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Majority of the families occupying the Zeelugt Sea Defence and Zeelugt Drainage Reserve in Region Three have been resettled in a new housing area according to Minister of Housing Collin Croal.

The Minister visited the residents on Friday with Community Development Director, Mr. Gladwin Charles, along with several technical officers from the Ministry to address residents’ concerns.

During the visit, the Minister said he is satisfied with the progress made thus far, noting that while a few occupants have shown some reluctance to relocate, the overall exercise has been moving forward as planned.

At the start of the inventory exercise, a total of forty-eight (48) structures were documented along the Zeelugt Sea Defence and Drainage Reserve. As part of the relocation initiative, thirty-four (34) of these structures have since been demolished. Additionally, forty (40) households have been allocated house lots in a new housing area, with many families already resettled.

Residents expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by the Government throughout the relocation process.

“While acknowledging that relocating can present challenges for families, I assured residents that the Government remains committed to making the transition as smooth as possible and noted that discussions will continue with other agencies to further streamline the relocation process and provide additional support where necessary,” he said in a statement posted on his Facebook page.

The relocation initiative forms part of the Government’s broader efforts to address informal settlements in vulnerable areas.

In July 2024, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to resolving squatting at Zeelugt North, commonly referred to as Sideline Dam, in Region Three.

During an impromptu visit to the area, the President emphasized that the existing conditions were not conducive to a good quality of life and did not provide a safe environment for children. He pledged the Government’s continued support in relocating affected residents to safer and more developed housing schemes, ensuring improved living conditions for families.

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India banished the ghosts of 2023 by emphatically beating New Zealand by 96 runs in Ahmedabad to defend their T20 World Cup title.

On the same ground they wilted under pressure and expectancy two and a half years ago against Australia in the 50-over showpiece, the co-hosts romped to 255-5 – two more than they managed in Thursday’s semi-final against England – in front of a crowd of more than 100,000 jubilant supporters.

Click here to view scorecard

The top three all made the most of supreme batting conditions, with Sanju Samson crashing 89 from 46 deliveries, Abhishek Sharma a 21-ball 52 and Ishan Kishan 54 from 25.

Their total could have been even greater but for Jimmy Neesham taking three wickets in the 16th over. Shivam Dube hit 24 from the last to ensure New Zealand’s respite was only brief.

Tim Seifert whacked 52 from 26 balls but around him New Zealand lost regular wickets in pursuit of a lost cause, including Finn Allen, the Black Caps’ semi-final centurion, for nine in the third over.

The majestic Jasprit Bumrah bamboozled the lower order to finish with 4-15 as New Zealand were bowled out for 159 in 19 overs.

The win means India- the first side to defend the men’s T20 World Cup- have now won the past three men’s white-ball tournaments- this, the 2024 title and the 2025 Champions Trophy.

For New Zealand, also beaten by India in Dubai last year, this defeat goes alongside their near misses in the World Cup finals of 2015, 2019 and 2021.

Night of glory for India’s latest generation

For two overs, it appeared things could have been just like 2023 when India were far too tentative on, quite literally, cricket’s biggest stage.

There were five dot balls in the first over, bowled by seamer Matt Henry, and only five runs in the second, off Glenn Phillips’ part-time spin.

But Samson and Abhishek took 15 from Jacob Duffy’s first over and 24 from the next bowled by Lockie Ferguson as the innings, and the crowd, roared into life.

Even with that slow start, Abhishek and Samson took 92 runs from the best powerplay ever seen at a World Cup. In comparison, the Black Caps were 52-3 after their first six overs – a crucial difference.

Abhishek had only made one score over 15 in this tournament but flogged the ball to all parts. Samson was again supreme, backing up his 97 not out against West Indies and 89 against England with another innings that mixed flair with a classical technique.

Together he and Abhishek hit 12 of the innings’ 18 sixes, which took India’s tournament total to 106 – 30 more than any other team here and a record for a T20 World Cup.

When left-hander Kishan followed in raising his bat it was the first time the top three had reached fifty in a men’s T20 World Cup. They had 203 runs after 15.1 overs and Dube’s late burst – after a run of 28 runs in 24 balls – ensured India charged beyond a par score.

They took all the momentum, a batting paradise capitalised upon. Afterwards the chase was a slow coronation.

India were beaten by South Africa in the Super 8s stage but have responded brilliantly with three scores in excess of 250. This was a night of glory for a new generation, after the T20 retirement of superstars Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja. (BBC)

 

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Police Football Club emerged victorious in an exciting final, defeating Slingerz Football Club 2-1 to claim the inaugural Elite League Cup 2026 championship on Saturday evening at the National Training Centre, Providence.

In front of an anxious crowd, both teams delivered an intense and competitive encounter, demonstrating skill, determination, and tactical discipline throughout the match.

Police FC broke the deadlock in the 63^rd minute when Beveney McGarrell found the back of the net following a well-constructed attacking move.

The lead was extended in the 76^th minute when Slingerz FC defender Romaine Brackenridge inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, giving Police FC a 2-0 advantage.

Slingerz FC continued to press forward and pulled one back in the 90^th minute through captain Quincy Adams, setting up a tense finish. However, the Police FC defense remained resolute, holding firm until the final whistle to secure the championship victory.

Following the match, Head Coach Wayne Dover of Police FC praised his team’s determination and resilience, noting the significance of finally securing the title after previous near misses.

“This victory is special for us. We have reached the final stages before but fell short. The players prepared well, remained focused, and executed what we worked on in training. We knew that if we followed our game plan, we could come out victorious,” Dover said.

The triumph marks a significant achievement for Police FC, highlighting their strong performance throughout the tournament and their determination to finish the competition on top.

In the third-place playoff, Western Tigers FC secured a 2-1 victory over Guyana Defence Force FC.

The Elite League Cup is part of the Guyana Football Federation’s initiative to provide Elite League clubs with additional high-level competitive matches each season, designed to enhance player development, strengthen club performance, create meaningful opportunities for elite players, and support national team selection, thereby contributing to the overall growth of football in Guyana.

(GFF PRESS RELEASE)

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West Indies and South Africa have received clarity on their travel home from India, with both sides still in Kolkata after being knocked out of the T20 World Cup over the last week.

They will leave in the early hours of Tuesday, March 10, on a charter flight to Johannesburg, with West Indies traveling on to Antigua from there.

The two sides were earlier expecting to leave on Sunday, March 8, but confirmation of the new date was given to them on Sunday afternoon.

Three members of South Africa’s squad – Keshav Maharaj, Jason Smith and George Linde – along with the entire management will leave India on Sunday itself, and head to New Zealand, where South Africa will play five T20Is starting on March 15.

The changing travel plans, caused by airspaces being closed or limited in West Asia following the crisis, have caused unhappiness in both camps.

West Indies have been in Kolkata since losing to India in the Super Eight on March 1, while South Africa have been unable to leave after defeat to New Zealand in the semi-final on March 4. West Indies coach Daren Sammy has been posting about his frustration on X. Several South African players, including Quinton de Kock and David Miller, have been vocal on Instagram.

For West Indies, there were reports on Thursday of a charter flight being arranged, but that plan didn’t come through either. A CWI statement the same day said the confirmation had come after “a high-level call” on Thursday involving CWI, ICC officials, a representative of the team management, and a representative of the players.

“CWI has remained in constant dialogue with the players, team management, and the International Cricket Council since their last match against India,” the statement said. “While the situation remains complex and fluid due to international airspace restrictions arising from security concerns in the Gulf region, CWI assures the public that every precaution is being taken to ensure the safe return of the team to the Caribbean.”

The England team left Mumbai on Saturday evening, travelling directly to London. (ESPNcricinfo)

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A 39-year-old woman is now dead and the suspect, her reputed husband is hospitalised after attempting suicide.

The News Room understands that Caslene Toney was stabbed to death at her Long Creek, Soesdyke- Linden Highway home on Sunday morning by her reputed husband Morris Hugh.

The two shared six children with the youngest being three-years-old.

They were involved in a common law relationship for many years which is described as abusive.

According to the Vice Chairperson of Tigerbone – Banakari, Catherine Alfred, on January 12 when the family found out about the abuse, Toney was taken to the police base on the Highway to file a report. However, she chose not to continue the matter.

“On January 12, her sister came to tell me what is happening. I even took her to the highway base where she would have admitted that this man beat me up with a cutlass and there were marks on her body but she said she don’t want the matter to proceed,” Alfred told the News Room.

Hugh also stabbed himself.

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Police have arrested three persons in connection with the discovery of firearms, an airsoft rifle and ammunition on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at about 09:00h during an intelligence-led operation conducted at Shea Village, South Rupununi.

Enquiries revealed that ranks acting on information received went to the home of a 53-year-old farmer of Shea Village, South Rupununi, where he was contacted along with his two sons, ages 20 and 22, who also reside at the address.

Searches were conducted on their persons and premises, during which the trio handed over two .22 rifles, one airsoft rifle, and fourteen (14) rounds of .22 ammunition.

Further checks were conducted in the kitchen, during which one 12-gauge double-barreled shotgun, along with five 12-gauge cartridges, were found.

The trio were questioned by ranks and stated that they were not holders of firearm licences.

They were arrested and escorted to the Aishalton Police Station and subsequently to the Lethem Police Station along with the suspected firearms and ammunition, which were lodged pending examination.

The suspects remain in police custody, assisting with investigations.

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President Dr Irfaan Ali said Guyana supports the strong action being taken by the United States of America against drug cartels in the western hemisphere.

Speaking during a Fox News interview on the sidelines of the Shield of the Americas Summit hosted by President Donald Trump, Dr Ali reminded that Caribbean and Latin American countries have long raised concerns about drug cartels.

According to him, these criminal operations frequently exploit the region’s Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) and border areas, exposing countries to transnational criminal networks.

“It’s an issue that has exposed the region, has given the region a bad name in terms of drugs. So, we support the strong action on drug cartel,” he reiterated before he said, “We have supported the charter to deal with transnational crime, especially the narco-terrorism and these cartels.”

He said the current approach involves more direct action to protect national borders, reducing criminal activity, and improving the region’s international reputation.

Guyana was among 13 countries from the Latin America and the Caribbean region that attended the inaugural “Shield of the Americas” summit in South Florida, United States.

There, Trump signed the declaration to create the Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition committed to fighting drug trafficking.

See full proclamation below as published by the White House:

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

The United States, under my leadership, has demonstrated a sustained commitment towards achieving the dismantlement of cartels and foreign terrorists operating in the Western Hemisphere.  My Administration has designated a number of cartels and transnational gangs as foreign terrorist organizations and has since dedicated unprecedented resources towards their destruction.  These international entities control territories and commerce, extort political and judicial systems, wield arms and field military capabilities, and use assassinations and terrorism to achieve their ends.  In furtherance of our efforts, the Secretary of War established the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition, a pledge from military leaders and representatives from 17 countries demonstrating that the region is ready to operationalize hard power to defeat these threats to our security and civilization.  We will address these grave dangers by use of any necessary resources and legally available authorities, together with our partner nations.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim as follows:

(1)  Criminal cartels and foreign terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere should be demolished to the fullest extent possible consistent with applicable law.

(2)  The United States and its allies should coordinate to deprive these organizations of any control of territory and access to financing or resources necessary to conduct their campaigns of violence.

(3)  The United States will train and mobilize partner nation militaries to achieve the most effective fighting force necessary to dismantle cartels and their ability to export violence and pursue influence through organized intimidation.

(4)  The United States and its allies should keep external threats at bay, including malign foreign influences from outside the Western Hemisphere.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.

DONALD J. TRUMP

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On the sidelines of the inaugural “Shield of the Americas” summit in South Florida, United States, President Dr Irfaan Ali voiced his support for a better livelihood for the people of Cuba, saying “the status quo cannot remain.”

He was at the time engaged in an interview with journalist Aishah Hasnie on Fox News Live.

“In the case of Cuba, we have had many discussions at the CARICOM level… we had discussions recently with [US] Secretary [of State Marco] Rubio… and we all agree that the status quo cannot remain.”

“We agree that there must be an attempt to have this status quo changed and we all are aware that it will take time. It has to be incremental… there must be dialogue,” he added.

The President said importantly, the changes must lead to better livelihoods for citizens of the Caribbean island.

“…those changes must lead to the improvement of the people of Cuba, must lead to better conditions for the people of Cuba, must lead to a society in which the rule of law, in which democracy, in which freedom is celebrated. We have discussed this only recently at the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting,” the President noted.

Ali further told Fox News Live, “I think that is what the President [Donald Trump] is referring to a type of transition that allows the people of Cuba to benefit from prosperity and democracy.”

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The Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) on Saturday announced that the Rose Hall and Albion Estates have exceeded their combined weekly sugar production target marking a strong early performance for the First Crop of 2026, which commenced just two weeks ago.

In a statement, GuySuCo said the two estates produced a combined 2,457 tonnes of sugar, surpassing the target of 1,989 tonnes by 468 tonnes. The factories also recorded a Tonnes Cane to Tonnes Sugar (TCTS) ratio of 12.53 for the week, reflecting improving operational efficiency in the conversion of cane to sugar.

The achievement is particularly significant for Rose Hall which recorded its highest production figures since its reopening by the current Government in 2023.

The Estate Manager, Threbhowan Shiwprasad attributed the improvement to stronger collaboration and operational coordination across the estate.

“This improvement we see at Rose Hall is due to factory employees and field staff working closely as a team. It is all work that is showing better results. There has also been improvement in communication at all levels, the delivery of clean, fresh canes to the factory, and the proactiveness of staff members together with the engagement of workers, all of which are contributing to the improved results,” Shiwprasad said.

The First Crop of 2026 is expected to run until around the first week of May. At present, Albion, Rose Hall and Uitvlugt have commenced operation for the first crop, while Blairmont Estates is expected to come onboard during the new week.

GuySuCo noted that while the industry continues to confront labour shortages, estates have been able to capitalize on favourable weather conditions during the early weeks of the crop, which has supported field harvesting and factory operations.

The Corporation expressed optimism that these favourable conditions will continue through to mid May, allowing estates to maintain steady production.

Further, GuySuCo commended the management, staff and workers of Rose Hall and Albion Estates for their dedication and teamwork, and encouraged all estates to continue building on this momentum as the crop progresses.

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Police in Regional Division 9 are investigating the discovery of a quantity of suspected cannabis during an operation at Tabatinga, Lethem, Central Rupununi. The discovery was made between 15:30h and 16:30h on Friday, March 6, 2026.

According to police, ranks were conducting an operation at a business premises in the area when they observed a man arriving at the location in a suspicious manner. As such, the ranks approached him and carried out a search. A quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis was found in a side bag carried by the man.

Further checks were then conducted in an unoccupied building near the premises. During this search, police found a bulky black plastic bag containing several parcels with leaves, seeds and stems also suspected to be cannabis.

The suspect, a 23-year-old labourer of Mackenzie, Linden, was arrested and taken to the Lethem Police Station along with the suspected narcotics.

Police said the suspected cannabis found in the unoccupied building weighed 2,129 grammes. The suspected cannabis found on the suspect was weighed separately in his presence and amounted to 36 grammes.

The narcotics were lodged as investigations continue; the suspect remains in police custody.

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