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The third edition of the ExxonMobil Guyana Linden Inter-Schools Football Tournament has been launched, promising a month of thrilling competition. Organised by New Era Entertainment, the tournament kicks off on April 4 at the Wisburg Secondary School ground.

The tournament’s primary sponsor, ExxonMobil Guyana emphasised its commitment to youth empowerment through sports.

“Sport is vital to our lives; it teaches us teamwork, discipline, resilience, and brings people and communities together,” said Ryan Hoppie, Community Relations Advisor.

Eight schools will participate: Wisburg Secondary, Christianburg-Wismar Secondary, Mackenzie High, New Silver City Secondary, Linden Foundation Secondary, Kwakwani/Arima Secondary, Linden Technical Institute, and Harmony Secondary.

They’ll be divided into two groups of four for a round-robin phase, with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals.

The winning school will receive $400,000, second place $200,000, third place $100,000, and fourth place $50,000.

All prizes will be awarded as tokens or enhancement work for the respective schools.

Wainewright Bethune, President of the Upper Demerara Association, praised the organisers for their commitment to football and community development, anticipating another highly competitive tournament.

Dawn Mc Cammon Barker, District Education Officer, urged players to represent their schools with discipline.

Matches will be held on April 4th, 5th, 9th, 11th, 18th, and 20th at Wisburg Secondary, with games also played at Kwakwani on April 12th. The final will take place on April 26th at Wisburg Secondary.

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Mumbai Indians (MI) got on the board in IPL 2025 with an eight-wicket victory over defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) which took their record against those opponents at the Wankhede Stadium to 10-2.

The win was set up by the most unlikely source. A fast bowler named Ashwani Kumar picked up the best figures by an Indian on IPL debut – 4 for 24 – to knock KKR over for 116 all out.

Debutant Ashwani’s dream day

Ashwani is 23 years old. He had played only two T20s before. Naturally, he was nervous when he was told he would be playing this game. He didn’t eat lunch. It’s possible he may never do so on any match day given how well he performed and how superstitious cricketers can be.

Ashwani picked up a wicket with his first ball, and it was the opposition captain Ajinkya Rahane. Over the course of a dream day, he took down Rinku Singh and Andre Russell as well. This league does not present any higher quality of wickets.

Ashwani has an orthodox bowling action. His speeds were largely in the early to mid 130kph.

Those are the kind of bowlers that get smashed around in the IPL. But try as they might, KKR were never able to do it.

Ashwani came to prominence because of his performances in the Sher-E-Punjab T20 trophy last year, when he displayed an affinity for the death overs.

Ashwani didn’t really bowl in that phase of the innings against KKR, but he did show why he could find success in high-pressure situations. It was his control of length.

Rinku tried to take him down, but one ball after coming down the track and hitting him for four, he was caught on the deep-point boundary. Ashwani pulled his length back to surprise the batter. Russell tried to take him down, but one ball after clearing his front leg and smacking him through the line, he was beaten by a bouncer and then knocked over by a 140kph good-length delivery that surprised the batter again.

Boult continues romance

Ashwani tripling his career tally of wickets – from two to six – over the course of one evening relegated everything else to the side. But he was merely exploiting a lovely platform set by two high-quality new-ball bowlers.

Trent Boult once again showed off the freakish ability he has to take wickets in the first over. For the 30th time in the IPL, he provided his team with a perfect start, this time by rearranging Sunil Narine’s stumps.

From the other end, Deepak Chahar took away Quinton de Kock’s strengths – hitting straight balls over square leg – by keeping the ball well outside off, and having him caught at mid-off. (ESPNcricinfo) 

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Former Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan on Monday appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court where he was made to answer to another charge of misconduct, this time in relation to five acres of land at Goedverwagting and Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara sold back in 2020.

The charge stated that Jordan willfully misconducted himself by acting recklessly when he signed vesting order # 69 of 2020.

It is alleged that the order vested over five acres of land situated at Plantation Goedverwagting and Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, valued $150 million for $2.4 million, being sold at a price that was grossly under value to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of public trust and without reasonable cause or justification.

The offence was committed between February 25, 2020 and June 11, 2020 while Jordan held the office of the finance minister.

Jordan was not required to plead to the charge which was read to him by Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

He was represented by attorney Roysdale Forde and Dawn Cush.

Cush told the court that Jordan is a man of “good character”, who is made to face a similar charge which was already dismissed.

Cush told the court that pursuing the case would be an “absolute waste” of judicial time.

The prosecution had no objection to bail but asked that if granted, that bail be of substantial amount due to the quality of cash involved.

After listening to both sides, the magistrate granted bail in the sum of $150,000. The case was adjourned to April 23.

This is not the first time Jordan is facing the court. In recent years, he faced other charges including a similar offence which include the sale of the state’s largest wharf facilities located at Kingston, Georgetown to businessman and owner of BK Inc. Brian Tiwari.

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Vishwadeo Mangroo, 57, of Mibicuri South, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne Berbice, is urging the police to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding his son’s death.

In the early hours of Sunday, Tameshwar Mangroo, known as ‘Brian, 24, who worked in construction, was discovered dead with severe head injuries on the Lesbeholden Public Road.

Vishwadeo told the News Room that the police contacted him to identify his son’s body at Ramoo’s funeral home, which he did.

Tameshwar Mangroo

He explained that on Saturday, his son left for work and returned home for lunch around noon before heading back to his job.

Vishwadeo mentioned that his son did not return home that evening, which he found to be strange.

He is now appealing to the police for a comprehensive investigation to find those responsible for his son’s death.

“A want them catch these guys fuh wah them do to my son, because I love my son. I don’t know how I gone stand up and witness my son funeral,” he revealed.

The grieving father added,” That’s cruel to my son; it real cruel. No head, eye nothing, how you gonna witness your son like that? You mind am and grow am so big.”

Region Six Police Commander Shivpersaud Bacchus said an investigation is ongoing.

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The Alliance For Change (AFC), following a special meeting of the National Executive Committee on Sunday, approved its conditions for a possible coalition with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) party. The party is sticking with an earlier decision to have its leader Nigel Hughes as the presidential candidate.

See below the full release from the Alliance for Change: 

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Alliance For Change held a special meeting today, 30 March 2025 and approved conditions for coalition with APNU.

The meeting was held to  specifically address, the status of discussions  between the APNU and the AFC  on the formation of a coalition to contest the 2025 General and Regional Elections.

Lead negotiator for the AFC Alston Stewart provided the meeting with a comprehensive report on the work done by both teams and exactly where talks  currently stand.

The meeting was chaired by Party Leader Nigel Hughes and was fully attended. The other two negotiators, co-founders of the AFC,  Khemraj Ramjattan and Raphael Trotman were also at the meeting.

After more than four hours of robust, open and candid discussions, the Party passed the following resolutions:

1-       The AFC will accept a 60-40 split at   all  levels of government with 60% of the positions being held by representatives of the APNU.

2-       The Party from which the Presidential Candidate is named, shall not  be permitted to nominate and/or  occupy the position of the Leader of the List.

3-       In keeping with the earlier unanimous decision of the NEC in January of this year, Party Leader Nigel Hughes shall be the Party’s Presidential Candidate.

The meeting acknowledged the tremendous work done by the negotiating team and expressed its appreciation. The meeting further mandated the team to relay its resolution to the team from the APNU.

‘Trust, confidentiality’ crucial as APNU + AFC partnership barely hanging on – Hughes

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The big-hitting Shamar Apple and the talented Romario Ramdeholl scored half-centuries on Sunday to help Demerara and Berbice respectively to open the Guyana Cricket Board’s Under-17 Inter-County 50-over competition with victories.

At the Transport Sports Club, Demerara inflicted a 177-run defeat on the Select XI, while over at the LBI ground, Berbice had to dig deep to prevail over Essequibo by 23 runs.

Shamar Apple on the attack against the Select XI (Photo: News Room/Avenash Ramzan/March 30, 2025)

Apple goes big on home turf (Click here to view match photos)

SUMMARY: Demerara 298 all out from 49.1 overs (Shamar Apple 83, Emmanuel Lewis 42, Dave Mohabir 32, Parmeshwar Ram 31, Marcel Nandu 31; Shane Prince 3-60, Dennis Crossman 2-54, Arun Gainda 2-56) vs Select XI 121 all out from 25.4 overs (Gibran Yacoob 44, Richard Ramdeholl 13; Jonathan Mentore 2-8, Parmeshwar Ram 2-17, Patrice Fraser 2-19, Munesh Outar 2-33)

Playing on his home turf at the Transport Sports Club, Apple cracked a belligerent 83 off 58 balls as Demerara powered to a commanding 298 all out from 49.1 overs and then the bowlers went to work, dismissing the Select XI for just 121 in 25.4 overs.

Aggressive by nature, Apple slammed eight sixes and four fours in 77 minutes of mayhem unleashed on the Select XI bowlers.

Dave Mohabir drives down the ground (Photo: News Room/Avenash Ramzan/March 30, 2025)

Apple’s dismissal- bowled by left-arm spinner Arun Gainda in the 27^th over- sparked a slump that saw Demerara slip from 178-2 to 190-6.

Speedster Shane Prince removed Marcel Nandu for 31 off 50 (1×4, 1×6) and Nathan Bishop for a first-ball duck in consecutive deliveries, and Gainda trapped Jonathan Mentore leg before for four.

Emmanuel Lewis punches a delivery through the off-side (Photo: News Room/Avenash Ramzan/March 30, 2025)

Emmanuel Lewis and Dave Mohabir then repaired the innings with a 70-run partnership for the seventh wicket and Dhanesh Persaud struck some lusty blows to lift Demerara to the winning total.

Lewis made a brisk 42 off 44 (6x4s), Mohabir scored 32 off 46 (2x4s) , opener Parmeshwar Ram earlier made 31 off 35 (4x4s, 1×6) and Persaud struck a four and six in 18 off 15.

Shane Prince made an impact in his second spell (Photo: News Room/Avenash Ramzan/March 30, 2025)

Prince picked up 3-60 off 8.3 overs for the Select XI, while Dennis Crossman and Gainda had 2-54 (9) and 2-56 (10) respectively.

In reply, Select XI had a top score of 44 off 58 (5x4s, 1×6) from Gibran Yacoob, with Richard Ramdeholl (13 off 20) the only other player into double figures.

Bowling for Demerara, Jonathan Mentore (2-8), Parmeshwar Ram (2-17), Patrice Fraser (2-19) and Munesh Outar (2-33) were the leading wicket-takers, with Mohabir and Danesh Persaud getting one each.

Romario Ramdeholl batting against Essequibo at LBI (Photo: News Room/Avenash Ramzan/March 30, 2025)

Ramdeholl leads with the bat; Amsterdam and Baksh with the ball (Click here to view match photos)

SUMMARY: Berbice 192 all out from 38.3 overs (Romario Ramdeholl 50, Gavin Kisten 27, Vishal Williams 24, Adrian Hetmyer 22; Eron Benjamin 3-24, Shazim Mohamed 2-20, Jathneil Nurse 2-24) vs Essequibo 169 all out from 41.3 overs (Ravesh Singh 36, Eron Benjamin 33, Navindra Sankar 30; Micah Amsterdam 4-38, Feaz Baksh 4-38)

Over at the LBI ground, a fine half-century from skipper Ramdeholl spurred Berbice to 192, with contributions coming from Gavin Kisten (27), Vishal Williams (24) and Adrian Hetmyer (22).

The right-handed Ramdeholl faced 54 balls and struck four fours and six.

Gavin Kisten goes aerial with this off-side shot (Photo: News Room/Avenash Ramzan/March 30, 2025)

Bowling for Essequibo, fast bowler Eron Benjamin was impressive with 3-24, while Shazim Mohamed and Jathneil Nurse had two each.

Top bowlers for Essequibo! From right: Eron Benjamin, Shazim Mohamed and Jathneil Nurse Top bowlers for Essequibo! From right: Eron Benjamin (3-24), Shazim Mohamed (2-20) and Jathneil Nurse (2-24)

Fast bowler Micah Amsterdam and leg-spinner Feaz Baksh returned identical figures of 10-0-38-4 as Essequibo made 169 all out from 41.3 overs.

Essequibo’s last-wicket pair Benjamin and Mohamed had threatened to pull off a miraculous win, adding 48 for the 10^th wicket.

Berbice pair Micah Amsterdam (left) and Feaz Baksh had identical figures of 10-0-38-4

Benjamin made 33 off 52 and Mohamed 14* off 32. Ravesh Singh (36) and Navindra Sankar (30) were also among the runs.

The tournament continues on Monday (March 31) with Demerara versus Essequibo at LBI and Berbice against the Select XI at Transport Sports Club.

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It’s THE BLACK BOTTLE EVENT – back and bigger than ever! Guyana’s premier entertainment mogul, Travis Shepherd, is set to host an unforgettable birthday celebration on April 4, 2025, at the iconic Palm Court.

This all-black attire, VIP-only event will bring together Guyana’s elite, tastemakers, and influencers for a night of high-energy entertainment, luxury, and non-stop vibes. Headlining the celebration is Yung Bredda, the viral Caribbean sensation behind the hit song “The Greatest Bend Over,” guaranteeing an electrifying performance that will have the crowd moving all night long.

Known for curating the most sought-after nightlife experiences, Travis Shepherd promises an unmatched atmosphere, featuring premium bottle service, stylish décor, and an elite guest list. With limited tickets available, this exclusive celebration is set to be a sold-out affair.

Limited tickets on sale now for $5,000 GYD. Secure yours before they’re gone!

(Press release)

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In recent outings by Team Mohamed and Azurddin Mohamed images of known AFC/APNU activists from previous years have surfaced, showing their involvement in organizing meetings on the ground.

These meetings included Dr. Veersammy Ramayya and a PNC-aligned mayor from Region 6.

A source close to the AFC has linked recent meetings between the Mohameds and AFC leaders Nigel Hughes and Raphael Trotman to these rural public outreaches, mainly in Regions 2 and 6. It is believed that the AFC and APNU have lost credibility in these areas and are now supporting a new face to target PPP supporters.

Dr. Veersammy Ramayya was seen in one of the meetings

The source pointed to social media, where leading opposition members had previously condemned the PPP for allegedly protecting the Mohameds in relation to allegations of murder, gold smuggling, and money laundering. The same opposition figures are now promoting the Mohameds and supporting their campaigns on the ground.

This major shift, the source noted, is a carefully orchestrated plan by APNU and AFC to target PPP supporters—especially in rural areas where they believe it is difficult to mobilize opposition support.

US sanctions Mohamed’s family, gov’t official

It is known that the Mohameds were long-time supporters of the PPP, with Mr. Nazar Mohamed himself recently confirming this has been the case for decades.

The Mohameds were sanctioned by the United States in 2024 and are now on the OFAC list—a list maintained by the U.S. government for individuals and entities involved in serious international financial crimes. It is a well-established fact that conducting business with persons or organizations on the OFAC list is strictly prohibited, particularly in the banking and financial sectors, as the U.S. handles all of Guyana’s cross-border banking through correspondent banks.

As a result, the Government has had to sever all ties and transactions with the Mohameds. Financial and Banking institutions, Oil and Gas companies, and other entities have done the same. The Mohameds have now seemingly turned against the Government they once supported—not seemingly due to political or ideological differences, but because of the Government’s distancing from them. They are suggestions that they are entering politics in hopes of securing a more favorable position with the opposition to assist their cause.

The source said that had it not been for the sanctions imposed by the United States, the Mohameds would likely still be supporting the PPP.

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England fast bowler Jofra Archer took his first wicket in this year’s Indian Premier League as Rajasthan Royals beat Chennai Super Kings by six runs.

Archer chalked up the most expensive figures in IPL history – 0-76 from four overs – in his first match of the 2025 tournament against Sunrisers Hyderabad last weekend.

His second outing for the Royals versus Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday was not much better as his 2.3 wicketless overs were dispatched for 33.

However, the 29-year-old bowled with pace and aggression to finish with 1-13 from three overs in a gritty win over CSK as Rajasthan registered their first victory of the campaign.

Archer conceded just one run in his first two overs and became the first player to bowl a maiden in this year’s IPL.

It set the tone for Rajasthan in the field as CSK were kept in check by a disciplined bowling and fielding display.

CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad made 63 off 44 balls but he was one of four wickets to fall to Royals spinner Wanindu Hasaranga (4-35).

However, with master finisher Mahendra Singh Dhoni at the crease and 20 needed off the last six balls, and a frenzied yellow wall roaring him on, CSK still had hope.

Royals skipper Riyan Parag opted to give Sandeep Sharma the final over of the game, instead of Archer, and he got the job done.

Dhoni whacked his first legal delivery to deep mid-wicket where Shimron Hetmyer took a spectacular catch before Sandeep kept his nerve to close out the game.

Earlier, Nitish Rana clubbed a 36-ball 81 and Parag 37 made off 28 as Rajasthan posted 182-9 from their 20 overs.

Noor Ahmad and Matheesha Pathirana both finished with 2-28 from their four overs for the Super Kings who had battled back gamely after Rana had got Rajasthan off to a flyer. (BBC)

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Mitchell Starc took his first five-wicket haul in T20 cricket as Delhi Capitals cruised to a seven-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League.

The 35-year-old Australia left-arm quick claimed 5-35 as Sunrisers were bowled out for 163 after their skipper Pat Cummins had won the toss and batted first.

Aniket Verma hit 74 off 41 balls and was one of only three Sunrisers batters to make it into three figures as Starc and Kuldeep Yadav, who finished with 3-22, did the damage.

Faf du Plessis hammered 50 off 27 balls as he and Jake Fraser-McGurk put on 81 for the first wicket to give the Capitals a solid foundation in the chase.

Sunrisers spinner Zeeshan Ansari dismissed both players on his IPL debut to put the brakes on with 3-42.

However, Abishek Porel and Tristan Stubbs finished unbeaten on 34 and 21 respectively as they got Delhi over the line with 30 balls to spare.

Starc’s figures eclipsed his previous best in the format nearly a decade ago- 4-15 for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Kings XI Punjab in the IPL in May 2015.

He bagged the wickets of Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan early in the SRH innings after both picked out fielders attempting big shots.

However, it was the dismissal of Australia team-mate Travis Head for 22 which gave him the greatest satisfaction and brought a wry smile.

Sunrisers opener Head gloved a delivery from Starc to Delhi wicketkeeper KL Rahul, which ensured Starc has got the wicket of the left-hander six times in all formats.

Starc then returned in the 19th over for his final over and was indebted to two superb diving catches from Capitals skipper Axar Patel and Du Plessis to dismiss Harshal Patel and Wiaan Mulder and secure his five-for. (BBC)

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