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Barbados Under-13 secured a well-deserved three-wicket victory over their Guyanese counterparts on Tuesday at the Lusignan Community Centre Ground, ensuring the five-match bilateral series remains alive and competitive.

FULL SCORECARD: https://cricheroes.com/scorecard/20665098/barbados-u13-tour-of-guyana-2025/guyana-u13-vs-barbados-u13/scorecard

While the primary objective of the series is developmental—focusing on the tactical and technical growth of the region’s emerging talent—the win serves as a significant boost to the Barbadian squad’s morale after losing the first two fixtures.

The victory came against a Guyana side that was missing their marquee batsman, Lomar Seecharran, who had struck consecutive high-tempo half-centuries in the opening matches.

Winning the toss and choosing to bat, Guyana’s innings faltered early, collapsing to a precarious 6 for 3. The damage was done by left-arm seamer Jaheim Springer, who bowled a disciplined spell, claiming 2 for 10 from his six overs.

The innings was salvaged primarily through resilience from the middle order as Afraz Khan dropped anchor, scoring a crucial 39 from 96 balls (2x4s), and found solid support from Daniel Johnson (25 from 65 balls).

Their partnership helped lift Guyana to a modest total of 111 for 8 from their 40 allotted overs.

Springer’s pace was complemented by the spin of off-break bowler Ky-Mani Inniss, who delivered a valuable eight-over spell, finishing with figures of 2 for 22.

Chasing 112 for victory, Barbados were tested by the Guyanese bowlers but found stability through key contributions as skipper Avery Boyce (17) and Natarie Lavine (17) laid a platform.

However, it was Inniss who emerged as the match-winner with the bat with an unbeaten top score of 22 from 36 balls, guiding his team past the target with two overs to spare, finishing on 112 for 7.

This victory ensures the series carries significant tension into the final two matches. The teams will now move to the Everest Cricket Club for the remaining fixtures, scheduled for Wednesday and Friday.

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Air Transat, a Canadian airline, will officially begin direct flights to Guyana from Tuesday night.

Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, on Tuesday said connectivity between Georgetown and Toronto, Canada, will strengthen the aviation sector while promoting strategic competition among air services.

“I believe this is an exciting time for travellers because now our Guyanese community in Canada now have an additional choice…competition usually drives down prices,” Minister Deodat said.

He emphasised the high costs of international travel and said persons living in the diaspora and business investors will have better means of travel with this inclusion.

“We are very happy about it because for years we have had challenges with this route,” the minister said.

Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar during his interview with the News Room.

The A321LR, an aircraft known for its efficiency, will provide comfort and enjoyable flying experiences for passengers. Some 199 passengers are expected to be comfortably flown using this aircraft. Air Transat service will operate twice weekly, on Wednesday and Saturdays.

It also positions Guyana as a regional aviation hub, paving the way for better trade and travel options. Air Transat serves more than 25 destinations across Europe, the Americas, the Caribbean, and North Africa, and has been recognized internationally for service quality.

“It will increase that transit option for people who are going further and other parts of the world but in addition – a lot of our exports go to Canada. Most times we use Caribbean Airlines but they have to stop in Trinidad to go and sometimes to come and it’s an inconvenience to people,” the minister said.

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Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Gerry Gouveia Jr., on Tuesday said the commission is finalising its annual submissions to the national budget, with a strong emphasis on economic diversification, tax reform, and workforce development.

Speaking to the News Room, Gouveia Jr said the PSC values its role in the budget process and is encouraged that many of its past recommendations have been adopted by government.

For this reason, the PSC’s major focus this year is the continued increase of the income tax threshold to keep pace with inflation and economic growth.

“We’re asking for income tax threshold to continue to raise, to match inflation. But also, the economy is growing [and] we want to make sure that the take-home salary for our employees also starts to go up.

“We’re talking about non-taxable allowances that we can offer to our employees,” the PSC Chairman said.

The PSC is also advocating for non-taxable employee allowances and reductions in corporation tax, allowing companies to reinvest more into their workforce and operations.

One of the commission’s key proposals is the introduction of tax-deductible charitable donations.

Tax-deductible charitable donations are gifts of money or property made to qualified, tax-exempt organisations and several requirements are necessary for an enterprise to itemize its deductions.

He said such a mechanism could strengthen support for education, religious organisations, vulnerable groups, and hinterland communities.

“If you create an economically viable mechanism of charitable donations that promotes where you need the help, Private Sector can now give the help and it’s not coming out as an additional expense for private or public sector,” he said.

Notably, Gouveia Jr said the nation is being positioned to strengthen STEM programmes, hinterland communities and develop training programmes in a charitable way without “breaking the bank”.

Additional proposals include adjustments to vehicle duties and broader tax reforms aimed at improving competitiveness, supporting diversification, and ensuring workers earn more at the end of each month.

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The Private Sector Commission (PSC) is positioning local businesses to meet growing regional demand through a series of newly formed consortiums, its chairman Gerry Gouveia Jr said.

Speaking in an interview, Gouveia said calls by regional leaders, including Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, for stronger private-sector collaboration align with the direction Guyanese companies are already taking across the Caribbean.

“Most private-sector companies are already looking at markets such as Suriname for exporting their services,” Gouveia said. “We are also engaging with Brazil to move manufacturing products north into CARICOM. Beyond being a production economy, Guyana is positioning itself as a transshipment hub.”

He said consortiums are expanding trade links through Barbados and Grenada, helping Guyanese firms establish a broader regional presence.

According to Gouveia, these efforts are producing tangible results for businesses operating across borders, supported by multiple trade missions aimed at expanding reach and building strategic partnerships.

“In the last two to three months, we have formed about 10 consortiums, ranging from the Rupununi to Berbice and Georgetown, across multiple sectors,” he said.

Gouveia said interest is also coming from outside the region, particularly from members of the Guyanese diaspora. Companies based in the United Kingdom have already sent delegations to Guyana to explore partnerships, he added.

Key areas of interest include asset management, vessel and dock management, agriculture and technology, sectors that align with the government’s push to diversify the economy beyond oil.

Gouveia pointed to the private sector’s rapid mobilisation during hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica as evidence of its growing regional capacity.

“It demonstrated that we have the logistics, coordination and scale to operate across the region,” he said.

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Clifton Hicken, Commissioner of Police, has warned ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) that stricter accountability measures will be implemented in 2026 as part of a push to curb misconduct and corruption within the Force.

Speaking at the Region 4A Annual Christmas Luncheon and Awards Ceremony on Monday, Hicken acknowledged the improvements made in operational performance, particularly in the increased seizure of illegal firearms, drugs, and other illicit items.

“Under operations, it was established for you to increase the seizure of guns, drugs, and everything that is unlawful. That is happening,” Hicken said.

However, he stressed that stricter discipline and adherence to defined roles would be necessary moving forward.

“Traffic police are traffic police, general duty police are general duty police, anti-crime police are anti-crime police,” he said, emphasizing that the phased structure was introduced to prevent internal conflicts and reduce the risk of corruption.

Hicken urged officers to always uphold the highest professional standards and warned that the administration is closely monitoring conduct across all divisions.

“Maintain the posture that we give to you. We already have about 25 police officers before the courts. We don’t want to add to it,” Hicken stated.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Commissioner indicated that accountability measures would become even more stringent. He confirmed that quarterly monitoring and evaluation of police performance has already begun, with stricter controls set to be implemented in the new year.

“For next year, it is going to be more serious,” Hicken warned.

He also cautioned ranks against operating outside established command structures.

“Don’t think that you are going to go to a region and do your own thing. You’re just going to see a message coming to you, and you’re going to come to headquarters for development,” he added.

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Canadian-based Guyanese international Dillon Heyliger has underlined the importance of grassroots development by making a significant donation of fully equipped cricket gear bags to young cricketers from his native South Essequibo region.

The first handover took place on Tuesday at the Lusignan Community Centre Ground, East Coast Demerara,  during the third match of the five-game U-13 limited-overs series between Guyana and the touring Barbados side.

Heyliger, a fast-bowling all-rounder known for his exploits with Canada’s national team in T20 Internationals, returned to his home soil this week with a mission to support the next generation of Guyanese talent.

He presented the first of five comprehensive gear bags to Aaron DeCosta, a promising young player who is currently representing the Guyana U-13 squad in the keenly contested 40-over series against the visitors.

A native of Suddie, Essequibo, Heyliger stated that choosing recipients from the South Essequibo area was a personal priority, reflecting his commitment to the region that shaped his early career.

“It is crucial for us, as cricketers who have had the chance to play internationally, to remember where we started,” Heyliger said.

“Essequibo is my home, and I know how much a fully equipped bag means to a young player who is serious about the game. This is just a small way to ensure these lads have one less barrier to pursuing their dreams.”

The donation covers five specific beneficiaries identified by Heyliger for their potential and dedication: Naveed Fredricks, Ravid Fredricks, Mark Obermollar, Aaron DeCosta and Nathan McPherson.

While DeCosta received his kit today, Heyliger confirmed that the remaining four bags will be distributed to the other players in Essequibo over the upcoming weekend.

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Archery Guyana successfully hosted a comprehensive Wellness & Nutrition in Archery seminar on Monday, bringing together approximately 65 participants from the Federation and its ten affiliated clubs for a high-impact athlete development session.

Held at the Olympic House, the seminar is a key part of Archery Guyana’s strategy to promote holistic athlete performance, recognising that success in the sport—which relies on precision and mental control—is underpinned by physical readiness.

President Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon emphasised in her welcome that optimal performance requires focus on “physical wellness, mental resilience, injury prevention, and proper nutrition.”

The day’s programme was structured to cover the critical pillars of athlete care, opening with an overview from Guyana’s Head Coach, Ryan McKinnon.

Specialist sessions followed, focusing on injury prevention, physical wellness, and mental preparation.

Presenters Jana Edghill, Aretha Legall, and Atavia Johnson covered essential topics, including posture, strength, stability, and crucial mental techniques such as emotional control and breathing.

The subsequent in-depth segment on nutrition and hydration, led by Vanessa Wickham, focused explicitly on fuelling archers.

This included practical guidance on energy management, competition-day planning, and recovery strategies designed to be immediately applicable in both training and high-stakes environments.

The event concluded with a “Bringing It All Together” session that reinforced the integration of these wellness and nutritional routines into sustainable athlete development plans.

Archery Guyana expressed gratitude for the crucial collaboration with external bodies, including the Ministry of Health and the Guyana Physiotherapists Association, underscoring its commitment to evidence-based health practices in the sport.

The Federation noted that the initiative is essential to the long-term growth and sustainability of a healthy, informed, and resilient archery community in Guyana.

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The Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) successfully wrapped up its 2025 competitive calendar with a lively Holiday Season Social and Partner Scramble 9-Hole Tournament on Sunday.

The event blended competitive action with an end-of-year celebration, providing a festive atmosphere for members and their partners at the club.

The format was a social scramble, but the competitive edge remained sharp as the duo of Carlos Adams and Gavin Todd clinched top honours.

Adams and Todd recorded a Gross score of 36, translating to the best Net score of 31 after factoring in their team handicap of five.

They were closely challenged by the pairing of Romel Bhagwandin and Max Persaud, who finished second with a Net 32 (Gross 36, HC 4), matching the Net score of third-placed Kevin Budram and Mahin Harry (Gross 35, HC 3).

Other teams featuring among the leaders included Brian Hackett and Patrick Prashad (Net 33), while Imtiaz Subhan and Ayube Subhan finished with a Net 34.

Individual on-course prizes added further excitement, with Mike Mangal claiming Nearest to the Pin and Richard Haniff securing the Longest Drive.

Following the round, participants gathered for a well-attended Christmas social upstairs in the clubhouse.

LGC PRO Dr. Joaan Deo stated that the tournament provided a fitting conclusion to the season, highlighting the strong turnout and the festive spirit that defines the club.

The social also saw the presentation of special annual awards, recognising contributions to the club throughout the year:

• Most Improved Golfer: Orson Ferguson
• Most Honest Golfer: Patrick Prashad
• Best Dressed Golfer: Troy Cadogan
• Most Enthusiastic New Golfer: Mortimer Wills

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Slingerz Racing Stable etched their name into Brazilian horse racing history on Sunday after their horse, Galo White, stormed to victory in the prestigious Linneo de Paula Machado Grand Prix (G1) at the Hipódromo da Gávea in Rio de Janeiro.

The feature run over 2,000 meters on soft turf delivered a landmark success for the stable, marking their first top-level victory in Brazil.

Galo White, a five-year-old son of Goldikovic, secured the win with a dominant front-running display under the guidance of reigning champion jockey João Victor.

From the moment the gates opened, Galo White dictated the pace. Breaking sharply, he immediately surged to the front under the direction of Victor, setting a controlled tempo despite the demanding soft conditions.

Unlike his previous runs, Galo White conserved his energy through the middle stages, keeping rivals such as Lake A Trojan and Treasure Cartier in close attendance as the field swept toward the final bend.

As the pressure mounted on the turn for home, Galo White showed his class. Responding instantly to Victor’s cues, he found another gear and pulled clear of the pack. Express Moon, ridden by Leandro Henrique, mounted a strong late challenge, but the effort was too late.

Galo White crossed the line decisively, stopping the clock at 1 minute 58.46 seconds. Express Moon finished second, with Mexicano claiming third place.

The victory marks Galo White’s first Group 1 success and his seventh career win overall, adding to earlier major titles this campaign, including the Copa dos Campeões (G3) and the GP Almirante Tamandaré (G2).

The win was significant for multiple connections. It represented the first Group 1 trophy for highly respected trainer Lênio Roberto Vieira and a maiden top-level success for jockey João Victor.

Owner Javed Ali of Slingerz Racing Stable was ecstatic, noting the competition’s elite nature.

“This race featured the very best of Group 1 racing in Brazil, so to come out on top is incredibly special for us,” Ali said.

The victory also carried an added historical footnote. Following a format change that expanded eligibility to include horses aged three and older, Galo White became the first horse over the age of three to claim the coveted Linneo de Paula Machado Grand Prix title.

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Tagenarine Chanderpaul has been officially ruled out of the third and final Test against New Zealand, as the West Indies opener has not fully recovered from the side strain injury sustained earlier in the tour, according to an update from Cricket West Indies.

Chanderpaul initially suffered the strain while playing a shot in the nets before the second Test in Wellington, which immediately forced him out of that match.

Despite the team’s medical staff assessing the full extent of the damage, the recovery timeline has not allowed the 29-year-old left-hander to regain fitness for the series finale.

The third Test starts on Wednesday in Mount Maunganui from 18:00h (Guyana Time).

The opener had been in decent form in the drawn first Test in Christchurch, posting a significant 52 in the first innings before scoring six in the second.

More so, the team’s Performance Analyst, Avenesh Seetaram, has returned home due to a personal family matter.

New Zealand squad for third Test: Tom Latham (capt), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, ⁠⁠Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Daryl Mitchell, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Rachin Ravindra, ⁠Kane Williamson, Will Young

West Indies squad: Roston Chase (Captain), Jomel Warrican (Vice-Captain), Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Brandon King, Johann Layne, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Ojay Shields

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