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Donna Punch, a 65-year-old woman, tragically lost her life on Sunday morning when a truck wheel blew out and struck her at Alness Village, Corentyne Berbice.

Her husband, Pastor Leroy Punch, informed reporters that at approximately 09:35 hrs, he and his wife were standing on a street close to the public road, en route to a nearby church. They resided at Alness Village.

Leroy stated that he heard a loud noise approaching, and moments later, saw a large wheel coming towards them. Despite their efforts to move, the wheel hit his wife.

After being struck, Donna collapsed and sustained injuries to her body. She was swiftly taken to the Port Mourant Public Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Donna is survived by her husband and three daughters.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

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Guyana’s world-ranked bodybuilder, Rosanna Fung, has secured a crucial victory at the Mexico Pro Show Wellness Weekend, marking a significant step in her preparation for the upcoming IFBB World Championships in Dubai.

Competing in the fiercely contested Wellness category, Fung claimed the first-place trophy, showcasing a marked improvement from her second-place finish in the same event last year.

The triumph drew immediate national recognition, with President Dr. Irfaan Ali leading the congratulations for the athlete.

“Congratulations to our world-ranked bodybuilder, Rosanna Fung, on her outstanding performance,” President Ali stated.

“Rosanna continues to represent our country with unwavering passion, discipline, sacrifice, and dedication—a true embodiment of the Guyanese spirit. All of Guyana is cheering you on!”

The win is particularly significant as Fung now heads to the IFBB World Championships in Dubai this December. This will be her second consecutive appearance at the global championship level, having finished eighth last year, standing among the world’s best.

Speaking after her victory on Saturday, Fung expressed her immense satisfaction at the result.

“It feels amazing to come back from placing second last year to now come and win the title,” she told News Room Sport. “I’m overwhelmed.”

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The Dave West Indian 50-Over First-Division tournament exploded into life on Saturday, with two matches across Georgetown delivering a startling display of aggressive batting and monumental team totals.

DCC v MYO SCORECARD: https://cricclubs.com/GeorgetownCricketAssociation/viewScorecard.do?matchId=423&clubId=21478

The highlight was a staggering 797-run aggregate at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground, where a heroic chase by the short-handed Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) fell just short of glory, despite playing with just eight players.

Winning the toss, DCC’s batsmen showed no mercy, hammering a mammoth total of 417 for 9 in their allotted 45.1 overs.

The innings was anchored by opener Brandon Jaikaran, who brought up a superb century (103 off 92), providing the ideal platform for the middle order to launch.

He found able support from the experienced Christopher Barnwell (76 off 31) and useful contributions from Alphius Bookie (42) and Jonathan Van Lange (41).

Left-arm spinner Kelvin Umroa (4 for 44) toiled bravely to pick up key wickets amid the onslaught.

What followed was an extraordinary exhibition of defiance.

Playing with only eight men, MYO launched into a high-octane chase, refusing to surrender.

Led by a magnificent, power-hitting century from Travis Kadir, MYO tore into the target, eventually reaching a remarkable 380 for 7 before their innings was curtailed, losing by just 37 runs.

Kadir’s knock of 161 off 86 was the innings of the day, ably assisted by quickfire half-centuries from Chaitram Balgobin (81 off 29 ) and Dameon Cecil (80 off 54).

Though DCC ultimately clinched the victory, their bowlers, including Barnwell (2-54) and Ashmead Nedd (2-67) had to withstand intense pressure in a run-fest that aggregated nearly 800 runs.

Georgetown Cricket Club dominated the Transport Sport Club (PHOTO: News Room/Davin Ramnarine/October 4, 2025)

GCC v TSC SCORECARD: https://cricclubs.com/viewScorecard.do?&matchId=422&clubId=21478

In the concurrent fixture at the Police Sports Club Ground, Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) made an equally strong statement, though their match was far more one-sided.

GCC’s top-order laid the groundwork for a massive total, ultimately compiling 359 all out in 48.1 overs.

Akshaya Persaud (70) and Mavendra Dindyal (57) registered fluent half-centuries, while middle-order contributions from Martin Pestano-Belle (44) and Ronaldo Alimohamed (33) ensured the run rate never dropped below seven an over.

In response, Transport Sports Club (TSC) simply collapsed under the pressure of the daunting target. Their innings lasted just 15.3 overs as they were routed for a meagre 89 runs. Only Riyad Latif (36) showed any resilience.

GCC’s bowlers shared the spoils in a clinical display, with three bowlers bagging three wickets each: Devon Lord (3 for 12), Aryan Persaud (3 for 13), and Carlos LaRose (3 for 41).

The result marked a dominant 273-run victory for GCC, underscoring their superiority with both bat and ball on the day.

MORE PHOTOS: https://www.facebook.com/newsroomgy/posts/pfbid022rLiMm7pzFhp2pJre7MAwXWTHNxdxaC5yWeYo9RJTyCemiXpmDBHXNcJ6Ah31brQl

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West Indies batsman Roston Chase has voiced profound concerns over the systemic “struggle for finances” and “infrastructure problems” plaguing cricket in the Caribbean, even as he refused to use them as a complete justification for the team’s current run of disastrous Test results.

Chase’s candid comments come following a dismal sequence of results for the regional side, including five defeats in their last six Test matches this year.

The latest loss saw them go down by an innings and 140 runs to India on the third day of the opening Test in Ahmedabad.

Speaking after the game, Chase was clear about the shortcomings at the domestic level which, he suggests, prevent players from being properly prepared for the demands of international cricket.

“I think the systems in the Caribbean are a bit poor in terms of training facilities and stuff,” Chase said. “Yes, there is obviously a struggle in the Caribbean for finances. Whatever help we can get, if they are planning to get the help, I hope that we do get it so that we could strengthen the infrastructure for cricket.”

Batting failures linked to regional pitches

Chase directly linked the team’s chronic batting failures—who have managed to surpass a score of 250 only once in their last 15 Test innings—to poor local conditions.

He highlighted that regional domestic pitches are “not really batsman-friendly,” which prevents players from developing the essential discipline of batting for long periods and scoring ‘big scores.’

“The outfields in the Caribbean are really slow. When you hit the ball in the gaps, you probably end up struggling to get two,” he added. “Those are just some of the problems that we are faced with in the Caribbean. That’s why you see guys averaging so low.”

Despite the poor results, which included being bowled out for 162 and 146 in the recent loss to India, Chase maintained that the “onus is still on the players” to perform.

“I still thought that it was a wicket that you could stand up and bat on as shown by the Indian batters,” he conceded. “But we need to trust in our defence a bit more.”

Player availability and T20 leagues

The debate around player availability, often stemming from the desire to play in financially lucrative T20 leagues, was also addressed by the all-rounder.

“A guy is going to try to earn his living,” Chase stated, acknowledging the reality of players prioritising where they can earn money due to the financial pressures within the region’s main cricket structure.

“I can’t really fault a guy for trying to go there and be available for whatever cricket it may be that he’s given the opportunity to play.” (Modified from ESPNcricinfo)

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President of Cricket West Indies (CWI) Dr Kishore Shallow believes there is no conflict of interest in Daren Sammy coaching both the West Indies team and the St Lucia Kings in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Shallow addressed the matter at a Cricket West Indies (CWI) quarterly meeting on October 1.

Many people question Sammy coaching the Kings while being coach of the West Indies. “There is absolutely no conflict with the two roles,” Shallow said.

The CWI boss said the two roles with help Sammy improve as a coach.

“I think importantly when we agreed to his participation in the CPL was mainly because we thought that the exposure presented a great opportunity for him as coach, to one – be very close to the game – and for his own personal development.”

The CPL is one of the main tournaments used to select players for the West Indies T20 team.

“The CPL is all about developing our talent and talent does not just stop with players – coaches, the backroom staff, the physio and so on. We thought that his continued engagement in CPL, whether for the Kings or anyone else, would be to the benefit of CWI and West Indies cricket.” (Trinidad and Tobago Newsday)

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Three individuals have been arrested and are in custody as Police investigate the death of Kamaluddin Abrahim, a man who was reported missing and later found dead in 2023.

In July 2023, 73-year-old Kamaluddin, known as “the brown clothes man,” of Lot 111 Free-Yard, Port Mourant, Corentyne Berbice, was reported missing by his son Shazad Abrahim.

On July 3, 2023, at around noon, a fisherman found a decomposed body at the Rose Hall Town foreshore in Corentyne Berbice, hidden in a clump of bushes.

Later that day, a post-mortem examination of the deceased was conducted, but the cause of death was deemed unascertainable due to the advanced state of decomposition.

Family members of Kamaluddin believe he was murdered, as he had reportedly been attacked and chopped multiple times.

An intelligence-led investigation by the police in Regional Police Division 6, overseen by a senior officer, has resulted in the detention of three males aged between 29 and 49 in connection with Kamaluddin’s death.

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The official launch of the World Trade Centre Georgetown (WTCG) will be marked by a full week of business and networking events from October 19 to 24, 2025, intensifying Guyana’s work as part of the global World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) network.

Executive Chairman of WTCG, Komal Samaroo, said the planned activities were designed to ensure the private sector is at the heart of the celebrations. “Our mission is about elevating the business environment in Guyana, creating opportunities for meaningful connections, knowledge-sharing, and growth. The World Trade Centre Georgetown will serve as a bridge between local enterprises and the global market.”

The programme begins on Sunday, October 19, with the arrival of international delegations. On Monday, October 20, a welcome reception will bring together visiting officials, ministers, and local business leaders. Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, will deliver the welcome remarks.

The highlight of the week will be on Tuesday, October 21, with the official launch ceremony at WTCG’s Kingston headquarters which was commissioned in June this year. Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has been invited to deliver the keynote address. Remarks will also come from WTCA Vice Chairman, Remy Swaab and Managing Director World Trade Centre Bengaluru, India Vineet Verma. This will be followed by a formal launch dinner will feature presentations by international trade specialists, government ministers, and global advisors on Guyana’s growing role in international commerce. Olinda Salguero, Vice President of the Latin American and Caribbean Presidential Mission is the featured speaker.

October 22 starts with a presentation from Dr Peter Ramsaroop, Chief Executive Officer Guyana Office for Investment, focusing on Doing Business in and with Guyana. This is followed by a panel on the Effective Use of Artificial Intelligence & Digital Platforms by MSME’s featuring Luis Carlos Martinez, President of WTC Ibague (Colombia); Sharazade Kirton, Digital Marketing Director, Loews Hotel Group; and Roger Singh-Co-Founder, Scalar Performance Inc. (Canada).

Another panel then delves into: Successfully Navigating the Current Global Trade Environment, featuring Vaughn Renwick-Chief Executive Officer, West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers Association (WIRSPA), Karen Gerwitz-President & CEO, World Trade Centre Denver/WTCA Board Member; and Abiola Heyliger, International Trade Policy Analyst/Former Trade Negotiator, United States Trade Representative’s Office, Washington DC.

On October 23, international trade expert Sandra Ann Baptiste, CITP, will lead a one-day training seminar on “Successful Exhibiting: Effective Planning and Marketing for Trade Shows”.

The remaining activities for the week will include luncheons and networking forums engaging micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as well as large corporations.

Samaroo emphasised that the activities demonstrate the Centre’s long-term mission. “The World Trade Centre Georgetown will provide services, training, and international connections to help Guyanese businesses expand globally,” he said.

By the close of the week, WTCG aims to reinforce Guyana’s growing position in the international trading system. [World Trade Centre Georgetown Press Release]

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Jeremiah James, a 19-year-old labourer of ‘D’ Field, Sophia, Georgetown was remanded to prison after he was charged with a number of offences including child pornography.

James appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court on Thursday before Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse. He was charged with possession of child pornography, procuring child pornography, using a computer system to commit child luring and causing a child under 16 to watch a sexual act.

He pleaded guilty to the charge of possession of child pornography and causing a child under 16 to watch a sexual act. James pleaded not guilty to child luring and procuring child pornography.

He was remanded to prison until October 16, 2025.

 

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President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Saturday morning met with the staff of the old Demerara Harbour Bridge, where he assured them that their jobs are safe even as the new Demerara River Bridge comes into operation on Sunday.

“As president and as a government, we appreciate you, we recognise the tremendous work that you have done and I do not want you to believe this new bridge displaces your work or your contribution. Your contribution to the development of the bridge and more bridges will continue unbroken.

“Not a single one of you have to worry about displacement or the security of your job,” President Ali told the staff.

He also noted that the government is working to finalise the relocation of the old bridge and determine its future placement. Already, plans have been made for a section of the bridge to be used to connect Timehri and Sandhills.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, further assured workers that no one will be displaced during the transition. Edghill said the General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, Wayne Watson has already submitted the complete staff skillset and years of service to guide the reassignment process. To support this process, a Human Resources team will be assessing the skills available among staff.

Some staff will be relocated to Sandhills, Timehri while others will fill existing vacancies at other government ministries or agencies.

For those required to move an assessment will be done to determine which personnel will be at the new Demerara River Bridge.

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The Ministry of Agriculture’s Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) is pleased to announce that planning has officially commenced for Guyana’s Premier ‘Ruminant Expo and Competition’ scheduled for Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the Rising Sun Turf Club, Weldaad, West Coast Berbice.

This flagship event is expected to attract cattle, sheep, and goat farmers from across Guyana’s coastal regions, which collectively account for more than 80 percent of the nation’s ruminant population. The show will highlight the country’s finest animal genetics while showcasing innovations that are driving the growth of livestock production “from farm to fork.” Already, more than 33 farmers from regions 3, 4, 5, and 6 have expressed their interest in participating in the 2025 Ruminant Expo, signaling widespread enthusiasm and industry support.

The event will feature a Ruminant Judging Competition, where farmers will compete for over 21 prizes across various categories, recognizing the best of Guyana’s cattle, sheep, and goats. Farmers will also benefit from a livestock auction, which will provide opportunities to share knowledge, access improved animal genetics, and strengthen market linkages. A Cooking Competition, including the much-anticipated Fireside Curry Challenge, will feature dishes prepared with locally sourced livestock products and is expected to attract some of Guyana’s leading culinary experts. Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore Technology and Innovation Displays, including demonstrations of climate-smart practices, improved post-harvest techniques, and modern tools that promote sustainable production. The GLDA Exhibitions will showcase ruminant breeds, genetic improvement technologies, and key initiatives in livestock development, while children’s activities will create a family-friendly atmosphere and encourage wider public engagement.

A highlight of this year’s show will be the exhibition of the Gyr-Lando (Girolando) cattle breed, an important addition to Guyana’s national breeding programme. The Girolando, a cross between the Holstein-Friesian and the Gyr, combines the high milk-yielding capacity of the Holstein with the Gyr’s heat tolerance, disease resistance, and adaptability to tropical conditions. This makes the Girolando an ideal dual-purpose breed, capable of thriving in Guyana’s environment while significantly boosting dairy production and advancing national food security.

The ‘Ruminant Expo and Competition 2025’ highlights Guyana’s growing commitment to climate-smart practices. The exhibition will highlight modern livestock management systems, including advanced forage production, improved animal housing, and waste-to-energy initiatives. Importantly, it will serve as an interactive networking platform for farmers, agribusinesses, policymakers, and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and build partnerships.

In view of Guyana’s continued efforts to safeguard public health and food standards, the Guyana Food Safety Authority (GFSA) will play an important role at this year’s show. Their participation underscores the country’s dedication to ensuring that all stakeholders along the value chain practice the highest levels of food safety, a priority that not only protects consumers but also enhances Guyana’s readiness for regional and international trade.

Speaking on the importance of this event, Dr. Dwight Walrond, Chief Executive Officer of the GLDA, noted:

“The Ruminant Expo and Competition 2025 represents a defining moment for Guyana’s livestock Industry. It not only provides farmers the opportunity to showcase their animals and benefit from genetic improvement technologies, but also exposes them to climate-smart practices that enhance productivity and resilience. By bringing stakeholders together, the event fosters interactive learning, knowledge sharing, and market linkages. Our technical team is working ardently with farmers to ensure that their prized animals are on display, and with strong support from government agencies and private sector partners, we are confident this event will be a success. As Guyana strengthens its livestock base for domestic consumption and regional trade, this exhibition is indicative of our commitment to sustainable growth, food security, and economic resilience.”

The event promises a full day of educational, competitive, and entertaining activities. Gates will open at 10:30 AM and close at 4:30 PM. For the convenience and safety of all patrons, free parking and security will be provided.

The Ministry of Agriculture invites all farmers, agribusinesses, families, and members of the general public to participate in this exciting national event that celebrates the strength, innovation, and future of Guyana’s livestock industry. (Ministry of Agriculture Press Release)

 

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