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[Jamaica Gleaner] – Four CARICOM member states will implement full free movement of nationals by October 1, 2025, marking a major step forward in regional integration under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

They are Barbados, Belize, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Dominica.

The announcement was made by CARICOM Chairman and Jamaican Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness during the closing news conference of the 49th Regular Meeting of the CARICOM Conference of Heads of Government in Montego Bay.

“We agreed that the pace and scope of implementation [were] just too slow, and we agreed that we will do everything in our power to speed up implementation,” Holness said.

Holness said the four nations reiterated their willingness to implement full free movement under the Protocol on Enhanced Cooperation, which all CARICOM members signed.

Full free movement within CARICOM allows for the free movement of skilled nationals, services, capital, and the right to establish businesses or offer services in other participating member states without restrictions. The free movement of skilled nationals means that qualified workers can seek employment in other member states without needing work permits.

Holness said Jamaica remains committed to the goal and is working to overcome its own internal constraints.

“I want to make clear that Jamaica remains committed to implementing full free movement in accordance with the treaty amendments, and we are also examining ways to speed up our own implementation,” he stated.

Explaining Jamaica’s slower progress, he noted: “Due to our legislative framework and other considerations, we have had to move with greater consideration. However, it is our intention to speed up the implementation of full free movement.”

The Prime Minister also announced that CARICOM leaders agreed to expand the list of approved skilled categories under the CSME regime.

“Aviation personnel have been added to the list, and it is worth noting that Jamaica contributed three new occupations: photogrammetry, field maintenance personnel, and aircraft maintenance personnel,” he said.

The Protocol on Enhanced Cooperation, signed in 2023, aims to eliminate the need for work permits or skills certificates for nationals moving across CARICOM borders.

The October rollout in four countries is expected to serve as a key test case for full free movement across the region, part of CARICOM’s broader 2030 agenda for deeper economic and social integration.

Holness also called for better governance and implementation structures across the Community.

“The reality is that our operations must be more agile and fit for purpose as we seek to deliver outcomes for our community in more efficient and timely ways,” he said.

Progress will be reviewed at the upcoming CARICOM–Africa Summit in Ethiopia this September.

 

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Former West Indies captain Chris Gayle has criticised South Africa’s stand-in captain Wiaan Mulder for not going after Brian Lara’s record of the highest individual Test score earlier this week, when he declared on 367 not out against Zimbabwe.

Gayle, a former team-mate of Lara, said Mulder “maybe panicked” and made an “error” by not chasing the “once in a lifetime opportunity.”

“If I could get the chance to get 400, I would get 400,” Gayle told talkSPORT. “That doesn’t happen often. You don’t know when you’re going to get to a triple-century again. Any time you get a chance like that, you try and make the best out of it.”

Mulder said he did this out of respect for Lara’s record and Gayle accepted that, to an extent: “But he was so generous and said he wanted the record to stay with Brian Lara. Maybe he panicked, he didn’t know what to do in that situation.

“Come on, you’re on 367, automatically you have to take a chance at the record. If you want to be a legend… how are you going to become a legend? Records come with being a legend.

Mulder, 27, was playing only his 21st Test, against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo where South Africa were put in to bat.

Mulder went out at No. 3 in the 10th over of the innings and Zimbabwe were unable to dismiss him in the 334 balls he faced, of which 49 were stuck for fours and four for sixes.

He was unbeaten on 264 at the end of the first day and not far from Lara’s record on 367 when the teams took lunch, but South Africa never returned to bat as they had declared.

“I think it was an error from his side, not to try and go to get it,” Gayle said.

“We don’t know if he would go on and get it or not. But he declared on 367 and he said what he had to say. But listen, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to get 400 runs in a Test match. Come on, youngster, you’ve blown it big time.”

Gayle further said the quality of the opposition did not matter in such records.

“It’s the same cricket, Test cricket,” Gayle said. “Sometimes you can’t even get one run against a team like Zimbabwe, if you want to put it that way.

It doesn’t matter, the opponent, if you get a hundred against any team, that’s a Test century. If you get a double or triple, 400, that’s Test cricket. That’s the ultimate game.

“Like I said, he panicked and he blundered, straight up.”

Much of the cricket world has been debating the event, and a question was even put to England’s Ben Stokes at the press conference ahead of the Lord’s Test. Would he have declared on a batter so close to the record?

“As captain, you’d rather do it to yourself than the captain pulling out on a groundbreaking day,” Stokes said. “I think he said something about how it should stay with Brian. He’s not going to get that opportunity again. They got the win, which obviously is the big thing that counts.” (ESPNcricinfo)

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Christian Horner has been sacked as Red Bull team principal after 20 years in the role.

The 51-year-old has been in charge of the Formula 1 team since its inception in 2005, leading them to eight drivers’ championship and six constructors’ championship titles.

The dismissal follows months of declining form for the team and internal disputes at the highest level.

It also comes 17 months after Horner was accused of sexual harassment and coercive, controlling behaviour by a female employee.

Horner was twice cleared of the claims, firstly after an internal investigation conducted by an independent lawyer, then by another independent lawyer who dismissed the complainant’s appeal.

“Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today,” the team’s parent company, Red Bull GmBH, said in a statement on Wednesday.

While Horner has been removed from his role, it has not been made clear if he has formally departed the company, or if a settlement or severance is yet in place.

The Englishman will be replaced as team principal and chief executive of Red Bull Racing by Laurent Mekies, who has been promoted from second team Racing Bulls.

The 48-year-old Frenchman had been in the role since the start of the 2024 season and was previously racing director for Ferrari.

Englishman Alan Permane, 58, has been promoted to team principal of Racing Bulls from his position as racing director.

Under Horner, Sebastian Vettel won the drivers’ championship from 2010-2013, with Max Verstappen winning the past four titles.

“We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,” added Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s chief executive of corporate projects and investments.

“With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1.

“Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”

Horner’s dismissal comes amid uncertainty about the future of star driver Verstappen, 27.

The four-time world champion is under contract to Red Bull until 2028 but is being courted by Mercedes to potentially join them for next season.

Red Bull have won only two races this season, with McLaren taking over their position as the team to beat.

Their decline began in the middle of last season; while Verstappen won his fourth straight world title, he won only twice in the final 14 races. (BBC)

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The Guyana Police Force is hunting for 34-year-old Brian Semple, known as ‘Big Face’, who is wanted for the brutal murder of 18-year-old Jerroy Gordon at #40 Village, West Coast Berbice. The fatal attack occurred on the night of July 3, 2025.

According to reports, Jerroy and his 16-year-old brother Jerry were returning home on a motorcycle after buying food when they were ambushed a short distance from their home. Jerry recounted that one of the attackers ran across the road with a rope, forcing them off the motorcycle. Both brothers fell to the ground, and when Jerry looked back, he saw several men charging at them armed with cutlasses. Fearing for his life, Jerry ran to Litchfield to alert relatives, only returning to the scene later to find his brother critically wounded.

Jerroy was rushed to the Fort Wellington Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. He had sustained a deep wound to his neck and other injuries. Investigators revealed that Jerroy had previous disputes with some of the suspects earlier this year—a matter that was before the court but has since concluded.

Region Five Commander Lonsdale Withrite confirmed that several individuals have already been detained for questioning as investigations continue. However, Brian Semple, whose last known address is Lot 26, #40 Village, West Coast Berbice, remains on the run.

Police are urging anyone with information about Semple’s whereabouts to come forward. Citizens are asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 225-6940, 225-8196, 226-7476, 225-2317, 227-1149, or to report to the nearest police station. The Guyana Police Force’s Corporate Communications Unit is encouraging the public to assist in ensuring that Semple is arrested and brought before the court to answer for this crime.

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The campaign manager for Azruddin Mohamed’s newly formed political party, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), has been forced to backpedal after posting animated images online that have sparked widespread criticism for their perceived racial undertones.

On Tuesday morning, Odessa Primus, who manages WIN’s campaign activities, shared two photos depicting children appearing hungry and begging for food with bowls in hand. The images prominently feature a flag in the party’s colours and its official symbol. One of the images shows a lighter-skinned child standing in the centre with folded hands, surrounded by other children.

While Primus clarified her intent in sharing the images, but many social media users slammed them as distasteful and divisive, suggesting they carry an implied racial message about poverty.

Primus distanced herself from the content, claiming: “I do not like the message the images seem to be implying. Not for any political campaign would I create it nor approve its creation.”

Despite this, the original images remain on her page and continue to circulate widely. WIN has issued a brief statement insisting it bears no responsibility for the images.

The incident comes as WIN attempts to build legitimacy amid questions surrounding its leadership.

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The atmosphere was electric at the El Dorado Rum National 8-Ball Team Championship as the Butcher Big Boyz claimed a stunning victory over the Suicide Squad, showcasing their skill and strategy in a nail-biting final on July 6.

The championship, which took place at Butchers Chill Spot, culminated in a memorable showdown that highlighted the prowess of the participants and the spirit of camaraderie within the cue sports community.

The final match saw both teams displaying extraordinary talent and composure, but it was the Butcher Big Boyz who ultimately triumphed, securing their place as champions of this prestigious tournament.

Suicide Squad captured the runner-up spot

Their expert gameplay and teamwork proved too much for the Suicide Squad, solidifying their reputation in the tournament.

In the closely contested semi-finals, Team Predators and Chief Pool Club claimed third place, rounding out the tournament’s competitive spirit. Both teams demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill, garnering respect from their peers and fans alike.

Team Predators (top) and Chief Pool Club (bottom) claimed third place

“On behalf of the Cue Sports Association, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors whose generous investment has made this event possible. Their unwavering support for the sport we all cherish is invaluable. We would like to thank: Mix and Mingle Berbice, KM Technology, WM Services, KBS Electrical, Suraj Sports Bar, Sunil and Son Pool Bar, Jason Pool Bar, Butcher’s Chill Spot, D&L Sports Bar, Embassy American Style Sports Bar and Geo Enviro Support Services,” the Cue Sports Association said in a press release.

“We would also like to offer a special thank you to our title sponsors, El Dorado Rum, for their commitment to promoting cue sports and for helping us bring this thrilling competition to life.”

Raveena Mangal, El Dorado Brand Executive, shared, “It’s been wonderful to see the camaraderie, good sportsmanship, and community spirit throughout the tournament; values that El Dorado is proud to support. Thank you to everyone who came out, participated, and joined us for the promotions.”

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Digicel has announced the immediate closure of its Caribbean-wide news platform Loop News and revealed plans to wind down regional sports broadcaster SportsMax by August 8.

In a statement on Tuesday, the telecommunications giant said the move is part of a strategic pivot from consumer-facing media to scalable, enterprise-grade services within Digicel Business.

“This is a strategic repositioning to ensure Digicel is best placed to deliver secure, scalable services for the future,” said Liam Donnelly, Group Chief Business Officer.

“While we are proud of the legacy of SportsMax and Loop News, we are now focused on where we can create the greatest value for our customers and the communities we serve.”

It noted that impacted staff had already been advised and that transition support would be provided in line with local labour laws.

SportsMax, launched in 2002, featured local, regional, and international premier sporting content.

It is also hailed for helping to forge the careers of many successful on-air and behind-the-scenes talents.

Similarly, Loop News, founded in 2014, quickly became a trusted source of news, winning several awards and building an engaged community of readers and viewers.

Digicel says its new focus will centre on Trend Media and the recently acquired Symptai, allowing it to offer an expanded suite of ICT services, including cloud, cybersecurity, digital advertising, and compliance.

These offerings, it noted, will be supported by strategic partnerships and a growing demand for end-to-end managed solutions across the region.

“We extend our gratitude to the teams behind these brands and to the audiences who welcomed them into their lives,” Donnelly said.

“Their work has left a lasting mark, and we thank them for it. Likewise, we would like to thank the readers and viewers of Loop News and SportsMax for spending time with us over the years. It’s been a privilege to inform and entertain you.” (Jamaica Gleaner)

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Alfred Mekdeci has resigned as President of the Cue Sports Association Guyana after a successful 18-month tenure that established the nation’s first official billiards body.

Mekdeci, a key figure in the sport’s development within Guyana, oversaw the association’s formation and has been credited with significantly boosting the profile of cue sports nationwide.

During his time in charge, Mekdeci spearheaded the introduction of national championships to raise playing standards and increase participation at a structured level.

Players and enthusiasts have acknowledged his dedication to fostering a stronger cue sports community in Guyana.

“It has been an honour to serve as the first president of the Cue Sports Association,” Mekdeci said in a statement.

“I am immensely proud of the progress we have made and I am confident that the association is on a strong path for future success. The time is right for new leadership to take the association forward with fresh perspectives.”

Steven Persaud, a long-standing member of the cue sports fraternity in Guyana who has been involved with the association since its inception, is taking over as acting president.

Persaud expressed his gratitude for Mekdeci’s work and his optimism for the future.

“Alfred has built a fantastic foundation, and I am privileged to be taking on this role,” Persaud commented.

“My focus will be on continuing to grow cue sports in Guyana, attracting new players to the game, and building on the momentum we have.”

The Cue Sports Association Guyana will now look to this new chapter with anticipation, hoping to build on the foundations laid by Mekdeci and further elevate the sport both domestically and on the international stage.

Mekdeci will continue his involvement in the sport by hosting a new annual 9-Ball Championship, titled “King of the Slate,” scheduled to begin in August.

This event is expected to draw talented players from across Guyana and further fuel interest in cue sports within the region.

Details regarding the championship dates and registration will be released in due course.

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Lisa Persaud, a single mother and teacher, is pleading for justice nearly a year after her 16-year-old son, Kaden Persaud, was attacked and left with severe head injuries in Kingelly, West Coast Berbice.

Kaden, a student of the Rosignol Secondary School, was beaten by two males, including a 15-year-old. The October 2024 assault left him with a gaping wound to the head which required 42 stitches and ongoing physical and emotional trauma.

An emotional Lisa spoke with the News Room on Tuesday about the toll the incident has taken on her son.

“My son is the one left suffering because since this incident has happened my son has become a very agitated person, he is withdrawn, he is no longer his jolly-happy self that he was prior to this incident,” Lisa explained.

According to Lisa, one week prior to her son being attacked, the 15-year-old was involved in a fight outside a math lesson in Rosignol.

“My son and other children were coming out of the lesson, my son ended up getting push down due to scuffle, so what the 15-year-old is claiming is that my son and him are village men and my son should have rendered assistance to him,” Lisa told the News Room.

A week later, while staying with his grandmother in Kingelly Village, Kaden was sent to collect bread from the front of the road and on his way, he encountered the 15-year-old and the other suspect.

“Now I don’t know if he [15-year-old] felt bad he get beat up or whatever, but the Saturday while he [Kaden] was walking he said he saw these two boys passing and turned back and came down the street towards him. He [Kaden] said he put his head down in his phone and he continued to walk, he said he wanted to laugh because he remembered the 15-year-old get beat up and the 15-year-old came up to him and started chucking him,” Lisa explained.

Lisa Persaud and her son Kaden

This escalated when the two males picked up a piece of wood and started to beat Kaden.

“They picked up a piece of wood and hit him thrice in the head and once across his back. They kicked him and left him there,” Lisa recounted.

Despite being in and out of consciousness, Kaden managed to stumble back to his grandmother’s house, where he collapsed and brought down a clothesline in the process. He was rushed to the hospital.

“He had a big hole in his head. He had to get 42 stitches,” Lisa said, her voice breaking.

“This is my baby, I would have worked very hard, I am a single parent, and I have been a teacher for the past 12 years. I would have worked very hard to bring up my son by myself, his father has never been a part of his life, has never given him anything. I am not ashamed to tell you that I struggled with my child and he is not a child that does give me headache, he don’t get into trouble,” Lisa continued.

Lisa said she has spent a lot of money to get her son proper healthcare, he had to undergo therapy and since the incident his life has not bene the same.

“He’s getting frequent headaches. He had to get spectacles. He’s withdrawn and struggling to understand why this happened to him. I’ve had to send him for counselling,” she explained.

Now, nearly a year later, Persaud is calling on the relevant authorities to intervene.

Acknowledging that the mother of the 15-year-old took him to the station, Lisa said the young boy has told many versions of what transpired.

“The boy has admitted that he beat my child and he is trying to make frivolous excuses as to why he beat my son.

“I am hoping that somebody can intervene on our behalf and my son can get justice, I am not saying throw the 15-year-old in jail, but if he can have this type of aggression at this age, it is clearly showing that he needs some help,” Lisa said.

She told the News Room that the file was sent to welfare and returned because of a missing birth certificate. She has since included the birth certificate.

“But the part that is sickening is the boy that is of the age to be charged, is walking free and nobody is doing anything about it, this has been going on for months,” an exasperated Lisa stated.

 

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2023 champions Eccles All-Stars, 2024 semifinalists Diamond Gunners, and The Guard have secured their places in the semi-finals of the East Bank/West Demerara zone in the third edition of the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast.

After weather disruptions on the initial two days, Monday witnessed a flurry of quarter-final action across three venues: Laluni, Police Sports Club, and Meten-Meer-Zorg Ground.

The final quarter-final between Young Steppaz and Trensetters will determine the last semi-finalist, who will then face Eccles.

The other semi-final will see Diamond Gunners lock horns with The Guard.

These remaining matches, including the semi-finals and final of this zone, are provisionally scheduled for Sunday, July 13, starting at 09:30 h at the Malteenoes Sports Club.

Ganesh Puran slammed an unbeaten 116 off just 35 balls for Young Steppaz against Hyde Park

The Guard endured a tense quarter-final clash at Police against CJIA Warriors but ultimately prevailed by five wickets.

Chasing a stiff target of 156, they reached the mark in just 9.1 overs, thanks to a brutal onslaught from Kevon Boddie, who blazed 65 off 21 balls (one four, nine sixes).

Richie Looknauth’s quickfire 17 and Kevon Boddie’s unbeaten 34 (four sixes) ensured victory despite CJIA conceding a hefty 32 extras.

Nolan Hodge’s aggressive 61 (two fours, seven sixes) had propelled CJIA Warriors to 155-3 in their ten overs.

At Laluni, Diamond Gunners made short work of their quarter-final against the home side.

They bundled out Laluni for a paltry 72 and then cruised to a nine-wicket victory, reaching 73-1 in a mere 4.3 overs.

Andrew Lim led the charge with a swashbuckling unbeaten 54 off just 14 deliveries, which included two fours and seven sixes.

Dorain Grenion (3-8), Marlon Boele (2-8), and Damion Sardinha (2-16) were the chief destroyers with the ball for Diamond.

Eccles served up a dominant performance in their quarter-final encounter against Young Guns, who had earlier overcome Stripling Warriors.

Eccles chased a target of 105 without losing a wicket in just 6.4 overs.

Quazim Yusuf smashed an unbeaten 70 off 21 balls, studded with 11 sixes, while Jonte Thomas provided solid support with an unbeaten 35 (five sixes) from 19 balls.

The final match at MMZ witnessed a record-breaking individual performance.

Ganesh Puran slammed an unbeaten 116 off just 35 balls for Young Steppaz against Hyde Park.

His explosive innings included 16 sixes and one four, helping Young Steppaz post a formidable 166-2 and secure a 30-run victory.

Full scores from all matches can be found here: https://flsport.gy/live-score/

Following the completion of the East Bank/West Demerara zone, the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast will move to the Georgetown/East Coast Zone on July 19 and 20, and the Essequibo zone on July 26 and 27.

The highly anticipated national finals are scheduled for Sunday, August 3. Admission to all venues is free.

The Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast is supported by a number of sponsors, including 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 and 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 and Technical Solutions.

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