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Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Jessica Callender was in the Bahamas co-lecturing a Preparation of Teachers course under the supervision of South African WIM Anzel Laubscher, a representative of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Chess in Education Commission.

Callender’s work in the Bahamas this past week was aimed at helping certified instructors implement chess as an educational tool in schools.

Chess can be implemented as a stand-alone subject or integrated into other subjects as exercises, investigations and chess-related activities.

Game-based education engages students and improves the quality of the learning experience. Motivated students thus gain skills for success in and beyond the classroom.

This is the focus of FIDE’s Chess in Education Commission.

Callender’s visit to the Bahamas from June 10-12 was only one stage in obtaining her Senior Lead Instructor Certification, the highest level of the Chess in Education certifications offered by FIDE.

She took the first step by earning her school instructor title in 2022. This was followed by taking the Lead School Instructor course for the second highest tier title offered in Chess in Education.

This title is held by Guyanese chess officials Marcia Lee, Anthony Drayton and Aniyah Couchman.

After this, Callender underwent further training by the FIDE Chess in Education Commission and submitted a portfolio for evaluation.

There are only seven certified Senior Lead Instructors worldwide who are authorised to conduct the FIDE Preparation of Teachers courses for certified School Instructors.

These educators are also instrumental in promoting these vital courses to national federations and other key stakeholders, significantly expanding the global reach of chess education.

The FIDE Chess in Education Commission is dedicated to significantly increasing the global impact of chess in educational settings. Recognising that children thrive through play-based learning, chess is leveraged as a powerful educational tool.

It not only fosters the development of intellectual abilities, but also cultivates essential 21st-century skills in students. Callender consistently makes significant contributions to the advancement of chess in Guyana.

She contributes as a National Arbiter and chess coach, and also volunteers her time with chess in Special Needs Schools.

Furthermore, Callender has been a stalwart member of the Guyana National team since 2022 and is a distinguished two-time former National Women’s Chess Champion.

She commented that the skills she gained at the lecture will allow her to better support our teachers and coaches, which ultimately means more young Guyanese will have access to meaningful, structured chess education.

“When we bring chess into classrooms, we’re not just teaching a game, we are also empowering children with critical thinking, focus and resilience that will serve them both on and off the board,” she said.

Guyana has made significant strides in its existing Chess in Education programme, which was boosted when Jerry Nash, Chairman of the Chess in Education commission, visited Guyana in late 2023, offering School Instructor certification to teachers and members of the chess federation.

The Guyana Chess Federation is confident that with Callender’s continued dedication to the development of chess and her consistent hard work, she will soon earn her prestigious Senior Lead Instructor title as she continues the process.

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Amid Israel’s attacks on Iran and the recent military escalation in the region, Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali called for an immediate end to the ongoing conflict on Monday as he addressed a forum ceremony hosted to mark the 77th anniversary of the death of the Enmore Martyrs.

“We have made a call today for both parties to respect international conventions, international law… We cannot afford another war,” President Ali stressed in his address.

Consequences of another war, the President explained, include the senseless loss of lives, the destruction of property, and the increased cost of goods like fuel and food.

Since Friday, Israeli strikes have killed more than 200 people in Iran, including top generals and scientists but also civilians. AP News reported that Iran has retaliated by launching hundreds of drones and missiles against Israel, some of which have penetrated Israel’s vaunted aerial defense system, killing two dozen people so far.

AP News further reported that Israel said the attack was necessary to prevent Iran from building an atomic weapon. Iran has always insisted its nuclear program is peaceful, and U.S. intelligence agencies and the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, have repeatedly said Iran was not pursuing a nuclear weapon when Israel unleashed its airstrikes.

Guyana’s official position on the matter, President Ali said, is that there must be peace.

Earlier Monday, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, told a meeting of the UN Security Council that Israel’s latest attack on Iran contravenes the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

“Guyana reiterates its appeal to both Israel and Iran to exercise maximum restraint and to avoid any further maneuvers that could plunge the entire Middle East into further turmoil, or worse, result in a nuclear catastrophe. The world simply cannot afford any miscalculations. The consequences for civilians could be catastrophic.

“Guyana, therefore, urges both Israel and Iran to fully comply with their obligations under international law and relevant resolutions adopted by this Council,” she said.

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Police in Region Nine are investigating a motorcycle accident that claimed the life of 17-year-old Kelly Raymondo of St. Ignatius Village, Central Rupununi, on Saturday night.

The tragic incident occurred sometime between 22:00 hrs and 23:30 hrs, along the Kumu Trail in Central Rupununi.

According to reports, Raymondo had been attending a wedding reception in nearby Kumu Village, where she was allegedly consuming alcohol with friends. At approximately 22:00 hrs, she reportedly left the event riding a motorcycle owned by a 25-year-old woman and proceeded south along the Kumu Trail at what has been described as a fast rate.

Investigators believe that while attempting to cross a bridge along the trail, Raymondo lost control of the motorcycle. She reportedly crashed into the western edge of the structure and fell into the water below, sustaining injuries to her head and body.

At around 23:30 hrs, a passerby discovered her motionless body in the water, with the motorcycle lying a short distance away.

The police were alerted and responded to the scene. Raymondo was transported to the Lethem Regional Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Her body was later taken to the hospital’s mortuary, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.

 

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A 21-year-old mechanic from Brighton Village, West Bank Berbice, is believed to have drowned at Coomacka Mines, Upper Demerara River.

The Guyana Police Force reported that Nazim Hamid allegedly drowned on Sunday around 16:00 hrs.

In a statement on Monday, police said the man’s body had not yet been recovered. Ranks visited the scene following the report.

A 16-year-old girl from Wisroc Housing Scheme, Linden, told the police that she was in a relationship with Nazim and that he usually visited her on weekends.

According to the student, Nazim travelled to Linden on Saturday, June 14, 2025. She said that she, Nazim, and some friends visited the Coomacka Mines beach.

Nazim reportedly began swimming towards the centre of the river when she saw him start to sink. Police said she began shouting for help, but before anyone could respond, Nazim’s body went under the surface and disappeared.

The student further stated that with the assistance of public-spirited persons in the area, they searched along the river near where the incident occurred, but his body was not found.

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An historic T20 saw the Netherlands beat Nepal after an incredible three Super Overs in Glasgow.

It is the first time that any men’s professional match- either List A or T20- has gone to a third Super Over with Michael Levitt’s six eventually giving the Netherlands victory.

Having posted 152-7, the Dutch looked set for victory with Nepal needing 16 from the 20th over.

However, tailender Nandan Yadav hit two boundaries, including one from the last ball, to level the scores.

Kushal Bhurtel proceeded to smash 18 from five balls to take Nepal to 19 in the first super over only for opener Max O’Dowd to hit the fifth and sixth balls of the Netherlands’ reply for a six and a four respectively to force a second.

This time the Netherlands batted first and posted 17 with a maximum apiece from O’Dowd and skipper Scott Edwards.

But again it was not enough and the drama continued as Dipendra Singh Airee hit Kyle Klein’s last ball over the ropes to take the match to an unprecedented third one-over shootout.

The Netherlands’ off-spinning all-rounder Zach Lion-Cachet ensured it would go no further, though, as he finished Nepal’s over early with two wickets in four balls, without conceding a run.

Just a single was required but Levitt finished a remarkable contest in style as he thumped the first ball of Sandeep Lamichhane’s over for six.

While the Netherlands have a day to enjoy their most memorable of wins, Nepal are back in action against Scotland on Tuesday as the T20 tri-series continues. (BBC)

 

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Junior Matthews and Stephen Tiloo died in an accident on Sunday night at New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne), and Police said they were both speeding.

At about 20:55 hrs, Tiloo was riding motorcycle #CP 768 north along the New Amsterdam Public Road, allegedly at a fast rate. Matthews was also riding his motorcycle, #JSP 1, in the opposite direction, at a fast rate.

Police Headquarters said the cyclists collided as they passed one another. As a result, they both fell onto the roadway, receiving injuries on their bodies.

They were not wearing safety helmets at the time of the accident.

Two motorcyclists die in New Amsterdam accident 

They were picked up by public-spirited persons and taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital. They were both pronounced dead by a doctor.

The bodies of both deceased are at the hospital’s mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination.  Investigations are ongoing.

 

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The Hobart Hurricanes XI have officially named their squad for the highly anticipated 2025 ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL), set to take place at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence from July 10 to 18.

Fresh off their triumph as reigning Big Bash League champions, the Hurricanes XI are bringing a formidable line-up as they set their sights on the GSL trophy and a lucrative US$1 million prize fund.

With a deep reservoir of T20 experience, the squad is well-positioned to make a strong impact on Caribbean soil.

Leading the batting charge is dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman Ben McDermott, whose extensive T20 career spans leagues in Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Africa and England.

McDermott has also represented Australia in 25 T20 internationals, adding international pedigree to the Hurricanes’ top-order.

The Hurricanes will field a potent pace attack featuring Jackson Bird, Billy Stanlake and West Indies all-rounder Odean Smith.

Smith, who played for the Guyana Amazon Warriors from 2019 to 2023, brings invaluable local knowledge and experience at Providence, a strategic asset for the visiting side.

The spin department will be spearheaded by a balanced trio: leg-spinning all-rounder Nikhil Chaudhary joins seasoned internationals Mohammad Nabi and Mohammad Nawaz.

With all three contributing both with the ball and the bat, the Hurricanes boast a well-rounded, adaptable unit.

With a blend of international experience, local insight and explosive talent, the Hobart Hurricanes XI are poised to be one of the standout teams at this year’s GSL.

The Hobart Hurricanes XI squad: Ben McDermott, Billy Stanlake, Nikhil Chaudhary, Jackson Bird, Tim Ward, Jake Doran, Raf MacMillan, Marcus Bean, Mac Wright, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammed Nawaz, Mohammed Nabi and Odean Smith.

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Here’s a brainteaser for you.

What do Central Stags captain Tom Bruce and West Indies rising star Matthew Forde have in common?

Two things, actually.

They’ll both be playing for the Central Stags at the upcoming ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, and they both hold matching one-day fastest fifty records.

Bruce smashed the New Zealand List A record off 16 balls when the Stags won the 2016 Ford Trophy Final at Pukekura Park, and 23-year-old Forde recently became the joint holder of the world’s ODI record with AB de Villiers, having plundered his 16-ball fifty for the Windies against Ireland last month.

Different format to the T20 showcase that awaits in Guyana, for sure, but the Stags will take it.

Bruce captains the Stags squad named for the GSL, announced today.

Along with Forde, a strong line-up contains a couple of other big names added since the team’s standout 2024/25 Dream11 Super Smash campaign.

Doug Bracewell returns with an opportunity to play his first match for the Stags since March 2024: the veteran all-rounder has been an overseas player for the Joburg Super Kings T20 franchise in the interim.

The Stags also welcome Dean Foxcroft to the GSL squad with the twinkle-toed, off-spinning all-rounder poised to play his first match for the Stags since he transferred to the Otago Volts in 2019.

Foxcroft said he was really looking forward to linking back up with old friends in the green of the Stags jersey again.

“Just like Otago’s got a special place in my heart, CD’s also got a special place in my heart,” said the 27-year-old.

He debuted for the Stags in all formats back in 2018/19 when he was a young, uncontracted rookie on the up, going on to be named the Stags’ Ford Trophy player of the season, before heading south.

Recently he impressed for New Zealand A in Bangladesh (conditions that may not be a world away from those the team can expect in Guyana) and both Foxcroft and Bracewell are capped BLACKCAPS as well.

With Will Young, Ajaz Patel, Josh Clarkson, Blair Tickner, Dane Cleaver, Bruce, and overseas player Forde all in the squad, it means nine of the 14-strong squad heading to Guyana pack International cricket experience.

Patel’s exciting return marks his successful rehabilitation from a serious knee injury and surgery last summer that saw him miss all the fun as the Stags roared through their title-winning T20 campaign.

The premier spinner now headlines a potent quartet of slow options, with fellow left-armer and New Zealand A standout Jayden Lennox, and the right-arm off-spinning all-rounders Foxcroft and Angus Schaw.

Foxcroft brings proven class and heft with the bat, but also sports a T20 career best with the ball of 5-11 in the Super Smash, for the Volts.

This isn’t his first rodeo in the green jersey.

As a rookie in 2019, he top-scored in the Super Smash Grand Final to ensure the Stags won the trophy that year, and there is still a hill named after him on the Seddon Park embankment.

The prospect of Foxcoft recombining with the quality Young, and the explosive power of Bruce and Forde, will be exciting for the team as they head off to unchartered territory to compete against four other T20 squads from around the world for a lucrative prize pool.

Forde joins Clarkson as the only players in the squad to have experienced Guyana conditions first-hand, the pair having played there in the Caribbean Premier League.

Clarkson played for the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots late last year, while Barbados-born-and-raised Forde has played for the St. Lucia Kings since 2022, and brings valuable local intel.

The big right-armer has played 13 ODIs and six T20 Internationals for the West Indies, opening the attack.

He impressed against the likes of England and Australia and, while his primary skillset is respectable right-arm pace, he hits a long ball, down the order- amply demonstrated by his boundary-strewn world record-equalling half-century.

Forde will be an exciting watch alongside the established firepower and experience in the Central pace bowling ranks.

Tickner has stood up as the Stags’ Player of the Year for the past two seasons, and has been putting in solid performances for Derbyshire in UK County cricket.

Two starts in Guyana would meanwhile see Bracewell register the 100th T20 of his extensive overall career.

He is now the team’s third highest all-time T20 wicket-taker with 75 victims, behind Tickner (111) and Seth Rance who retired with 92.

His ability to lean back and smash the ball over the rope remains electrifying and Bracewell has the distinction of becoming the only player to head away with the Stags to both of their overseas T20 tournaments.

He made his T20 debut in September 2010 as a youngster at the Champions League (in Durban, against the Chennai Super Kings) after the Stags had won the previous summer’s HRV Cup.

Along with pedigree seasoned performers, the Stags also have an exciting crop of emerging stars with Will Clark, Toby Findlay and Curtis Heaphy all playing significant roles in winning the latest Dream11 Super Smash national title.

Heaphy’s class batting is supplemented by genuine wicketkeeping ability that also makes him a ready-made reserve gloveman for Cleaver.

Some of the GSL squad will travel from the UK where they have been playing over the off-season, while the New Zealand-based players will assemble for two training camps before flying to Guyana- reuniting there as a group in early July.

Pace bowler Brett Randell is unavailable as he continues to mend from the broken collarbone that ended his 2024/25 season prematurely.

The Stags will open their GSL campaign against the Dubai Capitals early on July 10, followed by matches with the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Hobart Hurricanes and defending champion the Rangpur Riders.

The action-packed round-robin will determine which two teams make it through to the final on July 18. (GSL)

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See below the full statement issued:

On this 77th anniversary of the Enmore Martyrs, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) solemnly commemorates the selfless sacrifice of the five slain sugar workers — Rambarran, Pooran, Lallabagee, Surajballi, and Harry.

In 1948, confronted with severe social and economic hardships, an oppressive “cut and load” cane harvesting system, and the denial of a representative union, the sugar workers were driven to protest. Their just demands were met with brutality: riot police opened fire, killing five innocent workers.

These martyrs laid down their lives in pursuit of dignity, justice, and a better future for all workers. Their sacrifice deeply moved Dr. Cheddi Jagan, who at their funeral pledged to dedicate his life to freeing the Guyanese people from exploitation and oppression. Despite imprisonment and relentless attempts to silence him, Dr. Jagan’s determination never faltered. His vision and struggle led to the founding of the People’s Progressive Party in 1950 — a party committed to advancing the cause of the working people.

The legacy of the Enmore Martyrs and Dr. Jagan’s lifelong fight for justice have continued to guide us, including during the dark days when thousands of sugar workers were heartlessly dismissed by the APNU+AFC coalition, pushing families into economic hardship. Their example inspired our resistance to the harsh economic policies of that administration and its disgraceful attempt to subvert the will of the people during the March 2, 2020, elections.

Today, the Enmore Martyrs remind us of the enduring importance of defending our democracy, our constitution, and our freedoms against any form of tyranny. The People’s Progressive Party remains steadfast in honoring their memory and ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.

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