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With three attacks occurring within the past 48 hours at the Guyana-Venezuela border, Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, has said that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has enhanced its operational posture and is continuing to monitor the country’s western border.

There are currently soldiers from both the Infantry and Coast Guard at the border locations.

The attacks occurred between Tuesday, May 13, and Thursday, 15 May. During each instance, Brigadier Khan on Thursday said the GDF ranks returned fire. No ranks were injured, nor was any vessel damaged.

The attacks were carried out by men dressed in civilian clothing who used automatic weapons. At this point, Brigadier Khan said the GDF has an idea about the type of weapon which was used, but he did not disclose details. He was, however, unable to state whether the Venezuelan gunmen are part of the country’s military.

“In the last 48 hours we would have had three such incidents. This is unprecedented.

“The Guyana Defence Force has since the first incident enhanced its operational posture and adopted drills that would mitigate and react wherever such incidents occurred. Certainly this has now become a situation which we will continue to monitor.

“….We will continue to patrol that same area and to eliminate any threat to our people and any incursion to our territory,” Brigadier Khan told reporters at a press conference held at Camp Base Ayanganna on Thursday.

In providing details, Brigadier Khan said on May 13, at around 17:17 hrs, a patrol departed Eteringbang to Makapa using two of the marine assets. While en route, he said the armed men opened fire on the patrol. The patrol returned fire and was able to exit safely along the river heading to Makapa.

While on Wednesday at about 14:35 hrs, Brigadier Khan said another patrol departed Makapa and was heading to Black Water. At Baboon, he said the armed men opened fire again on the patrol. The patrol returned fire and no rank was injured.

Three hours later, Brigadier Khan noted that another patrol travelling from Eteringbang, while passing Baboon, came under fire and they returned fire.

Brigadier Khan confirmed that he was “in location” when the first attack unfolded on Tuesday.

Whilst there, he said he visited four communities and interacted with residents who he said were “not scared”.

In fact, Brigadier Khan highlighted that Baboon is an isolated area with no civilian operation.

The incidents, Brigadier Khan said, would have caused “some concern” along the bordering community.

In fact, Brigadier Khan said just on Thursday afternoon, another patrol was conducted by the GDF in the Baboon area and it was incident-free.

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Firefighters in Region Six displayed remarkable efficiency by averting a significant disaster at Tain Village, Corentyne Berbice, on Thursday.

Divisional Fire Officer Clive McDonald confirmed that the Guyana Fire Service received an urgent call about the blaze at 05:01 hrs and promptly dispatched two fire tenders—one from Rose Hall Town and another from New Amsterdam Fire Station.

Upon arrival, the teams confronted heavy smoke and fierce flames emanating from the structure.

McDonald emphasized that their rapid response was instrumental in preventing a catastrophic outcome at the property owned by Sudesh Ramdholl.

While the third and ground floors of the building suffered extensive damage, the garage was completely devastated, along with its contents, including a vehicle and various electrical components.

McDonald noted that the strategic maneuvers executed by the first arriving unit from Rose Hall Town were critical in mitigating a major conflagration.

The fire originated from a lithium battery that overheated and ignited surrounding combustible materials.

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The Guyana Police Force been asked to launch an investigation into what the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has labelled as false and damaging claims made by a woman alleging medical malpractice at the institution.

The allegations involve a woman identified as Narepa Makhanlall. She claimed to have been a patient at GPHC’s Gynaecology Clinic, stating she was 45 weeks pregnant with twins—both allegedly deceased—when she was admitted on 7 May. According to her account, she was shown the deceased infants in a plastic bag the following day and discharged with only Panadol.

Makhanlall further alleged she was previously turned away by the hospital on 5 May and that she and her husband were denied the right to bury the remains. They are reportedly seeking justice for what they describe as emotional trauma and financial hardship caused by the experience.

In a detailed response issued today, GPHC said internal investigations have found no evidence to support any of the claims. Key findings include:
1. No Patient Record: There is no record of a Narepa Makhanlall in any of the hospital’s systems, including clinic logs, admission and discharge records, delivery registries, or imaging archives.
2. No Documentation Provided: Makhanlall was unable to present any hospital-issued documents or proof of visit.
3. Falsified Ultrasound Images: The ultrasound images she shared match examples found online, dated December 2024, and use 4D and 5D imaging technology that GPHC does not offer.
4. CCTV Evidence: Security footage from relevant areas of the hospital during the claimed time period shows no trace of Makhanlall’s presence.
5. Medical Examination: A clinical assessment conducted on 15 May, with the patient’s consent and in the presence of relatives, revealed no signs of recent pregnancy, childbirth, or surgical intervention.
6. Police Report Filed: Given the gravity of the false claims and their potential to damage public trust, GPHC has formally referred the matter to the Guyana Police Force.

GPHC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and high standards of care, and encouraged the public to use official hospital channels to report any legitimate concerns. The hospital has also urged responsible media reporting to prevent the spread of misinformation.

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Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced strategic adjustments to its One-Day International squad for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England.

These adjustments were necessitated by the availability of players currently involved in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

John Campbell and Jediah Blades have been called into the squad, while Sherfane Rutherford and Romario Shepherd will remain in India to fulfil their IPL commitments.

Shamar Joseph retains his place in the touring party. John Campbell is set to feature in the Ireland leg of the tour, replacing Sherfane Rutherford.

Shimron Hetmyer, unavailable for the matches against Ireland, is expected to join the squad for the subsequent series against England.

Promising left-arm seamer Jediah Blades comes into the squad as a replacement for Romario Shepherd.

The changes come as CWI closely monitors the situation in India, where the IPL is set to resume on May 17 following a temporary suspension. Regional tensions between India and Pakistan had raised safety concerns for players.

Romario Shepherd

In a statement, CWI emphasized that the “safety and well-being of our players remain our top priority.”

They added, “We are committed to ensuring they feel supported and informed throughout this period.”

CWI is collaborating with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the respective IPL franchises to ensure that “all necessary measures are taken to guarantee the safety, comfort, and peace of mind of our players.”

The regional body expressed confidence in the BCCI’s ability to provide a secure environment for the remainder of the IPL tournament.

Acknowledging players’ individual contractual arrangements, CWI stated they “fully support those players who choose to remain in India to complete the tournament.”

Sherfane Rutherford

While acknowledging the current circumstances as “exceptional and unforeseen,” CWI remains confident in the depth of its talent pool. It reiterated its commitment to “fielding a strong, competitive squad to represent the West Indies with pride” in the upcoming ODI series against Ireland and England, scheduled from May 21 to June 3.

Romario Shepherd and Sherfane Rutherford are both part of IPL franchises eyeing playoff spots.

The knockout stage potentially clashes with the West Indies ODI fixtures.

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Mayor of Georgetown, Alfred Mentore has said a list of the top 50 debtors will be revealed soon and the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (GM&CC) is preparing to utilise the Courts to ensure persons pay what is owed. During an interview with the News Room on Thursday, Mentore said the outstanding monies owed by debtors are part of the reason that projects are not being done.

He said the Council, based on advice from its lawyers, has issued demands to debtors but it is prepared to pursue legal action through the courts. He noted that the amounts owed are from years of outstanding debt and from January 2025 to present, the demands were sent to persons.

“Even if they didn’t get it, what we will also do or address is ensure those that we will move against we will ensure that they get their demands.

“We will find ways, with our attorney to address those matters and as they address them, we will get our monies and be able to finance our operations,” Mentore said.

The Council believes this might be a deliberate act by persons to avoid paying their property taxes. They have reportedly exhausted measures to get the outstanding monies and this year, there was a decision to take a different approach.

Mentore said with few solutions available, the decision to identify a total of 50 of the highest debtors, then another set of the second highest and so on, was established and will soon pursue legal action through the courts utilising provisions for the collection of outstanding property tax and petty debt.

“We would be applying the measure of under 221 [of the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01 of the Laws of Guyana] that speaks of restraint warrant and petty debt action, which we will take to the Magistrate Court to find ways [on] how you can bring closure to these issues, find ways to get those people to pay, find ways to find a solution, find ways of how we can have a payment plan,” he said.

Section 221 of the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01 of the Laws of Guyana states the procedures for the recovery of unpaid property tax and allows for the Clerk of the Council to make application to the magisterial district for a warrant to be issued.

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The Dubai Capitals, fresh off their maiden International League T20 (ILT20) triumph, have officially thrown their hat into the ring for the 2025 ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL).

The annual T20 spectacle is set to electrify the Guyana National Stadium in Providence with 11 high-octane matches scheduled from July 10 to 18.

The Capitals will arrive in Guyana with the pedigree of reigning ILT20 champions.

Their ascent to the top of the UAE-based league culminated in a dominant victory over the Desert Vipers in the 2025 final, building on a strong runner-up finish in 2024.

Owned by GMR Sports, the sports vertical of the GMR Group, the Dubai Capitals are part of a significant international sports and infrastructure entity with a growing presence in the global cricketing landscape, including ventures in India, the UAE, the USA, and the UK.

Their participation in the GSL underscores GMR Sports’ commitment to expanding the reach of franchise cricket worldwide.

The inclusion of the Dubai Capitals is expected to significantly enhance the competitive balance and profile of the GSL, which is quickly becoming a marquee event on the global T20 calendar. They join a diverse lineup of international franchises set to compete in Guyana.

Sir Clive Lloyd, Chairman of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, expressed his enthusiasm for the Capitals’ participation.

“We look forward to welcoming the Dubai Capitals to Guyana for this year’s GSL,” Sir Clive Lloyd said.

“Their reputation as ILT20 champions speaks volumes, and their inclusion will undoubtedly enhance the quality and spectacle of the cricket on offer. We are confident that the team and their supporters will enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and hospitality that only Guyana can offer.”

Satyam Trivedi, CEO of GMR Sports, highlighted the significance of the Capitals competing on the GSL stage.

“We are thrilled to see Dubai Capitals competing on yet another prestigious international stage,” Trivedi stated. “GMR Sports’ journey in franchise cricket has always been about nurturing talent and building bridges across cultures through the power of sport.

The Guyana Global Super League represents a fantastic opportunity to showcase top-tier cricket and foster global connections, and we’re extremely proud to be part of it.”

The 2025 GSL is shaping up to be a dynamic showcase of elite cricketing talent and a celebration of cross-cultural sporting connections, with international franchises, world-class players, and passionate fans converging on Guyana.

The confirmed teams for the 2025 GSL include the Central Stags from New Zealand, the host nation’s own Guyana Amazon Warriors, the Hobart Hurricanes from Australia, the Rangpur Riders from Bangladesh, and the Dubai Capitals.

All matches will be played at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence.

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Several months after 15-year-old Destiny Solomon of Kaneville, East Bank Demerara, was run over by a truck along the East Bank Public Road, she is recovering.

The teen underwent five surgeries since the accident which occurred on November 6, 2024. She is now undergoing physiotherapy at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre but she was advised not to get children in her adult life due to her broken pelvis.

According to the police report, at about 09:20 hrs motor lorry #GXX 1162, driven by a 42-year-old man was proceeding south along the eastern driving lane on the public road at Grove, East Bank Demerara, in a line of vehicular traffic.

Destiny Solomon recieved a laptop from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Protection to assist her with her studies

It stopped at the Jimbo Bridge junction but then proceeded to drive as the traffic flowed, it was in the process of doing so, that Destiny started to cross the road and the left side of the lorry collided with her, and as a result of the collision, the pedestrian ended up underneath the lorry, where she received injuries.

She was transported to the Diamond Diagnostic Hospital and then transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where the surgeries were performed. Her kidney and pelvis were injured as well as her right-side leg.

During an interview with the News Room on Wednesday, Destiny said it was difficult for her to cope following the accident because of the medical procedures and inability to walk.

“Honestly when the accident occurred, I was actually heading to town to drop something for my brother. Honestly I been crying a lot,” Destiny recalled.

Beverly Boston

Her grandmother, Beverly Boston told the News Room that the driver was not charged for the accident based on advice from the Directors of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Their household includes extended family members, and each of them has tried to support the teen. She is enrolled at Diamond Primary School, where she is in the Primary Top classroom and currently attends classes virtually. The Ministry of Human Service and Social Protection also gifted her a laptop.

Boston said the family also contributes to her physiotherapy sessions but they had to reduce the number of days to once per week as it is too costly.

“We had to drop her out of therapy because of the finance,” Boston said when asked about the sessions.

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The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has confirmed that its troops came under attack during riverine patrol operations along the Cuyuni River within the last 24 hours. The incidents, which occurred between the Eteringbang and Makapa areas, involved armed individuals in civilian attire firing from the Venezuelan side of the river.

According to a statement issued by Defence Headquarters at Base Camp Ayanganna, the GDF was subjected to three separate assaults while conducting routine border patrols. In each instance, the troops responded with what was described as a “measured” reaction, ensuring that no GDF personnel sustained injuries.

The Defence Force reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the protection of Guyana’s territorial sovereignty and the safety of its citizens. In the wake of the attacks, the GDF pledged to maintain regular patrols along the Cuyuni River and to continue taking all necessary steps to deter further acts of aggression.

“The Force remains resolute in its mission to protect Guyana’s territorial integrity,” the statement read. “The public is assured that the Guyana Defence Force is taking all necessary measures to safeguard the nation’s borders and maintain peace and security within our beloved country.”

Tensions along the Guyana-Venezuela border have been a point of concern in recent years, with periodic escalations raising alarms in the region.

For further updates, the public is encouraged to follow official GDF communication channels via www.gdf.mil.gy or contact Defence Headquarters directly.

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Guyana’s Raekwon Noel has secured a gold medal in the men’s 100m butterfly at the ongoing Pan American Aquatic Championships in Medellín, Colombia.

Competing in the 19-22 age category, Noel delivered a strong performance, touching the wall in a time of 54.00 seconds.

This swim earned him the gold medal and established a new national record for Guyana in the event.

His time of 54.00 seconds significantly lowered his previous national record of 56.35 seconds, which was set in February 2023 at the National Aquatic Centre.

Noel finished ahead of Manuel Diaz of Venezuela and Andrés Brooks of Puerto Rico, who took silver and bronze, respectively.

Noel is scheduled to compete in other events at the championships, including the 200m butterfly, 100m backstroke, and 400m freestyle.

In other Guyana results, Shareefah Lewis competed in the girls’ 16-18 50m backstroke, finishing in eighth place with a time of 33.47 seconds in the final.

This was an improvement on her heat time of 34.12 seconds.

Lewis is also entered in the 50m butterfly and freestyle events.

The Guyanese delegation in Colombia also includes Mary Chung as travelling coach and Abigail Giddings as congress representative.

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A contingent of four promising young Guyanese boxers, flanked by two experienced coaches, is set to represent the nation at the upcoming Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC) Elite Championships.

The tournament is scheduled in Ecuador from May 18th to 23rd.

Leading the charge is the highly regarded female fighter Abiola Jackman. The 22-year-old will compete in the Women’s 81kg division and is looking to impact the continental stage significantly.

She is joined by 17-year-old Ken Harvey, a technically adept and courageous competitor who will enter the ring in the 60kg Youth Division.

Harvey has impressed domestically with dominant displays and has already proven his mettle against regional opposition. His focus now shifts to testing his skills at the elite level, aiming to translate his recent form into a medal-winning performance.

The Guyanese team also features two other 17-year-olds: Joseph Jackson, who is competing in the Youth 75kg class, and Simeon Haymer, who will contest the Youth 67kg category. Both young boxers undergo rigorous training and are eager to leave their mark in Ecuador.

Coaches Lennox Daniels and Jeff Roberts will guide the quartet. Their extensive experience and mentorship are expected to prepare the team for the demanding competition.

President of the Guyana Boxing Association, Steve Ninvalle

Steve Ninvalle, President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), highlighted the significance of this deployment. “This is a young team, and their participation reflects our broader vision to expose Guyana’s best young boxing talents beyond the Caribbean,” Ninvalle stated.

He emphasised that the selected boxers have shown unwavering dedication to the GBA’s development programme and have demonstrated their readiness for elite competition. “It’s essential that our top young athletes are given the opportunity to face world-class opponents from an early stage in their careers. That’s how we shape their future and elevate the standard of boxing in Guyana,” Ninvalle explained.

“One of the pillars of the GBA’s mission is to ensure that our athletes receive the exposure and experience they need to grow. And that kind of development can only happen when they compete at the highest levels,” he added.

Ninvalle also singled out Abiola Jackman, describing the world-rated boxer as a beacon of hope for women’s boxing in Guyana and a symbol of the country’s potential on the global stage.

“We’re especially looking forward to seeing Jackman test herself against the best in the AMBC. This Caribbean champion has the potential to be a trailblazer for female boxing in Guyana, and this tournament could be a major stepping stone in her career,” Ninvalle concluded.

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