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President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Wednesday (May 13, 2026), convened a high-level meeting with Cabinet members, soon-to-be-appointed Regional Executive Officers (REOs), Permanent Secretaries, officers from the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), and Accounting Officers from all administrative regions, reaffirming the Government’s uncompromising commitment to accountability, transparency, fiscal prudence, and improved service delivery throughout the public sector.

The engagement focused heavily on strengthening governance systems, improving procurement oversight, and ensuring that public resources are utilised responsibly to support national development priorities and enhance the welfare of citizens.

Addressing the gathering, President Ali underscored that public office carries what he described as a “sacred trust,” reminding officials that every decision made and every dollar spent must directly contribute to improving the lives of the people and advancing Guyana’s development agenda.

The President stressed that all procurement systems, including regional tender boards, must function with complete transparency and in strict compliance with the law. He cautioned officials against engaging in unethical or unlawful procurement practices and warned that any breaches of financial regulations or procurement procedures would be met with firm action.

President Ali made it clear that the Government will continue to modernise its oversight mechanisms through the integration of advanced technological systems, including artificial intelligence, to monitor procurement processes, improve efficiency, and identify irregularities or unsavoury practices within the public sector.

According to the President, these enhanced systems are intended to strengthen accountability, increase public confidence in Government operations, and ensure that taxpayer resources are protected from abuse or mismanagement.

He further warned that individuals found violating procurement regulations, including those involved with multiple companies or conflicts of interest in the tendering process, could face severe consequences, including removal from office where necessary.

The Head of State reiterated that transparency and integrity remain central pillars of the Government’s governance framework as Guyana continues to experience rapid economic growth and increased public investment across critical sectors.

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo also addressed the officials, reinforcing the Administration’s position that every expenditure undertaken by Government agencies and regional administrations must be evaluated against its contribution to citizens’ welfare and national development.

The Vice President said the Government is intensifying efforts to strengthen oversight systems, eliminate wasteful spending, and improve efficiency throughout the public sector. He noted that accountability and transparency are essential to ensuring that development projects and public programmes deliver tangible benefits to communities across the country.

Dr. Jagdeo further emphasised that public officials have a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the execution of their duties, particularly in areas relating to procurement and financial management.

The meeting forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to reinforce institutional accountability and improve administrative efficiency at both the national and regional levels, while ensuring that public resources are managed responsibly and in accordance with established laws and procedures.

Government officials were also reminded that maintaining public trust requires consistent adherence to ethical standards, transparent operations, and responsible stewardship of state resources.

The Administration has repeatedly stated that strengthening governance systems and improving service delivery remain critical components of its development agenda as Guyana continues to expand investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing, agriculture, and other priority sectors.

Wednesday’s engagement signals the Government’s continued focus on tightening oversight mechanisms, modernising procurement systems, and ensuring that public spending delivers measurable benefits for citizens nationwide.

 

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In a significant boost for grassroots cricket in the Caribbean, Superbet Guyana has officially recommitted as a primary sponsor for the fourth season of the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast.

The long-standing partnership, which has become a cornerstone of the tournament’s growth, was finalised ahead of the 2026 season opener scheduled for August 8 in Berbice.

In a statement, Superbet emphasised that the renewal stems from a desire to reward its loyal customer base while fostering athletic development across the country.

The betting firm noted that the partnership has consistently delivered success, and they expressed pride in aligning their brand with an event that resonates so deeply with the Guyanese sporting public.

Tournament Director John Ramsingh welcomed the continued support, highlighting the synergy between the sponsor and the tournament’s evolving ambitions.

“Having a partner like Superbet return for a fourth year is a testament to the impact this tournament has made on the local landscape.

Their commitment allows us to dream bigger and provide a professional platform for tapeball cricketers who are often the heartbeat of our communities,” Ramsingh remarked.

The 2026 edition introduces a streamlined registration process and a phased approach to squad submissions. Captains can secure their team’s spot right away with a G$35,000 entry fee and finalise their talent pools closer to their respective zonal start dates.

Registration forms are currently available through the tournament’s social media channels and via direct WhatsApp contact at +5926352235.

Financial incentives have reached an all-time high for this season, with cash prizes guaranteed for every team reaching the quarter-final stage of their zone. Rewards begin at $25,000 for losing zonal quarter-finalists and scale up significantly, with zonal winners pocketing $500,000 before advancing to the National Finals.

The stakes at the national level are even higher, as teams will compete for a $2,000,000 grand prize, while the runner-up takes home $1,000,000.

In addition to cash, the four national finalists will earn the right to represent Guyana at the Global T10 Tapeball Blast.

Individual brilliance will not go unnoticed, as the tournament MVP is set to walk away with $150,000 and a motorbike.

Specialised awards for the leading run-scorer and top wicket-taker include $100,000 and a new television each, ensuring that personal milestones are rewarded alongside team success.

The tournament itinerary kicks off with a 16-team leg in Berbice on August 8–9, before moving through East Bank/West Demerara and Essequibo in subsequent weeks.

In a strategic move to maximise fan engagement, the competition will pause during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) festivities.

Action will resume post-CPL with the Georgetown/East Coast Demerara leg, leading toward the historic national grand finale on October 11, which will be hosted for the first time at the Anna Regina National Stadium in Region Two.

 

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The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has officially shifted into high gear following the launch of its Youth Ensemble Programme, distributing a massive haul of equipment and operational funds to its nine Regional Associations (RAs).

This move on Tuesday comes as the federation prepares for the kick-off of the nationwide U-13, U-15, and U-17 Boys’ Championships.

The distribution goes beyond just the basics; while footballs and bibs were handed over, the GFF has placed a heavy emphasis on officiating, providing refereeing jerseys, flags, cards, and whistles to ensure a high standard of match control across the regions.

Recognising the logistical hurdles faced by regional bodies, the Wayne Forde-led administration is also providing direct financial contributions. This funding is earmarked for critical match-day needs, including:

Ground rentals and preparation.

• Medical personnel and match coordinators.
• Logistics and refreshments for the participating youth.
• The GFF’s strategy is clear: by removing the financial burden of hosting, the Regional Associations can focus entirely on player development and the smooth execution of the triple-header championships.

The Youth Ensemble Programme is being hailed as one of the most significant investments in the history of local football. Over the next four years, the initiative is projected to reach 130 clubs and provide a structured competitive platform for over 3,000 young footballers.

President Wayne Forde, speaking on the rollout, expressed his gratitude to the regional leaders for their role in this “bottom-up” development model.

“I want to thank the Regional Associations for their hard work, commitment and unwavering support as we continue to build stronger foundations for youth football across Guyana,” Forde noted. “Your efforts are critical to the successful implementation of the Youth Ensemble Programme and to creating meaningful opportunities for our young players.”

 

With the equipment now in hand and the funding secured, the stage is set for a transformation of the local youth ecosystem, as the GFF looks to bridge the gap between grassroots talent and elite player pathways. (Modified GFF Press Release) 

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After back-to-back ducks in his last two innings, Virat Kohli showed most emphatically that he had merely been out of runs and not out of form, scoring his ninth IPL hundred to lead Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to the top of the IPL 2026 table with a commanding win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Raipur.

Kohli’s unbeaten 60-ball 105 was a vintage effort in a run-chase – smooth, controlled, and full of both relentless sprinting between the wickets and gorgeous strokeplay, particularly at either end of his innings. That he never seemed stretched, however, was perhaps the story of the match – it may have been decided by the relative quality of the bowling attacks, particularly the seamers.

RCB’s bowlers did a superb job to keep KKR down to below 200 even though they only lost four wickets, and KKR’s inexperienced seam attack simply couldn’t match them for discipline and ability to extract misbehaviour from a slightly two-paced surface – with the caveat that it may have eased up a little during the second innings. (ESPNcricinfo) 

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Akash Singh, one of three people charged with the murders of Joel Henry and Isaiah Henry and the main witness in the case, testified in court on Tuesday that the boys were killed over a damaged cannabis farm.

Akash, nicknamed “Monkey,” from Zeelugt Squatting Area on East Bank Essequibo, along with his stepbrother Anil Sancharra, who is also known as “Dan pole” and “Rasta” from D’ Edward Village, and 30-year-old Vinod Gopaul, known as “Magga” from Yakusari, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, Berbice, are accused of killing Joel and Isaiah between September 5 and 6, 2020, in Cotton Tree on the West Coast of Berbice.

Anil and Gopaul were ordered to go to trial. When the charges were presented, they pleaded not guilty, leading to a trial with a jury of twelve.

During the trial at the Berbice High Court on Tuesday, Justice Simone Morris heard from Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh, who was called as a witness. State Prosecutor Marisa Edwards requested that Dr. Singh be allowed to see the postmortem reports for the two cousins, and the court agreed.

After reviewing the two documents, Dr. Singh detailed the injuries sustained by the cousins, stating that each of them died from shock and bleeding resulting from multiple deep cuts.

While being questioned by Attorney-at-law Dr. Todd, Dr. Singh confirmed that the clothes of Joel and Isaiah were given to the police.

Detective Sergeant Desmond Johnny, who is part of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) as a crime scene technician, testified that he was on duty in 2020 in that role.

Johnny explained that he was on duty on September 7, 2020, when he received specific information. He and a group of police officers then went to the Fort Wellington Police Station, where they met a female officer. Following their discussion about the case, they traveled to the Cotton Tree Backdam.

He stated that they went to a certain spot in the backdam where he noticed bloodstains and cigarette butts, prompting them to collect samples, which were then put into an evidence bag.

Johnny added that they moved to another area in the same backdam where he again found blood on the leaves, collected samples, and placed them into an evidence bag.

He testified that on September 7, 2020, he and a group of police officers went back to the backdam, where he discovered blood in the soil covered with grass, from which he gathered samples and took photographs.

Johnny mentioned that on September 9, 2020, he was at the site when Dr. Nehaul Singh conducted postmortem examinations on Joel and Isaiah. He noted seeing what looked like multiple deep cuts on their bodies. He also stated that he collected blood samples from both Joel and Isaiah, and hair samples were also taken and placed into an evidence bag.
Johnny stated that he went back to the CID unit and filled out forms for review at the Guyana Forensic Laboratory. He mentioned that in October 2020, he was present at the Blairmont Magistrate’s Court, where he submitted evidence bags along with the analysis certificates. He noted that later that same day, he went back to his office and stored them in his drawer.

In the main witness’s case, Akash told the court that when he, Gopaul, and Anil went to their cannabis farm in the Cotton Tree backdam, they saw it had been sprayed. He explained that upon discovering this, Anil and Gopaul got upset and began arguing with each other.

Akash added that he encountered Anil, Gopaul, Joel, and Isaiah in the backdam and noticed they were laughing. He asked them if they knew anything about the damage to their cannabis farm.

Akash recounted that he, Gopaul, and Anil took up a 22-inch cutlass and attacked the two cousins. He said he was instructed to mark an X on the bodies. After the violent attack, Akash mentioned that Anil and Gopaul retrieved two horses, tied up the bodies, and transported them to a spot in the bushes. He stated that he then went to the koker to wash the cutlasses and remove his blood-stained clothes, which he put in the koker.

Akash indicated that after washing himself, he returned to Yakusari in Black Bush Polder. There, he told his sister that he and others had killed two people. He noted that a few days later, he, his sister, and their mother encountered a protest on the West Coast Berbice public road.

The following day, he visited a park and saw a familiar man reading a newspaper. He recognized the images of Joel and Isaiah in it. Akash said he informed the man that he was acquainted with the two boys.

Akash explained that in January 2021, the police apprehended him, and he confessed to the officers that he and others had murdered Joel and Isaiah. He expressed that he was scared for his life because Gopaul had threatened him.

“Everything I told the police is truth,” Akash disclosed during his testimony.

He mentioned that he informed the police about where the cousins were killed.

During cross-examination by lawyer Dr. Dexter Todd, he proposed to Akash that he was charged with the murders of Joel and Isaiah, to which Akash agreed.

Akash stated that he has been in jail for six years now. When Dr. Todd inquired about which jail, Akash replied that he couldn’t remember the name of the jail.

A total of 45 witnesses are anticipated to take the stand before the trial concludes.

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Richie Looknauth turned in a superb all-round performance to propel the Guyana Harpy Eagles to a crushing innings-and-21-run victory over the West Indies Academy at the Antigua Recreation Ground in the West Indies Four-Day Championship on Wednesday.

The off-spinner’s six-wicket haul on the final day ensured the defending champions’ clinical finish, sending them into Sunday’s final, most likely at this point, against the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, with a massive surge of momentum and a healthy selection dilemma.

FULL SCORECARD: https://matchcentre.windiescricket.com/match/3202a027-c2f8-4257-be29-cd0091ee2da0

The Academy, forced to follow on after being dismissed for 485 in response to Guyana’s gargantuan first-innings total, began their second journey trailing by 178 runs. Any hopes of a rearguard action were swiftly extinguished by Looknauth.

After contributing a vital 77 with the bat earlier in the match, Looknauth proved even more lethal with the ball, ripping through the Academy lineup to finish with 6 for 36.

His ability to exploit the wear in the surface left the young Academy side searching for answers as they were bundled out for just 157 in 42 overs.

Guyanese product Mavendra Dindyal offered the most significant resistance for the Academy with a composed 41, while Giovonte Depeiza chipped in with 34, but the pressure from the Harpy Eagles’ spinners.

Gudakesh Motie provided the perfect foil for Looknauth, claiming 2 for 27 to ensure there was no escape from the squeeze. Thaddeus Lovell also played his part, picking up two wickets to wrap up the tail and seal a comprehensive win.

The bedrock of the victory was a monumental batting effort that spanned over 160 overs. Matthew Nandu’s marathon 237 served as the centrepiece of Guyana’s 663 all out, a total bolstered by a breakout maiden century from Jonathan Van Lange, who struck 133.

Support came from across the board, with Tagenarine Chanderpaul (59) and Motie (48) providing early and late impetus respectively, leaving the Academy bowlers, led by Zishan Motara’s 6 for 202, exhausted.

The Academy had shown flashes of brilliance in their first innings, primarily through a fighting 180 from Rivaldo Clarke and a century from Amari Goodridge (123).

 

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Drivers using the East Bank Demerara corridor are being urged to slow down and exercise greater caution as major road construction works continue in several communities along the roadway.

Speaking on Tuesday’s episode of the ‘Road Safety and You’ programme, Inspector Mohamed, who is stationed at Regional Division 4B and in charge of traffic at the Grove Police Station, said the division is currently an active construction zone due to extensive infrastructural and road works.

According to the traffic officer, ongoing works are affecting several communities including Friendship, Garden of Eden, Brickery and along the Timehri highway.

“Whenever approaching the construction zones you need to slow down,” Inspector Mohamed reminded drivers.

He noted that some drivers, particularly hire car operators, continue to ignore road signs and instructions from flaggers and police ranks assisting in the areas.

“Drivers especially hire cars, they fail to adhere to road signs, fail to comply with the flaggers,” he said, while urging motorists to cooperate with officials managing the flow of traffic through the affected areas.

Inspector Mohamed stressed that reckless driving and dangerous overtaking in construction zones can easily lead to accidents.

“This is not a rush. When you approach any construction zone, slow down. Do not overtake the line of traffic and drive recklessly because reckless driving can lead to accidents,” he said.

He is also reminding commuters to be patient, noting that road works can result in delays along the busy corridor.

“We need to proceed with caution, be alert, have patience because road construction works can cause a delay,” he added.

Persons travelling to the airport are also being advised to leave home earlier to avoid speeding or driving recklessly in an attempt to arrive on time.

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Plans to relocate vendors from the Square of the Revolution have been delayed after recent heavy rainfall exposed drainage and flooding challenges at the proposed relocation site on Hadfield Street.

During an Extraordinary Statutory meeting of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council on Tuesday, Mayor Alfred Mentore said city officials are now reassessing the area to ensure vendors are not placed in another flood-prone environment before relocation proceeds.

“I know we’re supposed to make a decision to have those people shifted… myself and Hollingsworth had a look at the place, and he is supposed to provide a document or a design of what we will look at for the Hadfield location,” Mentore said.

Kabila Hollingsworth, Deputy City Engineer (ag) explained that the design process has been slowed due to the water from nearby drains affecting the area.

“With regards to the designs, I wish to say that the location, right now, I am looking at it with regards to a design that will function based on the water coming from the drain and so on,” Hollingsworth said.

He added that there was a pond there. It will affect the work and cause the place to be inundated if the land is not elevated.

The relocation forms part of the City Council’s broader effort to remove vendors from around the historic 1763 Monument amid concerns over congestion and preservation of the landmark. Earlier this year, the council announced plans to clear the area while promising to identify alternative spaces for affected vendors.

Due to this constraint, City Hall now has to consider additional infrastructure works, including raising sections of the land and carrying out revetment and drainage improvements, before vendors can be moved to the area.

“We are working on that. I think he suggested this challenge to me and if it will be done it has to be raised at a certain height,” Mentore said.

Mentore also said that City Hall will have to provide additional costs and the quantity for that area. Last month, City Hall unveiled its $5.697 billion budget for 2026 and part of this amount was earmarked for the project.

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Former United States captain Thomas Dooley has stepped down as head coach of the Guyana national team to “pursue new challenges”, ending a nine-month stint defined by on-field success and off-field friction.

The 64-year-old, who took over the Golden Jaguars on 9 September 2025, leaves the federation with an unbeaten record in competitive friendlies.

His departure marks the end of a cycle focused on professionalising the national programme following the exit of long-serving coach Jamaal Shabazz in 2024.

Under Dooley’s disciplined leadership, Guyana enjoyed consistent success as between November 2025 and March 2026, the team secured four consecutive victories, including a 4–1 win over Antigua and Barbuda and a 3–1 clinical performance against Belize in the CONCACAF Friendly series.

In a release on Tuesday, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) praised Dooley for elevating the team’s performance standards.

The German-born coach implemented rigorous new protocols, including bans on mobile phones during team meals and technical meetings, as well as stricter dress codes.

“The Federation thanks Coach Dooley for the experience, commitment, and expertise he brought to Guyanese football,” the GFF said in a statement. “We wish him success in his new role and future endeavours.”

However, Dooley’s tenure was not without controversy. In November 2025, the GFF launched a formal investigation into allegations of verbal abuse against domestic players.

The inquiry was triggered after reports surfaced that local players felt “disrespected and embarrassed” during a team meeting. It was alleged that Dooley had unfavourably compared the locally based squad members to their overseas counterparts, leading to claims that the domestic Elite League was being denigrated.

The GFF’s internal review confirmed that while Dooley had displayed frustration during a session intended to address disciplinary breaches, his intention was not to insult the players.

Following a private meeting between the coach and the domestic contingent to clear the air, the GFF declared the matter “resolved amicably.” The team subsequently responded on the pitch with their dominant victory in the inaugural Concacaf Friendly Series.

Dooley’s exit leaves a tactical void as Guyana prepares for the next phase of international competition.

The GFF has yet to confirm a successor, though Wayne Dover—who has served as interim manager on multiple occasions—is a familiar name linked with the vacancy; however, Vietnamese Hoang Lan Nguyen is also the team’s appointed assistant coach.

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The Antigua Recreation Ground witnessed a batting masterclass on day three as the Guyana Harpy Eagles effectively batted the West Indies Academy out of the contest.

At the heart of the dominance was opener Matthew Nandu, whose unbeaten 237 served as the bedrock of a mammoth 655 for 8, handing the Eagles a substantial 170-run lead and a firm grip on the proceedings heading into the final day.

FULL SCORECARD: https://matchcentre.windiescricket.com/match/3202a027-c2f8-4257-be29-cd0091ee2da0/scorecard

While Nandu provided the endurance, 19-year-old debutant Jonathan Van Lange provided the spark.

The youngster announced his arrival on the First-Class stage with a scintillating 133, showing no nerves as he dismantled an increasingly weary Academy attack.

The pair combined for a demoralising 255-run partnership for the fifth wicket, a stand that shifted the game from a competitive scrap into a one-sided exhibition.

Nandu, who resumed the morning on 110, showed remarkable temperament on a surface that offered little assistance to the seamers. His knock was a study in concentration, punctuated by precise placement and an ironclad defence.

As the day progressed, he expanded his stroke play, eventually surpassing his previous career best of 126 on debut, to reach the double-century mark.

The West Indies Academy bowlers, led by leg-spinner Zishan Motara, found themselves under relentless pressure. Despite the mounting score, Motara remained the lone bright spot in the figures, toiling through 45 overs to claim a hard-fought 5 for 199.

However, his efforts were often undone by the sheer depth of the Guyanese batting lineup. Following the departure of Van Lange, Richie Looknauth ensured there would be no respite, striking a fluent 71 not out to further extend the lead.

As the match moves into the final day, the Harpy Eagles appear content to squeeze the Academy further. With the lead at 170 and the final scheduled for May 17, the Guyanese camp is viewing the remaining sessions as a vital opportunity for their middle order to find rhythm.

Across the island at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force have moved into pole position against Barbados Pride, setting the stage for a potential high-stakes showdown between the Red Force and the Harpy Eagles in the tournament decider.

At Coolidge: Trinidad and Tobago Red Force 333 all out from 111.2 overs  (Cephas Cooper 93, Joshua DaSilva 70, Terrance Hinds 51, Amir Jangoo 41, Jyd Goolie 33; Shamar Springer 3-40, Kyle Mayers 2-39, Johann Layne 2-58, Roston Chase 2-66) & 209-7 from 72 overs (Cephas Cooper 101, Terrance Hinds 26; Joshua Bishop 4-60, Roston Chase 3-49) lead Barbados Pride 262-9 from 61 overs (Leniko Boucher 80, Joshua Bishop 79, Shamar Springer 51; Anderson Phillip 4-51, Terrance Hinds 3-48, Jayden Seales 2-58) by 246 runs   

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