered a classic five-game battle between the country’s top two seeds.

Alex Arjoon dug deep to beat Jason-Ray Khalil, sealing the title 11-6, 7-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-7 in a match that pushed both athletes to their physical limits.

In the Women’s Singles elite division, former world number 19 Nicolette Fernandes showed exactly why she remains a dominant force, even as a master.

She captured the title in commanding fashion, defeating second-seeded Ashley Khalil in straight games 11-8, 11-2, 11-8.

The elite singles brackets also saw crucial third-place play-offs.

In the men’s draw, third seed Ashante Smith recovered from a heavy opening-game loss to defeat fourth seed Nicholas Verwey 2-11, 11-9, 11-3, 11-3.

Meanwhile, Mary Fung-A-Fat clinically dispatched Kirsten Gomes 11-1, 11-5, 11-6 to claim the final podium spot in the women’s event.

The tournament’s Under-19 categories offered a thrilling glimpse into the future of Guyanese squash.

The Junior Girl’s Elite Singles final produced the match of the day as second seed Kaylee Lowe upset top seed Emily Fung A Fat in a gruelling five-game epic, eventually triumphing 9-11, 11-9, 11-8, 6-11, 11-7.

Malia Maikoo secured third place in the girls’ bracket with a four-game victory over Paige Mendonca.

In the Junior Boys’ Elite Singles, top seed Ethan Bulkan asserted his authority with a hard-fought 10-12, 12-10, 11-9, 11-7 victory over fourth seed Joshua Verwey.

Justin Ten Pow completed the podium by outlasting second seed Egan Bulkan in four games.

The doubles events, completed earlier on Friday, laid the groundwork for an action-packed weekend.

Siblings Jason-Ray Khalil and Ashley Khalil claimed local bragging rights in the Senior Mixed Doubles, defeating Alex Arjoon and Mary Fung-A-Fat 11-4, 11-7.

The top-seeded pairing of Ashley Khalil and Mary Fung-A-Fat also tasted success in the Women’s Elite Doubles, dominating Kirsten Gomes and Abosaide Cadogan 11-8, 11-1.

Nicholas Verwey enjoyed a productive doubles campaign, partnering with Kirsten Gomes to win a tight Senior Mixed Doubles clash against Larissa Wiltshire and Ashante Smith, before joining forces with Jason-Ray Khalil to take the Men’s Elite Doubles title over Ashante Smith and Louis Da Silva.

In the Junior Mixed Doubles, the duo of Louis Da Silva and Kaylee Lowe proved too strong for Ethan Bulkan and Emily Fung A Fat, winning in straight games.

 

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