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Ballers Empire secured a momentous victory at the National Cultural Centre tarmac on Friday night, defeating Leopold Street in a high-octane final to be crowned the new Guinness Greatness of the Streets national champions.

The East Bank and West Demerara zone champions walked away with the $1,000,000 national grand prize after a gruelling night of action that tested the stamina and resolve of Guyana’s elite street football teams.

Their journey to the summit was defined by clinical finishing and an ability to navigate high-pressure situations, culminating in a -1 victory over Georgetown’s Leopold Street in the final showdown.

The night began with an explosive quarter-final round that saw regional heavyweights fall by the wayside.

Ballers Empire signalled their intent early with a commanding 3-1 win over Island All-Stars, while Bent Street B matched that scoreline to eliminate Linden’s Swag Entertainment.

Elsewhere, Supenaam All-Stars kept Essequibo’s hopes alive with a narrow 1-0 win over Berbice’s Ballers United, and Leopold Street survived a five-goal thriller to edge out Mighty Ruler of Bartica 3-2.

The semi-finals proved to be an even tighter affair as the stakes intensified. Ballers Empire found themselves locked in a tactical 1-1 stalemate with Bent Street B, eventually breaking through to the final.

On the other side of the bracket, Leopold Street and Supenaam All-Stars could not be separated after regulation time, finishing goalless. It was the Georgetown side that held their nerve in the ensuing shootout, progressing with a 1-0 win on penalties.

In the championship match, Leopold Street fought valiantly to keep the trophy in the capital, but they were ultimately undone by the relentless pace of Ballers Empire.

The 2-1 result sparked wild celebrations for the ETB/WBD representatives, while Leopold Street collected $400,000 for their second-place finish.

The third-place playoff was a repeat of the night’s trend of narrow margins. Bent Street B and Supenaam All-Stars played to a 1-1 draw, forcing yet another penalty shootout.

Bent Street B emerged 2-1 victors from the spot to claim the $200,000 prize, leaving the spirited Supenaam side with fourth place and $100,000.

 

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Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) today announced the arrival of the first shipment of high-yield milking cows from the United States of America, marking a historic turning point for Guyana’s dairy industry. The 89 pregnant heifers, arriving via a specialised Amerijet charter at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), represent the first batch of a US$30 million investment by Demerara Dairy Inc. (DDI) to slash national dependence on imported dairy.

The arrival at 3:30 a.m. kicked off a sophisticated, three-hour logistics operation. Following strict biosecurity protocols, the cattle were transferred from aircraft to a fleet of flatbed trucks and transported under police escort to their new home at Moblissa on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway.

Specialists from the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) and DDL executives oversaw the process to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare. The heifers are now being acclimated in a state-of-the-art facility designed with modern climate-control amenities to ensure maximum comfort and productivity.

This project is more than a farm; it is a strategic pillar in Guyana’s bid to lead the CARICOM “25 by 2025” food security initiative. By producing fresh, high-quality milk locally, DDI aims to displace a significant portion of the tens of millions of US dollars currently spent annually on dairy imports.

“The arrival of these ‘first cows’ is indisputable testimony to DDL’s commitment to being a game-changer,” said Komal Samaroo, DDL Executive Chairman. Samaroo added that ,”We are not just building a farm; we are building a sustainable industry that will transform Guyana’s agribusiness sector and provide long-term food security for the region.”

The successful arrival and transfer was made possible through the seamless cooperation of several state agencies. DDL extends its profound gratitude to: The Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) the Guyana Police Force (GPF) as well as all the ground handlers, equipment operators and the staff of DDI for their diligent work which ensured an accident free and smooth operation on Saturday morning. (DDL)

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See below the full release from the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada: 

(May 8, 2026) Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the President of Guyana, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, in Toronto, Ontario.

The leaders emphasised the strong ties between Canada and Guyana, strengthened by over 100,000 Canadians of Guyanese ancestry. Guyana is one of Canada’s largest trading partners among the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The leaders discussed Canada’s role as a reliable trade and investment partner, and opportunities to increase Canadian investment in Guyana in a range of sectors, including energy, technology, agriculture, and mining.

Prime Minister Carney conveyed his best wishes for the Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce’s Business Forum taking place in Toronto this week, celebrating 60 years of Guyana’s independence and diplomatic ties with Canada. The Prime Minister looks forward to visiting Guyana in the future.

The Prime Minister and the President agreed to remain in close contact.

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Twenty-eight overs into the contest in Jaipur, Rajasthan Royals (RR) were keeping pace with Gujarat Titans (GT). They were 86 for 3 in seven overs, chasing 230.

Dhruv Jurel looked like he had excised his slow-batting demons. He was on 24 off 9 and ready to go bigger. Then, Rashid Khan spun one past Jurel’s slog to peg back his stumps. It was the first of his four wickets. On a night of a spin chokeholds by both RR and GT, Rashid’s spell of 4 for 36 was the point of difference between both sides.

At the end of it all, GT zoomed up to second spot in the points table with 14 points. It was their fourth consecutive win, as they continued their late surge in this IPL.

Earlier in the evening, half-centuries from Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan – and their 118-run opening partnership – headlined GT’s biggest IPL score outside Ahmedabad.

They had been greeted by an all-pink Jaipur. RR’s jerseys were the same colour, in honour of their women’s empowerment movement.

By the end of the powerplay, Gill and Sudharsan couldn’t have felt more at home themselves. They had raced away to 82 for 0, and alongside Rashid’s spell, they headlined a 77-run win. (ESPNcricinfo) 

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A 36-year-old taxi driver of South Sophia, Georgetown, is critical at the Georgetown Public Hospital after he was stabbed by another driver at Farmers Field, Plum Park, Sophia. The incident occurred on Friday, May 8, 2026, at about 23:45 hours.

Police said the taxi driver was driving along the road with a female passenger, while the suspect, a 34-year-old painter of South Sophia, was driving in the opposite direction. Whilst in the vicinity of a barber shop, both vehicles came alongside each other and neither was able to pass clearly, resulting in an argument between the victim and the suspect which escalated into a physical altercation.

The suspect allegedly armed himself with a knife and dealt the victim a stab to the middle of his chest, after which the blade broke and remained lodged in the victim’s chest.

The victim subsequently drove to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Accident and Emergency Unit, where he was examined by a doctor on duty and admitted a patient. His condition is listed as critical.

The suspect was arrested at the scene and escorted to the Prashad Nagar Police Outpost, where he was placed in custody. He was subsequently taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for medical attention.

A brown wooden knife handle, believed to be part of the weapon used, was recovered at the scene. CCTV cameras were observed in the area and are presently being reviewed as part of the investigation.

The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue.

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Police at the Bourda Market Police Outpost on Friday evening attempted to stop a motorcyclist who was riding up the one-way at Orange Walk. However, the identifiable male sped away, colliding with a motor car and a nearby barrier.

As a result, he lost control of the motorcycle, during which a suspected firearm fell onto the roadway from his person.

Police said the rider then regained balance and made good his escape further north along Orange Walk. The suspected firearm was picked up from the roadway and was observed to be a black and silver 9mm Girsan pistol with four matching 9mm rounds of ammunition.

The firearm was escorted to the Criminal Investigation Department, where it was lodged pending investigation.

Investigations are ongoing.

 

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See below the full release from GBTI: 

Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) has introduced a new mortgage rate structure, with rates starting as low as 3%, effective May 1, 2026. 

The new rates are designed to make homeownership more affordable for Guyanese families, whether they are buying their first home, building a home, or refinancing an existing mortgage. 

The rates apply across every loan size, from low–income housing and young professional housing to high–value properties. 

The new mortgage rates are:

1. Loans up to $4 million- 3.5% interest
2. $4 million to $9 milion- 3.7%
3. $9 million to $20 million- 4.25%
4. $20 million to $40 million – 4.75%
5. $40 million to $60 million- 4.99%
6. Above $60 million- 5.25% to 6.5% (negotiable)

Loans up to $30M in project cost may also qualify under GBTI’s Low–Income Housing Loan category, creating more affordable financing options for first–time buyers. 

SAVE EVEN MORE WITH GBTI ADVANTAGE 

Customers who do more with GBTI can reduce their mortgage rate by up to 50 basis points through the GBTI Advantage programme. 

This means customers may save on monthly payments by combining their mortgage with other GBTI services such as salary banking, credit cards, insurance, and investments. 

How to apply 

The new mortgage rates and GBTI Advantage programme are now available. Customers can: 

• Visit any GBTI branch nationwide 
• Call the GBTI Customer Service Centre 
• Visit gbtibank.com to learn more or start an application Terms and conditions apply. All applications are subject to GBTI’s lending criteria. 

MORE THAN A MORTGAGE, A PARTNERSHIP THAT PAYS 

Speaking on the announcement, Senior Manager of Marketing, Pernell Cummings, said:

“We want every Guyanese family to know that owning a home is more achievable than ever. Through our new rates and GBTI Advantage, customers can be rewarded for doing more with GBTI. This is about real savings, real value, and a banking relationship that grows with you.”

Chief Executive Officer Shawn Gurcharran added:

“At GBTI, we value long-term partnerships. From your first savings account to your first home, your first car, your first credit card, and your prime life account, we want to support you at every stage. ‘Seeing Guyana Through Your Eyes’ is more than a tagline for us; it is a guiding principle.”

 

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The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) with assistance from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have seized 15 pieces of mining equipment, including engines, excavators and pumps, have been seized following repeated warnings to errant miners within the Walabaka Four Miles area in Mining District #5 who have been discharging tailings (waste materials) in the Walabaka Basin.

See full statement below:

The Ministry of Natural Resources wishes to inform the public that enforcement action has been taken to address the illegal discharge of tailings (waste materials) by errant miners within the Walabaka Four Miles area in Mining District #5.

The Walabaka Basin has been a source of concern since late 2024 due to persistently high levels of turbidity, commonly referred to as muddy water, resulting from mining activity within the area.

Over the past several months, the Mines Technical and Environmental Departments of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) have been working with operators to improve the containment of tailings and prevent the release of sediment-laden water into nearby waterways.

Despite these interventions, some errant miners continued to directly discharge tailings and release turbid water from holding ponds into the Walabaka Creek. This has had a direct impact on Pump Creek, where the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) pumps water for treatment and distribution to residents of Port Kaituma.

On April 15, 2026, Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Vickram Bharrat and Minister of Housing, Hon. Collin Croal visited the area and issued a stern warning to miners who were contributing to the pollution. The miners were given two weeks to bring their operations into compliance and were clearly advised that failure to take corrective action would result in consequences.

Despite this caution, the reckless discharge continued. As a result, hundreds of residents of Port Kaituma were affected by GWI’s inability to supply water due to the high levels of turbidity caused by irresponsible miners.

In response, the GGMC enforcement team, supported by members of the Guyana Police Force, was deployed to the Walabaka area on May 4, 2026. The team has since taken the necessary enforcement action to remedy the situation. To date, more than 15 pieces of mining equipment, including engines, excavators and pumps, have been seized. This enforcement exercise remains ongoing.

The Ministry of Natural Resources wishes to make it clear that while mining remains an important pillar of Guyana’s economy, it must be conducted responsibly and in full compliance with the law. Operators are required to take all necessary steps to prevent environmental damage, protect water sources and safeguard the health and wellbeing of communities.

The ministry, through the GGMC, will continue to monitor the Walabaka drainage basin and other mining areas across the country to ensure compliance with environmental and mining regulations. Operators who continue to act in disregard of the law will be held accountable.

The ministry also assures residents of Port Kaituma and surrounding communities that their concerns are being treated with urgency. The Government of Guyana remains committed to ensuring that mining development does not come at the expense of public health, clean water access, or environmental protection.

 

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The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) has received the first batch of Adidas products in keeping with the multi-year agreement signed between the local governing body for track and field and the global apparel brand.

On Friday afternoon, representatives of the clubs affiliated to the AAG received a quantity of spikes and training sneakers at the Guyana Olympic Association headquarters at Liliendaal.

The partnership with the German brand, facilitated by Guyanese Cubie Seegobin, is premised on equipment and financial support to local athletes.

This initial payout in the four-year deal is worth US$300,000, which covers equipment only.

Before making the presentation to clubs, President of the AAG Amanda Hermonstine and General Secretary Dr. James Cole underscored the significance of the moment for local track and field.

Hermonstine expressed “since gratitude to Adidas for honouring the partnership agreement signed in 2025.”

“In 2026, this commitment has become a reality as we receive the first consignment of performance gear- sneakers, running shoes, spikes etc.”

The AAG head stated that the arrival of the equipment on these shores signals an investment in Guyanese track and field, as she thanked “Adidas for believing in our athletes and Mr. Cubie Seegobin for being instrumental in the process.”

Dr. Cole reminded the gathering of athletes, coaches and club executives that the four-year arrangement with Adidas will deliver US$300,000 worth of equipment/apparel each for two years and US$250,000 worth of equipment/apparel each for the other two years.

“In terms of youth development, we will receive US$20,000 in training apparel and it will be given to young athletes in the various clubs,” the General Secretary announced.

Dr. Cole said the expectation is that clubs will ensure their athletes benefit directly from the partnership, stressing that those entrusted with the equipment/apparel should not engage in the sale of same.

“Should we, in any form or fashion, receive any complain from any club that is in such malpractice, the executives of that club will be dealt with accordingly,” Dr. Cole warned.

The clubs receiving equipment on Friday were Running Brave, Super Upcoming Runners, Police Progressive Youth, Hope Town Flames, Ruralities Athletics Club, Upper Demerara, N.A. United, Mercury Fast Laners, De Challenger, Titans, Guyana Defence Force, Christianburg Wisburg Secondary School, Fury Tenason Athletics Club, Team Nice and Bladen Hall.

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With preparations intensifying ahead of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Shield tournament in July, Slingerz Football Club will head to Linden on Saturday (May 9) for a high-profile encounter against the Linden Town Week Inter-Ward champions at the Bayroc National Stadium.

Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00h, with the Georgetown-based club set to face the Blueberry Hill/Alleys/Valleys/Christianburg combination team, winners of the recently concluded Linden Town Week Football tournament organised by the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation.

A Linden versus Georgetown Veteran game will serve as the supporting match-up from 17:00h.

The fixture forms part of Slingerz FC’s ongoing preparation programme for the CFU Club Shield competition in Trinidad and Tobago, where the club will represent Guyana on the regional stage.

Slingerz FC’s Head Coach, Jamaal Shabazz, said the match is an important component of the club’s efforts to ensure the players are fully prepared for the demands of regional competition.

“As Guyana’s representative in the CFU Club Shield, Slingerz Football Club is committed to ensuring that the team is adequately prepared to proudly represent both the club and country on the Caribbean stage,” Shabazz stated.

The experienced Trinidad and Tobago coach explained that the club has strengthened its roster significantly in recent weeks, adding several overseas-based players as part of its push to compete at a higher level.

“We have boosted the squad with the inclusion of players from The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Cameroon, and this match in Linden gives us another valuable opportunity to see the players in action and continue building chemistry within the team,” Shabazz noted.

The encounter is also expected to provide football fans in Linden with an opportunity to witness top-level competition at the newly constructed Bayroc National Stadium, a venue Shabazz praised highly.

“Linden has produced several outstanding footballers over the years, and I’m very pleased to see football returning strongly in the community with an even better venue than before,” he said.

Shabazz also encouraged football supporters across Linden and surrounding communities to come out and support the event, noting that the presence of a club like Slingerz FC can help inspire local players.

“Seeing Slingerz FC in action in Linden can help boost the competitive spirit of players in the community, while at the same time helping our club continue its preparations. We are looking forward to a good match and strong support from the fans,” Shabazz added.

Slingerz FC qualified for the CFU Club Shield after winning last season’s Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League with an unbeaten record.

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