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Emotions ran high and the tension was palpable as Mahdia (Movements Family) triumphed over the star-studded Avinash All-Stars in a nail-biting final to claim the Essequibo zone title of the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast.

Under the lights of the Anna Regina Ground, Mahdia held their nerve to secure the $300,000 zone prize, while Avinash All-Star $100,000.

The bigger picture is that Mahdia has qualified for the national playoffs.

After setting a target of 112-9, Mahdia’s bowlers showcased remarkable discipline to restrict Avinash All-Stars to 104-5. This was no small feat, especially with West Indies firepower in the opposition ranks.

Barbadian import Kyle Mayers unleashed an unbeaten 53 off just 25 balls, featuring four fours and four sixes, while fellow countryman Marlon Goodman added 25.

Kyle Mayers on the attack for Avinash All-Stars

However, the Mahdia attack, spearheaded by captain Raydon Austin’s excellent 2-11 from two overs, proved too much to overcome.

Earlier in Mahdia’s innings, despite the efforts of Ronsford Beaton (2-23) and Ameer Mohamed (2-24), who bowled well to contain the scoring, a counter-attacking 40 from just 16 balls (1×4, 5x6s) provided the crucial impetus to reach a competitive total.

In the semi-finals, Avinash All-Stars made light work of Aurora Knight Riders, restricting them to 68-7 with Carlos LaRose bagging 3-8, before chasing down the target in a mere 4.5 overs.

Mahdia’s journey to the final saw them defeat Renegades Cricket Club by 17 runs, posting 114-7 on the back of solid contributions from Ricardo Adams (40) and Andrew Gibson (27).

With all four zone champions now crowned, the stage is set for the national semi-finals at the National Stadium, Providence, on Sunday, August 3.

Defending champions Titans All-Stars will face Mahdia in the first semi-final, followed by a clash between Montra Jaguars and Eccles All-Stars in the second.

Andrew Gibson played a top knock in the final

The day’s cricketing extravaganza will kick off at 13:30h with a female exhibition match, followed by semi-final one and two, before the grand final, scheduled to begin at 19:30h.

The stakes are considerably higher in the national final, with teams vying for a massive $1.7 million grand prize.

The national runner-up won’t go home empty-handed, pocketing $700,000 along with a trophy and medals, while even the losing semi-finalists will be rewarded with $300,000 each.

The national finals will be on Sunday, August 3, at the National Stadium, Providence.

Individual brilliance won’t go unnoticed either, with a host of prizes up for grabs, including MVP ($150,000 + motorcycle), Most Runs ($100,000 + trophy + TV), Most Wickets ($100,000 + trophy + TV), Man-of-the-National Final ($75,000 + trophy + TV), Highest Strike Rate ($35,000), and Best Economy ($35,000).

The Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast has garnered support from: Kares Engineering Inc, the Office of the President, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, KFC Guyana, Star Rentals, Banks DIH, ENet, Guyana Lottery Company, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Impressions, Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal, Shawn’s Mini Mart, Giftland Group of Companies, Kris Jagdeo Construction Company, Montra Restaurant & Lounge, Windsor Estates, The New Doctor’s Clinic, GuyOil, ANSA McAL, SuperBet Guyana, Digital Technology, Camille’s Academy, Navin and Sons Construction, Demerara Mutual Life Insurance, Continental Transportation, and Environmental & Technical Solutions.

FULL SCORES: https://cricheroes.com/tournament/1535884/kares-one-guyana-t10-tapeball-blast-2025/matches/past-matches?type=m

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By Kurt Campbell

kurt@newsroom.gy

The fourth AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF) opened in Grenada on Monday with regional leaders applauding the early fruits of Africa-Caribbean cooperation while making bold new commitments to deepen trade, build shared financial infrastructure and unlock long-promised economic linkages.

What was once seen as a symbolic aspiration is now steadily taking institutional form. ACTIF2025, themed “Resilience and Transformation: Enhancing Africa-Caribbean Economic Cooperation in an Era of Global Uncertainty,” opened to a packed room of over 1,800 delegates and showcased how efforts launched just three years ago have begun to deliver.

Part of the audience where over 1,800 delegates are gathered for ACTIF 2025 in Grenada (Photo: Afreximbank/ July 28, 2025)

From the establishment of Afreximbank’s Caribbean Office in Barbados to billions already deployed in the region, leaders pointed to visible progress but agreed that much more must be done.

Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell of Grenada in his keynote, praised ACTIF as the platform that “moved us from promise to planning and now to delivery.”

Among the most tangible outcomes of past forums are: the US$3 billion Afreximbank commitment to CARICOM (Guyana, Suriname and Jamaica directly benefiting); a US$25 million facility to Barbados for a national stadium.

Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell of Grenada. (Photo: Afreximbank/ July 28, 2025)

It also includes a US$30 million loan to Grenada for hotel expansion; and the upcoming Caribbean Payment and Settlement System (CPSS)—a PAPSS-inspired platform that will allow local currency trade between both regions

CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett. (Photo: Afreximbank/ July 28, 2025)

welcomed these developments as “foundational,” but stressed the urgency of activating intra-regional trade corridors, improving shipping and air links and removing legal and financial bottlenecks.

“We must deliberately open the door to greater trade. That means breaking down bureaucratic silos and building a shared institutional architecture,” she said.

ACTIF2025 will also see the finalisation of a new Africa-CARICOM cooperation framework, including a joint MoU on trade facilitation, logistics, and investment promotion; a roadmap toward a Free Trade Agreement discussion and capacity building for CARICOM’s own Eximbank, with Afreximbank support.

Prof. Benedict Oramah, outgoing President of Afreximbank. (Photo: Afreximbank/ July 28, 2025)

Prof. Benedict Oramah, outgoing President of Afreximbank, called on leaders to avoid “half-measures,” warning that without structure, ambition will remain unrealised.

“We need more than sentiment—we need systems,” he said, calling for a standing Africa-CARICOM Secretariat and joint project pipelines with delivery targets.

He reaffirmed Afreximbank’s long-term financial commitment and signalled openness to co-financing strategic industries, including agro-processing, tourism, renewable energy, and digital payments.

While the tone was celebratory, the takeaway was that ACTIF has matured from its early days of political alignment to a serious vehicle for delivery.

Over the next two days, delegates will engage in deal-making sessions, explore trade exhibitions and refine sector-specific projects.

“Let’s not retreat into conference-room comfort,” PM Mitchell warned. “Let’s get to work.”

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The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security on Monday launched the National Integrated Early Childhood Development (NIECD) Policy.

This policy is a product of the ministry’s Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), in collaboration with UNICEF. It will provide children aged 0-3 years old with the ability to receive much-needed resources during their most prioritised developmental years.

The policy is a blueprint for systemic change in Guyana and part of the country’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 4, which emphasises the importance of early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education. This SDG goal ensures children are ready for primary school and have the necessary resources during their most primitive years.

During the ceremony held at the Herdmanston Lodge, Georgetown, the subject Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, said Guyana received technical support from UNICEF and a generous financial contribution from the Government of Canada.

“The policy mission’s is to promote and coordinate the provision of inclusive and quality integrated early childhood development services and programmes that guarantee optimal growth and development of all children,” the Minister of Human Services and Social Security said.

A parenting programme was also designed to ensure that parents receive support as the country aims to strengthen the focus placed on young children.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud was joined by U.S. Ambassador Nicole Theriot, Acting Chargé d’affaires at the Canadian High Commission, Adam Loyer, and acting country representative of UNICEF, Abdul Azim Saleh, among several other officials and members of the ministry. (Photo: News Room)

As part of this venture, all persons involved in Early Childhood Development must be properly trained to deliver high-quality care. Over 400 centers were registered, and of these, over 365 are licensed at this time to provide the care needed.

The acting country representative of UNICEF, Abdul Azim Saleh said ensuring that children have access to healthcare and education is paramount. He added that UNICEF has prioritised the rights of children, and Guyana’s efforts are commendable.

He said, “We know that the early years of life are the most critical as they shape the architecture of the brain, influence lifelong health and well-being, and lay the foundation for learning and social development.”

The policy will pave the way for young children to undergo improved guidance as it relates to educational and social development.

Acting Chargé d’affaires at the Canadian High Commission, Adam Loyer, said Canada’s support for this policy here is based on its commitment towards children’s development and education. He said Guyana is strengthening its society by investing in early childhood development

“This policy reflects not only technical input, but also the lived experience of parents, caregivers, educators, and frontline workers that inclusivity will be essential throughout implementation, as partners, we see this launch not as a finish line, but rather the beginning of a deeper commitment.” Loyer said.

Canada’s support for Guyana has intensified over the years, with several initiatives being funded.

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A two-day Regional Health Security (RHS) workshop, hosted by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), is underway at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown, Guyana. The event brings together representatives from across the Caribbean to discuss and operationalise the 2022 RHS framework to transition it from strategy into actionable plans.

The workshop comes at a critical time, as the region continues to face increasing trends in infectious diseases, along with new and emerging health threats. One of the main goals of the workshop is to provide Caribbean member states with specific updates on the progress of the RHS framework, while facilitating dialogue on national and regional preparedness.

It further emphasises the need for enhanced regional collaboration, strategic investment, and readiness in the face of 21st-century public health challenges.

Guyana’s Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, in his address, spoke about the country’s active role in implementing health security measures.

“No longer are our greatest threats defined solely by conventional warfare or visible enemies. Increasingly, they emerge from our interconnected world, from invisible pathogens, collapsing ecosystems and the very systems we depend upon to keep us safe,” Dr. Anthony said.

He highlighted that while countries cannot necessarily predict the next pandemic or public health emergency, they can prepare, and the workshop is a critical step in that direction.

One of the main goals of the event is to update Caribbean member states on the progress made in implementing the RHS framework while facilitating meaningful dialogue on national and regional preparedness strategies.

Guyana is supported by a US$15 million fund from the Pandemic Fund and an additional US$7 million from the World Bank, to strengthen its public health systems and pandemic preparedness.

Major reforms include the drafting of a new Public Health Act, the expansion of laboratory networks, the construction of a Bio-Safety Level 3 laboratory at the National Public Health Lab, and the implementation of a new One Health surveillance system and emergency health response teams.

“History has shown us that plagues do not belong to the past; they are recurring chapters in the human story, shaped by our biology as our behaviours,” Dr. Anthony stated.

Pointing to other threats like bioterrorism, “from anthrax-laced letters to genetically engineered pathogens,” the Health Minister called for investment in infrastructure, equipment, and, most importantly, human resources.

CARPHA Executive Director, Dr. Lisa Indar, during her address, explained that these evolving threats test the resilience and responsiveness of Caribbean health systems and require strategic innovations to combat them.

One such innovation is the RHS framework.

“A multi-tiered, One Health, cross sectoral, well-coordinated approach to RHS is especially crucial for the Caribbean’s success, as the region is uniquely characterized by small, under-resourced populations with varying surveillance, laboratory and human resource capacities, highly interconnected with porous borders, heavily reliant on tourism and susceptible to infectious disease spread,” Dr. Indar stated.

In addition, Minister Anthony listed other solutions, which include early warning systems for mass gatherings, digital disease surveillance, biosafety measures, and monitoring of misinformation.

 

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The trial into the March 2020 General and Regional Elections resumed on Monday, and a decision was taken for a site visit to be done at the Ashmins Building, which is a central location referenced throughout the trial.

The visit is slated for Wednesday at 09:30 hrs.

The Ashmins Building, which served as the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Command Centre during the 2020 elections, has been described as a critical location or “locus” in the legal proceedings.

The visit is intended to allow the court and legal teams (both the prosecution and defense) to gain firsthand insight into the physical space referenced throughout the trial.

The court has granted permission for the visit to be video recorded and for measurements to be taken, enhancing the documentation of the inspection.

Witnesses who have already testified in the case will accompany the court on the visit. They include Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Sonia Parag; local observer Rosalinda Rasul; former Region Four Police Commander Edgar Thomas; and Kian Jabour.

Some of the defendants in the case; namely, They are: former APNU+AFC government minister Volda Lawrence; former GECOM Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield; former GECOM Returning Officer for District Four Clairmont Mingo; former GECOM Deputy Chief Election Officer Roxanne Myers; APNU+AFC’s Chief Scrutineer Carol Smith Joseph at court on Monday (Photos: News Room/ July 29, 2024)

The locus inspection, a common legal procedure in both civil and criminal trials, allows the court to observe the site of the alleged events to clarify testimony, resolve discrepancies, and better understand the dynamics of the evidence. Witnesses will also be allowed to point out areas they referred to during their testimony.

Before this decision was taken on Monday, the trial resumed with heated arguments on the admission of a further statement from a witness, Josh Kanhai, who previously provided evidence to the court.

The trial is being heard before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Initially, the local activist Jonathan Yearwood was slated to be cross-examined by the defense attorney. But this did not happen. The prosecution sought to disclose an additional statement from Kanhai, a witness who had previously testified regarding the national recount process. They told the court that the new statement merely adds further explanation and details related to events between March 3 and March 13, 2020- the days after the March 2, 2020, Elections.

However, defense attorneys strongly objected to this move, contending that the disclosure period had long passed and accepting the new statement at this stage would unfairly prejudice the trial. They also noted the statement lacked a date.

Prosecutors later clarified that it had been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on June 17. In response, the magistrate ordered that joint submissions be made by both sides to resolve the matter.

While the defense pushed for the trial to be adjourned until the issue was settled, the magistrate ruled that the trial would proceed in the meantime, with other witnesses being called. So, Assistant Superintendent of Police Dyal (only name given) was called to testify.

In his testimony, Dyal recounted being dispatched to the GECOM Command Center, which was housed at the Ashmins Building on March 5, 2020, following reports of a bomb scare.

At the time, he was an Inspector stationed at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters. He was in charge of the bomb disposal unit.

Upon arrival, Dyal said he met with other ranks, including Nedd and Assistant Commissioner of Police Edgar Thomas. Thomas was the Commander of Region 4A during the 2020 elections.

Dyal told the court that Thomas stood and informed everyone in the building of the report of a bomb scare and asked that they evacuate the building. However, the people present refused to leave.

“He (Thomas) said it very clearly. He said there is a bomb in the building, please evacuate the building. He said it more than once.”

“No one left the building,” Dyal told the court.

Dyal said he waited with his team for a while, after which they left the building. But they did not depart. He said they waited again, but this time outside the building for an hour, and he was instructed to return to his office.

However, he highlighted that there were no explosions during his time at the location.

Nine individuals are currently before the court, charged with conspiring to manipulate the election results in favour of APNU+AFC, thereby seeking to deny victory to the PPP. Those charged include former government minister Volda Lawrence, former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, and former Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers, among others.

The trial continues.

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Georgetown, Guyana & Chicago, USA — Findings from a rapid inventory of one of the most pristine and least-explored corners of the Amazon Basin were presented at the recent Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit in Georgetown, Guyana. An international team of scientists and Indigenous experts surveyed the 1.5 million-hectare Acarai-Corentyne Corridor, in southeastern Guyana, discovering more than 30 species new to science and dozens more never before recorded in the country.

Guyana, a small country on the Caribbean coast of South America, has succeeded in preserving 99% of its rainforests. Many of these roadless expanses, however, have not been explored and their biodiversity hardly known. Stretching more than half the length of the country, the Acarai-Corentyne Corridor was one such ‘unexplored biodiversity hotspot’ at the time of the November 2024 expedition.

A frog species possibly new to science found in the southern forests of Guyana. Photo © Field Museum.

The large multidisciplinary team documented over 600 species of plants and over 1215 species of vertebrates. Led by the Field Museum of Natural History and Guyana’s Protected Areas Commission, the biodiversity survey deployed scientific field techniques and technologies like environmental DNA sampling alongside time-tested Indigenous collection methods like poison vine fishing. Also, the team documented local ecological knowledge in collaboration with the nearby Indigenous communities of Masakeñarî, Parabara and Cashew Island, recognizing the long-standing Indigenous stewardship of this landscape. The team’s detailed biological, geological, and cultural findings serve as a foundational document for conservation policy, scientific research, and community-based stewardship in the region.

The Summit in Georgetown also launched the Global Biodiversity Alliance, a group of countries, international organizations, private sector representatives, and local communities aiming for innovative solutions to biodiversity conservation. The Alliance aims to unlock greater biodiversity financing through better tools to monitor and measure biodiversity. One such tool is a dashboard built by Yale University’s Map of Life, which showcases the results of the Acarai-Corentyne Corridor rapid inventory combined with advanced modeling of species across South America.

Crested Eagle are rare in tropical rainforests. Their presence is indicative of healthy pristine forests. Photo © Field Museum.

Though this landscape was unexplored scientifically, Indigenous experts from nearby communities have traveled its rivers and rapids for generations. Their input shaped much of the research, from the selection of campsites to the interpretation of results. “For an outside scientist like me, the biodiversity of this area was a real black box,” said botanist Dr. Nigel Pitman. “For local experts, its plants and animals are incredibly well known.”

New species of lizard to science found on the rapid inventory. Photo © Field Museum.

Expedition lead and ichthyologist Dr. Lesley de Souza noted, “the team discovered dozens of potential new species of fishes, some of which were only collected using a vine fishing technique suggested by Indigenous experts. The idea emerged after documenting ancient petroglyphs on a travel day, including some with fishing designs, and turned out to be far more effective than the typical research gear used by biologists.”

Residents of nearby Indigenous communities from the Waiwai, Wapishana and Trio peoples have norms for how often the technique is used–only for special occasions, and always with collective participation of the village–that help ensure sustainable use of natural resources. “The holistic perspective within this rich system of local ecological knowledge includes detailed observations of seasonal changes and the interrelations between species across habitat types built over generations,” said anthropologist Elliott Oakley. “That allows local communities to notice small variations in the forest, an important cultural asset that also holds great potential for collaborative approaches to research and conservation efforts.”

Ichthyologists Drs. Lesley de Souza and Donald Taphorn process a potentially new fish species to science at Camp Amuku on the Essequibo River. Photo © Field Museum

The findings bolster national proposals to expand Guyana’s system of protected areas, particularly in the country’s remote southeast. The Acarai–Corentyne Corridor is one of the last vast, intact forest landscapes on the planet—an ecological treasure now positioned to serve as a global model for climate-smart, community-driven conservation.

“Guyana is redefining what modern conservation looks like,” said Mr. Robert Persaud, Chair of the Protected Areas Commission Board of Directors. “Through cutting-edge research and inclusive partnerships, we are safeguarding natural capital for all Guyanese and for the world.”

Isaiah Ayaw of Masakenari Village utilized a Waiwai fish trap (“kamina”) to catch fish at Camp Monkey Jump Photo © Field Museum.

The inventory was supported by the Walder Foundation, Andes Amazon Fund, and Bobolink Foundation, alongside logistical and institutional backing from government agencies: Guyana Protected Areas Commission, Guyana Environmental Protection Agency, Guyana Defence Force, Office of the President. Key partners were Conservation International, Frankfurt Zoological Society, South Rupununi Conservation Society and University of Guyana.

 

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Tickets for all Guyana Amazon Warriors home fixtures in the 2025 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will go on sale from Tuesday July 29 at  08:00h.

The Warriors will take the field at Providence from September 6 to 14, looking for the support of their home crowd.

They are playing host to all other CPL franchises in what promises to be a thrilling week of world-class T20 cricket on home turf.

Secure your spot in the stands by visiting the Box Office at 233-234 Camp Street, Georgetown between 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday and between 9am and 1pm on Saturdays.

Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early as excitement builds for what is sure to be a blockbuster CPL season in Guyana.

The Warriors have already announced the retention of the ever-green Imran Tahir and the versatile Moeen Ali along with Guyanese superstars Romario Shepherd, Shimron Hetmyer and Gudakesh Motie.

​In addition to the five men’s group stage matches there are also double headers with the Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League included in the same ticket price to give fans even better value.

​Tickets for the CPL playoffs and Final will go on sale at the Box Office on Tuesday 12 August.

For further details and ticket purchases, visit www.cplt20.com.

Tickets will be on sale for the following matches:

Date	Time	Teams
Sat 6 Sept	2pm	GAW Women vs TKR Women
Sat 6 Sept	7pm	Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Trinbago Knight Riders
Sun 7 Sept	3pm	GAW women vs BR Women
Sun 7 Sept	8pm	Guyana Amazon Warriors vs St Kitts & Nevis Patriots
Wed 10 Sept	2pm	TKR Women vs BR women
Wed 10 Sept	7pm	Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Antigua & Barbuda Falcons
Sat 13 Sept	11am	Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Saint Lucia Kings
Sat 13 Sept	4pm	TKR Women vs GAW Women
Sun 14 Sept	2pm	BR Women vs GAW Women
Sun 14 Sept	7pm	Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Barbados Royals

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