Minister of Education Sonia Parag has underscored the urgent need for greater accountability among teachers, after witnessing a number of instances of absenteeism since schools reopened a few weeks ago. During an interview with the News Room on Monday, Parag revealed that in recent impromptu school visits, she observed teacher absenteeism that has left students without guidance.
“In one particular school I went to, 12 teachers had not shown up for the term as yet. One class was sleeping on their desks, all of them, because they didn’t have a teacher to teach them for that particular subject,” the Minister revealed.
Parag emphasised that such situations must be corrected if the country is to achieve its long-term education goals.
“If you don’t have teachers in the classroom teaching, then the child doesn’t learn. It’s as simple as that,” Parag said.
According to the Minister, accountability must apply on two levels: teachers must be present in classrooms, and they must also take responsibility for the quality and impact of their teaching.
“That gives us an idea of what is being taught or not taught, and whether it is making an impact,” she explained.
At the same time, Parag highlighted the value of the teaching profession, describing it as “possibly the most important role in our nation.” She called on teachers to recognise their responsibility in shaping the next generation.
“You are moulding the minds of young children into adulthood, and how you mould those minds would say a lot about you. I am asking teachers to show up for their children, not just because you have to, not just because it is your job, but because it is one of the most important things you will ever do in your life,” the Education Minister urged.
She also sought to assure teachers that the Ministry stands ready to support them as part of efforts to strengthen the education system.
“I will give you all of my support to be able to build and develop the education sector in Guyana,” she pledged.
More than 9,700 Guyanese patients have received life-saving medical assistance worth $4.2 billion over the past five years, according to the Ministry of Health, as the country intensifies its fight against cardiovascular disease — one of the nation’s leading causes of death.
From 2020 to 2024, thousands benefited from support for cardiac procedures, dialysis, cancer treatment, hip and knee replacements, and other critical care. The number of beneficiaries has grown steadily: 772 patients in 2020, 1,519 in 2021, 2,319 in 2022, 2,476 in 2023, and 2,629 in 2024.
But officials warn that cardiovascular disease — including heart attacks and strokes — continues to tighten its grip on the country. Globally, such diseases claim nearly 17 million lives every year, and in Guyana, they remain among the top ten causes of death. Even more worrying, doctors report that younger people are increasingly being diagnosed with heart disease, overturning the long-held myth that it only affects the elderly.
Health experts say most cases are preventable if common risk factors are addressed early. Tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, and even air pollution drive hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol — all of which significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
To turn the tide, Guyana has adopted the PAHO/WHO HEARTS programme, now active in 247 health facilities nationwide, with plans to expand to every health centre by 2026. The Ministry has also introduced new national guidelines for cardiovascular care, giving health workers stronger tools for prevention, detection, and treatment.
Still, the biggest responsibility rests with individuals. Officials are urging every citizen to take practical steps: eat more fruits and vegetables, stay active for at least 150 minutes a week, avoid smoking, limit alcohol, manage stress, and regularly check blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
As the world marks World Heart Day under the theme “Use Heart for Every Heart”, the Ministry is calling on all Guyanese to make healthier daily choices. “The true power to protect our hearts does not rest solely in medicine or procedures, but in the choices we make every day,” the statement noted.
The Indian team refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy during the presentation ceremony that was delayed by more than an hour after they beat Pakistan by five wickets in the final on Sunday in Dubai. Their refusal was because the trophy was to be presented by Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the chairman of the PCB and the Interior Minister of Pakistan.
“We have decided not to take the Asia Cup trophy from the ACC chairman, who happens to be one of the main leaders of Pakistan,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told ANI.
“So we decided not to take it from him. But that does not mean that the gentleman will take away the trophy with him, along with the medals. So it is very unfortunate and we hope that the trophy and the medals will be returned to India as soon as possible. There is an ICC conference in November in Dubai. In the next conference, we are going to launch a very serious and very strong protest against the act of the ACC chairperson”
While the match ended around 10.30 pm Dubai time, in a thrilling final-over finish, the wait for the presentation went on until close to midnight.
While it was not immediately clear what was prolonging the delay, it was thought to be because the Indian team did not want to receive the trophy from Naqvi. This was a change of plan from the ACC’s original intention. A statement on the organisation’s website on Saturday said that Naqvi intended to hand over the trophy to the winners.
Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the chairman of the PCB and the Interior Minister of Pakistan (Photo: Associated Press)
Once the presentation ceremony began, Kuldeep Yadav, Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma received their individual awards from other dignitaries on stage, and Pakistan captain Salman Agha accepted the runners-up cheque from Naqvi, after which the ceremony came to an end.
“I have been informed by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) that the Indian cricket team will not be collecting their awards tonight,” Simon Doull, the presenter for the host broadcaster, said at the ceremony. “So that does conclude the post-match presentation.”
At the press conference after the ceremony, India captain Suryakumar Yadav said he had not seen anything like it.
“I think this is one thing which I have never seen since I started playing cricket, started following cricket, that a champion team is denied a trophy, that too a hard earned one,” Suryakumar said.
“I feel we deserved it. I can’t say anything more, I’ve summed it up really well. If you tell me about trophies, my trophies are sitting in the dressing room, all the 14 guys with me, the support staff, those are the real trophies throughout this journey in the Asia Cup.”
Suryakumar said the team had taken the decision not to receive the trophy and that “no one told us to do it.”
Once the game concluded, the Pakistan players walked off the ground into the dressing room while the Indian players stayed on the field. The stage for the presentation ceremony was not set for an extended period of time.
In due course, Naqvi appeared, and spent a significant amount of time in animated discussions with officials on the ground while the crowd thinned out, though a large number of Indian spectators remained.
After nearly an hour the stage was set up with Naqvi and other dignitaries taking their place. An official then removed the Asia Cup trophy from its place on a raised dais, and walked off the ground with it without explanation. The Pakistan team then emerged before the ceremony, conducted by Doull commenced.
The Indian players who received their individual awards did walk up to the stage where Naqvi stood, but did not acknowledge him, and received their awards from other officials on stage. Naqvi, notably, was the only one of the dignitaries who did not applaud the Indian players who came up to receive their individual awards.
The Pakistan players came up to receive their runner-up medals, with captain Agha accepting the cheque, which he posed for with Naqvi. After the post-match interviews with Doull were concluded, the dignitaries all left the stage.
The Indian team and officials then took their place on the podium, where they celebrated their victory. With no actual trophy in sight, Suryakumar and the rest of the side held up an imaginary trophy as part of their celebrations.
India’s stance to not accept a trophy from Naqvi was expected well in advance. They had refused to shake hands with Pakistan in any of the three games they played this tournament, either at the toss between captains or after the matches. While Pakistan coach Mike Hesson and captain Agha both criticised India for it, India’s position did not change.
Things became heated, especially during the second game in the Super Fours, with several verbal spats between the sides. Suryakumar was fined for remarks he made following the first game, and Haris Rauf for his actions in the second. (ESPNcricinfo)
Their world-beating batting line-up was panicking as Pakistan came at them – this time for every reason because there was a title on the line.
A collapse of 9 for 33 had left Salman Agha’s men with no room for error and for the most part they coped with it. They got rid of Abhishek Sharma early.
That sent jitters through a middle-order that was upended to accommodate Shubman Gill.
A straightforward chase was going pear-shaped.
And Tilak Varma felt all of this out in the middle. The quiet of the stands. The belief among the Pakistan players.
The doubts of a billion people back home. Somehow he absorbed it all and produced a really special half-century.
Concentrating as hard as he had to, there wasn’t a single moment through the innings where Tilak showed emotion. But once it was done, he yelled, he punched, he made little heart signs with his hands and basked in the glory of winning India their ninth Asia Cup title.
This entire Asia Cup has been a referendum on Pakistan’s decision to move on from Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. There is credence to the theory that they do not push hard enough when they bat up the order, and the powerplay is not a time to be shy.
Sahibzada Farhan took that to heart and although he didn’t always come up with the goods, he never stopped swinging. A series of slogs took him to 26 off 21. And those same series of slogs – when they started connecting – brought him 50 off 35.
Farhan and Fakhar Zaman were able to put one of India’s bankers – Kuldeep Yadav – under pressure. The left-arm wristspinner’s first two overs went for 23.
That prompted Suryakumar Yadav to turn to Varun Chakravarthy, whose mystery Pakistan have just not been able to solve. As if on cue, he took down both of Pakistan’s top scorers. Farhan and Fakhar were the only two to cross 15.
On the back of Varun’s incisions, his team-mates came into their own. Axar Patel took two wickets in back-to-back overs. Kuldeep took three in one single over. Pakistan were 107 for 1 with 44 balls to play. They were bowled out with five balls remaining.
A large part of their innings involved the batters going for slogs. In the front 10, they either made good contact or just plain missed. So just one wicket fell. In the back 10, the big hits were all mis-hits. So nine wickets fell. (ESPNcricinfo)
The Guyana Police Force has launched an investigation into a Facebook post that surfaced on 27 September 2025, linking Corporal 25126 Shazim Khan to a 15-year-old Grade 11 student in Region One.
The Gender-Based Unit of the Mabaruma Police Station immediately intervened, conducting a preliminary interview with the student in the presence of her mother. The teen reportedly told investigators that she never had any sexual relations with Khan, whom she described as a family friend. Her mother supported this account, saying she believed her daughter’s version of events. Both gave written statements to the police.
Regional Division #1 Commander also engaged Ms Rehanna Chan, the School Welfare Officer for the region, who separately interviewed the student and her mother. They both maintained their position. However, the mother refused permission for a medical examination of her daughter, claiming that the Facebook post was malicious and intended only to embarrass her child. Without that consent, the welfare officer noted that her investigation could not proceed further.
Still, authorities have called in Blossom Inc., which is expected to conduct a forensic interview with the teen at 11:00 hrs today. Police said the probe remains active and will be expedited.
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has confirmed that police ranks stationed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) are under investigation following an allegation that they demanded money from a passenger in order to release her lawful items.
According to the GPF, CCTV footage and other supporting evidence have substantiated the complaint, leading to the officers being placed under close arrest. The matter is now in the hands of the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), which is conducting a full investigation.
In response to the incident, the Government of Guyana has announced that from Monday, 29 September 2025, all law enforcement officers operating at ports of entry—including airports and border crossings—will be required to wear body cameras. The move, officials say, is part of efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability within the security services.
“The Guyana Police Force has zero tolerance for corruption,” the statement emphasised. “Any officer found guilty of extortion or bribery will face the full force of the law.”
Authorities also reminded the travelling public that no payment of any kind is required to clear lawful items through CJIA or any other port of entry. Passengers who are asked for money are urged to report the matter immediately to the nearest police authority.
Shemar Britton seized a remarkable double title on the opening day of the National Senior Table Tennis Championships, showcasing his national dominance at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue.
Britton first secured the Mixed Doubles crown alongside Chelsea Edghill before partnering with Jonathan Van Lange to capture the Men’s Doubles title, marking a clinical start to the tournament.
The highly anticipated Mixed Doubles final saw the seasoned duo of Britton and Edghill overcome Samara Sukhai and Colin Wong’s challenge with a decisive 3-1 victory.
Britton quickly shifted focus to the Men’s Doubles, where he teamed up with Jonathan Van Lange.
The pair faced a stern test in the final against Elishaba Johnson and Niran Bissu but ultimately triumphed 3-1.
With the Mixed and Men’s Doubles crowns decided, attention now turns to the flagship Singles competitions. The action at the National Gymnasium continues today (Sunday, September 28, 2025) with the Men’s Singles finals.
The tournament will then resume over the following weekend, with the Women’s Doubles, Women’s Singles, C Class Open, and B Class Open categories contested on Saturday, October 4, 2025.
The inaugural One Guyana Unification Cup Softball T20 Cup reaches its highly anticipated climax today, with all four finals scheduled to be contested at the historic Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground, Bourda.
The tournament, backed by title sponsor Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, has seen fierce competition across four categories, culminating in a quadruple-header showdown featuring some of Guyana’s most prolific softball stars.
Regal has been the dominant force in the veteran leagues, securing berths in both the Legends (Over-50) and Masters finals, setting the stage for a potential double championship haul.
In the Legends final, Regal will face Fisherman XI. Meanwhile, the Masters contest pits Regal against the formidable Ariel Masters XI.
The Ariel Masters are spearheaded by the in-form Richard Latif, known locally as ‘Mr. Cricket,’ who has been destructive with the bat, registering multiple centuries in the lead-up to the final.
The marquee All-Stars (Open) final promises fireworks as Speed-Boat challenges Ariel Knight Riders. The Ariel unit receives a significant boost from the inclusion of CPL T20 representative Quintin Sampson, who recently turned heads with a century in the tournament and will be the biggest draw for fans.
The Ladies’ final will see No. 64 Knight Riders take on Rising Stars in what is expected to be a competitive clash for the top prize in the women’s category, which is $400,000 for the winner and $100,000 for the runners-up.
The attractive prize pool reflects the tournament’s high-profile status.
The champions of the Legends, Masters, and Open categories will each receive a substantial $1 million and a trophy, with the runners-up collecting $200,000.
The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) has unveiled a 20-player shortlist ahead of the FIBA Women’s Caribbean Championship, which will take place on home soil at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall from November 9th to 17th.
GBF President Michael Singh expressed high expectations, stating his belief that the national side can successfully defend their home court and secure the country’s second women’s Caribbean title, replicating the historic success of 1996.
“We believe we have a roster capable of going all the way, especially with the championship being played right here on home soil,” Singh remarked.
The roster features a blend of local talent and significant overseas reinforcements designed to give Guyana a competitive edge.
The headline inclusions are the US-based Ramlall sisters (Amisha, Arshia, and Asha), experienced Europe-based professional Joy Adams, and exciting new recruit Brooklyn McDavid (USA).
President Singh hailed McDavid’s addition as a sign of the GBF’s expanding international pipeline: “Brooklyn represents the growth of our programme internationally. She’s a welcome addition who we expect will bring a new dimension to Guyana’s game.”
Former national standout Abdullah ‘Zico’ Hamid, who represented Guyana as both a player and coach, will lead the coaching charge.
Willon Cameron and Warren Wilson will assist him.
The stakes for the 2025 edition of the tournament are significant, with berths at the FIBA Women’s CentroBasket Tournament—a crucial qualifier for the prestigious FIBA Women’s AmeriCup—on the line.
The GBF president stressed the importance of the mix of players, adding, “With the blend of youth, experience, and international exposure, we believe Guyana is ready to make a deep run. The players know what’s at stake, winning at home in front of our fans would mean everything.”
The squad’s core includes players recently featured in the successful Women’s International Series against Suriname earlier this year.
Overseas-Based: Brooklyn McDavid (USA), Ruth Adams (USA), Joy Brown (USA), Amisha Ramlall (USA), Arshia Ramlall (USA), Asha Ramlall (USA).
Team AJM Racing is set for a landmark moment in Guyanese motorsport, confirming the historic debut of a Porsche GT3 at the prestigious Caribbean Clash of Champions event on 2nd November at the South Dakota Circuit.
Local driver Nasrudeen Mohamed Jr will pilot the new high-performance machine.
His entry marks a significant development for the nation.
It introduces only the second GT3 specification car to Guyana’s ranks, dramatically raising the stakes in the top-tier GT3 Spec Race.
Team AJM Racing has underlined its serious intent by forging a partnership with UK-based Bourne High Performance Powertrains Ltd (Bourne HPP), a world-class engine builder with an elite pedigree spanning Formula 1, Le Mans, and the World Endurance Championship (WEC).
Bourne HPP has meticulously prepared the new Porsche GT3 and the team’s key Group 2 entry: a full-build Honda Civic.
The Civic will spearhead AJM’s effort to dethrone reigning Group 2 champion Shan Seejatan, signaling a full-scale assault across multiple categories.
The team’s commitment is further demonstrated by fielding a multi-car lineup, including two additional Honda Civics (one locally built, one from the US).
This showcases their depth and capability as they prepare to be one of the headline acts at the regional meeting. (GMR&SC)
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Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the chairman of the PCB and the Interior Minister of Pakistan (Photo: Associated Press)
