Blog

Shreyas Iyer is set to replace Suryakumar Yadav as India‘s T20I captain, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is set for his maiden call-up, as the national selectors look ahead to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 and the next T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand the same year.

The T20I squad will be announced on Saturday for the upcoming tour of Ireland and England, India’s first T20I assignment since Suryakumar led them to the T20 World Cup title in March.

Suryakumar, 35, is likely to be dropped from the squad altogether. The debate around his position arose following a lukewarm 2026 T20 World Cup, where he scored 242 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 136.72, and a poor IPL 2026 where he recorded only 270 runs in 13 innings at an average of 20.76 and a strike rate of 147.54.

His successor Shreyas is 31 but has not played a T20I since December 2023 due to India’s inability to find a place for him due to squad combinations, with Suryakumar and Tilak Varma occupying middle-order positions. Shreyas was most recently called up to the T20I squad as an injury replacement during the home series against New Zealand in January this year, but did not play a game because India preferred to pick the players who were going to play in the T20 World Cup that followed.

Shreyas, however, has proven captaincy credentials, having led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the IPL title in 2024 and led Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) to the final in 2020 and 2025, respectively. He scored 604 runs at a strike rate of 175.07 in IPL 2025 and 498 runs at a strike rate of 168.81 in IPL 2026.

It is the second successive year in which India’s selectors are making such a decision. In 2025, Rohit Sharma had captained India to the Champions Trophy title in March, but the selectors replaced him as ODI captain before India’s next series in Australia in October. Rohit, however, continued to be part of the ODI squad.

Meanwhile, 15-year-old Sooryavanshi is set to become the youngest player selected in an India men’s squad since Sachin Tendulkar in the late 1980s, following a blockbuster IPL season where he made 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.30.

Before the T20I tour of Ireland and England, Sooryavanshi will play for India A in a tri-series in Sri Lanka also involving Afghanistan from June 9 to 21.

India play Ireland in two T20Is in Belfast on June 26 and 28, followed by five T20Is in England from July 1 to 11. (ESPNcricinfo)

 

The post Shreyas Iyer to replace SKY as India’s T20 captain appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Georgetown, Guyana – Phase One of Monarch Bay, Guyana’s first Crystal Lagoons® community – the patented technology behind the world’s largest man-made swimming lagoons, used in over 60 countries – was oversubscribed within just two weeks of its official launch, with buyer demand exceeding the initial lot release. It ranks among the fastest reservation rates ever recorded for a new residential development in Guyana.

The pace of reservations represents one of the strongest early responses seen for a new residential development in recent history, underscoring growing confidence in Guyana’s real estate sector and increasing demand for master-planned communities.

The strong demand resulted in all released residential lots being reserved, with waterfront turnkey villas among the fastest to move. Only a limited collection remains available in Phase One.

Monarch Bay represents a new standard of residential living in Guyana, combining waterfront living, resort-inspired amenities, wellness-focused spaces, and the country’s first Crystal Lagoon experience within a master-planned community.

“The response has exceeded our expectations,” said Iman Cummings, Co-Founder of Monarch Bay. “To see the initial release absorbed within such a short period demonstrates the growing demand for thoughtfully designed communities that offer both exceptional quality and long-term value.”

The pace of reservations at Monarch Bay reflects these broader market trends and underscores the appetite for premium residential offerings in strategic locations.

Located in Ogle, one of the country’s fastest-growing corridors, Monarch Bay is designed to provide residents with a lifestyle centered around wellness, connectivity, and outdoor living. Planned amenities include waterfront experiences, recreational facilities, landscaped public spaces, a resident beach club, fitness and wellness facilities, and a clubhouse designed to foster community engagement.

While demand has been strong, a limited collection of villas remain available as part of the Phase One offering.

“Monarch Bay is not just another residential development, it is a statement about where Guyana is heading,” said Kimberly Jeffrey, Co-Founder, ARC Real Estate Inc. “The demand we have seen in Phase One confirms what many of us have long believed: there is a deep and underserved market in Guyana for communities that offer resort-style living, strong long-term value, and a genuine sense of belonging. We are proud to be part of this moment.”

As development activities continue, Monarch Bay remains committed to delivering a distinctive residential destination that redefines waterfront living in Guyana.

Building on the strong response to Phase One, Monarch Bay is advancing plans for future phases of the development.

Phase Two is expected to introduce a collection of waterfront condominiums, expanding the range of residential offerings within the community. The final phase of the master plan will include Monarch Village, a mixed-use destination featuring retail, dining, wellness, and convenience services designed to support a vibrant, walkable lifestyle for residents and visitors alike.

Together, these future phases will further strengthen Monarch Bay’s vision of creating one of Guyana’s most distinctive master-planned communities and a destination where residents and visitors can live, connect, and thrive (Monarch Bay press release)

The post Monarch Bay Phase One oversubscribed in two weeks appeared first on News Room Guyana.

See below the full release from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security: 

The Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM) of the Organisation of American States (OAS) recently concluded its historic 40th Assembly of Delegates in Washington, D.C. As the highest decision-making body dedicated to advancing women’s human rights and gender equality across the Americas.

The assembly brought together ministers and key gender authorities to forge strategic regional policies, with a primary focus on strengthening women’s economic autonomy and labour inclusion.

In a landmark achievement, Guyana was elected to the executive body of the Commission for the first time in 24 years. Standing alongside three other CARICOM nations, Guyana’s election marks an unprecedented milestone, signalling the most significant and influential presence the Caribbean has ever commanded on this crucial hemispheric commission. Guyana was last on the Commission some 24 years ago.

Uruguay chairs the newly elected committee, steering the unified regional agenda for the 2026-2029 term.

Leading the charge for Guyana in Washington, D.C., as Guyana’s Principal Delegate was Dr Vindhya Persaud, the Minister of Human Services and Social Security. Known for championing grassroots empowerment and legislative reform in Guyana, Dr Persaud brought that same advocacy to the OAS stage, successfully positioning Guyana as a leading voice for the Caribbean region.

As she steps into her role as Guyana’s Official Principal Delegate, her presence ensures that Guyana will not just have a seat at the table but will actively drive the hemispheric agenda on critical issues like economic equity, digital inclusion, and the advancement of women into pivotal leadership roles.

This powerful representation positions Guyana at the forefront of shaping impactful policies that champion equality and empower women across the Caribbean and the wider Americas.

The post Guyana elected to executive body of Inter-American Commission of Women  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Four individuals were remanded to prison on Thursday following their arraignment on charges of armed robbery.

Tuireece Gonsalves, aged 22, of Broad Street, Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam; Travis Crandon, aged 28, of Timmers Dam, Angoy’s Avenue; Philmon Moriah, aged 29, of Lot 357, Number 77 Housing Scheme, Corriverton; and Terrence Whyte, aged 37, of the same address, appeared at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Tuanna Hardy.

The court heard that on May 24, 2026, while in Corriverton, the accused, armed with a firearm, committed a robbery involving assets valued at approximately $2.8 million from 31-year-old Mahesh Sukhoo.

The defendants entered pleas of not guilty to the joint charge.

Sergeant Fiona Simpson, prosecuting on behalf of the police, opposed bail, citing that Crandon provided a statement implicating Moriah and that eyewitnesses identified Moriah at the scene.

The prosecutor further stated that Crandon has other pending matters of a similar nature before the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court and that the case file is incomplete, requesting six weeks for full disclosure.

Attorney-at-law Vinay Punwa represented Moriah and Travis, asserting that the prosecution lacked sufficient evidence against Moriah, except for his riding a bike suspected of being involved in the robbery.

Counsel argued that the bike was ridden by Moriah after the commission of the robbery and that no assets were recovered from his residence. Additionally, Moriah exhibited physical signs of violence, including shock marks and bruises, which were presented to the court.

After considering submissions from both the prosecution and defense, Magistrate Hardy denied bail to all four accused and scheduled their remand to continue until July 9th for disclosure.

Reports indicate that on the date in question, May 24, 2026, at approximately 17:00 hrs, Mahesh Sukhoo left his residence in Number 77 Village, wearing two gold chains and a gold bracelet valued at approximately  $2.8 million. While socialising near the Scottsburg playground in Corriverton with relatives and friends, he was approached by two unidentified males on a motorcycle. One accused, armed with a cutlass, threatened him and ordered him to lie on the ground. The men robbed him of his two gold chains, one gold bracelet, $8,000 in cash, and his vehicle keys before fleeing on the motorcycle.

Acting on information provided by Crandon, the police visited his residence in New Amsterdam, where a search was conducted, resulting in the discovery of a quantity of ammunition. Crandon was cautioned, arrested, and during questioning, he admitted his involvement in the robbery and named an accomplice. He and the accomplice were subsequently detained.

During the investigation, four pieces of yellow metal jewelry were recovered in the possession of Whyte, and other items were found with receivers not yet charged. All four accused men have been formally charged in connection with the offence.

The post Four remanded after armed robbery appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Ollie Robinson took three wickets in his first over for England in more than two years to breathe life into their post-Ashes rebuild on day one of the first Test against New Zealand.

Robinson had been ignored since 2024, including on the dismal tour of Australia, but showed England what they have been missing on an astonishing day when 16 wickets fell at Lord’s.

After the home side lost a crucial toss and were hustled out for only 140, it was vital they made use of the favourable bowling conditions after two lengthy rain delays.

And seamer Robinson did so in sensational fashion. With his third delivery he trapped Devon Conway lbw then, with the crowd singing his name, had the great Kane Williamson bat-pad to short leg.

In an electric atmosphere, the Sussex seamer completed a triple-wicket maiden by having Rachin Ravindra lbw to the first ball he faced.

Robinson later bowled Daryl Mitchell to claim four wickets for 10 runs. When Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue took a wicket apiece, New Zealand were in tatters at 29-6. The Black Caps eventually closed on 61-6 – 79 behind.

It leaves England on top of a Test match they could have batted themselves out of when they were dismissed inside 40 overs.

New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson, also playing his first Test in more than two years after a string of injuries, was superb in taking 5-62.

England’s approach to batting is so often under scrutiny, but on this occasion they deserve some leeway because of the conditions.

In fact, as many of his team-mates seemed reluctant to take an attacking approach, it was the aggression of Harry Brook that gave him a priceless 56, albeit in an innings when he was dropped twice. (BBC)

 

The post Robinson rocks New Zealand after England’s batting meltdown appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Armed bandits carried out a brazen robbery during which they invaded the home of a Canal No. 1, West Bank Demerara farmer on Wednesday night before escaping with $12 million in cash and cellular phones.

Police Headquarters reported that the incident took place around 20:15 hrs.

Police said the victim, a 64-year-old farmer, was reportedly sitting under a shed on the lower flat of his residence with relatives when two men, both armed with what appeared to be handguns, entered the yard.

According to preliminary investigations, Police said the suspects confronted the occupants and ordered them to lie on the floor in the kitchen area while they demanded cash and other valuables.

During the ordeal, the farmer was allegedly assaulted by the armed men and subsequently led them to a white bucket inside the house where a large sum of money was being stored.

The bandits then removed $12 million from the bucket and also carted off four cellular phones value at approximately $400,000.

After carrying out the robbery, the suspects fled the scene in a silver-tinted Toyota Axio bearing an unknown registration number and headed west, Police said.

Investigators have since questioned several persons as they continue efforts to apprehend the suspects.

Police said CCTV footage were located and are expected to be reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.

The post Armed bandits escape with $12M in cash, phones during Canal No. 1 home invasion appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The momentum ahead of the fourth edition of the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast continues to build, with I&S Trading becoming the latest corporate entity to join the tournament’s growing supporting cast.

Impressed by the competition’s rapid evolution, the Georgetown-based food distribution company has thrown its weight behind an initiative that has fast become the premier platform for grassroots cricket talent in the country.

Operating out of 218 Charlotte and Oronoque Streets in Bourda, I&S Trading noted that the tournament’s track record of community engagement and high-quality organisation made the partnership a natural fit.

Speaking on behalf of the company,  Taijram Persaud expressed immense satisfaction with the alignment.

“We have watched the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast grow from strength to strength, and it has truly become a marquee event on the local sports calendar,” Persaud said.  “At I&S Trading, we believe in supporting initiatives that empower local communities and provide a stage for grassroots talent to shine. This tournament does exactly that, and we are thrilled to be part of a product that is clearly on the rise.”

FL Sport’s John Ramsingh warmly welcomed the distributor on board, emphasising that corporate backing is the lifeblood of grassroots sports development.

“Having a reputable brand like I&S Trading come on board is a testament to the credibility the One Guyana T10 Blast has established,” Ramsingh stated.

“We are incredibly grateful for their valuable support, which directly impacts our ability to deliver a top-tier experience for both players and fans. Partners like I&S Trading share our vision of taking tapeball cricket to unprecedented heights in Guyana.”

With the tournament scheduled to bowl off on August 8 in Berbice, organisers are urging teams to lock in their spots immediately rather than delaying their entry while trying to perfect their rosters.

Ramsingh emphasised that the registration operates on a strict first-come, first-served system, acknowledging that the fierce nature of the competition often causes captains to overthink and deliberate on their lineups for too long.

To guarantee a spot, teams must pay the G$35,000 entry fee now, which allows captains the flexibility to finalise their ultimate 15-man talent pools closer to their respective zonal start dates.

Entry caps are strictly enforced to manage the intensive schedule. The Berbice, East Bank/West Demerara, and Essequibo zones are capped at a maximum of 16 teams each, while the heavily populated East Coast Demerara/Georgetown zone will accommodate a maximum of 32 teams.

Registration forms are currently available on the tournament’s official social media channels or via direct WhatsApp at +592 635-2235.

The high-octane action begins with the Berbice Zone on August 8–9. Sixteen teams will battle across four premier venues, including the Port Mourant Community Centre Ground, No. 69 Ground, and the Welfare Ground in Canje. The action will culminate with the zonal finals on Sunday, August 9, at the Albion Sports Complex.

From there, the tournament caravan moves to the East Bank/West Demerara leg on August 15–16, followed quickly by the Essequibo zone on August 22–23.

In a strategic move designed to maximise fan engagement and support local cricket festivities, the competition will pause during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) window, allowing fans to fully immerse themselves in the professional franchise season without distraction.

Action resumes post-CPL with the highly anticipated Georgetown/East Coast Demerara leg, spanning September 26–27 and October 3–4.

This gruelling regional phase leads directly to the historic national grand finale on October 11, 2026.

For the first time, the tournament’s ultimate prize will be contested at the Anna Regina National Stadium in Region Two, bringing elite tapeball action directly to the passionate fans of the Essequibo coast.

The stakes for the 2026 season have reached an all-time high, courtesy of a revamped financial structure that introduces guaranteed cash prizes for every team that reaches the quarterfinal stage of their respective zone.

Rewards begin at $25,000 for losing zonal quarterfinalists and scale up significantly, culminating in a hefty $500,000 purse pocketed by the zonal winners before they even advance to the National Finals.

At the national level, the rewards become life-changing for grassroots cricketers. Teams will compete for a massive $2,000,000 grand prize, while the national runner-up will take home $1,000,000.

Beyond the financial windfall, the four national finalists will also earn the prestigious right to represent Guyana at the upcoming International T10 Tapeball Tournament later this October.

Individual brilliance will be celebrated just as handsomely alongside team success. The tournament’s eventual Most Valuable Player (MVP) will walk away with $150,000 and a brand-new motorbike.

Furthermore, specialised awards for the leading run-scorer and the top wicket-taker will see both players receive $100,000 and a new television each, ensuring that personal milestones are met with premier rewards.

 

The post ‘A product clearly on the rise’ – I&S Trading backs fourth edition of One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Two men who were wanted by Police in connection with the discovery of ten AK-47 rifles in Corentyne, Berbice, surrendered on Thursday.

The News Room was reliably informed that Antonio Alonzo Lawrie, also known as “Lanzo,” and Gregory Anthony Persaud, also known as “Satan,” turned themselves in at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, in the company of their attorneys.

They are being questioned.

The Guyana Police Force had issued wanted bulletins on May 28 for Lawrie, Persaud and a third man, Ryan Singh, as investigations intensified into the seizure of ten AK-47 rifles at Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice.

Lawrie’s last known addresses were listed as Farm Village, East Bank Demerara, and Lot 72 Grant 1805 Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice. Persaud was listed as residing at Lot 15 Area ‘G’ Ogle, East Coast Demerara, and Farm Village, East Coast Demerara.

Police said the men are wanted in relation to an alleged firearm possession investigation that led to the arrest and subsequent charge of taxi driver Stephen Rajah of Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara.

Rajah appeared before the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court where he was charged with possession of firearms. He was not required to plead to the indictable offence and was remanded to prison after bail was refused. The matter was adjourned to June 15, 2026.

According to police, Rajah was arrested on May 22 after ranks conducting a stop-and-search exercise along the Berbice River Bridge Access Road intercepted a black Toyota Fielder Wagon bearing registration number HC 9018.

Investigators later uncovered ten AK-47 rifles, prompting a wider probe and the issuance of wanted bulletins for the three men.

The post Two men wanted in AK-47 firearm probe surrender appeared first on News Room Guyana.

What was initially reported as the kidnapping of a Cuban national has taken a dramatic turn after the alleged victim reportedly told investigators that he staged the incident.

In fact, he said sent a photograph of himself with an air pistol in his mouth to his father in the United States while seeking money.

The News Room was reliably informed that matter was reported to police on Tuesday after relatives claimed that 29-year-old Cuban national, Ivan Ravelo Martinez had been kidnapped and that money was being demanded for his release.

According to reports reaching the News Room, a photograph showing Martinez with what appeared to be a firearm in his mouth was sent to his father in the United States along with a request for money.

Police launched an investigation and reviewed CCTV footage from a North Road, Georgetown building where Martinez had been staying. The footage led investigators to a property on the East Bank of Demerara, where Martinez and several other persons were found.

During a search, police recovered an air pistol believed to be the one seen in the photograph. Several persons, including a Police Constable and other Cuban nationals, were detained and questioned.

However, the News Room was told during questioning, Martinez reportedly told investigators that he had not been kidnapped. He claimed the air pistol belonged to him and that he asked another man to place it in his mouth while a photograph was taken. He also reportedly admitted to sending the image to his father while requesting US$1,500.

Police have seized several cellular phones and vehicles as investigations continue.Investigations are ongoing.

The post Cuban man allegedly stages kidnapping, demands money from father in the US appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Intense rainfall over the past several weeks has left hundreds of acres of farmland and households along Mahaicony Creek in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) severely affected.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Wednesday visited the affected communities, including Branch Road, Mahaicony, to assess conditions on the ground and meet directly with affected farmers and residents.

“I am here to speak to you and to listen to you mostly on some of the challenges [and] some of the things that [are] working,” the president told farmers.

President Ali acknowledged that while water volumes this time exceed those seen during the 2021 floods, the condition is less severe, a reflection, he said, of the drainage investments made since then.

“We are in a better position now because of the investment we have made already,” President Ali said, adding that the completion of the Hope Like Canal would bring further improvement to the area.

He also directed the Regional Chairman, Ricardo Dwain, Vice Chair Kleon Lindey, and the newly appointed Regional Executive Officer (REO), Mary Samaroo, to visit the creek on a monthly basis, insisting that officials must engage communities regularly and not remain confined to their offices.

Interventions were already underway on the ground. NDIA Chairman Lionel Wordsworth said five excavators had been deployed to help farmers raise dams, open runways and install culverts, while 18 farmers were engaged to use their own tractors to assist in removing floodwaters.

A pump was relocated from Garden Table to the Mahaicony Creek river mouth, and a new pump was also deployed to the affected area. Equipment was additionally dispatched to raise the embankment along the Jagdeo Canal, a 15,000-acre stretch extending to the frontlands.

President Ali committed to three further interventions for farmers at Branch Road. They include rehabilitation of kokers (sluices), increasing pump capacity, and clearing of the main drainage canals.

Also accompanying the President were Minister of Education Sonia Parag and Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture Vikash Ramkisson. [DPI]

The post President Ali announces immediate flood relief for Mahaicony Creek farmers appeared first on News Room Guyana.