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The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) has finalised the competition structure for the highly anticipated Berbice Drag Invasion, the first-ever drag racing event in the Ancient County.

The Rose Hall Canjie Airstrip event, scheduled for Sunday, October 12, will feature a packed programme across multiple categories.

Organisers promise trophies and special prizes for class winners.

GMR&SC Vice-President Shairaz Roshandin confirmed the classes following a meeting with drivers and stakeholders, ensuring fair competition.

“We have outlined several classes of competition based on engine capacity,” Roshandin stated. “We agreed there will be trophies for all these classes and a few other special prizes to be won.”

The Class System and Forced Induction Rule

Competition will be fierce across seven main vehicle categories, determined by engine CC, plus a separate category for bikes:

• 1500cc
• 1600cc
• 1800cc
• 2000cc
• 2500cc
• 3000cc
• Unlimited Class
• Motorbikes

The GMR&SC has introduced a special multiplying factor for forced induction systems to level the playing field for high-performance vehicles.

Any car utilising a turbocharger, supercharger, or Nitrous Oxide (NOS) system will have its engine capacity multiplied by 1.5. This rule ensures parity by pushing modified vehicles into higher displacement categories.

“For example, if you’re driving a 1300cc engine with a turbocharger, you’ll automatically be placed in the 2000cc class,” Roshandin explained.

Beyond the official trophy races, fans can look forward to the return of the wildly popular ‘Grudge Runs’.

These unsanctioned races, which pit rivals from different competition classes against each other, are a traditional crowd favourite. While no trophies are at stake, the focus is squarely on pride.

“Once we complete the classes of action, we have a section for grudge runs,” the Vice-President explained. “This is a crowd favourite because it creates that underdog factor, and fans love that. There are a lot of little ‘beefs’ remaining from our last encounter, and this is where they settle it.”

The day’s action is scheduled to start promptly at 11:00 a.m. Entry to the Rose Hall Canjie Airstrip is G$2000 for adults and G$1000 for children.

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The senior national team, the Golden Jaguars, will kick off their campaign in the inaugural 2025/26 Concacaf Friendly Series (CFS) this November as they look to boost their FIFA ranking and build towards future regional competitions.

The Concacaf Friendly Series is a new tournament created to provide official friendly matches for Concacaf Member Associations who no longer compete in the FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

These matches are scheduled during official FIFA dates, providing a crucial platform for increased match play, team preparation, and development.

Guyana has been placed in Group C and will face Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bonaire and Aruba.

The Golden Jaguars’ first two fixtures will be at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in St. John’s.

Guyana’s November Fixtures (Group C)

• Saturday, 15 November 2025: Guyana v Bonaire
  • Venue: Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda
• Tuesday, 18 November 2025: Antigua and Barbuda v Guyana
  • Venue: Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda

 

Meanwhile, Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde welcomed the announcement, stating the series presents an “excellent opportunity” for the Golden Jaguars. Forde believes the games will help the team to “strengthen team chemistry, test our tactical approaches and build momentum” heading into next year’s competitive calendar.

Golden Jaguars Head Coach Thomas Dooley expressed his satisfaction with the team’s participation, noting that the fixtures are an “excellent opportunity for us to get to know each other better” and begin implementing his “football philosophy and playing style”. Dooley is “eager to meet the full Golden Jaguars squad” and “continue assessing both the players and staff as we build towards next year’s Nations League”.

The GFF has reiterated its commitment to supporting the team’s preparations to ensure “competitive performances throughout the series”.

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The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has confirmed it is actively working to secure a series of international friendly matches for the senior men’s national team, the Golden Jaguars, as part of their preparations for the 2026 Concacaf Nations League.

The move is vital to provide new head coach Thomas Dooley with the necessary time to build and assess his squad ahead of their competitive return in September 2026.

GFF President Wayne Forde revealed that the federation wants the team to play at least one and potentially two official international fixtures before the end of 2025.

“We are already making plans for the fixtures ahead of us,” Forde stated. “We are already making plans for at least one official friendly match before the end of 2025. We may have an opportunity to do two matches, but these are details to be ironed out.”

The commitment comes as the current FIFA international window draws to a close on October 14, with the next scheduled for November 10-18.

This highlights the limited availability of international games.

Forde emphasised the plan to “take full advantage of the other FIFA dates to do some friendlies” throughout 2025 and 2026.

The friendly matches will be crucial for American-German coach Thomas Dooley, who was recently appointed to the post.

Dooley, who holds a UEFA Pro License and famously guided the Philippines to an unbeaten qualification campaign for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, will use the upcoming fixtures to shape his team.

The Golden Jaguars have not played since their June exit from the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers—a campaign that concluded with a convincing 3-0 victory over Montserrat—and the friendlies offer the new coach the first opportunity to implement his system and test players in a match setting.

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Twelve-year-old Ethan Bulkan was the undisputed star of the recent One Guyana President’s Cup squash tournament, securing a remarkable double championship by winning both the Boys’ Under-15 and Under-19 singles titles.

The dominant performance at the National Racquet Centre establishes Bulkan as one of the country’s most exciting young athletes.

Bulkan’s path to the Under-19 title saw him overcome Justin TenPow, while he topped his elder brother, Egan Bulkan, in the Under-15 final, highlighting a compelling sibling rivalry.

However, the pair soon joined forces, combining their skill to take the Boys’ Doubles championship.

Following their success on the squash court, both brothers will now turn their attention to the National Junior Badminton tournament, aiming to translate their winning form across sports.

Kaylee Lowe (in focus) was another standout performer (PHOTO: Guyana Squash Association)

Meanwhile, in the senior competition, the expected champions delivered. Sunil Seth  claimed the Men’s Singles title, defeating runner-up Samuel Ince-Carvalhal in a closely fought final, with Jason-Ray Khalil taking third place.

Former world-ranked star Nicolette Fernandes continued her domestic dominance, securing the Women’s Singles title after overcoming rival Mary Fung-A-Fat. Ashley Khalil secured the bronze medal spot.

FULL RESULTS: https://www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/One-Guyana-Presidents-Cup-Squash-2025

Senior Singles

Category	First	Second	Third
Men’s Singles	Sunil Seth	Samuel Ince-Carvalhal	Jason-Ray Khalil
Women’s Singles	Nicolette Fernandes	Mary Fung-A-Fat	Ashley Khalil

Junior Singles

Category	First	Second	Third
Boys’ Under-19	Ethan Bulkan	Justin TenPow	Egan Bulkan
Girls’ Under-19	Emily Fung-A-Fat	Kaylee Lowe	Rylee Rodrigues
Boys’ Under-15	Ethan Bulkan	Egan Bulkan	Kaiden Ali
Girls’ Under-15	Kaylee Lowe	Zoey McDonald	Tehani Munroe

Doubles Results

Category	First	Second
Boys’ Doubles	Ethan Bulkan / Egan Bulkan	Louis DaSilva / Justin Goberdan
Girls’ Doubles	Emily Fung-A-Fat / Kaylee Lowe	Malia Maikoo / Rylee Rodrigues
Men’s Doubles	Jason-Ray Khalil / Nicholas Verwey	Alex Arjoon / Sunny Seth
Women’s Doubles	Ashley Khalil / Mary Fung-A-Fat	Avery Arjoon / Kirsten Gomes
Junior Mixed Doubles	Kaylee Lowe / Louis DaSilva	Ethan Bulkan / Emily Fung-A-Fat

 

 

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Pooran Bridglall, 62, a pensioner from Korthbraadt Village on the East Bank of Berbice was remanded to prison after being charged for raping a 6-year-old girl.

Bridglall made his first appearance at the Reliance Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Michelle Matthias on Wednesday.

It is alleged that on October 5, 2025, Bridglall committed the heinous act against the child in East Bank Berbice.

The charge is laid under section 10 (3) of the Sexual Offenses Act Chapter 8:03.

Bridglall was not required to enter a plea for this indictable charge.

The case is scheduled to be heard again on October 16 for disclosure.

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A specialised medical mission from Qatar is in Guyana to conduct more than 100 surgeries on both pediatric and adult patients over the next few days. The team will also assess the country’s health sector needs and train local doctors in specialised procedures.

All surgeries will be performed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) between October 9 and 15.

“There are nine medical specialists as part of this team, there are pediatric interventional cardiologist, anesthesiologist, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatric urology specialist and a Cath lab technician,” Chief Executive Officer of GPHC, Robbie Rambarran said.

This week approximately 16 complex pediatric urology surgeries will be done along with 30 adult procedures including 12 complex gynecology cases.

Chargé d’Affaires at the Qatar Embassy in Georgetown, Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Ruhamihi, described the mission as the first step in strengthening humanitarian relations between Guyana and Qatar through the medical mission.

“It is worth noting that the medical team aims to perform more than 120 surgical procedures, including surgeries and consultations for children and women, particularly for heart disease and tumors in women, with specific surgical procedures and numerous medical consultations,” Al-Ruhamihi said.

He said Qatar has sent its best and most experienced doctors, representing Qatari medical institutions such as Hamad Medical Corporation and Sidra Medical and Research Corporation. The mission is being funded by the Qatar Fund for Development

Meanwhile, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony emphasised the importance of knowledge transfer, explaining that the visiting doctors will work alongside local specialists to ensure that the skills and expertise gained during this mission remain within the country after the team departs.

“What we want to see happen during this mission is a transfer of knowledge, to build capacity for our local team so that when they leave, we can have persons with the expertise that can carry on such surgeries,” Dr. Anthony said.

 

 

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Three men were remanded to prison on Wednesday in connection with a murder that took place in 2023.

The accused are Rajendra Balkarran, also known as “Gomes,” a 45-year-old cane harvester from Rose Hall Town, Corentyne Berbice; Dorwin Trim, known as “Rusty,” a 32-year-old unemployed resident of Free Yard, Port Mourant; and Premchand Ramsohai, a 28-year-old laborer from Despentry Dam, Port Mourant, Corentyne Berbice. They appeared before Magistrate Michelle Matthias at the Reliance Magistrates’ Court.

It is alleged that between June 26 and July 1, 2023, at Rose Hall Town, Balkarran, Trim, and Ramsohai murdered Kamaluddin Abrahim.

The three men, who did not have legal representation, were not required to enter a plea for the indictable charge.

During the court proceedings, Police Prosecutor Sergeant Mark Edwards informed the court that the case file was complete.

Following this, Magistrate Matthias advised the accused of the seriousness of the charges and ordered that they be remanded to prison.

Additionally, it was noted that Trim is already on remand for another case.

The three men are scheduled to appear in court again on October 14. The case has been transferred to the Albion Magistrates’ Court.

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The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has scored a major appointment, with Executive Committee Member Andrea Johnson being named to the FIFA Women’s Football Development Committee.

The prestigious role, confirmed by FIFA following recent Council decisions, will see Johnson serve a four-year term from 2025 to 2029.

Johnson will be an influential voice on the committee, which is tasked with advancing the development, growth, and global profile of women’s football worldwide.

This is a significant triumph for both Johnson and the GFF, particularly as the federation continues to place increased focus on expanding the women’s game across Guyana.

Her appointment ensures that Guyana has a direct seat at the global table, offering the nation a chance to shape international strategies that can directly benefit and further support the local women’s football scene.

A delighted GFF offered its congratulations, expressing confidence that Johnson will make a meaningful contribution in her new, vital capacity.

 

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Shimron Hetmyer has set himself three big goals for the first three months of 2026: win the DP World ILT20 in the United Arab Emirates with his new franchise, the Desert Vipers, earn a spot in the West Indies squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, and then win that tournament too.

And for the left-handed powerhouse, who has already won the UAE tournament in its first year with the Gulf Giants, a repeat of that success, this time with the Vipers, could be the key to having the chance to fulfil his international wishes.

“I have always been someone that actually wanted to play for the West Indies from when I was growing up,” said Hetmyer, who was part of the Guyana Amazon Warriors side that finished as runners-up in the latest edition of the Caribbean Premier League.

“So, I am going to try to use the (DP World) ILT20 to get into my best form leading up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and then just see as much as possible how best I could help the West Indies to get the trophy, once I finish picking up this trophy (for the DP World ILT20).”

DP World ILT20 is one of my favourite leagues to play in. What stands it apart is the pitches are actually pretty good

Hetmyer, 28, who wears shirt number 189 at the Caribbean Premier League, said he chose that number as it was his highest batting total, scored when he was just thirteen years old.

The player, who led the West Indies to the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Bangladesh in 2016, intends to request 189 as his shirt number with the Vipers and said he was confident about the team’s prospects of winning the DP World ILT20 title.

“I am sure our chances this year are high because I have seen the team get to the finals in the first season and even this past season as well. So, it is fun to join a team with a very good record under their belt.

“I am pretty excited, actually, so I just cannot wait to get there (to the UAE) and help the team and try my best to help them cross that line and lift that trophy.”

Hetmyer, from Guyana, has joined the Vipers squad as a replacement for fellow countryman Sherfane Rutherford, who has linked up with the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for season four.

The Vipers’ new signing said that Rutherford and fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell, provided him with consistently positive feedback regarding the team environment.

“I have heard some good things about the Desert Vipers from both Sheldon Cottrell, who I am close to and who was with the team in the first (and second) years, and Sherfane Rutherford, who was there since season one as well.

“I have also been in the same environment with (Head Coach) James Foster. He is one of my favourite coaches I would say, because he is easy-spoken and he is someone that you could easily just go up to and ask him questions, have a conversation with him or sit and talk cricket and just relax.

“He (Foster) helps to just take your mind off the game for a little bit, so it is nice. So far, I have been hearing nice things about the team, and I am waiting to go and head across there (to the UAE) to see what it is like in person.”

Hetmyer has an impressive history of experience in franchise cricket, including the Indian Premier League, Major League Cricket in the United States of America, the Bangladesh Premier League, the Pakistan Super League and the Men’s Hundred in England and Wales.

He said he enjoyed traveling the world and bringing his family with him to experience different cultures and make new friends.

And he added that the UAE’s own league held a special place in his heart.

“It (DP World ILT20) is one of my favourite leagues to play in,” he said. “What stands it apart is the pitches are actually pretty good. Early up in the season you do have to graft just a little bit because the ball nips around. So, it is a challenge compared to the Caribbean or to India where it does not really nip about as much as it would in Dubai.

“Some of the grounds are actually much bigger as well so it helps you to stay in your shape and just hold your shape just a little bit more when you are trying to execute a big shot.

“That kind of helps me when I come back to the Caribbean where the ball does not really nip around as much, and to India where it is the same thing and with smaller boundaries as well.

“It helps you to back yourself just a little bit more to know that you can just hit more sixes or hit more boundaries when you need to.” (Desert Vipers.com) 

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While there has been a slight increase in maternal deaths recorded at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for the year thus far, majority of the cases involved patients referred from private hospitals in critical conditions.

Chief Executive Officer of GPHC, Robbie Rambarran told reporters on Wednesday that the hospital recorded nine deaths as compared to eight in 2024.

“The majority of the patients we had that died came from private hospitals. Sometimes they send them to us and there is nothing different we can do for them. There are cases where they sent patients that are already intubated, and there is nothing different we can do,” Rambarran explained at the sidelines of an event at the Ministry of Health.

And, while in some instances, patients are transferred due to financial constraints, Rambarran believes that some of the private hospitals also refer patients to avoid having the deaths reflected in their own statistics.

Chief Executive Officer of GPHC, Robbie Rambarran (News Room/December 30, 2024)

“I honestly believe that private hospitals like doing this because the deaths don’t fall under their numbers, it comes under ours,” Rambarran said.

Rambarran noted that this trend has been raised with the Minister of Health and at the GPHC board level. He said the hospital plans to review the criteria that determine how maternal deaths are attributed to GPHC.

Asked about the maternal complications that lead to the deaths, Rambarran said most were indirect causes. He highlighted that among the cases were one involving poison ingestion and another due to a head injury.

Rambarran also revealed that GPHC has forwarded some of the maternal death cases to the Medical Council for further review.

“There are a lot of challenges, but we plan to have discussions with the private hospitals. That is why I took the decision to forward some of these reviews to the Medical Council, because some of them really need some sort of intervention, and that is what we are working towards,” Rambarran stated.

He added that, there has been an increase of neonatal referrals to the hospital as well as an increase in admissions and deliveries. When compared to referrals and deaths, Rambarran said the percentage is small.

 

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