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The knockout phase of the 11^th annual Milo U-18 Schools Football Tournament kicked off in thrilling fashion, with teams clashing in the Round of 16.

With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, the matches delivered high-scoring affairs, dramatic comebacks, and a few surprises, setting the tone for an electric finish to the tournament.

Chase’s Academic Foundation wasted no time in asserting their dominance at the Education Ground, dismantling Bartica Secondary in a ruthless 7-0 victory.

The prolific Isaiah Ifill netted four times (33’, 43’, 50’, 58’) after goals from Neeiaz Baksh (17’), Tyrell Walcott (22’), and Kemron Pellew (31’) had already put the Berbice-based team comfortably ahead.

The win solidifies Chase’s position as one of the tournament favourites heading into the next round.

Charlestown Secondary goalscorers! From right: Màĺcolm Hendricks, Nicholas Nieuelder and Malakai Gowen

In the following fixture, Charlestown Secondary earned a 3-1 win over New Amsterdam Secondary.

Despite a goal from Feaad Hussein (40’) that temporarily lifted New Amsterdam’s hopes, Charlestown responded confidently through Malcolm Hendricks (18’), Nicholas Nieuelder (30’) and Malakai Gowen (58’) to secure their spot in the quarter-finals.

Dolphin Secondary came out on top in a see-saw battle with Ann’s Grove Secondary, winning 4-2.

After taking the lead through Colin Frank David (29’), Dolphin faced pressure from Ann’s Grove, who struck back with goals from Keevin Austin (55’) and Kennard Halley (60’). But late strikes from Seon Grant (58’), Ezekiel Frank David (62’) and Jomal Williams (65’) sealed the victory for Dolphin, who now look to carry their momentum forward.

Waramuri Secondary edged a dramatic 3-2 thriller against South Ruimveldt Secondary at Queen’s College Ground.

The dynamic duo of Denzell Abrams (15’) and Orwin Abrams (68’), along with Erwin Booker (35’), gave Waramuri a narrow lead that held up despite goals from Carlon Robinson (49’) and Devonte Gaime (64’) for South Ruimveldt.

Waramuri now marches into the quarters with confidence.

Day Two of Round of 16 games opened with a surprise as Three Miles Secondary toppled a spirited Abram Zuil Secondary side 2-1.

Travin Benjamin (35’) and Lebron Mendonca (68’) scored for the winners, while Omar Kendall (50’) netted for AZSS in a losing effort.

The loss ended a promising run for the Essequibo-based team.

West Ruimveldt Secondary delivered a controlled performance in their 2-0 win over Hope Secondary, with early goals from Issey Williams (6’) and Jeremiah Griffith (28’) providing the cushion they needed to see out the match.

In the final Round of 16 clash, President’s College edged Santa Rosa Secondary 1-0, courtesy of a 65th-minute finish from Kenan Petrie.

The game was tight throughout, with both teams trading chances before Petrie found the breakthrough that proved decisive.

The quarter-finals are set to kick off on Sunday, April 13, as the final eight teams battle for a spot in the semi-finals of the 11th annual Milo U-18 Schools Football Tournament.

Waramuri Secondary will face Bushlot Secondary in what promises to be a high-octane affair between two attacking sides.

President’s College will take on West Ruimveldt Secondary, a match that pits discipline against experience.

Charlestown Secondary meet the in-form Chase’s Academic Foundation, who have scored a staggering 34 goals in just four matches, making them the most prolific team in the tournament so far.

Three Miles Secondary square off with Dolphin Secondary, with both teams looking to make a statement on the big stage.

The post Milo U-18: Quarter-finals set after thrilling Round of 16 appeared first on News Room Guyana.

See below full statement from Origins Guyana Fashion Festival:

Final preparations are in full swing for the highly anticipated Origins Guyana Fashion Festival, as Producer and Creative Director, Andrea King reports steady progress in the lead-up to the landmark event. The festival is set for May 2-4 at the Railway Courtyard in Georgetown.

Rehearsals are scheduled to begin on Sunday, and the complete cast of models has already been selected. Passes for the three-day fashion showcase will be available in the coming week, giving fashion lovers an opportunity to secure access to what promises to be a spectacular event

According to King, the response to the inaugural festival has been overwhelming, with interest pouring in from both local audiences and members of the Guyanese diaspora.

“We have a large diasporic group coming to participate in this event, and people have been calling and messaging non-stop, inquiring about how they can attend. I’m very excited about how everything is shaping up,” King said.

One of the standout features of the Origins Fashion Festival is its commitment to diversity. King emphasized that the lineup of models and designers mirrors the vibrant, multicultural fabric of Guyanese society.

“We have a beautiful mix of seasoned professionals and fresh, vibrant faces taking the runway to present the incredible work of our talented designers,” she noted.

The festival will spotlight a wide range of fashion lines from both local creatives and designers from the diaspora, each bringing their own cultural and artistic flair. Behind the scenes, the team has been working tirelessly to ensure the event meets international production standards.

“We are pulling out all the stops to deliver a world-class fashion showcase. From lighting and sound to choreography and staging, every detail is being carefully managed. Our schedule is on track, and we’re excited to bring patrons the very best in fashion,” King affirmed.

The Origins Guyana Fashion Festival is being facilitated by the Government of Guyana as one of the initiatives designed to develop the local fashion industry and provide greater exposure for local creatives.

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Two brothers were shot and injured after they allegedly stabbed a security guard of a supermarket during a disagreement over the prices of items on Friday night.

The brothers are Ryan and Randy Narine of La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara.

The security guard is a 25-year-old employee of C.M.C Security Service. He was armed with a shotgun and live cartridges.

He was on duty at the O_GUO Supermarket when the incident occurred at 20:40hrs at Enterprise Railway Embankment, ECD.

Police Headquarters reported that the inquiries revealed that the brothers entered the supermarket to purchase beer and chocolate.  While at the counter, Police said Ryan had a disagreement with the cashier over the price of the items. This caused this security guard to intervene.

“This resulted in a confrontation with the Security Guard, Randy, who was armed with a knife, his brother (Ryan), and another individual known as ‘Boy,” Police Headquarters said.

During the confrontation, Police said Randy allegedly stabbed the security guard in the abdomen.

In retaliation, the security guard discharged two rounds, injuring both Randy and Ryan. They were shot in their legs.

Emergency Medical Technicians from the Melanie Fire Station were summoned, and the brothers were transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

The security guard was taken to the said hospital by public-spirited citizens. They were all admitted and are currently in stable condition. Investigations are ongoing.

The post Security guard shot brothers who attacked, stabbed him during disagreement appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Guyana’s female entrepreneur exhibition “WE LIFT” 5 opened at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal, on Friday to further promote small and medium-sized businesses.

The event that is hosted by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has increased its business participation from 75 to over 350.

According to subject Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud, the support these businesses receive is significant. This event provides entrepreneurs with an avenue to network and a platform to showcase their economic contributions. It is supported by the Nations Incorporated, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL).

The event will culminate on Sunday, and admission is free. This year, a highlight of the event is the training sessions, which will allow persons to participate in yoga, makeup, craft making, jewellery making, candle making, and soap making.

Some of the booths at this year’s WE LIFT

Dr. Persaud said that beyond the expo, the Ministry is working with women to develop businesses that can thrive in many different industries. One such training area is the Early Childhood Development Programme, for which two model homes in Regions Three and Four are being created.

“We have trained a significant number of women, in the 1000s in every region, and encouraging them not only to be trained, but to get into consortiums where they can start their own care industries in communities, and they can offer the services of care and early childhood development, blending the needs of children and parents and coming out in such a way that we tackle another very, very important building block of our country, and that is healthy families,” Dr. Persaud said.

The female entrepreneurs have access to the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute as well for them to further advance their business knowledge and particular business needs. And, through the Ministry’s Women Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) programme, some 15,000 women across the country were trained in entrepreneurship. She said that in addition to working with women to empower them to become business owners, the Ministry is also working to assist with overcoming barriers they may face.

Deondra Wishart, a socio-economic advisor at EMGL and entrepreneur participating at the expo, said ExxonMobil Guyana’s support for this event is part of its commitment to local content development. She noted that it increases economic opportunities for women.

Noting how “WE LIFT” supported her business, she said, “I can tell you for sure, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without the support of other women helping to lift me up, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it hadn’t been for others, who I would have lifted up as well.”

Pamela O’Toole, one of the Directors at Nation,s said that many women have shown interest in the skills training programmes offered by the institutions, specially curated for Guyanese to respond to the country’s booming economy.

She also added, “We will award the outstanding early entrepreneur trophy for those aged 16 and under, who are really manufacturing and producing.”

Lorena Solorzana Salazar, the Country Representative at the IDB said they are committed to the work that “WE LIFT” does and will continue to support it. She also said it has given non-traditional businesses a platform and support to thrive.

“When we invest in one woman, we invest in the community, and by investing in the community, we also invest in the country and this context of the Guyana economy,” Salazar said.

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Two persons were arrested after officers of the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) found 100 kilogrammes (or about 220 pounds) of marijuana at a house at Bakershop Dam, #75 Village, Berbice.

CANU, in a release, said officers went to the house based on information received. A subsequent search of the house revealed a quantity of cannabis that weighed 100kg.

Two persons were arrested and are said to be assisting with investigations.

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Officers of the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) caught a Colombian and a Venezuelan with 5.536 kilogrammes (or about 12.2 pounds) of cocaine on Friday.

In a release, CANU said the officers acted based on information received. They went to Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, and intercepted and searched the two foreign nationals.

The search revealed a quantity of cocaine, which weighed 5.536 kilogrammes. CANU said investigations are ongoing.

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Dave Rajeshwar Persaud, a renowned fraudster, was jailed for three years after he was found guilty of defrauding a woman of $30 million.

Magistrate Wanda Fortune of the Friendship Magistrate’s Court found the fraudster guilty of obtaining by False Pretense in contravention of Section 194 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act Chapter 8.01 and sentenced him to three years imprisonment.

The charge was instituted by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) after several reports of financial crimes and money laundering were made to SOCU.

A SOCU release noted that at the beginning of August 2023, Persaud visited the complainant’s premises situated at East Bank Demerara to rent the said property. Persaud related to the complainant that he was a businessman who imported groceries to sell to supermarkets or shops and that he owed an auto dealership. Persaud reportedly induced the complainant to encourage other community members to invest in his business, called ‘Dave Persaud Investment Co., in return for 50-80% profits. None of which were true.

In September 2023, the complainant obtained the sum of $30 million from her deceased husband’s life insurance policy, and Persaud induced her into investing the funds into his fictitious business in return for a 50% profit, that is, a $15 million profit within two weeks. After two weeks had passed, the complainant questioned Persaud about her returns on her investment, but she did not recover the money invested.

According to the SOCU Head, Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, during the period of September 2023- April 2024, efforts were made by SOCU to locate and apprehend Persaud on charges associated with money laundering and other serious financial offences committed within Guyana. Mr. Persaud, however, during this period, had fled the jurisdiction to neighbouring Brazil. A wanted bulletin was issued for his arrest by SOCU, and he was later apprehended and charged.

In June 2024, Persaud was charged with the offence of Obtaining by False Pretense in contravention of Section 194 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act Chapter 8.01 and was remanded to prison.

Magistrate Fortune found that all the elements for the offence of Obtaining by False Pretense were properly established, and Persaud was found guilty and sentenced to three years imprisonment. The matter was prosecuted by Prosecutor(s) Aaron Daniels and Neville Jeffers of SOCU.

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Andy Sugrim, a 29-year-old resident of Houston, East Bank Demerara, was stabbed on Wednesday after he accused a man of theft.

Police Headquarters said the incident occurred at Back Street, Houston.

Sugrim was reportedly stabbed about the body at about 16:00hrs by the suspect, who goes by the alias “toe toe” (only name given).

Police said Sugrim was imbibing at a shop. At about 16:00hrs, the victim and the suspect, both of whom are known to each other, had an exchange of words, where it is alleged that the Sugrim told the suspect to stop thief.

As a result, the suspect became annoyed, pulled out a knife, and stabbed Sugrim several times. He then made good his escape.

Sugrim was subsequently taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he underwent surgery. It was found that he received three stab wounds to his left side abdomen and one wound to his left side face from his ear to his lip. His condition is listed as stable.

Checks were made for the suspect, but he was not seen. Several persons were questioned in the area, but no useful information was received.

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A Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni- Mazaruni) couple was nabbed on Thursday with 328 grammes (or 0.7 pounds) of marijuana.

Police Headquarters reported that ranks went to their home at Fourth Street, 3 1/2 Miles Housing Scheme, and identified themselves to the 36-year-old man and 34-year-old woman.

The ranks reportedly told the couple they were acting on information received and subsequently requested to conduct a search of the home and premises. Both occupants gave their consent for the search.

During a thorough search of the premises and its immediate surroundings, the ranks found a plastic bag containing a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis, hidden at the front gate under a concrete bridge leading to the premises.

Subsequently, a second search was conducted a short distance away from the home across the road, where another plastic bag containing a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems also suspected to be cannabis was found.

Both individuals were informed of the offense, cautioned, and arrested.

They were then escorted to the Bartica Police Station, where the suspected cannabis was weighed. The first parcel of narcotics amounted to 39 grammes, while the second parcel amounted to 289 grammes.

Both suspects remain in custody pending further investigations.

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President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced on Friday that the government will make $2 billion available, an investment that will allow each farmer to get one free bag of fertiliser to boost production.

The farmers will get one bag of fertiliser for every acre cultivated.

“This is not only this year, this has been our efforts continuously since we came into office,” the President said at a community meeting.

In 2023 and 2024, President Ali announced similar support for farmers. The government first made $1 billion available for the fertiliser support and the following year, $2 billion.

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