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Usman Khawaja’s maiden double century and a hundred on debut from Josh Inglis gave Australia complete control of the first Test against Sri Lanka after two days in Galle.

At the age of 38, Khawaja’s 232 made him the second-oldest Australian to make a double hundred in Test cricket, after the great Sir Don Bradman.

He extended his third-wicket partnership with Steve Smith to 266 before Smith, standing in as captain for Pat Cummins, was out for 141.

Khawaja then added another 146 with Inglis, the 29-year-old born in Leeds.

Inglis’ 102 is the first century on Test debut by an Australian man since Adam Voges in 2015.

The tourists were eventually able to declare on 654-6, their highest total in a Test in Asia.

After 154 overs in the field, in which they used only four different bowlers, Sri Lanka wilted in reply.

Oshada Fernando was lbw to Matthew Kuhnemann, the left-arm spinner opening the bowling as part of a three-pronged Australian spin attack.

Mitchell Starc, the sole frontline seamer for the tourists, had Dimuth Karunaratne superbly caught at the second attempt by sub fielder Nathan McSweeney at gully.

Travis Head then trumped McSweeney’s effort with a flying grab at short leg to hold Angelo Mathews off Nathan Lyon, leaving Sri Lanka 44-3, a massive 610 behind. (BBC)

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Two men were arrested on Tuesday after police seized approximately four kilograms of narcotics at an abandoned structure in Bourda, Georgetown.

At around 17:40 hrs, police ranks from Regional Division #4 acted on intelligence and proceeded to the Vendors Arcade at Bourda, where they discovered two men in a concrete building.

The individuals were identified as Gary Hartman, a 51-year-old bicycle repairman with no fixed address, and Neville Roberts, a 64-year-old security guard from New Amsterdam.

The police officers, who were in plain clothes, identified themselves to the men by showing their police identification cards and informed them of the information they had received. A subsequent search of the men revealed no illegal items on their persons.

However, the officers continued their search around the premises, where they found a multi-coloured shopping bag outside the building. Inside the bag were two bulky transparent parcels containing a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be narcotics.

When questioned about the narcotics, both men were initially asked for an explanation. Under caution, Roberts admitted that the drugs belonged to him and stated that he had brought them from Berbice to sell. As a result, both Roberts and Hartman were arrested and escorted to the Narcotics Branch.

The suspected narcotics were weighed in the presence of the suspects, and it was confirmed that the total weight amounted to 4 kilograms. Both men remain in police custody and are assisting with the ongoing investigation. Authorities are continuing to probe the case as they work to determine the full extent of the drug operation.

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In observation of the holy month of Ramadan, Guyana’s second Ramadan Village will be launched on February 27, 2025 and is anticipated to be larger with diaspora participation.

Ramadan is a month of prayer, reflection and fasting for Muslims across the world. It is expected to commence on March 1, 2025. The village will be opened to the public from the first day of fasting.

So, the National Ramadan Village will be launched on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 17: 00 hrs on the lawns of the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO), Woolford Avenue.

Thereafter, prayers, reflection and education will be facilitated every weekend – Fridays to Sundays- during the sacred month from 16: 00 hrs 22: 00 hrs.

Preparations are ongoing for National Ramadan Village 2025 (Photo: Nartional Ramadan Village/ January 29, 2025)

Iftar and dinner will also be offered.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Director of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), Shaikh Moeen ul-Hack said this year, reciters from India and Nigeria are also expected to participate.

They will add to the presentations that will be delivered by Islamic scholars.

“The village uniqueness and calming and spiritual lure will again offer a different environment to observe the Holy Month of Ramadan.

“It will again offer a fresh and innovative environment to observe the holy month of Ramadan. It establishment with continue to provide a wonderful opportunity for Guyanese to experience the spiritual ambiance of Ramadan and families to gather ad share with others for the breaking of fast,” Shaikh ul-Hack said.

In 2024, the inaugural National Ramadan Village attracted about 20,000 persons and 20 booths. So far for this year, 25 booths are expected with the numbers likely to increase.

And to allow persons from the diaspora to participate, an Islamic tour has been arranged through the Guyana Tourism Authority.

“The organizing committee expects that visits and participation in 2025 will surpass the 2024 numbers, both from Guyanese of diverse backgrounds across the country and overseas visitors,” Shaikh ul-Hack said.

Other activities will be featured at the event include the display of booths along with local and international cuisine, teaching of Islam, literature and fashion.

President of the Guyana Islamic Trust, Shaikh Abdool Aleem Rahim encourage all Muslims and beyond to experience the village and what Islam has to offer.

Representatives from the organisations that are organising the National Ramadan Village 2025 (Photo: News Room/ January 29, 2025)

“We have built upon the experience of the last year.

“The idea here is not to replace the Masjids…This is an added facility that offers a social environment that is conducive to Muslim families and families in a whole to spend time, congregate, listen to informative presentations, be motivated and also have other opportunities to be in such an environment,” Shaikh Rahim said.

The National Ramadan Village is an effort between Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), the Guyana Islamic Trust, and the Muslim Youth Organisation of Guyana (MYO) in collaboration with the Government of Guyana.

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In a fiery exchange during Wednesday’s budget debate, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Sonia Parag, and Opposition Parliamentarian Ganesh Mahipaul clashed over subventions for Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and municipalities.

The debate, which saw the two MPs trading barbs on the government’s handling of local organisations’ funding, saw heckling in the Chamber reaching disturbing proportions that forced the Speaker to interrupt the presentation of Parag to restore order.

Mahipaul, representing the APNU+AFC opposition, accused the PPP/C government of failing to meet its promises to increase subventions to NDCs and municipalities. He argued that these crucial grants had not seen the expected increases under the current administration, leaving local governments struggling to provide for their communities.

But Parag swiftly rebuffed these claims.

“When you come in equity, come with clean hands,” Parag stated, accusing Mahipaul of hypocrisy, as she highlighted the opposition’s previous failures to deliver on their promises.

The Minister noted that under the PPP/C government, NDCs—regardless of whether they were under APNU control—received grants every year since 2021.

In fact, Parag revealed that these grants had ranged from four to five million dollars annually, with a total of $2.8 billion allocated under the subvention programme this year alone. She assured the House that the government would continue to ensure that these funds were properly used to enhance local development.

On the other hand, Mahipaul stood firm in his criticism, arguing that since the previous APNU+AFC coalition had left office in 2020, there have been no changes to the subventions for NDCs and municipalities.

“We left the subvention at $5 million for NDCs and $18 million for municipalities, with Georgetown receiving $30 million in addition to the Georgetown Restoration Programme,” he pointed out.

Additionally, Mahipaul lamented that under the current administration, Georgetown had deteriorated, describing the city as “back to being garbage city.”

In a bold statement, Mahipaul declared that should the APNU+AFC return to power, they would double the subventions. “We did it before, and we will do it again,” he confidently asserted.

Parag, however, was not impressed by Mahipaul’s promises. Holding up a 2015 APNU+AFC manifesto, she reminded the House of the opposition’s past failures to follow through on their pledges.

“You failed then, and you will fail again,” Parag warned, accusing Mahipaul of recycling unfulfilled promises.

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Police are investigating a fatal mining accident that occurred on Tuesday at Thomas Island, located along the Puruni River in Region #7.

The incident resulted in the death of 70-year-old Emanuel Jeffrey, a miner from Parika, East Bank Essequibo.

Preliminary findings indicate that Mr. Jeffrey was operating a four-inch land dredge at the time of the incident. He was working alongside two colleagues at the site, located in a pit measuring 15 feet in width, 10 feet in length, and 8 feet in depth.

While engaged in mining activities, the eastern side of the pit collapsed, causing soil to rush in and completely bury Mr. Jeffrey.

His colleagues worked swiftly to excavate the area, and after about an hour of searching, they managed to retrieve him. He was immediately transported to Bartica Hospital, but despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead by Dr. Benjamin.

Mr. Jeffrey’s body has been taken to the Bartica Hospital mortuary, where it is awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing.

 

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Attorney General Anil Nandlall has accused the opposition APNU+AFC of deliberately trying to delay the 2025 elections by focusing on the issue of biometrics.

Nandlall, in his Tuesday night commentary, said he believes the opposition is using the absence of biometrics as a smokescreen to undermine the electoral process, despite the fact that Guyana already has a robust biometric system in place.

“We already have biometrics—fingerprints, photographs, and distinguishing marks—recorded and integrated into our voter registration process,” Nandlall said, dismissing claims that the absence of biometrics would affect the credibility of the election results.

“These are the essential tools for preventing fraudulent voting and ensuring that only eligible individuals participate.”

The Attorney General highlighted that the biometric data collected from registered voters forms part of a comprehensive and secure system that includes multiple safeguards.

He explained that the system is designed to protect against impersonation at the polls.

“We have several mechanisms in place to ensure the integrity of the vote, including biometric data, which is already being utilised effectively,” Nandlall added.

“The claims from the opposition are part of a longstanding strategy to discredit the system when they realise they cannot win a fair election.”

Nandlall pointed out that this is not the first time the opposition has used similar tactics. He reminded the public of the 1997 elections when the opposition, after initially advocating for a national ID card as a requirement to vote, later challenged the use of the very ID card they had called for.

“When they lose, they now have a basis to tell their supporters that the system was flawed. This has been their strategy for decades,” he remarked.

The Attorney General also took issue with the opposition’s accusations, stating that their focus on biometrics is less about improving the electoral process and more about delaying the elections. He emphasized that the current system is in line with the Constitution and that the opposition’s claims are politically motivated.

“When they realise they cannot secure the majority of voters, they shift the focus to attacking GECOM and the electoral process,” he said.

 

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As over 300,000 Guyanese await their $100,000 cash grant, Attorney General Anil Nandlall has reassured citizens that the funds will be distributed once the 2025 National Budget is passed.

In his ‘Issues in the News’ commentary on Tuesday night, Nandlall addressed the ongoing distribution and responded to criticism from the opposition regarding delays.

“…we have repeatedly assured every single individual that they will receive their money. The remaining funds for the grant are included in the 2025 budget, which cannot be fully disbursed until the budget is passed,” Nandlall said

The 2025 budget was presented to Parliament on January 17, and MPs are currently engaged in debates before examining the estimates line by line next week. The budget is expected to be passed by the end of the first week of February, after which the remaining grants will be distributed.

This initiative, announced by President Irfaan Ali in October 2024, aims to inject approximately $60 billion of disposable income into the economy, benefiting over 400,000 citizens.

Despite opposition criticisms, Nandlall remains confident that the system is functioning well, and he reiterated that the completion of the process hinges on the passing of the 2025 budget.

“We have to go through this process,” Nandlall stated.

“Once the budget is passed, the distribution will continue and everyone will receive their funds,” Nandlall explained.

Nandlall described the cash grant initiative as a “massive exercise” never before attempted in the country. He acknowledged the challenges of such a large-scale operation but insisted that every effort had been made to ensure the grants reach their rightful recipients.

The distribution of the $100,000 cash grant has already begun, with 90,000 cheques handed out to eligible Guyanese adults by the end of 2024. Recipients so far include public sector workers, pensioners, and residents of remote hinterland regions.

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, presenting the 2025 budget on January 17, confirmed that more than 400,000 Guyanese have already registered for the scheme. A total of 300,000 cheques have been printed and are ready for distribution.

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See below the full release from the Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development:

The Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development (Iwokrama) has received confirmation that the Iwokrama Forest has retained its Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification for Forest Management following an annual surveillance audit in November 2024.

During the recent audit, the Iwokrama International Centre was also audited for two Ecosystem Services (ES) – Biodiversity Conservation and Recreational (tourism) Services. The Iwokrama Forest scored another first again as the only area in Guyana and the Caribbean to achieve this accolade. This verification of Ecosystem Services provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate positive outcomes and provides further third-party verification of Sustainable Forest Management best practices at the Centre. Verification of the ES means that there are no major corrective actions against any requirements of the FSC Ecosystem Services procedure.

Iwokrama’s CEO, Dane Gobin, noted that “the Centre is proud to have scored another first for Guyana with regard to sustainable forest management practices” He continued that “in 2008 the Centre was the first to achieve and maintain FSC certification in Guyana. I hope that other forest management operators will follow in our footsteps”.

Anne–Marie Ford, Head of the Certification team stated, “this achievement fortifies Iwokrama’s high value and long established relationship of forest management with ecotourism and research.”

Iwokrama’s Certificate for Forest Management was renewed in January 2025, confirming that the Iwokrama Forest has maintained its certification uninterrupted since October 2016 (Iwokrama received initial certification in 2008). The Iwokrama Forest was the first forest to have maintained this certification in Guyana and has raised the bar for forest management in Guyana.

FSC certification is the highest international accolade that Forest Managers can receive, and it is testament to the Centre’s application of international social, ecological and environmental best practices in its management of the Iwokrama Forest. Iwokrama’s forest management procedures and policies were rigorously measured against the Interim National Standard for Guyana (FSC-STD-GUY-01-2020) which includes 10 principles, 70 criteria and 213 indicators. Key to the adherence to FSC guidelines is that forest managers must follow all national rules, laws and guidelines including the GFC’s comprehensive Codes of Practice. The assessment team evaluated all elements of Iwokrama’s operations applicable to the standard to determine compliance against national and international benchmarks.

During the recent surveillance audit, Iwokrama received only 2 observations. Non-compliances are categorized as “observations”, “minor corrective actions” or “major corrective actions” and are a normal part of any assessment / audit process. The number and the severity of the non-compliances with the standard, could prevent the applicant from being maintaining the certificate.

In recent years, many international buyers and consumers have increased demands for proof of forest products being sourced from well-managed forests. Currently, many of the major global markets require some sort of certification for wood imports, to provide assurance to buyers that wood comes from forests managed according to strict social, economic, and environmental standards.

The Centre is grateful to the Government of Guyana for their valuable ongoing support to the Centre. Special thanks are extended to the certification team of the Centre and our local community partners, the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), for their unwavering support.

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Statement by the Guyana Basketball Federation

The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) has commended the Government of Guyana for its historic G$8 billion allocation to the sports sector in the 2025 National Budget.

The announcement by Senior Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, reflects a significant increase from the previous year’s allocation of G$4.6 billion, underscoring the administration’s commitment to fostering sports development across the country.

The G$8 billion budget marks a pivotal moment for sports in Guyana, Michael Singh, president of the GBF stated, adding that it signals an era of unprecedented investment aimed at enhancing sports infrastructure, youth development programmes, and opportunities for athletes to compete on regional and international stages.

The increased funding is expected to boost various sports, including basketball, and solidify Guyana’s position on the global sports map.

Singh expressed his appreciation for the government’s efforts, highlighting the potential of the investment to create a lasting impact.

“This allocation reflects the government’s vision for an inclusive and modern sports culture. It is a significant step forward for sports development in Guyana, particularly for basketball, as it enables us to expand grassroots programmes, improve infrastructure, and provide opportunities for athletes to shine on bigger stages,” Singh stated.

The GBF commended Charles Ramson Jr., Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, and Steve Ninvalle, Director of Sport, for their leadership and dedication to championing sports development.

They pointed out that their collaboration with sports organisations like the GBF has laid a strong foundation for a brighter future.

One such collaboration is the ongoing One Guyana Premier Basketball League, which tipped off in November 2024 and runs through May 2025.

The league continues to unite communities, showcase local talent, and foster national pride. Initiatives like these exemplify sports’ potential to inspire and uplift Guyanese society.

While the G$8 billion allocation is a significant boost, Singh emphasized the need for additional resources to support Guyana’s national basketball teams.

“Competing on the international stage requires extensive resources for training, travel, and facilities. We urge corporate sponsors, stakeholders, and well-wishers to join us in supporting our athletes,” he added.

The GBF reiterated its commitment to promoting inclusivity, collaboration, and excellence in basketball, ensuring the sport thrives at every level- from grassroots initiatives to international competitions.

The record-breaking budget allocation symbolizes the dawn of a transformative era for sports in Guyana, the GBF said, where with a clear focus on development, inclusivity, and global competitiveness, the government and sporting organizations are poised to create a brighter future for Guyana’s athletes and communities.

“This is an exciting time for sports in Guyana,” Singh remarked.

“Together, we can seize the opportunities presented by this historic budget and build a legacy of excellence for generations to come.”

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