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England’s Goodwill Tour to Guyana continued to deliver challenging conditions and outstanding performances as marksmen took on the demanding 900 and 1000-yard ranges.

Strong, fast-switching winds greeted shooters from the outset, adding a dynamic layer of difficulty. While the English competitors are well accustomed to windy conditions at Bisley, the unpredictable nature of the gusts in Guyana tested even the most experienced shooters.

At the 900-yard range, most shooters posted scores in the low 40s. However, Matthew Blythe rose above the field to claim the gold medal with an impressive 49.5. He was closely followed by Martin Whicher, who secured silver with 49.2, and Matthew Keel, who earned bronze with 48.4. Guyana’s Dylan Field led the local contingent with a solid 46.2, while Roberto Tewari (44.4) and Leo Romalho (44.2) also delivered commendable performances.

The 1000-yard event proved equally demanding. England Team Captain Phillip Chapman-Sheath captured gold with the top score of 46.3. Martin Whicher continued his strong showing with 46.2 (including two Vs) to take silver, while Matthew Keel secured bronze with 45.3.

In the second day’s aggregate (900 and 1000 yards), Martin Whicher emerged victorious with a combined score of 95.4. Matthew Keel placed second with 93.7, followed closely by Matthew Blythe with 93.6.

The Overall Individual Championship, which combined scores across all ranges, saw Matthew Blythe crowned champion with 234.14. Christopher Crabtree earned silver with 231.16, and Matthew Keel completed the podium with bronze at 231.12. Guyana’s Dylan Field achieved an impressive sixth-place finish overall.

Focus now shifts to the highly anticipated Team Match, which will be contested across distances from 300 to 1000 yards. The Guyana NRA team will compete against England Red and England White, with each team comprising eight shooters, a wind coach, and a plotter.

Guyana will be aiming to deliver a strong performance against their English counterparts in what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the tour.

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The National Cultural Centre tarmac played host to a frantic night of street football as the Round of 32 of the 2025 Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown zone reached its crescendo on Friday.

Bent Street B were the evening’s big winners, putting on a clinic to dispatch Unity Ballers 3-0. In a tournament often defined by narrow margins, their clinical edge stood out, matched only by Team Cruel, who showcased their title credentials with a dominant 4-1 dismantling of Corinthians.

Elsewhere, the defending champions had to dig deep. Laing Avenue proved they have the stomach for a fight, grinding out a 1-0 victory over Gaza Squad to keep their repeat hopes alive.

They were joined in the winner’s circle by Z-Tekk, North East La Penitence, and Leopold, who all navigated tense 1-0 affairs to book their spots in the next phase.

Albouystown survived a scare to edge past Young Stars 2-1, while National All-Stars ensured their name was in the hat for the next round with a professional 2-0 win over Team Madrid.

The competition now shifts into high gear as the Round of 16 kicks off on Thursday, April 23.

With a $1 million top prize and three qualifying spots for the national championships on the line, the intensity on the Mandela Avenue tarmac is expected to reach fever pitch.

The heavyweight clashes begin at 19:00, with Z-Tekk handed the unenviable task of stopping the rampant Bent Street B. Fans will also be keeping a close eye on the late-night blockbuster at 22:30, where local giants Sparta Boss face a stern test against the reigning champions, Laing Avenue.

Day 3 (Round of 16) – April 23rd

(22)Z-Tekk vs Bent St B – 19:00hrs

(19)Albouystown vs Leopold – 19:30hrs

(18)New Bay Ballers vs Team Cruel – 20:00hrs

(17)Island All-Stars vs Broad St – 20:30hrs

(21)Festival City vs North East La Penitence – 21:00hrs

(20)National All-Stars vs Team Immaculate – 21:30hrs

(23)Gold is Money vs East Coast All-Stars – 22:00hrs

(24)Sparta Boss vs Laing Avenue – 22:30hrs

 

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Empire Medical Centre Laboratory is now the first laboratory in Linden to achieve certification by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) under the Laboratory Certification programme. With this certification, the Lab now boasts conformance to the National Standard: GYS 170:2021 – General Requirements for the Operation of a Laboratory. Importantly, this achievement marks a major step towards improving quality and reliability in diagnostic services in Region Ten.

The newly certified lab offers a wide range of laboratory testing in areas of obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, internal medicine, cardiology, and orthopaedics, among others.

Dr Allan Outridge, Chief Executive Officer and Medical Officer of the Laboratory, described the GNBS certification as a meaningful accomplishment for the facility. He noted that it represents not only compliance with the GYS 170 standard but a strengthened commitment to excellence in laboratory operations and the delivery of reliable diagnostic services.

The Empire Medical Centre opened its doors on June 7, 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, to provide care for both COVID-19 patients and the wider community.

“When COVID came, it literally opened many doors for us…We wanted to help as much as we could, as it was a crisis. So, we opened our doors to not only offer outpatient and cardiovascular services, but also to house COVID patients. Because of that, it has allowed us to become who we are today…” Dr Outridge explained.

He pointed out that the decision to pursue certification was driven by a desire to align with recognised standards while improving operational efficiency, accuracy and overall service quality.

The CEO added, “When you are dealing with a vast clientele, including patients from the United States of America, Canada and the Caribbean, whose companies demand certain tests that must be done a certain way against international standards, certification becomes necessary…So, when the results are issued, there will be no questions.”

While the certification process presented several challenges, including the need for procedural adjustments and capacity building, Dr Outridge highlighted the positive experience of working with GNBS throughout the certification journey. He noted that the GNBS team provided all the necessary guidance through technical assistance and training to ensure the requirements were successfully met.

“It [certification process] was extremely difficult and lengthy, but the GNBS was there to guide us…The collective efforts are what brought us to this point today. The GNBS was not just there to inspect. They were there to educate, guide and support us. The experience is what I’ll cherish for a lifetime…” the CEO highlighted.

Since implementing the GYS 170 Standard this year, the CEO underscored the notable improvements in the laboratory’s standard operating procedures, stronger quality control systems, improved workflow efficiency, enhanced record-keeping and more robust internal monitoring mechanisms.

For patients and healthcare providers in Region Ten, this achievement translates into greater trust in laboratory results, improved service reliability and enhanced healthcare outcomes. Looking ahead, the laboratory will be exploring opportunities to expand its services and pursue additional certifications to further improve its standards.

Finally, the Lab CEO advocated that other laboratories should pursue GNBS certification, emphasising that adopting recognised standards is essential for ensuring quality, safety and consistency in healthcare services. Such efforts not only strengthen health institutions but also contribute to the overall development of the national healthcare system.

Application forms can be found via the GNBS website: https://gnbsgy.com/forms-all/

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The Ministry of Agriculture on Saturday commissioned an agro-processing facility at Canal Number One Polder. The facility, constructed and outfitted at a cost of $58.5 million, features modern solar drying and agro-processing technology, with the capacity to process up to 500 kilograms of fruit per day.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha delivered remarks in which he underscored the Government’s continued commitment to transforming Guyana’s agro-processing sector.

Minister Mustapha noted that, for too long, Guyana has focused primarily on producing and exporting raw agricultural commodities—a situation he said has limited the earning potential of farmers. He explained that the seasonal nature of crops, combined with their perishability and fluctuating market demands, has often prevented farmers from maximizing returns on their hard work.

“Agro-processing is one of the areas we are transforming. For too long, we have been producing and exporting primary products. Today, in Canal Polder, we are harnessing that potential. Agro-processing in Guyana is not only about value-added production; it is about creating new opportunities and empowering people” he said.

The Minister added that “this facility at Canal #1 is equipped with modern solar drying and agro-processing technology, with the capacity to process up to 500 kilograms of fruit per day, enabling the drying of approximately 120,000–150,000 kilograms annually. It will convert perishable produce into shelf-stable, value-added products such as dried pineapple, citrus slices, pulps, juices, herbs, seasonings, and condiments. This will reduce post-harvest losses by as much as 35–40%, while opening new income streams for 70 to 90 small-scale farmers and processors, including women’s groups and youth-run agro-enterprises who will directly benefit.”

He noted that the Government is actively addressing longstanding challenges associated with Guyana’s reliance on primary production through strategic investments in value-added agriculture. He further highlighted that the $58.5 million facility was deliberately established in Canal Number One, a community recognised as one of the most productive agricultural areas in Region Three.

While emphasising that agriculture remains a primary source of income for many residents, Minister Mustapha said the investment is both timely and impactful, as it will bridge the longstanding gap in preservation and value addition.

“For too long, our farmers and consumers have been confined to the fresh produce market. With many crops being seasonal, there has always been a gap when it comes to preservation and value addition. This facility will help bridge that gap,” the Minister stated.

He further noted that since assuming office in 2020, the Government has significantly expanded agro-processing capacity across the country, with this latest addition bringing the total number of such facilities to approximately 15. This, he said, reflects the Government’s strong focus on advancing the agro-processing industry as a key pillar of agricultural development.

The Minister also pointed to complementary infrastructure investments currently underway in the region.

“Here in Region Three, farm-to-market roads are being constructed, and pump stations are being developed to improve drainage. In Canal Number One Polder, a new pump station with four pumps is already servicing the area. We are also conducting consultations with residents for the construction of high-level canals, similar to the Hope Canal on the East Coast of Demerara,” Minister Mustapha explained.

He added that Guyana currently imports approximately US$126,000 worth of dried fruits annually, and the Government aims to reduce the food import bill by expanding local production of high-quality import substitution products.

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PRESS RELEASE || Promotech Guyana has lauded the successful staging of the Promotech National Top Flight Golf League (NTFGL), which recently concluded at Lusignan Golf Club, describing the tournament as a powerful example of the growth and potential of golf in Guyana.

The league, which culminated with Patanjilee Persaud securing the championship title, brought together the nation’s top golfers in a display of high-level competition, discipline and sportsmanship.

Speaking at the closing presentation, Country Manager of Promotech Guyana, Bala Vinjimoor, expressed satisfaction with the company’s involvement as title sponsor and praised the overall execution of the tournament.

“It’s been truly rewarding to witness the level of passion, sportsmanship, and talent on display throughout this event,” Vinjimoor said.

“The energy on the course, the competitiveness, and at the same time the camaraderie among players really reflect what golf is all about. It’s not just a game, it’s a community, and Lusignan Golf Club has done a fantastic job bringing that to life.”

Vinjimoor emphasised that Promotech Guyana remains committed to supporting initiatives that foster sporting excellence and community development across the country.

“We are proud to support initiatives like this that contribute to the growth of sport in Guyana. Events such as the NTFGL not only showcase the talent of our golfers but also highlight the country’s potential as a destination for sporting excellence,” he noted.

He also encouraged greater corporate participation in sports development, pointing out the long-term value of such investments.

“To my fellow and potential sponsors, I strongly encourage you to come on board and be part of this journey. Supporting events like this is not just about visibility, it’s about investing in community, in youth, and in the future of sport in Guyana. The impact goes far beyond the tournament itself.”

Promotech Guyana extended congratulations to the organisers, players, and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the league, and signaled its intention to continue supporting similar initiatives in the future.

The successful conclusion of the Promotech NTFGL further reinforces the steady growth of golf in Guyana, with strong partnerships between corporate sponsors and sporting bodies playing a pivotal role.

(SOURCE: Lusignan Golf Club)

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The 2025/26 Concacaf W Qualifiers continued on Saturday with Jamaica securing a 2-0 win against Guyana in Group B at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica.

Khadija Shaw opened the scoring for the hosts with a header in the box in the eighth minute, and just before the final whistle the Reggae Girlz doubled their lead via a header from Shania Hayles in the 88^th minute.

Watch the highlights here 

As the winner of Group B with a 4-0-0 record, Jamaica secured its spot in the 2026 Concacaf W Championship.

Guyana’s Lady Jags left the W Qualifiers as third place of Group B with a 2-0-2 record.

The Lady Jags Head Coach Omar Khan, reacting to the outcome, said: “Jamaica deserved to win, but as a team I think Guyana showed a good performance, looking at the reactions we got from the crowd and the opponent.”

Prior to the Jamaica clash, Guyana started the campaign last November with a 3-1 loss to Nicaragua, before rebounding to beat Dominica 3-0 and Antigua 4-0.

 

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Early leaders Punjab Kings piled up 254-7, the highest score in the Indian Premier League so far, in a 54-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants.

The total was built around a dominant second-wicket partnership of 182 in 80 balls between Indian opener Priyansh Arya and Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly.

Arya hit nine sixes in his destructive 93 from 37 balls. 22-year-old Connolly peppered the straight boundaries while hitting eight fours and seven sixes, though he would have been out for five had LSG reviewed an early lbw shout.

The pair took 32 runs from one over from South African Aiden Markram’s off-spin.

Punjab’s total surpassed the 250-3 made by Royal Challengers Benagluru earlier in the competition and is also their second best effort in any IPL season.

Lucknow were never in the chase, even with Mitchell Marsh hitting 40 and Rishabh Pant 43.

With the result long decided, Punjab were sloppy towards the back end when dropping a series of catches. LSG ended up struggling on to 200-5.

Still, Punjab, who have never won the IPL, are now three points clear at the top of the table. (BBC)

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The margins were razor-thin at the National Stadium Parking Lot on Saturday as Zachary Persaud claimed the spotlight, securing a double pole position for Sunday’s high-stakes $10M Nitro Kart Klash.

In a qualifying session that pushed both man and machine to the limit, Persaud emerged at the top of the sheets in the marquee Banks DIH Briggs & Stratton Senior Light class.

His blistering 35.310s lap gives him the primary advantage

He will lead Calvin Ming (35.553s), Khalil Rickford (35.634s), and Matthew Phang (35.799s) into the first turn in what promises to be a sprint for the history books.

Zachary Persaud wasn’t finished with just one pole position. He doubled down in the Jumbo Jet Auto Sales Honda GX200 class, posting a 36.986s to distance himself from Naresh Alves (38.240s) and Luis Kumar (38.687s).

The grid for the GX200s will be rounded out by Aqueel Edwards, Jaden Daziel, and Shaun Bhoodoo.

The Triple J Construction IAME X30 125CC class delivered the most intense battle of the afternoon as Justin Ten Pow snatched pole with a blistering 31.223s, narrowly outperforming a hard-charging Kristian Jeffrey (31.288s).

Both drivers managed to eclipse Calvin Ming’s pace (31.366s), while Benjamin Phang, Nicholas Sawh, Rayden Persaud, and Mahendra Bhoodoo will all be looking to make moves from the mid-pack.

In the SVC Incorporated Briggs and Stratton Cadet, William Vieira recorded a 37.255 to take the top spot ahead of Asrudeen Mohamed (37.452), Nathan Seejattan (37.720), with Gavriel Gayadin (37.729) representing another close battle.

Meanwhile, Paige Mendonca snagged the top spot in the J’s Supermarket Female Briggs and Stratton and Stratton Class ahead of Malicia Lawrence.

Matthew Phang was the fastest in qualifying for the Mohamed’s Excavating Construction Incorporated Super Moto 250cc class with a 34.469 ahead of Jeremy Ten Pow’s 34.753, Andrew Jordan’s (35.060) and Salim Azeez’s (37.973).

In the AJM Enterprise Briggs and Stratton and Stratton Over 35 Rookie Class, John Mohamed qualified on pole with Shaun Bhoodoo snagging the top spot in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Briggs and Stratton Junior class.

In the Chung’s Global Super Moto 125CC Junior Class, Lishon Lewis’ 37.010-second time was enough to secure top spot ahead of Joshua Holder (39.970) and Troquille Sealy (41.060).

The Forresters Lumber and Building Complex, Briggs and Stratton Heavy Class, will see Mikhail Persaud 36.594 start the day ahead of Jhon Mohamed (37.492), Salim Azeez (38.236), Andre Rochford (39.315), and Jeremey Ten Pow in that order.

Saturday’s session was watched by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., along with Assistant Director of Sport Franklin Wilson.

According to the organisers, gates open on Sunday from 09:00h with racing set to begin just under two hours later. Admission is $3000 for adults, and children under 12 are free. (Modified Press Release)

 

FULL RESULTS: https://speedhive.mylaps.com/livetiming/F7CCAF50F3BE1B98-2147484049/sessions/F7CCAF50F3BE1B98-2147484049-1073743267#byclass

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[Al Jazeera] – Law enforcement officials in the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago have launched an investigation after 56 bodies, mostly of children, were found abandoned at a cemetery.

On Saturday, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) announced the discovery in a statement. The bodies of 50 infants were recovered, as well as those of four adult males and two females.

At least one of the adult women and one adult male showed signs of having undergone a post-mortem examination. All the adults had identification tags, similar to what is often used at morgues.

“Preliminary indications suggest that this may be a case involving the unlawful disposal of unclaimed corpses,” the police service said.

“Further forensic analysis is underway to determine the origin of the remains and any associated breaches of law or procedure.”

The discovery took place in the town of Cumuto, some 40km (25 miles) from the capital, Port of Spain.

After the remains were discovered at the cemetery, Cumuto police secured the scene and began a forensic examination. Specialised units, including homicide experts, have also been deployed to the site.

In Saturday’s statement, Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro acknowledged how disturbing the discovery was.

“The nature of this discovery is deeply troubling, and we understand the emotional impact it will have on families and the wider national community,” Guevarro said.

“The TTPS is approaching this matter with urgency, sensitivity, and unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth. Every cadaver must be handled with dignity and lawful care. Any individual or institution found to have violated that duty will be held fully accountable.”

The improper disposal of human remains is a criminal offence in Trinidad and Tobago, as it is in other parts of the world.

The island nation, located north of Venezuela, has also struggled with an uptick in organised crime in recent years.

In December 2024, Trinidad and Tobago declared a state of emergency to combat gang violence, and while its initial duration was only 15 days, the emergency declaration has remained in place, for the most part, ever since.

As recently as March, the country’s House of Representatives voted to extend the state of emergency by an additional three months.

At the time, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said 373 people had been detained under the emergency proclamation, which expanded the powers of law enforcement to make arrests and enter public and private premises.

She said her government would continue its “zero-tolerance approach to crime and criminal gangs”.

“I had previously warned the criminal gangs and detainees released from prison that decent law-abiding citizens are fed up with their criminality, and if they cannot behave themselves, I would have no hesitation in having another SoE [state of emergency] declared,” she said in a statement in March.

“If criminals want to terrorize law-abiding citizens and their families, I will do everything legally possible to terrorize criminals and those who aid and abet them.”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Trinidad and Tobago has seen a sharp increase in its homicide rates.

That year, there were about 20 homicides for every 100,000 people, but the number rose to 45.7 homicides for every 100,000 in 2024, a record high.

The homicide rate, however, declined in 2025 to about 27 for every 100,000 people.

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As part of national efforts to enhance public spaces and promote community development, residents of Bush Lot and Bath Settlement in Region Five are now benefiting from two newly commissioned recreational parks.

The new facilities, located in the heart of the rapidly growing communities, are designed for the enjoyment of thousands of families.

The initiative forms part of the National Beautification Project led by the Office of the First Lady, the Ministry of Public Works, and other private partners.

Speaking at the commissioning, First Lady Arya Ali underscored the importance of developing such spaces.

She highlighted that “As a government, we have characterised the development of stronger relationships among our citizens, and our focus on fostering holistic community development, and that is what this park aims to do.”

She noted that while national development often highlights roads and large-scale projects, an equal value must be placed on creating environments where families can gather and children can thrive.

“Each time we launch a new park or public space, it serves as a reminder that development encompasses more than just the construction of roads, bridges, and large structures. It also involves the creation of spaces where our children and families can gather, connect, grow, and experience the simple yet profound joy of belonging,” she expressed.

She appealed to residents to guard against vandalism and ensure that the park serves the purpose for which it was built.

The parks were constructed near schools and community grounds. They are designed to provide safe and secure environments for children to play and interact.

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