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In a festive atmosphere at a vibrant Albion Ground, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) held a grand T10 cricket match and family fun day on Sunday (July 6).

The exciting 10-over Tapeball game featured President Irfaan Ali, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr., Director of the Global Super League Jamie Stewart and several Guyana Amazon Warriors players.

President Irfaan Ali XI defeated Berbice XI by 28 runs in a high-scoring game, which was followed by a stage show featuring local artistes Simon Naidu, Vanita Willie, Sonia Singh, Elsa Lisa and Arjit Singh.

Click here to view more photos 

Below is a summary of the game.

PRESIDENT IRFAAN ALI XI 195-6 from 10 overs

Dwaine Pretorius 43* off 13 (4x4s, 4x6s)

Matthew Nandu 30* off 6 (4x6s, 1×4)

Jewel Andrew retired out 26 off 7 (4x6s)

Prasana Agaram 21 off 12 (1×4, 2x6s)

Johnson Charles 20 off 7 (3x6s)

Amir Jangoo 19* off 6 (1×4, 2x6s)

President Irfaan Ali retired out 10 off 8 (1×4)

Imran Tahir 10 off 3 (1×4, 1×6)

Jamie Stewart 1-17 (1)

Jonathon Foo 1-27 (1)

Zulfikar Mustapha 1-34 (1)

BERBICE XI 167-8 from 10 overs

Rampertab Ramnauth 54 off 13 (1×4, 8x6s)

Gudakesh Motie retired out 51 off 16 (8x6s)

Jonathon Foo retired out 31 off 17 (4x6s)

Johnson Charles 2-21 (1)

Prasana Agaram 2-27 (1)

Leon Johnson 1-18 (1)

At the conclusion of the game, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh and President of the Guyana Cricket Board Bissoondyal Singh assisted in the presentation of trophies to the Player-of-the-Match and champion team respectively.

For his all-rounder effort, Johnson Charles was adjudged Player-of-the-Match.

Quotes

Executive Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Zulfikar Mustapha: “This is generally the PPP’s objective to bring people together. We have thousands of people at this fun day and this is building up nicely for our elections campaign.”

Regional Vice-Chairman of Region Six, Zamal Hussain: “This is the first match that we’re playing here after we refurbished the entire ground, and this facility now can host international cricket. We have a large crowd here and this is testimony that Berbicians love their cricket.”

Regional Sports Officer of Region Six, Randy Mangru: “It’s a success to see the People’s Progressive Party/Civic government has invested in upgrading this ground and bringing to the level it is now. The entire facility has been upgraded and I’m so happy to see so many persons are out here today celebrating with the PPP/C and going with us into the 2025 elections.”

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West Indies coach Daren Sammy says there will be a serious discussion around Kraigg Brathwaite‘s position ahead of the Jamaica Test, while remaining hopeful that his struggling batting group can find a way to back up the performances of the fast bowlers following a series-conceding defeat to Australia in Grenada.

West Indies were bundled for 143 in the fourth innings, chasing 277 to win, on the fourth day with the margin of victory flattered slightly by Shamar Joseph’s late-innings hitting in the same manner it was in the first Test in Barbados.

The hosts’ top order was against steamrolled by Australia’s relentless fast-bowling cartel, slumping to 33 for 4 at lunch on the fourth day.

But while West Indies’ top-order struggles have mirrored Australia’s, the middle and lower-order were unable to rescue them as Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood ripped the game away in a six-over burst in the middle session to leave West Indies 99 for 7 and without a recognised batter left.

Sammy acknowledged that there was pressure on former captain Brathwaite, who is the only West Indies batter not to reach double-figures in the series to date.

His 100th Test was a forgettable one, with scores of just 0 and 7 following 4 and 4 in Barbados. Brathwaite averages 18.68 in his last 35 Test innings with just three half-centuries.

“He hasn’t looked good this series, and in a team where you are searching for performances, you get very close to say ‘okay, do we give somebody else a chance?’” Sammy said after the loss in Grenada.

“But we will really have a good discussion, myself, the selection group, and the captain himself, about that particular situation.”

Sammy conceded that it was a tough ask for his batting line-up to handle Australia’s attack on the two pitches that have been presented in the series so far and noted that most of the new-look line-up were at the start of a journey to becoming a more reliable Test batting unit.

But he cited the example of Steven Smith in terms of how to make technical adaptations on a difficult surface to have success.

“But I do understand the journey that I took on, and Rome is not going to be built in a day. So a little bit of patience, a little bit of reality as to where we are at is something that we are aware of, and then continue to put in the work.

“The way the guys have bought into what we’re trying to do, yes, the results have not shown, but some of the attitudes that are changing and understanding what we’re trying to do, it gives me hope.”

Sammy said there was a need for first-class pitches in the Caribbean to be better so that West Indies could produce some stronger batting stocks for Test cricket.

“It’s hard to produce the quality of batters that we want to compete,” Sammy said.

“When you look at the surfaces that we play on, it’s hard. If you look at all the averages, we barely have guys averaging 40-plus in [first-class] cricket. Those type of pitches, it doesn’t allow you to come up technically sound, because you’re really unsure. There’s always doubt. And in an ideal world, you want to see our guys perform because of, not in spite of.

“It’s something myself, the director of cricket, the franchise system, we’ve looked at very, very closely in trying to change that, trying to send the head groundsmen all over, trying to get the sort of wickets that allow batters to trust their techniques and stuff like that. And we also have some probably technical deficiencies that carry on from the Under-19, the youth level up to the national team.

“In spite of all of that, we still find ourselves in positions to win and compete, and that’s where you will need more of the mental toughness of the game to restrict you from getting too ahead of your stroke-play and show a little bit more fight and understand that we are playing against the No. 1 team, and be a little tighter, and when opportunities present to score then we do that.” (ESPNcricinfo)

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Wiaan Mulder, captaining South Africa for the first time in only his 21st Test, posted the fifth-highest individual Test score by blasting an unbeaten 367 off 334 balls in Bulawayo against Zimbabwe.

But Mulder, only 33 runs away from Brian Lara‘s 21-year world-record score of 400*, from St. John’s in 2004, declared at lunch with South Africa on 626-5 on the second day of day two.

Click to view scorecard

Along the way, Mulder also became the 29th Test cricketer and only the second South African- after Hashim Amla (311*) in 2012- to score a triple-century.

Ending day one at 264*, Mulder brought up his triple century off 297 balls in the first hour of the second day, the second-fastest after Virender Sehwag’s 278-ball effort (vs South Africa in 2008).

From there, Mulder scored his next 67 runs in only 37 balls in No. 7 Kyle Verreynne’s company.

Once Mulder went past Len Hutton‘s 364 and Garfield Sobers‘ 365* before lunch, he was in the top five with only Mahela Jayawardene (374), Lara (375), Matthew Hayden (380) and Lara (400*) ahead of him.

Mulder’s runs came at breakneck speed and comprised 49 fours and four sixes. His innings strike-rate of 109.88 is now the best among all triple-centurions.

He is also the first South African captain to score a Test triple-century as he is standing in for the injured Keshav Maharaj. (ESPNcricinfo)

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Justice Winston Charles Anderson was officially sworn in on Sunday as the fourth President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), marking a significant new chapter in the region’s judicial journey.

The inauguration, held in Jamaica, also served as a celebration of the CCJ’s 20th anniversary, honouring two decades of advancing Caribbean justice, sovereignty, and integration.

In his inaugural address, Justice Anderson reflected on the long road that led him from humble beginnings in rural Saint Ann, Jamaica, to the highest level of regional judicial leadership. He paid tribute to his predecessors for laying a solid foundation on which the Court continues to build.

“The [CCJ] has produced hundreds of cases to guide conduct between and within member states.

“These judgments have been examined, scrutinised, praised, and critiqued. They comprise a record against which the promise and performance of the Court are measured. Most fundamentally, the decisions of the Court have begun to shape how we, the Caribbean people, live our lives and how we see ourselves. It has been an honour to contribute to that process,” Justice Anderson said.

Throughout his career, Justice Anderson has held several distinguished roles. His academic journey took him from the University of the West Indies to Cambridge University. He has served as General Counsel to the CARICOM Secretariat, a senior law lecturer, and an influential policy advisor. In 2010, he became both the first Jamaican and the youngest judge ever appointed to the CCJ.

Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andre Holness, Governor – general of Jamaica, Patrick Allen, the Fourth President of the CCJ, Justice Winston Anderson and the outgoing Third President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders.

Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, hailed the inauguration as a historic moment filled with promise.
“We offer our full support and best wishes to Justice Winston Anderson as he assumes this noble role.

“May the Caribbean Court of Justice continue to rise as both guardian of our regional legal tradition and a bold, visionary force shaping the future of justice in our region,” the Prime Minister stated.

The ceremony also honoured outgoing CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders, whose distinguished legal career spans 48 years — including two decades of service at the CCJ, seven of which he served as its third President. Under his stewardship, the Court developed its first strategic plans (in 2012 and 2019), enhanced its administrative systems, expanded public engagement, and maintained operational stability through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his farewell remarks, Justice Saunders expressed deep appreciation for his judicial journey and offered his full support to Justice Anderson as he steps into the leadership role.

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Presidential hopeful Azruddin Mohamed is facing backlash after Toshao Kevin Seegolam of Wikki Calcuni in the Berbice River claimed the United States sanctioned businessman forced his way into the community on Sunday, without permission, sparking a confrontation during a village sports day.

Seegolam told the News Room on Sunday night that Mohamed and a group of about a dozen supporters including Mark Defrance of a New and United Guyana (ANUG) turned up uninvited while villagers were enjoying the day’s activities.

“They were not invited. I asked them to leave — they refused,” Seegolam said bluntly.

A viral video shows a tense moment in which Seegolam grabs a flag from one of Mohamed’s supporters and stomps on it. He explained the move, saying a supporter was waving the flag aggressively in his face.

“It was unacceptable. They came here to push their agenda and ignored our rules,” the Toshao insisted.

Under Guyana’s laws, the Amerindian Act of 2006, anyone — especially political figures — must first seek permission from the Village Council to enter Indigenous communities for political work.

“He [Mohamed] never sought permission, never got permission, and still refused to leave when told,” Seegolam said.

The Toshao said if Mohamed had done things properly, it could have been different: “Any political person who wants to come must do it the right way — write to the Council, get approval. Don’t bully your way in.”

Most of Mohamed’s supporters who accompanied him, Seegolam claimed, were outsiders. “It wasn’t our people — they brought in people from outside,” he said.

In a repeated appeal, Seegolam urged all politicians to respect Indigenous communities: “If you want to campaign here, respect us. Seek permission and follow the law. Don’t just show up and expect to do as you please.”

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APNU Sunday night launched its campaign, seeking to win votes at the September 1 general elections by promising bigger pay packets and cash grants.

A wave of green formed in Georgetown for the launch of APNU’s campaign at the Square of the Revolution and Norton, the presidential candidate, did his signature slow bounce dance move to Busy Signal’s “Happy Birthday” – well, because it was his birthday.

And with that bounce, he stepped into defensive mode, addressing the dwindling top brass of the PNC, which has seen the exodus of popular members, such as Parliamentarians Amanza Walton-Desir, Jermaine Figueira, Natasha Singh-Lewis, and Geeta Chandan-Edmond.

“Those who believe that we are dead, they are mistaken… We are a strong political force,” Norton said.

With that rallying cry, Norton is pushing on to seek office.

Some of APNU’s candidates for the 2025 elections (Photo: News Room/ Shaconeil Burnette/ July 6, 2025)

APNU is essentially the PNC party led by Aubrey Norton, though it boasts of being a Coalition by virtue of being propped up by several small parties which themselves do not have any decent number of followers to win garner any seats in the 65-seat National Assembly. The party with a majority of seats wins the seat of government.

So, what are the big promises from APNU to be elected to government?

• A 35% salary increase for government workers
• An increased income tax threshold, moving it to $400,000
• Giving a monthly $50,000 stipend to each student pursuing post-secondary studies
• An increase in the old-age pension to $100,000
• A cash grant to every child of $120,000 annually

And as if on cue for criticisms that those promises sound too good to be true, an animated Ganesh Mahipaul, a sure lead candidate for APNU, defended these plans, saying Guyana is earning enough money from oil production to cover the big money promises.

“All of these are possible because we have more [oil production vessels] coming on stream..,” Mahipaul told the crowd.

Prime Ministerial Candidate Juretha Fernandes also boasted that APNU would build new highways connecting the coast and hinterland and create “thousands of jobs” by granting small contracts for road and housing development to small contractors. She said too APNU would revamp the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme so that graduates can be more job-ready.

Lawyer Ronald Daniels, gospel singer Saiku Andrews, and youth leader Eden Corbin are among the new faces in the party.

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With Nomination Day for elections fast approaching, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is reminding political parties and independent candidates of the constitutional qualifications required for election to the National Assembly—particularly with regard to dual citizenship.

In a statement issued Sunday night, GECOM emphasised that only individuals who meet the specific constitutional criteria can be nominated or elected as Members of Parliament (MPs).

To qualify, a person must:
• Be a citizen of Guyana;
• Be at least 18 years old;
• Be registered as an elector;
• Be able to speak and read English well enough to take part in parliamentary proceedings.

Importantly, Article 155(1)(a) of the Constitution of Guyana states that:
“No person shall be qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly who is, by virtue of his or her own act, under any acknowledgment of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state.”

This provision explicitly disqualifies individuals holding dual citizenship from serving in the National Assembly. GECOM warns that any List of Candidates containing the name of a dual citizen would be deemed defective.

In addition, Article 155(1)(d) outlines further disqualifications for candidacy. Individuals holding or acting in certain public offices are not eligible, including:
• Judges of the Supreme Court of Judicature,
• Members of the Public Service Appellate Tribunal,
• Members of the Elections Commission, Judicial Service Commission, Public Service Commission, Teaching Service Commission, or Police Service Commission,
• The Director of Public Prosecutions,
• The Ombudsman, and
• The Auditor General.

GECOM is urging all election contestants to exercise due diligence when preparing their Lists of Candidates to ensure full compliance with constitutional requirements and to avoid the rejection of any lists on technical grounds.

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The Guyana Press Association (GPA) has joined the regional media fraternity in mourning the passing of acclaimed journalist and columnist Rickey Singh, who died at his home in Barbados on Saturday. He was 89.

Born in Guyana in 1935, Singh’s journalism career spanned more than six decades and left an indelible mark on Caribbean media. He published his first story in 1957 for the Guiana Graphic and quickly rose through the ranks, moving from general assignments to become one of the region’s foremost political reporters and commentators.

Singh’s incisive reporting and fearless columns addressed politics, governance, and social issues across the Caribbean. He was widely respected for his balanced, sharp analyses that helped shape public discourse from Georgetown to Bridgetown.

Over the years, Singh contributed to numerous wire services and publications throughout the region, including Guyana Chronicle, Barbados Nation, Jamaica Gleaner, and Trinidad Guardian. His voice also reached global audiences through the BBC Caribbean Report and the Caribbean News Agency (CANA), as well as other outlets in North America and Britain.

In recognition of his outstanding service to Caribbean journalism, Singh was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of the West Indies (UWI) for his lifelong contribution to regional affairs. In 2023, he was also honoured in his native Guyana with a Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his enduring legacy in media.

Beyond his prolific writing, Singh was instrumental in advocating for regional media collaboration. He was a founder and the first President of the now-defunct Caribbean Association of Media Workers (CAMWORK), which aimed to strengthen ties among journalists and promote press freedom across the Caribbean.

Tributes have poured in from colleagues and institutions across the region, many describing Singh as a trailblazer whose dedication and integrity inspired generations of Caribbean journalists.

The GPA, in a statement, extended heartfelt condolences to Singh’s family, friends and colleagues, describing him as “a true giant of Caribbean journalism who gave voice to the region’s stories and struggles for more than sixty years.”

Singh is survived by his wife and children. Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.

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The Guyana Prize for Literature Awards returned in grand fashion on Friday evening, with a formal yet intimate ceremony hosted at the Pegasus Corporate Building in Kingston, Georgetown. The evening marked not only a celebration of literary talent but also the Prize’s continued evolution since its revival in 2023.

In a light-hearted moment, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, who delivered remarks during the event, joked that the ceremony had “set another record by finishing before 10:30 p.m.”

Originally established in 1987 by the Government of Guyana, the Guyana Prize for Literature was created to recognise and reward outstanding literary talent among Guyanese writers, both local and abroad. After several years of inactivity — including an unawarded call for entries in 2017 — the Prize has been revamped to include more inclusive categories, an annual schedule, and electronic submissions, making participation more accessible to a wider range of writers.

Spotlight on the Junior Categories
In the Junior Poetry and Short Story segments, the judges noted a mix of raw talent and emerging literary voices. While some poems lacked refinement — displaying clichés, forced metaphors, or limited use of literary devices — the panel encouraged young poets to write shorter, more focused pieces, particularly those influenced by spoken word.

Junior Poetry Winners:
1st: Jessica Persaud – Aphrodite
2nd: Jenatta Holder – Pink Heart Girl
3rd: Mortimer Duke – Born to Live, First to Die

In Junior Short Story, judges praised the authors’ ability to evoke character and emotion within a limited word count. Themes ranged from folklore and social alienation to religion and childhood trauma, though many relied too heavily on familiar tropes.

Junior Short Story Winners:
Best Story: Janae Bristol – Life Is a Coconut Tree
2nd Prize: Italy Ton-Chung – De Backdam Life
3rd Prize: Jessica Persaud – The Stranger I Became

The judges urged more junior entries in future years and called for nationwide awareness of the Prize in all regions. “To be a writer, you must write,” the panel reminded, especially in an age where technology, including AI, can mimic — but not replace — the human voice.

Senior Categories Show Growing Diversity

Fiction
Submissions ranged from debut works to moralistic texts. Judges emphasised the need for stronger plotting, distinct narrative voices, and more refined storytelling.

Winners – Fiction:
Best Book: Oonya Kempadoo – Nanki
2nd Prize: David Dabydeen – Sweet Li Jie
3rd Prize: Berkley Semple – Kipling Plass
Best First Book: Berkley Semple – Kipling Plass
Special Prize for Young Adult Fiction: Abigail Persaud-Cheddie – Ixora Mara, Sourhouse

Senior Poetry
Judges remarked on the lack of refinement in several entries but celebrated the potential of new and emerging poets.

Winners – Senior Poetry:
1st Prize: Jessica Persaud – Aphrodite
2nd Prize: Jenatta Holder – Pink Heart Girl
3rd Prize: Mortimer Duke – Born to Live, Forced to Die

Writers were encouraged to continue developing their voices, seek workshops, and embrace feedback.

Drama
The drama submissions explored themes such as domestic violence, interracial trauma, and social realism. Judges noted a tendency towards stereotypical characters and urged playwrights to allow audiences space for reflection and credibly earned dramatic conclusions.

Winners – Drama:
Best Full-Length Play: Kenneth Puddicombe – The Last Straw
2nd Prize: Darren McAlmont – Ole House Pon’ Ole House
3rd Prize: Keon Heywood – Guyana Legend: The Journey to El Dorado

Non-Fiction
As a relatively new category, the judges celebrated the enthusiasm of entrants and encouraged more narrative clarity and a stronger focus on storytelling structure.

Winners – Non-Fiction:
Best Book: Kenneth Puddicombe – Pages From a Notebook: Slices of Life Along the Road to Writing
2nd Prize: Daniella Chase – Becoming Bolder With Every Step
3rd Prize: Baytoram Ramharack – One, One Dutty Build a Village in Guyana
Honourable Mention: Tazenia Joseph – My Wish to Explore Guyana

Historic Milestone for Kenneth Puddicombe
The night marked a historic achievement for Kenneth Puddicombe, who became the first person to win the Guyana Prize in three categories: Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Drama. Excerpts from the first-place winners’ work were performed at the ceremony by members of the National Drama Company and Kreative Arts.

As the Guyana Prize for Literature approaches its 40th anniversary in 2027, the ceremony served as a renewed call to writers — young and old, emerging and established — to keep the flame of Guyanese storytelling burning bright.

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As part of the Guyana Literature Prize Festival 2025, a vibrant programme of events—including poetry masterclasses and reading sessions by prize-winners—was held at the Castellani House compound in Georgetown.

On Saturday, Kenneth Puddicombe, one of the winners, attended a session where he read from and discussed the theme of his award-winning play, The Last Straw.

The piece is set in the heart of Georgetown in 1991 and explores domestic turmoil, delving into the harrowing realities of an abusive relationship as witnessed by the protagonist. The narrative centres on a housewife bearing the visible scars of her suffering, encapsulating the silent struggles endured behind closed doors.

Kenneth Puddicombe (right) during his reading on Saturday.

To the viewer’s dismay, however, the conflict is public, as onlookers observe the couple’s quarrel. Puddicombe’s compelling storytelling earned him the Best Drama award, highlighting the play’s profound impact on audiences.

In the realm of fiction, Berkley Wendell Semple’s Kipling Plass secured third place in the Fiction category. Born in Mahaicony and having migrated to the United States at 13 years old, Semple channels his deep-rooted connection to Guyana into his writing.

The novel portrays a young man’s journey through a tumultuous family dynamic, grappling with childhood traumas and the complexities of identity. Set against the backdrop of 1980s Guyana, the story is a heartfelt exploration of resilience and self-discovery.

In the Poetry category, Jamal Gavin La Rose’s Harvest of Gilead stands out as a profound collection composed over several years. La Rose intertwines historical events from Guyana and the broader world, juxtaposing them with contemporary themes. He said his intent is to invite readers to derive personal meaning from his work.

Jamal Gavin La Rose reading to the audience on Saturday.

“I say my task as a poet is to put my mind into the truths within my reality, the beauty and significance of which is for you to decide based on your reality,” he said.

Emerging poet Jamella Chesney earned a joint third place with La Rose for her piece Mama Said No Back Chat, which delves into the lived experiences of girls in Caribbean households. Drawing inspiration from Jamaica Kincaid’s Girl, Chesney’s piece reflects on the cultural expectations placed upon young girls, touching on themes of obedience, propriety, and societal roles.

Jamella Chesney (right) read her poems to the audience on Saturday.

In the Drama category, Darren McAlmont’s Ol House Pon Ol House presents a narrative based on the Guyanese saying about moving from one challenging situation to another, equally bad or worse. The play addresses complex themes such as racism, domestic violence, betrayal, sexuality, and invisible disabilities, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of human experiences.

Darren Mc Almont during his reading on Saturday.

These performances and readings at the Castellani House compound revealed a rich tapestry of Guyanese creativity and storytelling that confronts pain, celebrates identity, and challenges readers to find their own meaning in each piece.

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