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Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli held off McLaren’s Lando Norris in a race-long battle to win the Miami Grand Prix and take a commanding championship lead.

The 19-year-old Italian’s third win in a row moves him 20 points – not far from a clear win – ahead of team-mate George Russell, who finished fourth on Sunday, behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri.

Antonelli prevailed in a gripping race, initially staging a three-car fight also including Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, before the race distilled down to a tussle between the Mercedes and Norris.

The long-threatened rain, which had caused the race start to be brought forward by three hours, never materialised, apart from a few spots mid-race, and the grand prix ran its distance in dry conditions.

“This is just the beginning. The road is still long. We are working super hard and the team is doing an incredible job,” Antonelli said.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen recovered from a first-lap spin to finish fifth. However, the Dutchman faces an investigation from the stewards for crossing the white line on pit exit, while Russell is under investigation for separate incidents with both Leclerc and Verstappen.

The key stories in Miami were:

• Another win for Antonelli, who has won three of the first four races to put pre-season favourite Russell in the shade and become the first driver to win from his first three poles
• A revival for McLaren after upgrades this weekend and a strong drive from Norris
• A full-on race for Verstappen, including a rare mistake, a fightback and some on-the-edge racing
• Many examples of the “yo-yo racing” that has characterised this new season and has split opinion

Antonelli overcomes another poor start

Antonelli took this win despite another poor start – he has now lost places off the line in all four grands prix and both sprint events this season.

His Mercedes was swamped by Leclerc’s fast-starting Ferrari from fourth on one side and Verstappen on the other on the run to the first corner.

Verstappen went to the inside, but ran deep and as he fought to retain the lead, Leclerc squeezed him at Turn Two, and the four-time champion lost control on the kerb, spinning a full 360 degrees with the entire field behind him.

He quickly regained control but had dropped to 10th place and now out of the fight for victory, a blow on a weekend on which Red Bull appeared to return to competitiveness.

That left Leclerc leading from Antonelli and Norris, and the yo-yo fighting began, caused by varying rates of battery charge.

Antonelli took the lead on lap four, only for Leclerc to pass back a lap later, before a safety car was sent out after two separate accidents on lap six.

Isack Hadjar crashed his Red Bull on his own at the final chicane and Pierre Gasly’s Alpine was tipped into a somersault by Liam Lawson’s Racing Bulls at the final corner. (BBC)

 

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Chase’s Academic Foundation produced a display of clinical attacking football to dismantle Santa Rosa Secondary 6-0 and secure the 12th Massy Distribution U-18 School Football title on Saturday evening.

In a highly anticipated rematch of the 2023 final, Chase left no room for a repeat heartbreak.

The Region One outfit had triumphed in their previous meeting, but this contest was effectively ended as a spectacle within the opening quarter of an hour at the Ministry of Education Ground.

The blitz began almost immediately on Carifesta Avenue, with Dimani Hardy finding the back of the net just two minutes into the match.

The pressure remained relentless as Shaquan David doubled the advantage in the 14th minute, followed immediately by another two minutes later to leave the Santa Rosa reeling.

David continued his prolific evening by adding his third in the 43rd minute, ensuring Chase headed into the halftime break with a commanding 4-0 lead and total control of the midfield.

Santa Rosa’s hopes of a second-half resurgence were further dampened shortly after the restart. Dane Phillips was dismissed in the 50th minute after receiving his second yellow card, leaving the defending champions a man down and facing an impossible mountain to climb.

Two minutes prior, Onesi Dunn scored the fifth for Chase.

Chase capitalised on the numerical advantage as Mark Glasgow netted in the 77th minute, sparking jubilant celebrations from the Chase supporters.

This victory marks the fifth title for Chase’s Academic Foundation in eight final appearances, firmly establishing their dominance in the competition.

The championship win earns the school G$300,000 toward a project, while Santa Rosa and third-placed West Ruimveldt receive G$200,000 and G$100,000, respectively.

Earlier in the evening, the third-place playoff provided a more cagey affair between West Ruimveldt and Charlestown Secondary. After both sides failed to break the deadlock during regulation and extra time, West Ruimveldt held their nerve to triumph 4-2 in a penalty shootout.

The trophy was presented to the victors by Steven Jacobs, Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, alongside Minister of Housing Collin Croal and Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah Browne-Shadeek.

Beyond the immediate silverware, the tournament serves as a crucial qualifying stage for the year-end League tournament. Joining the three podium finishers in the top eight are Charlestown Secondary, Three Mile Secondary, New Amsterdam Secondary, Annandale Secondary, and St. Joseph High.

The top two schools from that upcoming league will earn the opportunity to represent Guyana on the international stage this December.

 

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As Guyana observes World Press Freedom Day 2026, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips used the occasion to reflect on the role of the media in national development, while acknowledging both progress and ongoing challenges facing the press.

Speaking at a media appreciation luncheon on Sunday, held under the global theme “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security,” Phillips described the press as a central pillar of democracy and national life.

The observance coincides with Guyana’s 60th anniversary of Independence, a milestone the Prime Minister said provides an opportunity to assess the country’s institutional development, including the evolution of its media environment.

Phillips emphasized that the press plays a critical function beyond information sharing, highlighting its role in fostering accountability, shaping public discourse, and documenting the country’s history.

He paid tribute to deceased journalists, acknowledged the contributions of veteran media practitioners, and recognized the work of current professionals navigating a rapidly changing information landscape. He also encouraged emerging journalists to approach the profession with integrity and responsibility.

The Prime Minister pointed to several contemporary challenges affecting media globally and locally, including:

* The spread of misinformation and disinformation, particularly on digital platforms

* The impact of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, on content creation and credibility

* The balance between speed and accuracy in reporting

* Economic pressures affecting the sustainability of media organisations

He noted that these factors have made maintaining public trust in the media both more complex and more important.

Phillips underscored the importance of access to timely and accurate information, stating that strong systems supporting transparency and responsiveness are essential for effective journalism.

He also acknowledged that the financial viability of media organisations is closely linked to their independence and the quality of reporting.

Reflecting on Guyana’s history, the Prime Minister acknowledged periods when press freedom was limited and relations between the State and media were strained.

He said that since the restoration of democratic governance in 1992, Guyana has made steady progress toward a more open and participatory society, with a more diverse and accessible media environment.

However, he noted that progress should be viewed as ongoing rather than complete.

On the policy front, Phillips highlighted government efforts to support media development, including:

* Investment in training through the Guyana Media and Communication Academy

* Participation in international initiatives such as the Media Freedom Coalition

He also referenced global press freedom assessments, including those by Reporters Without Borders, stating that while such reports are important, they may not always fully capture national contexts and developments.

The Prime Minister stressed that press freedom must be accompanied by responsible journalism, noting that adherence to standards of accuracy, fairness, and integrity is essential to maintaining credibility and public trust.

Phillips said that as Guyana moves forward beyond 60 years of independence, the media will continue to play a key role in shaping national development and public engagement.

He called for continued constructive engagement between the government and media, guided by mutual respect and a shared commitment to the country’s progress.

World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on May 3 to highlight the importance of a free press and to evaluate the state of media independence worldwide.

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The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has increased patrols in areas with a high concentration of Chinese-owned businesses as part of efforts to curb robberies under arms.

Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken said the initiative forms part of a targeted approach to crime prevention.

“We’ve dissected the Chinese establishments in all the regions and they (the areas of the establishments) became part of the patrol now…and that should stem the robbery,” Hicken said.

He made the remarks during the GPF’s Police Round-Up programme, where he also expressed confidence that crime levels could continue to decline with sustained measures.

Over the past year, several Chinese-owned businesses, including supermarkets and restaurants, have been targeted by armed robberies, prompting increased security attention in those areas.

The Commissioner also highlighted the role of CCTV command centres in supporting law enforcement efforts, noting that surveillance systems have aided in detecting and responding to criminal activity.

“Last night we were looking at the cameras and after we realised what was going on, we stopped a robbery,” he said, adding that similar monitoring can be conducted across the country.

“…if something occurs, we’re going to sweep down on it right away, and it’s a prevention,” he added.

Hicken also issued a warning to individuals engaged in criminal activity.

“Those who are wearing masks and still doing wrong, we will find you,” he said.

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The national Men’s 3×3 basketball team made a strong showing at the Caribbean Clash 3×3 Lite Quest in Suriname, but their journey ended in the semi-finals after a 21-17 defeat to St. Maarten.

The team, represented by Akil Hughes, Travis Belgrave, Nikkoloi Smith and Shelroy Thomas, had a mixed yet impressive performance throughout the eight-team, two-day tournament.

Their most exciting moment came in the quarter-finals, where they fought through a nail-biting 22-20 overtime victory over Team Georgetown from the USA, with Belgrave hitting the game-winner.

That win saw them picking up a spot in the penultimate round, where they hoped to keep their momentum going.

With a spot in the FIBA 3×3 Challenger in Brazil on the line, the team fell just short.

On the opening day, Guyana showed promise, winning two out of three games in the group stage.

They bounced off their campaign with a narrow 15-14 victory over Suriname, then followed it up with a solid 21-17 win against Trinidad and Tobago.

Those victories gave the squad a boost of confidence going into their final group match, but unfortunately, they suffered a 15-20 loss to St. Lucia, which ultimately left them in second place in the group.

Despite the disappointment of being knocked out in the semi-finals, the team’s overall performance in Suriname is a positive sign for the future of 3×3 basketball in Guyana.

According to the GBF, the  tournament was not just an opportunity to test their skills, but also a critical part of the team’s preparations for major upcoming events, including the Commonwealth Games and the Central American and Caribbean Games, where Guyana will make its debut in 3×3 basketball.

The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) has been instrumental in pushing for the development of the sport in the country, and the tournament in Suriname was part of their strategy to prepare the team for the international stage.

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Sunrisers Hyderabad missed out on the chance to move top of the Indian Premier League, losing by seven wickets to Kolkata Knight Riders.

Having chosen to bat, Sunrisers collapsed from 105-1 to 165 all out with an over to spare.

After losing Abhishek Sharma for 15, Travis Head (61) and Ishan Kishan (42) shared a second-wicket partnership of 61, before the former’s wicket halted Sunrisers’ innings.

No subsequent batter scored more than 11, while Head was the first of three batters to fall to leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy (3-36).

Kolkata captain Ajinkya Rahane (43) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (59) put on 84 for the second wicket in their side’s reply as they eased towards their target.

Both batters fell, but Rinku Singh (22*) and Cameron Green (3*) ensured the visitors reached their target with 10 balls remaining.

Sunrisers sit third with six wins from 10 games, while Kolkata remain eighth having won three of their nine matches. (BBC)

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Mohamad Shairaz Roshandin, President of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC), utilised his attendance at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix to facilitate high-level discussions aimed at accelerating motorsport development throughout the region.

During the event, Roshandin met with Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), to explore strategic growth opportunities across the Caribbean and Latin America. Roshandin characterised the meeting as a productive, forward-looking engagement focused on the sport’s evolution.

He noted that the discussions centred on the current trajectory of regional racing and the necessary steps to ensure a sustainable and professional future for the industry.

This diplomatic engagement aligns with the GMR&SC’s recent commitment to host the GT3 Americas Challenge, an initiative poised to transform the local racing landscape.

The introduction of the GT3 series represents a significant milestone for Guyanese motorsport, underpinned by a period of historic infrastructure investment.

Extensive upgrades are currently underway at the South Dakota Circuit to ensure the facility meets rigorous GT3 standards.

These improvements are expected to serve as a catalyst for the broader expansion of motorsport within Guyana, providing a world-class venue for international competition.

The GT3 Americas Challenge is officially scheduled to take place from July 11–12, 2026. (Modified GMR&SC Press Release) 

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As the world observes World Press Freedom Day 2026, the Guyana Press Association (GPA) has joined the global community in reaffirming the critical role of a free and independent media in advancing peace, human rights and sustainable development.

This year’s theme — “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development, and Security” — resonates strongly in Guyana, where democratic institutions continue to evolve and the media plays a vital role in national progress.

The GPA emphasised that press freedom in Guyana is not only a professional responsibility but also a key pillar for stability, transparency and informed decision-making. A media environment that allows journalists to operate freely and access information is seen as essential to ensuring accountability and public trust.

Central to this is the effective implementation of the Access to Information Act. The Association noted that a fully operational and user-friendly system would strengthen transparency and provide citizens with timely, credible information.

Journalists were encouraged to continue pursuing their work with integrity and courage, recognising their contribution to shaping a peaceful and informed society. At the same time, the GPA highlighted the importance of collaboration among government, opposition, civil society and other stakeholders to create an enabling environment where information is readily accessible.

Such cooperation, the Association noted, would empower citizens across Guyana to make informed decisions that contribute to national development.

The GPA also pointed to the growing role of technology in the media landscape, stressing that digital tools should be used to expand access to information rather than restrict it. Ensuring the free flow of accurate and relevant information remains critical not only for freedom of expression but also for broader human development and security.

Beyond daily news reporting, the Association acknowledged the wider scope of journalism — including features, documentaries and in-depth discussions — in examining national challenges and exploring solutions.

The GPA is encouraging all stakeholders, including policymakers, academia and civil society, to work collaboratively in strengthening press freedom and transparency in Guyana. It believes that a unified approach will support long-term national development, regardless of political differences.

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A 21-year-old male of 9 Field, Sophia and a 20-year-old male of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara (ECD) are receiving medical attention under police guard at the Enmore Regional Hospital after robbing a shop at Unity, Mahaica, ECD.

Police said investigation revealed that the incident occurred at around 12:05h on Saturday.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim, a 32 year old shop keeper, was in her shop when the men approached and demanded money. The men then reportedly began searching through drawers and other areas of the shop for cash.

The victim allegedly ran from the shop, during which the suspects discharged a round in her direction. She subsequently fainted and was taken to hospital by public-spirited citizens.

The suspects then attempted to flee; however, they were pursued by persons in the area along with police ranks. During the pursuit, they reportedly collided with a motor car and were apprehended by ranks.

A firearm and motorcycle were recovered, and both suspects, a are presently receiving medical attention at the for multiple injuries.

Investigations are ongoing.

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A bulletproof police vest and two handcuffs are among items discovered in a garbage heap at Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Friday at around 22:00h.

Police said acting on information received, ranks went to the location where a search was conducted at a garbage heap located on the southern parapet near a trench in the area.

During the exercise, ranks discovered one green duffle bag containing one Vintage Marksman Repeater .177 calibre BB gun, one BSA 240 Magnum .22 air pistol, one G3 Nightingale airsoft pistol with magazine, one Brass Eagle Samurai paintball marker gun with tank, one bottom half of an airsoft pistol frame with magazine, two pairs of handcuffs and one bulletproof vest.

The items were taken to the Grove Police Station, where they were lodged pending investigation.

No arrests have been made. Investigations are ongoing.

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