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In a significant change of the guard at the Home of the Legends, Lawrence Smith has been elected as the new President of the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC).

Smith, the club’s former First Vice-President, ran unchallenged for the top post during the club’s Annual General Meeting and Election of Office Bearers on Wednesday evening.

Smith succeeds the long-standing Roger Harper, though the former West Indies all-rounder and selector will remain a key fixture in the club’s administration.

Harper is set to continue his service on the executive as Second Vice-President.

The new administration, which Smith will lead for the next two-year term, retains a core of experienced officials

The other elected officials, many of whom served on the previous executive, are: Jamal Hinckson (First Vice-President), Colin Alfred (Secretary), Reginald Brotherson (Treasurer), Adam Harris (Public Relations Officer), Dennis Squires (Club Captain) and Carlton Jacques (Indoor captain).

The Committee Members are Nkosi Beaton, Troy Halley, Ricardo Percival, Marker Harper and Charwayne Walker.

Returning officer Derrick Griffith oversaw the elections.

Speaking following his appointment, Smith expressed a deep sense of responsibility in taking over one of the region’s most prestigious institutions.

“It is an honour to be elected as President of a club with such prestige,” Smith said. “My plan is to work closely with all stakeholders to move the club forward. We aim to continue our legacy of developing quality cricketers, staying true to our identity as the ‘Home of the Legends’.”

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Two young brothers were killed early Thursday morning after the car they were travelling in slammed head-on into a minibus along the Union Public Road, West Coast Demerara.

Dead are 21-year-old Mickel Daniels and his 23-year-old brother, Miguel Daniels, both of Lot 61 First Street, Prospect, East Bank Demerara.

The fatal accident occurred at about 05:30 hrs and involved motorcar PAC 9853, owned by Adeon Pritchard of Prospect and driven by Thomas Henry, 23, of Moruca, Essequibo River.

Reports indicate the car was proceeding east along the northern side of the road when the driver collided head-on with a minibus, BWW 4493, driven by a 39-year-old man of Harlem, West Coast Demerara. Several passengers were in the minibus at the time.

The brothers were taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where they were pronounced dead. Other injured persons were admitted for treatment.

Police have since launched an investigation.

Meanwhile, a grieving relative, Andres Atkinson, said the tragedy has left the family devastated and angry, particularly as road accidents continue to claim young lives.

“I’m sad, I’m angry…these are two young men who were meant to go a long way,” he said.

Atkinson expressed frustration that reckless driving and other dangerous road practices remain unchecked.

“These are things that could be drastically reduced if people made it a priority…yet we continue to lose mostly young people,” he added, noting the difficulty of coming to terms with the loss as he prepared to console the victims’ mother.

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Former Chancellor of the Judiciary in Guyana Yonette Cummings-Edwards has been appointed Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands, becoming the third woman to hold the position.

The appointment was announced by Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, following what was described as a rigorous and competitive selection process.

According to a report by Hayden Boyce, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of The SUN, Justice Cummings-Edwards brings more than three decades of judicial experience, having served in senior roles within Guyana’s judiciary, including as Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary and previously as Chief Justice.

She is expected to officially assume office on May 1, 2026, succeeding Justice Mabel Agyemang, who demitted office at the end of March after serving since 2020.

In the interim, Justice Tanya Lobban Jackson will act in the role to ensure continuity within the judicial system.

Justice Cummings-Edwards is credited with leading several initiatives aimed at strengthening the justice system, including the digitisation of court operations, improvements in case management, and expanding access to justice, particularly for remote and underserved communities.

Her work has also included advancing specialised courts, promoting restorative justice approaches, and supporting judicial training and institutional development.

In a statement, Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam expressed confidence in the appointment, noting that Cummings-Edwards stood out among a strong field of candidates.

She said the judge’s experience, leadership and commitment to the rule of law are expected to further strengthen the administration of justice and public trust in the judiciary.

The Governor also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing Chief Justice Agyemang, whose tenure she said was marked by meaningful reforms and improvements to the court system.

In accepting the appointment, Justice Cummings-Edwards said she was honoured by the opportunity and pledged to work collaboratively with members of the judiciary, the legal profession and other stakeholders.

She said her focus would be on strengthening the delivery of justice in a manner that is fair, efficient and accessible, while upholding the rule of law.

The appointment was made on the advice of the Judicial Services Commission, chaired by Justice Neville Adderley, along with Dame Janice Pereira and Justice Carlos Simons.

Adderley said the selection reflects the Commission’s commitment to maintaining and improving the high standards of the judiciary.

The appointment also marks another milestone for regional and gender representation within the Turks and Caicos judiciary, continuing a trend of women holding the top judicial post for more than a decade.

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A 58-year-old woman lost her life following a two-vehicle collision on the Coldingen Public Road, East Coast Demerara, early Tuesday morning.

Dead is Catherine Hinds of Yarrowkabra, Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

The accident occurred at about 05:10hrs on March 31, and involved motor car PRR 2713, driven by a 65-year-old man of Yarrowkabra, and motor bus PAH 3379, driven by a 49-year-old man of North East La Penitence, Georgetown.

According to initial police enquiries, the motor car was proceeding east along the northern side of the Coldingen Public Road at an alleged fast rate of speed.

While negotiating a left turn, the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle and collided with the oncoming motor bus, which was travelling west in the opposite direction.

As a result of the collision, Hinds, who was seated in the back seat of the car, sustained injuries.

Emergency Medical Technicians were summoned, and she was rushed to the Enmore Regional Hospital, where she later died while receiving treatment.

The driver of the car was also taken to the same hospital for medical attention.

Meanwhile, four occupants of the motor bus were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Two of them — a 30-year-old man of Charlestown and a 27-year-old man of North East La Penitence — were admitted with head injuries. Their conditions are listed as stable.

Police said a breathalyser test conducted on the driver of the motor bus showed no trace of alcohol.

The body of the deceased is currently at the Enmore Regional Hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Investigations into the fatal accident are ongoing.

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A clinical display of bowling and valuable batting contributions saw Guyana dismantle Barbados by 76 runs in the second match of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Under-16 50-over bilateral series.

Following a washout in the opening fixture, the hosts made a resounding statement at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, to take a 1-0 lead in the series on Wednesday.

FULL SCORECARD: https://matchcentre.windiescricket.com/match/c70b3e44-5a54-4722-9730-f5bbda4be003/2

In a contest shortened to 31 overs per side due to rain, Guyana posted a competitive 137-8 before their bowling unit, led by vice-captain Leon Reddy, produced a devastating spell to skittle the Barbadians for a meagre 61.

Asked to bat first in tricky, damp conditions, Guyana’s innings was built on the back of a composed knock from Nathan Bishop. Bishop top-scored with a vital 37 (3x4s;1x6s) off 46 balls, showing excellent temperament as he e found a reliable partner in Makai Dowlin, who made 20 (1×4) off 43 balls.

provided the necessary acceleration in the middle overs.

The Barbadian chase never found its rhythm, crippled early by accurate opening bursts before being completely dismantled by Guyana’s slow bowlers.

Vice-captain Leon Reddy was the protagonist of the collapse; his remarkable figures of 4 for 8 from five overs of medium pace left the visitors’ middle order in tatters.

Reddy was ably supported by Brandon Grimmond, who maintained relentless pressure to finish with 3 for 9. Akash Ramdewar also made significant inroads with 2 for 13, as the visitors slumped from a shaky start to 61 all out in just 20.1 overs.

Game Three in the five-match series is slated for Thursday (April 2) from 09:30h at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary.

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Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh on Wednesday night disclosed that more than 23,000 citizens will now be receiving their $100,000 cash grant over 24 hours.

With this disbursement, a total of 85,842 citizens would have received their cash grant so far — bringing the total disbursement to $8.5 billion.

The Finance Minister shared this update in a Facebook post.

He said more eligible citizens had been able to apply for the grant using the self-registration portal, and the 23,816 individuals now receiving the grant have been verified and processed. As such, they will get their cash grant deposited into their bank accounts within a 24-hour period. Verification and processing continue for the others.

Previously, 48,858 public sector workers received their cash grants through their bank accounts.

Meanwhile, thousands more have started the process on the new portal. Dr. Singh encouraged those individuals to complete the registration process in its entirety.

The eligibility requirements to receive the National $100,000 Cash Grant paid into your bank account are as follows:

• Must be a Guyanese Citizen aged 18 years and older as at February 28, 2026
• Must have a valid National Identification Card, Digital Identity Card or Guyana Passport
• Registrant must have a bank account in their name at any local commercial bank
• Must be physically present in Guyana to register

The government has set up a national help desk to assist persons. This can be accessed on telephone numbers 501-5085 and 503-2977 during working hours.

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As the nation’s athletes prepare to head to Grenada for the Carifta Games this weekend, Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Steven Jacobs has urged them to represent the nation well, both on and off the field.

The local-based athletes, along with officials, coaches and president of the Athletics Association of Guyana Amanda Hermonstine, on Wednesday afternoon paid a courtesy call on Minister Jacobs, who was accompanied by Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, Chairman of the National Sports Commission Kashif Muhammad and Vice-Chair Cristy Campbell.

Guyana will be represented by a group of 24 talented athletes at the April 4-6 Games at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium in St. George’s.

The local contingent will depart Guyana on Thursday morning for Grenada where they will join the overseas-based team members.

Minister Jacobs, a former national cricketer, urged the athletes to give of their best as they go out to represent their families, coaches and most importantly, the country.

“Whenever you got out there to represent this country, you have to put every single ounce of you in your performance,” the minister told the youngsters.

Minister Jacobs encouraged the athletes to exercise discipline while on tour, even as they have fun and enjoy the prestigious opportunity to be ambassadors of the country.

He added that the contingent has the full support of President Irfaan Ali, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. and by extension the government of Guyana as they embark on this journey.

Ninvalle, Muhammad and Campbell echoed similar sentiments, adding that they are eagerly looking forward to welcoming home the contingent in the new week with their necks adorned with medals.

Team Guyana for CARIFTA Games 2026

Girls U-17: Tesianna Harris (100m, 200m), Angel Jeffrey (100m, 200m), Olivia Solomon (400m, 800m)

Boys U-17: Omari Welch (100m, 200m, Long Jump), Malique Kendall (100m), Jumeel Cornette (200m), Jarel Campbell (400m, Long Jump), Jermaine Shepherd (800m, 1500m), Bryson Anderson (800m), Keimal Gishard (Triple Jump, High Jump), Nathaniel Samaroo (Shot Put, Discus)

Girls U-20: Athaleyha Hinckson (100m, 200m), Akeela Dover (100m, 200m), Tianna Springer (400m)

Boys U-20: Onesi Dunn (100m), Gordon Thompson (100m), Tishawn Easton (200m, 400m), Daquan Farrell (200m), Malachi Austin (400m), Javon Roberts (800m, 1500m), Kaidon Persaud (800m, Javelin), Ebo McNeil (1500m, 5000m), Walton Alleyne (Long Jump)

Relay Teams:

• U-17 Boys 4x100m: Omari Welch, Jumeel Cornette, Malique Kendall, Jarel Campbell, Keimal Gishard
• U-20 Boys 4x100m: Onesi Dunn, Gordon Thompson, Skylar Charles, Daquan Farrell, Walton Alleyne, Tishawn Easton
• U-20 Boys 4x400m: Malachi Austin, Tishawn Easton, Skylar Charles, Daquan Farrell, Kaidon Persaud, Javon Roberts
• 4x400m Mixed Relay: Tishwan Easton, Malachi Austin, Tianna Springer, Akeela Dover

Technical and Management Team: Niall Stanton (Manager), Cheryl Sam (Safeguarding Officer), Quincy Clarke (Coach), Kesia Burnett (Coach), Anson Ambrose (Coach), Robin Phillips (Coach).

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A new contraceptive option has entered the Guyanese market as health providers move to expand reproductive choices for women and girls across the country.

The Contraceptive Patch, a 99 per cent effective hormonal adhesive skin patch, prevents pregnancy and was officially introduced locally through the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA).  Kobe Smith, the Director for GRPA said more than 5,000 contraceptive services were delivered across Regions One to Ten in 2025 alone.

Smith explained that the decision to introduce the patch was driven by direct feedback from women.

“We never want a woman or a girl to say that there are no options available or that suites her body and her freedom,” Smith said.

He said many women told us they were not comfortable with implants or injections, or they had concerns based on what they heard from others.

The introduction of the contraceptive patch marks a significant step in diversifying available methods. Unlike traditional options such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants, daily pills, and injectables, the patch serves a more modern response for preventing pregnancies.

The patch, which functions similarly to a small adhesive bandage, can be placed on various parts of the body, including the arm, back, or abdomen. Health officials say it offers a discreet and flexible alternative, particularly for those seeking non-invasive solutions.

“What are the alternatives? The alternative is that there will be unplanned pregnancies that people don’t want,” he said.

Traditional contraceptives are available at healthcare providers nationwide but through collaboration with international partners, the organisation was able to overcome financial and logistical barriers to introduce the product locally.

“We found ways around breaking down the barriers to find resources to bring it in and so it is here finally. There were no major challenges that we saw…We have heard from the women that come to our clinic that they want to see something else and we did our own research and reached out to our international partners,” Smith said.

The contraceptive patch is currently priced at approximately $17,000 for a box of three. While some have raised concerns about affordability, Smith argued that the cost remains competitive compared to private-sector options or importing the product individually.

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The National Data Management Authority (NDMA) has dismissed two employees over the unauthorised use of the government’s Tint Waiver Application System, reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on breaches of public trust.

In a statement, the agency said the employees were summarily dismissed on March 27, 2026, following an internal investigation into the incident.

According to the NDMA, the breach was first detected through routine audit mechanisms operated by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The discovery triggered an immediate probe, with findings subsequently escalated to the authority.

“A thorough review of the evidence by an internal committee led to decisive disciplinary action,” the NDMA stated.

The agency stressed that it does not condone the misuse of government systems, describing the unauthorised access and manipulation of the platform as a serious violation of established protocols, ethical standards, and cybersecurity safeguards.

The NDMA emphasised that the actions of the two individuals do not reflect the organisation’s values or the professionalism of its staff, noting that many skilled Guyanese professionals continue to drive the country’s digital transformation efforts.

The matter is expected to be referred to law enforcement authorities, with the NDMA pledging full cooperation with the Ministry of Home Affairs and other investigative bodies.

In response to the incident, the authority said it has launched a comprehensive review of its access controls, audit systems, and governance protocols to strengthen safeguards across all digital platforms.

Additional measures are also being implemented to improve monitoring, accountability, and protection against unauthorised access, particularly among personnel involved in system administration, development, and assessment.

The NDMA assured the public that the incident is being treated with urgency and in accordance with the laws of Guyana, while reiterating its commitment to securing national systems and maintaining public confidence in digital government services.

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Impact substitute Sameer Rizvi helped Delhi Capitals recover from a precarious position and claim a six-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League.

Chasing 142, Capitals lost KL Rahul first ball and slipped to 26-4 halfway through the fifth over.

Rizvi was brought into the game at the fall of the second wicket and finished unbeaten on 70 off 47 balls as Capitals won with 17 balls to spare.

He put on an unbroken 119 for the fifth wicket with South Africa’s Tristan Stubbs, who made 39 not out.

Earlier, Super Giants were bowled out for 141 with Abdul Samad (36) and Mitch Marsh (35) the only batters to pass 14.

Seamers Thangarasu Natarajan and Lungi Ngidi were the pick of the Capitals bowlers, picking up 3-29 and 3-27 respectively. (BBC)

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