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President Dr. Irfaan Ali said Thursday that Guyana has engaged its international partners after a US-seized oil tanker was found fraudulently flying a Guyanese flag.

“We have raised this with the international body, we have raised it with all other partners…. Here again is a fraudulent actor operating (under) our flag illegally,” President Ali told reporters on the sidelines of the opening of the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel on Thursday evening.

Earlier Thursday, Guyana’s Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) said the Majestic X oil tanker that was seized by US forces in the Indian Ocean is not registered locally.

“This ship is NOT registered in Guyana; thus, the registration is false and fraudulent. While the name of the vessel has changed, the IMO number remains recorded in the international database as PHONIX. There is no record of this vessel or name in Guyana’s registry. Therefore, the ship is FRAUDULENTLY flying the Guyana flag,” MARAD said.

This is not the first time vessels have falsely flown the Golden Arrowhead, which is Guyana’s national flag.

MARAD addressed this in Thursday’s release, noting, “The incidences of false Guyana registrations were recognised since 2021. The perpetrators of this fraud have targeted several countries, including Guyana, Panama, and regional states. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) publishes a list of all ships falsely flying flags of member states.

“The Maritime Administration Department and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continue to share information on these false registrations, which come into our possession, with all United Nations (UN) maritime states, and relevant regional and international maritime associations.”

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Playing the first IPL El Clasico of their career, Chennai Super Kings’ Sanju Samson (101 not out) and Akeal Hosein (4-1-17-4) handed Mumbai Indians their biggest loss by runs in T20 history.

CSK’s batting revolved around their new talisman; their second-highest score was 22. MI crumbled to spin, eight of their XI dismissed for single-digits.

CSK and MI came into the game as the seventh and eighth-placed teams in the season. And yet the amped-up nature of a game between the IPL’s two most decorated teams ever was on show from the very first ball, where Sherfane Rutherford couldn’t find the wicketkeeper with a regulation throw and the short fine leg fielder backing up didn’t do his job properly either.

Jasprit Bumrah, the bowler, asked his fielders to calm down and then, in a sign that he was pushing himself harder too, overstepped. In the chase, Tilak Varma and Jamie Overton got into a brief but heated argument.  (ESPNcricinfo) 

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Laise Lambert, affectionately known as “Grandma,” marked her 103rd birthday surrounded by family and friends on Wednesday.

Her life’s journey started in Kildonan Village, Corentyne Berbice, where she was born on April 22, 1923. Though raised in Fyrish Village, she attended school in Kildonan, the neighboring village where she later settled after marriage.

At 20, she married Daniel Alphonso Lambert, and together they raised a vibrant family of ten children— eight sons and two daughters—nine of whom are still alive today.

Her legacy continues through her 25 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, 19 great-great-grandchildren, and two great-great-great-grandchildren.

Laise spent many years working the land, planting rice and cash crops, and even cutting rice. She also helped her community by doing laundry for others and was employed as a weeder at Albion Sugar Estate.

Following her husband’s passing in 1988, Lambert migrated to the United States but returned home four years ago. Now, she is cared for by her fourth child, a retired nurse, Linda Lambert.

At 103, she remains active— able to move with assistance and still able to read, despite some hearing challenges.

“She doesn’t like much food now, but she used to love to cook,” Linda shares.

Laise’s days are now peaceful routines— waking early, sometimes needing help to get to the bathroom, then enjoying her breakfast, lunch, and dinner with her loved ones.

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A man who fled from the scene of an accident and remained in hiding for nine days has been recently remanded to prison.

Bhoadnaline Lackan, a 34-year-old resident of the Chesney Housing Scheme, Corentyne, Berbice, appeared before Magistrate Michelle Matthias at the Reliance Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. He faced three charges.

The first charge alleges that on April 10, 2026, while operating motor vehicle PAH 8137 on Williamsburg Public Road, Lackan was involved in an incident that led to the injury of 35-year-old Mukesh Mathur.

Lackan was charged with failure to report the accident to a Police Station or Police Constable within 24 hours. He was additionally charged with failure to stop his vehicle following the accident, as well as failure to help Mathur.

The defendant entered a plea of not guilty to all three charges.

During the bail application, Attorney-at-Law Horatio Edmondson submitted to the court that his client was not a flight risk and would be available for all subsequent court proceedings. He further stated that Lackan was willing to lodge his passport and comply with any conditions set for bail.

Contrary to this, Police Prosecutor Corporal Meika Crawford objected to bail, asserting that Lackan fled the scene after the incident. The prosecutor noted that the victim was initially assisted by public-spirited citizens and taken to Port Mourant Public Hospital, then transferred to New Amsterdam Public Hospital.

Prosecutor Crawford informed the court that, following intelligence gathering, police visited Lackan’s residence and arrested him. It was also alleged that Lackan took the vehicle involved in the incident and repaired the damage.

After considering the submissions of both the prosecutor and the defense, Magistrate Matthias acknowledged the seriousness of the offence. She emphasised that repairing the vehicle constituted tampering with the investigation. The Magistrate also took into account Lackan’s flight after the incident and thus denied bail. The defendant was remanded to prison.

Following the Magistrate’s ruling, Lackan was observed to be emotional, briefly crying before regaining composure while being escorted out of the courtroom to be remanded.

The case was adjourned to May 12 and transferred to the Albion Magistrate’s Court for further proceedings.

In a statement, Police had said that Mathur of Clifton Settlement, Corentyne, Berbice, was riding motorcycle CS 1063 westbound along the southern drive lane at a fast rate when a white motor car, PAH 8137, driven by  Lackan, made a sudden right turn into his path. The collision resulted in Mathur being thrown off his motorcycle and sustaining injuries.

Lackan fled the scene immediately after the crash. Mathur was quickly assisted by public-spirited citizens and transported to Port Mourant Public Hospital, where he was treated for a fractured right arm and a fractured left leg. He was later transferred to New Amsterdam Public Hospital for further care.

Then, on April 20, Police acted on credible intelligence and located Lackan at his residence. He did not deny his involvement. He was arrested and taken to the Rose Hall Town Police Station.

The vehicle, which Lackan had repaired himself by replacing both left-side doors and the wing mirror, was also seized.

Mathur remains hospitalised, but his condition is stable.

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The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has been advised of the seizure of oil tanker Majestic X, by US forces in the Indian Ocean.

The vessel, intercepted  for  transporting Iranian oil, was previously sanctioned by the US Treasury Department in 2024 under the name PHONIX for smuggling Iranian crude oil in violation of American sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

This ship is NOT registered in Guyana; thus, the registration is false and fraudulent. While the name of the vessel has changed, the IMO number remains recorded in the international database as PHONIX. There is no record of this vessel or name in Guyana’s registry. Therefore, the ship is FRAUDULENTLY flying the Guyana flag.

MARAD reiterates that Guyana operates a closed registry. Therefore, the registration of vessels under the Guyana flag is limited to ships owned by Guyanese nationals, residents, citizens of Caribbean Community states (CARICOM), and corporate bodies established under the laws of Guyana. None of the purported owners of the vessel in question falls into any of these categories.

The incidences of false Guyana registrations were recognised since 2021. The perpetuators of this fraud have targeted several countries including Guyana, Panama and regional states. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) publishes a list of all ships falsely flying flags of member states.

The Maritime Administration Department and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continue to share information on these false registrations which come into our possession with all United Nations (UN) maritime states, and relevant regional and international maritime associations.

The sanctions being applied by the United States of America, the United Kingdom and other Western States are in part a response to the threats posed by these false registrations.

MARAD is wary of the intent of some local news outlets and media agencies who appear determined to share unconfirmed and false allegations as to the integrity of Guyana’s ship registry. (MARAD press release)

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ExxonMobil Guyana is moving ahead with development of its Longtail project offshore, with company officials confirming with Fueled.gy on Thursday the award of a major subsea contract.

Saipem announced this week that it has been granted a Limited Notice to Proceed (LNTP) by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited for work on the Longtail project, marking another step forward in Guyana’s expanding oil production pipeline.

The initial contract, valued at about US$150 million, covers the engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) of subsea systems, including structures, umbilicals, risers and flowlines. The project is located offshore Guyana at a water depth of roughly 1,750 metres.

The LNTP enables Saipem to begin preliminary detailed engineering and procurement activities while key approvals are still pending.

The full execution phase of the project remains subject to regulatory clearances and a final investment decision by ExxonMobil Guyana and its Stabroek Block partners.

Once those are secured, the overall contract could expand significantly, with an estimated value ranging between US$750 million and US$1.5 billion and an expected duration of approximately four years.

Saipem is already a major player in Guyana’s offshore sector, having worked on seven development projects within the Stabroek Block.

Of those, four—Liza Phase 1, Liza Phase 2, Payara and Yellowtail—have already been completed, contributing to the country’s rapid rise as a global oil producer.

The Longtail project is among the next wave of developments expected to sustain production growth in the Stabroek Block, which remains one of the world’s most prolific offshore oil basins.

With Exxon officials signalling movement on the project, Longtail is shaping up to be another major contributor to Guyana’s oil output in the years ahead, pending final approvals and investment decisions.

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President Irfaan Ali on Wednesday positioned Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) as a livestock hub for the country and wider Caribbean region.

While addressing the visiting delegation at the 52nd Ordinary Meeting of the South American Commission for the Fight Against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (COSALFA) held at the Pegasus Hotel, President Ali said Guyana is transforming the region into a livestock capital with a focus on high-bred sheep farming and broader meat production.

“We are expanding production and productivity across livestock, crops, and aquaculture. We have imported six thousand improved live animals in the past three years, alongside high-quality semen from Elite Sires, with an annual genetic improvement programme now valued at approximately one million US dollars,” the President said.

The President said Guyana’s status a disease-free Foot-and-Mouth Disease and growing investments in animal health systems provides a unique role in expanding regional trade with fewer sanitary barriers.

Guyana is backing its livestock expansion strategy with investments in diagnostics and research, including the procurement of PCR systems valued at about US$300,000, alongside bilateral agreements with biotechnology partners for applied research. Ali also pointed to discussions on establishing a vaccine manufacturing facility in Guyana with private sector involvement, as part of efforts to strengthen long-term regional preparedness.

Further, Ali said ongoing development of wharf facilities, road networks and silo infrastructure are vital to reducing bottlenecks and strengthening the movement of grain from farms to markets.

“We are transforming Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) into the country’s and Caricom’s livestock capital. This initiative focuses on turning the region into a livestock hub, prioritising high-bred sheep farming, inclusive of other livestock to increase meat production,” he said.

The President said the next phase will centre on positioning the country as a supplier within Caribbean agricultural systems.

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Guyana is set to reassert its place on the regional basketball map when it hosts the FIBA Men’s Caribbean Championship from July 5-12 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, marking a historic return of the tournament to local shores for the first time in over three decades.

The tournament is also a pre-qualifier for the FIBA 2029 AmeriCup championship.

The staging of the championship signals a major milestone for basketball in Guyana, with the country last hosting the prestigious competition in 1994.

Even more significantly, Guyana holds a deep-rooted connection to the tournament, having hosted the inaugural FIBA Men’s Caribbean Championship back in 1981.

The upcoming edition will also be the first time the Caribbean Championship is held since Guyana’s landmark victory in 2018, when the national men’s team captured its maiden men’s title in Suriname.

According to a release from the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF), that victory remains one of the defining moments in Guyana’s basketball history, and the return of the tournament presents a golden opportunity to reignite that competitive spirit on home soil.

President of the GBF, Michael Singh, has described the hosting of the championship as both an honour and a responsibility, noting that it reflects growing confidence from the international governing body, FIBA.

Singh stressed that Guyana’s successful hosting of the Women’s Caribbean Championship last year played a pivotal role in earning FIBA’s trust once again.

“This is a clear indication that FIBA believes in our ability to deliver high-quality events. We have demonstrated our organisational strength, and this championship is another step forward for basketball in Guyana and the wider Caribbean,” Singh stated.

He further disclosed that the list of participating countries will be revealed in the coming days, coinciding with the federation’s official launch of the championship countdown.

Beyond the on-court action, Singh is also calling on corporate Guyana to rally behind the initiative, stressing that strong private sector support will be crucial to ensuring the tournament’s success.

“We are inviting corporate Guyana to come on board and be part of this historic event. This is not just about basketball…it is about national pride, economic activity, and showcasing Guyana on a regional stage,” Singh noted.

On the governmental front, Singh highlighted the collaborative efforts between the federation and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

He confirmed that ongoing engagements have been held with both Sport Ministers Charles Ramson Jr. and Steven Jacobs, as preparations intensify.

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The National Sports Commission (NSC) has successfully concluded its first-of-its-kind nationwide First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training workshops, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing drive to strengthen safety across Guyana’s waterways and sporting environments.

The initiative, executed in collaboration with the Guyana Lifesaving Society (GLSS) and the Lifesaving Society of Canada, brought together participants from across the country in a comprehensive, week-long programme designed to build lifesaving capacity at both the community and organisational levels.

With the exception of Region Five, the programme attracted representation from every Administrative Region in Guyana.

Region Four led the way with 38 participants, followed by Region Two with 18, contributing significantly to the total of 75 attendees.

The strong turnout, according to Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, underscored the nationwide demand for structured safety training and highlighted the NSC’s expanding reach.

Ninvalle described the programme as one of the Commission’s largest training undertakings to date, expressing satisfaction with both its scale and impact.

“The NSC is delighted to have hosted this initiative. It represents one of our most extensive training programmes, and the level of participation from across the country is very encouraging,” Ninvalle stated during the closing segment at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The workshops featured a range of certification and recertification courses, including National Lifeguard Pool Recertification and Waterfront training, led by experienced Canadian instructors Sarah Newton and Patrick D’Almada.

Emergency First Aid training was also delivered by D’Almada, alongside local instructors Kenita Mahaica and Cleveland King, providing participants with well-rounded, practical knowledge essential for emergency response situations.

The final segment of the programme saw more than 50 participants, primarily coaches and sports administrators, converging at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

However, one of the standout achievements was the certification of 13 waterfront lifeguards following an intensive three-day course at Lake Mainstay.

The location provided an ideal setting for simulating real-world open water conditions, equipping trainees with hands-on experience in dynamic environments.

Ninvalle highlighted the NSC’s broader commitment to capacity building, referencing last year’s achievements, which included the recertification of 15 lifeguards, the awarding of three examiner certifications, 41 Emergency First Aid certifications, as well as 32 Bronze Medallion and 28 Bronze Cross certifications.

The Director of Sport also urged participants to share their newly acquired knowledge within their communities and organisations, reinforcing the programme’s long-term impact.

Meanwhile, Ninvalle noted that with the successful conclusion of the landmark initiative, the NSC has taken a decisive step toward building a safer sporting and recreational landscape, ensuring that more Guyanese are equipped with the skills needed to prevent emergencies and save lives.

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The Guyana Rugby Union has named a 30-man squad to kick off their 15s campaign, with captain Rondel McArthur set to lead the ‘Green Machine’ against Bermuda this Saturday from 15:00h.

The clash at the National Park Rugby Field marks the beginning of a crucial home stretch for the Guyanese, who are looking to lay down a marker in the regional standings.

Head coach Claudius Butts has opted for a “best of both worlds” approach, pairing a bruising forward pack with lightning-quick finishers on the flanks.

While 30 players have been called up to the initial roster, Butts is expected to whittle that list down to a final match-day 22 by Friday.

McArthur anchors a formidable front row alongside Makayah Smith and Devon Charles, while the tactical strings will be pulled by veteran vice-captain Godfrey Broomes.

The coaching staff, bolstered by assistants Elwin Chase and Ryan Hinkson, have clearly prioritised physical dominance at the set-piece, but the inclusion of Owen Adonis and Godfrey Polloydore.

The April 25 fixture is just the first of international rugby in Georgetown, as they are set for an extended home residency, with two further high-stakes tests on the horizon against Barbados (June 6) and Trinidad and Tobago (June 26).

Guyana 15s Squad: Rondel McArther (C), Godfrey Broomes (VC), Makayah Smith, Devon Charles, James Osborne, Phoibian Joseph, Shawn David, Christian Klass, Sebastian Manifile, Osie McKenzie, Owen Adonis, Odida Douglas, Rickford Cummings, Godfrey Polloydore, Lionel Holder, Ryan Skinner, Quason Butters, Kelvin Grant, Renaldo Niles, Osbert Robertson, Michael Edwards, Gavin McPherson, Vallon Adams, Michael Barrow, Akino James, Kevon David, Marlon Small, Adrian Hall, Jonathan Garnett, Jamal Junior.

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