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Fifteen-year-old Jasmine Billingy was crowned the new women’s open champion after defeating her doubles partner, Samara Sukhai, 3-0 in the final of the Senior National Table-Tennis Championship on Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The final saw the two teenagers and Women’s Doubles champions face off following commanding victories in the earlier rounds.

Billingy, however, proved superior in the key moments of the singles final. She secured the 1-0 advantage after taking the first set 11-9.

The second stanza proved to be a critical seesaw battle, with both players trading blows before Billingy edged out her opponent with a tight 17-15 scoreline, establishing a 2-0 lead.

She sealed the title with a dominant performance in the third set, winning 11-4.

In the singles semi-final stage, Billingy had bested Neveah Clarkston in four sets (8-11, 11-6, 11-9 and 11-5), while Sukhai earned her place in the final by downing Akira Watson in straight sets (11-4, 11-3 and 11-9).

In the supporting divisions, Malachi Moore bested Colin Wong 3-1 to win the B Class title (11-7, 11-13, 11-6 and 11-5), while Alex Garraway secured the C Class division, triumphing over Clarkston in a tense five-set affair (5-11, 11-6, 12-10, 9-11 and 11-8).

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The Lusignan Golf Course came alive on Sunday (October 5) as golfers took to the course for the highly anticipated Trophy Stall Golf Tournament. The event once again showcased skill, sportsmanship, and strong camaraderie among the club’s members.

Emerging as the overall winner was Dr. Joaan Deo, who delivered an impressive performance with a gross score of 82 and a net of 68, edging out the second place winner by countback with 39 gross on the back nine.

This win marks a remarkable achievement for Dr. Deo, who expressed both joy and gratitude following her victory.

“It feels really good to win this tournament, especially being my first tournament for 2025 and also four months post-partum,” said Dr. Deo.

“The competition was much needed in preparation for the Guyana Open in November, and being the winner among the men makes it even more special.”

Top performers of the tournament

In a close second was Fazil Haniff, who matched Deo’s net 68 with a gross of 89 and handicap of 21, while Anand Persaud and Parmanand Persaud tied for third and fourth respectively with net scores of 71.

Troy Cadogan rounded off the top five with a gross of 97, handicap of 24, and net of 73.

Additional prizes were awarded to standout performers:

• Longest Drive: Troy Cadogan
• Nearest to the Pin: Ian Gouveia
• Most Net Pars: Parmanand Persaud (11)
• Best Gross: Avinash Persaud (76)

The Lusignan Golf Club has extended heartfelt appreciation to Ramesh Sunich and Trophy Stall for their continued partnership and generous support of the club and its events.

“Trophy Stall remains one of LGC’s longest-standing sponsors, consistently contributing to the development of golf in Guyana. With the Suriname Invitational on the horizon on October 11-12, 2025, this tournament served as the perfect warm-up for local players seeking to fine-tune their game and test their competitive edge,” the Club highlighted in a release.

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On Sunday, the Dave West Indian 50-Over First-Division tournament produced two contrasting high-scoring encounters, with victories for Everest Cricket Club and Police Sports Club.

However, the day’s standout performance came in a losing cause, courtesy of a brilliant century from Garfield Benjamin for the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

FULL SCORECARD: https://cricclubs.com/GeorgetownCricketAssociation/viewScorecard.do?matchId=426&clubId=21478

At the core of Everest Cricket Club’s victory was a near-faultless knock by Guyana Harpy Eagles all-rounder Richie Looknauth.

Though he fell just two runs short of a deserved century, his performance was the engine behind Everest’s successful chase against the Transport Sports Club (TSC).

TSC had posted a competitive target of 255 all out in 46 overs, built around half-centuries from Romeo Deonaraine (65), Riyad Latif (64), and Jadon Campbell (55).

The Everest bowling attack, spearheaded by the experienced Assad Fudadin (3 for 46) and Chris Harry (3 for 47), ensured TSC were contained.

In response, Everest made light work of the chase, reaching 256 for 5 with 6.2 overs remaining.

Looknauth anchored the innings with 98 off 93 balls, featuring 12 fours and three sixes.

He was ably supported by Harpy Eagles teammate Matthew Nandu (67).

Despite the best efforts of TSC spinners Myhiem Khan (2-54) and Riyad Latif (2-58), the damage done by Looknauth’s innings meant Everest clinched a comfortable five-wicket victory.

FULL SCORECARD: https://cricclubs.com/GeorgetownCricketAssociation/viewScorecard.do?matchId=425&clubId=21478

The match between the two armed forces, Police Sports Club and Guyana Defence Force, delivered high drama and a magnificent individual display that ultimately proved insufficient.

Police, batting first, put up a formidable total of 345 all out in their 50 overs.

The innings saw consistent contributions throughout the order, led by a solid half-century from Kemol Savory (69) and a fifty from Kanaiya Ramkarran (53).

GDF’s bowling was led by Leon Andrews (4 for 76), who managed to chip away at the Police middle order.

The GDF chase was almost entirely a one-man show, led by former national youth player Garfield Benjamin, who produced a phenomenal, unbeaten innings of 155 off 117 balls, decorated with 17 fours and five sixes.

Benjamin carried the GDF innings almost single-handedly, with his second-highest contributor being Nigel Deodat (68).

However, the sustained pressure from the Police attack, which saw Antony Adams (2 for 47) and Dwain Dick (2 for 53) amongst the wickets, proved too much.

Despite Benjamin’s heroics, GDF were eventually bowled out for 282 in 39 overs, handing Police a 63-run victory.

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The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Monday convened a Special Sitting to commemorate the elevation of Justice Winston Anderson to the office of President of the region’s highest court.

The ceremony, held at the start of the CCJ’s 2025/2026 court year, marked Justice Anderson’s formal assumption as the Court’s fourth President, succeeding Justice Adrian Saunders.

Warm tributes poured in from judicial leaders from across the region who were present at the special sitting, celebrating his scholarly brilliance, humility, and lifelong dedication to Caribbean jurisprudence.

In her remarks, Guyana’s acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Roxane George, reflected on justice Anderson’s instrumental role in developing the LLM Programme in International Business and Law at the University of Guyana, and praised his ability to make complex legal ideas accessible.

“By his example, he encourages one to give generously of one’s time, knowledge and experience.

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Monday convened a Special Sitting to commemorate the elevation of Justice Winston Anderson to the office of President of the region’s highest court.

“On behalf of the judiciary of Guyana, we wish you God’s richest blessings during your tenure as President of the Caribbean Court of Justice. We look forward to your leadership as our regional justice project continues to grow from strength to strength,” Justice George said.

Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago, Ivor Archie, lauded Justice Anderson’s “remarkable story of talent, perseverance and purpose,” assuring the region that its justice system “is well led and more than adequately served.”

“In you, we have the quintessential Caribbean jurist.

“You now inherit a mantle once borne by giants. We are especially encouraged by your vision to make justice more accessible to the people of this region and to deepen collaboration with national judiciaries,” Justice Archie said.

Justice Maureen Rajnauth-Lee described Justice Anderson as a jurist whose “life reflects a devotion to the rule of law, the protection of human rights and the delivery of accessible justice.”

“Your respectful engagement with differing perspectives and your steadfast commitment to collaborative problem-solving have enriched the work of the court and inspired each of us.

“Under your stewardship, we are certain that the CCJ will continue to serve as a beacon of hope, a pillar of integrity, and a steadfast guardian of the rights and dignity of our people,” she said.

Justice Anderson’s distinguished career spans academia and regional service. A graduate of the University of the West Indies and Cambridge University, he has served as General Counsel to the CARICOM Secretariat, a senior law lecturer, and a policy advisor. In 2010, he became both the first Jamaican and the youngest judge ever appointed to the CCJ.

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Local business, Silvie’s Industrial Solutions, has introduced an artificial intelligence (AI) agent into its operations, becoming another Guyanese company that uses such technology to enhance customer service and improve internal processes.

During an interview with the News Room, Chief Operating Officer Shanti Persaud said the AI agent provides solutions for practical challenges, with their system aiding the management of the inventory of thousands of items and helping staff quickly learn product details.

“Having a team member that is new coming on to learn all those items, it is going to be difficult. Part of helping the team serve better to have more knowledge of the items faster was that we wanted something that could help them,” she said.

The AI system assists both employees and customers, and people can interact directly with the agent—even outside of business hours. It was developed in partnership with local tech firms V75 Inc. and Evolve, which the company praised for professionalism and timely delivery.

Bramanand Persaud, the CEO of Silvie’s and Co-Chief Executive Office, Shanti Persaud, during the interview.

These local developers are responding to a global challenge – making work faster, more efficient, and reliable. Importantly, it proves that Guyanese companies can attain international technology implementations with all local partners. The Silvie AI agent marks just the beginning of how technology will shape the future of service delivery here.

As technology advances online shopping and services, though not easily adaptable in Guyana, local companies have to create a more service-efficient system.

Shanti said inspiration came partly from international exposure, including trade expos in Japan, but also as the company strives to meet global trends.

“This is where the world is going, and whether we want it or not, if we don’t adapt, we are going to keep doing things the old way and it’s going to cost us more,” Shanti said.

This technology reduces wait times on the switchboard, directs customers to Silvie’s website to place orders, and supports online shopping and delivery in Georgetown, the CEO, Bramanand Persaud, said.

“Something that is going to come on board is that a customer can flash the image of the product and the AI agent is going to recognise that product and match it to our inventory,” Bramanand said.

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The new Demerara River Bridge, named the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, was commissioned on Sunday night, an event Guyana’s President Dr Irfaan Ali said signals the dawn of a new era of transformation.

Amid much pomp and fanfare, President Ali emphasised the value of the new bridge.

For commuters- thousands of persons who travel daily- it means easy, uninterrupted travelling. This eliminates the long hours of waiting to cross the floating structure.

President Ali also said it will spur economic activity on both sides of the river. It is expected that new factories, logistics centres, and corridors of development will rise on both sides of the river because of the ease of travel now facilitated.

The ‘Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge’ commissioned as a symbol of Guyana’s transformation (Photo: News Room/Sunday, October 5, 2025)

And importantly, the Guyanese Head of State said the structure stands tall as a symbol of his government’s focus on major infrastructural projects that will transform Guyana.

“Infrastructure is also a statement; it is a signal to the world that a nation is ready

“This bridge signals that Guyana is ready, ready to industrialise, ready to modernise, and ready to claim its space in the 21st century of the world’s economy,” President Ali said.

And for President Ali, it was only fitting to dedicate the bridge to a “giant of Guyanese politics” – former President and now Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

According to President Ali, Jagdeo led Guyana diligently for many years and ushered in the recovery of the nation and its first phase of development.

The ‘Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge’ commissioned as a symbol of Guyana’s transformation (Photo: News Room/Sunday, October 5, 2025)

The new US$262 million structure connects Regions Three and Four, replacing the old floating structure that served for much longer than intended. This new structure has four lanes and will operate round-the-clock, unlike its predecessor, which was intermittently closed to allow ships to pass through.

The investment, the President said, shows prudent management of Guyana’s wealth.

“This bridge is financed by the deliberate reinvestment of our national resources. Oil revenues, wisely managed, are being converted into structures like this project that deliver benefits to all Guyanese. This bridge is proof that our resources are not squandered but reinvested into the future of our country,” he contended.

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Geradly Angel, a Venezuelan man, was chopped to his left thigh during a bar fight at Best Village, West Coast Demerara on Saturday night.

Police Headquarters reported that Alianda Martin, a 20-year-old Venezuelan and her husband, Osmel Figuera were drinking at the bar with other family members when an argument ensued.

Several other male Venezuelan nationals began fighting, and one of them was armed with a cutlass, dealt one chop to Angel’s thigh.

He was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital. His condition is regarded as stable.

Several people were questioned but Police said no useful information was received due to the language barrier. Checks were made for the suspect, but he was not contacted or seen in the area.

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Officers from the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) are investigating two incidents arising from a land mining dispute in the Toroparo area, Region Seven.

The incidents occurred on September 23 and September 30, 2025, Police Headquarters reported.

The initial altercation on September 23 was captured on video and featured the voice of Mitchell Watson, who is affiliated with gold miner Ronaldo Alphonso and a group comprising rangers Marvis Hillman and Edson Carter. This encounter is reported to have escalated to the alleged discharge of firearms by Alphonso’s security team.

A subsequent incident occurred one week later on September 30 and was also caught on video. This incident involved security agent Leon Wilkinson, Carter, security guard Randy Allen, the general manager of Alphonso Mining and an operation William Hill.

Police said it was a continuation of the unresolved tensions between the involved parties.

In response to both incidents, the Guyana Police Force ranks from Region Seven initiated investigations. The response included the arrest of all involved individuals and the seizure of relevant firearms.

To prevent further conflict and ensure order, a joint operational team consisting of Police led by an inspector and ranks, and officers from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission is on the location monitoring the situation.

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Ranks of the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) discovered approximately 245 pounds of cannabis during an operation in the vicinity of No. 74 Village Koker along the Corentyne River.

The operation was conducted on Friday at approximately 18:40 hrs.

The cannabis was discovered hidden in several parcels in nearby bushes. The team conducted a surveillance of the site during a boat approached and hovered off the coast with several individuals on board.
CANU in a statement said, the individuals were observed flashing a light and shouting in a foreign language, which the officers were unable to interpret. Due to poor visibility and the potential danger of engagement under such conditions, officers remained in cover. Shortly after, one of the individuals appeared to receive a phone call, following which the vessel departed the area.

Subsequently, the parcels were secured and transported to CANU’s Skeldon Headquarters for processing.

“This seizure represents another significant disruption of the narcotics trade along the Corentyne River, a known trafficking route exploited by smugglers attempting to move illicit substances between Guyana and neighbouring territories,” CANU said.

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The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) has dispatched two representatives, Towanna McCalmont and Natrena Hooper-Clarke, to a crucial ‘Train to Teach’ Kids Athletics Workshop in Peru.

The three-day intensive programme, which runs from 7-9 October, is designed to enhance the skills of coaches and educators focusing on the crucial 4-14 age bracket.

The goal is to develop fundamental physical skills at an early age and better integrate athletics principles into school physical education programmes.

The development mission has been fully backed by the AAG, whose President, Amanda Hermonstine, wished the pair a successful stint ahead of their departure on 4 October.

“I know you will make the association proud; this is one more achievement for us that will assist in the development of athletics,” Hermonstine said, underscoring the long-term benefit of the training.

McCalmont outlined her primary goal for the trip, emphasising the need for a “sustainable framework” for talent development across the nation.

“My expectation is to gain additional knowledge about the kids’ athletics programme and how we can provide an active programme that will help to develop their physical skills from an early age,” she explained.

“I also expect to find ways to get more young children healthy and actively involved in sports and to provide a sustainable framework for developing young talent in athletics,” McCalmont added.

Hooper-Clarke echoed her partner’s sentiments, stating she was “excited” to seize the opportunity to learn new methodologies that can be immediately applied upon their return to Guyana.

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