The 2026 National Rapid Chess Championship, sponsored by Readymix Concrete and hosted by the Guyana Chess Federation, begins this Saturday (April 18) in the Atlantic Room of the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, Kingston.
Guyana’s top chess players will compete in a fast-paced, one-day, nine-round Swiss tournament starting at 09:00h, with a time control of 15 minutes plus five second increments.
The contest will determine the new National Rapid Chess Champion for 2026.
Reigning National Rapid Champion FIDE Master Anthony Drayton will be defending his title, drawing stiff competition from talented players such as National Chess Champion Candidate Master Sachin Pitamber, Candidate Master Taffin Khan, Kyle Couchman, Keron Sandiford, Joshua Gopaul, and others.
Top females who are also competing are Woman Candidate Master Jessica Callender, National Under-16 and Under-14 Girls Champion Kataleya Sam. This FIDE-rated tournament is open to all ages and genders.
The Federation expects a competitive field of approximately 40 players, featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and rising juniors. Every participant will be vying for the prestigious National title in a showcase of tactical skill and brilliance over the board.
A total prize fund of G$175,000 and trophies await the top winners, with a special cash prize for the best female competitor. The Guyana Chess Federation sincerely thanks the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre for their hospitality and vital support of the local chess community.
“We also wish to thank Readymix Concrete, which has been a steadfast sponsor of chess over the years. Tournament results and pairings are available for public viewing on chess results.com. The top twelve boards will be live-streamed for viewers by GCF’s FIDE Arbiter and Technical Director John Lee. For further details on our chess clubs, membership registration, and upcoming events, please visit our official website at guyanachess.gy or follow us on Facebook and Instagram,” the Federation said in a release.
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF), through its continued partnership with Machinery Corporation of Guyana (MACORP), is creating meaningful pathways for footballers to build sustainable careers beyond their playing days.
On Friday, April 17, 10 footballers were officially certified after successfully completing excavator operator training provided by MACORP.
The latest batch of footballers to benefit from the programme is Antwone Grant, Dekossi Robinson, Fayon Harry, Kevin Layne, Makeisha Dash, Malcolm Miggins, Roylon Collins, Shaka Cyrus, Terrence Lewis and Tevin Troyer.
President of the GFF, Wayne Forde, emphasised that while a football career may be short, players can lead fulfilling lives after the game by transitioning into skilled professions.
He highlighted the importance of equipping athletes with practical skills that open doors to long-term employment.
Since 2021, MACORP has been a committed partner in this initiative, offering specialised training in excavator operation to footballers across the country. The programme continues to deliver valuable, hands-on experience that strengthens participants’ prospects in the workforce.
MACORP’s President and General Manager, German Consuegra, congratulated the participants and encouraged them to fully embrace the opportunity, develop their skills, and take advantage of the career pathways available to them.
He underscored the importance of applying the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviour instilled during their training.
Reinforcing the company’s strong safety culture, Training Manager Miguel Oviedo urged participants to consistently carry out pre-operation safety inspections and adhere to Caterpillar operating standards as they transition into real-world work environments.
Through this partnership, MACORP has successfully trained 28 operators in three batches. Graduates of the programme have gone on to serve in various roles nationwide, including one who is now a trainer in Region Nine.
This initiative underscores a shared commitment to empowering athletes, investing in their futures, and contributing to national development through skills training and opportunity creation.
The West Indies Four-Day Championship returned with an enthralling opening round, with matches played in Antigua and at Chedwin Park in Jamaica.
The round produced seven centuries, three five-wicket hauls, and a remarkable 10-wicket match haul, all setting the tone for an exciting regional tournament.
Motie magic inspires Harpy Eagles
In Antigua, defending champions Guyana Harpy Eagles overcame a first-innings deficit to secure victory against the Windward Islands Volcanoes at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
Player-of-the-Match Gudakesh Motie delivered a match-winning performance with the ball, claiming figures of 10-119 to spin his team into a commanding position and set up a comfortable four-wicket win shortly after tea.
Sunil Ambris kept the Volcanoes in contention with an unbeaten 107, his 10th first-class century, before being bowled out for 209 in their second innings, setting the Harpy Eagles a target of 233.
Captain Tevin Imlach led the chase with a characteristically gritty 82, bringing his side within touching distance of victory. Matthew Nandu provided solid support with 58, before Motie fittingly sealed the win with a flurry of boundaries, guiding his team to 233-6.
“We were good for most parts, well at the back end because they won most of the sessions in the first innings. I thought they bowled better than us in the first innings, but I think a bit of experience came into play in the end,” Imlach expressed.
“We had some good performances from some of the batters and Motie was brilliant, to see him get ten wickets for us was great.”
Centurions Kirk McKenzie (left) and John Campbell led Jamaica Scorpions to a thrilling win (Photo: CWI Media)
Scintillating Wickham upstaged by McKenzie and Campbell
Barbadian Kevin Wickham etched his name into regional folklore with scintillating centuries in both innings for Barbados Pride against the Jamaica Scorpions.
Kevin Wickham made centuries in both innings of the match (Photo: CWI Media)
However, his efforts were rivalled by magnificent hundreds from openers John Campbell and Kirk McKenzie.
Wickham excelled in both innings, becoming just the third Barbadian this century to score twin hundreds in a regional match, joining Kraigg Brathwaite (102 and 122 vs Guyana, 2015) and Ryan Hinds (168 and 150 vs Leeward Islands, 2006).
The elegant right-hander struck six fours and 12 towering sixes in a dominant first-innings score of 153, before following up with a sparkling unbeaten 108.
“My mindset was just to play straight. It was about getting in on this wicket and batting for a long period. Once I was there, I knew the runs would come. The pitch was tough, but I backed my game,” Wickham said.
However, not to be outdone, Jamaica Scorpions captain Campbell and his left-handed opening partner McKenzie launched a superb counterattack in the final innings, putting on a commanding 242-run opening stand in the chase.
Their efforts propelled the Scorpions to a convincing seven-wicket victory as they successfully hunted down a challenging target of 324.
Campbell struck 126, laced with 11 fours and six sixes, to register his 11th century at this level.
Meanwhile, McKenzie compiled a composed and well-crafted unbeaten 135, his third first-class hundred, to calmly steer the hosts to victory and secure maximum points.
Jangoo goes big for Red Force
Amir Jangoo made an unbeaten double hundred (Photo: CWI Media)
In the other first-round clash, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force recorded an emphatic innings and 271 run triumph over the Leeward Islands Hurricanes at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.
The Red Force, after blowing away the Hurricanes for a paltry 138 on the opening day, watched as Amir Jangoo sparkled with a flawless double century to engineer the statement win.
The left-hander stroked 16 fours and five sixes in his unbeaten knock of 203 to record his second first-class ton; interestingly his first was also a double-century.
Jangoo reflected on his batting marathon which was 15 minutes shy of eight hours at the crease.
“I think it was a pretty difficult time to start, Oshane Thomas and Justin Greaves bowled well, thankfully Josh and Terrance took some pressure off me because they scored freely which got me into my innings so all I had to do was put away the bad balls and rotate as much as possible and ensure I cashed in at the end,” Jangoo said.
“The innings was more about kicking on from my start because for my whole career I haven’t made use of my starts, 17 fifties and one hundred before this, so happy to convert from this fifty and looking for many more.”
Jangoo also shared in an unbroken 253-run sixth-wicket partnership with Terrance Hinds who recorded his second century at this level to help the Red Force post a mammoth total of 507-5 declared.
Faced with an imposing first innings deficit of 369, the hosts found themselves reeling at 46-5 and despite a fighting 56 not out from captain Justin Greaves, the Hurricanes folded for 98.
Khary Pierre was the pick of the bowlers with 4-37, and Captain Joshua Da Silva heaped praises on his team for what he termed as a perfect performance to begin their hunt for a first title in over 20 years.
“Overall, we had a good three days, we started off well with the ball and that set the momentum for us, which we followed up the bat with outstanding knocks from Jangoo and Hinds. All in all, we had a great three days and even though we didn’t expect to get the ten wickets so quickly, we were patient enough for long periods and that helped us.”
The second round of matches bowl off on Sunday April 19.
Police in Regional Division #6 have detained two young men following the discovery of illegal firearms and ammunition during a targeted operation at Dukestown, Corriverton, on Thursday afternoon.
The operation, conducted around 16:00 hrs on April 16, 2026, led to the arrest of a 23-year-old businessman from Dukestown and a 23-year-old labourer from Springlands, Corriverton.
According to reports, ranks acting on intelligence moved to the Dukestown seawall area, where suspicious activity was observed involving multiple individuals.
Officers from the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) reportedly observed a wooden boat in the Corentyne River carrying four unidentified male occupants. At the same time, two men were seen standing on the seawall, each holding a black box.
As law enforcement officers approached and identified themselves, the two men allegedly dropped the boxes and attempted to flee. Meanwhile, the boat quickly sped off along the river, evading interception.
The two suspects were apprehended shortly after the attempted escape. The abandoned boxes were opened in their presence, revealing:
* Two black ZORAKI 9mm pistols
* One round of ammunition
The discovery has raised concerns among investigators about potential illegal firearm trafficking in the area.
The suspects were escorted to the Springlands Police Station along with the seized items, which have since been lodged as evidence.
Authorities confirmed that both men remain in custody as investigations continue, with efforts ongoing to identify and locate the occupants of the fleeing boat.
Given the location along the Corentyne River, a known corridor for cross-border movement, investigators are also examining possible links to transnational criminal activity.
Police say further updates will be provided as the probe develops.
A man described by CANU as a repeat offender was on Friday granted bail after appearing before the Wales Magistrate’s Court on fresh drug trafficking charges, despite objections from prosecutors.
Prince Bagot appeared before Magistrate Weaver charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking, specifically 390 grams of cannabis. He entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.
Prosecutors from the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) objected to bail, citing Bagot’s criminal history and ongoing matters before the court. However, the magistrate granted bail in the sum of GYD $500,000. The case has been adjourned to May 25, 2026, for further proceedings.
The charge stems from an operation carried out on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Lot 108 David Rose Street, Bagotville, West Bank Demerara. CANU officers intercepted Bagot at his business premises during the exercise.
A search of both the shop and adjoining residence reportedly uncovered:
* 390 grams of cannabis
* 3.5 grams of MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy)
* Twenty-five (25) 7.65 mm live rounds of ammunition
* GYD $608,450 in cash, suspected to be proceeds from narcotics trafficking
Authorities say the discovery formed the basis of the trafficking charge now before the court.
Law enforcement officials describe Bagot as a known repeat offender with a history of prior convictions, including previous prison time for various offences.
Notably, he was arrested by CANU earlier this year—on January 22, 2026—at the same Bagotville address. During that incident, officers reportedly found him in possession of:
* 912 grams of cannabis
* 11 grams of ecstasy
* A significant sum of cash
Following that arrest, Bagot was granted bail in the sum of GYD $150,000, with conditions requiring him to report to CANU on a monthly basis.
Authorities emphasized that the current offence was allegedly committed while Bagot was already on bail for the January charges, which remain active before the court. This factor formed a central part of CANU’s objection to bail in the latest matter.
The ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) is pleased to confirm the participation of the San Francisco Unicorns in the upcoming tournament, set to take place from July 23 to August 1 in Guyana.
The inclusion of the Unicorns, one of Major League Cricket’s leading franchises, underscores the tournament’s commitment to bringing together top teams from across the global cricket landscape.
Their participation highlights the continued growth of franchise cricket in the United States and its increasing connection with established cricketing regions.
GSL Chairman, Sir Clive Lloyd, welcomed the team to the competition: “We are delighted to have the San Francisco Unicorns join the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League. Their inclusion reflects the growing global footprint of the game and the strength of franchise cricket in the United States. We look forward to seeing them compete and contribute to what promises to be an outstanding tournament.”
The San Francisco Unicorns was launched in 2023 as one of six founding members of Major League Cricket, a ground-breaking T20 competition bringing some of world cricket’s biggest names to the USA and the Unicorns’ home stadium, the iconic Oakland Coliseum.
Cricket Victoria, the governing body for the sport in the Australian state of Victoria, serves as the Unicorns’ high-performance partner.
The Unicorns, who have reached the Major League Cricket playoffs in the past two seasons, will look to build on their strong domestic record as they take on some of the world’s leading franchise sides.
Unicorns CEO David White expressed the Californian team’s excitement at participating in GSL: “We’re thrilled to be part of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, and to become the first Major League Cricket side to play on the global stage.
“This tournament brings together some of the best franchise teams in the world, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for our players and fans to be part of a truly international competition. Guyana has a rich cricketing heritage and a passionate fan base, and we’re excited to experience that environment, while testing ourselves against top-class opposition.”
The ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League will feature a strong line-up of international franchise teams and players, with matches hosted in Guyana.
The tournament aims to deliver world-class cricket while strengthening ties between emerging and established cricket markets.
Running from July 23 through to the final on August 1, the GSL is expected to capture global attention and provide fans with a compelling showcase of elite T20 competition.
In a remarkable achievement, Guyana’s Cheddi Jagan International Airport has been recognised as the premier aviation hub in the Caribbean, ranking it #1 for Overall Passenger Experience and Satisfaction.
Furthermore, the airport also ranked 2nd place for Overall Experience within the broader Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region, which encompasses 43 participating airports. It placed just behind a major airport in Mexico.
The recognition came from the Q1/ 2026 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) results. The ASQ is the aviation industry’s most respected passenger service and benchmarking program. Managed by the Airports Council International (ACI), ASQ is entirely independent of any government or airport influence. It relies on a scientific methodology that collects data directly from passengers while they are at the terminal, evaluating over 50 specific touchpoints—including check-in efficiency, security wait times, and restroom cleanliness.
Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, commended the management and staff of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation for this historic milestone.
“I want to personally commend the CEO of CJIA, Ramesh Ghir, his dedicated staff, and all industry stakeholders for their excellent work in achieving this ranking. This success is not an accident; it is a direct result of President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s mandate to drive radical efficiency across all government agencies.
“What makes this achievement significant is that we are a state-managed entity competing—and winning—against large-scale private and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) airports throughout the region. Our ability to rank just behind two major Mexican airports proves that Guyana is no longer just a participant in the regional market; we are a leader,” he said.
Minister Indar highlighted that the “efficiency process” has been significantly bolstered by the synergy between infrastructure and technology. Key initiatives include:
Digital Integration: The implementation of electronic gates (e-gates), coupled with the rollout of the new National ID card, has streamlined passenger processing, drastically reducing wait times at immigration.
Expanding Infrastructure: To maintain this momentum and accommodate the fast-growing international passenger traffic, a new state-of-the-art terminal is currently under construction. This facility is specifically designed to enhance passenger comfort and ensure the airport can scale alongside Guyana’s rapid economic expansion.
Under the Irfaan Ali-led administration, the airport has seen an explosion in global interest. The number of airlines operating in the market has grown from 5 carriers to 16, opening new routes to Europe, North America, and South America.
These results solidify CJIA’s position as a world-class gateway, reflecting the government’s commitment to delivering a seamless, high-quality experience for every traveller entering the Land of Many Waters.
La Mission de la Plaine du Cul-de-Sac des Adventistes du septième jour (MIPAH) a tenu, au cour de la première semaine du mois d’avril, la deuxième édition de son forum consacré à l’excellence éducative. Organisée dans les locaux de l’Union des Missions des Adventistes d’Haïti, la rencontre a mobilisé un large public composé d’enseignants, de responsables pédagogiques et de directeurs d’établissements. Déroulée autour du thème « Transformer nos écoles pour un service d’excellence », cette initiative s’inscrit dans une volonté de repenser en profondeur le modèle éducatif adventiste en Haïti. À travers échanges, réflexions et partages d’expériences, les organisateurs entendent répondre aux défis actuels du secteur, tout en outillant davantage les acteurs éducatifs.
Dès 8 heures du matin, l’auditorium de l’Union des Adventistes du septième jour d’Haïti affichait déjà complet. Jeunes, adultes, directeurs d’écoles et pasteurs ont massivement répondu à l’appel de la Mission de la Plaine du Cul-de-Sac (MIPAH), réunis autour d’un objectif commun : réfléchir à l’avenir du système éducatif adventiste en Haïti.
Il s’agissait du deuxième forum organisé par cette mission, la plus jeune de l’Union haïtienne. Une initiative portée par le département de l’éducation de la MIPAH, dirigé par le pasteur Jimmy Angrand, visant à repenser les fondements et les perspectives de l’éducation chrétienne dans un contexte national particulièrement difficile.
Le directeur du département d’éducation de la MIPAH a insisté sur la portée de cette initiative, soulignant que « cette démarche ne se limite pas à une simple amélioration des performances administratives et financières. Elle s’inscrit dans une vision holistique de l’éducation, où la formation de l’élève dépasse le cadre académique pour inclure les dimensions morale, sociale et spirituelle ».
« une gestion renforcée et cohérente des ressources humaines et matérielles permettra de créer un environnement éducatif propice à l’épanouissement intégral des apprenants, tout en assurant la pérennité et la crédibilité des institutions scolaires dans un contexte en constante évolution », a poursuivi Pasteur Jimmy Angrand qui est aussi spécialiste en éducation.
Pour cette deuxième édition, plusieurs intervenants ont pris part aux discussions. Le président de l’Union haïtienne, le pasteur Jean Philippe Extrat a ouvert les débats avec une intervention centrée sur la philosophie de l’éducation adventiste. Selon lui, cette dernière ne se limite pas à la transmission du savoir intellectuel, mais repose avant tout sur une approche fondée sur la foi, où les enfants bénéficient d’une formation christocentrique.
Au-delà de cette vision, le pasteur Extrat a souligné l’importance d’un tel forum pour les cadres et éducateurs du système, appelés à s’adapter et à innover face aux défis actuels. Car ces défis sont nombreux. L’insécurité grandissante qui secoue Haïti n’épargne aucun secteur, et celui de l’éducation est particulièrement touché. Les écoles et les églises adventistes en subissent durement les conséquences. Selon le pasteur Extrat, près de 80 établissements scolaires ainsi que plusieurs églises sont directement affectés par cette situation.
De son côté, le pasteur Fleurimé Philippe, président de la Mission de la Plaine du Cul-de-Sac, s’est réjoui de la tenue de cette activité. Il a salué le travail du département de l’éducation et de son directeur, Jimmy Angrand, pour cette initiative qui vise à promouvoir la cause de l’éducation chrétienne en Haïti.
Malgré les difficultés, il insiste : l’éducation doit rester un pilier fondamental. Pour lui, il est impératif de poursuivre les efforts afin de permettre aux enfants de continuer à fréquenter l’école, même dans un contexte de crise. Les enfants, justement, figurent parmi les premières victimes de cette insécurité. Selon un récent rapport des Nations unies, des centaines d’entre eux sont aujourd’hui enrôlés dans des groupes armés, une réalité alarmante qui interpelle les responsables éducatifs et religieux. Face à cette situation préoccupante, Janine Extra, responsable du ministère auprès des enfants au sein de l’Union haïtienne, appelle à une mobilisation accrue. Elle souligne la nécessité d’accompagner les familles et de renforcer le rôle des parents dans l’encadrement des enfants.
Dans cette optique, l’Union haïtienne met en place plusieurs stratégies, notamment des sessions de formation destinées aux parents, afin de mieux les outiller dans leur mission éducative.
Dans un contexte marqué par l’insécurité et les multiples défis du système éducatif haïtien, ce forum apparaît ainsi comme un espace essentiel de réflexion, mais aussi d’engagement, en faveur d’une éducation porteuse de valeurs et d’espoir pour les jeunes générations.
Port-au-Prince, 16 avril 2026 – La Cour Supérieure des Comptes et du Contentieux Administratif (CSCCA) engage une nouvelle séquence dans sa stratégie de contrôle, en ciblant cette fois les insuffisances techniques qui fragilisent la passation des marchés publics au sein de l’administration haïtienne. L’institution a lancé, ce jeudi, une session de formation intensive destinée à des cadres publics impliqués dans la gestion contractuelle, dans un contexte où les irrégularités procédurales continuent de peser sur les délais et la validité des dossiers.
Pendant deux jours, des représentants du Ministère des Travaux Publics, Transports et Communications (MTPTC), du Bureau du Secrétaire d’État à l’Intégration des Personnes Handicapées (BSEIPH) et de la Direction de la Protection Civile participent à des travaux encadrés par le conseiller Fritz Robert Saint-Paul. Au programme : une immersion dans les exigences juridiques des contrats de droit public, avec un accent particulier sur les étapes critiques de la passation et les obligations de conformité.
Selon les experts de l’Unité d’étude des contrats, associés à cette initiative, une part significative des dossiers soumis à la Cour présente encore des failles récurrentes, allant d’erreurs d’interprétation des textes réglementaires à des manquements formels susceptibles de compromettre l’ensemble du processus. Ces défaillances, souvent évitables, contribuent à ralentir l’examen des dossiers et à fragiliser la crédibilité des procédures administratives.
La démarche engagée par la CSCCA traduit une évolution dans son approche, en mettant l’accent sur la prévention des irrégularités plutôt que sur leur seule sanction. En renforçant les capacités des acteurs publics en amont, l’institution cherche à réduire les marges d’erreur et à améliorer la qualité des dossiers soumis à son contrôle.
Pour les participants, cette formation répond à une nécessité opérationnelle immédiate. Elle leur permet de mieux maîtriser les mécanismes des appels d’offres, d’anticiper les exigences de conformité et d’inscrire leurs pratiques dans un cadre plus rigoureux. Au-delà de l’exercice, elle souligne les défis structurels auxquels reste confrontée l’administration dans la gestion des marchés publics.
La CSCCA entend étendre ce programme à d’autres entités publiques, avec pour objectif d’instaurer progressivement des standards plus élevés en matière de gestion contractuelle. Une orientation qui s’inscrit dans un contexte de vigilance accrue autour de l’utilisation des fonds publics et des attentes renforcées en matière de transparence et de redevabilité.
Berbice and Demerara will contest the final of the Guyana Cricket Board Under-19 Inter-County 50-over competition after they occupied the top two spots at the conclusion of the round-robin phase of the tournament on Thursday.
At the Police Sports Club Ground, Berbice defeated Demerara by seven wickets. While both teams won two games and loss one each, Berbice topped the table with a higher net run rate of 1.139 compared to Demerara’s 0.965.
They will clash for the title when the final is played on April 19 at the Rose Hall Community Centre in Canje, Berbice.
Over at Lusignan, Essequibo defeated Select XI by eight runs. Both teams had one win and two losses each, with Select XI finishing third (NRR -0.570) and Essequibo (-1.220) fourth.
Berbice victory in the third round was inspired by Gilbert Griffith (4-17) and Feaz Baksh (3-13), who starred with the ball, and opener Ramzan Koobir, who stroked an unbeaten 62.
Essequibo, led by a fine spell of 4-18 from Shazim Mohamed and 3-29 from Darwin Joseph, edged Select XI, whose efforts were highlighted by off-spinner Joshua Budhram (4-29) and opener Yannick Newton (47).
At Police: Berbice defeated Demerara by seven wickets
SUMMARY: Demerara 121 all out from 38 overs (Extras 29, Dhanesh Persaud 29, Parmeshwar Ram 21, Shamar Apple 16; Gilbert Griffith 4-17, Feaz Baksh 3-13) vs Berbice 122-3 from 22.2 overs (Ramzan Koobir 62*, Adrian Hetmyer 22; Ravaldo Pereira 1-7, Dave Mohabir 1-15, Emmanuel Lewis 1-26)
At Lusignan: Essequibo defeated the Select XI by eight runs
SUMMARY: Essequibo 142 all out from 35.3 overs (Extras 31, Romario Bholo 27, Jathneil Nurse 20; Joshua Budhram 4-29, Roupie Rajaram 2-23, Michael Newland Jr. 2-29, Gibran Yacoob 2-42) vs Select XI 134 all out from 36.2 overs (Yannick Newton 47, Extras 29, Michael Newland Jr. 12; Shazim Mohamed 4-18, Darwin Joseph 3-29)
