Essequibo booked their place in the final of the Queensway Senior Inter-County Super50 Cup with a crushing 10-wicket demolition of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Select XI at the Lusignan Community Centre Ground on Saturday.
A devastating bowling performance, spearheaded by left-arm spinner Antony Adams, saw the Select XI bundled out for a paltry 69 in 30.3 overs.
The chase became a mere formality, with opener Kevon Boodie smashing a 33-ball fifty to seal the win in just 7.2 overs.
The GCB Select XI, inserted after the match was reduced to 45 overs due to pitch dampness, never recovered from an early onslaught.
Opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul, fresh from West Indies Test duties, could manage only one before Ronsford Beaton (2 for 9) trapped him plumb in front.
Only two batsmen, Ronaldo Jeffrey (22) and Afraz Budhoo (12), reached double figures as the innings disintegrated against the spin-heavy Essequibo attack.
Antony Adams continued his fine form in the tournament, securing a masterful 4 for 27 from his nine overs.
He was ably assisted by the economical Ricardo Adams (2 for 16), ensuring the Select XI’s final appearance in the tournament ended without a single victory.
Essequibo approached the 70-run target with brutal intent to secure maximum bonus points. Kevon Boodie went on the offensive, blasting four sixes and five fours in a ferocious 54 not out off 33 balls.
Boodie’s second fifty of the tournament, partnered by Kanhaiya Ramkarran (14)*, ensured the target was chased down in under eight overs, confirming Essequibo’s place in the final.
They currently sit atop the standings with 27 points.
The focus now shifts to Sunday’s decisive preliminary match, in which the winner of Demerara (17 points) versus Berbice (12 points) will take the remaining spot in the final.
The match at the No. 69 Ground in Berbice is now a must-win for both teams, with Berbice boosted by the return of captain Kevlon Anderson and star batsman Shimron Hetmyer.
See below the full statement issued by the Ministry of Education:
The Ministry of Education (MoE) wishes to notify of the following:
1. No teacher from BV Primary School has been transferred in relation to raising concerns about pigeon infestation, nor has any such transfer been under consideration by the Ministry or the Teaching Service Commission (TSC). No teacher has been transferred or is being considered for a transfer.
2. At no time has any directive been issued by the Ministry to relocate or penalise a teacher for voicing workplace concerns regarding conditions at their school.
3. The Ministry recognises and respects the rights of teachers to draw attention to concerns about school infrastructure.
4. The Ministry remains committed to addressing any genuine reported issues of maintenance.
5. The Ministry will continue to follow established protocols for any staffing changes, which are conducted in accordance with national policies, collective agreements and labour laws.
6. The Ministry of Education urges all stakeholders to practice the responsible dissemination of data, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and ethical use.
The Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have reaffirmed their collective commitment to maintaining the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, even as regional tensions rise amid an increased security build-up in parts of the hemisphere.
At their recent high-level discussions, regional leaders reviewed a number of pressing issues on the Caribbean agenda, including the growing militarisation in and around the region and its potential implications for Member States’ sovereignty, stability, and security.
While all Heads agreed to a common statement reinforcing CARICOM’s stance on peace, Trinidad and Tobago reserved its position, signalling its intention to withhold endorsement of the consensus at this time. No specific reason for Port of Spain’s reservation was immediately provided.
According to a communiqué issued following the meeting, CARICOM leaders reaffirmed the principle of maintaining the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace and underscored the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and engagement in resolving disputes and conflicts.
“CARICOM remains willing to assist towards that objective,” the statement read, highlighting the region’s longstanding commitment to peaceful coexistence and non-intervention.
The Heads also reiterated their continued commitment to combating narcotrafficking and the illegal trade in small arms and light weapons, both of which continue to pose serious threats to regional security. They stressed that efforts to confront these challenges must be rooted in international cooperation and adherence to international law.
Further, CARICOM Heads reaffirmed their unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states across the region and for the safety and livelihoods of their people.
The reaffirmation comes at a time when geopolitical tensions in the wider Caribbean basin—including concerns about external military presence and transnational criminal networks—have drawn renewed focus on the region’s collective security posture.
While Trinidad and Tobago’s reservation stood out, the overall consensus among CARICOM leaders reflects a strong commitment to regional unity, peace, and the rule of law as guiding principles for engagement in an increasingly complex global environment.
Rishad Hossain’s 6 for 35, which included the first five West Indies wickets in a chase of 208, paved the way for a Bangladesh win in the series opener in Dhaka. After being on 51 for 0, West Indies were dismissed for 133 in 39 overs.
The visitors’ chief tormentor on an unusually dark Dhaka pitch was Rishad, who became only the second legspinner to take the first five wickets in an ODI innings.
Sri Lanka’s Jeffrey Vandersay is the only other legspinner to this feat, when he took the first six wickets against India last year in Colombo.
Brandon King and Alick Athanaze had started well for West Indies, putting on a half-century opening stand. King struck Taskin Ahmed for a flicked six in the third over before Athanaze slammed Tanvir Islam for three fours and a six in the fourth over, which cost Bangladesh 18 runs.
Bangladesh the dried up the boundaries from the fifth over. Rishad struck in his very first over, the 12th over of the chase, when he trapped Athanaze lbw for 27 off 36 balls. Then, in his fifth over, Rishad had No.3 Keacy Carty caught at slip for nine off 30 balls. Saif Hassan took a straightforward catch at slip after dropping Carty on 3 off Islam.
Rishad struck the big blow when he had King caught behind for 44 off 60 balls with a fizzing legbreak in the 22nd over. Wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan took the catch on the second attempt. Sherfane Rutherford fell for a duck in the same over, also caught behind off a beautiful legbreak.
Rishad completed his five-for in the 24th over when he had Roston Chase caught behind for six. He became the first legspinner from Bangladesh to take a five-wicket haul in ODIs.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Islam then got into the act, removing Gudakesh Motie and Shai Hope. Motie was lbw to Mehidy for three, before the West Indies captain, Hope, gave Nurul his fourth catch of the innings.
Romario Shepherd fell trying to force the pace against Mustafizur Rahman in the 35th over. Mustafizur proceeded to dismiss allrounder Justin Greaves for 12 off 23 balls.
Rishad wrapped up the game with Jayden Seales’ wicket, with Mehidy taking the catch at slip. It was just reward for Mehidy who tasted victory for only the second time in 11 ODIs as captain.
West Indies had earlier controlled Bangladesh’s run-rate for most of the first innings. The home side lost their openers Saif and Soumya Sarkar within the first three overs, before Towhid Hridoy and Najmul Hossain Shanto added 71 runs for the third wicket.
Both batters, however, remained mostly circumspect hitting three boundaries each. Shanto made 32 off 63 balls before Hridoy reached his fifty off 87 balls.
Bangladesh struck just three boundaries from the 11th to the 36th over. Mehidy and Mahidul Islam also batted slowly, with the latter, making his ODI debut, finishing with 46 off 76 balls. He struck three fours before Chase bowled him in the 46th over.
Rishad also contributed with the bat, his 26 off 16 balls, including two sixes and a four, helping Bangladesh pass 200. His cameo ended when Seales yorked him in the 49th over. His job wasn’t done yet. He played an even bigger role with the ball to carry Bangladesh to victory. (ESPNcricinfo)
See below full statement from Global Tours and Travel:
The highly anticipated Fiesta Latina – Guyana’s largest and most vibrant celebration of Latin American food, drink, music, and dance – returns on October 20, 2025, at the Eve Leary Sports Ground in Kingston, Georgetown.
Now in its second year, the festival continues to grow under the leadership of Global Tours and Travel (GlobalTT-Guyana), in collaboration with several Latin American embassies. The event commences at 13:00hrs and builds on the success of its debut edition, bringing together nations across the region to share their rich and diverse cultural heritage with the Guyanese public.
This year’s festival will feature embassy booths and cultural showcases from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico, each offering authentic cuisine, beverages, and traditional displays.
According to Pedro Pablo Martínez, GlobalTT’s Director of Latin American and Caribbean Destinations, the festival offers Guyanese “a chance to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Latin America – without leaving the shores of Guyana.”
“Many Guyanese travelers tend to focus on traditional destinations, often overlooking our Latin neighbors,” Martínez noted.
“Fiesta Latina is a gateway to discover the beauty, rhythm, and warmth of Latin America right here at home.”
GlobalTT first introduced the concept with Fiesta Cubana in May 2024, a celebration of Cuban culture. Following its success, Fiesta Latina was launched in August 2024 to embrace the broader Latin American community and its diverse traditions.
The Eve Leary venue will feature three main areas, including a central stage for live entertainment. The headline act will be a Cuban band led by renowned Latin singer María Esther Rodríguez Caballero, accompanied by talented musicians including violinist Amor Guirola Machado. The lineup also includes Latin dance showcases, fashion displays, and a Kids Zone with fun activities for children.
Food enthusiasts can expect a feast of flavors from Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Venezuela, prepared by expert chefs using authentic ingredients. The event will also include Latin cocktail bars featuring expert mixologists, a “Bentrewtopia Tent” with Latin and international beers, fine wines from Argentina and Chile, and premium cigars from Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
Additional attractions include karaoke, dominoes, and interactive cultural experiences designed to bring people of all backgrounds together in celebration of Latin America’s vibrant spirit. Fiesta Latina 2025 promises to be a dazzling showcase of color, rhythm, and flavor –an unforgettable afternoon and evening of entertainment for the whole family. Early bird tickets are available for just $1,000 and can be purchased by contacting Lilien via WhatsApp at +592 749 7001 or +592 614 4598, or directly at the gate. Children under 12 enter free.
Police ranks from the Fort Wellington Police Station have arrested a 43-year-old carpenter and a 14-year-old girl following the discovery of a large quantity of cannabis during a late-night operation at Cotton Tree Public Road, West Coast Berbice.
The interception occurred around 23:40 hrs when officers conducted a stop-and-search exercise in the area. During the operation, the ranks stopped a white Toyota Premio driven by the carpenter, a resident of New Amsterdam, Berbice, who was accompanied by the teenage female passenger.
A search of the vehicle in the presence of the occupants revealed several bulky, plastic-wrapped parcels hidden inside a speaker box in the car’s trunk. Upon inspection, the parcels were found to contain leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis, weighing approximately 22 pounds.
According to the police, the driver admitted ownership of the suspected narcotics during the search.
The vehicle, narcotics, and related items have since been lodged as exhibits, while both individuals remain in police custody assisting with ongoing investigations.
The Guyana Police Force has intensified its road operations and surveillance efforts across the country as part of a wider crackdown on narcotics trafficking and transportation.
As an innocent child at three years old, Angel Stephens ate her grandmother’s diabetic tablets mistaking it for candy, and slipped into a coma for one week. As a result, doctors told her mother that she would develop a learning disability and face challenges with her education.
“I struggled all throughout primary school, I was ranking at the bottom of my classes, I was not focusing, I just was not performing normally,” Angel told the News Room during an interview.
For the next decade of her life, this seemed to be true as Angel struggled with learning in primary school. But that didn’t deter her; Angel kept the faith and believed in herself.
Now 23-years-old, Angel surmounted those challenges. She recently graduated from the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and has been admitted to the local bar as an attorney-at-law.
Angel told the News Room that she didn’t do it alone, though. That arduous journey was made possible with the support of her praying mother Rhonda Gaskin who did all she needed to, including selling food at their church canteen, and other relatives.
Angel Stephens as a baby (left) and during her primary school days with her siblings (fourth left)
“My mother is a praying woman. She did not take the doctors’ report as the final say, she took God’s word as the final say, and she constantly prayed over me,” Angel explained.
Those prayers were tested but didn’t falter.
After writing the National Grade Six Assessment, Angel was placed at the Richard Ishmael Secondary School. There, things began to shift when her grandfather took her in and began teaching her.
“He took me under his wing and basically taught me every single thing,” Angel recalled with a smile.
By the time she reached Fourth Form, Angel’s grandfather encouraged her to write four Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects – Mathematics, English A, English B, and Principles of Accounts. She passed all four.
“At that point, I realised that I am not stupid, that I could actually work if I put my best foot forward, so I did,” she said.
Angel Stephens at her secondary school graduation, university graduation and her admittance to the local bar
Determined to push further, Angel wrote 12 CSEC subjects in Fifth Form, an unusual move at her school, which only allowed students to write nine subjects.
And so, her mother approached the Ministry of Education to seek permission for her to write the subjects, which was granted.
In 2018, Angel sat those 12 subjects. She not only passed all of her subjects but graduated as the valedictorian of the Richard Ishmael Secondary School.
Her academic success inspired her to give back to her school and she established the Angel Stephens Award of Excellence, which is presented annually to the top business student.
Angel’s journey continued with one year of Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) at The Bishops’ High School before she enrolled in the University of Guyana’s pre-law programme and later into the law programme.
Stephens and her grandfather
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Angel found herself facing new challenges with online learning.
“I persevered, I continued to work hard and at the end of it all I got a GPA of 3.8 and I graduated as the second best student of my class that is in 2023,” a proud Angel told the News Room.
The young woman then set her sights on attaining a scholarship to attend the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad.
Challenges again stood in her way.
“I applied months before, I followed up, I went in person, I asked, I called, I did all that they wanted me to do.
“However, I did not get the scholarship and I was crushed. I was so devastated because I knew that my family could not afford $3 million dollars per year for me to go and study,” Angel said.
Still, her mother refused to give up.
“We walked through the streets of Georgetown to almost every ministry, every business, every law firm. We wrote letters, we called people, we asked for support, anything to get at least the first tuition payment.”
With no support, Angel made the bold decision to travel to Trinidad with just one month’s rent and a little grocery money. She still had no money for her tuition.
“We were basically going on faith,” she said.
Stephens and her mother, Rhonda Gaskin
Her mother told her that she did not come so far to give up and assured that everything will work out. And so, her mother started selling food at their church’s canteen to raise money for the tuition.
“She would sell things like hotdogs, fudge, pizza and roti and curry.
“She was doing that at every service, so Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays and the money started to add up,” a tearful Angel recalled.
Her mother sent the tuition in small installments every few months. She also received some support from a few of the persons she had initially reached out to. Many times Angel said she was late with payments, but the law school was understanding of her circumstances.
Stephens and her family
Interestingly, Angel said she had no clue she would become a lawyer. She was actually clueless about what career she wanted to pursue but it was her older sister who suggested law, and Angel decided to pursue it.
Today, she feels like it was all set in stone and looking back now, she is filled with gratitude.
“I feel so happy, so ecstatic. All of the hard work, the sacrifices, the many losses and disappointments, it all paid off in the end,” she said.
With the statutory deadline fast approaching, the Carter Center has issued a renewed call for all political parties that contested the September 1, 2025, General and Regional Elections to submit their campaign finance reports to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), in accordance with the country’s election laws.
In a statement released on Friday, the international election observer group reminded that under the Representation of the People Act, political parties are legally required to submit a detailed account of their campaign income and expenditure within 35 days after the official declaration of election results.
Since the results were gazetted on 16 September 2025, that deadline is now imminent.
“The Carter Center encourages all political parties to comply with this important legal obligation,” the statement read. “Doing so is essential to fostering a political culture built on transparency, accountability, and public confidence.”
The Center also disclosed that its final election report—set for publication in the coming weeks—will include recommendations on campaign finance reform, with the goal of strengthening disclosure rules and improving the credibility of Guyana’s electoral system.
The Carter Center, which has maintained a long-standing partnership with Guyana’s democracy efforts, observed the 2025 polls with a 47-member team drawn from 21 countries. The mission monitored 234 polling stations across all ten administrative regions.
In its preliminary report issued two days after the elections, the organization commended the peaceful and efficient conduct of election day operations but noted that financial transparency remains a critical area for reform.
The latest appeal by the Carter Center underscores growing international attention on campaign finance accountability, a subject that continues to generate debate about fairness, influence, and integrity in Guyana’s political system.
See below the full statement issued by the Guyana Police Force:
The Guyana Police Force is investigating an incident which occurred at about 12:30hrs on Thursday October 16, 2025 at the Leonora Secondary School where a young male was captured on video entering the school’s compound with what appeared to be a short cutlass.
Police ranks responded promptly after a report was made but the individuals involved had already left the area. Enquiries revealed that a group of male students within the compound reportedly threw bricks at three males passing along the roadway which led to one of the males entering the school compound with the weapon seen in the video.
A teacher quickly intervened and managed to chase the armed individual out of the compound. Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident.
An officer later revisited the school, as part of follow-up enquiries with the Head Teacher. Preliminary information suggests that, the incident may have originated from a confrontation involving students within the compound.
Police are working in collaboration with school officials and the Welfare Department as the investigation continues.
Law Enforcement & Investigation Division (LEID) officers of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) in an exercise conducted on October 17, 2025,s seized a large quantity of fire crackers and other un-customed goods within the Stabroek Market, Georgetown.
Several persons are assisting the Customs Law Enforcement officers with the ongoing investigations, and arrests have been made. This follows an operation two days ago in the Berbice area, where another large quantity of firecrackers was seized, persons arrested, and handed over to the police.
In keeping with protocol, all such explosive items (the said firecrackers) were handed over to the police for eventual disposal and the relevant charges to be made.
The Revenue Authority wishes to remind the general public of its “zero tolerance” approach against smuggling and other illegal activities and takes this opportunity to encourage persons involved in such activities to cease and desist therefrom, and bring themselves into compliance with the nation’s Tax, Trade and Border laws.
The Authority further advises that failure to comply may result in charges being instituted for breach of the provisions of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01 or in accordance with the laws administered therein. Persons can report smuggling activities by calling 227-6060 ext. 3201, 3204, 3205, 3208 or 3216 (GRA press release)
 and during her primary school days with her siblings (fourth left)</p>
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Stephens and her family
