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An 18-year-old man was arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of Reyna Depeazer, the 16-year-old girl who was struck by a stray bullet during a confrontation at Mango Lane, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown on Monday night.

Police Headquarters said the suspect, Travel Daniels Hammer, a resident of Trench Road, East La Penitence, was taken into custody around 01:00 hrs on Tuesday.

He was intercepted on Mandela Avenue in a Toyota fielder wagon, PYY 2896. That was the same vehicle that was reportedly used in the shooting.

Investigations revealed that Reyna and another teenager were sitting on a motorcycle liming, when the suspect allegedly pulled up in the vehicle, exited with a handgun, and approached another man who was also on a motorcycle nearby.

A verbal altercation reportedly ensued between the suspect and the man during which the suspect allegedly discharged a single round, Police said.

The bullet struck Reyna in the neck, causing her to collapse.

She was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

Depeazer succumbed to her injuries on Wednesday afternoon.

Following Hammer’s arrest, police conducted searches on his person, vehicle, and residence but were unable to recover the firearm used in the shooting.

Police said his hands were swabbed for gunpowder residue and the vehicle was impounded as the investigation continues.

Depeazer family is demanding justice. They are calling for a thorough investigation to be conducted in the shooting.

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Ben Stokes’ first five-wicket haul in eight years and a dizzying opening partnership gave England much the better of the second day of the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford.

Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett flayed some wayward India bowling at a rate of more than five an over in their stand of 166, taking a huge chunk out of the tourists’ 358.

For Crawley, 84 on the ground he made his career-highlight 189 against Australia two years ago was a welcome contribution. Duckett, the premier opener in the world, crunched 94.

Though they fell in the space of two overs, Ollie Pope and Joe Root were able to take England to 225-2, 133 behind.

Stokes claimed three of the six India wickets to fall on Thursday to end with 5-72, while Jofra Archer continued his comeback with 3-73.

England were superb with the ball, though they were partly held up by the bravery of Rishabh Pant.

Pant retired on day one with a suspected broken foot after being struck by Chris Woakes. In scenes of high drama, he hobbled down the stairs to resume his innings on 37 and nudged his way to 54 before Archer spectacularly uprooted his off stump.

Pant is not keeping wicket and India are yet to confirm his injury. It seems likely he will bat in the second innings, when the visitors look set for a battle to stay in the series.

Pant’s bravery fails to halt England surge

This day had a bit of everything, helped by conditions that gave something to bowlers and batters alike.

England were excellent and a little unlucky with the ball, led by the rejuvenated Stokes. Pant’s slow descent down the dressing-room steps produced a moment of pure theatre, then the way the home openers climbed into the India bowling was freewheeling Bazball.

At the end of it all, England have a platform from which they can win the series with a match to spare.

Pant’s return was as remarkable as it was unexpected. After a scan overnight, he arrived at the ground in a protective boot. Still, he was seen in the dressing room wearing his whites and, when Shardul Thakur became the second wicket of the day to fall, Pant limped to the middle.

Despite an understandable lack of foot movement, he faced 27 balls and even heaved Archer for six. India added 35 valuable runs while he was at the crease.

Only two teams have made more than India’s 358 batting first in a Test on this ground and gone on to lose, so their total looked competitive until England tucked in. (BBC)

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The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) welcomes the identification of a discrepancy in the Revised List of Electors (RLE) that is currently on display across the country to provide all stakeholders with the opportunity to check it for accuracy.

With specific reference to the concern that has been raised in the public domain in relation to the regrettable existence of an irregular registration transaction, GECOM is thankful to have the opportunity to take the remedial action which is statutorily permissible during the prescribed 21 days period for the display of the RLE.

Immediately upon being notified of the incorrectness, the GECOM Secretariat launched an internal investigation which revealed that the occurrence was due to non-compliance with established procedures at the level of the concerned registration offices, which involved accepting applications for a replacement ID Card and change of address, by a random person, using the registration particulars of a genuine registrant/elector. Having recognized by way of internal queries, that the registration records of a legitimate registrant/elector was altered with his involvement, the chief Election Officer instructed that the unlawful transactions be reversed. This was done. The replacement ID card that was prepared is still in the Commission’s possession. The Card will be destroyed.

An in-person discussion was held with the concerned registration officials as a result of which it was determined that (i) there was a breach of the standard operating procedures by registration staff throughout the system, and (ii) the staff who interacted with the person who visited the office to make the applications could not provide logical explanations for his actions in the matter. Consequently, the Police was invited to carry out investigations to determine whether actions of the concerned registration officials amount to a criminal offence.

GECOM takes this opportunity to publicly acknowledge that two erroneous transactions were conducted at one of its registration offices and in the same breath wish to assure all stakeholders, especially the bona fide registrant who was affected, that had the established registration procedures been followed the incorrectness would not have occurred. Insofar as the breach of procedures is concerned, the Commission is currently conducting an internal investigation to ensure that there is no recurrence.

Meanwhile, GECOM takes this opportunity to remind all concerned that the RLE is still on public display for scrutiny and urges all concerned to check it to ensure that their particulars are accurate. The RLE is currently being displayed at two (2) prominent locations in every registration division and sub-divisions as well as on GECOM’s website for public scrutiny until the 29th July, 2025. Should there be the discovery of any concern a report must be made forthwith to the respective registration office.

GECOM is committed to a transparent registration process that adheres strictly to the legal provisions and one in which all registration transactions conducted are scrutinized by representatives of the parliamentary political parties.

Against this backdrop, the Commission reassures all stakeholders that there are robust mechanisms in place to guard against errors and remains committed to ensuring that its operations are transparent, credible, free and fair and upholds the tenets of integrity and democracy. [GECOM Press Release]

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Shaka Phillips, known as ‘Concrete Man’, a 21-year-old labourer of Amelia’s Ward, Linden, has been remanded to prison after being charged with the murder of 26-year-old teacher Jenel Pollydore.

Phillips was arrested on Sunday last, hours after the crime, and appeared on Thursday before Senior Magistrate Rondel Weaver at the Linden Magistrate’s Court. The matter was heard virtually via Zoom.

The accused was not required to plead to the indictable charge. Bail was refused, and he was remanded to prison until August, 28 2025, when the case is set for disclosure.

Pollidore, a teacher from Lower Kara Kara, Mackenzie, Linden, was allegedly killed at Central Amelia’s Ward on 19th July. The shocking incident has rocked the close-knit Linden community, which has in recent months grappled with a worrying spate of violent crimes.

Local authorities have urged residents to remain calm and allow the investigation and court proceedings to take their course.

Phillips’ arrest came swiftly following the incident, with law enforcement acting on information provided by community members.

The matter remains under investigation as the police continue to gather evidence and statements ahead of the next court date.

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The National Identification Card is the primary and preferred form of identification that is used on Election Day to identify persons as the voters they claim to be when they turn up to vote. The presentation of his/her National Identification Card facilitates faster processing of the elector thereby reducing processing time for electors to vote, as well as the time other electors would have to wait in the queue to vote.

In this regard, GECOM takes this opportunity to notify all registrants who have conducted registration transactions but have not as yet uplifted their ID Cards to visit the Registration Office where they conducted registration transactions to uplift their respective ID cards.

The varying transactions for which ID cards were produced include applications for (i) registration, (ii) change of name, and (iii) or correction to particulars on ID Cards.

GECOM is in possession of ID cards from previous cycles of registration up to and including the Claims and Objections exercise that was conducted in June, 2025.

Identification Cards can be uplifted from the respective Registration Office during the following working hours:

Monday – Thursday

8:00hrs – 12:00hrs

13:00hrs – 16:30hrs

Friday

8:00hrs – 12:00hrs

13:00hrs – 15:30hrs

The Commission is also advising the concerned persons that they must visit the relevant Registration Office in person to uplift their ID Cards. [GECOM Press Release]

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A second local bank is moving to cut ties with candidates affiliated with Azruddin Mohamed’s political party, in a clear testimony that banks are not willing to put their business and that of other customers at risk by continuing to do business with those linked to Mohamed, who is sanctioned by the United States.

This follows revelation by Azruddin’s party itself that Demerara Bank is closing the accounts of at least five of its candidates.

Now, more candidates are expected to receive letters from another bank informing them that their accounts will be closed and services discontinued.

What is now known is that two candidates—Natasha Singh-Lewis and Duarte Hetsberger—are having their accounts shut down by Demerara Bank.

Azruddin Mohamed, a prominent businessman turned political leader, was sanctioned by OFAC for bribery and corruption.

Some WIN candidates face bank account closures

Legal experts say that while local banks are not directly bound by OFAC’s jurisdiction, they often comply to safeguard their correspondent banking relationships with U.S. institutions.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of the Treasury, on June 11, 2024 announced the imposition of sanctions against the Mohamed’s family, specifically targeting Nazar Mohamed, his son Azruddin Mohamed, and their businesses, namely Mohamed’s Enterprise, Hadi’s World and Team Mohamed’s Racing. These sanctions were connected to gold smuggling and corruption.

Because of these sanctions from the US body, business licences the Mohameds had were rescinded and their bank accounts were closed.

If an individual is sanctioned by OFAC, local banks face significant operational and legal consequences.

Banks must immediately block any assets or property belonging to the sanctioned individual that are within the bank’s possession or control, and they must also block transactions involving the sanctioned individual or entity.

This means freezing accounts, preventing transfers, and ceasing any dealings with the sanctioned party.

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With matches in the Essequibo zone in the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast set for only Sunday, July 27, the organisers believe it will be filled with action from morning to night.

Instead of the initially scheduled Saturday and Sunday, all the action will be on Sunday, with the hunt to crown the final zone champion.

Montra Jaguars (Berbice), Eccles All-Stars (East Bank Demerara/West Demerara), and Titans All-Stars (East Coast/ Georgetown) are the three-zone champions, and attention is now on who will fill the final spot.

Matches in Essequibo will be held on Saturday, July 26, at Pomona Ground and Hampton Court, while on Sunday, all the action moves to Anna Regina Ground.

The participating teams for the Essequibo zone are: Aurora Knight Riders, Team Evolution, Team Royals, Renegades Cricket Club, The United Crew, Mahdia (Movements Family), Matarkai CPG, Bartica Royals, Moruca Super Strikers, Queenstown (Ariel XI), Inevitable XI, Avinash All-Stars, and Essequibo Jaguars.

Adding to the excitement, admission to all venues throughout the tournament is free, and matches commence at 09:00h.

Beyond the bragging rights, significant financial rewards are also on offer. The zone champion will receive a handsome $300,000, while the runner-up will receive $100,000.

However, the stakes get even higher at the national final, where teams will vie for an additional $1.7 million grand prize.

The national runner-up will pocket $700,000 along with a trophy and medals, and 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 Construction, Demerara Mutual Life Insurance, Continental Transportation, and Environmental & Technical Solutions.

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England benefited from an injury to India’s Rishabh Pant on a hard-fought opening day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford.

Pant had scored 37 in an important stand with Sai Sudharsan when he attempted a reverse sweep at Chris Woakes and was struck on the right foot. After treatment on the field, Pant retired hurt.

The recalled Sudharsan was making England pay for wicketkeeper Jamie Smith’s drop until he hooked Ben Stokes to long leg for 61.

That left India 264-4 at the close, with the tourists waiting on the results of a scan on Pant’s injury.

England are looking for the win that would seal the series, and captain Stokes took two important wickets after again choosing to field on winning a fourth successive toss.

Under a near-constant cloudy sky and on a pitch that offered something throughout the day, India dug in – Yashasvi Jaiswal made a watchful 58, KL Rahul a typically correct 46.

England were arguably a touch short with the new ball, then improved after lunch.

Chris Woakes was rewarded for a fine spell by an edge off Rahul, left-arm spinner Liam Dawson struck with his seventh ball after eight years out of Test cricket to remove Jaiswal, and Stokes had opposing captain Shubman Gill lbw playing no stroke.

Sudharsan was put down on 20 and rebuilt with Pant, whose exit was a breakthrough England desperately needed, albeit in unfortunate circumstances for the India wicketkeeper. (BBC)

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Nicholas Johnson, known as ‘Suga,’ has been apprehended as the prime suspect in a murder that occurred in 2024. 

Johnson, 25, a laborer from Lot 90 Number 51 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, voluntarily visited the Criminal Investigation Department at the Springlands Police Station on Wednesday, accompanied by his attorney. This arrest was confirmed by Region Six Regional Commander, Shivpersaud Bacchus.

Commander Bacchus stated that Johnson was informed of the allegations against him, leading to his arrest and subsequent placement in custody.

The incident in question took place on February 20, 2024, at approximately 23:30 hrs, when Johnson allegedly stabbed Colen Toney, a 31-year-old laborer from Number 53 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

Reports indicate that the confrontation erupted over a dispute concerning a phone. What began as a verbal disagreement escalated, resulting in a physical altercation, after which Johnson fled the scene on a motorcycle. Toney was found on the ground, severely wounded and bleeding.

The victim was quickly transported to the Skeldon Public Hospital but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.

After evading law enforcement for several months, Johnson is now in custody and is expected to face charges imminently.

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The Demerara Cricket Board is proud to host the Independence T10 Cup, a thrilling and impactful fund-raising event on August 1 at the LBI Ground, dedicated to the development of young male and female cricketers at the inter-association level.

This exciting tournament not only promises entertaining cricket action, but also serves as a platform to nurture the next generation of cricketing talent in Guyana and beyond.

Mike’s Pharmacy, founded in 1986, is honoured to contribute to this important initiative, continuing its long-standing commitment to community development and youth empowerment. The pharmaceutical company has donated G$100,000 and 15 gate prize to the one day event.

Cricket holds a special place in the heart of the organisation, as the late founder Mr. Lakhram Singh was deeply passionate about the sport and actively involved in the cricketing community.

His legacy lives on through Mike’s Pharmacy’s continued support of sports, particularly cricket, which remains deeply embedded in the company’s history.

In supporting this fund-raiser, Mike’s Pharmacy reflects on the enduring principles of its founder and the powerful role that sports play in shaping young lives.

The company is proud to help create meaningful opportunities for youth and sees this contribution as a step toward strengthening the future of cricket in Guyana.

In addition to its community support, Mike’s Pharmacy is the sole distributor of Tynor Orthopaedics in Guyana and the Caribbean.

The company is especially excited to spotlight the Tynor Sports Range, a specialised line of athletic support and protection products designed to enhance performance and prevent injury.

This range includes knee, ankle, elbow and wrist supports- ideal for athletes and anyone with an active lifestyle.

Mike’s Pharmacy, located at 1 Blygezight, Bel Air, and 147 Regent and Albert Street, Bourda, Georgetown, also offers a wide selection of pain relief medications and sports vitamins, providing comprehensive support for injury recovery and overall wellness in sport.

Even more exciting, Mike’s Pharmacy will officially launch its online shopping platform on July 26, 2025. This new platform will allow customers to conveniently shop for health and wellness products from anywhere- delivered straight to their door in a fast, easy, and secure way.

Mike’s Pharmacy remains dedicated to serving the community and promoting health through sports, honouring the values of its founder and looking ahead to a future filled with opportunity and growth.

About the tournament

Eight first division teams from the county of Demerara will compete for top honours, with the format being a one game knockout.

The teams are Better Hope, Enterprise, Helena One and Two, Herstelling A, LBI, Lusignan, Meten-Meer-Zorg East and Transport Sports Club. Total cash prize of G$500,000 and trophies will be up grabs at the one day event.

While the teams will be represented by players within the respective associations, each team is allowed two guest players from other counties.

The champion team is guaranteed G$250,000 cash plus trophy; the runners-up G$150,000 and trophy, while the losing semi-finalists will be receive G$50,000 each. On the individual side, Man-of-the-Match in the semi-finals and final will receive a trophy.

Action will bowl off at 10:00h and conclude under floodlights, with patrons paying G$1,000 for admission to the venue. Apart from the on-field entertainment, fans can get lucky with several gate prizes to be won.

The tournament is sponsored by Ansa McAl Trading, Republic Bank, Mike’s Pharmacy, Ramchand Auto Spares, Survival Group Inc., Rid-O-Pes, Petama Enteprise, Premier Insurance, CIC Insurance Brokers (Guyana) Inc., L. Mahabeer and Son Cambio, Office Express, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Anil Beharry Real Estate, Construction and General Business Services and Naven’s Construction.

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