A 53 year old resident of Lot 6 Section ‘C’ Fyrish Road, Corentyne, Berbice was on Friday night crushed to death on the Fyrish public road.
Mark Songster was reportedly laying on the road surface when he was crushed by a motor lorry, registration GYY 5720, driven by a 43-year-old male resident of Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, Berbice.
The lorry was proceeding westward along the southern drive lane of Fyrish Road at a normal speed when it struck the pedestrian who was lying on the driving lane.
The pedestrian was assisted by citizens and transported to the Port Mourant Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His body has been transferred to Ramoo Funeral Home pending a post-mortem examination.
The driver and the vehicle were subsequently taken to the Albion Police Station for further investigation; the vehicle was detained for inspection by a Licensing and Certifying Officer.
The driver was placed in custody to assist with ongoing inquiries.
A breathalyzer test administered to the driver yielded two readings, indicating a blood alcohol content of 11 micrograms per breath.
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) search and rescue team is en route to the heavily forested area in Region Eight, where a Cessna single-engine plane bearing registration 8R-YAC crashed on Friday.
The GDF, in a statement, noted that it has mobilised key assets, including a Bell 429 helicopter equipped with a hoist and specialised search and rescue capabilities, and a Skyvan aircraft to sustain the operation.
“A ground team from the GDF 31 Special Forces Squadron has been successfully inserted into the general area and has since reached a position within visual proximity of the confirmed crash site of aircraft 8R-YAC,” the army said.
The agency has promised further updates as the operation progresses, with the team navigating difficult terrain and the presence of an escarpment, noting that efforts remain focused on gaining access to the crash site.
The crashed aircraft belongs to Air Services Limited (ASL). It went down following departure from Mahdia. The pilot Captain Ryder Castello, a Nicaraguan national was the only person onboard at the time and heading to Imbaimadai.
The Guyana Cricket Board on Friday evening announced the squads for its annual Under-19 Inter-County 50-over Championship, set to bowl off this weekend with matches across Essequibo and Demerara.
The tournament bowls off on Sunday (April 12) with a double-header; Essequibo versus Demerara at the Joe Jagmohan Ground, Hampton Court, Essequibo, and Berbice versus the Select XI at the Police Sports Club Ground, Georgetown.
Action resumes Tuesday (April 14) with Demerara opposing the Select XI at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, and Berbice meeting Essequibo at Police.
Following a rest day on Wednesday, Demerara and Berbice square off on Thursday (April 16) at Police Sports Club, while Essequibo and the Select XI clash at Lusignan.
The tournament will conclude with the final on Saturday, April 18.
SQUADS
Demerara will be led by Dave Mohabir, with Parmeshwar Ram as Vice-Captain, and includes Khush Seegobin, Emmanuel Lewis, Shamar Apple, Arvind Suknanand, Johnathon Mentore, Dhanesh Persaud, Arun Gainda, Reyaz Latif, Vijai Kalpu, Shane Prince, Patrice Fraser, Tashant Argyle and Ravaldo Pereira.
Berbice will be captained by Romario Ramdeholl, with Adrian Hetymer as Vice-Captain, and features Antonio DePaul, Vishal Williams, Shoaib Gaffoor, Nathaniel Ramsammy, Richard Ramdeholl, Thierry Henry, Feaz Baksh, Gilbert Griffith, Asif Marimutoo, Arif Khan, Rafeal McKenzie, Razam Koobeer and Micah Amsterdam.
Essequibo’s squad includes Nicholas Lovell as captain, Darwin Joseph, Elesia Ramdat, Jathniel Nurse, Darius Pearson, Romario Bholo, Eron Benjamin, Justin Dowlin, Bomesh Lall, Murali Seodat, Dennis Crossman, Ravesh Singh, Shazim Mohamed, Navendra Sankar and Zandon Rose.
The GCB Select XI will be led by Joshua Budhram, with Tameshwar Deonandan as his deputy, alongside Munesh Outar, Rupie Rajaram, Robin Seecharran, Yannick Newton, Munesh Rampersuad, Gibran Yacoob, Lakeraj Hemraj, Javhayden Rohler, Amit Rajran, Micheal Newland Jr, Linsdyl Harris, Reiad Ramnarine, Shazim Basheer and Mark Daniels.
Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali engaged Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Friday, and both leaders have agreed on a development, trade, and economic agenda that will significantly enhance bilateral cooperation.
In a release from the Office of the President, it was noted that the two leaders discussed food security and related investment opportunities, energy integration, technology exchange, human capital development, security, and the establishment of a working group to remove barriers to trade and competitiveness between the two countries.
Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali engaged Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Friday in the Twin Island Republic (Photo: Office of the President/ April 10, 2026)
Importantly, it was agreed that the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago would pay an official visit to Guyana, and a working group that includes both countries’ private sector would be established. This group is expected to help address both development challenges and opportunities between the two countries.
President Ali thanked Prime Minister for her strong support for Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and expressed appreciation on behalf of the people of Guyana.
Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago have long enjoyed strong bilateral ties. In recent years, there has been a stronger push for regional collaboration, with Trinidad looking to Guyana to help it revitalise its energy sector.
In consonance with the major events that will be held at home in Guyana, the Consulate General and the Guyana Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York will host a series of activities in observance of the 60th Independence Anniversary of the Co–operative Republic of Guyana. These events will bring together Guyanese nationals, members of the diplomatic corps, friends of Guyana, elected officials, and the wider public to salute Guyana’s Independence and development over the years.
Accordingly, the following events are scheduled:
Monday, 25 May & Tuesday 26 May 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. – AERIAL FLYOVER This flyover will display a giant National Flag of Guyana across key areas of New York City including:
Lido Beach, Coney Island Beach, Hudson River NY side, George Washington Bridge Battery Park, New Jersey, Liberty Park, and Brooklyn .
Tuesday, 26 May 2026 at 05:00pm-7:30 p.m. – FLAG RAISING & RECEPTION
Helen Marshall Cultural Center (Queens Borough Hall) 120-55 Queens Blvd., Kew Gardens, NY, 11424.
This flyover with the large national flag will again bring a sense of pride to the large Guyanese Diaspora in New York and surrounding areas. It is intended as a unifying moment for Guyanese nationals abroad, a tribute to their resilience, and a visual reminder of the nation’s enduring journey since achieving independence in 1966.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend the scheduled events and to view the flyover from public parks, waterfronts, and open locations along the above stated flight path.
The Consulate General will provide further information in the weeks ahead.
Guyana has officially begun its preparations for a historic debut in basketball at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, following confirmation that the nation will be among 12 countries competing in the Men’s 3×3 tournament.
The Commonwealth Games are scheduled for July 23 to August 3, with 3×3 basketball competition set to run from July 24-29 at the Scottish Event Centre.
Guyana’s inclusion marks a significant milestone for the sport locally, as it signals the country’s first appearance in basketball at the prestigious multi-sport event.
Preparation efforts are being powered by a grant from the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), whose president Godfrey Munroe expressed pride in the achievement during a press conference held on Friday at the organisation’s headquarters.
Munroe described Guyana’s qualification as a landmark moment for the development of basketball, particularly the 3×3 format, which has seen steady growth under the guidance of the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF).
He commended the federation for its structured and consistent approach to developing the discipline over the years.
“We are extremely pleased to see Guyana making its debut in basketball at the Commonwealth Games,” Munroe said, noting that the GOA was especially impressed with the GBF’s detailed preparation pathway.
He highlighted the federation’s emphasis on conditioning and its proactive effort to secure expert support staff as key indicators of a serious and professional campaign.
Guyana will compete in an expanded 12-team field, an increase from the eight-team format used at the Birmingham 2022 Games.
GBF Vice-President Rawle Toney (left) and 3×3 professional Kidani Brutus
The competition is expected to be intense, with Guyana lining up against fellow Caribbean nations Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, as well as Singapore, Kenya, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Fiji, host nation Scotland, and Nigeria.
Vice-President of the GBF, Rawle Toney, who will serve as the Technical Delegate for the team in Scotland, outlined the structure supporting the national set-up.
The team will be led by internationally experienced 3×3 professional Kidani Brutus, alongside Strength and Conditioning Coach Jason Melhado and physiotherapist Jana Edghill.
Brutus, a Bronx native who has played professionally with Team Harlem and represented the United States, brings valuable experience to the squad.
With Guyanese heritage through his mother, he expressed pride in being part of what he described as a historic journey for Guyana.
He underscored the unique demands of 3×3 basketball, particularly its mental intensity and high-tempo nature, while making it clear that his primary objective is to ensure Guyana is competitive on the global stage.
Meanwhile, Melhado, who is based in Canada and also has Guyanese roots, is making his first visit to the country. He revealed that he reached out to the GBF after learning of Guyana’s qualification through social media, offering his expertise as a way of contributing to the national effort.
Having worked with Canadian basketball programmes at both youth and senior levels, Melhado said he has been impressed with the professionalism and commitment shown by the GBF thus far, though he acknowledged that significant work remains ahead of the Games.
Also speaking at the press conference, GOA Vice-President Cristy Campbell stressed on the broader significance of Guyana’s qualification.
She noted that participation in the Commonwealth Games opens doors for increased involvement in other major multi-sport events.
Campbell added that the GOA is encouraged by the progress made in 3×3 basketball and challenged the federation to replicate that success in the women’s game, urging a similar focus on developing female participation at the international level.
As part of its build-up, the GBF is set to intensify its preparation, both locally and abroad.
According to Toney, the programme will include regional and international exposure, beginning with participation in a Lite Quest tournament in Suriname from May 1-2, where Guyana will field two teams, with the hope of qualifying for the FIBA 3×3 Challenger tournament in Brazil.
The current training pool includes Anish Ramlall, Travis Belgrave, Kedar Edwards, Delroy James, Akil Hughes, Kimol Grimmond, Dominic Vincente, Jaden Simon, Stephen George, Domitre Rankin, Shelroy Thomas and Anthony Moe.
(Republished from CNC3) Guyana’s President Mohamed Irfaan Ali is urging T&T and Guyana to come together for 72 hours to fix the problems that currently stop the countries from finalising a strong economic partnership.
In his feature address at the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry & Commerce business meeting at the Hyatt Regency today, the Guyanese President said it was important that both countries, which are propelled by oil and gas, future-proof their economies.
However, the Guyanese President called for the leaders of both countries to iron out bureaucratic issues that were currently hindrances to such a partnership.
“If we care about partnership, if we care about building consortia. We care about building a joint economic front between Guyana & Trinidad and Tobago then we must care about fixing the problem and let’s get in that room, lock ourselves up for 72 hours and fix the damn problem,” said Ali, who also stressed there were prospects outside of energy where both countries could develop through partnership pointing to Guyana’s export of soya beans and T&T’s famous cocoa plant.
While he praised the ANSA McAL group for leading the way through its investments in the South American state, including its development of a shopping mall, he lamented that there was no T&T consortium that had taken the opportunity to invest in Guyanese gold.
The Guyanese President was also critical of the lengthy process to go through immigration in T&T as he suggested this bureaucracy also held back Caribbean Airlines from its full potential.
Courts Guyana, through Unicomer Guyana, has expanded into Region 3 with the opening of its new Vreed-en-Hoop branch, bringing its full retail and service offering closer to communities along the West Coast Demerara corridor.
As economic activity and residential expansion continue to increase along the West Coast, the new location places Courts within reach of a growing customer base that is no longer centred solely around Georgetown.
This new opening also builds on Unicomer’s longstanding presence within the community. For years, the company operated a Lucky Dollar outlet, serving customers at a different scale. The development of this full Courts branch expands on that foundation by introducing a broader product range and a more complete in-store experience.
Delivering the feature address at the opening ceremony, the Honourable Susan Rodrigues, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, underscored the significance of private sector investment in supporting balanced national growth.
“Today’s opening represents far more than the expansion of a retail brand; it brings an enhanced and expanded retail experience to the region. As communities continue to grow, there is a need to increase access in the region. We commend Unicomer for this investment.”
With a legacy that spans over a century globally and decades across the Caribbean, Courts has long positioned itself at the centre of everyday life for households across the region, built on a model that combines access, affordability, and scale.
The opening of the Vreed-en-Hoop branch is a continuation of that strategy, aligning the company’s growth with the changing needs of communities in Region Three, where development is increasingly redefining how and where people live and shop.
Managing Director of Unicomer Guyana, Ms. Gillian Matthews, emphasised that the decision to invest in Vreed-en-Hoop was grounded in a clear shift in how the community is growing and what it now demands.
“For years, this location served the community in a different capacity, but as the area evolved, so too did expectations. Customers were asking for more—greater variety, improved quality and a more comprehensive shopping experience. This investment is our direct response to that.”
She added that Courts’ model has always extended beyond retail, focusing on enabling access and supporting long-term improvement in quality of life.
The Vreed-en-Hoop branch offers an expanded range of furniture, appliances and electronics, alongside integrated optical services, reflecting a more comprehensive approach to meeting both lifestyle and essential needs within a single location.
Director of Sales, Ms. Katty-Ann Lewis, noted that the expansion is anchored in a broader commitment to community connection.
“We are not here merely as a retailer, but as a partner in everyday life. As the community continues to grow, we are committed to growing alongside it.”
The opening also reinforces Courts’ role within Guyana and its evolving retail landscape; one that is increasingly shaped by decentralisation, accessibility and the need to meet customers within the communities they call home (Press release)
Berbice is being positioned as the next major hub of economic activity in Guyana, with ExxonMobil Guyana on Friday outlining plans that could shift large-scale industrial development beyond Georgetown and into Region Six.
ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge, during a meeting with the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA), said ongoing and planned gas projects could drive infrastructure expansion, attract major international investors and create widespread business opportunities across the region.
Responding to a question from BCCDA President Samantha Reid on what the plans mean for Berbice, Routledge said the region should expect a transformation similar to what took place in Georgetown following Guyana’s first oil discovery in 2015.
“I would expect in Berbice… there’s going to be this need for economic development throughout the economy,” Routledge said, pointing to expected investments in roads, bridges, utilities and industrial facilities.
Routledge was joined by ExxonMobil’s Public and Government Affairs Manager, Nakisha Burns.
They both anticipate that development would extend far beyond oil and gas operations, triggering demand for services across sectors including construction, transportation, banking, healthcare, catering and logistics.
The ExxonMobil head revealed that the company has already submitted a field development plan for its Longtail project and is targeting a 2030 startup, pending government approvals expected by the end of this year.
Even more significant for Berbice, Routledge said, is the Haimara gas project, located offshore near the Suriname border, which could begin production by 2031 and supply gas directly to the region.
“We’d feed gas from there to Berbice before we would feed from Longtail,” he said.
ExxonMobil has also established a project team to examine a pipeline from Haimara to Berbice and is working with government to determine where critical infrastructure — including gas processing facilities, power plants and industrial sites — will be located.
Routledge disclosed that 11 to 12 major international companies, including players in energy, technology and heavy industry, have already expressed interest in investing in Berbice.
“These are major companies… interested to come and invest in Berbice to build out these onshore facilities,” he said, citing potential projects such as fertilizer plants, bauxite-to-alumina operations, power generation and data centres.
While he noted that work is ongoing to convert interest into firm agreements, Routledge said the scale of investment being explored signals a major economic shift for the region.
For local businesses, he said, the opportunities could mirror and potentially exceed the ripple effects seen in Georgetown over the past decade, with growth spreading across the wider economy.
Routledge also addressed concerns about whether Berbice businesses will be ready to benefit, assuring that ExxonMobil is working on a tailored approach to ensure stronger local participation.
“We really see you as a Berbice Chamber as a key partner in that,” he told BCCDA members.
Rajasthan Royals’ teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi continued his sensational run in the Indian Premier League with a 15-ball fifty against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Suryavanshi, 15, whacked eight fours and seven sixes in a remarkable display of power-hitting before he fell for 78 from 26 balls to set up Royals’ successful chase of 202 with two overs to spare.
RCB’s bowling attack was boosted by the return of Australia star Josh Hazlewood, making his first appearance of the tournament because of an injury, but he and India’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar were treated with disdain by the youngster in a brutal partnership of 108 from 37 balls with number three Dhruv Jurel.
The pair dominated the powerplay ruthlessly, reaching 97-1, with Suryavanshi reaching his fifty with a six.
It was the joint third-fastest IPL fifty in history and it was the second time he has achieved that feat in this year’s tournament, having also done so against Chennai Super Kings on March 30.
He is yet to be capped by India at international level, but is now the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 200 runs in four innings at an incredible strike-rate of 266.6.
Dhruv Jurel played some classical shots during his knock (Photo: Associated Press)
After Suryavanshi was dismissed by spinner Krunal Pandya, the Royals slipped from 129-1 to 134-4, but Jurel expertly controlled the remainder of the chase with a mature innings of 81 not out from 43 balls.
Earlier, Jofra Archer won the battle of the England internationals as he dismissed RCB opener Phil Salt from the first ball of the match, beating him for pace and drawing a top edge to wicketkeeper Jurel.
Virat Kohli made a fluent 32 from 16 balls, but Royals’ bowlers continued to dominate, as Archer finished with 2-33 and spinner Ravi Bishnoi claimed 2-32, as RCB slumped to 125-7 after 14 overs.
But captain Rajat Patidar led an impressive recovery with his 63 from 40 balls and West Indies’ Romario Shepherd clubbed 22 from 11 as they accelerated at the death.
Venkatesh Iyer added a crucial cameo of 29, including 20 from the final over bowled by Sandeep Sharma, to push RCB past 200.
But Jurel and Suryavanshi’s stand took all of their momentum and helped Royals inflict a first defeat of the season upon RCB, and ensured that they remain unbeaten at the top of the table. (BBC)
