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Press Release from the Guyana Football Federation

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is pleased to officially announce the Golden Jaguars squad selected to contest the upcoming round of fixtures in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers.

The 24-man squad features a strong mix of local and overseas-based talent across all areas of the pitch, as Head Coach Wayne Dover and his technical team look to make a strong start to the campaign.

The squad is currently in Costa Rica for an intensive preparation camp that began last week.

The team will remain there until June 4, after which they will make their way to Nicaragua for the opening match slated for June 6.

Head Coach Wayne Dover has thus far expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and the benefits of the training environment.

Guyana, drawn in Group D alongside Panama, Nicaragua, Montserrat and Belize, will continue with a crucial home fixture against Montserrat on Tuesday, June 10, at the Leonora Track and Field Facility, West Coast Demerara.

Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00h.

The World Cup Qualifiers represent a monumental opportunity for Guyana, as only the top team from each group advances to the next round on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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The ‘Because We Care’ school cash grant distribution commenced in Regions Three, Four and Six this week.

Parents and guardians of students living in the regions are advised to check the Ministry of Education’s distribution schedule posted to their Facebook page for guidance on the date and area to uplift the grant.

This year the cash grant is $50,000 and the uniform voucher is $5,000, making it a total of $55,000 that each child will benefit from.

In Region Four, some $2.1 billion is expected to be distributed in Georgetown, another $1 billion along the East Bank of Demerara and $1.2 billion along the East Coast of Demerara, according to Education Minister Priya Manickchand.

Manickchand explained that the school registration lists were prepared in advance to make the process easier.

“No complaints about waiting time or people not getting their grant and it’s smooth though because we put a lot of back work into it,” the minister said.

When the distribution concludes across all regions, there will be a ‘mop up’ distribution period to ensure that parents and guardians who missed their dates due to circumstances, can uplift the grants.

Manickchand also noted that parents have the option of authorising trusted persons to uplift the grant on their behalf. The authorised person would have to present proof of identification for themselves and the parent or guardian of the child.

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The government is creating its five-year strategy to transform agriculture and food production, with Region Three positioned as a crucial driver in this push for a productive farming sector.

President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali continued his engagement on Sunday with important stakeholders, including farmers and fisherfolk at the National Track and Field Facility in Leonora, Region Three.

On Sunday, President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali outlined the government’s plans for the agriculture sector of Region Three

The head of state explained that the nation’s food strategy cannot adopt a one-size-fits-all model.

Instead, the president said, it must be grounded in each region’s unique competitive advantages, through targeted investments by the government.

For example, despite distributing over 1,000 agricultural leases in Region Three over the last four years, farmers continue to face three main issues: lack of productive lands, underutilised existing lands and high production costs due to lack of access.

In addressing this issue, the government is conducting an audit of all the farm-to-market access dams in Regio Three and will put aside massive resources to transform these dams.

“We are going to set aside $50 billion [in the initial phase] to [transform] all of those farms to market access dams – into all weather, hard surface roads,” President Ali announced.

By creating new access roads and infrastructure investments, approximately75,000 acres of land will be unlocked, meaning tens of thousands of acres will be brought into productive use quickly.

“But access is not all that you need,” the president said. “You will have access but the capital investment to develop those lands will be incredibly high. So, the government will form different agriculture districts with you.”

Scenes from the engagement on Sunday

These agricultural districts will be formed in the region, each supported with government-assigned machinery to ease capital development costs for farmers.

Two major road projects from Schoonard to Parika and the opening up of the Del Conte-Sand Hills Road link—will unlock additional hundreds of thousands of acres for agriculture, sand mining, and tourism.

The Del Conte Roadwill provide easier access for places like Bonasika, Aliki and Lanabali, among others and creating accessibility for thousands of farmers along this area.

“If we don’t have this, we don’t have any new lands…. that is what we are about, talking to you about a clearly defined vision [and] understanding what investments are needed to ensure that vision is realised,” the head of state underscored.

Meanwhile, national drainage infrastructure will continue to receive major investment, with systems like the Hope Canal earmarked for the region to help mitigate flooding.

This project aims to improve the drainage and irrigation systems in the region, specifically at B-line in Canals Polder. The design for this canal has been completed and is currently at the procurement stage.

The president over the last three days have held extensive discussions with farmers in Regions Two, Five and Six to listen and solicit ideas that will form the government’s five-year strategy for Guyana’s farming industry (Republished from the Department of Public Information)

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Samuel Sandy, the Regional Vice Chairman for Region Four and member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), has endorsed President Dr Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) ahead of the 2025 General and Regional Elections.

Sandy joins several political players who expressed support for Dr. Ali and the governing party. Days ago, the Region Four Chairman, Daniel Seeram also gave the same endorsement.

See below the full release from Samuel Sandy: 

I have consistently supported the work of President Dr. Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C government, and I stand resolute in my conviction that the Government of Guyana is in capable, visionary hands. Under their leadership, Guyana has experienced unprecedented economic growth, strengthened international partnerships, and significant infrastructural development across every region. From transformative investments in healthcare, education, and housing to major advancements in energy and national security, this government has delivered results that have directly improved the lives of our people.

It is imperative that this administration continues its mandate, not only to consolidate these gains but to guide Guyana through this critical period of economic expansion and social transformation. The PPP/C remains the only political movement with the experience, competence, and inclusive vision necessary to unify our diverse society while responsibly managing the opportunities and challenges of our rapidly changing nation. I am proud to endorse President Dr. Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C for the 2025 General and Regional Elections.

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Investigators now believe that the early Sunday morning fire at Church Hall, Durban Street, Lodge, Georgetown, may have been an act of arson.

According to a release by the Ministry of Home Affairs, surveillance of the church hall located at Lot 27 Durban Street, Lodge, Georgetown, was reviewed, and the footage shows an individual wearing a hood entering the premises at approximately 04:48 hrs, shortly before the fire was reported. The fire service was alerted at about 05:20 hrs.

An initial release stated that it was believed that the fire was electrical.

The property is owned by Juan Edghill, the Minister of Public Works. The building’s structure and contents were extensively damaged by the fire. However, there have not been any reports of injured persons as a result of the incident.

The investigation is ongoing, and the person or persons found culpable will face the full “brunt of the law,” according to the ministry’s release.

Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the authorities. The public is also urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.

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Joe Root became England’s leading run-scorer in one-day internationals as his sparkling unbeaten 166 secured a three-wicket win over West Indies in Cardiff.

Root, who is also his country’s highest run-scorer in Tests, finished with 166 from 139 balls as England reached their target of 309 with seven balls remaining to take the three-match series with a game to spare.

He surpassed World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan’s tally of 6,957 runs on the way to his highest ODI score, leading England’s recovery from 93-4, which included ducks for Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett and Jos Buttler.

Root combined with Harry Brook for a third-wicket stand of 85, before a masterful partnership of 143 with Will Jacks put England within touching distance of victory.

A fierce spell from Alzarri Joseph, who finished with 4-31, accounted for Jacks for 49 and Brydon Carse for two to keep West Indies interested, but Root and Adil Rashid calmly ticked off the remaining 21 runs, sealed in style by a classical Root drive down the ground.

Earlier, West Indies’ 308 was set up by Keacy Carty’s 103, bookended by half-centuries from Brandon King and Shai Hope – and with plenty of assistance from England’s sloppy fielding.

Carty and King added 141 for the second wicket, but the former was put down on by Duckett on one and Saqib Mahmood on 41, while Duckett also dropped King on 11 and somehow squandered a run-out opportunity when both batters were stranded in the middle of the pitch in the 21st over.

The innings fell away from 205-2 when Carty fell three balls after reaching his century, with Rashid taking 4-63 and Mahmood’s three late wickets mopping up the tail.

The visitors were left to rue wasting 14 balls of their innings as the last five wickets fell for 50 runs, the lower order offering Hope little support as he was last to depart for 78 from 66 balls.

The third and final ODI takes place at The Oval on Tuesday. (BBC)

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Guyana assumed the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council on Sunday, June 1, 2025, for one month.

The packed schedule for the month includes several mandated meetings of the Council, including on Syria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Central Africa, Sudan, Libya, and Yemen. There will also be a mandated meeting on Resolution 2334 regarding Israeli settlements on Palestinian territories.

On June 19, Guyana’s President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali will chair a High-Level Open Debate on “Poverty, Underdevelopment and Conflict: Implications for the Maintenance of International Peace and Security,” featuring briefers from the United Nations system and the African Union, and participation from a number of UN Member States. The debate will build upon previous discussions in the Council on the relationship between sustainable development and international peace and security, zeroing in on poverty and underdevelopment as both drivers and consequences of conflict. It comes at a time when armed conflicts are increasing and the Sustainable Development Goals are not on track to be achieved by 2030.

Guyana will also organize the annual Children and Armed Conflict Open Debate on June 25. In addition to briefings from the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict, Virginia Gamba, and UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell, the debate will feature statements from Member States in reaction to the Secretary-General’s annual report on Children and Armed Conflict.

Guyana will also focus the Council’s attention on some of its priority areas, including conflict prevention and the security-development nexus, the impacts of climate change on peace and security, the protection of children in armed conflict, and the women, peace and security agenda.
Council members are expected to adopt the Programme of Work on Monday June 2nd, following which Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, will brief the media on the Programme and plans for the Presidency.

Guyana was elected to the Security Council for a term of two years from January 2024 to December 2025. Prior to its current term, Guyana served on the Council in 1975-1976 and 1982-1983 (Modified release from the Permanent Mission of Guyana to the United Nations)

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Shreyas Iyer broke three records in the Punjab Kings’ win over the Mumbai Indians in Qualifier Two of the IPL at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

Punjab Kings, who beat Mumbai Indians by five wickets, will now face Virat Kohli and the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final on June 3.

Iyer led Punjab’s efforts in a record-breaking run chase in a match that was delayed because of rainfall.

The skipper was unbeaten on 87 off 41 runs as Kings chased down 204 runs with one over to spare.

Josh Inglis (38 off 21 balls) and Nehal Wadhera (48 off 29 balls) also contributed to the win.

For Mumbai Indians, their best bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, had an off day. He gave away 40 runs and failed to pick a wicket.

Shreyas Iyer breaks multiple records

During Kings’ win, Iyer managed to break multiple records. He beat Glenn Maxwell and Chris Gayle to hit the most sixes by a Punjab batter in a season.

His eight maximums against Mumbai took the 30-year-old’s tally to 38.

Iyer also became the first captain to lead three different franchises to the IPL final.

Under his leadership, Delhi Capitals reached the final in 2020. Four years later, Shreyas Iyer captained the Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title.

The 204-run chase is the first time the Mumbai Indians have failed to defend a 200-plus score in the IPL. Kings’ score is the highest-ever in IPL playoff/knockout matches.

This is the eighth time Punjab has chased 200+, the most by any team.

Earlier, Suryakumar Yadav (44) and Tilak Varma (44) top-scored for the Mumbai Indians. (Hindustan Times)

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An early morning fire at the Church Hall located at Lot 27 Durban Street, Lodge, Georgetown, originated from a defective lightbulb, the Ministry of Home Affairs said on Sunday.

According to the release from the Ministry, the Guyana Fire Service responded swiftly to the fire after a call was received at 05:20 hrs.

Upon arrival, the two storey wooden and concrete building was ablaze. Fire tenders WT#124, 95 and W/C#28, 24 were dispatched, along with 18 firefighters under the command of Officers S/L Watts, S/L Devent, L/FM Roberts, and L/FM Thompson. Extinguishment was carried out using two jets from W/C #23 and #24.

The fire caused severe damage to the structure. (Photo: Ministry of Home Affairs)

The property is owned by Juan Edghill, the Minister of Public Works. The building’s structure and contents were severely damaged by the fire. However, there have not been any reports of injured persons as a result of the incident.

According to the release, the initial investigations suggest the fire was caused by a defective light bulb, which created arcing and sparking, leading to the ignition of nearby combustible materials.

The Fire Service is urging the public to ensure all electrical fittings and appliances are properly maintained, to avoid overloads and the overuse of electrical circuits.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated. See below 

UPDATE: Arson now suspected in Church Hall fire

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Oscar Piastri led Lando Norris to a McLaren one-two at the Spanish Grand Prix as a late safety car led to a controversial final few laps involving Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

Verstappen was forced on to hard tyres for the final sprint to the flag and was involved in a series of incidents with Mercedes’ George Russell.

Verstappen crossed the line fifth but dropped to 10th as a consequence of a 10-second penalty for causing a collision with Russell.

The four-time champion had kept the pressure on the McLarens with a three-stop strategy compared to their two, and was on course for third place before the safety car, caused when Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli pulled off with an engine failure.

But his race fell apart after Red Bull were forced to fit hard tyres to Verstappen’s car because they had no softer ones available.

It left him lacking grip at the restart as an extraordinary series of incidents unfolded.

Verstappen almost lost his car when he had a massive wobble coming out of the fast final corner as the race restarted with five laps to go.

Charles Leclerc, who finished third, pulled alongside on the straight, and the two cars touched as the Ferrari moved back towards the racing line while still alongside Verstappen.

The stewards investigated the incident after the race but decided to take no further action.

Russell then dived down the inside of Verstappen at Turn One, and the two made contact, the Red Bull taking to escape road and retaining the position.

Verstappen complained that Russell had pushed him off, but his engineer Giampiero Lambiase ordered him to give the position back, citing the rules on racing which say that a driver on the inside trying an overtaking move has the right to the corner if he is far enough alongside going in.

With two laps to go, Verstappen appeared to move over to the inside and give space to Russell to pass him on the outside on the entry to Turn Four.

But as Russell went around him, Verstappen suddenly appeared back on the inside and speared into his car.

The Briton went on the radio to ask what was going on, and Verstappen was penalised for the incident.

The stewards said that Verstappen was penalised because he “suddenly accelerated and collided with [Russell]. The collision was undoubtedly caused by the actions of [Verstappen]”.

Verstappen was also given three penalty points on his licence, which puts him on 11, one away from a race ban.

Piastri’s fifth win of the season moves him into a 10-point lead over Norris in the championship, but Verstappen’s eventful final few laps left him 49 points behind the Australian. (BBC)

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