Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken confirmed that the investigation into death threats against the Director of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), James Singh, is still ongoing.
“Our intelligence units are engaged, investigations are ongoing, and where there is evidence, there will be arrests and prosecution,” Hicken said in a Police round up programme aired on Sunday.
The Top Cop emphasised how seriously the matter is being treated and warned perpetrators that they will be brought to justice.
Last week, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a statement regarding the threats. It was noted that threats came at a time of intensified anti-narcotics enforcement. During the first quarter of 2026, CANU removed more than 371 kilograms of narcotics from circulation and disrupted multiple trafficking networks through sustained, intelligence-led operations.
“The Government of Guyana makes it clear: intimidation will not succeed. Threats against law enforcement officials will be met with the full force of the law.
“Our national effort to dismantle organized criminal networks, both domestic and transnational, will continue with resolve, coordination, and unwavering focus. No individual or group will be allowed to undermine the rule of law or threaten those tasked with upholding it,” the ministry added.
Centuries from former Guyana and West Indies opener Rajendra Chandrika and Guyana Amazon Warriors selectee Riyad Latif, along with a debut five-wicket haul from left-arm seamer Vijai Kalpu highlighted the latest round of matches in the Georgetown Cricket Association’s Sherwin Williams Second Division T20 competition on Saturday.
The right-handed Chandrika stroked 120 not out off 62 balls (14x4s, 5x6s) and Narendra Persaud made an unbeaten 91 off 44 (9x4s, 4x6s) in Everest’s 234-2, the highest total of the day.
Chandrika and Persaud added 209 unbroken for the third wicket after the early loss of Dwayne Adams (0) and Varun Mangla (9), as Everest won by 92 runs against Diplomats.
Opening the batting, Latif struck 106 off 61 balls, an innings that included 10 fours and seven sixes, as Transport made 201-4. Police All Stars Academy replied with 134-8.
Over at GCC, 18-year-old Kalpu claimed 5-14 on debut as the home team bowled out Positive Foundation Agricola for 116.
A calm 51 not out under pressure from opener Navindra Persaud and a brisk 45 from Timothy McAlmont saw GCC home after they slipped to 22-4 early in the chase.
Other individual performances included 4-14 from Reyaz Latif of Transport, 58 from Leron Crawford of Positive Foundation Agricola and 60 from Ntini Permaul of El Dorado Cricket Club.
Transport defeated Police All Stars Academy by 67 runs
SUMMARY: Transport 201-4 from 20 overs (Riyad Latif 106, Jeremiah Hohenkirk 34, Emmanuel Lewis 34; Darwin Larose 2-48, Troy Benn 1-37, Joshua Budhram 1-39) vs Police All Stars Academy 134-8 from 20 overs (Troy Benn 49, Ravindradat Budhram 45, Troy Leitch 19; Reyaz Latif 4-14, Shaun Massiah 2-13, Renaldo Grenville 1-17)
Everest defeated Diplomats by 92 runs (DLS)
SUMMARY: Everest 234-2 from 20 overs (Rajendra Chandrika 120*, Narendra Persaud 91*; Seon Walcott 2-31) vs Diplomats 88-5 from 15 overs (Seon Gaskin 32*, Yannick Newton 13; Javed Rasheed 2-10, Rafael Singh 1-2, Narendra Persaud 1-3, Aaron Beharry 1-19)
Timothy McAlmont (left) and Navindra Persaud lifted GCC to victory after a five-wicket haul from debutant Vijai Kalpu (Photo: News Room/Avenash Ramzan/May 9, 2026)
Georgetown Cricket Club defeated Positive Foundation Agricola by three wickets
SUMMARY: Positive Foundation Agricola 116 all out from 18.1 overs (Leron Crawford 58, Andre Baker 19, Deonarine Thakurdyal 15; Vijai Kalpu 5-14, Leon Johnson 2-11, Joash Charles 2-24, Yeudistir Persaud 1-18) vs Georgetown Cricket Club 117-7 from 16.4 overs (Navindra Persaud 51*, Timothy McAlmont 45; Sealon Sue 2-17, Shaquille Leung 2-33, Oswayne Blair 1-22, Rickford Mohammed 1-25)
Wicketkeeper Leron Crawford made 58 for Positive Foundation Agricola against GCC (Photo: News Room/Avenash Ramzan/May 9, 2026)
Police defeated GDF by five wickets (DLS)
SUMMARY: GDF 120-5 from 18.2 overs (Neil Persaud 38*, Leon Andrews 24, Shamal Angel 16, Michael Deonarine 13*, Javid Karim 13; Mark Jeffers 2-19, Titus Webster 1-23, Kapildeo Charandeen 1-28, Dwayne Dick 1-32) vs Police 104-5 from 14.4 overs (Andrew Lyght Jr. 46, Pernell London 28; Shamal Angel 1-8, Zameer Nazeer 1-10, Ayinde Rogers 1-17, Nigel Deodat 1-18, Leon Andrews 1-27)
El Dorado Cricket Club defeated Sophia by 23 runs
SUMMARY: El Dorado Cricket Club 131-7 from 16.3 overs (Ntini Permaul 60, Elnathan Sukhnandan 17, Tuen Hicks 15; Tyriq Walters 2-12, Ronaldo Hercules 1-20, Joshua Grant 1-22, Garth Allen 1-23, Terrance Decuna 1-30) vs Sophia 108 all out from 15.5 overs (Joshua Grant 25, Malcolm Morris 18; Akeem Williams 2-11, Yogendra Singh 2-14, Aryan Hariprashad 1-3)
Urvil Patel played the kind of innings that erased a bit of history and created a bit of history. In 2025, team after team came to Chepauk and breached it and the crowd got used to leaving early.
On Sunday evening, 32,825 people – some of whom might have seen the morning show where one of Tamil Nadu’s most popular actors took charge as the chief minister – were given double delight as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) chased down their first 200-plus target since 2018 and one of their future stars announced himself with the IPL’s joint-fastest half-century.
Urvil got there in 13 balls. When he walked into the middle, CSK’s chances of winning were 38.13%. When he walked out, to a standing ovation from the crowd and his coaching staff, CSK’s chances of winning were 93.02%. He single-handedly changed the game and powered CSK to fifth spot. (ESPNcricinfo)
President Dr Irfaan Ali says the concerns of the Guyanese diaspora have shifted significantly over the years, with more overseas-based Guyanese now focused on investment, home ownership, and participating in Guyana’s development.
Speaking at a diaspora engagement in Canada on Saturday, President Ali said responses submitted ahead of the meeting showed growing interest in economic opportunities and national transformation.
“I’ve been coming to diaspora engagement for decades, and the top issue used to be security,” the president said.
President Irfaan Ali addresing members of the diaspora community in Canada
“Today it is the last issue on the minds of those first. Guess what? It’s a top issue today. How can we invest? How can we be part of the development? How can we own a home? How can we be part of the building out of Guyana?”
According to the president, the government received close to 600 responses ahead of the engagement, many of which complimented Guyana’s development while also raising questions and concerns in several categories.
He said 16.4 per cent of the questions focused on travel, tourism, migration and diaspora-related matters, while 11.9 per cent focused on security, infrastructure and public services.
Another 10.7 per cent dealt with health, education and environmental services.
President Ali explained that many of the enquiries were also related to land, housing, investment opportunities and economic development.
“That tells you that the story of Guyana is one that is positive and one that is transformative,” he stated.
The head of state also announced that all 159 persons who raised issues of a personal nature would receive electronic responses and documentation from the government by the end of the day.
The president disclosed that since the start of the year, the diaspora unit received 89 enquiries from Canada and processed 97 per cent of them.
The gathering at the diaspora engagement in Canada
During the engagement, President Ali highlighted several major development projects underway in Guyana, including the construction of Silica City, which he described as “a city 50 years ahead of its time”.
“We want at least 25 per cent of the city to be dedicated to meeting the needs of the diaspora,” he stated.
The president said the city is being developed with support from the University of Miami and other international planners and developers.
Artist’s impression of Silica City along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway
He also pointed to ongoing infrastructure works across Guyana, including the new Demerara River Bridge, the Wismar Bridge and more than 42 bridges linking communities and regions.
President Ali further spoke of advancements in healthcare, digital systems and public services while encouraging overseas Guyanese to become part of Guyana’s transformation through investment and participation in national development.
“You can be part of this story by playing your role, by positive messaging, by promoting Guyana,” he told the gathering (Republished from the Department of Public Information)
A multi-million irrigation canal is slated to be constructed from Canje Creek to Crabwood Creek to provide reliable irrigated water to hundreds of farmers in the area.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, told residents and farmers on Saturday that the project will commence next week.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, during engagement in Region Six
He further added that it was already catered for in this year’s $1.558 trillion budget.
In addition to the canal, the minister highlighted several initiatives being implemented in the agriculture sector, geared at assisting farmers.
He revealed that approximately 70,000 acres of rice are currently being cultivated in Region Six.
To further support farmers, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, recently announced a $3 billion support package, aimed at cushioning high production costs and global price pressures.
Residents and farmers during the engagement on Saturday
The initiative also provides direct cash injections of $15,000 per acre (under 50 acres) or $10,000 per acre (50 plus acres), with over 15,000 farmers expected to benefit.
Minister Mustapha emphasised that the programme will be implemented with full transparency and accountability.
He explained that the verification process will utilise records from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), while vouchers from both farmers and millers when paddy is sold will also be cross-checked to ensure accuracy.
Rice cultivation in Region Six
Additionally, small committees have already been established within the regional system to identify and verify the acreage cultivated by farmers.
The agriculture minister said the verification exercise is expected to be completed by the end of the month.
For added support, systems are being developed through the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NEW GMC) to secure markets for farmers’ produce.
Meanwhile, the minister was joined by Member of Parliament, Zamal Hussain, Regional Chairman Junior Basant, Regional Vice Chairman, Wajid Shaheed Khan, and other officials from the Ministry of Agriculture (Republished from the Department of Public Information)
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has unveiled what it deems the single largest investment in youth football in the nation’s history, launching the groundbreaking Youth Ensemble Programme in partnership with FIFA.
The initiative was officially inaugurated on Saturday at the National Training Centre, Providence, marking a definitive shift toward a structured, year-round competitive framework.
Designed to overhaul the delivery of the youth game nationwide, the programme focuses on long-term player development and talent identification across multiple age groups.
GFF President Wayne Forde confirmed that the ambitious project is being funded through the stewardship of FIFA, with the federation conceptualising the programme as a specific “project” to secure the necessary international backing.
The GFF is set to invest approximately G$44M annually into these competitions to ensure sustainability.
The programme introduces national competitions for boys at U13, U15, and U17 levels across all nine Regional Associations.
Action is set to begin as early as May 16, with a U20 Men’s Championship slated to join the calendar in 2027.
President Forde described the launch as a transformational step, noting that the concept was the result of extensive collaboration rather than an overnight idea.
He stressed that while the increase in national team fixtures has placed a financial strain on the federation, this undertaking remains the most critical mission for the Guyanese football fraternity.
The programme represents a deliberate investment in the future of the youth and their communities. By instituting a sustainable annual calendar, the GFF aims to ensure young players are consistently engaged in meaningful competition while receiving technical support.
Guyana Football Federation President, Wayne Forde (PHOTO: Davin Ramanrine/News Room/May 9, 2026)
Technical Director Bryan Joseph highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative, noting that the framework mirrors successful models used by UEFA and U.S. soccer.
The programme is expected to engage roughly 130 clubs and impact over 3,000 young players, significantly widening the pool for national scouting.
The competition will be executed in two distinct phases. Initially, the Intra-Association Phase will see regional leagues organised for registered clubs.
This will lead into the National Championship Playoffs, where the top two teams from each region will battle through a round-robin and knockout format to be crowned National Club Champions.
A core component of the Youth Ensemble is the strict adherence to child safeguarding. In line with the GFF’s memorandum of understanding with the Rights of the Child Commission and FIFA’s global safeguarding standards, the programme incorporates mandatory risk management and education protocols.
To maximise participation, matches will be held in various communities throughout Guyana and the schedule will be strategically aligned with school holidays and international tournament cycles, ensuring that the pathway from grassroots football to the national team is clearer and more efficient than ever before.
As part of efforts to expand Guyana’s film industry and orange economy, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said that the country will be partnering with the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
“We’ll have a massive showing there because we’re taking a strategic decision to collaborate with the TIFF officials and the organisation to help us build out that orange economy,” the President said on Saturday a major Guyana diaspora engagement event at the Pearson Centre in Brampton, Ontario.
The TIFF is Canada’s premier home of cinema. It ranks among the most prestigious international film festivals in the world. This year it will be held from September 10 to 20.
Days ago, President Ali engaged TIFF’s Chief Executive Officer, Cameron Bailey, to explore collaboration aimed at strengthening Guyana’s growing film and creative industries.
In a Facebook post, the President said discussions focused on expanding global platforms for Guyanese storytellers, filmmakers, artists, and creatives to showcase their talent, culture, and stories to international audiences. It was also noted that Guyana will have a strong presence at this year’s festival, highlighting Guyanese film, music, fashion, culture, and storytelling on one of the world’s premier cultural stages.
The President confirmed this while speaking at the diaspora engagement event on Saturday.
“We want Guyana to be seen, to be heard, to be felt,” Dr. Ali said.
The President has increasingly spoken about expanding the orange economy, which refers to all economic ventures related to creativity, culture, and innovation. In Houston, Texas, where he was before travelling to Canada, the President said e wants movies to be written and produced in Guyana. He also believes TV shows, like the survival-themed reality competition shows ‘Naked and Afraid’ or ‘Survivor’, could be filmed right in the tiny South American nation.
Ballers Empire secured a momentous victory at the National Cultural Centre tarmac on Friday night, defeating Leopold Street in a high-octane final to be crowned the new Guinness Greatness of the Streets national champions.
The East Bank and West Demerara zone champions walked away with the $1,000,000 national grand prize after a gruelling night of action that tested the stamina and resolve of Guyana’s elite street football teams.
Their journey to the summit was defined by clinical finishing and an ability to navigate high-pressure situations, culminating in a -1 victory over Georgetown’s Leopold Street in the final showdown.
The night began with an explosive quarter-final round that saw regional heavyweights fall by the wayside.
Ballers Empire signalled their intent early with a commanding 3-1 win over Island All-Stars, while Bent Street B matched that scoreline to eliminate Linden’s Swag Entertainment.
Elsewhere, Supenaam All-Stars kept Essequibo’s hopes alive with a narrow 1-0 win over Berbice’s Ballers United, and Leopold Street survived a five-goal thriller to edge out Mighty Ruler of Bartica 3-2.
The semi-finals proved to be an even tighter affair as the stakes intensified. Ballers Empire found themselves locked in a tactical 1-1 stalemate with Bent Street B, eventually breaking through to the final.
On the other side of the bracket, Leopold Street and Supenaam All-Stars could not be separated after regulation time, finishing goalless. It was the Georgetown side that held their nerve in the ensuing shootout, progressing with a 1-0 win on penalties.
In the championship match, Leopold Street fought valiantly to keep the trophy in the capital, but they were ultimately undone by the relentless pace of Ballers Empire.
The 2-1 result sparked wild celebrations for the ETB/WBD representatives, while Leopold Street collected $400,000 for their second-place finish.
The third-place playoff was a repeat of the night’s trend of narrow margins. Bent Street B and Supenaam All-Stars played to a 1-1 draw, forcing yet another penalty shootout.
Bent Street B emerged 2-1 victors from the spot to claim the $200,000 prize, leaving the spirited Supenaam side with fourth place and $100,000.
Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) today announced the arrival of the first shipment of high-yield milking cows from the United States of America, marking a historic turning point for Guyana’s dairy industry. The 89 pregnant heifers, arriving via a specialised Amerijet charter at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), represent the first batch of a US$30 million investment by Demerara Dairy Inc. (DDI) to slash national dependence on imported dairy.
The arrival at 3:30 a.m. kicked off a sophisticated, three-hour logistics operation. Following strict biosecurity protocols, the cattle were transferred from aircraft to a fleet of flatbed trucks and transported under police escort to their new home at Moblissa on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway.
Specialists from the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) and DDL executives oversaw the process to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare. The heifers are now being acclimated in a state-of-the-art facility designed with modern climate-control amenities to ensure maximum comfort and productivity.
This project is more than a farm; it is a strategic pillar in Guyana’s bid to lead the CARICOM “25 by 2025” food security initiative. By producing fresh, high-quality milk locally, DDI aims to displace a significant portion of the tens of millions of US dollars currently spent annually on dairy imports.
Board members and executives watch the transfer from aircraft to trucks
“The arrival of these ‘first cows’ is indisputable testimony to DDL’s commitment to being a game-changer,” said Komal Samaroo, DDL Executive Chairman. Samaroo added that ,”We are not just building a farm; we are building a sustainable industry that will transform Guyana’s agribusiness sector and provide long-term food security for the region.”
The successful arrival and transfer was made possible through the seamless cooperation of several state agencies. DDL extends its profound gratitude to: The Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) the Guyana Police Force (GPF) as well as all the ground handlers, equipment operators and the staff of DDI for their diligent work which ensured an accident free and smooth operation on Saturday morning. (DDL)
See below the full release from the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada:
(May 8, 2026) Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the President of Guyana, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, in Toronto, Ontario.
The leaders emphasised the strong ties between Canada and Guyana, strengthened by over 100,000 Canadians of Guyanese ancestry. Guyana is one of Canada’s largest trading partners among the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
The leaders discussed Canada’s role as a reliable trade and investment partner, and opportunities to increase Canadian investment in Guyana in a range of sectors, including energy, technology, agriculture, and mining.
Prime Minister Carney conveyed his best wishes for the Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce’s Business Forum taking place in Toronto this week, celebrating 60 years of Guyana’s independence and diplomatic ties with Canada. The Prime Minister looks forward to visiting Guyana in the future.
The Prime Minister and the President agreed to remain in close contact.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, during engagement in Region Six
Residents and farmers during the engagement on Saturday
Rice cultivation in Region Six
