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Demerara Under-15 all-rounder Shahid Ramzan recently benefitted from the benevolence of entrepreneur Vishnu Ramjeet and his business Double ‘V’ Imports and Auto Sales of Lusignan, East Coast Demerara.

Ramjeet, during a simple presentation, handed over a Gray Nicholls cricket bat to the 14-year-old, who is a left-handed top-order batsman and right-arm off-spinner.

Ramjeet, who himself has played for a number of years for the Lusignan Sports Club, said he has been following keenly the exploits of young Ramzan and he is impressed with his growth and development.

Fourteen-year-old Ramzan, who plays for the Georgetown Cricket Club, was selected in the Demerara squad for the upcoming Guyana Cricket Board’s Inter-county 50-over competition following some impressive performances in the Demerara Cricket Board’s Inter-Association tournament late last year.

Ramjeet, in presenting the bat, wished Ramzan well in the Inter-county competition and reiterated that discipline and fitness are key factors in progressing through the ranks.

Ramjeet also underscored the significance of striking a balance between cricket and academics, noting that they complement each other.

“Be focused on your goals and ensure that you remain fit and discipline, because playing sport is about discipline. Also, fitness- both physical and mental- will make you sharper and more alert and it also helps with quick decision-making,” Ramjeet advised the young man.

“On behalf of Double ‘V’ Imports and Auto Sales, we wish you well in the Inter-county competition. Continue to put in the work, train hard and aspire to be a student of the game.”

Ramzan expressed elation at receiving the bat, stating: “I want to thank you very much. Please know that this gesture is very much appreciated. Also, I’m grateful for the words of encouragement.”

Double ‘V’ Imports and Auto Sales imports Japanese automobile, including cars, canters, buses and SUVs. Pre-orders can be done by calling +592-627-2300 or emailing doublevimporter@gmail.com.

Consistency

Appointed skipper of the Select XI in the Inter-Association, Ramzan starred with bat and ball, copping two Player-of-the-Match awards in three completed games.

After scoring 25 in his team’s opening defeat to champions Georgetown, the left-handed top-order batsman and off-spinner led his team to back-to-back wins over West Demerara and East Bank.

Against West Demerara at the Transport ground, Ramzan picked up 3-14 and made a match-winning 45 not out.

The following day, at the Farm ground, he picked up 4-13 and led the successful run-chase with an unbeaten 42 against East Bank.

His team’s final match against East Coast at the LBI ground was washed out, but his performances helped the Select XI to finish second overall behind Georgetown.

Meanwhile, Ramzan continued his fine form in January at the LBI ground, making 15 and taking 4-15 as Demerara Under-15 defeated East Coast Under-17 in a practice match ahead of the Inter-county.

Demerara Under-15 squad: Brandon Henry (Captain), Patrice Fraser (Vice-captain), Khush Seegobin, Lomar Seecharran, Nathan Bishop, Reyaz Latif, Makai Dowlin, Shahid Ramzan, Vinesh Kalpoo, Akeem Persaud, Afraz Khan, Joshua Bollers, Joshua Collette, Prosper Jacobus and Thierry Davis.

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Police are investigating a robbery that took place in Sophia on Thursday, in which a 21-year-old private of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Terrie McCalmon, was allegedly robbed at gunpoint.

The suspect, who is described as an identifiable male, stole McCalmon’s red and white XR motorcycle, valued at $495,000, which was also registered with the trade plate (MR 2).

According to reports, McCalmon was standing in front of his yard cleaning his motorcycle at around 20:30hrs when the perpetrator approached him from a western direction. The suspect, armed with a handgun, pointed the weapon at McCalmon and demanded that he hand over the motorcycle.

In fear for his life, McCalmon fled into his yard, leaving the motorcycle behind with the key still in the ignition. The suspect then mounted the motorcycle and rode away in an eastern direction, making off with the vehicle.

Investigations into the incident are currently ongoing as police work to track down the suspect involved in the robbery.

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A robbery in the early hours of Thursday at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara saw an armed bandit pounce on Shawn Thomas, a 53-year-old teacher.

According to reports, Thomas and his wife, a 28-year-old teacher, were in their yard constructing a costume for Mashramani when the incident took place. The couple was working on their project within the confines of their concrete-fenced property when Thomas placed a black side bag, containing $250,000, on the western door of their house.

At this time, an identifiable male suspect, armed with a handgun in his right hand, jumped over the northern fence and approached Thomas. The suspect demanded that the victim hand over the money. In fear, Thomas informed the suspect that the cash was in his bag. The suspect then grabbed the bag containing the money.

As the suspect was attempting to leave, Thomas raised an alarm, which prompted the suspect to discharge a round from his firearm. The bullet struck Thomas in the right upper thigh. The suspect then jumped back over the fence and fled the scene on foot with the stolen cash.

Thomas’s wife quickly rushed him to a private hospital in the city, where he is currently receiving medical treatment. Thankfully, his condition is reported to be stable.

Investigations are ongoing, and several individuals have been questioned in relation to the robbery. Police are continuing their efforts to apprehend the suspect responsible for this violent crime.

 

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Century Tamara Logistic Services Inc. (CTLS), a key player in the oil and gas industry in Guyana, has made its most significant appearance yet at the 2025 Guyana Energy Conference.

Held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, the conference and expo concluded on Friday, with CTLS making waves through its larger-than-ever presence and a notable new initiative – bringing students from all corners of the country to experience this crucial event.

For several years, CTLS has attended the annual conference, a pivotal gathering for the country’s booming oil and gas sector. But this year, the company has clearly ramped up its participation, with commercial director Antony Ellis emphasising the importance of not only growing its footprint in the sector but also nurturing future talent.

“We’ve been coming here for years, and this is the most important oil and gas event in Guyana,” Ellis said in an exclusive interview.

“It’s essential for us to be here, especially with our growing global partnerships and our investment in Guyana. As you can see from our banner, we’ve brought more partners to the country, including Storm Current, one of the largest procurement hubs in the world.”

CTLS, a fully locally owned and operated oil and gas support services company, has deepened its commitment to the industry, establishing strong international relationships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Ellis explained that the expanded presence at this year’s conference reflected the significant investments CTLS has made to enhance its operations in Guyana.

CTLS Commercial Director Antony Ellis

A key part of these investments includes the recent acquisition of a 10,000 square-foot warehouse, with an additional 10,000 square feet of laydown space. This new infrastructure is set to support the company’s growing operations and cement its role in the local oil and gas supply chain. CTLS has also long placed a strong emphasis on ground transport services, ensuring safe and efficient operations across the region.

However, Ellis was clear that while CTLS is optimistic about its growth in the sector, the company remains deeply committed to local content. This year, one of the standout features of CTLS’s participation in the conference was their engagement with the next generation of oil and gas professionals. They brought students from across the country, including from Berbice, Region Six, to help inspire and educate them about opportunities in the oil and gas industry.

“I’m a passionate advocate for local content,” Ellis explained. “The next generation is the key to our growth, and we need to ensure they are aware of the potential in this industry. That’s why we brought students here – to show them what’s possible.”

Ellis also voiced his hopes for continued support of local content policies, which are crucial to Guyana’s sustainable growth. “Our ambition is to grow within the local industry,” he said. “We want to see the policies evolve to better support 100% locally owned businesses. We need the government to keep supporting us and help us continue to build a stronger Guyanese industry.”

 

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Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo told scores of students gathered on the final day of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo that the government will continue to allocate huge sums of money to educate Guyanese.

This commitment, he said, is part of plans to upskill and empower the population.

Dr. Jagdeo engaged students directly at the student forum organised on Friday as part of this year’s energy conference. At that forum, he answered questions posed by the students on several topics be it education plans or the government’s environmental focus.

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo joined by the Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat and the Conference Chairman Anthony Whyte

Asked about jobs in the energy sector by a student of the Tagore Memorial Secondary School in Berbice, the Vice President outlined several scholarship and training opportunities the government has rolled out. Those include the more than 20,000 scholarships offered through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme, the Get Ready for Opportunities to Work (GROW) programme, and training offered by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT). He told the students that the government is investing heavily in these ventures.

“There is no restriction on the amount of money we will spend on educating our people,” Jagdeo emphasised.

Meanwhile, the Vice President also told the students about the efforts to improve every public school across the country, the government’s policies for good environmental management and investments being made across sectors.

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In an act intended to celebrate the successes of its sporting personalities, the Everest Cricket Club on Thursday evening honoured its national players at a simple ceremony attended by members of the diplomatic community, club partners and well-wishers.

Three senior national cricketers and two table tennis players were in the spotlight as the club rewarded them with plaques to symbolise their achievements in the respective discipline.

Opening batsman Matthew Nandu (right) receives his plaque (Photo: News Room/Avenash Ramzan/February 20, 2025)

Guyana Harpy Eagles opening batsman Matthew Nandu, who made his CPL debut for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in 2023, was honoured, as well as effervescent all-rounder Junior Sinclair, who has been steadily making a name for himself in white ball cricket and earned a maiden call up to First-Class cricket this season.

All-rounder Junior Sinclair (right) collects his plaque (Photo: News Room/Avenash Ramzan/February 20, 2025)

Off-spinning all-rounder Richie Looknauth was also recognised for his successes on the field. The 25-year-old had a memorable First-Class debut for Guyana Harpy Eagles, picking up nine wickets (4-69 and 5-23) against Barbados Pride at Providence in January.

Off-spinner all-rounder Richie Looknauth (right) was also honoured (Photo: News Room/Avenash Ramzan/February 20, 2025)

Also sharing the limelight were national table tennis players Miguel Wong and his young brother Colin, both of whom have been excelling over the years in the racquet sport.

Table Tennis player Miguel (right) collects his plaque (Photo: News Room/Avenash Ramzan/February 20, 2025)

President of the Everest Cricket Club Manzoor Nadir said: “Tonight we’re here to celebrate these sporting personalities, especially those who have earned national caps. Too often we only lament failures and disappointments, and we do not see failures and disappointments as challenges for us to overcome.”

“Post-COVID we’ve had quite a bit of success at the Everest Cricket Club.”

Table Tennis player Colin Wong (right) is presented with his plaque (Photo: News Room/Avenash Ramzan/February 20, 2025)

Nadir stressed that Everest is more than just a cricket club, but rather an institution that produces versatile and well-rounded individuals.

“This club celebrates sport and more particularly wellness. You will still find a 72-year-old man playing table tennis with national champions. You will still find versatile people playing squash, lawn tennis, table tennis and pickleball.”

President of the Everest Cricket Club Manzoor Nadir addressing the gathering (Photo: News Room/Avenash Ramzan/February 20, 2025)

Assistant Treasurer of the Everest Cricket Club Safraz Sheriffudeen said the club remains committed to making a significant impact on sport in Guyana, a tradition that dates back to over a century.

“It is indeed a pleasure for us to be hosting this event tonight, as we honour the hardwork and accomplishment of our members. This evening is also meant to celebrate with them all they have achieved so far, as we not only offer best wishes but also endeavor to support them for even greater success.”

Assistant Treasurer of the Everest Cricket Club Safraz Sheriffudeen (Photo: News Room/Avenash Ramzan/February 20, 2025)

Additionally, the club announced that Guyana Harpy Eagles fast bowler Nial Smith, seen here second from left, has been appointed captain if its First Division team.

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Luis Rubiales’ appeal against a three-year FIFA ban from football has been dismissed.

Football’s world governing body suspended the former president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) from any football-related activity for three years in October 2023.

It followed a kiss on the lips of Spain player Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony after the team won the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final.

On Friday the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed Rubiales’ appeal, external on the grounds that “the sanction imposed is reasonable and proportional”.

CAS agreed with FIFA’s appeals committee – who upheld the suspension in January 2024 – that Rubiales “behaved in a manner contrary to the principles of the FIFA Disciplinary Code”.

On Thursday, Spain’s High Court convicted Rubiales of sexual assault for kissing Hermoso, 34, without consent and fined him 10,800 euros (£8,942).

Rubiales, 47, was also banned from going within a 200m radius of the Tigres player – and from communicating with her for one year.

He was acquitted of coercion, for allegedly trying to pressure Hermoso into saying publicly that the kiss was consensual.

Rubiales resigned from his position as the RFEF president but has always maintained the kiss was consensual.

Both Rubiales and Hermoso intend to appeal the verdict. (BBC)

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On Thursday night, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports presented the highly anticipated 2025 Calypso Monarch Competition on Main Street, Georgetown.

In true Guyanese fashion, the show began fashionably late—starting at 20:30hrs instead of the advertised 18:00hrs.

Despite the delay, the eager crowd, mostly of the older demographic with a sprinkling of engaged younger faces, remained in high spirits.

In the end, Kenesha Fraser and Quincy Lacon (Ego) triumphed, with Kenesha claiming victory in the Junior category and Quincy securing the crown in the Senior division.

The charismatic Malcolm Ferreira returned as the host for the evening, effortlessly keeping the audience entertained and primed for what promised to be an unforgettable night.

The junior performers hit the stage with a mix of nerves and confidence—some showing promising potential while others appeared slightly tentative. The contrast between those with more stage experience and those just starting their Calypso journeys was clear.

Though eight talented juniors had registered, only seven made it to the stage, and the competition proved that Guyana’s Calypso future is in good hands.

Justine Hamer “Warriors Love Song”

One standout was Justine Hamer, who appeared in full Guyana Amazon Warriors gear for her performance, “Warriors Love Song.” The song, a heartfelt ode to the nation’s beloved cricket team, captured the spirit of unwavering support, even through defeats. Justine’s impressive breath control and vocal execution left a strong impression, though she did not place in either the Junior Calypso or Soca Monarch competitions—she’s definitely one to watch in future years.

Deanna Hinds “Stop De School Violence”

Deanna Hinds, daughter of Calypso legend Young Bill Rogers, impressed with her powerful message in “Stop De School Violence.” The performance began with a skit involving a schoolyard dispute between two boys, escalating into a fight until Deanna, dressed in a CPCE uniform, delivered her poignant, anti-violence lyrics. The message resonated deeply with the audience, making this a timely and relevant piece for today’s youth.

But the evening’s most talked-about performance came from Kenesha Fraser, daughter of the legendary Mighty Believer. A Calypso stage veteran since the age of seven, Kenesha took the stage by storm with her fiery song “Price Control.” Her bold commentary on rising inflation and the difficulties faced by the average Guyanese in the wake of the 2025 Budget resonated with the crowd. As the song delved into the everyday struggles of securing cash grants and navigating soaring prices, Kenesha’s fearless delivery left the audience chanting for an encore: “Bring back Kenesha!”

TonioGy best new comer

Junior Calypso Monarch 2025 Final Results:

1st – Kenesha Fraser
2nd – Simeon Raywaram
3rd – Deanna Hinds
Best Newcomer – Tonio GY

 

The senior competition was nothing short of a spectacle. Performers went all-out with elaborate sets, props, and theatrical elements that pushed the boundaries of creativity. From smoke and fire to a revolving stage and even an actual ambulance, it was clear that these seasoned Calypsonians were determined to leave the audience in awe. Yet, while some focused more on the grandeur of the production, others showed that when it comes to Calypso, the music must always remain the star.

Young Bill Rogers “I ain’t Giving Up”

The evening saw the return of Roger Hinds, better known as Young Bill Rogers, who made a surprise appearance to compete for the crown with his song “I Ain’t Giving Up.” The living legend delighted the crowd with his energetic performance, supported by the iconic character “Granny.” Roger’s playful, yet poignant lyrics about his struggles after a recent accident, paired with his cheeky stage presence, had the audience in stitches. He was undoubtedly a crowd favourite, drawing cheers at every turn.

Another unforgettable performance came from Quincy Lacon, known on stage as Ego, who brought the house down with his captivating performance of “Never Trade Guyana.” Starting with a childhood skit, Quincy’s portrayal of an aspiring police officer was punctuated by a police unit marching into the audience and fireworks lighting up the sky. His set, revolving from an old house to a mansion and even the Stabroek Market clock, kept the audience riveted. When the performance ended, a deafening silence fell over the crowd before a thunderous round of applause erupted.

Diana Chapman “Somebody gon Lose”- mentioned in the story

Diana Chapman, crowned this year’s Soca Monarch just days earlier, returned to deliver her bold Calypso offering, “Somebody Gon Lose.” With political figures brought to life by actors on stage, Diana’s lyrics unapologetically took aim at the political landscape. Her performance was raw and daring, breaking the rules by addressing societal issues head-on, even though political commentary is technically banned in the competition. Diana’s fearless stance and unwavering confidence in delivering her truth left the audience holding their breath, waiting for each word.

Vinel Hinds “Take Me Home”

Senior Calypso Monarch 2025 Final Results:

1st – Quincy Lacon (Ego)
2nd – Roger Hinds (Young Bill Rogers)
3rd – Vinel Hinds
4th – Osei Clarke (OKC)
Best Newcomer – Ray Sparman (The Mighty Creator)

The 2025 Calypso Monarch competition was a dazzling display of talent, passion, and unbridled creativity. The night showcased the next generation of Calypso stars, with parents passing down the torch to their children, ensuring that the future of Calypso remains in safe hands. Guyana can rest assured that its rich musical culture is alive and well.

While the event had its hiccups, from technical glitches to delays, the overall atmosphere remained one of excitement and celebration. The enthusiastic crowd, undeterred by the wait, left the venue with smiles on their faces, knowing that Calypso in Guyana is far from fading into the past.

A few improvements could be made, particularly in terms of timing and the management of technical effects, but overall, the event was a success. The crowd was kept safe thanks to the barricades, and despite some challenges, the night ended on a high note. As the performers proved, Calypso culture is here to stay, resonating with audiences young and old, and its future is as bright as ever.

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Ryan Rickelton scored his maiden one-day international century as South Africa claimed a comfortable 107-run win over Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy.

After opting to bat first, the Proteas posted 315-6 with left-hander Rickelton making 103 from 106 balls at the top of the order and Temba Bavuma (58), Rassie van der Dussen (52) and Aiden Markram (52) scoring half-centuries.

It proved far too many for Afghanistan, who lost wickets at regular intervals and slumped to 208 all out in 43.3 overs.

Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada was particularly impressive for South Africa with figures of 3-36, while Rahmat Shah was the only batter to provide any real resistance with a knock of 90 from 92 balls.

He was the last man out, edging behind to Rickelton off Rabada as South Africa wrapped up a convincing win to take a step towards the semi-finals.

The Proteas were in control from ball one with Rickelton showing a calm assuredness throughout his innings.

He and Bavuma put on 129 for the second wicket before Van der Dussen and Markram took over in the latter stages with Afghanistan unable to assert much real pressure at any point.

Losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz early in the chase seemed to drain Jonathan Trott’s men of all belief and despite Rahmat’s best efforts, the result was beyond doubt long before Rabada took the final wicket. (BBC)

 

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