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The investigation into the death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge is at the evidence-gathering stage. This is according to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, who spoke with reporters at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Monday.

Detectives are “examining several possibilities and theories,” which will be evaluated against the evidence gathered, Blanhum stated.

He also confirmed that Leonard McCoshen, a retired officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) will arrive in Guyana Monday night to assist in the investigation. McCoshen has been engaged by the Government of Guyana. He is a trained and certified expert in homicide and suspicious death investigations.

Asked about the Younge family’s confidence in the investigation, Blanhum responded: “We have selected the best [investigators] to work on this matter, and the investigators are very objective. I’ve instructed them to ensure that they do not disregard any information or any evidence during this process.”

Adriana went missing at the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen on April 23. Her body was discovered in the hotel’s pool on April 24.

“We anticipate we will be able to question at least two more individuals who were at the pool on the day that Adriana Younge went,” Blanhum said.

The owner was arrested and later released after the statutory detention period expired. Blanhum also addressed this.

Lawyers meet Police Commissioner in search for answers in Adriana Younge’s case

“The hotel owner, there were certain conditions imposed on him, he has to continue reporting to the police on a daily basis [and] also prohibited from leaving the jurisdiction,” Blanhum said on Monday.

He further added that “The investigators are in possession of video footage prior, or at the same time when an alarm was raised that she [Adriana] was missing,” Blanhum said.

The Younge family, who have postponed Adriana’s funeral since her passing on 24 April, are hoping for significant investigative progress before laying her to rest.

(more…)

Cricket West Indies (CWI) is on the verge of appointing a new captain for the West Indies Test team, with an announcement anticipated within the next week.

CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow expressed confidence in the ongoing selection process, highlighting its comprehensive and structured nature.

Speaking on WESN TV’s Face of Sports show on Friday (May 9), Shallow confirmed the timeline for the crucial appointment.

“We are hopeful that by the end of next week, the Board will receive recommendations for the Test captain,” Shallow stated.

“The last update I got from the Director of Cricket [Miles Bascombe] is that the process is going pretty well.”

The selection process, described as rigorous by Shallow, marks a new approach for CWI in identifying leadership candidates.

Six players have reportedly been shortlisted and are currently undergoing a series of interviews and assessments.

These candidates include Roston Chase, Joshua Da Silva, John Campbell, Jomel Warrican, Tevin Imlach, and Justin Greaves.

The assessment panel conducting the interviews comprises Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Cricket Committee chairman Enoch Lewis, head coach Daren Sammy, and CEO Chris Dehring.

However, the final recommendations for the captaincy role will be put forward by Bascombe and Sammy.

Cricket West Indies President, Dr. Kishore Shallow

Shallow emphasized that the process extends beyond merely filling the captaincy position. “This is the very first time we are going through this sort of process for identifying a Test captain,” he explained.

“What I want the public to understand is that it is not just done with eyes on the Test captaincy only; it is actually a process where these people who are identified as potential leaders will be able to get a level of exposure to the requirements and the criteria that we look for in a player to appoint them as captain.”

He further underscored the weight of the Test captaincy. “The Test captain is a significant role. It’s not just cricket on the field, but they are representing the entire region off the field as well, so we want to give them an insight as to what is required of them when they are considered.” A psychometric test is also noted as a component of this in-depth process.

Dr. Shallow believes that even those not ultimately selected will benefit from the exercise, gaining valuable insight to help them develop as future leaders within the West Indies cricket framework.

 “It is really impressive stuff by the technical team, and hopefully, it can produce a very successful Test captain for us and hopefully, put the others who are up for consideration on a path that they would know what they need to do to be a captain in the future or whenever the opportunity arises,” he added. (Modified SportsMax article)

 

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The Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) is working to keep its course in top condition during the rainy season, focusing on playability and long-term maintenance.

LGC President Anasha Ally explained that a key tool in their arsenal is a powerful 16-inch rice pump, which, when waterlogging is severe, can drain the entire course in two to three days.

“Our pump is vital during the rainy season,” said Ally.

“It allows us to quickly manage water levels, so the course can be playable again in a reasonable time. Our staff are also working to keep drains clear, which helps water flow.”

LGC President Anasha Ally

The club also asks golfers to play responsibly, especially those using carts.

“We encourage players, particularly cart users, to stick to the edges of fairways to avoid damaging the turf,” Ally added. “Simple steps like this make a big difference, especially after heavy rain.”

In extreme conditions, the LGC will take action to protect the course.

“If the course is very wet, playing can cause serious damage,” Ally said. “We’ll issue warnings and, if needed, stop play temporarily. We then carry out repairs to get the course back to its best.”

The LGC says these measures show its commitment to maintaining high standards, protecting the environment, and ensuring the sport’s long-term future.

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IPL 2025 is going to resume on May 17 and end on June 3, the BCCI confirmed by issuing a release on Monday night.

The remainder of the tournament, which was suspended on May 9 for a week due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, will be played at six venues: Bengaluru, Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

A total of 17 matches will be played, with two double-headers, which will be played on two Sundays. The venues for the playoffs will be announced later, but they will be on the following dates: Qualifier 1 on May 29, the Eliminator on May 30, Qualifier 2 on June 1 and the final on June 3.

A total of 17 matches will be played in the revised schedule – 13 league games and the four playoffs. That means the Punjab Kings (PBKS) vs Delhi Capitals (DC) game that was called off midway in the first innings on May 8, will be played again, on May 24 in Jaipur.

The match that will resume the tournament will be played between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 17 in Bengaluru.

The first of the two double-headers in the revised schedule is Rajasthan Royals (RR) vs PBKS as the day game (3.30pm IST) on May 18 and DC vs Gujarat Titans (GT) later that evening.

The next Sunday – May 25 – will see GT take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the day game in Ahmedabad followed by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) vs KKR in Delhi from 7.30pm IST.

The last league game will be between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and RCB on May 27 in Lucknow.

The official release said the BCCI held “extensive consultations with government and security agencies, and with all the key stakeholders,” before finalising the resumption of the tournament.

The delay of the IPL, which was originally scheduled to end on May 25 in Kolkata, means it will now coincide with the entire ODI series between England and West Indies starting on May 29 in Birmingham and ending on June 3 at The Oval.

It will lead to a clash for the West Indies players Romario Shepherd (RCB), Shamar Joseph (LSG) and Sherfane Rutherford (GT), all picked in the ODI squad.

England have not named their squad yet but the players likely to be affected are Jos Buttler (GT), Phil Salt (RCB), Jacob Bethell (RCB), Liam Livingstone (RCB), Will Jacks (MI) and Reece Topley (MI), depending on which teams make the playoffs.

The revised IPL schedule also squeezes the gap between the IPL final and the WTC final to just seven days, with Australia and South Africa set to clash for the ICC title from June 11 at Lord’s. (ESPNcricinfo) 

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Parents and guardians in Regions Seven and Nine started receiving the $50,000 ‘Because We Care’ cash grant, alongside the $5,000 uniform and school supplies voucher, on Monday.

The phased-out distribution will continue in other regions soon.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand visited the Little Achievers Nursery School early Monday morning for the commencement of the distribution and reminded parents and guardians of the government’s commitment to education and ensuring every student is supported throughout their education journey.

The distribution at the Little Achievers Nursery School, Bartica, Region Seven (Photo: News Room/ May 12, 2025)

A total of $11 billion was allocated in the 2025 National budget to provide grants to 205,000 children in public and private schools nationwide.

The distribution at the Little Achievers Nursery School, Bartica, Region Seven (Photo: News Room/ May 12, 2025)

Minister Manickchand said these interventions aim to provide equal and equitable access to educational opportunities for all students. The minister also noted that the ministry is supplying textbooks, stationery, and meals to support learners.

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Cricket enthusiasts across Guyana can mark their calendars as registration for the highly anticipated 2025 Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast officially begins on Wednesday, May 14.

Organised by FL Sport, this year’s tournament promises unprecedented reach and excitement. It will expand to include matches in all counties and culminate in a grand finale at the National Stadium, Providence, on Sunday, August 3.

FL Sport aims to attract a maximum of 80 teams for this expanded edition, which will feature a straight knockout format within distinct geographical zones. The tournament schedule is set to unfold across the country throughout June and July:

• Berbice Zone: June 28-29
• East Bank/West Demerara Zone: July 5-6
• Georgetown/East Coast Demerara Zone: July 19-20
• Essequibo Zone: July 26-27

Each zone will have a team limit of 16, except for the Georgetown/East Coast Demerara zone, which can accommodate up to 32 teams.

The tournament features a lucrative prize structure to reward zonal success and national championship aspirations. The winning team from each zone will receive GY$300,000 and automatic qualification for the national finals.

The ultimate national champion will be awarded a staggering GY$1.7 million.

The national runners-up will receive GY$ 700,000, while the two losing semi-finalists will each receive GY$ 300,000. Losing finalists at the zonal level will also be rewarded with GY$ 100,000 each.

Individual player performances are also significantly incentivized with cash prizes and awards.

The Most Valuable Player (MVP) will receive GY$ 150,000 and a motorcycle. Prizes of GY$ 100,000 are designated for the players with the Most Runs and Wickets.

FL Sport aims to attract a maximum of 80 teams for this expanded edition, which will feature a straight knockout format within distinct geographical zones

The Player-of-the-Final at the Nationals will earn GY$ 75,000, and GY$ 35,000 will go to the Super Striker and the player with the Best Economy rate.

Custom-made trophies and televisions will also accompany some of these prizes.

Participation requires a registration fee of GY$ 30,000 per team.

Teams are permitted to register for only one zone. To manage the logistics of the expanded tournament, FL Sport has set specific registration deadlines for each zone:

• Berbice Zone: June 21
• Georgetown/East Coast Demerara Zone: July 12
• Essequibo Zone: July 18
• East Bank/West Demerara Zone: June 27

John Ramsingh, Managing Director of FL Sport, commented on the registration opening, stating, “Even before we reach the opening day, we have already seen significant feedback, with new and old teams signaling interest in joining the tournament.”

He highlighted the positive reception to the tournament’s expansion: “Teams have welcomed the expansion, as many community-based teams now have the luxury of playing at home in front of friends and family. This tournament’s general exposure has been overwhelming, and we hope to give more to our loyal sponsors and players this year.”

Ramsingh encouraged teams, particularly those outside of Georgetown, to register early due to limited spots and to be mindful of their respective zone deadlines.

Tournament rules stipulate that confirmed players in the 15-man squad can only play for one team throughout the competition.

Due to the length of the tournament, teams are allowed to make changes to their squad specifically for the national finals, but they cannot draft players who have previously been named on any other team within the tournament.

No squad changes will be allowed after the registration deadlines.

Persons seeking to register or obtain further information can contact Akeem Greene via WhatsApp at +5926352235 or visit the tournament’s official social media pages under “One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast.”

FL Sport will follow up with further details regarding the specific grounds to be used for matches this year. The tournament’s official launch event is scheduled for June 14.

FL Sport also has plans for a Caribbean tournament, with teams from Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Dominica expressing interest in competing against Guyana’s best.

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The Guyana senior women’s cricket team etched their name into the history books on Sunday night, claiming their maiden Windies Cricket T20 Blaze title with a dramatic Super Over victory over defending champions Jamaica at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

Led by a captain’s knock from Shemaine Campbelle and a nerve-wracking final over from leg-spinner Nyia Latchman, Guyana overcame a determined Jamaican side in a final that had had the audience on the edge of their seats.

The match culminated in a thrilling tie, with both teams finishing their 20 overs on 122 for 5. This forced a Super Over, and Guyana held their nerve to clinch the historic win—their first regional title.

After winning the toss and electing to field, Guyana’s bowlers, particularly the spin duo of Nyia Latchman (2-11) and Ashmini Munisar (2-26), kept the potent Jamaican batting lineup in check.

Despite solid contributions from Chedean Nation (35), Abigail Bryce (32), and Jodian Morgan (27), Jamaica was restricted to a reachable target of 122. Cherry-Ann Fraser also chipped in with a wicket (1-32).

In response, Guyana’s chase wasn’t without its early jitters. However, a crucial 86-run partnership for the third wicket between captain Shemaine Campbelle and the talented Realeanna Grimmond steadied the innings.

Campbelle led from the front with a well-compiled 54 off 47 balls, including three fours and two sixes, while Grimmond provided excellent support with a brisk 46 featuring four fours and a six.

Jodian Morgan was the pick of the bowlers for Jamaica, taking 2-25.

With the scores tied at the end of the regular overs, the match proceeded to a Super Over. Guyana batted first and scored 8 for 1.

The tension mounted as Jamaica began their chase, needing nine runs for victory.

However, Nyia Latchman, tasked with bowling the crucial over, displayed remarkable composure, restricting the powerful Jamaican batters to just 3 for 2, sealing a memorable triumph for Guyana.

Guyana’s path to the final saw them finish the preliminary stage with a strong record of four wins and one loss.

Their sole defeat came against Jamaica in their final preliminary match, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch in the final.

FULL SCORECARD: https://matchcentre.windiescricket.com/match/fa0355f8-98c9-4c24-83b4-778ad806dbd3/2

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Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket, ending a career that spanned 14 years and included 123 Tests—68 of them as captain—in which he scored 9230 runs at an average of 46.85.

“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life,” Kohli said in a social media statement on Monday morning.

“There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever.

“As I step away from this format, it’s not easy – but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for. I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude – for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile.”

As reported on ESPNcricinfo on Saturday, Kohli had communicated his desire to retire from Test cricket to the BCCI ahead of the big five-match series in England starting June 20, for which he was expected to be part of the squad. It was learnt at the time that Kohli had been having conversations on the matter with officials of the BCCI for the past month or so.

Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing the curtain down on a career that spanned 14 years and included 123 Tests – 68 of them as captain – in which he scored 9230 runs at an average of 46.85.

“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life,” Kohli said in a social media statement on Monday morning. “There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever.

“As I step away from this format, it’s not easy – but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for. I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude – for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile.”

As reported on ESPNcricinfo on Saturday, Kohli had communicated his desire to retire from Test cricket to the BCCI ahead of the big five-match series in England starting June 20, for which he was expected to be part of the squad. It was learnt at the time that Kohli had been having conversations on the matter with officials of the BCCI for the past month or so.

For Kohli, it hadn’t been a particularly fruitful time in the format of late. When he scored 100 not out in the Perth Test in November 2024, it was his first century in Tests since July 2023 (against West Indies in Port of Spain), and his average, 55.10 at its peak after he scored his career best of 254 not out vs South Africa in Pune in 2019, had been 32.56 over the last 24 months.

Despite that, it’s understood that the team management and selectors wanted his experience on the England tour, where India will be playing under a new captain – Shubman Gill is the frontrunner to take over from Rohit Sharma following his retirement from Test cricket earlier this week.

Apart from Rohit, R Ashwin had also retired from international cricket late last year. With Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane not in the mix at the moment, and Mohammed Shami’s form under scrutiny after his return from a long injury layoff, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah remain the only links to that phase of Indian Test cricket, where they reached two successive World Test Championship (WTC) finals, the first under Kohli’s leadership.

Kohli, as well as Rohit, were included in the highest category (A+) in the latest BCCI contracts, which is usually meant for players who play all three international formats. Both Kohli and Rohit had retired from T20Is after India won the World Cup last year, and they will only be available for ODI cricket going forward.

He made his Test debut on India’s tour of the West Indies in mid-2011, and after a quiet start in Kingston where he scored 4 and 15 – he totaled 76 runs in five innings on that tour – Kohli first showed glimpses of his ability against West Indies at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium later that year, scoring 52 and 63.

It was a struggle initially on the subsequent, ill-fated tour of Australia, where India lost 4-0, but Kohli finished the series on a high, scoring his first Test century in the Adelaide Test.

Kohli’s first really big Test series was also in Australia, in 2014-15, when he scored twin centuries in Adelaide, and followed it up with centuries in Melbourne and Sydney to aggregate 692 runs for the series at an average of 86.50.

By then, he was also India’s Test captain. MS Dhoni was the designated captain, but missed the first Test because of a thumb injury, leading to Kohli’s elevation.

Dhoni returned for, and captained in, the second Test in Brisbane and continued in the position for the third Test in Melbourne, but retired from the format altogether after that game. Kohli took over the reins after that.

A glorious period ensued, where India won 40 of the 68 games Kohli led in, losing just 17. The 40 wins made Kohli India’s most successful Test captain of all time – Dhoni with 27 from 60 and Sourav Ganguly with 21 from 49 rank below him – and, at the time of his retirement, places him at No. 4 on the overall list of captains with the most Test wins, behind Graeme Smith (53 from 109), Ricky Ponting (48 from 77) and Steve Waugh (41 from 57).

The tour of England in 2018 was another high point. He was the top run-getter across the two sides in the five Tests, aggregating 583 at an average of 59.30 with two centuries. That it came after he had scored just 134 runs in ten innings on the previous tour, in 2014, made the performance that much more special.

That year, 2018, was also his best in terms of aggregate for a year, when he scored 1322 runs.

During his golden run, he averaged 75.93 in 2016, 75.64 in 2017, 55.08 in 2018, and 68.00 in 2019. During that period between 2016 and 2018, Kohli scored 3596 runs in 35 Tests at an average of 66.59, with 14 hundreds and eight fifties in 58 innings. (ESPNcricinfo) 

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As the Demerara Cricket Board’s highly anticipated Independence T10 Cup draws closer, Naven’s Construction has embraced the fund-raising initiative, pumping the biggest sponsorship to date to the May 25 event.

Exactly two weeks prior to the exciting championship at the LBI Ground, Naven’s Construction has committed G$440,000 to the tournament, which is geared to generate funds to assist with the development of the sport in the county of Demerara.

Naven’s Construction is based at Lot 178 Block 8 Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, and deals in the construction of houses, carpentry, renovation, plumbing, tiling, ceiling, fencing and foundation and other related fields.

Speaking on behalf of the company, Naven Persaud said the construction firm is always looking at ways and means of supporting to the development of sport, in this specific case, cricket.

Persaud said it is important avenues are created for the young Guyanese to showcase their skills, as he lauded the Demerara Cricket Board for putting together the Independence T10 Cup.

He urged cricket fans and members of the general public to support the fund-raising initiative, which he deemed as important to fostering the growth and development of the sport locally.

Secretary of the Demerara Cricket Board Davteerth Anandjit welcomed Naven’s Construction as a partner in development, expressing gratitude to management for seeing the importance of supporting such an initiative.

Anandjit expounded that corporate support for the development of cricket is critical, and he encouraged other members of the corporate community to follow suit.

The Demerara Cricket Board executive added that plans are moving full steam for the grand Independence T10 Cup, with teams and players to be announced in the coming days.

Eight first division teams from the county will compete for top honours, with the format being a one game knockout. Total cash prize of G$500,000 and trophies will be up grabs at the one day event.

While the teams will be represented by players within the respective associations, each team is allowed two guest players from other counties.

The champion team is guaranteed G$250,000 cash plus trophy; the runners-up G$150,000 and trophy, while the losing semi-finalists will be receive G$50,000 each.

On the individual side, Man-of-the-Match in the semi-finals and final will receive a trophy.

Action will bowl off at 10:00h and conclude under floodlights.

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