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England and Afghanistan produced solid all-round displays as they bagged big wins against Zimbabwe and West Indies respectively in the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026.

Rain forced a share of the spoils between New Zealand and USA, but not before Nitesh Sudini lit up the stage with a terrific hundred for USA.

Here’s how the three games panned out:

Afghanistan beat West Indies by 138 runs

(Scorecard)

Afghanistan opted to bat first after winning the toss and the opening batters, Khalid Ahmadzai and Osman Sadat, justified that decision with a solid 86-run stand. Vitel Lawes broke the partnership, making way for a Windies comeback with two more wickets.

Captain Mehboob Taskin then came out to bat, joining Sadat at the crease as the duo revived the Afghanistan innings. While Sadat scored 88, he added 77 runs in his partnership with Taskin. Led by the skipper, Afghanistan managed to post a score of 262/6 in their 50 overs.

Jakeem Pollard and Lawes grabbed three wickets each for West Indies.

Mahboob Khan smashed 86 off 69 balls for Afghanistan (Photo: ICC via Getty Images)

Afghanistan were on the mark with the ball from the get-go, picking up three wickets in the first five overs.

For West Indies, Jewel Andrew was the lone warrior as he bagged a half-century against a persistent Afghan bowling attack, who managed to wrap up the Windies innings for 124.

Wahidullah Zadran and Khatir Stanikzai grabbed three wickets each with Nooristani Omarzai being the pick of the bowlers with four wickets in a 138-run win.

Afghanistan, now into the Super Six, face Tanzania in their next match on Wednesday with West Indies taking on South Africa on Thursday.

England beat Zimbabwe by eight wickets

(Scorecard)

Zimbabwe struggled to get going after being put in to bat by England as both the openers, Nathaniel Hlabangana and Kupakwashe Muradzi, departed just eight runs between them.

Kian Blignaut and Dhruv Patel steadied the ship for Zimbabwe with a 45-run stand. The partnership was followed by Tatenda Chimugoro combining alongside Patel for another 32 runs before the latter was dismissed.

Captain Simbarashe Mudzengerere then took the charge and carried his bat through but kept on running out of partners as Zimbabwe just about managed to cross the 200-run mark in their 50 overs, finishing with a score of 208.

Thomas Rew led the England’s chase with a quick half-century (Photo: ICC via Getty Images)

Zimbabwe managed to dismiss the English openers, Ben Dawkins and Joseph Moores cheaply but Ben Mayes and captain Thomas Rew took the attack to the Zimbabwe bowlers.

Rew (86) and Mayes (77) both remained unbeaten as England won the game comfortably by eight wickets, chasing down the target in just 28 overs, putting them on the cusp of qualification for the Super Six stage.

England’s final group game is against Scotland on Wednesday while Zimbabwe face Pakistan on Thursday.

New Zealand and USA share spoils after washout

(Scorecard)

New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first and came out all guns blazing, blowing the USA top order away to leave them reeling at 40/5 inside ten overs.

Shiv Shani offered the first bit of resistance as his knock of 33 slowed down the New Zealand charge, allowing USA a chance to rebuild.

Nitish Sudini who came in to bat at No 7 for USA grabbed that chance with both hands, leading the counter-attack. Stitching a 103-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Adit Kappa, he led USA across the 200-run mark.

Centurion Nitish Sudini lines up to hit the ball (Photo: ICC via Getty Images)

Even after Kappa was dismissed, Sudini continued his endeavour to take USA to 253 in their 50 overs, remaining unbeaten on 117.

His knock blew new life into the USA who seemed on their knees in the first part of their innings.

While New Zealand started their innings with a bang, smashing 12 runs in the very first over, the heavens opened. There was no further action as the game was washed out with the points being split.

New Zealand will face India next on Saturday while USA take on Bangladesh on Friday. (ICC)

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The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is investigating an alleged felonious wounding involving a Police Constable attached to the Port Kaituma Police Station.

According to a statement from the GPF, ranks proceeded to the Port Kaituma Waterfront, North West District on Friday at 12:50h to conduct inquiries into a separate matter when a 25-year-old male gold miner of Port Kaituma became disorderly. He was warned several times to keep the peace but continued behaving in a disorderly manner. During the course of attempting to arrest the suspect, the Police Constable was assaulted and sustained injuries to the mouth area.

The suspect was restrained, arrested and escorted to the Port Kaituma Police Station where he remains in custody assisting with the investigation.

The Constable was examined and treated at the Port Kaituma Hospital and was subsequently discharged.

The Guyana Police Force reminds the public that any assault on police ranks in the lawful execution of their duties is a serious criminal offence and will be dealt with decisively. The Force will continue to take all necessary action to ensure the safety of its ranks while maintaining law and order.

Investigations are ongoing.

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Motorsport in Guyana is on the precipice of its most significant technical overhaul in decades, as the South Dakota Circuit prepares to join the prestigious GT Challenge de las Américas calendar.

Following a high-level “track walk” and technical inspection on Thursday, officials have confirmed that the circuit is set for a historic modernisation programme to meet the stringent safety and performance standards required for international GT racing.

The inspection was led by Eduardo Aguilar, Director of the GT Challenge series, alongside Caribbean franchise holder Franklyn Boodram.

They were joined by Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMRSC) President Mahendra Boodhoo to finalise the blueprint for what is being described as a “new era” for the region.

Aguilar’s assessment of the current layout was overwhelmingly positive, though he was quick to point out that the transition from a regional club circuit to an international GT venue requires surgical precision.

“The track has the capabilities,” Aguilar noted, echoing the sentiments of drivers who have long praised South Dakota’s flow. “It is fast. With some minor improvements, we will be ready to get the series going here.”

While the DNA of the track remains intact, the “minor improvements” Aguilar refers to are significant engineering undertakings designed to handle the high downforce and mechanical grip of modern GT machinery.

The upgrades focus on three critical pillars of modern circuit design: safety, speed, and logistical flow.

According to Franklyn Boodram, the primary goal is to increase average lap speeds while maintaining the circuit’s “punishing” nature, which rewards bravery.

The technical “To-Do” list includes:

• Aggressive Curb Profiling: Extension and rehabilitation of existing curbs to allow drivers to carry a minimum corner speed without compromising the car’s floor.
• Active Pit Lane Re-entry: The creation of a dedicated, high-speed pit exit that will see cars rejoin the main straight in a configuration more akin to FIA Grade 3 standards.
• Safety Cell Enhancements: Strategic updates to barrier placement and runoff zones to mitigate the risks associated with the higher entry speeds expected from the GT field.

For GMRSC President Mahendra Boodhoo, the project is about more than just asphalt; it is about “motorsport tourism.” Boodhoo confirmed that crews are already on-site, with physical work on the curbs having already commenced.

“We expect fans from Latin America, the US, and the Caribbean to converge at South Dakota,” Boodhoo said. “Furthermore, race engineers from Europe will be travelling in to support the teams.”

To meet the expectations of this international “paddock,” the club plans to introduce premium hospitality suites that mirror the VIP experiences at major global events.

As South Dakota moves from the local stage to the international spotlight, the message from the GMRSC is clear: the facility is no longer just a racetrack—it is becoming a global motorsport asset. (Modified GMR&SC press release) 

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Martin Massiah has broken his silence on his immediate resignation as President of Fruta Conquerors Football Club, telling News Room Sport that while he is proud of the rapid transformation achieved at the Tucville-based side, the next phase of the club’s growth requires a “different set of forces.”

The 31-year-old marketing strategist, who became one of the youngest presidents in Elite League history in January 2025, formally tendered his resignation on Friday.

When asked by News Room Sport about the timing of his departure, Massiah pointed to the personal and professional toll of the “transformational pursuit” he led over the last year.

“When I began my tenure at Fruta Conquerors, it was with a conviction that stability could be restored and that young people and footballers deserved a space to thrive,” Massiah said.

“Nobody would have predicted how much we’ve been able to achieve in such a short time. I invested my time, energy, and personal resources in that pursuit.”

He continued: “Stepping aside now reflects a simple truth. I have carried the organisation as far as I am willing to… and the next chapter requires a different set of forces to move it further.”

Vice President Mark DeFreitas (left) will assume leadership responsibilities immediately

Massiah’s tenure, though lasting just under a year, was characterised by a push to professionalise the club’s commercial and administrative structures.

On the ground, his team oversaw significant infrastructure works at the Tucville Ground, including sand-filling to improve the playing surface and installing a solar-powered security system to protect club assets.

Off the pitch, the club modernised its digital presence and launched its first-ever official fan merchandise line.

Massiah was also a key figure in the development of the women’s game, leading the club through the inaugural Women’s Division One League Draft.

In his formal notice to the Executive Committee, Massiah confirmed that Vice President Mark DeFreitas will assume leadership responsibilities immediately. DeFreitas, a seasoned civil engineer, was one of the “great leaders” Massiah credited for the club’s recent successes.

“Fruta Conquerors is off to a great start and in a few more years under bold leadership, the transformation that I started will be complete,” Massiah noted.

 

RESIGNATION LETTER: 

January 16, 2026

To the Executive Committee,

Fruta Conquerors Football Club

Georgetown, Guyana

Dear Members of the Executive Committee,

RE: Formal Notice of Resignation – President

I, Martin Massiah, hereby formally tender my resignation from the position of President of Fruta Conquerors Football Club, effective immediately, January 16, 2026.

This decision has been taken after careful reflection and with full respect to the legacy and future of Fruta Conquerors Football Club. It has been an honour to serve the Club and to work alongside the technical staff, players, supporters, and our valued partners.

Over the past +11 months of service, meaningful work was undertaken to strengthen the Club’s technical environment, administrative structure, commercial posture, and competitive identity.

Notable achievements during this period included:

• Securing title sponsorship with Fruta & Guyana Beverages Inc.
• Initiating infrastructure improvements at the Tucville Ground, including sand-filling works and the restoration of near-field washroom facilities to enhance operational readiness
• Installing a solar-powered security system to safeguard Club assets and facilities

• Launching an official fan merchandise line
• Modernising digital communications and establishing a refreshed Club media presence
• Expanding leadership capacity through participation in CONCACAF programmes
• Leading FCFC’s recruitment during the first-ever Women’s Division One League Draft

I also wish to recognize the Fruta Conquerors Women’s Division for their commendable performance and progression during the 2025 GFF Women’s Division One League & Cup.

Likewise, I acknowledge the hard work and resilience of our Senior Men’s Team throughout the Elite League season.

Vice President Mr. Mark DeFreitas will assume leadership responsibilities in my absence. I believe this is the appropriate moment to allow new leadership to guide the next phase of the Club’s evolution.

I extend my sincere gratitude to all who supported the Club’s work throughout my tenure and I wish the Fruta Conquerors Football Club continued success.

Regards,

……………………….

Martin Massiah

Outgoing President

Fruta Conquerors Football Club

 

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Transforming public service through the use of technology, the Ministry of Health on Saturday morning launched the National Electronic Health Record (EHR) System at the Festival City Poly Clinic at North Ruimveldt. Georgetown.

With a promise of efficient health services with faster care and innovation, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, explained that this pilot programme will reduce time wasting, the need for duplicate tests and improve diagnosis. This will be done by ensuring the doctors, the pharmacists, laboratory staff and others have access to the system to input information.

During the opening ceremony, he said “all your records are going to be available to you so whatever is wrong, your records will be with you.”

First, the HER system will be rolled out at the Poly Clinic, then at the Georgetown Public Hospital, and finally at all public health institutions. In the long term, the system will be integrated with the private sector, the Minister said.

To guarantee privacy, a $20M fine is to be paid by the perpetrator who shares patient information without the patient’s knowledge.

“People’s information must be kept confidentially,” the Minister said adding that this is covered in the Laws of Guyana and along with a $100M fine for the institution involved.

Chief Executive Officer of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Robbie Rambarran noted that it is an important moment for the patients, family members and caregivers to be able to access and deliver safer and timely care.

“Patients at various clinics specialties have different records…and this results in poly pharmacy (different specialty will prescribe medications for different patients and because of the absence of an electronic medical record and these patients have a medical record for  different medical specialty they go, then the physicians won’t know what medications they are on and…and posses a lot of challenges for the medical pratcitioners,” he explained.

He noted that the Poly Clinic manages over 2,000 patients monthly.

Not only will the practitioners have access to the HER system but with a mobile application to be lunched shortly, patients will also have access to their medical records.

The EHR was developed at a cost of US$3.3 Million contract with RioMed Limited – a UK company.

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The Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Friday night officially launched a private banking service, targeting high-net-worth individuals and enterprises as the country’s rapid economic expansion drives demand for more sophisticated financial services.

The new offering, unveiled at GBTI’s corporate headquarters, will provide relationship-led banking with personalised credit, structured wealth advisory, global investment access and premium services.

President Dr Irfaan Ali said the launch of the service by GBTI signals confidence in Guyana’s economic trajectory and the growing sophistication of the country’s financial system.

“When banks begin to segment their offerings, it tells us that wealth creation, business complexity and professional demands are increasing,” he stated.

Shawn Gurcharran, Chief Executive Officer of GBTI, clients’ financial journeys require “personal attention, discretion and continuity”.

“GBTI Private Banking is not about exclusivity for its own sake. It is about alignment – with clients who value thoughtful advice, disciplined growth, and an institution that understands the responsibility that comes with success.

Gurcharran indicated that GBTI’s private banking clients will be supported by dedicated teams with experience in generational planning and complex financial needs, as Guyana attracts increased foreign investment and develops deeper links to global markets following recent oil discoveries.

Delivering the feature address at the launch, Ali described the initiative as a “quiet but significant marker on the road of progress,” adding that private banking is a natural evolution in a growing and more complex economy.

“Private banking is not about stratifying customers or exclusion, it is about meeting different demands in a more sophisticated economy,” he said.

Dr Ali said the introduction of segmented banking services reflects rising levels of wealth creation and business complexity.

“When banks begin to segment their offerings, it tells us that wealth creation, business complexity and professional demands are increasing,” he said.

He noted that today’s investors and entrepreneurs require financial solutions tailored to their needs, supported by investment advice and stronger, long-term relationships with their banks.

Private banking, he said, goes beyond transactional services by offering strategic guidance aligned with personal and business financial portfolios.

The President also sought to dispel the notion that private banking is inherently elitist, comparing it to modern healthcare systems where general and specialised services coexist.

“Sophistication is not exclusion. Diversity of services is not inequality; it is maturity,” he said.

GBTI Chairman Suresh Beharry said the launch marked a new chapter in the bank’s long history of supporting national development, describing the private banking service as one built on trust, personalisation and long-term relationships.

The private banking service will be supported by the wider GBTI Group, including GuyAmericas Merchant Bank.

“This launch is not a destination. It is a commitment – to deeper relationships, disciplined execution and financial partnerships that endure across generations,” the CEO said.

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The Ministry of Health on Friday commissioned a new digital X-ray machine at Upper Demerara Hospital in Linden, part of a $120 million investment aimed at strengthening diagnostic services in Region Ten, the government said.

Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony formally commissioned the equipment following extensive retrofitting works to accommodate the modern system. The upgrades, valued at about $72.2 million, were carried out to meet current safety and operational standards, officials said.

The digital system replaces older analogue technology, allowing for faster image processing, improved accuracy and more timely diagnoses, the Ministry of Health Guyana said. Authorities expect the upgrade to reduce waiting times and improve patient outcomes across the region.

“Today we are very pleased to commission this digital X-ray machine. All facilities in this region will now be equipped with digital X-ray systems, replacing the older analog machines,” Dr. Anthony said at the ceremony.

Regional Health Officer Gregory Harris said the equipment will benefit residents of Blueberry Hill, Wismar and surrounding communities, and help ensure access to efficient, round-the-clock healthcare services.

The ministry said the new machine is expected to reduce the need for referrals to other regions, easing travel burdens for patients and improving access to critical diagnostics. The investment forms part of a broader programme to modernise healthcare facilities nationwide and strengthen service delivery.

Senior government and regional officials, including senior operating manager Michael Gouviea and regional education officer Dwight John, also attended the commissioning.

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