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Following a “comprehensive” assessment, Guyana and Panama have agreed to eliminate the requirement of re-screening of persons travelling between the two countries.

This announcement was made by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority in a statement Monday. A delegation from Panama Aviation Authority conducted the aviation security assessment at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

During the assessment, GCAA said various critical areas including passenger and carry-on baggage screening, access control measures for individuals and vehicles, hold baggage screening, aircraft security, onboard security, and security measures at the terminal and boarding gates were examined.

Following a “comprehensive” assessment, Guyana and Panama have agreed to eliminate the requirement of re-screening of persons travelling between the two countries (Photo: GCAA/ March 25, 2025)

The decision come years after Panama has advocated for the removal of the restriction in order to ease passengers travel.

“In this contemporary era, the ease of travel and the hassle-free experience for passengers are now best facilitated through mechanisms such as the One Stop Security (OSS) arrangement, for which Panama has considered and commenced a path of implementation at their Tocumen International Airport,” GCAA said in the statement.

According to the statement, the Panamanian delegation has presented a preliminary report to the GCAA, concluding that the security measures in place are effective and equivalent to those mandated by the Panama Civil Aviation Authority and implemented at Tocumen International Airport in Panama.

“This favourable assessment signifies a significant step towards establishing a One Stop Security (OSS) arrangement between the two countries.

“The successful implementation of OSS will greatly enhance the travel experience for passengers flying between Guyana and Panama, particularly on COPA Airlines flights, by eliminating the need for redundant security checks and streamlining the overall process,” the statement said.

The agreement, GCAA said is expected to be finalised with the submission of a comprehensive assessment report to Guyana, accompanied by a ‘Letter of Commitment’ acknowledging Guyana’s participation in the OSS arrangement and its obligation to maintain the highest standards of aviation security measures.

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Punjab Kings kick started their TATA IPL 2025 campaign with a thrilling 11-run victory over Gujarat Titans in Match Five of the IPL at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

In a run-fest, Punjab Kings’ skipper Shreyas Iyer led from the front, smashing an unbeaten 97 off 42- his highest IPL score- to propel his side to a formidable 243-5.

Debutant Priyansh Arya (47 off 23) and Shashank Singh (44 off 16) provided the perfect support.

GT responded valiantly, with Sai Sudharsan (74 off 41), Jos Buttler (54 off 33), and Sherfane Rutherford (46 off 28) keeping the chase alive. However, PBKS held their nerve in the death overs to clinch a crucial opening win.

Put in to bat first, a rejuvenated Punjab Kings signaled intent from the outset. Regular opener Prabhsimran Singh joined forces with the young Priyansh Arya, who wasted no time in expressing himself.

While Kagiso Rabada removed Prabhsimran early, Priyansh remained unfazed, unleashing an array of exquisite strokes.

At the other end, newly-appointed skipper Shreyas Iyer announced his arrival with a sublime lofted on-drive. PBKS raced to 73-1 in the powerplay before Gujarat Titans’ trump card, Rashid Khan, struck gold.

The Afghan maestro dismissed the fearless Priyansh for a dazzling 47 off 23, marking a dream IPL debut. Azmatullah Omarzai walked in next, embodying PBKS’ bold approach, but Sai Kishore turned the tide.

The left-arm spinner dealt a double blow, sending Azmatullah and a returning Glenn Maxwell packing in consecutive deliveries before dismissing Marcus Stoinis to finish with impressive figures pf 3-30.

With wickets tumbling, Iyer seized control, launching a breathtaking counterattack. Targeting the ‘V’ with surgical precision, he notched up a scintillating half-century off just 27 balls.

What followed was sheer carnage with 22 runs off Prasidh Krishna’s over propelled PBKS beyond the 200-run mark.

Iyer remained unbeaten on a career-best 97* (42), hammering five fours and nine towering sixes Shashank Singh provided the finishing touch with a blistering 44 off 16, ensuring PBKS posted a daunting 243-5 setting up a thrilling challenge for GT.

Chasing a daunting 244, Gujarat Titans began with intent as skipper Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan laid a solid foundation.

Gill’s blistering 33 off 14 set the tempo before Glenn Maxwell removed him on the final delivery of the powerplay. Despite the setback, GT ended a promising powerplay at 61-1.

Sai took charge alongside the seasoned Jos Buttler, marking the latter’s first innings in GT colors.

The left-right duo kept pace with the steep required rate, forging a fluent 84-run stand. Sai’s signature elegance saw him register a well-crafted 74 off 41 balls- his seventh IPL fifty- before Arshdeep Singh broke the partnership.

Sherfane Rutherford, introduced as the impact player, made an instant mark, launching a monstrous 97m six off Marcus Stoinis. However, Punjab clawed back with Vishnu Vyshak delivering a tight 17th over.

With GT needing 57 off the final 18 balls, Buttler- well set at the crease- took ownership, bringing up a composed fifty on debut for the Titans.

Just as GT’s hopes aligned with Buttler, Marco Jansen produced a pinpoint yorker to castle him for 54 off 33.

Despite a valiant 46 off 28 from Rutherford and late efforts from Rahul Tewatia, Punjab’s bowlers held their composure, defending the total with precision to seal a crucial season-opening victory. (IPL)

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Guyana will introduce a new mobile health application, “Health for You,” within seven months, allowing patients across the country to schedule medical appointments and manage prescriptions, among other services, directly from their smartphones, President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced on Tuesday.

The app, developed in collaboration with New York-based Mount Sinai Health System, is designed to significantly improve patient care and streamline access to personal medical information. It will include features such as appointment scheduling, medication reminders, and prompts for regular health checkups.

Initially set for rollout at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), the largest public hospital in Guyana, “Health for You” will subsequently become available at all major regional hospitals, including the Linden Hospital Complex, West Demerara, New Amsterdam, Lethem, and hospitals currently under construction.

Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony previously noted that the app’s integration with Guyana’s national electronic health record system would offer enhanced access and control over personal health data, marking a critical advancement in the country’s healthcare digitalisation efforts.

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Semonica Duke and Omisi Williams have once again cemented their status among Guyana’s fitness powerhouses, leading their respective RX teams to victory in the gruelling 2025 KFC Fitness Challenge at the National Park.

Duke, a legend in the local scene, partnered with Tonnica Dey under the fitting team name “The Retirees”, given their reported decision to step back from competitive fitness.

However, they proved they remain a force to be reckoned with, securing the Female RX title after a hard-fought contest.

Team Titans (Delice Adonis and Patiqua Cooper) and Barbell Battalion (Shanika Estwick and Alexis Williams) battled valiantly but could not overcome the experienced duo.

In the Men’s RX category, Omisi Williams teamed up with Kellon Reid to form “Fitness Addicts” and delivered an equally dominant performance.

Team Fund (Christopher Henry and Roley Chandler) and Rush Hour (Joey Kromosetro and Ramon Rieskin) completed the podium.

The substantial prize fund made the competition even more intense, with the top teams taking home $600,000.

Individual event wins and podium finishes also yielded significant financial rewards.

A new addition to this year’s challenge, the Joint Services category, proved to be a popular highlight. Boxer Desmond Amsterdam, representing the Guyana Defence Force, showcased his exceptional athleticism to win the male category, with Sherwin Caesar finishing second.

Dashwana Williams and Sherrilyn Kingston impressed in the female category, demonstrating the fitness levels within Guyana’s emergency services.

The Masters category showcased the enduring fitness of older competitors, with Raoul Moendir, Emmanuel Abassah, and Clint Atmosoerodjo dominating the male division.

Lieke Verwoerd, Quirine Snijders, and Esveydi Morales claimed the top spots in the female category.

The 2025 KFC Fitness Challenge was made possible by the generous support of several sponsors, including Sol Petroleum Guyana, EcoFlow, Windjammer Hotel, Windsor Estates, Star Rentals, HJ 94.1 Boom FM, Trophy Stall, Survival Supermarket, and Genesis Fitness Gym.

PHOTOS:

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Shakeem David, a barber was on Monday charged for discharging a loaded firearm on two occasions and remanded to prison.

David, a resident of Fourth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown made his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

He faced two counts of discharging a loaded firearm with intent. Magistrate Fabayo Azore read the charge to David, who pleaded not guilty.

David, who was arrested on March 21 was refused bail.

The matter was adjourned to April 31, 2025.

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Days after he was arrested, a Cuban national was on Monday sentenced to three years imprisonment after he admitted to entering Guyana illegally.

Yosmel Peres Cisnero, 39, appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

He was charged for arriving in Guyana by sea and disembarking without consent of an immigration officer.

Cisnero pleaded guilty to the charge which was laid contrary to Section 34(1)(c) of the Immigration Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 14:01.

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Fifty women from across the country are set to begin receive training in the use and operation solar photovoltaic systems, beginning April, 2025.

This initiative is made possible through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which was signed between the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL).

In a statement, GPL said the collaboration will target women from regions 2, 5, 6 and 10.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Shannielle Hoosein Outar (left) and GPL Head of Executive Management, Kesh Nandlall signed the agreement on Monday (Photo: GPL/ March 24, 2025)

The women will be trained under the GUYSOL Women in Solar Apprenticeship Program.

“The MoU will also support training for renewable energy stakeholders to ensure long term sustainability of solar education,” the statement said.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Shannielle Hoosein Outar and GPL Head of Executive Management, Kesh Nandlall signed the agreement on Monday.

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Ashutosh Sharma’s unbeaten 66 off 31 balls helped Delhi Capitals clinch a dramatic one-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League.

The Super Giants posted an imposing 209-8 and the Capitals were in trouble at 7-3 and then 65-5 in their run chase.

However, a stunning innings from Ashutosh, on his Delhi debut as an impact player substitute, secured a thrilling victory for the Capitals in the final over as they got home in dramatic fashion.

With six runs required off the final over- bowled by Shahbaz Ahmed- to win, Delhi number 11 Mohit Sharma survived a nervy lbw review and then managed to scramble a single off the next ball.

Ashutosh then whacked a towering straight six off Shahbaz to send the crowd in Visakhapatnam delirious as victory was wrapped up with three balls to spare.

Delhi’s chase was their highest in IPL history, eclipsing the 209 they made to beat Gujarat Lions in May 2017, and the ninth highest overall.

Earlier, Nicholas Pooran’s 75 off 30 balls had helped the Super Giants to a commanding total. It was a knock which included six fours and seven sixes and came at a strike-rate of 250.

The West Indies batter had combined well with Australia all-rounder Mitch Marsh, who made a breezy 72 off 36 balls, in a second-wicket stand of 87.

Pooran was eventually dismissed in the 15th over when Australia left-arm quick Mitchell Starc splattered his stumps as he finished with 3-42.

Lucknow skipper Rishabh Pant made a six-ball duck in his first appearance against his former team as he was dismissed by Kuldeep Yadav, who claimed a miserly 2-20.

Delhi made a terrible start to their reply as Shardul Thakur struck twice in the first over to remove Jake Fraser-McGurk and Abishek Porel cheaply, before Faf du Plessis and Axar Patel steadied the ship with knocks of 29 and 22.

Delhi’s lower-middle order also rallied and they stayed in touch with the run-rate thanks to Tristan Stubbs (34 off 22 balls) and Vipraj Nigam (39 off 14 balls).

LSG still looked heavy favourites with 22 required off the final two overs, but Ashutosh kept his composure amid the chaos, with a brilliant innings which included five fours and five sixes, to get his side over the line. (BBC)

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