A 23-year-old Cuban national and janitor employed at a business establishment on Forshaw Street, Queenstown, Georgetown, was killed on Sunday at his place of employment.
Police said Dainier Vegas Infante was at the business establishment when four males arrived in the vicinity at around 5:45h. One of the suspects, who was armed with a handgun, reportedly approached two men who were seated outside of the establishment and engaged them in conversation.
Enquiries revealed that Infante, of Alexander Village, Georgetown, subsequently exited the establishment and approached the suspects. It was at this moment that the armed suspect discharged a round in his direction, causing him to fall to the ground.
The suspect then entered a motor vehicle and made good his escape along Forshaw Street, while the other suspects also fled the scene in separate vehicles.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by a doctor on duty. His body was later escorted to Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.
Further enquiries disclosed that, through coordinated efforts and the use of the Guyana Police Force Command Center, a motor vehicle linked to the incident was identified and intercepted and a 45-year-old female manager of Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara, was arrested and is presently in police custody. The vehicle has since been seized and is being processed as part of the investigation.
CCTV footage is presently being reviewed as investigations continue.
Guyanese motorcycle racers enjoyed a clinical day of dominance in Central America as Matthew Vieira, Kevin Persaud and Elan Rahaman claimed a haul of victories at the Autódromo Panamá.
On a high-octane Sunday in Capira, the Guyanese contingent proved untouchable during the second round of the 2026 National Motovelocity & Street Legal Championship.
Local Super Stock champion Matthew Vieira led the charge, asserting his authority in the Pre-Expert 600cc class with a composed victory in the opening race.
Kevin Persaud
Vieira was followed home by fellow countryman Alain Hopkinson to secure a Guyanese one-two. While Vieira took the points for the win, it was Hopkinson who served notice of his raw pace, clocking the fastest lap of the 10-lap encounter with a time of 1:09.701s.
The second race of the afternoon mirrored the first, with the Guyanese duo once again distancing themselves from the field.
Vieira took his second chequered flag of the day to complete a perfect scorecard, with Hopkinson providing the backup in second place to ensure a repeat of the podium’s top steps.
From left: Elan Rahaman, Alain Hopkinson and Matthew Vieira
The success extended into the heavyweight category as Kevin Persaud delivered a masterclass in the Pre-Expert 1000cc division, as Persaud unleashed the quickest pace of the afternoon in the second race.
Stopping the clock at 1:08.673s, Persaud surged to a commanding victory, taking the chequered flag.
In the Novice 600cc category, Elan Rahaman ensured the Guyanese anthem remained a permanent fixture of the afternoon’s proceedings. Displaying maturity beyond his experience level, Rahaman swept both races to secure two first-place finishes, completing a near-total lockout of the major trophies by the visiting riders.
Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken says senior officers can only intervene in operations carried out by other ranks if proper procedures are followed.
Hicken, during a Police round-up programme, acknowledged a recent incident where questions were raised about a senior officer’s intervention.
In a widely-circulated video, a woman who said she is a Police Officer was stopped by a Corporal, reportedly of the anti-crime unit. The woman, seemingly upset, contacted a male who subsequently identified himself as Deputy Commissioner Fizal KarimBaksh, who heads the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). In a conversation that unfolded over the phone, the Corporal was told to let the woman go.
The Police Commissioner said the interaction warrants further examination and, as such, the OPR is “conducting a thorough investigation into the matter, ensuring that the entirety of the operation has been examined.”
Beyond that, however, Hicken affirmed that senior officers must follow established procedures when intervening in operations.
“Senior officers may intervene in anti-crime operations, but any intervention must be based on situational awareness, and following established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs),” he said.
Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken confirmed that the investigation into death threats against the Director of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), James Singh, is still ongoing.
“Our intelligence units are engaged, investigations are ongoing, and where there is evidence, there will be arrests and prosecution,” Hicken said in a Police round up programme aired on Sunday.
The Top Cop emphasised how seriously the matter is being treated and warned perpetrators that they will be brought to justice.
Last week, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a statement regarding the threats. It was noted that threats came at a time of intensified anti-narcotics enforcement. During the first quarter of 2026, CANU removed more than 371 kilograms of narcotics from circulation and disrupted multiple trafficking networks through sustained, intelligence-led operations.
“The Government of Guyana makes it clear: intimidation will not succeed. Threats against law enforcement officials will be met with the full force of the law.
“Our national effort to dismantle organized criminal networks, both domestic and transnational, will continue with resolve, coordination, and unwavering focus. No individual or group will be allowed to undermine the rule of law or threaten those tasked with upholding it,” the ministry added.
Centuries from former Guyana and West Indies opener Rajendra Chandrika and Guyana Amazon Warriors selectee Riyad Latif, along with a debut five-wicket haul from left-arm seamer Vijai Kalpu highlighted the latest round of matches in the Georgetown Cricket Association’s Sherwin Williams Second Division T20 competition on Saturday.
The right-handed Chandrika stroked 120 not out off 62 balls (14x4s, 5x6s) and Narendra Persaud made an unbeaten 91 off 44 (9x4s, 4x6s) in Everest’s 234-2, the highest total of the day.
Chandrika and Persaud added 209 unbroken for the third wicket after the early loss of Dwayne Adams (0) and Varun Mangla (9), as Everest won by 92 runs against Diplomats.
Opening the batting, Latif struck 106 off 61 balls, an innings that included 10 fours and seven sixes, as Transport made 201-4. Police All Stars Academy replied with 134-8.
Over at GCC, 18-year-old Kalpu claimed 5-14 on debut as the home team bowled out Positive Foundation Agricola for 116.
A calm 51 not out under pressure from opener Navindra Persaud and a brisk 45 from Timothy McAlmont saw GCC home after they slipped to 22-4 early in the chase.
Other individual performances included 4-14 from Reyaz Latif of Transport, 58 from Leron Crawford of Positive Foundation Agricola and 60 from Ntini Permaul of El Dorado Cricket Club.
Transport defeated Police All Stars Academy by 67 runs
SUMMARY: Transport 201-4 from 20 overs (Riyad Latif 106, Jeremiah Hohenkirk 34, Emmanuel Lewis 34; Darwin Larose 2-48, Troy Benn 1-37, Joshua Budhram 1-39) vs Police All Stars Academy 134-8 from 20 overs (Troy Benn 49, Ravindradat Budhram 45, Troy Leitch 19; Reyaz Latif 4-14, Shaun Massiah 2-13, Renaldo Grenville 1-17)
Everest defeated Diplomats by 92 runs (DLS)
SUMMARY: Everest 234-2 from 20 overs (Rajendra Chandrika 120*, Narendra Persaud 91*; Seon Walcott 2-31) vs Diplomats 88-5 from 15 overs (Seon Gaskin 32*, Yannick Newton 13; Javed Rasheed 2-10, Rafael Singh 1-2, Narendra Persaud 1-3, Aaron Beharry 1-19)
Timothy McAlmont (left) and Navindra Persaud lifted GCC to victory after a five-wicket haul from debutant Vijai Kalpu (Photo: News Room/Avenash Ramzan/May 9, 2026)
Georgetown Cricket Club defeated Positive Foundation Agricola by three wickets
SUMMARY: Positive Foundation Agricola 116 all out from 18.1 overs (Leron Crawford 58, Andre Baker 19, Deonarine Thakurdyal 15; Vijai Kalpu 5-14, Leon Johnson 2-11, Joash Charles 2-24, Yeudistir Persaud 1-18) vs Georgetown Cricket Club 117-7 from 16.4 overs (Navindra Persaud 51*, Timothy McAlmont 45; Sealon Sue 2-17, Shaquille Leung 2-33, Oswayne Blair 1-22, Rickford Mohammed 1-25)
Wicketkeeper Leron Crawford made 58 for Positive Foundation Agricola against GCC (Photo: News Room/Avenash Ramzan/May 9, 2026)
Police defeated GDF by five wickets (DLS)
SUMMARY: GDF 120-5 from 18.2 overs (Neil Persaud 38*, Leon Andrews 24, Shamal Angel 16, Michael Deonarine 13*, Javid Karim 13; Mark Jeffers 2-19, Titus Webster 1-23, Kapildeo Charandeen 1-28, Dwayne Dick 1-32) vs Police 104-5 from 14.4 overs (Andrew Lyght Jr. 46, Pernell London 28; Shamal Angel 1-8, Zameer Nazeer 1-10, Ayinde Rogers 1-17, Nigel Deodat 1-18, Leon Andrews 1-27)
El Dorado Cricket Club defeated Sophia by 23 runs
SUMMARY: El Dorado Cricket Club 131-7 from 16.3 overs (Ntini Permaul 60, Elnathan Sukhnandan 17, Tuen Hicks 15; Tyriq Walters 2-12, Ronaldo Hercules 1-20, Joshua Grant 1-22, Garth Allen 1-23, Terrance Decuna 1-30) vs Sophia 108 all out from 15.5 overs (Joshua Grant 25, Malcolm Morris 18; Akeem Williams 2-11, Yogendra Singh 2-14, Aryan Hariprashad 1-3)
Urvil Patel played the kind of innings that erased a bit of history and created a bit of history. In 2025, team after team came to Chepauk and breached it and the crowd got used to leaving early.
On Sunday evening, 32,825 people – some of whom might have seen the morning show where one of Tamil Nadu’s most popular actors took charge as the chief minister – were given double delight as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) chased down their first 200-plus target since 2018 and one of their future stars announced himself with the IPL’s joint-fastest half-century.
Urvil got there in 13 balls. When he walked into the middle, CSK’s chances of winning were 38.13%. When he walked out, to a standing ovation from the crowd and his coaching staff, CSK’s chances of winning were 93.02%. He single-handedly changed the game and powered CSK to fifth spot. (ESPNcricinfo)
President Dr Irfaan Ali says the concerns of the Guyanese diaspora have shifted significantly over the years, with more overseas-based Guyanese now focused on investment, home ownership, and participating in Guyana’s development.
Speaking at a diaspora engagement in Canada on Saturday, President Ali said responses submitted ahead of the meeting showed growing interest in economic opportunities and national transformation.
“I’ve been coming to diaspora engagement for decades, and the top issue used to be security,” the president said.
President Irfaan Ali addresing members of the diaspora community in Canada
“Today it is the last issue on the minds of those first. Guess what? It’s a top issue today. How can we invest? How can we be part of the development? How can we own a home? How can we be part of the building out of Guyana?”
According to the president, the government received close to 600 responses ahead of the engagement, many of which complimented Guyana’s development while also raising questions and concerns in several categories.
He said 16.4 per cent of the questions focused on travel, tourism, migration and diaspora-related matters, while 11.9 per cent focused on security, infrastructure and public services.
Another 10.7 per cent dealt with health, education and environmental services.
President Ali explained that many of the enquiries were also related to land, housing, investment opportunities and economic development.
“That tells you that the story of Guyana is one that is positive and one that is transformative,” he stated.
The head of state also announced that all 159 persons who raised issues of a personal nature would receive electronic responses and documentation from the government by the end of the day.
The president disclosed that since the start of the year, the diaspora unit received 89 enquiries from Canada and processed 97 per cent of them.
The gathering at the diaspora engagement in Canada
During the engagement, President Ali highlighted several major development projects underway in Guyana, including the construction of Silica City, which he described as “a city 50 years ahead of its time”.
“We want at least 25 per cent of the city to be dedicated to meeting the needs of the diaspora,” he stated.
The president said the city is being developed with support from the University of Miami and other international planners and developers.
Artist’s impression of Silica City along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway
He also pointed to ongoing infrastructure works across Guyana, including the new Demerara River Bridge, the Wismar Bridge and more than 42 bridges linking communities and regions.
President Ali further spoke of advancements in healthcare, digital systems and public services while encouraging overseas Guyanese to become part of Guyana’s transformation through investment and participation in national development.
“You can be part of this story by playing your role, by positive messaging, by promoting Guyana,” he told the gathering (Republished from the Department of Public Information)
A multi-million irrigation canal is slated to be constructed from Canje Creek to Crabwood Creek to provide reliable irrigated water to hundreds of farmers in the area.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, told residents and farmers on Saturday that the project will commence next week.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, during engagement in Region Six
He further added that it was already catered for in this year’s $1.558 trillion budget.
In addition to the canal, the minister highlighted several initiatives being implemented in the agriculture sector, geared at assisting farmers.
He revealed that approximately 70,000 acres of rice are currently being cultivated in Region Six.
To further support farmers, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, recently announced a $3 billion support package, aimed at cushioning high production costs and global price pressures.
Residents and farmers during the engagement on Saturday
The initiative also provides direct cash injections of $15,000 per acre (under 50 acres) or $10,000 per acre (50 plus acres), with over 15,000 farmers expected to benefit.
Minister Mustapha emphasised that the programme will be implemented with full transparency and accountability.
He explained that the verification process will utilise records from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), while vouchers from both farmers and millers when paddy is sold will also be cross-checked to ensure accuracy.
Rice cultivation in Region Six
Additionally, small committees have already been established within the regional system to identify and verify the acreage cultivated by farmers.
The agriculture minister said the verification exercise is expected to be completed by the end of the month.
For added support, systems are being developed through the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NEW GMC) to secure markets for farmers’ produce.
Meanwhile, the minister was joined by Member of Parliament, Zamal Hussain, Regional Chairman Junior Basant, Regional Vice Chairman, Wajid Shaheed Khan, and other officials from the Ministry of Agriculture (Republished from the Department of Public Information)
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has unveiled what it deems the single largest investment in youth football in the nation’s history, launching the groundbreaking Youth Ensemble Programme in partnership with FIFA.
The initiative was officially inaugurated on Saturday at the National Training Centre, Providence, marking a definitive shift toward a structured, year-round competitive framework.
Designed to overhaul the delivery of the youth game nationwide, the programme focuses on long-term player development and talent identification across multiple age groups.
GFF President Wayne Forde confirmed that the ambitious project is being funded through the stewardship of FIFA, with the federation conceptualising the programme as a specific “project” to secure the necessary international backing.
The GFF is set to invest approximately G$44M annually into these competitions to ensure sustainability.
The programme introduces national competitions for boys at U13, U15, and U17 levels across all nine Regional Associations.
Action is set to begin as early as May 16, with a U20 Men’s Championship slated to join the calendar in 2027.
President Forde described the launch as a transformational step, noting that the concept was the result of extensive collaboration rather than an overnight idea.
He stressed that while the increase in national team fixtures has placed a financial strain on the federation, this undertaking remains the most critical mission for the Guyanese football fraternity.
The programme represents a deliberate investment in the future of the youth and their communities. By instituting a sustainable annual calendar, the GFF aims to ensure young players are consistently engaged in meaningful competition while receiving technical support.
Guyana Football Federation President, Wayne Forde (PHOTO: Davin Ramanrine/News Room/May 9, 2026)
Technical Director Bryan Joseph highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative, noting that the framework mirrors successful models used by UEFA and U.S. soccer.
The programme is expected to engage roughly 130 clubs and impact over 3,000 young players, significantly widening the pool for national scouting.
The competition will be executed in two distinct phases. Initially, the Intra-Association Phase will see regional leagues organised for registered clubs.
This will lead into the National Championship Playoffs, where the top two teams from each region will battle through a round-robin and knockout format to be crowned National Club Champions.
A core component of the Youth Ensemble is the strict adherence to child safeguarding. In line with the GFF’s memorandum of understanding with the Rights of the Child Commission and FIFA’s global safeguarding standards, the programme incorporates mandatory risk management and education protocols.
To maximise participation, matches will be held in various communities throughout Guyana and the schedule will be strategically aligned with school holidays and international tournament cycles, ensuring that the pathway from grassroots football to the national team is clearer and more efficient than ever before.
As part of efforts to expand Guyana’s film industry and orange economy, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said that the country will be partnering with the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
“We’ll have a massive showing there because we’re taking a strategic decision to collaborate with the TIFF officials and the organisation to help us build out that orange economy,” the President said on Saturday a major Guyana diaspora engagement event at the Pearson Centre in Brampton, Ontario.
The TIFF is Canada’s premier home of cinema. It ranks among the most prestigious international film festivals in the world. This year it will be held from September 10 to 20.
Days ago, President Ali engaged TIFF’s Chief Executive Officer, Cameron Bailey, to explore collaboration aimed at strengthening Guyana’s growing film and creative industries.
In a Facebook post, the President said discussions focused on expanding global platforms for Guyanese storytellers, filmmakers, artists, and creatives to showcase their talent, culture, and stories to international audiences. It was also noted that Guyana will have a strong presence at this year’s festival, highlighting Guyanese film, music, fashion, culture, and storytelling on one of the world’s premier cultural stages.
The President confirmed this while speaking at the diaspora engagement event on Saturday.
“We want Guyana to be seen, to be heard, to be felt,” Dr. Ali said.
The President has increasingly spoken about expanding the orange economy, which refers to all economic ventures related to creativity, culture, and innovation. In Houston, Texas, where he was before travelling to Canada, the President said e wants movies to be written and produced in Guyana. He also believes TV shows, like the survival-themed reality competition shows ‘Naked and Afraid’ or ‘Survivor’, could be filmed right in the tiny South American nation.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, during engagement in Region Six
Residents and farmers during the engagement on Saturday
Rice cultivation in Region Six
