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Game 29 of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) saw a re-run of last year’s final as Guyana Amazon Warriors took on St. Lucia Kings at Providence Stadium on Saturday.

The Warriors were left needing 12 off the final over, in a tightly fought high-scoring contest, with Kings skipper David Wiese shouldering the responsibility for his side with the ball.

A free hit for a waist high full toss wasn’t what the doctor ordered, but Moeen Ali couldn’t fully capitalise with just a single to extra cover the result.

A delay to fix the stumps at the non-striker’s end ramped up the tension even more and those same stumps were then splattered by a bullet throw from substitute fielder Shadrack Descarte which saw Moeen Ali short of his ground and run out.

Dwaine Pretorius of Guyana Amazon Warriors celebrates hitting six runs to win the match during the Men’s 2025 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League match between Guyana Amazon Warriors v Saint Lucia Kings at Providence Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

With four to win off the final ball, Dwaine Pretorious showed he had ice in his veins by dispatching a six over long on to seal the win for the Warriors by two wickets and book his side a place in the playoffs whilst breaking the hearts of St Kitts and Nevis Patriots who now miss out.

Earlier, Wiese won the toss and elected to bat first, the in-form Tim Seifert top edging a slog sweep to Hassan Khan off Gudakesh Motie in the second over was not the start the reigning champions were after.

Fellow opener Johnson Charles then fell for a run a ball 16 to leave the Kings 27-2.

Ackeem Auguste and Roston Chase then combined to get the Kings to a more than healthy score of 185-4, Chase finishing unbeaten on 90 off 55 balls with five sixes and six fours. Pretorious was the pick of the Warriors bowlers with 2-36 off his four overs.

Quentin Sampson took the charge to the Kings in Warriors’ response, a 39-ball 76 helped his side to stay in contention and Shai Hope was in the runs once more with a well compiled 44 off 34 deliveries.

The match boiled down to a final ball thriller that saw the Warriors exact revenge on the Kings and keep their tournament hopes alive into the final week. (CPL)

SUMMARY: 

St. Lucia Kings 185-4 (20 overs)

Roston Chase 90* off 55 (6x4s, 5x6s)

Ackeem Auguste 50 off 30 (3x4s, 3x6s)

Dwaine Pretorius 2-36 (4)

Gudakesh Motie 1-24 (4)

Imran Tahir 1-27 (4)

Guyana Amazon Warriors 188-8 (20 overs)

Quentin Sampson 76 off 39 (7x4s, 5x6s)

Shai Hope 44 off 34 (4x4s, 1×6)

Moeen Ali 17 off 15 (1×6)

Ben McDermott 16 off 13 (2x4s)

Dwaine Pretorius 12* off 7 (1×6)

Roston Chase 3-30 (3)

Tabraiz Shamsi 2-31 (4)

Khary Pierre 1-26 (4)

David Wiese 1-42 (4)

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Joint Statement Between Her Excellency Jennifer Geerlings- Simons, President of the Republic of Suriname and His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana Nieuw Nickerie, Suriname

September 13, 2025

Her Excellency Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, President of the Republic of Suriname and His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana met on September 13, 2025, in Nieuw Nickerie, Suriname, to review the state of bilateral relations and to advance discussion on areas of mutual interest.

The two Heads of State reaffirmed the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist between Suriname and Guyana rooted in their shared values and aspirations, cultural ties, and geographic proximity. They expressed their mutual commitment to further deepen the bilateral partnership to promote peace, security, and prosperity for the peoples of both countries.

Economic Cooperation

The Heads of State expressed their willingness and interest to deepen economic cooperation to implement joint ventures in areas of mutual interest. With the focus on expanding trade, investment, and the improvement of the ease of doing business.

The Heads of State committed to encourage the private sector of Suriname and Guyana to maximize business and investment opportunities on both sides including joint ventures.

Energy Security

The Presidents acknowledged the strategic importance of energy security to national and regional development. They agreed to strengthen cooperation in the oil and gas sector, as well as in renewable energy and electricity interconnection. The two sides committed to exploring joint ventures, knowledge-sharing mechanisms, and investment opportunities that would advance their respective national energy agendas while contributing to regional energy resilience.

Bridge over Corantijn River Project

With regards to the bridge between Suriname and Guyana, over the Corantijn (Corentyne) River the two Leaders recognized the timely advancement of the transformative potential for trade, tourism, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges. They agreed to continue close coordination to address outstanding legal, technical and financial matters. They recognize that this bilateral initiative is also an integral part of the interconnectivity within the Amazon Region.

Suriname- Guyana Border Commission

The Presidents reiterated their unwavering commitment to the peaceful settlement of border matters through dialogue with full respect for international law. They agreed for the chairs of both commissions to meet as soon as possible and thereafter convene the 7th Meeting of the Suriname-Guyana Joint Border Commission before the end of 2025. Both Leaders underscored the importance of maintaining a spirit of good neighborliness in addressing all outstanding matters.

Cooperation areas of Agriculture and Fisheries

The two Heads of State agreed to establish a joint commission comprising of the Ministers responsible for Fisheries, technical teams and relevant stakeholders before the end of 2025 to further advance cooperation in fisheries. As it relates to agriculture cooperation the Heads of State agreed to work closely within the framework of the Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation Platform (SDCP).

Canawaima Ferry Service

The Presidents emphasized the importance of the Canawaima Ferry Service to the well-being of border communities, the facilitation of bilateral trade and movement of people and goods. They agreed on the urgent need to review its operation with the aim of improving and strengthening the reliability and efficiency of the service.

Both Heads also confirmed their willingness to collaborate closer on the regional Ferry project to facilitate regional integration.

Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation Platform (SDCP)

The Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation Platform (SDCP) as the principal mechanism for advancing the broad bilateral agenda of the two countries.

They agreed to convene the next session of the SDCP within the shortest possible time and instructed Ministers of Foreign Affairs to follow up on all decisions and report on progress to the Heads of State.

Closing

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to maintain the Region as a Zone of Peace through dialogue, diplomacy, peaceful resolution of conflicts in accordance with international law.

They also restated their support for all constructive efforts aimed at combatting transnational crimes.

The two Presidents reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening the bilateral partnership between Suriname and Guyana and to working together in the interest of their peoples and the wider Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and South America.

The President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana expressed appreciation to the President of the Republic of Suriname for the warm hospitality extended to his delegation during the visit. Both leaders agreed to maintain regular high-level dialogue, and the engagement of the Foreign Ministers and technical teams of both sides at the earliest opportunity.

NIEUW NICKERIE SEPTEMBER 13, 2025

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Bilateral relations between Guyana and Suriname have been given fresh momentum following high-level talks on Saturday between President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and newly elected Surinamese President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons in Nieuw Nickerie.

The two leaders reviewed ongoing cooperation and agreed on concrete steps to deepen ties in energy, agriculture, fisheries, trade, and border matters—while also pushing ahead with the transformative Corentyne River Bridge.

In a joint statement, Presidents Ali and Geerlings-Simons reaffirmed the historic bonds of friendship between their countries, anchored in geography, culture, and shared aspirations. Both underscored a commitment to peace, security, and prosperity, not only for their people but for the wider CARICOM and South American region.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and newly elected Surinamese President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons in Nieuw Nickerie.

Acknowledging the critical role of energy security, the leaders pledged closer collaboration in oil and gas, renewable energy, and electricity interconnection projects. They signalled interest in joint ventures, knowledge-sharing, and investments to bolster national and regional energy resilience.

On trade and investment, both sides committed to improving the ease of doing business and to exploring joint ventures that will unlock greater economic opportunities.

The long-anticipated Corentyne River Bridge received renewed backing, with both leaders recognising its transformative potential for trade, tourism, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges. They agreed to intensify work on outstanding legal, technical, and financial issues to advance construction, positioning the bridge as a vital link within the Amazon region.

Turning to the long-standing border issue, the two presidents agreed to convene the 7th Meeting of the Suriname–Guyana Joint Border Commission before the end of 2025, stressing that all matters must be resolved peacefully and in line with international law.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan in Nieuw Nickerie.

On the Canawaima Ferry Service, Ali and Geerlings-Simons emphasised its importance to border communities and bilateral trade, committing to a review aimed at improving reliability and efficiency. Both also signalled support for advancing a wider regional ferry project to strengthen integration.

With food security high on the regional agenda, the leaders announced the establishment of a joint fisheries commission involving ministers, technical teams, and stakeholders before year-end. Agriculture cooperation will be advanced under the Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation Platform (SDCP), ensuring coordination on food production and trade.

Ali and Geerlings-Simons reaffirmed the SDCP as the main mechanism for managing the Guyana–Suriname agenda and instructed their foreign ministers to monitor progress and report directly to them.

Both leaders also pledged to maintain the region as a “Zone of Peace,” advancing dialogue and diplomacy while working together to combat transnational crime.

President Ali expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended by President Geerlings-Simons and her delegation, as both sides agreed to maintain regular dialogue at the highest level.

The meeting in Nieuw Nickerie marks one of the first major engagements between the re-elected Guyanese leader and Suriname’s new president, laying out a roadmap for stronger bilateral relations that could have lasting benefits for the region.

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A 22-year-old taxi driver of Sophia is in police custody after he was caught with an unlicensed firearm and matching rounds of ammunition during an intelligence-led operation conducted by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) on Friday.

The operation, which took place around 14:00 hrs in Sophia ‘D’ Field, involved an Intelligence Officer and other CANU ranks who were patrolling the area when they observed a white Toyota Allion motor car, bearing registration number PAG 3549, parked on the western side of the access road. The vehicle was locked and unoccupied, but a group of men were seen “liming” nearby.

Upon inquiry, 22-year-old Tyrese Blair, a taxi driver of Sophia, identified himself as the owner of the car. A search of his person revealed nothing illegal, but when he opened the vehicle for inspection, ranks discovered a black Beretta 9mm pistol concealed under the gear shift booth between the two front seats. The weapon, which carried no serial number, was fitted with a magazine containing five live 9mm rounds.

When asked if he was a licensed firearm holder, Blair admitted that he was not. He was immediately told of the offences committed, arrested, and taken to the Turkeyen Police Station. Both the car and the firearm with ammunition were lodged as evidence.

Blair remains in custody as investigations continue.

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The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will begin the second cycle of continuous registration for 2025 on Monday, 15th September, across all of its permanent Registration Offices in the ten Administrative Regions. The exercise will run until Friday, 28th November, 2025.

The registration drive allows persons who will be 14 years and older by 31st December, 2025, and who are Guyanese citizens—whether by birth, descent, or naturalisation—to register. Commonwealth citizens who have been residing in Guyana for at least one year are also eligible, provided they have never been registered before.

In addition to new registrations, existing registrants can also update their records during this period. This includes requests to correct or change names, date of birth, occupation, or to update addresses.

GECOM advised that persons seeking to register or update their details must present the relevant source documents. These include:

• For new registration: Original Birth Certificate, valid Passport, Adoption Certificate, Naturalisation Certificate, or Certificate of Registration. Applicants using a Deed Poll must also present their original Birth Certificate.

• For changes or corrections: Original Marriage Certificate, Marriage Certificate with Decree Absolute (for divorced women), Deed Poll with Birth Certificate, or a new Birth Certificate reflecting the updated name.

Transactions will be facilitated during GECOM’s official working hours:

• Mondays to Thursdays: 08:00 hrs – 12:00 hrs / 13:00 hrs – 16:30 hrs

• Fridays: 08:00 hrs – 12:00 hrs / 13:00 hrs – 15:30 hrs

For further information, members of the public can visit www.gecom.org.gy, follow the Guyana Elections Commission on Facebook, or call 225-0277-9 / 223-9653.

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The final phases of work on the approach road and roundabout connecting the Heroes Highway to the new Demerara Harbour Bridge are nearing completion.

By the month end, the crossing will be fully opened to vehicular traffic.

His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali made the revelation during an impromptu inspection of the road’s construction site on Friday afternoon.

According to the update provided by President Ali, engineers are conducting comprehensive load testing on the bridge to ensure it is structurally sound for all types of traffic.

And the approach road and roundabout, “From what I’ve seen…will also be completed in the course of another three days maximum”, the head of state said.

These final touches will pave the way for the bridge’s timely commissioning, a flagship project of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration.

Beyond the immediate works, plans are also underway to expand the Heroes Highway.

According to the president, two collector lanes will be added to divert traffic directly onto the Haags Bosch interconnection, extending all the way back to Ogle on the East Coast of Demerara.

On the west bank of the bridge, a new collector lane has already been added.

This lane will allow traffic to move directly from the bridge onto the west bank carriageway, bypassing the roundabout on that side.

“These additional works are being completed, so that we can have a beautiful bridge,” the president noted, “but also good traffic management in the process.”

While the immediate focus is on completing the bridge and associated infrastructure, President Ali said plans also include the construction of two flyovers: one on the Heroes Highway and another on the west bank.

“We will see how this design, in terms of traffic management, works. But definitely, with the growth of the traffic, we will have to have an unimpeded flow of traffic coming off the bridge, over the new highway on both sides, going on to the east coast, or the east bank, or the west coast and west bank,” the head of state further explained.

The US$260 million crossing is being constructed by China’s Railway Construction (International) Limited (CRCCL) and will operate 24/7, toll-free, with a maximum speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour.

Its design will also feature the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH), the country’s second-highest national award in the Order of Service.

More than 50,000 daily commuters are expected to benefit from the new bridge, resulting in an estimated $3.5 billion in annual savings.

Sunset over new Demerara River Bridge

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An emergency shelter has been established at the Andrew “Six Head” Lewis Gym on Independence Boulevard to house families left homeless by a devastating fire that ripped through James Street, between Hill and Albouys Streets, on Thursday afternoon.

The shelter, coordinated by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), is currently providing meals, temporary accommodation, and other basic necessities to ensure the comfort and safety of those displaced. It also serves as a central hub for multi-agency relief efforts, linking support for families at the facility and those who have sought alternative accommodation.

Thursday’s mid-afternoon blaze destroyed five buildings, including two residential apartments and a meat shop, leaving more than 30 people without homes or possessions. Many victims lost furniture, household items, vital documents, and business inventory.

The CDC said it has been mandated to lead the relief response and is working alongside partner agencies such as the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, the Ministry of Education, other relevant ministries, and the private sector. Together, they are providing welfare assistance, psychosocial support, and other critical services to help affected families recover.

Public-spirited citizens have also stepped forward with donations and other acts of kindness, which the CDC described as a vital show of solidarity. “Such collective compassion continues to strengthen Guyana’s disaster response and community resilience,” the Commission noted.

The CDC reaffirmed its commitment to working with all partners to ensure that the immediate and long-term needs of the displaced are met, even as it continues its broader mandate of promoting preparedness and safety within communities.

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The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has officially selected its first national esports squad, a historic move that will see the country’s top players compete on the global stage.

Following the inaugural GFF eSports League—Console Division, four standout players have been chosen to represent Guyana at the upcoming FIFAe World Cup 2025 Regional Qualifiers in in Riyadh.

The team was selected after a fiercely competitive tournament featuring 33 players. The four finalists who will now represent the nation are:

• Moen Hall – GFF Console Division 2025 Champion
• Trayon Guillaume – Runner-up
• Ricardo Sukra – Third place
• Jermaine Lewis – Fourth place finalist

These four players have been formally elevated to national team status and received their official kits at a presentation ceremony at GFF headquarters.

Top federation officials, including General Secretary Pushpargha Chattopadhyay and Senior Men’s National Team Head Coach Thomas Dooley, attended the event.

 

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The Courts Optical Pee Wee Schools’ Football Tournament, which was officially launched on Friday, will kick off on September 27.

The 12th edition of the competition, organised by the Petra Organisation, will see more than forty primary schools vie for the title, with the final scheduled for November 1.

Defending champions Santa Rosa Primary will again be the sole representative from Region One. Other schools from across the country will join the tournament, including teams from Regions Two, Three, Five, Six, Seven, and Ten.

The tournament will begin with a preliminary elimination round to narrow the field to 32 teams. These teams will then be drawn into eight groups of four for round-robin play.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage, which will feature a round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final.

All matches will be played at the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue.

Petra Organisation Co-Director Troy Mendonca highlighted the importance of the tournament in fostering local talent.

“The Pee Wee competition has created opportunities for young players to go on and represent Guyana,” he said.

Courts Optical, the title sponsor for the 12th year, expressed pride in its continued support, with Chain Manager Richard Simpson calling the event a reflection of “teamwork, resilience, sportsmanship, and joy.”

Nicholas Fraser, Head of the Allied Arts Unit at the Ministry of Education, praised the event’s expansion. “What began as a small Georgetown-based tournament has now expanded to attract over 40 schools from across the country,” he noted.

Prizes for the top eight schools include trophies, medals, and electronics, with individual awards also on offer for top performers.

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Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali and his Surinamese counterpart, Dr. Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, will meet in Nickerie on Saturday to discuss several matters of mutual interest.

Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud confirmed the meeting and said a “range of bilateral cooperation matters” will be discussed. Those matters include the construction of the Corentyne River Bridge, energy cooperation and fishing licenses for Guyanese fisherfolk.

“It’s a very important meeting,” Persaud told the News Room.

He added, “I think it’s important that we allow the discussions to flow tomorrow and we await the outcomes.”

Earlier this week, President Ali announced that he would be meeting with Dr. Geerlings- Simons. Hours before that announcement, President Ali engaged Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Melvin Bouva, in Georgetown. A release from the Office of the President noted that President Ali and Minister Bouva spoke about efforts to advance development initiatives between the two countries.

The Corentyne River Bridge is seen as a critical infrastructure project aimed at strengthening connectivity between Guyana and Suriname, while also advancing broader regional integration with Brazil.

Both Presidents Irfaan Ali of Guyana and Suriname’s former President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, repeatedly emphasised the importance of the bridge, noting how it will enhance the flow of people, facilitate trade, strengthen agricultural cooperation, and boost tourism and investment in the region.

President Ali could meet with Suriname’s President soon 

 

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