Headquarters were crowned champions of the Commissioner of Police T20 Cup 2026 on Thursday after defeating Officers by eight wickets at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, to secure their fourth consecutive title.
In front of a packed venue, with the stands filled to capacity and the ground buzzing with excitement, the much-anticipated final delivered an excellent contest. It was also the fourth consecutive year that the final was contested between Headquarters and Officers.
Officers won the toss and elected to bat first, posting 133-5 from their allotted 20 overs.
Ravindradat Budhram led from the front with an unbeaten 33 from 51 balls, which included three fours, while Stephen Harris made 27 from 23 balls with four fours, and Christopher Barnwell struck 25 from 12 deliveries, including two fours and two sixes.
Ivor Trotz also provided a late flourish with 22 not out from nine balls, which included one four and two sixes.
Headquarters were disciplined with the ball, led by Kapildeo Charandeen, who returned impressive figures of 2-13 from four overs. Pernell London and Dwain Dick supported with one wicket each, while Kanhaiya Ramkarran also claimed a wicket.
The momentum of the innings shifted when Christopher Barnwell was dismissed at 54-3 in the 9.2 overs.
In reply, Headquarters made light work of the target, racing to 134-2 in just 13 overs.
Andrew Lyght Jr. and Dwain Dick both struck 49, with Lyght finishing unbeaten from 37 balls, including four fours and two sixes, and Dick blasting his runs from only 23 deliveries with three fours and five sixes. Pernell London added 30 from 18 balls, which included four fours and 1 six, to help power the chase.
For Officers, Troy Benn and Ravindradat Budhram were the wicket-takers, but Headquarters’ batting proved too strong on the day as they completed the chase with authority.
The victory saw Headquarters extend their dominance in the tournament by lifting the title for the fourth year in succession, while Officers were forced to settle for runners-up honours for the fourth consecutive time.
Ronslee Isaacs, called “Rocky,” a 19-year-old miner of Kako Village, Upper Mazaruni River, has been charged with the murder of fellow villager Graig Hastings.
In a release, Police headquarters said the charge of murder was laid contrary to Common Law of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.
On Thursday, Isaacs reportedly appeared via Zoom before Magistrate Teriq Mohamed at the Kamarang Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was read to him. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge and was remanded to prison until June 12, 2026, for continuation.
Further details on the death of Hastings were not provided.
Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh provided an update on the distribution of the $100,000 cash grant to Guyanese adults, noting that a total of 289,565 citizens have received their cash transfer.
Of this total, 265,281 persons have received their grant directly into their bank accounts. Others, particularly residents of hinterland and other remote communities, got their grants via cheque.
The cash grants distributed amount to almost $29 billion.
“I believe this is an extremely impressive result, and I want to thank everybody who was involved in implementing this, particularly the developers of the portal, which has proved its value and its utility, even if there were some initial challenges,” Dr. Singh said in a Facebook video.
The eligibility requirements to receive the National $100,000 Cash Grant paid into your bank account are as follows:
Must be a Guyanese Citizen aged 18 years and older as at February 28, 2026
Must have a valid National Identification Card, Digital Identity Card or Guyana Passport
Registrant must have a bank account in their name at any local commercial bank
Must be physically present in Guyana to register
The government has also set up a national help desk to assist persons. This can be accessed on telephone numbers 501-5085 and 503-2977 during working hours.
Police Constable Yohance Bourne was arrested on Thursday after he was caught selling a driver’s license illegally during a joint operation undertaken by ranks of the Guyana Police Force.
The operation was conducted between 16:45 hrs and 17:00 hrs in the vicinity of Norton and Dubran Streets, Georgetown, by ranks from the Special Branch Headquarters and the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).
The News Room understands that the Police Force received information that Constable Bourne was allegedly involved in illegal activities related to the sale of driver’s licences.
Following intelligence received, an operation was set up during which Constable Bourne allegedly demanded the sum of $100,000 to facilitate the transaction of getting a license for someone without them doing any exam or practical driving test. He further indicated willingness to accept $55,000 upfront, along with two passport-sized photographs, a copy of a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) certificate, and a national identification card.
As part of the operation, serial numbers from the cash were recorded.
On Thursday afternoon, the operation unfolded. Constable Bourne met with the person he planned to sell the driver’s license to and collected the provided documents and marked cash. A surveillance team, led by an Assistant Superintendent (ASP), was close by.
Immediately following the transaction, the ASP approached and identified himself and other ranks to Constable Bourne, and informed him of the ongoing exercise. A search was then conducted. The marked cash and documents were found in Bourne’s possession. A comparison of the serial numbers confirmed a match with the previously recorded notes.
Constable Bourne was subsequently arrested on suspicion of demanding money with menace and engaging in corrupt transactions. He was then escorted to OPR Headquarters for further investigation. His cellphone, documents, and the marked cash were lodged at East La Penitence Police Station.
The Irfaan Ali-led administration has set aside more than $3 billion to support rice farmers, a move that joins other efforts to support various sections of the population.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali consulted with farmers on Thursday at the Arthur Ching Conference Centre at Liliendaal, Georgetown. After the engagement, the President said cash support would be given to the farmers.
Rice farmers cultivating less than 50 acres of rice will receive $15,000 per acre, while those cultivating more than 50 acres will receive $10,000 per acre.
Registration and verification exercises will begin soon, Dr. Ali further noted.
This decision was made in light of the global conflict, including the war in Iran, that has driven up prices of goods, including fertilisers, transport, and fuel.
Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who joined President Ali at the consultation, said the spike in costs can’t be controlled. However, he affirmed that the government is responding so that various groups can be better supported.
“We are aware that on top of a low price for rice, you’re now going to be faced with an additional cost,” Jagdeo said.
The Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning is continuing to expand its digital recruitment push, with its Job Bank platform helping to connect hundreds of Guyanese to employment opportunities over the years.
“This is not some fancy tech gimmicks. It is a simple online platform where employers post jobs and job seekers apply with a click.
“Since the launch it has opened doors for hundreds by matching skills in real time cutting the hassle,” Yolanda Grant, Chief Recruitment and Manpower Officer, said on Wednesday.
The Job Bank, a fully online platform, was developed by the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency of the Ministry of Labour. Job seekers can now browse a database of vacancies from the comfort of their homes or anywhere with an internet connection, free of cost.
And employers will now be able to easily access potential employees who match skills, competency, and qualifications for vacant posts.
Employers can list vacancies free of cost and it features employment from all categories in the private and public sectors.
According to Grant, the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency has moved far beyond traditional recruitment methods and is now focused on efficiently matching skills with available jobs across the country.
“Over the years we have evolved from simply matching names to resumes. We now ensure that when a company calls asking for a welder, clerk or security officer, we send a qualified professional,” Grant said.
She said the agency has also been actively involved in training and upskilling initiatives aimed at improving employability, particularly among young people.
“We have organised training sessions to upskill youths and worked to ensure that no Guyanese is left behind in this economic growth. Our role is to be the matchmaker of the nation’s workforce,” she added.
Georgetown, Guyana (April 30, 2026): Guyana continues to gain regional recognition for its commitment to sustainable and community-led tourism, with Toka Village (Inni Lodge), Region 9, being named the winner of the Community-Based Tourism Award at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Sustainable Tourism Awards 2026.
According to the CTO, the award recognises the strength of community-driven tourism development in Guyana and highlights the impact of locally led initiatives in creating authentic and sustainable visitor experiences.
The judges commended the community for its strong ownership and participation through the leadership of the Toka Tourism Committee and Village Council. The submission also stood out for its community-led signature experiences and the establishment of a sustainable financial ecosystem that extends beyond pottery to include culinary experiences, creating diversified income opportunities for residents.
Particular praise was given to the active involvement of elders and women in preserving traditional knowledge and cultural practices, as well as the growing interest and participation of young people in cultural revitalisation efforts within the village.
The judges further noted that the project demonstrated clear alignment with key evaluation areas, including community leadership and empowerment, social, cultural and economic benefits, authenticity and visitor education, and sustainability and long-term community value.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Hon. Susan Rodrigues, congratulated the community on the achievement, noting that the award reflects the success of Guyana’s approach to sustainable and inclusive tourism development.
“This recognition is a proud moment for Toka Village and for Guyana. Community-led tourism continues to play an important role in preserving our culture, empowering local communities, and creating opportunities for sustainable economic growth,” Minister Rodrigues said.
“During my visit to Toka Village, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the experience firsthand, especially the traditional pottery-making process that has been passed down through generations. What stood out most was the pride, passion, and sense of togetherness within the community. The people of Toka should be proud of what they have built and the example they continue to set for the region,” she added.
Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Kamrul Baksh, also welcomed the recognition, noting that community-owned tourism products remain a key part of Guyana’s tourism strategy.
“Toka is a strong example of what is possible when communities take the lead in developing and sharing their culture and traditions authentically. I can say without any uncertainty that the people of Toka have been committed to seeing this journey through with us. We are proud to see them being recognised at the regional level,” Baksh said.
This award reflects years of work by the Guyana Tourism Authority in partnership with the people of Toka Village to strengthen and develop a sustainable community-led tourism product that preserves culture while creating economic opportunities for residents. Visit Rupununi and Conservation International-Guyana were also important early partners in helping to shape the village’s tourism journey. The award-winning submission, prepared and submitted by the Guyana Tourism Authority in close collaboration with the village, highlighted the growth of Inni Lodge, the preservation of traditional pottery-making, culinary experiences, and the strong systems of community ownership that continue to make Toka Village a leading example of community-based tourism in the Caribbean (GTA press release)
Such a middling chase was right up the alley of Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan, but once GT lost both their openers in the powerplay, their soft underbelly was exposed once again.
They needed cameos from Holder (12 off 10 balls) and their Impact Player Rahul Tewatia (27* off 17 balls) to get over the line, handing defending champions RCB their third defeat in IPL 2026.
Rabada, Siraj rein RCB in
Virat Kohli flew out of the blocks for RCB, hitting Kagiso Rabada for four successive fours in the second over after they were asked to bat first by GT. Even Rabada’s traditional hard length was pumped over mid-off. In the next over, Kohli charged at Mohammed Siraj and deposited him over mid-on for four more.
However, when Kohli tried to charge at Rabada in the fourth over, the South Africa quick hit the deck harder and drew a top edge to midwicket. Rabada had the last laugh and gave the departing Kohli (28 off 13 balls) a death stare.
Siraj had earlier dismissed Jacob Bethell, who got another game in place of the injured Phil Salt, for a run-a-ball 5. Rabada and Siraj bowled right through the powerplay and kept RCB to 59 for 2.
Kagiso Rabada claimed the big scalp of Virat Kohli (Photo: BCCI)
Holder in the thick of the action
Devdutt Padikkal and Rajat Padidar forged a 44-run partnership for the third wicket before Holder caught the RCB captain at deep square leg in the eighth over. Doubts, however, emerged around the legality of the catch when slow-mo replays suggested that Holder may have grassed it more than once, including while sliding. The TV umpire, Abhijit Bhattacharya, perhaps deemed that Holder was in control of his movements and ultimately ruled Patidar out.
Some of RCB’s players and staff disagreed with the TV umpire’s decision, gesturing that Holder had grassed it. Kohli was seemingly remonstrating with reserve umpire Parashar Joshi after which RCB coach Andy Flower was also spotted having an intense chat with Joshi. Having waited near the boundary, Patidar dragged himself off the field.
Holder was involved in four other dismissals. He had Jitesh Sharma nicking off in the ninth before taking the catches of both Tim David (9) and Krunal Pandya (4) at midwicket. Holder claimed his second wicket when he had his West Indian compatriot Romario Shepherd holing out.
Despite wickets falling around him, Padikkal kept up RCB’s high intent and manufactured scoring opportunities by making swinging room. He top-scored for RCB with 40 off 24 balls before Rashid Khan had him chopping on with a slider.
At 126 for 7, RCB pressed the emergency switch and brought in Venkatesh Iyer as their Impact Player at a cost of a specialist bowler in Rasikh Dar. Venkatesh struggled for fluency and also copped a blow on his unprotected elbow.
His 29-run stand for the ninth wicket with Bhuvneshwar Kumar helped drag RCB to 155 before they were dismissed with four balls unused in their innings.
Shubman Gill gave Titans a blazing start (Photo: BCCI)
Gill, Buttler blaze away
Gill kickstarted GT’s chase by whacking Josh Hazlewood for three fours and two sixes in a 24-run over. Hazlewood had not conceded more runs in an IPL over ever.
Gill pressed on to score 43 off 18 balls – the most he has scored in an IPL powerplay – before he slapped Bhuvneshwar to cover, where Kohli grabbed the fast-travelling ball with both hands.
Buttler then took over from Gill and attacked both Hazlewood’s pace and Suyash Sharma’s wristspin. Buttler cracked 39 off 19 balls before he exposed his leg stump, only for Bhuvneshwar to knock it out in the eighth over.
Bhuvneshwar also removed Sai Sudharsan during his four consecutive overs. While Hazlewood leaked 56 runs in his four overs for no wickets, Bhuvneshwar ended up giving away only half as many while picking up those three wickets.
GT scrap to victory
Considering the presence of the left-handed pair of Washington Sundar and Tewatia in the middle order, RCB perhaps kept left-arm fingerspinner Krunal Pandya away from the attack. He didn’t bowl at all on the day.
Shepherd had to step in as their fourth bowler after they had sacrificed a specialist bowler in Rasikh Dar for Venkatesh’s batting. He responded by taking out both Shahrukh Khan and Washington in one over, the 11th of the chase.
Holder then diffused the tension that Shepherd had built up by hooking his first ball for six. When Holder fell in the 14th over, GT needed 15 off 37 balls. Tewatia and Rashid got the job done with 25 balls to spare. (ESPNcricinfo)
Dans le cadre de la 11e édition de la Semaine en LAC, acronyme de Lettres, Arts et Culture, le Collège Canado-Haïtien a proposé à ses élèves une activité d’une grande portée intellectuelle en invitant John Boisguéné, technologue haïtien, à intervenir autour d’un thème particulièrement actuel : « L’éducation aux médias en préservation du patrimoine axiologique haïtien ». Organisée cette année sous le thème général « Identité et patriotisme dans le contexte de crise actuelle », cette initiative s’adressait aux élèves de Secondaire III et IV et s’inscrivait dans une démarche de formation qui dépasse largement la seule transmission des savoirs académiques.
La Semaine en LAC occupe, au sein de l’établissement, une place singulière. Elle ne constitue pas seulement un moment de respiration dans le calendrier scolaire. Elle se veut un cadre de réflexion, d’ouverture et d’élévation, destiné à exposer les apprenants à des enjeux qui touchent à la culture, à la pensée, à la sensibilité et à la responsabilité. Le Collège Canado-Haïtien présente d’ailleurs cette manifestation comme une occasion de sortir de l’enseignement classique et ordinaire afin d’ouvrir les jeunes esprits aux réalités du monde des lettres, des arts et de la culture, tout en renforçant chez eux la curiosité, le goût du beau et le sens du leadership responsable.
C’est précisément dans cet esprit qu’il faut comprendre le choix, cette année, d’y faire entrer la technologie. Loin d’être un ajout superficiel ou un simple clin d’œil à la modernité, cette orientation apparaît comme une décision profondément cohérente. Aujourd’hui, la culture ne se transmet plus seulement dans les livres, les salles de classe ou les échanges familiaux. Elle se joue aussi dans les écrans, dans les réseaux sociaux, dans les vidéos courtes, dans les messages viraux, dans les images qui circulent à grande vitesse et dans les modèles qui s’imposent parfois sans recul dans l’univers mental des jeunes. Introduire la technologie dans une semaine consacrée aux lettres, aux arts et à la culture revient donc à reconnaître que les grands combats de notre temps se mènent également dans l’espace numérique. Parler d’identité, de patriotisme et de valeurs sans parler des médias aurait laissé de côté un levier désormais central dans la formation des consciences.
La présence de John Boisguéné à cette activité a donné une tonalité particulière à la rencontre. Présenté comme technologue, il intervenait sur un terrain qui lui permettait de relier la technologie à des questions de société, d’éducation et de responsabilité. Son approche n’a pas consisté à diaboliser les outils numériques ni à céder à un enthousiasme naïf devant les mutations technologiques. Elle a plutôt reposé sur une idée de fond : les médias ne sont pas de simples canaux de diffusion. Ils influencent les comportements, orientent les perceptions, installent des modèles, déplacent les repères et participent, parfois en profondeur, à la manière dont une génération comprend le monde.
Le sujet a ainsi été abordé sous l’angle du discernement. Au lieu de réduire la question à un usage technique des plateformes, l’intervention a mis en lumière la nécessité, pour les jeunes, d’apprendre à lire ce qu’ils regardent, à interroger ce qu’ils reçoivent, à vérifier avant de partager et à ne pas prendre pour vérité tout ce qui circule avec force dans l’espace numérique. Dans un monde saturé d’images, de réactions rapides et de contenus conçus pour capter l’attention, l’éducation aux médias devient une forme essentielle de protection intellectuelle. Elle apprend à distinguer l’information de l’influence, la réflexion de la réaction, la vérité de ce qui n’est parfois qu’apparence, émotion ou répétition.
L’un des points les plus importants de cette activité réside dans le lien établi entre les médias et le patrimoine axiologique haïtien, autrement dit l’ensemble des valeurs, des repères moraux, des références et des principes qui structurent une communauté. En choisissant ce sous-thème, le Collège Canado-Haïtien a rappelé qu’un peuple ne se maintient pas seulement par ses symboles visibles, mais aussi par ce qu’il transmet dans sa manière de penser, de parler, de respecter, de juger et de vivre ensemble. Dès lors, l’éducation aux médias ne relève pas seulement d’une prudence technique ; elle touche directement à la préservation du jugement, de la dignité, de la mesure et du sens critique.
À travers cette réflexion, les élèves ont été amenés à comprendre que leur rapport quotidien aux contenus numériques n’est jamais neutre. Ce que l’on regarde de manière répétée, ce que l’on admire sans distance, ce que l’on relaie sans vérification ou ce que l’on banalise sous couvert de divertissement peut finir par influer sur la manière de penser, de parler et même d’évaluer le monde. L’activité avait donc une ambition bien plus large qu’une simple sensibilisation aux réseaux sociaux. Elle visait à faire saisir aux élèves que la liberté, dans l’univers médiatique contemporain, ne consiste pas à tout consommer, mais à développer une capacité de recul, de sélection et de résistance face aux influences qui cherchent à s’imposer.
Dans le développement du sujet, plusieurs lignes de force ont émergé. D’une part, la nécessité de ne pas confondre popularité et valeur, viralité et vérité, visibilité et profondeur. D’autre part, l’importance de préserver une relation exigeante à la langue, à l’identité et à la culture, dans un environnement où l’imitation et la superficialité peuvent facilement prendre le dessus. Enfin, l’idée que la technologie peut devenir un puissant outil de formation, de création et d’ouverture, à condition qu’elle soit utilisée avec intelligence, discipline et sens des responsabilités.
Les conseils transmis dans ce cadre apparaissent particulièrement utiles dans la vie quotidienne des élèves. Vérifier avant de partager. Refuser de faire de la honte d’autrui un spectacle. Choisir des contenus qui élèvent plutôt que des contenus qui vident. Prendre le temps de réfléchir avant de réagir. Comprendre qu’un message viral n’est pas nécessairement un message juste. Apprendre à faire de la technologie non un espace d’abandon de soi, mais un instrument d’apprentissage et de construction personnelle. À travers de tels repères, l’intervention de John Boisguéné a contribué à montrer que l’éducation aux médias n’est pas un supplément, mais une composante de plus en plus essentielle de la formation de la jeunesse.
La portée de cette activité tient aussi au fait qu’elle s’inscrit dans un contexte national où les crises multiples fragilisent les repères collectifs. Dans un tel climat, aider les jeunes à maintenir une relation rigoureuse à l’information, à la vérité et au jugement n’a rien d’accessoire. C’est au contraire une manière de fortifier leur conscience civique. Une jeunesse capable de lire son époque avec lucidité, sans se laisser emporter par toutes les pressions de l’instant, constitue déjà une ressource précieuse pour l’avenir du pays.
En intégrant cette réflexion à la Semaine en LAC, le Collège Canado-Haïtien a donc posé un acte pédagogique significatif. L’établissement a rappelé qu’une école n’a pas seulement pour mission de transmettre des contenus scolaires, mais aussi de former des esprits capables de comprendre les mécanismes du temps présent. En associant Lettres, Arts, Culture et technologie, il a montré que l’éducation véritable ne cloisonne pas les savoirs, mais les relie pour aider les élèves à mieux habiter le monde dans lequel ils grandissent.
Au fond, cette activité aura mis en évidence une réalité simple, mais décisive : dans une époque dominée par les flux numériques, protéger la jeunesse ne consiste pas à l’éloigner du monde, mais à lui apprendre à y entrer avec lucidité. Et c’est peut-être là l’une des plus grandes réussites de cette édition de la Semaine en LAC : avoir rappelé, avec intelligence, que la culture ne se limite pas à la mémoire du passé, mais qu’elle sert aussi à donner aux jeunes les moyens de traverser le présent sans se perdre.
The Guyana Police Force Traffic Department has reported that several motorists were brought before the courts to answer to charges of dangerous driving, as enforcement efforts continue to target unsafe practices on the country’s roadways.
On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, multiple drivers appeared before Magistrate’s Court #7 in Georgetown before Her Worship Miss Lallaram in relation to dangerous driving offences.
Vivian Paul, driver of hire car HD 4455, was charged with one (1) count of Dangerous Driving and fined $30,000 or, in default, six (6) weeks’ imprisonment.
Leslie Wood, driver of motor hire car HD 3551, was charged with two (2) counts of Dangerous Driving. The matter was adjourned to June 10, 2026.
Mohamed Adouhedia, driver of motor car PAK 2919, was charged with one (1) count of Dangerous Driving.
Allison James, driver of motor car PAK 2919, was charged with three (3) counts of Dangerous Driving. This matter was also adjourned to June 10, 2026.
Additionally, at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court before Her Worship Miss Gibbs, Jamal Grant, driver of motor car PVV 9064, was charged with one (1) count of Dangerous Driving and fined $50,000.
The GPF noted that dangerous driving cases continue to be identified and advanced through the courts, supported by the Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS), a joint initiative between the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) and the Guyana Police Force.
The SRIS enables evidence-based enforcement by capturing high-definition video footage of traffic violations, which is reviewed by trained personnel and presented before the courts. These offences are not ticketable and must be prosecuted before a magistrate.
Since its introduction, the system has significantly strengthened the GPF’s ability to detect, document, and prosecute dangerous driving, with additional matters currently at various stages of review and preparation for court.
Dangerous driving, which is a serious traffic offence, occurs when a motorist operates a vehicle in a manner that endangers other road users, pedestrians, or property.
The Guyana Police Force continues to emphasise that dangerous driving will be met with firm and consistent enforcement.
Motorists are urged to exercise caution, adhere to traffic regulations, and prioritise the safety of all road users
