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The 16th edition of the April Open Chess Tournament concluded in Georgetown this week, signalling a changing of the guard in Guyanese chess as youthful brilliance overthrew seasoned experience across both major categories.

In the Open division, Kyle Couchman delivered a performance of clinical precision to secure his first-ever April Open crown. Couchman amassed a commanding 7.5 points from a possible nine, navigating a field of Guyana’s elite to claim the top prize of $300,000.

While Couchman took the spotlight, the chasing pack remained locked in a fierce battle for the podium as Keron Sandiford demonstrated remarkable discipline to take second place with a solid seven points.

Candidate Master Ronuel Greenidge snatched third on tie-breaks, narrowly edging out former National Champion Taffin Khan after both finished level on points.

Special honours were also reserved for Rudy Jadoopat, who was named Best Newcomer, while Alexander Zhang earned the Bravest Junior award for his fearless leap into the senior ranks.

The Junior category witnessed a near-perfect display from rising star Matthew Singh. Singh dropped only half a point across nine rounds, finishing with a staggering 8.5/9 to claim his first major tournament victory.

Nicholas Zhang of Queen’s College followed in second place with 7.5 points, further cementing his reputation as one of the country’s most reliable young talents. Kataleya Sam, who is currently preparing to represent Guyana at the upcoming Chess Olympiad, rounded out the top three.

The depth of the junior field was on full display as Dominic Sam secured fourth place in a successful return to competitive play, while 12-year-old Javier Davenand finished fifth to prove he can punch well above his weight class.

Additional accolades were presented to Mark DeFreitas for Best Under-12 and Axela Vieira, who took home the Best Female award following a spirited five-point performance.

Kaleb Ramchandar was recognised as the category’s Best Newcomer, while the youngest player of the tournament, seven-year-old Jayon Sookram, impressed onlookers by scoring 2.5 points in his competitive debut.

Reflecting on sixteen years of competition, tournament organisers credited the Guyana Chess Federation and a local roster of sponsors—including DesignersHouse and Victoria Law Chambers—for fostering a pathway to international representation.

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Ryan Rickelton played one of the innings of IPL 2026, an unbeaten 123 off 55 balls, the highest-ever score by a Mumbai Indians batter in the tournament’s history.

But it still wasn’t enough against the batting might of Sunrisers Hyderabad in another run-fest at Wankhede Stadium. MI went against the grain and batted first for the first time in 22 games at Wankhede Stadium.

Led by Rickelton’s sensational ton, they amassed 243 for 5, their highest first-innings score in the IPL. SRH hardly broke a sweat in chasing it down by six wickets and eight balls to spare.

Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head added 129 runs for the opening wicket, with 92 coming in the powerplay. Heinrich Klaasen thrashed an unbeaten 65 off 30, while Salil Arora smoked 30 not out off ten balls to hand SRH the fourth-highest successful chase in the IPL and their fifth straight win of the season. (ESPNcricinfo) 

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The ongoing trial into the 2020 General and Regional Elections is set to move to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) headquarters on High Street, Kingston, Georgetown on Thursday.

The visit is scheduled for 10:00 hrs and forms part of a court-ordered inspection of key locations linked to the disputed electoral process.

The GECOM headquarters has been described in court as a critical “locus” in the proceedings. A similar visit to another key location, Ashmins Building, which housed the GECOM command center was already visited.

The visit follow confirmation from the GECOM Chair, Ret’d Justice Claudette that access to the headquarters is granted and the visit can be accommodated on Thursday.

It is intended to give the magistrate, prosecution, and defence team a firsthand view into the physical space referenced by witnesses throughout the trial. Attorneys and defendants are expected to be present in person during the visit, where witnesses will also be asked to point out their respective placements and explain operational procedures carried out during the 2020 elections.

Among the witnesses expected to be present are Rosalinda Rasul and Jonathan Yearwood. They have completed their testimony. All of the defendants in the case are also required to be present.

However, acting chief magistrate Faith McGusty informed the court that any new issues arising from the visit may be subject to further cross-examination upon application to the court, although witnesses involved have already completed their testimony.

During the inspection, the court will carry out pointing out, marking, measuring and recording of relevant areas.

Meanwhile, the case case continued on Wednesday with witnesses Bibi Aneishaw Mohamed and Dr Frank Anthony returning to the stand for continued cross-examination by defence attorneys. They have both concluded their evidence too.

Nine individuals are currently before the court charged with conspiring to manipulate the election results in favour of APNU+AFC, allegedly in an attempt to deny victory to the PPP.

Those charged include former government minister Volda Lawrence, former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, and former Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers, among others.

The controversy surrounding the March 2020 elections delayed the declaration of results for five months, until PPP candidate Irfaan Ali was sworn in as President on August 2, 2020.

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There is a renewed focus on foundational learning with targeted projects in literacy, numeracy and teaching methods to improve student outcomes at the primary level.

With pupils undertaking the National Grade Six Assessment on Wednesday and Thursday, Education Minister Sonia Parag told reporters that additional initiatives to improve results are underway for 2027. These areas are critical to building a strong academic foundation for students.

The ministry will roll out the numeracy assessments in 2027, a new initiative designed to sharpen students’ comprehension and reading abilities from an early stage, particularly in Grades Two and Four.

“It is to, of course, strengthen our mathematics, our sciences and numeracy will help with that greatly.

“By the time you’re in Grade Four the curriculum is completed or is supposed to be completed so that in Grades Five and Six you are doing a revision of those curriculums,” she said.

According to the minister, the literacy unit is actively working to develop a robust curriculum that supports these assessments, ensuring that students acquire the necessary skills as they progress through the system.

This structured approach is intended to better prepare pupils for key examinations while reinforcing their understanding of core subjects.

“We want our students to be fully literate and strengthened in numeracy as they exit the primary level,” the minister said.

Minister Parag also said that improvements in mathematics and science are closely tied to these foundational skills.

She said the ministry has also invested heavily in resources to support learning, including the distribution of textbooks and past examination papers. These interventions are already contributing to improved preparedness among students.

She emphasised, however, that long-term success depends on early intervention.

“If you don’t prepare students from the foundation level, you will have cracks,” she said.

This initiative will support the Literacy Assessments which were adopted in preparation for the 2025 sitting of the exam to achieve sustained improvement at the secondary level.

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The Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning on Wednesday opened the Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) Village and Job Fair, with the aim of directly connecting job seekers with employment opportunities while promoting workplace safety and skills development.

The two-day event, which is being held in observation of Occupational Health and Safety Month features 37 participating businesses, along with agencies and organisations showcasing career opportunities, workplace safety practices, and practical tools for both workers and employers.

In his remarks at the opening ceremony, Griffith said the initiative is designed to ensure that Guyanese can immediately benefit from the country’s expanding economy.

“The aim is to ensure that with all that is happening in Guyana that persons can have a system where they are employed and they can leave today with opportunities,” he said.

Over the past five years, Griffith said more than 1,000 jobs have been created, stressing that each job carries wider impact beyond individual employment.

“Every job represents an opportunity. An opportunity not just for transformation but as well an opportunity to bring transformation to the lives of other persons,” he said.

Griffith urged job seekers to make full use of the platform, especially young people looking to enter the workforce.

He described the fair as “a call to connect with employers, to ask questions, submit applications and to network with purpose.” He also highlighted that the event goes beyond job placement, focusing on career development and skills alignment with market needs.

“At a time when Guyana’s economy is expanding and diversifying, we must ensure that our people are not just observers of growth but active participants in it.

“Employment is not just about income, it is about dignity, independence, building, and future,”Griffith said.

Alongside job placement, the OSH Village is being used as an interactive platform where safety practices, innovations in risk management, and practical tools are being shared.

“Let this health and safety village and job fair not be seen as just another event but as a movement…towards safer workspaces, greater awareness, stronger institutions and expanded opportunities for all,” Griffith urged.

The job fair runs from April 29 to 30, from 10:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs at Main Street Avenue, Georgetown.

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Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, is calling for a major shift in how workplace safety is approached, stressing that jobs should not expose workers to stress, depression, or unsafe conditions.

“Our jobs are not stress environments…we should not be…susceptible to stress and depression and unhappiness at the job,” Griffith said on Wednesday.

Speaking at the opening of the Occupational Health and Safety Village and Job Fair being held on Main Street, Georgetown, Griffith rejected the idea that high-stress workplaces are normal, arguing that workers should not have to endure mental strain on the job.

While referencing statements from the International Labour Organization (ILO),  he underscored that psychosocial health is essential to productivity and overall worker well-being.

“The ILO has made it clear that good psychosocial health is important on the job…and this is something the government is dedicated in ensuring,” Griffith said, noting that workers must be able to operate in “a decent environment” to achieve their best.

According to Griffith, improving safety at workplaces requires a change in mindset and shared responsibility.

“If we are truly going to put safety first, if we are going to change the paradigm of how we approach health and safety.

“Everyone one of us have a significant role to play in ensuring that every worker…return to work safely, that their job is secured and that they are no more stressed on the job when they leave work,” he said.

Occupational Health and Safety Month is being observed throughout April under the theme, “Good psychosocial working environments: a pathway to thriving workers and strong organisations.”

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By Wazim Mowla

Advisor to the Embassy of Guyana in Washington DC and a Senior Fellow at Florida International University’s Jack D. Gordon School for Public Policy

Defense of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is paramount to our national interests, our nationhood, and our right to development. Under President Irfaan Ali’s leadership, this has been front and center — from the strengthening of our defense capabilities to the speed at which we engage and secure support from international partners during moments of tension.

Despite these efforts, Venezuela’s unjust and egregious claims over two-thirds of our territory cannot be deterred solely via national policies. By virtue of the fact that a case currently sits at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award that settled the border, Guyana has been calling on the international community to support this process.

This means that, at a minimum, there is an expectation that our regional partners not only vocally support the case at the ICJ but are quick to condemn efforts by Venezuela to undermine it. Most recently, Venezuela’s acting president undermined the ICJ process by wearing a lapel pin depicting a map of Venezuela that incorporates Guyana’s Essequibo region.

First, symbolism matters. The Venezuelan leader’s public display carries a weight that extends beyond photographs — particularly since this is the second such occasion, following appearances in Grenada and Barbados. On one hand, it emboldens the hardline Venezuelan elites and military officials who have historically posed threats to our border. On the other, Caribbean leaders who do not explicitly and publicly condemn its usage further incentivize its recurring use. As the saying goes: give someone an inch, and they’ll take a mile.

The Venezuelan leader’s movements are also widely covered in international media, given the significant attention Venezuela has attracted this year. Seeing such a map can create confusion among policymakers and potential investors who are not well-versed in the ICJ case or Venezuela’s posturing over the border dispute.

The severity of Venezuela’s claims over Essequibo therefore requires unambiguous support from regional partners and organizations. Ambiguity at this moment is not neutrality nor support but instead a failure to meet the occasion. CARICOM, as a regional grouping, will always be constrained by the need to find common ground among member states. But that should not deter individual members from making their own statements reaffirming support for Guyana and denouncing the public use of propaganda that undermines our sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Venezuela’s claims matter for neighboring Caribbean countries too. Venezuela’s threats could potentially impede our right to development–a development that benefits not just Guyanese but Caribbean citizens as well. This is not merely rhetoric. Since taking office, President Ali has taken national policies around energy, climate, and food security and adapted them for a regional context. President Ali’s plan to reduce CARICOM’s food import bill by 25 percent by 2030 is a prime example. Caribbean citizens, then, stand to miss out on the broader regional development that comes with Guyana’s rise.

Guyana has not asked for support from neighboring countries that would conflict with their own values. As small states in a volatile global system, we depend on adhering to and upholding international law to protect our shared values and rights.

The Caribbean is a shared region and one that has remained stable in a Western Hemisphere marked by instability for decades. Part of the reason has been a shared commitment to respecting international norms, upholding the rule of law, and condemning aggressive and illegal acts when they arise. That same commitment is being called upon now. Guyana’s territorial integrity is non-negotiable, and we expect our partners to say so, clearly and without hesitation.

*Wazim Mowla is an advisor to the Embassy of Guyana in Washington DC and is a Senior Fellow at Florida International University’s Jack D. Gordon School for Public Policy

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Hours after President Dr. Irfaan Ali objected to acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez’s use of a brooch of her country’s map that includes Guyana’s Essequibo Region during official talks with regional leaders, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has responded.

“… CARICOM underscores that Community platforms and engagements should not be used, whether directly or indirectly, to advance or appear to legitimise claims that are the subject of ongoing judicial proceedings before the International Court of Justice,” a statement from the headquarters of the regional body noted.

Earlier Tuesday, President Ali wrote to incumbent CARICOM Chairman, St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrence Drew. The Guyanese Head of State said it is “deeply regrettable” that bilateral engagements between Venezuela and sister CARICOM states have been accompanied by the prominent display of symbols asserting Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s territory.

The Guyanese leader reminded Prime Minister Drew that all CARICOM Heads have repeatedly and unequivocally supported Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and for the resolution of the controversy through the judicial process before the International Court of Justice

See below the full statement issued by CARICOM: 

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has taken note of recent official engagements within the Community during which material asserting Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s Essequibo region was on public display. CARICOM also notes the letter of 28 April 2026 from President Mohamed Irfaan Ali expressing Guyana’s grave concern.

CARICOM reaffirms that each Member State retains the sovereign right to conduct bilateral relations with external partners. This principle is well established and respected within the Community. Those engagements are conducted in a manner consistent with the shared obligations and collective commitments of CARICOM.

At the centre of those commitments stands the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, the binding legal instrument that defines the Community, its objectives, and the conduct expected of its Member States. The Treaty commits Members to the preservation of the Community’s integrity and cohesion in their external relations.

In the exercise of their sovereign rights, Member States remain mindful of their collective responsibilities to the Treaty and to uphold the principles of international law, respect for judicial processes and good neighbourly relations.

In this regard, CARICOM underscores that Community platforms and engagements should not be used, whether directly or indirectly, to advance or appear to legitimise claims that are the subject of ongoing judicial proceedings before the International Court of Justice.

The Community’s longstanding and unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana, and for the peaceful resolution of the controversy through the Court remains firm and unchanged.

CARICOM remains committed to unity, to the rule of law, and to the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law.

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Much like his illustrious father Shivnarine did on countless occasions, Tagenarine Chanderpaul dropped anchor on Tuesday, batting through the Guyana Harpy Eagles’ innings to help set Windward Islands Volcanoes a target of 319 in the third round of their bilateral series in the West Indies Four-Day Championship.

Volcanoes, who have been on the wrong side of the result in the first two rounds, closed on 17-1 with Shamar Joseph having Ackeem Auguste caught behind for seven.

They will start the final day at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua needing 302 more runs to secure an outright win.

That the target is beyond 300 is down to Chanderpaul’s tenacity, holding up one end as the others batted around him.

Resuming day three on 19 with Harpy Eagles 44-2, Chanderpaul was left not out on 117, his ninth First-Class ton, in a second innings total of 299.

The left-handed Chanderpaul faced 297 balls (or 49.3 overs), 227 of which were dot deliveries. He managed 10 fours, and a rare moment of aggression produced a six.

When he got to 113, Chanderpaul achieved the milestone of 5,000 First-Class runs, appearing in his 87^th game.

After losing his overnight partner Tevin Imlach for 32, and Kemol Savory (12), Keemo Paul (11) and Richie Looknauth (1) at 129-6, Chanderpaul stitched together two significant partnerships with Gudakesh Motie and Veerasammy Permaul to revive the innings.

Chanderpaul and Motie put on 91 for the seventh wicket, with Motie the protagonist, smashing eight fours and a six in 53 off 66, his fifth First-Class fifty.

Chanderpaul and Permaul added 52 for the eighth wicket, with Permaul making 29 off45 (2x4s, 1×6).

Shamar Joseph struck a six and a four in a run-a-ball 17 to take Harpy Eagles’ lead beyond the 300 mark. Kenneth Dember (3-52) and Ryan John (3-58) were the leading wicket-takers for Volcanoes.

Below are the summarised scores from the other matches:

At Antigua Recreation Ground, Hurricanes trail Red Force by 17 runs

SUMMARY: Trinidad and Tobago Red Force 522-9 declared from 134.3 overs (Joshua DaSilva 220, Amir Jangoo 83, Jason Mohammed 47, Terrance Hinds 44, Jyd Goolie 36; Karima Gore 4-86, Oshane Thomas 2-70) vs Leeward Islands Hurricanes 345 all out from 72.2 overs (Jahmar Hamilton 121, Karima Gore 90; Anderson Phillip 4-92, Terrance Hinds 3-49) and 160-4 from 43 overs (Keacy Carty 84*; Anderson Phillip 3-30)

At Sabina Park, Barbados Pride defeated Jamaica Scorpions by an innings and 11 runs

SUMMARY: Jamaica Scorpions 142 all out from 51 overs (John Campbell 36, Kirk McKenzie 31, Javelle Glenn 21; Roston Chase  5-28, Joshua Bishop 4-31) and 286 all out from 70.4 overs (Odean Smith 73, Brandon King 63; Joshua Bishop 5-72) vs Barbados Pride 439 all out from 112 overs (Jonathan Drakes 94, Roston Chase 84, Kraigg Brathwaite 74, Leniko Boucher 50, Shamar Springer 45; Marquino Mindley 3-62, Odean Smith 3-91, Brad Barnes 2-56)

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Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony on Tuesday testified in the ongoing trial into the 2020 General and Regional Elections, outlining the verification process during the national recount.

In his sworn testimony, Dr Anthony told the court that during the March 2020 elections, he served as a People’s Progressive Party (PPP) candidate, as well as a counting and election agent.

He explained that he was later appointed as an agent during the national recount which was held at the at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

He described the recount process in detail, noting that on May 7, 2020, at approximately15:00 hrs ballot boxes from all 10 electoral districts were recounted across 10 counting stations. Once a count was completed, Dr Anthony told the court a Statement of Recount was generated and sent to the tabulation room, where he was stationed.

According to Dr Anthony, officials from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) displayed and entered figures into a spreadsheet while political parties were simultaneously given copies of the Statements of Recount to verify accuracy.

“We had a copy of the statement of recount that was issued to all parties, so when a statement of recount was put up by GECOM we would look and see what we had were matching with what was displayed on the screen,” Dr Anthony testified.

He emphasised that he personally checked the figures being projected and confirmed that they matched the documents in his possession. The numbers were called out by GECOM officials and then entered into a spreadsheet, with each Statement of Recount displayed for approximately 20 minutes.

Dr Anthony said the figures consistently matched.

At the end of each day’s tabulation, he further stated that a statement from the counting stations was read outlining the process carried out. He explained that a Certificate of Recount was then compiled by GECOM officials for each district.

“I witnessed that and in fact my signature was on the certificate of recount. Before I sign you have the officials of GECOM who sign that statement as a true and correct statement. Once I certified that those numbers were accurate I then signed,” he said.

According to Dr Anthony, the certificates of recount included a breakdown of votes received by each party, along with sections for GECOM officials and party agents to sign.

Dr. Anthony confirmed that he signed all 10 Certificates of Recount, representing the country’s 10 electoral regions.

After signing, he said he collected authenticated copies of the Certificates of Recount and corresponding spreadsheets on behalf of the PPP. These documents were stamped and signed by GECOM supervisors before being handed over.

 Dr. Anthony testified that he later submitted the documents to the PPP/C chief elections agent which was Zulfikar Mustapha.

Before Tuesday proceedings wrapped up Dr Anthony was cross examined by defence attorneys Nigel Hughes and Eusi Anderson.

The trial is set to continue on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

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