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See below the full statement made by the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond, in response to concerns raised online by American-Guyanese fashion designer, Marissa Wilson:

The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce rejects the false claims being made by MARRISA WILSON New York and supported by known political activists that the ORIGINS: Guyana Fashion Festival represents her ideas and not those of the Government of Guyana and those persons assembled to deliver this landmark event.

The ORIGINS brand was developed by a team of Guyanese industry practitioners and event organisers assembled by the Ministry to develop the government’s investment in support of Guyana’s fledgling fashion industry.

Our government’s support for the cultural and creative industries is no secret and amounts to over 2.7 billion in 2024 and 3.6 billion was budgeted for 2025.

Marrisa Wilson and her team were contacted by a representative of Alex Graham’s team in the United States, Alex Graham is serving as Event Director of the inaugural ORIGINS: Guyana Fashion Festival. Mr Graham met virtually with Marrisa Wilson and her team on March 13, 2025. In that meeting, the goals of the ORIGINS Guyana Fashion Festival were first shared and there was a meeting of minds on the goals and on a general approach about how Marissa, her Brand, and her Team could participate.

In an effort to demonstrate how they can participate in the Origins Guyana Fashion Festival (with no scope of participation being settled), Marrisa and her team provided to Mr. Graham, a 3-minute video to be shown at the launch and to have the ORIGINS brand included in some of their images. The images were never used but the video was shown during the launch event on March 26, 2025 at the Railway Courtyard and Marrisa Wilson was mentioned in the remarks from the podium.

On March 31, 2025, and based on further conversations, for the first time, Marrisa Wilson’s team submitted a proposal, inclusive of costs, outlining how her team could contribute to the inaugural ORIGINS: Guyana Fashion Festival. The comprehensive proposal covers some areas that are already being handled by other Guyanese fashion creatives and so internal discussions were still ongoing regarding the scope of Marrisa’s participation. It is during these deliberations that Marissa responded with the erroneous and mischievous video that has now been reposted by several others.

Marrisa’s work and achievement are outstanding, and it is therefore disappointing that someone of Guyanese roots, who had an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the industry here, quickly choose to go public with distortions, exaggerations, and lies in response to our effort to include her and her team.

The Government of Guyana is firmly of the view that Guyana is not just a land of natural beauty and economic potential; we are a force in fashion, creativity, and culture. As such, this festival is a visionary initiative, spearheaded by His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, to give our designers a global platform. It is a declaration that Guyana’s fashion industry is ready to shine, and we invite the world to take notice.

We will remain committed to the task and continue to work to deliver a world class show in May. It is unfortunate that Marissa Wilson and her team have chosen this route and thereby denied themselves the opportunity to be part of this groundbreaking event, for and on behalf of our creative professionals and aspirants alike.

The 2022 proposal referred to in her post will be shared on my page. There was nothing original about that proposal.

Thank you.

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The Guyana Harpy Eagles have one hand firmly on the 2025 West Indies Four-Day Championship trophy after a dominant Day three against the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at Queen’s Park Oval.

Their imposing first-innings total, spearheaded at the backend by a brilliant all-round effort from Keemo Paul, has left the Red Force facing a mountain to climb.

Resuming their innings 269-5, the Harpy Eagles batted through a significant portion of the day, eventually posting a formidable 463.

The innings was anchored by a near-century from West Indies all-rounder Keemo Paul, who fell just seven runs short of a deserved hundred.

He was well-supported by Raymond Perez’s solid 82, a crucial half-century from Veerasammy Permaul (52*), and contributions from Kevlon Anderson (51), Kevin Sinclair (35), Tevin Imlach (33), and Kemol Savory (32).

Khary Pierre was the standout bowler for the Red Force, claiming four wickets for 119 runs, while Jyd Goolie and Joshua James chipped in with two wickets each.

Keemo Paul followed up his probing spells with a top knock of 93 (PHOTO: Cricket West Indies)

Having established a commanding 223-run first-innings lead, the Harpy Eagles put the Red Force under immense pressure.

In their second innings, the home side struggled to gain momentum and reached the close of play on 101 for 2 after 35 overs.

Amir Jangoo (50) reached his half-century, while Cephas Cooper remained unbeaten on 26.

However, the Harpy Eagles have already made crucial breakthroughs, with Kevin Sinclair (1-7) and Ronaldo Alimohamed (1-24) picking up a wicket apiece.

The Harpy Eagles entered this final-round encounter with a 6.2-point lead over the Red Force and have already secured vital first-innings points, placing them in pole position to clinch their eighth title in the last ten seasons of the Professional Cricket League.

Unless the Red Force can produce a remarkable batting display and bundle the Eagles, their agonising wait for a Four-Day title since 2006 looks set to be prolonged.

The Guyana Harpy Eagles are poised to lift the 2025 Championship trophy.

FULL SCORECARD: https://matchcentre.windiescricket.com/match/66c1bb30-4a4b-4bdc-8be6-b0202f8aa5ca/scorecard

Below are the summarised scores of the other matches:

At Coolidge Cricket Ground: Windward Islands Volcanoes 106 all out from 25 overs (Noelle Leo 22, Kimani Melius 20; Nathan Edward 2-15, Kelvin Pitman 2-22, McKenny Clarke 2-34) and 181 all out from 46.1 overs (Alick Athanaze 41, Kimani Melius 40; Johanna Layne 6-30) lost to West Indies Academy 253 all out from 66 overs (Teddy Bishop 56, Carlon Bowen-Tuckett 45, Justin Jagessar 42; Kenneth Dember 6-45) and 35-0 from 3.3 overs (Ackeem Auguste 33*) by 10 wickets

At Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground: Combined Campuses and Colleges 327 all out from 86.3 overs (Shaqkere Parris 112, Johann Jeremiah 69, Larry Edward 44; Abhijai Mansingh 5-91) & 153-5 from 38.3 overs (Shaqkere Parris 85*, Romario Greaves 19*; Marquino Mindley 2-30, Peat Salmon 2-255) beat Jamaica Scorpions 133 all out from 36.2 overs (Kirk McKenzie 31; Jaden Edmund 5-59, Larry Edward 3-6) and 206-5 from 46 overs ( John Campbell 104, Javelle Glenn 86, Peat Salmon 35, Brad Barnes 30; Larry Edward 5-86, Chemar Holder 3-79) by five wickets

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A major cocaine seizure in Imbotero, North West District has resulted in the arrest of five persons. Police Headquarters on Thursday reported some 211.7 kilogrammes (approximately 465.7 pounds) of cocaine with a street value of $317.5 million was discovered during a series of intelligence-led operations conducted on Tuesday.

Led by a senior gazetted rank along with other members of the Guyana Police Force a raid was conducted at the residence and fuel storage bond of Anthony Hosea Beria, also known as Anthony Hosea Yispen and called “Negro.”

The raid resulted in the seizure of 11 cellular phones and three handheld radio sets. No narcotics were discovered at the location. It is alleged that the suspect fled the location with a firearm prior to the raid.

Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of four individuals, each of whom directed police to separate locations along Imbotero Creek, where several bags containing cocaine were recovered.

The four men were identified as: Leroy Williams, a 45-year-old fisherman; two farmers Patrick Sam, 58 and Anthony Lewis, 47, along with Marlon Jerome, a 47-year-old unemployed man.

Williams led police to one salt bag containing 20 parcels of cocaine, weighing 23.5 kilogrammes. Sam led the ranks to two salt bags containing 40 parcels, weighing 47 kilogrammes. Lewis directed the ranks to three salt bags containing 60 parcels, weighing 70.6 kilogrammes and Jerome led the ranks to another three salt bags with 60 parcels, also weighing 70.6 kilograms.

Each of the suspects arrested was cautioned and placed into custody.

Following further efforts by law enforcement, the primary suspect known as “Negro” was later arrested and is currently in custody assisting with the investigation.

Investigations are ongoing.

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The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security will host its 5th annual WE LIFT Exhibition from Friday afternoon.

This significant event serves as a pivotal platform for showcasing the ingenuity and economic contributions of women-owned enterprises.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud said the exposition will this year have over 350 women owned businesses on display.

Dr. Persaud also said the expo has evolved and more women-owned businesses continue to participate each year.

“I really am impressed by what the women have been doing. You see their growth. We’ve seen many of them move from micro to mid-level businesses. And we’re hoping that with this kind of exposure, they can only expand more and more,” Dr. Persaud said.

The event will commence on Friday afternoon at 16:30hrs and will culminate on Sunday at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal.

“We’re looking at fashion, craft, jewelry, and the list goes on and on. The women have come from various parts of Guyana, and I believe that those who come out tomorrow, when we have the opening of this exposition, will be able to do -as we have been advertising – explore, experience, shock support, and of course, the women who are here with their businesses will be able to network,” Dr. Persaud said.

This year, the dedicated efforts to empower women will also allow businesses involved in skincare, beauty, and other activities to conduct one-hour long sessions with attendees.

“Every day there will be a number of sessions from yoga to makeup to craft making, jewellery making, candle making, soap making, so we have slotted an hour for each one of these on both Saturday and Sunday. There will also be a panel discussion, and I understand from the Ministry of Human Services team, a gender dance off,” Dr. Persaud said.

She noted that this event provides massive exposure and networking opportunities for business owners. Since the exposition was developed, the businesses that participate have also had access to several training programmes offered by the Women’s Business Incubator and Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute for marketing advice and packaging advice. This year, a lot of people are on board in a large way, providing services.

The WE LIFT expo has also expanded to Regions Two and Ten and Dr. Persaud said it is her hope that the event can continue to grow as more businesses get involved.

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Opener Raymond Perez made his highest First-Class score as Guyana Harpy Eagles grabbed first innings honours against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force by stumps on Day Two of the final round of the West Indies Four-Day Championship at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port-of-Spain on Thursday.

This is a top-of-the-table clash and with Guyana Harpy Eagles leading by just 6.2 points on the table, first innings points in a drawn encounter, coupled with fast bowling bonus points, will guarantee a successful defence of the title.

Harpy Eagles closed the day on a solid 269-5, a lead of 29 on first innings with two days to play.

The right-handed Perez stroked 82 off 144 balls, falling leg before to left-arm spinner Khary Pierre when in sight of a maiden hundred.

Perez, who shared a 58-run opening stand with Matthew Nandu (11), struck 11 fours.

Kevlon Anderson continued his fine form with another fifty (52 off 62), but was also trapped leg before by Pierre.

Captain Tevin Imlach and his deputy Kemol Savory made 33 and 32 respectively, while all-rounder Kevin Sinclair (21*) and Keemo Paul (18*) ended the day unbeaten.

Pierre has taken 3-61 thus far.

Earlier, Red Force added just 23 runs to their overnight 217-7 with Nial Smith taking 4-49, Paul 3-45 and Ronaldo Alimohamed 2-42.

Below are the summarised scores of the other matches:

At Coolidge Cricket Ground: Windward Islands Volcanoes 106 all out from 25 overs (Noelle Leo 22, Kimani Melius 20; Nathan Edward 2-15, Kelvin Pitman 2-22, McKenny Clarke 2-34) and 181 all out from 46.1 overs (Alick Athanaze 41, Kimani Melius 40; Johanna Layne 6-30) lost to West Indies Academy 253 all out from 66 overs (Teddy Bishop 56, Carlon Bowen-Tuckett 45, Justin Jagessar 42; Kenneth Dember 6-45) and 35-0 from 3.3 overs (Ackeem Auguste 33*) by 10 wickets

At Warner Park: Leeward Islands Hurricanes 444-9 declared from 133.4 overs (Justin Greaves 124*, Jahmar Hamilton 84, Jewel Andrew 66, Keacy Carty 55; Jomel Warrican 7-111) lead Barbados Pride 153-5 from 37 overs (Kevin Wickham 55*; Justin Greaves 2-18, Oshane Thomas 2-64) by 291 runs

At Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground: Jamaica Scorpions 133 all out from 36.2 overs (Kirk McKenzie 31; Jaden Edmund 5-59, Larry Edward 3-6) and 206-5 from 46 overs (Javelle Glenn 86; Larry Edward 3-47) lead Combined Campuses and Colleges 327 all out from 86.3 overs (Shaqkere Parris 112, Johann Jeremiah 69, Larry Edward 44; Abhijai Mansingh 5-91) by 12 runs

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Two firefighters were charged with drug trafficking in separate cases where one was remanded to prison and the other placed on bail.

In the first case, Osafo Bess, 32, of 111 Miles Mahdia, Region Eight, was charged with the possession of 40 grammes of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. He was arrested on April 8, 2025. Bess appeared at the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday via zoom before Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse, where the charge was read to him, and he pleaded not guilty.

Bess was placed on $100,000 bail, and the case was postponed to April 22, 2025.

In the second case, Shamar Aulder, 21, of Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara, was charged with a similar offence, but instead, he was remanded to prison.

He appeared at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court before His Worship Mr. Sunil Scarce, where the charge was read to him, he pleaded not guilty, and bail was denied.

This matter was adjourned until April 29, 2025, and transferred to the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court.

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Sherman Ferguson, a 31-year-old member of the Guyana Police Force, was arrested after 34.6 kilogrammes of ganja were found in the trunk of his car.

Ferguson was intercepted along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway near Hauraruni during an intelligence-led operation on Thursday.
Police Headquarters reported that the vehicle was traveling west along the southern side of the highway.

Upon searching the vehicle, ranks discovered three large transparent plastic bags containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis. Ferguson was cautioned and placed under arrest.

He remains in custody as investigations continue

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Three men were remanded to prison recently after they were charged for a number of armed robberies on the East Coast Demerara (ECD).

They are: Carlton Bourne, 30, a construction worker of Norton Street, Georgetown; Devindra Mooteram, 27, a driver of East La Penitence, and Deryck Garraway, an unemployed 20-year-old of Riverview, Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

The men appeared at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Sunil Scarce.

They are accused of an armed robbery against Paul Rambhajan, a businessman of Good Hope, ECD and Prakash Kooblall, a cashier of $150,000 and two phones valued at $250,000 and $60,000. This incident occurred at Good Hope.

In this case, Mooteram and Garraway pleaded not guilty and was remanded until April 28, 2025. Carlton pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four years imprisonment.

In a separate case, the men are accused of robbing Daquan Philadelphia of a 9MM pistol and 10 matching live rounds. This robbery occurred on February 23, 2025 at Melanie Damishana, ECD. In this instance, they were remanded to prison until April 28, 2025.

This trio then appeared for two other counts of armed robbery committed on Akean Hiles, a GNBS Inspector of $100,000 on March 26, 2025 and on Li Hux Xi, a Chinese national of $700,000 and $40,000 worth of phone cards.

In this case, Mooteram and Garraway pleaded not guilty and was remanded until April 28, 2025. Bourne who pleaded guilty was sentenced to four years imprisonment.

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Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh will meet with local exporters who may be affected by the new United States tariff on Friday, according to Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo.

He highlighted that fish, shrimp, and agricultural goods are among the exports that could be affected by the 10% across-the-board tariff, as other top exports like petroleum products, bauxite ore, and gold are exempt from the tariff.

US President Donald Trump said he would impose a 10% baseline tariff on all imports to the U.S. and higher duties on dozens of other countries. Guyana was among the countries to face a “reciprocal tariff,” a higher tax rate of 38%.

On Thursday, however, Jagdeo reminded reporters that US President Donald Trump has announced a 90-day pause on the reciprocal tariffs announced for some countries, though tariffs on China were increased and remain in effect. Still, the 10% universal tax remains in place.

He said the lion’s share of Guyana’s exports will be exempt from the tariffs, but other exports like fish, shrimp, and agricultural goods are likely to be affected.

Jagdeo said these exports are “smaller in magnitude but very impactful on people’s lives.”

As such, the government wants to engage the exporters to see how they can be better supported. He also noted that the government wants to engage President Trump on the tariffs.

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