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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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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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