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The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has issued a strong warning to cigarette importers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers as authorities intensify efforts to crack down on illegal and untaxed tobacco products being sold across the country.

In a statement on Friday, the GRA reminded businesses that all imported cigarette and alcohol products must carry official Excise Stamps in keeping with Regulation 212 of the Customs Act.

The agency said failure to comply has already led to the seizure of several cigarette brands deemed illegal or “uncustomed” during enforcement operations carried out by Customs Law Enforcement Officers.

Among the brands seized are Atlanta, Nashville, GT Smart, B&B, Ultra Buy, Royal Milano, Aurora, Gold Mount, Pride, Capital, Star Gold, Rio, Marshal, Marine, Landus, Pine, Elegance, Tradition and Capi Blue.

The GRA said its enforcement campaign forms part of a wider effort to tackle smuggling, tax evasion and the sale of illicit tobacco products entering the local market.

According to the Authority, the cigarette brands currently considered compliant with Guyana’s tax laws and Tobacco Control Act are Pall Mall, Bristol, Dunhill and Englishman.

Officials stressed that even these approved brands must still carry the required Excise Stamp and display the legally mandated health warnings and graphic images on cigarette packaging.

The GRA warned that businesses found selling unstamped or illegal tobacco products could face penalties, seizure of goods and possible prosecution.

The agency is also encouraging importers and retailers who may not yet be fully compliant to regularise their operations immediately.

The Authority said it maintains a “zero-tolerance approach” toward smuggling and any form of tax evasion, especially as concerns continue to grow regionally over illicit tobacco trade and lost government revenue.

Members of the public are also being encouraged to report suspected smuggling activities or illicit cigarette products through the GRA hotline at 227-6060 extensions 3201 to 3210.

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A 29-year-old driver is receiving medical treatment after losing control of his vehicle and crashing into a light pole at the Schoonard Roundabout on the West Bank of Demerara Thursday night.

Police said the driver, whose name was not released, was reportedly speeding along the eastern carriageway of Schoonard New Road at around 21:20 hours when he lost control of motor vehicle PAJ 8926.

Investigators said the vehicle slammed into the roundabout and a light pole, causing the pole to collapse onto the roadway. The impact also damaged lights and solar panels in the area, while the car sustained extensive damage.

The injured driver, who is from Schoonard, was taken to the Sheriff General Hospital at Leonora in a conscious condition and remains under medical care.

The vehicle has since been impounded as investigations continue into the crash.

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The Caribbean Public Health Agency, CARPHA, is sounding the alarm over dangerously high salt consumption across the region, warning that excessive sodium intake is contributing to rising rates of hypertension, heart disease and strokes among Caribbean populations.

As the region observes World Salt Awareness Week 2026 from May 11 to 17 under the theme “Salt It Out,” CARPHA says many Caribbean adults are consuming nearly double the amount of salt recommended by the World Health Organization.

According to the agency, between 21 and 27 per cent of Caribbean adults are hypertensive, reflecting a growing public health concern tied closely to diet and lifestyle.

The World Health Organization recommends that adults consume less than five grams of salt daily — roughly one teaspoon. However, global average consumption is estimated at more than 10 grams per day.

Health officials warn that many people underestimate how much salt they are actually consuming because a significant portion comes from processed and ultra-processed foods rather than salt added during cooking or at the table.

Lisa Indar, Executive Director of CARPHA, said excessive salt intake has become a “silent but significant contributor” to non-communicable diseases across the region.

She noted that hypertension, heart disease and stroke continue to place major pressure on Caribbean healthcare systems, with cardiovascular diseases accounting for nearly one-third of non-communicable disease-related deaths in the region.

CARPHA says reducing salt intake is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to improve public health outcomes and prevent chronic illness.

In response, the agency continues to work with regional governments, the Pan American Health Organization and other partners on strategies aimed at reducing sodium consumption through stronger food policies, public education campaigns and healthier food environments.

Among the measures being promoted are front-of-package nutrition labelling, reformulation of processed foods to reduce sodium content, restrictions on advertising high-sodium foods to children, school nutrition programmes and broader public awareness campaigns.

CARPHA has also developed its Regional Sodium Reduction Framework and a broader Six-Point Policy Package aimed at tackling childhood obesity and non-communicable diseases throughout the Caribbean.

The agency says its long-term goal is to help Caribbean populations reduce average salt intake to below the global target while encouraging healthier eating habits from an early age.

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Experienced wicketkeeper-batter Shemaine Campbelle, alongside the young Guyanese pair of Mandy Mangru and Ashmini Munisar, have been named in a 16-member West Indies Women’s training squad that arrived in Newport, Wales, on Thursday. The 10-day high-intensity camp, running from May 14 to 23, serves as the final leg of preparation for the Maroon Warriors ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England.

The inclusion of the three Guyanese players underscores a blend of seasoned dependability and emerging spin talent. Campbelle, a veteran of the international setup, brings immense stability to the middle order and leadership behind the stumps.

Meanwhile, the youthful duo of Mangru and offspinner Munisar will look to use the acclimatisation period to force their way into the final tournament squad. Munisar, in particular, has been a regular fixture of recent white-ball setups, featuring in the home series against Australia earlier this year.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has designed the Newport camp to replicate the testing early-summer conditions expected during the global tournament.

Following the conclusion of the camp, the squad will travel to Dublin for a crucial T20I tri-series against hosts Ireland and Pakistan starting May 28, providing crucial match simulation.

CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe emphasised that the extended preparation block in the United Kingdom and Ireland is invaluable for nailing down tactical combinations and fostering squad cohesion.

He noted that the board is looking forward to strong showings from established veterans while anticipating the emergence of future stars on the back of this specialised pathway.

West Indies, who were semi-finalists in the 2024 edition, will fine-tune their final combinations during the tri-series before launching their World Cup campaign against New Zealand on June 13.

Final squad selections for both the tri-series and the marquee tournament will be confirmed at a later date.  (Modified from CWI) 

West Indies Women Training Camp Participants: Aaliyah Alleyne, Eboni Brathwaite, Shemaine Campbelle, Jahzara Claxton, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow, Shawnisha Hector, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Hayley Matthews, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor

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Magistrate Michelle Matthias on Friday refused bail in the manslaughter charge against a man who fatally stabbed a hire car driver.

Frank McAllister, 21, of Heat Burn Village, East Bank Berbice, appeared at the Albion Magistrate’s Court.

The court heard that on May 12, 2026, at Edinburgh Village, East Bank, McAllister unlawfully murdered Oswain Lawson.

McAllister did not enter a plea.

Police Prosecutor Corporal Sherry Williams informed the court that the case file is incomplete and the postmortem examination of the victim is pending. Williams emphasized that the case file must be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further legal review.

Williams objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the offence and the violent manner in which it was committed, noting that a knife was used to inflict fatal injuries. She reaffirmed that the victim is now deceased.

McAllister’s attorney, Chandra Sohan, requested bail, asserting that his client poses no flight risk and is willing to comply with any bail conditions.

Sohan argued that manslaughter is a bailable offence.

After careful consideration of both the prosecution and defense, Magistrate Matthias denied bail, citing the gravity of the crime.

McAllister, appearing composed in court, was remanded to prison. The case was adjourned to June 4th and transferred to the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court for further proceedings.

Family members of the accused were in court in large numbers, offering words of encouragement as McAllister left the courtroom.

Police said that around 01:30 hrs, Lawson, 42, of Lot 46 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam
was involved in an argument with McAllister at a shop in the area. The argument reportedly escalated and Lawson was allegedly attacked.
Investigators said Lawson later drove motor car #HD 8644 away from the scene, but the vehicle ended up in a trench at Edinburgh. Public-spirited citizens removed him from the car in an unconscious state and rushed him to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The incident was initially treated as a fatal accident. However, officers later discovered several suspected stab wounds on Lawson’s upper body.

Police subsequently returned to the scene and, acting on information received, arrested McAllister

According to information received, Lawson sustained four stab wounds to his right side chest and five stab wounds to his back.

A postmortem examination conducted on Wednesday by Government Pathologist Dr. Vivekanand Brijmohan revealed that Lawson died from multiple incised stab wounds resulting in hemorrhage and collapsed lungs

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The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) draft has taken place, with the seven teams confirming the West Indian players who will form part of their squads for the 2026 tournament, which runs from 7 August to 20 September. Overseas players will be announced over the coming weeks.

The Barbados Tridents have selected Gudakesh Motie, who leaves the Guyana Amazon Warriors after five years with his home franchise. The Tridents also re-drafted fellow Guyanese player Sherfane Rutherford, who was part of the Barbados squad in 2025. Barbados used their Right to Match Options (RMOs) to re-sign Brandon King, Kadeem Alleyne, Rivaldo Clarke, Johann Layne and Kofi James. Zishan Motara also returns to the Tridents for 2026.

The Trinbago Knight Riders have used their RMOs to re-sign Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard, Akeal Hosein and Terrance Hinds. That hugely experienced core will be vital as the Knight Riders look to defend the title they secured in 2025.

There are also some new faces in the squad, with Barbadians Justin Greaves and Dominic Drakes joining the Trinidad & Tobago franchise for the first time. Jyd Goolie will represent his home team for the first time, having played for the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in 2025. He will be joined by newcomers Dexter Sween and Abdul Raheem-Toppin.

The St Kitts & Nevis Patriots have drafted Johnson Charles, the CPL’s all-time leading run-scorer. He is joined by Andre Fletcher, who sits second on the CPL run-scoring charts.

The Patriots used an RMO to re-sign Fletcher while also retaining the right to match offers to Kyle Mayers, Alick Athanaze, and Mikyle Louis. They have drafted Jason Holder back into the squad and secured the services of Kevin Wickham and Obed McCoy, who both join the team for the first time in 2026.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors have used their RMOs to retain Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Shai Hope and Shamar Joseph. While they lost Gudakesh Motie to the Tridents, they have replaced him with fellow left-arm spinner Khary Pierre, who was part of the Kings squad in 2025. The remainder of the Amazon Warriors squad comprises Guyanese players, with Ronaldo Alimohamed, Veersammy Permaul, Mavendra Dindyal and Jonathan van Lange all joining the 2026 squad. Of the 12 local players selected by the Warriors, 10 are from Guyana.

The Jamaica Kingsmen have drafted two experienced local players with outstanding T20 records in Rovman Powell and Andre Russell. They have also selected fellow Jamaicans Odean Smith, Vitel Lawes, Jeavor Royal and Kirk McKenzie. The Kingsmen have additionally picked Keemo Paul, Keacy Carty and Shaqkere Parris, all of whom have previous CPL experience.

The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons welcome local star Alzarri Joseph to the squad after his five-season stint with the Saint Lucia Kings. The Falcons have also signed the hugely experienced Evin Lewis, who leaves the Patriots after more than a decade with the St Kitts & Nevis franchise. The Falcons used RMOs to re-sign Fabian Allen, Jayden Seales and Amir Jangoo.

They have also brought back Shamar Springer, Rahkeem Cornwall and Karima Gore, who were all part of the Falcons squad in 2025. New faces include Anderson Mahase and Anderson Phillip.

The Saint Lucia Kings used their RMOs to retain Roston Chase, Matthew Forde and Keon Gaston. They have brought in exciting Antiguian batter Jewel Andrew, while also welcoming back Saint Lucian McKenny Clarke, who was with the Knight Riders in 2025.

The Kings have also selected Trinidadian top-order batter Kamil Pooran, along with Damion Joachim, Joshua Bishop and Darron Nedd. (CPL T20) 

Full Local Squad Lists Following the Draft

Antigua & Barbuda Falcons: Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Fabian Allen (RMO), Jayden Seales (RMO), Amir Jangoo (RMO), Shamar Springer, Rahkeem Cornwall, Anderson Phillip, *Karima Gore, *Anderson Mahase*, Jahmar Hamilton, *Joshua James (RET)

Barbados Tridents: Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Brandon King (RMO), Kadeem Alleyne (RMO), Rivaldo Clarke (RMO), *Johann Layne (RMO), *Kofi James (RMO), Zishan Motara, Zachary Carter, Ramon Simmonds (RET), Johann Layne (RMO), Jakeem Pollard*

Guyana Amazon Warriors: Shimron Hetmyer (RMO), Romario Shepherd (RMO), Shai Hope (RMO), Shamar Joseph (RMO), Khary Pierre, Ronaldo Alimohamed, Veerasammy Permaul, Jonathan van Lange*, *Mavendra Dindyal, *Isai Thorne, Matthew Nandu, *Quentin Sampson

Jamaica Kingsmen: Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Keemo Paul, Keacy Carty, Shaqkere Parris, Odean Smith, Vitel Lawes (RMO), Romaine Morris, *Kirk McKenzie, *Jeavor Royal, Jediah Blades, *Kelvin Pitman

St Kitts & Nevis Patriots: Johnson Charles, Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers (RMO), Andre Fletcher (RMO), Kevin Wickham, Obed McCoy, Ashmead Nedd, Jeremiah Louis, Alick Athanaze (RMO), *Micah McKenzie, *Navin Bidaiseee (RET), *Mikyle Louis (RMO)

Saint Lucia Kings: Roston Chase (RMO), Jewel Andrew, Matthew Forde (RMO), Kamil Pooran, Darron Nedd, McKenny Clarke, Joshua Bishop, Damion Joachim, *Keon Gaston (RMO),  *Amari Goodridge, Johann Jeremiah*, *Ackeem Auguste (RET), Mckenny Clarke

Trinbago Knight Riders: Sunil Narine (RMO), Nicholas Pooran (RMO), Kieron Pollard (RMO), Akeal Hosein (RMO), Justin Greaves, Dominic Drakes, Jyd Goolie, Dexter Sween, Terrance Hinds (RMO), Nathan *Edward (RET), *Joshua Da Silva, *Abdul-Raheem Toppin

Key:

RMO – Right to Match Option

RET – Retained Player

* – Breakout Player

 

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West Indies have signalled the start of a gruelling eighteen-month journey toward World Cup redemption, naming a powerhouse contingent inclusive of Guyana’s left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie and fast-bowling sensation Shamar Joseph for a specialised high-performance camp.

The ten-day intensive program, set to run from May 21–31 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, serves as the primary engine room for the upcoming One-Day International series against Sri Lanka in Jamaica.

They are joined by a mix of established core players like Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, and Brandon King, forming a formidable backbone for the training sessions despite the absence of several stars, who are currently occupied with Indian Premier League commitments.

Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe has framed this initiative as a “strategic investment” rather than a mere warm-up.

With the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup on the horizon, the West Indies are desperate to secure automatic qualification and avoid the pitfalls of the previous cycle.

Bascombe noted that the camp is designed to instil a specific identity and culture, with a focus on sharpening execution in high-pressure scenarios that have occasionally haunted the side in recent years.

The backroom staff sees a significant boost as well, with newly appointed fast-bowling consultant Ottis Gibson officially beginning his tenure during the camp.

Gibson’s experience is expected to be pivotal for a pace battery that includes Jayden Seales and Matthew Forde. Meanwhile, the youth development pipeline remains open as emerging Under-19 talent Vitel Lawes has been handed a developmental spot.

Lawes will work closely with pathway coach Nikita Miller, who is set to assist with the senior team’s spin program while mentoring the next generation.

Head Coach Daren Sammy will oversee the full-day sessions, which are slated to cover everything from technical refinement to physical conditioning to match simulation.

This holistic approach aims to build team cohesion before the first ball is bowled against Sri Lanka on June 3rd.

While the final squad for that series is yet to be finalised, the names gathered in Antigua—including Jewel Andrew, Ackeem Auguste, and Justin Greaves—suggest a competitive race for spots is underway.

The full list of participants features Shai Hope, Jewel Andrew, Ackeem Auguste, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Vitel Lawes, Gudakesh Motie, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales, and Shamar Springer. (Modified from CWI) 

 

 

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Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) playoff chances took a serious beating after they lost their fifth game in a row, this time going down to Mumbai Indians (MI) by six wickets in Dharamsala.

They remain fourth on the table with 13 points from 12 games, while the two teams just below them, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, have 12 points each with a game in hand.

MI were without their regular captain Hardik Pandya, who is still recovering from back spasms, and stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav, who missed out due to personal reasons.

In their absence, Jasprit Bumrah led them for the first time in the IPL and put PBKS in after winning the toss. The hosts rode on Prabhsimran Singh’s chancy 57 off 32 to reach 100 in 11 overs before Shardul Thakur’s four-for derailed them.

They were 140 for 7 in the 17th over but Azmatullah Omarzai, Xavier Bartlett and Impact Player Vishnu Vinod ransacked 60 in the last 22 balls to lift them to 200 for 8.

Ryan Rickelton set up the chase for MI with his 23-ball 48. But it was Tilak Varma who played the pivotal role with his unbeaten 75 off 33. With 50 needed from three overs, he, with the help of Will Jacks, took MI over the line on the penultimate ball of the match. (ESPNcricinfo) 

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The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has launched the third edition of the Blue Water Shipping Girls U15 National Championship, with more than 70 schools set to compete across the country.

The tournament, which officially launched on Wednesday at the National Training Centre in Providence, has seen rapid growth since its inception.

From 54 schools in 2024 to an expected 80 participants this year, the initiative now impacts over 1,300 young athletes nationwide.

This year’s edition is notable for the inclusion of several first-time participants, including Mahdia Secondary and schools from the Rupununi and Corentyne regions.

GFF President Wayne Forde emphasised that the focus on school-based football is a cornerstone of the federation’s development plan.

“Our emphasis on school-based football is deliberate,” Forde said. “Many clubs still do not have adequate female-friendly facilities, and we want parents to have confidence in the environment and structure in which their daughters are playing.”

The tournament utilises a 9v9 format, designed to maximise touches on the ball while promoting discipline and teamwork.

Blue Water Shipping manager Rowena Elliot reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to the sport, noting that the “value” of the championship is already evident in the rising participation numbers.

“When the right structures and opportunities are in place, girls will show up—not only to compete, but to build confidence and leadership.” — Rowena Elliot, Blue Water Shipping

Nicholas Fraser, representing the Ministry of Education, noted that approximately 60% of Guyana’s secondary schools are now involved, making the tournament one of the largest sporting events in the country, rivalled only by the National Schools Athletics Championship.

The championship is scheduled to run from May 16 to July 3, 2026.

Action begins this Saturday in Moruca (Region One) with a double-header:

• Kamwatta Secondary vs Kwebanna Secondary (10:00)
• Santa Rosa Secondary vs St. Nicholas Secondary (11:00)

Preliminary rounds will take place across various regions, including Bartica, Essequibo, and Linden, before the competition moves to the GFF National Training Centre for the final eight matches. (Modified Press Release) 

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The Cooperative Republic of Guyana is set to mark its 60th Independence Diamond Jubilee with a prestigious multi-discipline sporting showcase. Ten sporting disciplines will headline the national celebrations, offering the country’s elite athletes a historic opportunity to compete for commemorative trophies and secure their legacy during this once-in-a-lifetime milestone.

The National Gymnasium will serve as the hub for badminton enthusiasts from May 14–17.

Competition begins at 17:00 on Thursday and Friday, moving to a 13:00 start for the weekend sessions.

Athletes will compete across ten distinct categories, including Men’s and Women’s Singles and Doubles, Mixed Doubles, and specialised Under-23 divisions.

Simultaneously, the National Racquet Centre will host the nation’s squash elite from Thursday through Sunday. This tournament features the “crème de la crème” of Guyanese talent—the top eight-ranked players in each category.

Given Guyana’s long-standing dominance in Caribbean squash, the stakes are exceptionally high. The schedule mirrors the badminton timings, featuring senior categories alongside comprehensive U-19 Boys and Girls singles and doubles events.

Cricket fans can head to the Police Sports Club Ground at Eve Leary this weekend for high-octane T20 Softball and Female 12/12 action. Play commences at 10:00 on Saturday and 09:30 on Sunday.

The tournament celebrates the sport’s longevity with Master’s 40+ and 50+ divisions, culminating in a full slate of finals on Sunday afternoon.

Tennis action joins the festivities starting this Sunday at the National Park Courts. The tournament runs daily through to May 24, with morning sessions beginning at 10:00 and weekday matches serving off at 15:30.

Spectators can look forward to five categories, ranging from the premier Men’s and Women’s Open to Junior and Novice divisions.

Beyond the courts and pitches, the Diamond Jubilee celebrations extend across the sporting spectrum.

Throughout the month, national competitions will also be held for Athletics, Basketball, Hockey, Table Tennis, Volleyball, and Dominoes, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive celebration of Guyanese sporting prowess. (Modified Press Release) 

 

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