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Australia took 15 wickets on day four of the first Test in Galle to condemn Sri Lanka to their biggest Test defeat by an innings and 242 runs.

Left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann took nine wickets in his first Test for nearly two years in a match dominated by the turning ball.

Kuhnemann and Nathan Lyon, who took seven wickets in the match, took the last five wickets of the hosts’ first innings for only nine runs before captain Steve Smith enforced the follow-on.

Trailing by 489 runs, Sri Lanka were dismissed for 247 with tailender Jeffrey Vandersay providing the main resistance with a brisk 53.

Resuming at 136-5 after the final two sessions of day three had been lost to rain, Sri Lanka collapsed to Kuhnemann and Lyon by losing their last five wickets in just over four overs.

Dinesh Chandimal fell to Lyon for 72, while Kuhnemann, 28, completed his second five-wicket haul in his four Tests to date to finish with 5-63.

Sri Lanka quickly lost both openers at the start of their second innings, with Mitchell Starc trapping Oshada Fernando LBW in the third over while off-spinner Todd Murphy, opening the attack, bowled Dimuth Karunaratne for nought.

Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, captain Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis all made at least 30, but could not go on to bigger scores.

Kuhnemann and Lyon worked their way through Sri Lanka’s batting order, while keeper Alex Carey continued his good display behind the wickets with his third stumping of the match.

Vandersay delayed Australia’s victory with an entertaining innings off 47 deliveries before he sliced Kuhnemann to Starc at point to complete Australia’s huge victory.

The second of the two-Test series starts at the Galle International Stadium on February 6. (BBC)

 

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A reduction in sugar production costs is expected this year, according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha.

Mustapha defended budgetary allocations to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) on Friday, as the Parliamentary Committee of Supply scrutinised the funds for the Agriculture Ministry.

And in doing so, he told Parliamentarians that the government continues to focus heavily on reviving GuySuCo.

“We are working to reduce tremendously the cost of production. They are looking to bring it down to 51 [US] cents, but we also have to look at the impact of GuySuCo on the economy,” Mustapha said.

BUDGET 2025: $13.3 billion to support, further rehabilitate sugar sector

Currently, the cost of production is about US$1.31.

The Agriculture Minister was quizzed about the funds for GuySuCo by Opposition Parliamentarian, Viceroy Jordan.

According to Jordan, GuySuCo lost almost $30 billion since 2020. So, he asked the minister how the “problem of continued losses” would be fixed.

Mustapha responded, “We are working to reduce cost of reduction.”

However, he reminded Parliamentarians that the PPP/C government has been saddled with the burden of reviving the industry after it was badly neglected by the APNU+AFC coalition from 2015 to 2020.

“The industry was in a state where we have to spend a lot of funds to bring it back to where it is now,” he said.

Expanding on this, the Agriculture Minister said the Rose Hall Estate had overgrown bushes; Uitvlugt was left “to the mercy of nature” and the entire Albion Estate needs fixing.

He highlighted, “We are working to ensure that we have maximum capacity at these estates.”

A whopping $104.6 billion has been set aside for the agriculture sector in the $1.38 trillion 2205 National Budget. Of that sum, $13.3 billion for the continued revitalisation of the sugar industry.

The funds allocated to the sector were scrutinised on Friday, as the consideration of the budget estimates got underway.

 

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Scores of Guyanese fisherfolk continue to wait for 150 promised special fishing licenses from Surinamese authorities and though the Chandrikapersad Santokhi-led administration has seemingly reneged on the promise, diplomatic channels are still being used to get the permits.

This is according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who was grilled by Opposition Parliamentarian Vinceroy Jordan on the matter Friday morning.

The Parliamentarians are involved in the consideration of estimates for budgetary allocations to the Ministry of Agriculture in the Parliamentary Committee of Supply.

“The 150 licenses were promised by the Suriname authority to give to Guyana, they reneged on it and we are continuing to represent that issue,” Mustapha said, noting that the Guyana government continues to raise the issue with various Caribbean bodies.

Fishing licenses no hindrance to ‘strategic’ Guyana/ Suriname relations

He added, “It is their prerogative to give us the license or not but we are continuing to make that representation.”

Jordan was not satisfied with this response. For him, the issue has been unfolding for far too long and the licenses were promised since 2021.

At a joint press conference held at the end of Suriname’s President Chandrikapersad Santokhi visit to Guyana in August 2021, the promise was made. It was subsequently noted that 150 SK licenses would be provided by the Dutch-speaking country to Guyanese fisherfolk.

“What is the current state of the discussion? Is it promised or is it not? Will we have it or not?” Jordan pressed Mustapha.

In a seemingly frustrated manner, Mustapha explained that the government is doing what it can: engage regional authorities through diplomatic channels.

“These people have no idea how international relations work, they don’t know diplomacy.

“We work through the diplomatic channels, we work through the international channel and we will continue to represent the fisherfolk,” the Agriculture Minister said.

Because of the proximity of Guyana’s Berbice county and Suriname, fishing in Surinamese waters has been ongoing for decades. Based on Surinamese law, however, it is illegal for Guyanese fisherfolk to obtain licenses to fish there. So various schemes have been worked out to allow fishing to continue.

A decade ago, licenses cost about US$500 (or about GY$105,000). Now, this arrangement can cost about US$3000 (or about GY$630,000) or more, making it quite a lucrative scheme.

Under the current scheme as well, the fish caught by Guyanese usually goes to Suriname first and the rejected catch is then sent to Guyana. Sometimes, this requirement is bypassed and the fish is smuggled directly to Guyana.

This licensing situation has troubled Guyanese fisherfolk for quite some time. Deepening bilateral relations between the two countries, however, seemed to finally provide a resolution.

However, the licenses have not been provided.

“We are continuing to make the representation, we had the commitment and they reneged on the commitment. That will continue to be on the agenda while the PPP is in government,” Mustapha vowed on Friday.

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A 40-year-old businessman and two fishermen who were arrested in relation to the murder of Parbhudai Boodhram have since confessed to their involvement in the crime.

The suspects in custody are Kishan Narine called ‘Sparka’, a 29-year-old fisherman of Suriname and of Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo; Philbert Cush called ‘Samuel’, also a fisherman of Vergenoegen, EBE and 40-year-old businessman Rohan Singh called ‘Alpha’ of Belle West, WBD.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told the News Room that the suspects were questioned and they provided investigators with details about their roles in the crime.

He said a fourth suspect is being sought. Several checks were made but he is yet to be located.

Dead is: Parbhudai Boodhram

Reports revealed Boodhram known as ‘Renie’ lived with her husband, 63-year-old tailor Anthony Alphonso Boodhram, who operates a shop in Georgetown. The woman regularly visited her husband at his shop to assist with work, and after completing her tasks, she would return home, sometimes leaving him at the shop overnight depending on his workload.

Last Friday morning, Boodhram left her home and went to her husband’s shop, where she helped him throughout the day. Later, she left the shop and made her way back to Belle West. Before reaching home, she stopped at a local shop. The shop is reportedly owned by Singh.

There, Boodhram purchased groceries and was escorted home by Singh.

The News Room understands that Singh was known to Boodhram, who used to care for him as a son.

Strangulation, head injuries confirmed as cause of death in Belle West murder 

Police had previously reported that Singh related that he watched as Boodhram entered her yard, after which he drove away.

However, during the investigation, the News Room was told that Singh reportedly told investigators that Narine and Cush followed Boodhram to her house and committed the act.

Information revealed that the men’s motive was to rob Boodhram. However, while in the act Boodhram collapsed and died.

After they tied up Boodhram, the suspects made off with a purse, US$4,000 in cash, and jewellery.

A post-mortem examination revealed that Boodhram was strangled. She also suffered trauma to her head.

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By Danielle Swain

danielle@newsroom.gy

For those who make the steep climb to Hosororo’s hilltop, the reward is both literal and figurative —a breathtaking view of lush green forests dotted with colourful houses that stretch into the horizon.

A view from Hosororo’s Hilltop (Yusuf Ali/News Room)

“Tranquilo, I stay,” says longtime resident, farmer, and newly minted Vice-Chair of the Community Development Council (CDC), Nigel Isaacs.

Isaacs arrived in the village in 1975 from Lovely Lass village on the West Coast of Berbice. Love is what made him stay: “As a man, I found my rib,” he says.

Love also compelled him to join Hosororo’s CDC.

Nigel Isaacs known as ‘Zachco’ adopted Hosororo as his home and is one of the community’s most outspoken advocates (Yusuf Ali/News Room)

“I was just a resident…to be honest, this place has scope to improve.”

Hosororo, perched 300 feet above sea level in the Mabaruma subdistrict, stands as an example of how plural hinterland communities are using their diversity to tackle the challenges of a changing climate.

Here in Guyana’s Barima Waini (Region One), the 286 families who call Hosororo home blend Indigenous traditions with modern innovations, thanks to funding from the nation’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

For centuries, Hosororo’s Lokono ancestors—known more widely as Arawaks, the name Europeans foisted upon them,—practised horticulture along the banks of the Aruka River.

Today, this agricultural heritage remains central to the community’s identity, shared by a mix of Lokono, Warrau, and residents from all over Guyana who were drawn to the village’s irresistible allure. Yet climate change has introduced new hurdles: prolonged droughts, inconsistent water supply, and economic vulnerabilities.

Hosororo, however, is not just enduring these changes; it’s innovating. LCDS funding, derived from Guyana’s innovative carbon credits programme, has enabled projects that address the community’s most pressing needs: water security, transportation, and livelihoods.

Through village meetings and consensus, residents have used the funds to install black water tanks, acquire a community truck, and develop livestock farms. Though modest to outsiders, these initiatives are transforming lives on the hill.

The black tank helps the people of Hosororo cope with extreme weather fueled by climate change. (Yusuf Ali/News Room)

Arnold Moonsammy, another Guyanese who settled in Hosororo, recalls how residents once fetched water from a creek at the base of the hill.

“It was very hard,” he says, describing early mornings spent carrying heavy buckets uphill. The introduction of water tanks, which collect rainwater and provide backup during dry seasons, has been life-changing. “The tanks have been a priority for everyone,” he says.

Arnold a mechanic, originally from the Aruka River, explains how water availability shapes daily life. (Yusuf Ali/News Room)

For pensioner Diane Richards, the difference is personal. As a diabetic, having a reliable water supply helps her manage her health and household. “I used to have to fetch water, but now I have running water, and I’m thankful for it,” she says.

Pensioner Dianne no longer buys water, using the black tank to sustain her kitchen garden and a healthy lifestyle. (Yusuf Ali/News Room)

Down the hill, under the shade of a mango tree, Shirley David, a mother of three, is building her dream of owning a chicken farm. With a grant from the LCDS, she started with 80 chicks and has grown her flock to 500.

“It’s been a steady process,” she says with a smile. “I’m thankful for the support I received through the LCDS.”

The community’s ambitions don’t end there.

The new village council, through the will of the people, has laid out plans for housing improvements, a mechanic shop for young residents, and a shade house to boost agricultural productivity. Vice-Chair Isaacs sees potential everywhere. “We’re working together to create opportunities for everyone.”

These projects are not just practical responses to climate challenges—they are symbols of resilience and self-reliance in a community that contributes the least to global emissions but feels its impacts the most. For Hosororo, adapting to climate change is about more than survival; it’s about thriving in harmony with its storied past and an uncertain future.

The post How Hosororo’s diversity fuels its fight against climate change appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh has strongly criticised the opposition’s proposed relief measures, arguing that they are unaffordable and not grounded in reality.

In his comprehensive address to the National Assembly at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Thursday, the senior minister provided an estimated total of each initiative promised by the opposition.

Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton has contended that his administration would implement a series of relief measures, including an increase in the income tax threshold to $400,000, and twice-yearly disbursements of $100,000 for adults.

“Increasing the threshold to $400,000 monthly in the first year in office, we have estimated would cost about $34 billion. The $100,000 ‘hard cash’ once or twice a year for adults…we will work with an estimate of 600,000 adults…that is about $120 billion,” he explained.

The opposition also claimed that some $25 billion would subsidise tuition fees at the University of Guyana under their leadership, in addition to a monthly stipend of $50,000 for UG students and those at technical institutes.

“Let us assume that it is about 11,000 students at UG and 3,000 students at the technical institutes. That is 14,000 students, to receive $50,000 per month. That would cost about $8.4 Billion for the year. They said they were going to reimburse all loans and cash payments…let us assume that would cost about $1 billion,” Dr Singh further related.

Another rough calculation for their promise of water subsidies for up to $5,000 per month amounts to approximately $11 billion.

Dr Singh further provided estimates for other proposed measures like the increase in old age pension to $100,000 per month and in the minimum wage to $200,000 per month, a 35 per cent salary increase, $3 billion for the Small Business Bureau and $20 billion for cost-of-living measures.

“They said they would put $50 billion to a development bank with a focus on improving productivity. They said they will allocate $100 billion for the rent-to-own programme…and $200 billion for GPL. Then they said job seekers [will] benefit from $40,000 monthly…this comes out to about $28.8 billion,” he said.

According to Dr Singh, these measures would cost an estimated $799 billion, and this fanciful host of proposed measures exclude the allocations needed for critical sectors like infrastructure and education.

“They haven’t built a single hospital yet, or school, or put a single x-ray machine in the hospitals, or allocated a single house lot…and they are already spending almost a trillion dollars,” the minister pointed out.

Dr Singh challenged the opposition to justify that these measures would not cost as much as estimated.

‘Calculate for yourselves!’

Dr Singh further urged the public to scrutinise these promises and do their own calculations to determine their feasibility.

“I want you to go and see what they promised you and pull out your pocket calculators and calculate for yourself. These things that they are promising you alone would cost about a trillion dollars,” he emphasised.

According to the senior minister, this whimsical and fictitious vision that the opposition has painted is borderline insulting to the Guyanese people, as it underestimates their capacity to think critically about the information being disseminated to them.

“They hold the Guyanese people in contempt. They believe that they can come and spin any tale, tell any stories and make any promise, and they believe that the Guyanese people would believe them and vote for them,” he said.

But Dr Singh added that while this tactic may have worked in 2015, the wounds of the five years of the APNU+AFC coalition government are still fresh in the minds of the Guyanese people, and they will not be duped again.

The senior minister further contrasted  these hypothetical postulations with the tangible and visible investments delivered under the PPP/C government. This includes increases to pensions and wages, aggressive housing programmes and the support for sports development.

“We are justifiably proud of what we have delivered to the Guyanese people over the last five years. We did not make the biggest promises in 2020. We sat down and consulted with everybody, and we wrote a manifesto and said ‘If you elect us, this is what we will do’. And we have delivered!” he underscored. [DPI]

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President Dr. Irfaan Ali met with the National Under-17 football team on Thursday during their training camp at the National Training Centre in Providence.

The team is preparing for the CONCACAF U17 World Cup Qualifiers from February 7 to 16, 2025.

During his visit, President Ali praised the young athletes for their enthusiasm and perseverance.

“When I speak to you today, I’m speaking on behalf of all of Guyana, all the people of Guyana. We have great confidence in this team making us proud,” he remarked.

The President also assured the team of the government’s commitment to investing in the players and the facilities necessary for the sport’s growth.

The Junior Jaguars will compete in Group B against Trinidad and Tobago, the British Virgin Islands, Sint Maarten, and Costa Rica, the host nation.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali speaking to the National Under-17 football team on Thursday (PHOTO: Office of the President)

If they qualify, they will participate in the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar from November 5 to 27.

In addition to expressing his support, President Ali noted that the government plans to enhance the training facilities. We’re going to invest in further improving the facility, and we are also going to invest in you,” he stated.

Wayne Forde, President of the Guyana Football Federation, along with the team’s management was also present during the visit

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The 2025 National Budget Debate ended on Thursday and in his usual fashion, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh used his address to respond to the criticisms of the fiscal plan proffered by the APNU+AFC opposition.

The Finance Minister dissected many of the presentations, pointing out incorrect calculations and a misunderstanding of the policy framework.

But what he reasoned was evident, was the incoherency in arguments and suggestions.

Dr. Singh highlighted Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton’s criticisms of big infrastructure spending, criticisms that emanated from all other APNU+AFC parliamentarians. This has been a consistent criticism from the opposition, encouraging the government to focus more on welfare schemes.

However, the Finance Minister noted that Mr. Norton himself then seemingly embraced the need for big infrastructure projects.

“… but not to be outdone, he (Norton) said he will build bridges across the Essequibo River at multiple points,” Dr. Singh said, causing the House to erupt in heckling.

In another instance, Dr. Singh reminded the House that Opposition Parliamentarian Juretha Fernandes made disparaging statements about hospitality workers and the growing number of jobs in that sector as she opened the debate.  Mr. Norton again seemingly contradicted his colleague.

“So confused and clueless and dysfunctional they are.

“….And they are so confused that Mr Norton comes back and speaks today about an expanded mandate for the tourism sector,” the Finance Minister said.

Dr Singh contrasted these incongruencies with the coherent sentiments from his government colleagues, and explained that they all share the same vision of delivering much-needed services to people. And he believes this vision is being realised through the $1.38 trillion budget 2025.

And he promised that the government would continue to do so.

“… you don’t understand that you have to deliver services to people in order to persuade them to vote for you,” Dr. Singh said, speaking directly to his opposition colleagues though they were absent from the House.

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Slingerz Football Club has made a significant statement of intent ahead of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League season seven, appointing former Guyana national team coach Jamaal Shabazz as their new Technical Director and Head Coach.

The club has also announced the signing of key players, including winger Kelsey Benjamin and defender Terique Mohammed.

Shabazz, who recently resigned from his role with the Golden Jaguars, takes the helm at Slingerz with a clear ambition.

“Winning the league is my top priority,” he stated, adding, “Beyond that, I want to build a brand with Slingerz that will be the hallmark of football in the Caribbean.”

Slingerz FC president Javed Ali expressed confidence in Shabazz’s ability to lead the team successfully.

“With years of expertise and leadership, Coach Shabazz has demonstrated an incredible ability to inspire players, develop talent, and deliver results,” Ali commented.

The club has also strengthened its squad with several key signings. Benjamin, who won back-to-back league titles with GDF FC, joins Slingerz. Ali highlights his “remarkable skill set and determination.”

Benjamin is eager to replicate his success with his new club. “I’m looking forward to winning the league with Slingerz FC, just as I did with GDF FC,” he said.

Kelsey Benjamin (right) joins Slingerz FC from Guyana Defence Force FC

Defender Mohammed, a former Canada U20 international with experience in the USL Championship and Canadian Premier League, also joins the ranks.

“Terique brings a wealth of international experience, and we are excited to see him showcase his talents here at Slingerz,” Ali said.  Jamaican midfielder Kemar Beckford has also returned to the club.

Slingerz FC finished as runners-up in the previous season despite remaining undefeated.

With these new additions to the coaching staff and playing squad, the club has made clear its intention to take the GFF Elite League title one step further this season.

“With these exciting additions to our club, both in leadership and talent, we are setting our sights on a future filled with promise and potential,” Ali concluded.

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Australia’s menacing attack was left frustrated after the final two sessions of day three were washed out as Sri Lanka had respite from a Galle surface starting to play tricks.

The day started amid sunny conditions and 27 overs were bowled before rain cascaded on the ground out of nowhere just before lunch.

There was no further play for the remainder of the day, with stumps called more than two hours ahead of schedule.

In response to Australia’s massive first-innings of 654-6 declared, Sri Lanka were 136-5 at stumps with Dinesh Chandimal playing a lone hand so far with an attractive 63 not out.

Kusal Mendis is unbeaten on 10.

Australia are still in the box seat to claim victory in the first Test after dominating the opening seven sessions of the match.

But the wet weather has added intrigue and given Sri Lanka hope of escaping with a draw. Rain is forecast for Saturday, but clear weather is expected on the fifth day.

The pitch had been mostly benign over the opening two days with sharp turn negated by the slowness of the surface.

But it did start showing signs of wear in the morning session with several cracks notable and the ball occasionally exploded off the surface.

After such a dismal performance by the top-order, where they lost three wickets within 10 overs late on day two, Sri Lanka resumed on 44-3 and still 410 runs away from the follow-on.

Their hopes of chiselling into that target rested on Chandimal and Kamindu Mendis, who entered with an average of 74 from 10 Tests since debuting against Australia on the ground in 2022.

In that match, Chandimal scored 206 not out in a big victory for Sri Lanka.

They were confronted by the old guard of left-arm quick Mitchell Starc and off-spinner Nathan Lyon starting in tandem having each claimed a wicket on the previous evening.

Starc, attired in long sleeves, found some swing and also helped deepen the emerging footmarks.

Chandimal was pinned down initially by Lyon.

But perhaps having closely studied Australia’s first-innings playbook, Chandimal decided to go on the attack against Lyon who loomed as Australia’s talisman having had little to do in the pace-dominated home series against India.

A fascinating battle emerged as Lyon bowled from around the wicket aiming at the developing footmarks. Chandimal was undaunted as he unfurled the sweep to good effect and clubbed Lyon to the boundary.

He enjoyed luck on the next delivery when he edged past stand-in skipper Steven Smith’s outstretched left hand at first slip in the type of tough chance he has often snaffled in his career.

Chandimal capped the most productive over of the innings when he reverse swept Lyon to the boundary.

But Sri Lanka’s solid start was rocked when Kamindu fell in tame fashion on 15 when he was strangled down the leg side by Starc as Sri Lanka fell to 67 for 4.

Chandimal remained unruffled despite copping a blow in the midriff by a shorter delivery from Starc. He continued to defy Lyon by backing his attacking instincts.

Much like Australia’s batters on the opening two days, Chandimal danced down the wicket to good effect to club Lyon over cover.

Chandimal had a productive partnership with skipper Dhananjaya de Silva to underline there were still plenty of runs on offer on this surface.

But, once again, Sri Lanka were derailed by recklessness when de Silva was stumped by a mile after he ran down at left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann and missed a short and wide delivery.

Having triggered Sri Lanka’s woes by dismissing opener Oshada Fernando, Kuhnemann continued his strong return in his first Test match since the India tour in early 2023.

Chandimal reached his half-century off 91 balls before Sri Lanka, not for the first time in this match, were relieved by the sight of rain. (ESPNcricinfo)

 

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