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Party representatives and observers objected to the use of a spreadsheet to verify and tabulate votes cast in Region Four during the 2020 General and Regional elections but these objections were ignored, a witness testified Wednesday, saying the Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, threatened that they would have to leave if they objected.

Local activist, Jonathan Yearwood, made these disclosures as the trial into the 2020 electoral fraud continued at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Yearwood continued his sworn testimony before acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty. He is a former executive of A New and United Guyana (ANUG) and served as a representative of the party during the elections.

The court heard from Yearwood that when he arrived at the GECOM Command Center at Ashmin’s Building on the morning of March 13, 2020, he and other GECOM representatives were taken to a different room from the one which was designated for the verification process. The room, he said, was situated at the back of the building next to the car park.

Elections Fraud Trial: Fmr. Police Commander destroyed personal diary with ‘confidential information’

According to Yearwood, Mingo informed those present that he won’t be reading from Statements of Poll (SOPs) to verify the votes. Instead, he said a spreadsheet was created.

Yearwood said he and other party representatives strongly objected to this.

But despite the objections, Yearwood said Mingo started to call out figures from a spreadsheet.

Yearwood said he and others had photographs in their phones of SOPs from polling stations.

“I personally took photographs,” Yearwood said.

Also, he said the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) had published the SOPs on a website.

(more…)

Leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC), Nigel Hughes, and his party are under intense public scrutiny after a woman accused them of using her intellectual property without permission, credit, or compensation as part of the party’s election campaign.

In several Facebook posts which have since gone viral, Nakisha Sinclair detailed a series of events which she said are clear evidence that the AFC and Hughes – the party’s presidential candidate – used ideas and plans she developed to support the AFC’s election campaign.

The ideas and plans specifically focused on education, youth, the environment, and sport.

“So I sent you a cease and desist to tell you not to use my idea or compensate me, and you’re replying to me telling me that I never entered any agreement with you and I am trying to extort you? Nigel Hughes, you are shameless,” Sinclair wrote in her post.

Sinclair explained that the engagement began earlier this year after she shared an education plan with AFC member Catherine Glasgow.

Hughes allegedly followed up with a direct call on February 25, which reportedly led to a 40-minute conversation about her ideas.

“We spoke because you liked my ideas… You also stated that Mr. Alexander was working on one for you guys,” she said.

According to Sinclair, shortly after she submitted a draft proposal, her concepts were absorbed into the AFC’s campaign materials. She further alleges that elements of her work, including structure and language, have been reused under the “Future Forward” banner without credit being given.

Feeling misled, Sinclair said she withdrew her support and formally issued a cease and desist letter in March, making it clear that none of her submitted work was to be used. She claims that Hughes acknowledged her ownership of the material and agreed not to use it.

“Now I am still seeing you use not only my layout, but my name,” she said in the social media post, adding that: “I asked you guys to compensate me for my work and you have the nerve to tell me I am trying to extort the Alliance For Change?”

Screenshots of conversations with Hughes and other correspondence shared by Sinclair reportedly document the exchanges between her and key AFC officials, including the initial submission, follow-ups, and Hughes’ reaction to her compensation request.

Sinclair also took issue with what she described as Hughes’ hypocrisy, pointing out that he recently supported another individual who claimed the government had misused their ideas.

“You had the nerve to come on social media representing someone else because they accused the government of stealing their work but you want to try and use legal positioning – deny, deflect, and intimidate?” she stated.

This controversy comes as the AFC is attempting to rebrand and relaunch itself under Hughes’ leadership ahead of the September 1 general and regional elections.

The post Nigel Hughes, AFC under fire for unauthorized use of campaign ideas appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph shared nine wickets on the opening day in Barbados to increase the pressure on Australia’s faltering batting line-up, but the visitors’ quicks struck back to suggest another Test match that could unfold in fast forward on a surface that offered assistance for the seamers.

Australia’s reshaped top order slipped to 22-3 against the new ball before Usman Khawaja, who was dropped twice on six and 45, and Travis Head added 89 as they threatened to take control.

However, Khawaja’s dismissal to Shamar Joseph sparked a collapse of 7-69, which included Head for 59 after he’d been controversially reprieved by the third umpire who ruled a catch hadn’t carried to wicketkeeper Shai Hope.

Shamar Joseph produced a beauty to bowl Beau Webster (Image: ESPNcricinfo)

Australia’s 180 was their lowest total in West Indies having chosen to bat first, and their lowest either way since 1995 in Trinidad.

But while they have issues over the batting, the bowling attack remains formidable and the total grew in significance amid Mitchell Starc‘s new-ball burst.

He had former captain Kraigg Brathwaite, playing his 99th Test, edging low to second slip where Beau Webster held an excellent catch.

He then shaped one away from the left-handed John Campbell to leave the hosts 16-2.

Keacy Carty and debutant Brandon King, who had earlier dropped three catches, mixed caution with positivity to see West Indies to within 20 minutes of the close.

But Carty could do little against a delivery from Pat Cummins that kicked from short of a length and caught the shoulder of the bat on the way through to Alex Carey.

Then nightwatcher Jomel Warrican couldn’t keep out an excellent delivery from Josh Hazlewood.

Mitchell Starc removed both West Indies openers in a fiery spell (Photo: Getty Images)

Frenetic pace

At the moment, it would appear unwise to be making cricket-watching plans for the weekend.

Ahead of the game, just the second Test in six years at the ground, there was degree of uncertainty over what conditions would present.

There was movement throughout while the occasional delivery also lifted sharply to challenge Cummins’ view at the toss that “it looks a pretty good wicket.”

Seales ended up edging the wickets tally, but Shamar Joseph was magnificent throughout: his first spell read 6-2-12-2 and his third 5-0-12-2.

With better catching support from his team-mates – West Indies dropped four chances in the innings – he and not Seales would have had the five-wicket haul.

He bowled with pace, movement and occasionally some significant extra bounce.

It took him just 10 balls to make his first impact, nipping one back at the recalled Sam Konstas to pin the 19-year-old lbw although the not out decision needed to be overturned by the DRS.

Cameron Green should have gone for a duck second ball when he edged a drive off the back foot, but King dropped a regulation chance at gully.

Shamar Joseph then saw another chance go down when new captain Roston Chase spilled Khawaja at first slip.

Green went on to be given a torrid working over as he continued to find life tough at No. 3.

Shamar Joseph regularly challenged the outside edge and then drew one which carried low to second slip.

Josh Inglis, filling in for the injured Steven Smith at No. 4, tried to take a positive option but top-edged a pull from outside off which Hope settled under to give Seales his first wicket.

It was not until the end of the over in which Inglis fell, the 16th of the innings, that Australia struck their first boundary when Head opened his account with a strong drive although a slow outfield was partly to blame.

Khawaja then briefly went on the attack, pulling Alzarri Joseph for six and twice sending Seales through the off side, but there was never a great sense of permanency to his innings.

Still, he and Head had repaired some of the early damage as they carried Australia through to lunch without further loss on 65-3.

Fortune favoured Khawaja after the break as he was beaten by Alzarri Joseph and edged through a gap in the slips.

Head also slashed over the cordon as he took a typically positive approach which started to turn the tide in Australia’s favour as he brought up a 57-ball fifty.

Khawaja’s second life came when he slashed to gully on 45 where King was again the culprit, but this one didn’t cost West Indies too many as Shamar Joseph resumed his wicket-taking when Khawaja bottom-edged a pull.

He then produced a magnificent delivery which completely squared up Webster and clipped the top of off stump.

In his next over Shamar Joseph thought he had his fifth wicket when Head edged through to Hope who took it very low and signaled his uncertainty to the square-leg umpire.

The on-field officials went upstairs and, having seen the first replay, West Indies started celebrating only for it to be eventually ruled not out by Adrian Holdstock much to their bemusement – it did appear as though Hope’s fingers were under the ball.

Another wicket did fall before tea, Alex Carey edging Seales to first slip, and it became a clatter after the interval with Head flaying an edge to the keeper and Starc nicking to second slip.

Cummins threw the bat to good effect for runs that, if the low-scoring nature of this match continues, could prove important before Seales struck and gave the Australia captain a send-off on the way to his third five-wicket haul. (ESPNcricinfo)

The post Australia quicks storm back after heroics from Seales (5-60) and Shamar (4-46) appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Couples and friends looking for a relaxed and creative outing will gather at the Hibiscus Restaurant & Lounge on Saturday, 28 June 2025, for the second edition of Wine n Design, a social event that blends art and leisure.

Hosted by Waypoint, the event offers attendees the chance to sip wine while engaging in artistic activities in a casual, welcoming setting. Organiser Savitri Basdeo told the News Room the event has already sold out.

“It’s a creative and relaxing experience where our guests sip on wine while exploring their artistic side,” Basdeo said in a telephone interview. “It’s all about self-expression and a great atmosphere.”

The event runs from 16:00 to 19:00 hrs and includes unlimited wine, snacks, giveaways, flower pots and design supplies, soil, and a starter kit. The clay pots were sourced from a small business based in Wakenaam, Region Three.

Basdeo, who first hosted the event in 2024, said the positive feedback from participants encouraged her to organise another. She emphasised that no artistic skills are required to take part.

“The idea is to create a cosy alternative for people who want a night out without the typical bar scene,” she said. “Sometimes you just want to unwind with friends and do something fun, but low-key.”

Last year’s event featured tote bags as the design medium. This year, the focus shifted to flower pots, and Basdeo said she is already planning a Christmas-themed edition for December.

Tickets are priced at GY$10,000.

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In an address following the release of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) results, President Irfaan Ali reminded parents, teachers, and students that this examination does not define a child’s future. Nevertheless, the Head of State congratulated all students on their results and said that the future is bright for them in Guyana.

“To these children, I want you to remember, most of you are still 11 and 12 years old – you have your whole life ahead of you. This is not an exam to determine who is better than who. This is an exam that is administered at a very early stage in your life. Do not use this as the basis on which you determine your future,” President Ali during a video message on his Facebook page.

To the parents and guardians, Dr Ali implored them to also not pressure their children into believing that the NGSA is the most defining moment of their lives.

“It is at this moment that we have to reassure all of our children, those who did exceptionally well and those who may not have done as well as they would like; it is at this moment we must reassure them and tell them they are very young,” the President stated.

Meanwhile, President Ali further expressed pride in the national performance, noting marked improvements across all subject areas, which he attributed to continued investments in the education sector.

“I am very proud of the tremendous improvement in every subject area. It tells you that our investment is getting the results we want. It tells you that our capability and capacity is improving,” he said.

The improvements at the NGSA are also the best performances in five years.

For English language, 69.25% of the pupils passed; last year, this was 66.79%.

In Social Studies, there was a 64.7% pass rate compared to 62.88% last year.

In Science, the pass rate went up from 54% last year to 63.7% this year.

And finally, mathematics- which was described as the “troublesome subject” across the region – the pass rate is 55.51%, compared to 40.36% last year.

The post ‘NGSA does not define your future’ – President Ali appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Sébastien Sigouin, said on Tuesday that his tenure will see strengthened Canadian support for Guyana’s commercial growth and social development, with increased collaboration expected across key sectors.

Speaking at a Canada Day reception at his residence in Bel Air Gardens, Georgetown, Sigouin said the newly elected Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, and his Cabinet are committed to expanding global partnerships, including with Guyana.

“Our message is very clear—building a stronger Canada to be a stronger partner in the world,” Sigouin said. “We are here to strengthen ties, bring new partnerships and support each other through challenges.”

President Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Foreign Minister Hugh Todd, and other senior government officials attended the event.

Sigouin highlighted accelerated commercial engagement, noting the scheduled arrival of Canadian airline Air Transat in December. A memorandum of understanding was also signed between Canada and Guyana to facilitate greater collaboration on trade and development initiatives.

Among current projects is a state-of-the-art tug and barge facility, developed by G Mining and Guyana Ports, which is expected to create more than 1,500 jobs. In addition, Canadian support through the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is being channelled towards social services across the country.

President Ali thanked the Canadian government for its continued support, particularly amid tensions related to the border controversy with Venezuela. He described Canada’s assistance as “generous,” especially in healthcare and development cooperation.

“We welcome the extension of the CARIBCAN trade agreement until 2033, which provides greater predictability and strengthens our trade relations,” Ali said. “We invite Canadian businesses to explore opportunities in agriculture, infrastructure, public housing, eco-tourism, and especially climate-smart agriculture.”

Canada has also pledged to support the protection of women and children, including migrants living in indigenous communities. Sigouin noted that this commitment aligns with Canada’s recognition of its own Indigenous peoples and the importance of inclusive development.

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Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Sébastien Sigouin, on Tuesday said Canada will join the Carter Center in observing the general and regional elections on 1 September 2025, to ensure they are fair and transparent.

The High Commissioner made the disclosure during his remarks at the Canada Day celebration held at his residence in Georgetown.

“Canada will work with the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities. We will work with the Organisation of American States, and we will work with the Carter Center to ensure accessibility, transparency, and fairness—because a strong democracy makes for a strong nation,” Sigouin said.

Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Sébastien Sigouin during his remarks on Tuesday. (Photo: Avidesh Narine/ June 24)

On Tuesday, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) said 24 political parties had indicated their intention to contest the election. The Commission is scheduled to consider and approve the symbols submitted on Tuesday, 1 July 2025.

Political parties are required to submit their respective Lists of Candidates on 14 July 2025—Nomination Day for the General and Regional Elections.

 

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A new chapter beckons for Indian-born Australian cricketer Nikhil Chaudhary as he gears up for a thrilling debut at the ExxonMobil Global Super League (GSL) in Guyana- donning the purple of reigning Big Bash League (BBL) champions, the Hobart Hurricanes XI.

With the GSL gathering champions from top T20 leagues across the globe, the stage is set for a festival of elite cricket, and for Chaudhary, it’s a platform that could redefine his career.

The right-arm all-rounder is buzzing with anticipation, embracing the grind and eyeing an exciting and life-changing tournament debut.

“My preparation in the off-season is pretty much more about fitness than the skills because we’ve been doing the skills whole year, so these couple months or three months is all about the fitness so we can go through the season without having any injuries,” said Chaudhary from his home in Australia.

A decade of quiet, consistent work fuels Chaudhary’s game plan- simplicity and awareness at the crease.

“My preparation is very simple; I have been doing this for the last 10 years…So, simple preparation, just watch the ball and hit the ball. Maybe it can be a bit different in Guyana because obviously a bit of more spin there, a bit of more turn so the sweeps might be coming in too much there.”

Though yet to make his international debut, Chaudhary’s value lies in his versatility- a flexible asset for the Hurricanes across formats and positions.

“My place in Hobart Hurricanes is not that simple. I can bowl the Powerplay overs, I can bowl in the middle or it can be at the end. Same with the batting. I did numbers 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 last year…I can really do all the aspects in the game.”

After tasting international exposure in the 2024 Abu Dhabi T10, where he rubbed shoulders with stars like Rovman Powell, Shadab Khan and Dwayne Bravo, Chaudhary’s appetite for growth has only intensified.

“It was amazing. I’m a big learner of the game, so I keep learning so I can just put those things into my game in the future.”

With 20 BBL appearances and nine wickets already under his belt, Chaudhary has his eyes set on soaking up wisdom from leg-spin maestro Imran Tahir at the GSL.

“Tahir has been one of the best leg spinners in the white ball (game) we have seen in last, what, 10 years?… I want to learn from him…how to bowl different balls to the different batsmen.”

Among the many things he’s looking forward to in Guyana, the electric pace of teammate Riley Meredith tops his list.

“I am really looking forward to seeing Riley Meredith coming in and bowling super rapid. What he has done in the Big Bash for us, getting those quick wickets in the start is what you want in T20s.”

Off the pitch, there’s plenty about Guyana that excites the 29-year-old former Punjab player, including the country’s famous gold chains.

“It’s an amazing place. I’ve been hearing from Tim David and (Ben) McDermott about Guyana. All my gold chains are from India, but Chris Jordan gets his from Guyana. So really looking forward to those experiences. Maybe I can get one more chain there and that’ll be my fourth one.”

The Hobart Hurricanes XI will be just the second Australian side to feature in the GSL, following Cricket Victoria’s runner-up finish to the Rangpur Riders in the 2024 inaugural season.

Their GSL journey kicks off July 11 against ILT20 champions Dubai Capitals, with the final set for July 18- all matches unfolding at the iconic Guyana National Stadium in Providence. (GSL)

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Twenty-four (24) political parties desirous of contesting in the upcoming General and Regional Elections have submitted symbols to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for approval.

The submissions were made in response to a Notice inviting potential contestants to submit their respective symbols no later than June 23, 2025.

The Commission is scheduled to consider and approve the symbols received on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

Immediately thereafter, the Parties will be informed about the outcome of the Commission’s considerations regarding their respective submissions.

Political Parties are required to submit their respective Lists of Candidates on Nomination Day for General and Regional Elections 2025, i.e. on the 14th July, 2025, along with a copy of their pre-approved symbol to the Chief Election Officer.

GECOM remains committed to engaging all stakeholders to ensure that they are adequately prepared for this critical statutory timeline in the electoral process. (GECOM press release)

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Police are investigating a river mishap that resulted in the death of Damion Fredericks, also known as “Smirf”, on Monday night.

Reports are that the incident occurred around 22:30 hrs near Jacklow in the Lower Pomeroon River.

According to information reaching the News Room, Fredericks and two other men – Shane Narine and Joseph Melville – were consuming alcohol earlier in the night at a club and they left for another spot in Charity, Essequibo Coast.

The men departed in separate boats. Melville claimed that Narine and Fredericks left together in a wooden balahoo powered by a 40hp Yamaha outboard engine, which was owned and driven by Narine. Meanwhile, Melville departed with another individual, identified only as “Akash”, in a different balahoo with a 15hp engine.

Melville reportedly told Police that after retrieving his vessel from a relative’s place, he was crossing the Jacklow River when his boat was struck on the left side, causing it to capsize and throwing him into the water.

Roland Ramdeen, a 41-year-old boat builder told Police that he was at home watching television when he heard a loud sound on the river. He immediately launched his boat and went to the scene to investigate.

Upon arrival, Ramdeen observed two damaged boats. He also found Narine and Fredericks in one of the boats, both with injuries to their faces and heads. Fredericks was unresponsive while Narine was conscious and screaming in pain.

Ramdeen rushed Narine to the Charity Hospital, where he was examined and admitted in critical condition before being transferred to the Suddie Public Hospital.

Fredericks was transported separately by relatives to the Charity Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His body was later taken to the Suddie Public Hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Melville was also examined at the hospital and subsequently taken into police custody as investigations continue.

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