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Amateur boxing in Guyana is enjoying a bona fide boom period, and the numbers ahead of this weekend’s Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Development Tournament prove it.

National coach Lennox Daniels has revealed that close to 60 fighters have already registered for Saturday’s showpiece at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue.

It is a staggering turnout that underscores the sport’s rapid upward trajectory in Guyana.

For a tournament that used to fit comfortably inside small community gyms, the sheer volume of competitors has forced a mandatory move to larger arenas.

This isn’t just growth; it is an aggressive, grassroots overhaul that is reshaping the local boxing landscape.

The GBA’s blueprint is simple: consistent competition breeds elite athletes.

Daniels, who has been instrumental in steering the national programme, believes the structured pathway now available to young Guyanese fighters is exactly what the sport has been crying out for.

“So far, we are looking at almost 60 boxers for Saturday’s tournament, and that number itself tells a story,” Daniels said. “The interest continues to grow, and more gyms are becoming active in the developmental programme, which is exactly what we want to see.

“You cannot develop a boxer without competition, and what the GBA has been doing through these developmental cards is creating the perfect environment for growth.”

The beauty of the current setup lies in its geographic diversity. No longer is the talent pool confined to one or two dominant pockets of Georgetown. Instead, a fierce, healthy rivalry has emerged across the regions.

When the first bell rings at 17:00h on Saturday, a fiercely competitive balance will be on display.

A massive contingent of the country’s brightest young prospects will represent a diverse stable of gyms, all looking to stake their claim as the new epicentre of Guyanese boxing.

The heavy hitters expected to deploy sizeable squads include:

• Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis Gym
• Pace and Power Boxing Gym
• Rose Hall Jammers
• New Amsterdam Boxing Academy
• Police Boxing Gym
• Harpy Eagles Boxing Gym

What the GBA has effectively built is a conveyor belt to the international stage, as in previous eras, promising fighters often slipped through the cracks due to a lack of activity or direction. Today, the system provides a clear, motivating ladder for any disciplined teenager walking into a gym for the first time.

“A boxer can now enter the programme at the grassroots level, participate in developmental tournaments, improve steadily, and eventually graduate to national and international competition,” Daniels added.

“That structure is very important because it gives athletes motivation and direction.” (Modified GBA Press Release) 

 

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Gucci will become title partner to Renault’s Alpine Formula One team ​from the 2027 season, the Italian luxury brand said on Wednesday.

Alpine, whose current title partner is Austrian ‌water treatment company BWT, will race as Gucci Racing Alpine Formula One Team.

The announcement is Gucci’s latest in a string of high-profile moves to boost its visibility and revive sales after years of decline. Earlier this month, it staged a major runway show in New York’s Times Square to grab ​global attention.

The collaboration will be part of Gucci Racing, which Gucci says will be “a new business and experiential ​platform built around the values of performance, precision, discipline, and excellence at the intersection of luxury ⁠and sport.”

For luxury brands confronted with falling global demand for their prized handbags and dresses, exclusive events, such as Formula ​One racing, have emerged as a major new playing field.

In 2024, Liberty Media-owned Formula One clinched a multi-year deal with ​French luxury giant LVMH (LVMH.PA), opens new tab valued at over $100 million.

The Gucci deal, for which no financials were disclosed, will make the brand the first luxury fashion house to lend its name to a racing team, the company said.

The tie-up also brings the brand closer to the world of Luca de ​Meo, the CEO of Gucci’s French parent company Kering, who previously served as Renault’s chief executive.

“Formula One has evolved far ​beyond sport to become one of the world’s most powerful premium content platforms, reaching over 1.5 billion people each season and inspiring a ‌rapidly ⁠expanding, younger and increasingly female audience,” said de Meo.

“We see it as a unique platform for a luxury brand to push boundaries, spark meaningful connections and build long-term value and brand desirability, while delivering measurable and lasting impact.”

Alpine’s team is run by Italian businessman Flavio Briatore, a friend and longtime ally of de Meo, who first entered Formula One with the Benetton team ​in 1990.

Briatore was described early ​in his F1 career ⁠as a “T-shirt salesman” but is now known for far more expensive tastes as an operator of high-end nightclubs and restaurants and owner of the “Billionaire” brand.

Briatore said he was incredibly proud of ​the deal.

“Not only that, but I am also excited about the possibilities the partnership with ​Gucci brings and ⁠the great things we can achieve together at a global level,” he said.

“The Enstone Team has a history of doing things differently to others and has previously shown that fashion can finish first in Formula One,” Briatore said, referring to Alpine’s Oxfordshire base.

As ⁠Benetton, the ​team won titles with Michael Schumacher in 1994 and 1995 and then ​as Renault with Fernando Alonso in 2005 and 2006.

Alpine were last of all the teams in 2025 but have started 2026 strongly and are fifth of ​11 after five rounds. (Reuters) 

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Union Lodge No. 247 ER, in collaboration with the Lions Club of Durban Park, continues its support of Uncle Eddie’s Home through ongoing rehabilitation initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of residents and enhancing the facility’s environment.

As part of this collaborative effort, Union Lodge No. 247 ER recently contributed GYD $500,000 toward rehabilitation works at the Home, with the funds specifically supporting the construction of a gazebo designed to create a safe and comfortable outdoor space for residents. The space will provide an area where residents can enjoy fresh air, socialize, and participate in activities that promote wellbeing and community interaction.

Master Robert Hiscock, together with Past Master Gerald Burch-Smith, formally presented the contribution to President Carole James Boston, SC, on behalf of the Lions Club of Durban Park, reaffirming the shared commitment of both organizations to supporting the important work being carried out at Uncle Eddie’s Home.

Uncle Eddie’s Home continues to provide vital care and support to its residents and relies heavily on the collective efforts of individuals, organizations, and the wider community to sustain and enhance the services it provides. Partnerships such as this between Union Lodge No. 247 ER and the Lions Club of Durban Park play an important role in improving both the physical environment and overall wellbeing of those under its care.

Charity has long been regarded as one of the core principles of Freemasonry, reflecting a commitment to service, compassion, and the relief of those in need. Through initiatives such as these, Union Lodge No. 247 ER continues to uphold these values by extending support beyond the walls of the Lodge and contributing meaningfully to the wider community.

In addition to the financial contribution, the brethren of Union Lodge No. 247 ER have also committed their time and support toward the broader initiative, reinforcing the Lodge’s dedication to service, charity, and community development (Press release) 

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The Guyana Police Force on Thursday issued wanted bulletins for three men as investigations continue into the discovery of ten AK-47 rifles at Corentyne, Berbice.

The men wanted are Antonio Alonzo Lawrie, also known as Lanzo, of Farm Village, East Bank Demerara, and Lot 72 Grant 1805 Crabwood Creek, Corentyne Berbice; Ryan Singh also known as Satan, of Parika Outfall Seadam, East Bank Essequibo; and Gregory Anthony Persaud, also known as Satan, of 15 Area ‘G’ Ogle, East Coast Demerara, and Farm Village, East Coast Demerara.

On Thursday, the police revealed that these men are wanted as investigators probe the alleged possession of firearm possession which led to the arrest and charge of a taxi driver, Stephen Rajah, of Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara.
Rajah appeared before the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court on Thursday where he was charged with possession of firearms. Rajah 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. Police said Rajah was arrested on Friday, 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.

According to investigators, the driver sped away from the scene and escaped.
Acting on information received, ranks later searched an area along the No. 11 Village Public Road, Corentyne, where ten AK-47 rifles wrapped in plastic and cloth were discovered.
Investigators said the weapons bore markings consistent with 7.62x39mm rifles and appeared to have been tampered with in an apparent attempt to obscure serial numbers.
Rajah was later intercepted at Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara, in the same vehicle and taken into custody as investigations continue.

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The Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating a shooting incident which left a 19-year-old labourer nursing a gunshot wound on Thursday morning at Block ‘E’ Sophia, Georgetown.

According to initial police enquiries, ranks on mobile patrol duty received information that the teen was wanted in connection with an alleged robbery under arms matter.

Police said the ranks later observed the suspect riding a motorcycle and attempted to intercept him. However, upon reaching the vicinity of his home, the teen reportedly abandoned the motorcycle and ran into his yard.

During the confrontation, a police rank discharged a round from his service firearm, striking the teenager to the left side of his abdomen.

The injured teen was subsequently apprehended and escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he remains a patient. Authorities said his condition is stable.

Investigators recovered one 9mm spent shell at the scene, while the firearm used by the rank has been lodged for examination.

The Office of Professional Responsibility has since launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

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Police are investigating a fatal mining incident which claimed the life of 25-year-old miner Ryan Roberts at Chi Chi Backdam, Upper Mazaruni River, on Tuesday afternoon.

Roberts, of Kwaimatta Village, North Rupununi, Region Nine, was reportedly working in a mining pit with several other workers at around 14:45hrs when a water hose burst.

According to preliminary investigations, while efforts were being made to secure the area, a section of the land suddenly gave way and collapsed into the pit.

The other workers managed to escape; however, Roberts became trapped beneath the fallen soil. He was later dug out by fellow workers but was found unresponsive. The body was subsequently taken to the Chinowing Health Centre, where a medex on duty examined him and pronounced him dead on arrival.

Police said Roberts’ body is currently at the Chi Chi Airstrip awaiting transportation to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation mortuary.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

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A bilateral partnership between the governments of Guyana and Barbados has resolved critical logistical constraints ahead of the West Indies men’s 2026 international home season.

The joint state-level intervention has successfully rescued the multi-match home itinerary against New Zealand, anchoring a newly finalised schedule announced by Cricket West Indies under its fresh regional marketing campaign, “WI OUTSIDE!”.

The international home season features multi-format visits from Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Pakistan, but administrative focus has centred heavily on the high-stakes negotiations required to preserve the New Zealand leg.

Operational bottlenecks originally jeopardised plans for Guyana to host the entire five-match One-Day International series dynamically. In response, the Guyanese administration initiated talks with its Barbadian counterparts to forge a cost-sharing and venue-partitioning framework to protect the fixtures.

Following a green light from New Zealand Cricket, the CWI Board approved the adjusted bilateral template.

Under the finalised agreement, the Guyana National Stadium will host the opening three ODIs on July 11, 13, and 16, before the series moves swiftly to Bridgetown, where the final two encounters will play out at Kensington Oval on July 19 and 21.

“Cricket West Indies engaged in discussions with the Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana regarding logistical challenges associated with hosting the five ODIs,” CWI CEO Chris Dehring explained regarding the mid-schedule correction.

“Subsequently, the Governments of Guyana and Barbados proposed a collaborative arrangement to share the matches and associated operational costs between the two territories.

Following consultation with New Zealand Cricket, Cricket West Indies approved the arrangement as part of its continued commitment to delivering a successful and memorable series for players, fans, and the wider Caribbean community.”

Dehring expressed substantial appreciation to the political leadership of both nations for acting decisively, noting that the board wished to express its “sincere gratitude to the Governments of Guyana and Barbados for their cooperative spirit, flexibility, and swift action in ensuring the series proceeds without disruption.”

The broader 2026 home calendar officially gets underway on June 3 in Jamaica, where Sabina Park is scheduled to host a brief white-ball package against Sri Lanka consisting of three ODIs and three T20Is across a two-week window.

The Sri Lankan tour then transitions to red-ball cricket with back-to-back Test matches at Antigua’s Sir Vivian Richards Stadium from late June through early July.

Following the New Zealand ODI series in Guyana and Barbados, Pakistan arrives in the Southern Caribbean for a highly anticipated two-Test tour of Trinidad and Tobago.

The first Test, running from July 25 to 29, represents a historic moment for regional infrastructure as the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba prepares to host its inaugural international Test match, before the series concludes at the traditional Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain.

Concurrently, the board is utilising the “WI OUTSIDE!” fan banner to spark a renewal in live gates across the territories. Dehring highlighted the campaign as a vital effort to re-engage communities, bring local schools into the matchday experience, and foster a festival atmosphere.

“West Indies cricket has always been about more than what happens on the field. It is about people, passion, culture, pride, and the unmatched energy that comes alive when our fans rally behind the maroon,” Dehring said.

“‘WI OUTSIDE!’ is a celebration of that spirit and an invitation to every cricket fan and proud West Indian to come out, fill the stands, wave their flags, and create the kind of atmosphere that makes West Indies cricket special. We want this summer to feel like a movement across the region, where fans are fully engaged with the team and part of the experience every step of the way.” (Modified CWI Press Release) 

Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets via https://tickets.windiescricket.com/

 

Full International Home Series Schedule:

Versus Sri Lanka: All Formats

1st ODI – June 3 @Sabina Park, Jamaica

2nd ODI – June 6 @Sabina Park, Jamaica

3rd ODI – June 8 @Sabina Park, Jamaica

1st T20I – June 11 @Sabina Park, Jamaica

2nd T20I – June 13 @Sabina Park, Jamaica

3rd T20I – June 14 @Sabina Park, Jamaica

1st Test – June 25-29 @Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua & Barbuda

2nd Test – July 3-7 @Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua & Barbuda

 

Versus New Zealand: One-Day Internationals  

1st ODI – July 11 @Guyana National Stadium, Guyana

2nd ODI – July 13 @ Guyana National Stadium, Guyana

3rd ODI – July 16 @ Guyana National Stadium, Guyana

4th ODI – July 19 @Kensington Oval, Barbados

5th ODI – July 21 @ Kensington Oval, Barbados

 

Versus Pakistan: Tests

1st Test – July 25-29 @Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago

2nd Test – August 2-6 @Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago

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A fire completely destroyed a house at Port Mourant on Tuesday morning, rendering five people homeless.

Stephanie Cecil, 29, a security guard with Queensway Security Service, told reporters that she secured her house on Three Street, Free Yard, Port Mourant, around 23:30h on Monday night before leaving to stay with her mother nearby. She confirmed her four children were already there.

Cecil recounted that at approximately 5:00 hours on Tuesday, she was awakened by a cousin who told her that her house was on fire. She initially dismissed the report but hurried to verify the situation.

Cecil was unable to save her belongings or her children’s. She also confirmed that the two-bedroom wooden and concrete house had no electricity.

She revealed that two years ago, she had a relationship with a Guyanese fisherman working in Suriname, who had sent her threatening messages whenever he was in Guyana.

According to Cecil, the man visited her workplace during her Monday night shift and behaved in a disorderly manner before leaving. Her fear for her safety led her to avoid staying at home.

Divisional Fire Officer Clive McDonald said the fire was intentionally set.

Cecil is actively considering her next steps and is asking for assistance to rebuild her home. “I am asking for help to rebuild,” the distraught woman declared.

Anyone desirous of supporting the family can contact 634 3115.

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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is enjoying one of the most extraordinary seasons not just of the IPL, not just of T20, and not just of cricket but of all sport and all time.

He produced his most extraordinary effort of this extraordinary season in the Eliminator, narrowly missing out on one of the IPL’s most coveted records but putting Rajasthan Royals (RR) on course for what turned out to be a thumping win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

Sooryavanshi, 15, swept past numerous records over the course of his innings – among them the most sixes by any batter in a T20 tournament – and he came within one shot of breaking Chris Gayle’s record for the fastest IPL century (30 balls) only to top-edge an attempted uppercut to deep third to fall for 97 off 29 balls.

RR’s innings fell away after that innings and a 21-ball 50 from Dhruv Jurel, and they ended up seven short of the 250 that had at one stage seemed a formality.

But it still proved more than sufficient thanks to yet another impactful new-ball burst from Jofra Archer. His spell against Mumbai Indians (MI) on Sunday had been key to RR making the playoffs, and he followed up with three wickets in three powerplay overs to hold back an SRH top order that began the chase with an ominous flurry of boundaries.

 

A second-wicket stand of 51 off just 15 balls from Ishan Kishan and Travis Head was threatening to turn this game into a repeat of the last meeting between these sides – Sooryavanshi had scored 103 off just 37 balls that day, but SRH had fired from both ends where RR had fired from just one – but Archer made sure that didn’t happen, dismissing both of them.

He had already bounced out Abhishek Sharma before that; this was a truly special display against one of the most dangerous top threes in all T20 cricket.

RR eventually won by 47 runs, setting up a meeting with Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2 on Friday. (ESPNcricinfo) 

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