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On Saturday, President Dr. Irfaan Ali officially opened state-of-the-art international doubles squash courts at the National Racquet Centre on Woolford Avenue, a move hailed as a landmark development for squash in Guyana.

The local squash community enthusiastically acclaimed the facility, representing an approximately G$68 million investment. It promises to nurture emerging talents and attract international competition.

During the opening ceremony, President Ali emphasised the vital role of sports tourism in national development and urged Guyana Squash Association (GSA) to craft a robust business model that capitalizes on the burgeoning global tourism market.

“Sport is big business,” he declared, underscoring the integration of sports into the economy.

He called upon the GSA to forge partnerships with international associations and encouraged them to “come for squash and stay for the natural beauty.”

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

The Head of State articulated a vision where every investment in sports is backed by a comprehensive business strategy, ensuring sustainable growth.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. echoed this sentiment, urging athletes to maximize the new facility’s potential and elevate Guyana’s standing in the world of sport.

He announced that this inauguration is merely a prelude, with plans to commission additional international-standard facilities nationwide this year.

According to the Minister, G$41 million was allocated for internal fittings and G$21 million for building construction. The building accommodates three single courts that can be converted into two double courts.

GSA President confirmed that President Ali has pledged to enhance the facility with air conditioning, further elevating the play standards.

He noted that the court system, sourced from Germany, ranks among the finest globally.

As doubles squash becomes an integral part of junior and senior Caribbean tournaments, the lack of suitable facilities in many Caribbean territories remains challenging.

Only the British Virgin Islands and Guyana boast international-standard doubles courts, with Guyana uniquely positioned to convert three single courts into two doubles courts funded by the government for public use.

With burgeoning hotel developments, the GSA aspires to host the Junior Pan American Championships by 2026.

Additionally, Director of Sport Steve Ninvallle revealed that a new badminton and table tennis facility will open within the compound in a few months.

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The main opposition People’s National Congress (PNC) and the parties of their APNU coalition on Saturday admitted to proposing costly measures if they ever return to government, but stopped short of providing clarity on how they will finance these measures.

Having been roasted by Dr Singh in the National Assembly for their unrealistic promises to the Guyanese people, the PNCR/APNU has confirmed the high cost of their proposals but failed to provide details on how these measures will be financed.

In a press release issued two days after Minister Singh’s presentation in Parliament, PNCR/APNU focused on elaborate cost-of-living measures but still failed to explain how these would be financed.

The release, though purporting to be from the PNCR and APNU, was sent out on PNC letterhead and curiously makes no mention of governance with the Alliance for Change (AFC). This omission is significant, given that the PNC has been in talks with the AFC for a possible coalition to contest the upcoming general elections.

The press release, issued on Saturday morning, was in response to Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh’s closing speech on Thursday during the budget debates.

The PNCR/APNU estimates that their proposed cost-of-living measures, including cash grants, would cost over $600 billion annually.

However, they failed to specify how these would be financed, making only vague references to cutting spending in some areas and increasing taxes in others.

The Good Governance Dividend, which they claim will come from eliminating corruption and tightening financial management, is merely a recycled version of their “Democratic Dividend” promise from 2015, which never materialised.

The PNCR/APNU’s admission that they will hire experts to determine funding sources is a glaring acknowledgment that they have no concrete financial plan. Further, their admission that economic modelling will be done in the future is another glaring indication that no study or proper financial planning was undertaken before making these promises.

The PNCR/APNU also pointed to higher VAT revenues and increased taxation as part of their funding strategy. This is consistent with their approach during 2015–2020, when they hiked over 200 taxes and fees, placing a heavy burden on the Guyanese population.

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An armed robbery occurred Friday night at the home of 31-year-old businessman, Ravindra Somai, also known as ‘Buxton’, in Corentyne, Berbice. The incident took place around 19:15 hrs at the businessman’s tint shop.

Two masked men, armed with handguns, approached the shop on a Black and Red XR motorcycle. They threatened the businessman and his workers, demanding valuables.

At the time of the robbery, Somai was wearing two gold chains and a gold band, which were among the items stolen. The robbers also took $400,000 in cash and a Samsung S22 Plus phone valued at $120,000.

One of the suspects struck the businessman on the head with a handgun before forcing him to hand over his jewellery and money. After taking the items, the robbers fled the scene on their motorcycle.

Authorities are currently investigating the incident, and police are searching for the suspects.

 

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Trade between Guyana and China continues to climb steadily, reaching a whopping US$1.4 billion (or about G$292 billion) at the end of 2024, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Guyana, Huang Rui announced Friday night.

Huang spoke Association of Chinese Enterprises in Guyana’s Annual Dinner commemorating the Chinese New Year. The event was held at the Royal International Hotel, Georgetown.

He also highlighted that the sum represents a 14.4% increase in trade, compared to 2023. So he posited that 2024 was an “extraordinary year” for the two sided.

Trade between China and Guyana has been steadily increasing. At the end of 2023, bilateral trade was pegged at US$1.23 billion. Several large projects, including the new Demerara Harbour Crossing and the Mackenzie/ Wismar Bridge, are being undertaken by Chinese firms.

And the Chargé d’Affaires also praised China/ Guyana relations, emphasising that the two sides have significantly supported each other. On the trade front, he said, Chinese enterprises contributed significantly to Guyana.

“Chinese enterprises have made great contributions to the biggest economic and social transformation of Guyana while abiding by the local content law, creating new job opportunities, and shouldering their social responsibilities,” Huang told a room filled with local and foreign investors.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh told potential investors on Friday night that they would be supported.

“As long as you come to Guyana and you respect the laws of Guyana, you generate values, and particularly jobs and business opportunities including through partnership and local content… You are welcome to do business in Guyana and we will protect your rights in Guyana,” Dr. Singh said.

He also hailed the contributions of the Chinese people to Guyana’s vibrant culture and economy. He posited that China’s relationship with Guyana, which spans over half a century, has evolved too.

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A hit-and-run incident at approximately 20:51hrs Friday night on Mocha Access Road, East Bank Demerara, resulted in the death of a 56-year-old pedestrian.

The victim, Patrick Singh, was a Providence, East Bank Demerara resident. Authorities report that the accident involved an unknown motor vehicle, with details regarding the make, colour, and registration of the vehicle, as well as the identity of the driver, still under investigation.

Preliminary findings suggest that Singh was either walking, standing, or lying on the southern side of the road when he was struck by the vehicle, which was travelling westward. The driver failed to stop and render assistance, fleeing the scene shortly after the collision.

Emergency services responded swiftly, with an ambulance dispatched to the scene. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) found Singh unconscious and quickly transported him to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Despite efforts to save him, Singh was pronounced dead on arrival by Dr. Etwaru.

The police, led by Inspector Ramdas, arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, around 21:00hrs. A search for eyewitnesses and any debris that could shed light on the incident proved unsuccessful. However, a nearby CCTV camera was identified, and authorities are working to extract and review the footage in hopes of identifying the vehicle involved.

Singh’s body remains at the GPHC Mortuary, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted. Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and the police are appealing for any information or witnesses that may assist in identifying the driver responsible for this tragic accident.

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Press Release from Fruta Conquerors FC

Fruta Conquerors Football Club proudly announces the election of Martin Massiah as their new President following the club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at the Fruta Conquerors Club House, Sakura Road, Tucville.

At 30 years old, Massiah stands as one of the youngest active Guyana Football Federation Elite League Club President, ushering in a bold new era of visionary leadership and innovative progress for Fruta Conquerors FC.

Massiah is a marketing strategy consultant and a Member of The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) in the UK.

He currently serves as the Administrator of the Generation Next Community Development Association, where he has led multiple leadership and entrepreneurship programmes.

Executives and members of the Fruta Conquerors Football Club

Massiah holds an MSc in International Business from Hult International Business School in Boston and has studied in Dubai, London and China.

He has also undergone strategic commercialising and marketing training under the guidance of Concacaf and FIFA.

His expertise in business strategy, branding and community development will be instrumental in guiding Fruta Conquerors FC into a new era of growth and success.

Members of the Fruta Conquerors FC at the AGM

Newly Elected Executive Committee

Massiah will be supported by a highly accomplished and diverse team of professionals, each bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the club’s leadership:

• First Vice-President: Mark Defreitas– A seasoned civil engineer and businessman with a strong background in business development.
• Second Vice-President: Dmitri Nicholson– Executive Director of Youth Challenge Guyana (YCG), a leading organisation dedicated to youth development and empowerment.
• Secretary: Odessa Layne-Abrams– A dedicated social worker committed to community outreach and development.
• Treasurer: Nzinga Maxwell– Equipment personnel for Guyana’s national football team, the Golden Jaguars, and a recognised 2017 Sport Awardee for her contributions to football administration.
• Assistant Secretary/Treasurer: Retired Lieutenant Colonel Lelon Saul– Former CEO of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (2017-2020), retired Guyana Defence Force officer, UNDP associate, and current Georgetown Councillor.

Executive Committee Members:

• Junior Ramkelawan– Entrepreneur and founder of Junior’s BBQ Grill and Burgers, an established local business.
• Denise Miller– Deputy Mayor of Georgetown, bringing governance experience and civic leadership.
• Delon Williams– Football coach, teacher, and former Fruta Conquerors player, with extensive experience in sports development.

This dynamic leadership team is poised to drive the club forward, strengthening its legacy as a powerhouse in Guyanese football while expanding its community impact and player development programmes.

The election was conducted under the oversight of Lawrence Griffith, serving as the Elections Officer, and Shercola Exeter-Sardina from the Electoral Committee of the Guyana Football Federation.

A Vision for Growth and Excellence

In his inaugural address as President, Massiah expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him and reaffirmed his commitment to positioning Fruta Conquerors FC as the premier football club in Guyana.

His vision focuses on football excellence, both on and off the pitch, with a strong emphasis on digital presence, community engagement, and youth development.

He aims to create a club rooted in strong governance and adherence to FIFA and CONCACAF standards, ensuring international competitiveness.

Dedicated to cultivating a humble yet high-performing culture, he is focused on nurturing talent, instilling discipline, and fostering teamwork.

With a strong leadership team, Fruta Conquerors FC is poised for strategic growth, sustained competitive success, and long-term stability.

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Wanted fugitive Ronald Balgobin, a 31-year-old taxi driver from Linden, was captured by police at around 19:00 hrs Friday evening in Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara, after being found hiding under a bed.

Balgobin is wanted for questioning in connection with the alleged abduction of Basmattie ‘Penny’ Bassant, a 37-year-old housewife from Annandale, East Coast Demerara.

Police had issued a wanted bulletin for Balgobin last week in relation to the incident, which took place on October 27, 2024.

Bassant was reportedly abducted from her home by Balgobin and his accomplices, taken while she was only dressed in a bath towel. She later managed to escape after calling for help along the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, where a passing police patrol rescued her.

Following Balgobin’s capture, two other individuals at the residence were arrested for allegedly harbouring a wanted person.

 

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Four men, including an 18-year-old, were remanded in connection with a string of armed robberies in the Corentyne area, following their swift apprehension by detectives from Regional Division #6. The suspects were taken into custody during an intelligence-led operation on Wednesday and later charged with multiple robbery offences.

The accused individuals, identified as Joshua Beharry (24), Nathaniel Latchman (20), Sahil Hardin (24), and Bryan Sundatt (18), all from the Corentyne area, were charged with committing a robbery under arms on a female victim at Tain, Corentyne, on January 28, 2025.

They appeared at Whim Magistrate’s Court on Friday, where the charges were read to them. None of the accused were required to enter a plea. All four were remanded to prison, and the case was adjourned to February 28, 2025.

In a separate development, three of the accused – Joshua Beharry, Nathaniel Latchman, and Bryan Sundatt – were also charged in relation to a robbery committed on three individuals on January 22, 2025, at Rose Hall Town, Corentyne.

This charge was also laid under Section 222(c) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, and they appeared before Magistrate Michelle Mathias at Albion Magistrate Court, where they were remanded to prison. The case was similarly adjourned to February 28, 2025.

Joshua Beharry faces additional charges for two separate armed robberies. The first involves a 39-year-old woman from Nigg Village, Corentyne, who was robbed of $300,000 in cash and other articles valued at $1.55 million.

The second relates to a 31-year-old domestic worker from Fyrish Long Dam, Corentyne, who was robbed of $15,000 in cash and a mobile phone valued at $41,000.

Beharry was charged with both offences at Albion Magistrate’s Court on January 31, 2025. In each case, he was remanded to prison, and the matters were adjourned to February 4, 2025, for further reports.

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Slingerz Football Club has made significant strides in bolstering its team and leadership, with the signing of defender Romaine Brackenridge, and Chairman of the British Chambers of Commerce Faizal Khan as the club’s newest Director.

The club on Friday announced the acquisition of central defender Romaine Brackenridge from Jamaica’s Harbour View FC, who has established himself as a formidable presence in defence in the Jamaica Premier League.

He brings a wealth of experience from his tenure in the Jamaican Premier League, where his football journey has seen him represent top Jamaican clubs, including Tivoli Gardens and Portmore United, before his stint with Harbour View FC.

Brackenridge recently made his debut for Guyana’s senior men’s national team, the Golden Jaguars, in a CONCACAF Nations League A match against Barbados, contributing to a 5-3 victory.

Eligible to represent Guyana through his grandparents, Brackenridge’s inclusion in the national team underscores his versatility and skill on the field.

At Slingerz FC, Brackenridge will reunite with fellow Jamaican Kemar Beckford, who is returning for his second season with the club.

He will also join forces with defender Terique Mohammed, a former Canadian U-20 international, and forward Kelsey Benjamin, further strengthening the team’s line-up as they compete in the GFF Elite League.

Jamaal Shabazz, Slingerz FC’s Head Coach and Technical Director, expressed his enthusiasm about Brackenridge’s signing, adding that “Romaine’s addition is a significant milestone for Slingerz FC. His international experience and defensive expertise will not only fortify our backline but also inspire our younger players.”

“Having a national team player of his calibre elevates the standard of football within our club and sets a benchmark for others. I am confident that Romaine will be instrumental in our quest to win the league and establish Slingerz FC as a formidable force in the Caribbean,” Shabazz stated.

Chairman of the British Chambers of Commerce Faizal Khan joins Slingerz FC as the club’s newest Director

Meanwhile, as the club strengthened its squad, Slingerz FC also announced the appointment of Faizal Khan, Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce in Guyana (BritCham Guyana), as a new Director.

Khan, a British-born Guyanese businessman, serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Guysons and has been pivotal in fostering UK-Guyana trade relations.

His leadership at BritCham Guyana underscores his dedication to enhancing bilateral trade and investment opportunities.

Beyond his business acumen, Khan has made significant contributions to Guyanese football.

His tenure as an international scout and agent with the Malta Football Federation provided him with valuable insights, which he later applied to his role with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF).

Khan was instrumental in integrating top diaspora talent into the national programme, facilitating the inclusion of players such as Matthew Briggs, Neil Danns and Isaiah Jones.

Club President Javed Ali welcomed Khan’s appointment, stating, “We are honoured to have Faizal join our leadership team. His vast experience in both business and football will be invaluable as we strive to build a professional club and brand at Slingerz FC.”

According to Ali, Khan’s strategic vision aligns perfectly with Slingerz FC’s goals, and the club is looking forward to the positive impact he’s expecting to bring.

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AiFA Labs, a pioneering technology company with a global presence in Brazil, India, and Turkey, is excited to announce its official launch in Guyana. The company is set to revolutionise industries and businesses by introducing innovative AI-driven solutions, with the Cerebro Generative AI Platform at the heart of its offering. This powerful platform is designed to convert data into actionable insights, thereby optimising business operations across various sectors.

AiFA Labs is bringing a suite of AI-powered products that aim to enhance business efficiency and improve decision-making processes. Among the key features of the Cerebro platform are:

• Automated Content Creation: Streamlining workflows by generating marketing content, reports, and other written material.
• Advanced Data Analytics: Transforming raw data into meaningful insights that support informed business decisions.
• Enhanced Customer Engagement: AI-driven chatbots and automated messaging systems to improve customer interactions.
• Operational Efficiency: Automating routine processes to reduce costs and boost productivity.

In addition to its flagship Cerebro platform, AiFA Labs also specialises in Edge AI, which allows for real-time data processing on local devices, eliminating the need for cloud infrastructure. The key benefits of Edge AI include:

• Faster Response Times: On-device data processing ensures quicker reaction times for critical business decisions.
• Reduced Bandwidth Usage: Ideal for areas with limited connectivity, Edge AI decreases dependency on cloud services.
• Increased Security: By keeping sensitive data on-site, security is enhanced, reducing the risk of data breaches.

AiFA Labs’ AI solutions have already demonstrated their transformative impact across a variety of industries:

• Manufacturing: Optimised inventory management and production scheduling led to a 25% improvement in efficiency.
• Healthcare: Edge AI-powered diagnostics reduced wait times by 40%, providing quicker medical responses.
• Agriculture: AI-driven soil monitoring has resulted in a 20% increase in crop yield, while conserving valuable resources.
• Surveillance & Security: AI-powered monitoring systems are enhancing threat detection and response, improving security in both the public and private sectors.
• Oil & Gas: AI-driven solutions have helped optimise asset performance, reduce downtime, and cut equipment failures by 30%.

AiFA Labs is led by a team of visionary professionals from Guyana and India, who are dedicated to nurturing local talent and positioning Guyana as a hub for AI innovation.

“We are thrilled to introduce AiFA Labs to Guyana and bring world-class AI solutions to businesses,” said Harish Mandadi, Founder & CEO of AiFA Labs. “Our mission is to empower organisations with transformative AI tools that drive efficiency and growth.”

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