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The Guyana Harpy Eagles’ Four-Day practice match wrapped up within three days at the National Stadium, Providence, on Saturday.

Among the players inking an impression on day three of the pink ball match were Sachin Singh and all-rounders Richie Looknauth and Junior Sinclair.

Hunting a maiden First-Class appearance, Singh bolstered his aspirations as he made an even 50 (6x4s) from 124 balls for Tagenarine Chanderpaul’s XI.

Youngsters Rampersaud Ramnauth (27), Afraz Budhoo (23*) and Ushardeva Balgobin (23) also managed to get starts.

On the opposing end, Looknauth and Sinclair, potentially battling to fill the spot of Kevin Sinclair for the first Regional Four-Day match, had impactful performances.

Kevin, Gudakesh Motie, and skipper Tevin Imlach will miss the first round due to West Indies duties, while injury could also see pacer Shamar Joseph miss out.

Looknauth was unbeaten on 44 (9x4s) from 46 balls, while Junior took 4-12 from 4.2 overs for Kemol Savory’s XI, who won the match by five wickets.

Savory, who got 89 in the first innings, followed up with a brisk 48 (8x4s) from 47 balls.

The second practice match, a red-ball match,  is from January 15 at the National Stadium.

Defending champions Guyana Harpy Eagles host Barbados Pride in their first match from January 29.

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The residents of Strathspey and Buxton on the East Coast of Demerara will soon benefit from infrastructural works aimed at significantly reducing traffic congestion in their communities.

Six roads, totalling $63.4 million, are being upgraded in Strathspey, while 23 roads are under construction in Buxton. The total investment for the Buxton roads is estimated to be $258.8 million.

The road works for both communities are slated to be completed in March 2025.

Speaking at a community engagement at Strathspey on Saturday, the Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, announced that the main access road will soon undergo revetment due to its deplorable state.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill inspecting a walkway in Strathspey (Photo: DPI/ January 12, 2025)

Saturday’s community engagement was led by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali.

The minister explained that his technical staff “observed that there are some outstanding things [that need to be addressed]. We have a failure of the main road right here because of the trucks that have been coming through the community. We are going to advertise that because we have to do some revetment.”

He noted that the other infrastructural works along the railway embankment and repairs to the bridge will be addressed as work progresses on the East Coast four-lane road project.

Minister Edghill interacting with residents (Photo: DPI/ January 12, 2025)

Responding to multiple requests by residents, Minister Edghill promised “to put in the culvert. We have already started the driveway. There is one utility pole that has to be removed. So, within a matter of weeks, we will be able to get that wrapped up. So, you will be able to drive all the way into the school.”

Minister Edghill inspected ongoing projects in Strathspey such as the Loam Road Phase by Monifa Marcus Maintenance and Construction Company with a price tag of $10.7 million.

Benchmark Construction is executing the construction of Strathspey Loam Road Phase Two valued at $10.7 million.

Caesar’s Construction & General Service is constructing Strathspey Loam Road Phase Three at a cost of $10.7 million.

Residents during the meeting (Photo: DPI/ January 12, 2025)

Meanwhile, the construction of Cemetery Road Phase Four in Buxton is being executed by NOVAD Investments & General Contractors at a cost of $14.9 million.

Adams Construction & Real Estate Services is constructing Company Road from East Coast Highway Northwards in Buxton Phase Three that is valued at $14.4 million.

Works on the construction of Company Road from East Coast Highway Northwards, Buxton Phase Four is being carried out by J&L Construction and General Services, at a cost of $14.4 million. (DPI)

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His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali said that his Government will support the development of innovative agricultural projects in Buxton and Strathspey on the East Coast of Demerara.

During outreaches to the communities, the President had extensive interactions with residents to discuss solutions to problems and ways of maximising community development.

In Buxton, President Ali told hundreds of residents that, through the Ministry of Agriculture, his Government is ready to engage with the farmers, agriculture groups, women and young people in the community to identify 25 acres of land.

The community’s land would be developed, through innovative and smart agricultural practices, into one of the largest pork production projects in the country.

“We are here to focus on your community. We are here to focus on how we can further build your community,” the President said.

A number of other initiatives are in the pipeline to enhance Buxton’s agriculture.

Meanwhile, during the meeting in Strathspey, the Head of State posited that the Ministry of Agriculture will work with a group of young people and women in the community to build at least 50 beehives and teach sustainable beekeeping.

“We are going to give you all the hives, we are going to give you all the safety gear and equipment and they (NAREI) will give you the training.”

The President said the aim of the project is to improve the agricultural productivity of the community and enhance the involvement of young people and women in community development and economic opportunities.

“This year, 2025, we’re going to focus heavily on community investment, ensuring that the investment is focused on people-centered issues in a greater way.”

During both meetings, residents had the chance to engage with the President and offer suggestions on priorities for the development of their community.

As a result, in Buxton, the President said that his Government will work on developing a community sewing project and look at developing a space for a learning resource centre where youths can be trained and mentored. He underscored that his Government will continue developing communities across the country with a focus on security, sanitation and services.

Over the week, President Ali has conducted community outreaches in eight different communities across the East Coast.

“One of the important things of this government is the involvement of people, the involvement of communities, the involvement of everyone in the development process of our country.”

Minister of Health, the Honourable Dr Frank Anthony; Minister of Public Works, the Honourable Juan Edghill; Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, the Honourable Susan Rodrigues, other Government officials and technical staff from various ministries were also present. (DPI)

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In 2024, Guyana hosted 29 international sport events, a massive increase from the 15 held the previous year.

For Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr., this represents significant progress in Guyana’s mission to become a hub for major international events.

During the last year, Guyana was able to successfully host matches in the Men’s T20 World Cup, the CPL Finals, the first-ever Global Super League, the Senior Caribbean Cycling Championship, the Central America and Caribbean Bodybuilding Championship, the Senior Caribbean Squash Championship and the ENet Caribbean Motor-Racing Championship, among other events.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday to review his ministry’s achievements for 2024, Ramson Jr. touched on the economic benefits derived from hosting those championships, the global visibility for the country and the method that was employed by government to ensure every event was a success.

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West Indies were in firm control at stumps on day two of their three-day practice match against Pakistan Shaheens in Rawalpindi.

Resuming on 273-7, West Indies declared on 346-8 with overnight batter Amir Jangoo converting his overnight 29* to an unbeaten 63.

The left-hander, who made a century on ODI debut last month, struck eight fours and a six from 92 balls.

Fellow wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva made 22, while Guyanese all-rounder Kevin Sinclair struck six fours in an unbeaten 28 off 36.

Wicketkeepers Amir Jangoo (left) and Joshua Da Silva (Photo: CWI Media)

Mohammad Rameez Jr. (3-64) and Ahmed Safi Abdullah (2-91) were the top wicket-takers for Pakistan Shaheens, who were reduced to 212-9 by the close.

Off-spinner Sinclair has so far picked up 3-50, while Jayden Seales (2-18) and Gudakesh Motie (2-21) were also amongst the wickets. Muhammad Hurraira (74) and Mohammad Suleman (45) led the scoring for Pakistan Shaheens.

This is the West Indies lone warm-up ahead of the first Test, starting on January 17. The second and final Test begins on January 25.

The last series between the two sides, in Kingston in 2021, was drawn 1-1, but West Indies have not won a Test in Pakistan since November 1990.

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Kemol Savory and Akshaya Persaud made half-centuries, while fast bowler Joshua Jones was amongst the wickets on day two of the Guyana Harpy Eagles day/night practice match at the National Stadium, Providence, on Friday.

Responding to 230 made by Tagenarine Chanderpaul’s XI, Kemol Savory’s XI made 275. By the close, Chanderpaul XI reached 96-4, a lead of 51 runs with two days remaining.

This is the first of two practice games for the Harpy Eagles, who are preparing to defend their title in the West Indies Four-Day Championship, which bowls off on January 29.

Starting the day on 26-1, Kemol Savory’s XI had a huge partnership of 173 between skipper Savory and Persaud, which formed the base of their total.

The next highest partnership in the innings was 23. Savory and Persaud both made 89, and aside from Richie Looknauth’s unbeaten 25, there was no other score of significance.

Savory faced 92 balls and struck 14 fours, while fellow left-hander Persaud occupied the crease for 99 deliveries, hitting 16 fours and a six.

Former national youth player Jones impressed with the ball, taking 4-55 off 13.1 overs, while national youth spinner Goolcharan Chulai bagged 3-21 off eight overs, dismissing both Savory and Persaud.

Batting a second time, Chanderpaul XI will resume day three with opener Sachin Singh not out on 34 and Rampertab Ramnauth on 16. Brandon Jaikarran (6), Ushardeva Balgobin (23), Shamar Yearwood (4) and Adrian Sukwah (4) are the batsmen dismissed.

Thaddeus Lovell (2-26), Looknauth (1-14) and Isai Thorne (1-18) are the wicket-takers thus far.

READ MORE: First innings points in drawn matches return for Four-Day Championship

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In a bid to enhance transparency and professionalism, all ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) are now required to wear body cameras when engaging with the public, whether during routine checks or following an offence.

“The instruction is not to stop. The instruction is that if you stop, you must be in possession of a body camera,” said Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh, during an interview on Saturday.

Singh provided further clarification on a radio programme, explaining that the rule was introduced to promote greater professionalism within the Force and to combat corruption.

“The body cameras help us to improve the manner in which we address things, and where there isn’t an improvement, we address it as it ought to be,” he added.

The directive was first made public by Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, during a meeting with senior officers and the police brass last week.

“The specific direction is very clear: once you are going to engage a member of the public with reference to the commission of offences, for example, requiring them to produce documents on demand, that police officer should be outfitted with a fully functional body camera,” Singh emphasised.

The Traffic Chief reiterated that the GPF has a strict zero-tolerance policy towards bribery and corruption. He also clarified that no law prohibits a rank from making a stop without a body camera. Officers can still perform other duties on the roadway, such as directing traffic, without being required to wear a body camera.

“Should a situation arise where bribery or corruption occurs between a police officer and a member of the public, it will be thoroughly investigated,” Singh asserted.

He also sent a strong warning to the public, urging them not to offer bribes in an attempt to avoid their responsibilities. “Members of the public should not entertain bribery to evade their actions,” he stressed.

The GPF’s commitment to ensuring transparency through the use of body cameras aims to safeguard both the public and police officers, while reinforcing the integrity of the Force.

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Starting from Monday, the Traffic Department of the Guyana Police Force will be paying closer attention to minibus touts who operate at the various minibus parks to solicit passengers.

The law stipulates that the act is an illegal one and persons found culpable can be arrested and charged and ordered to pay a fine.

“The solicitation, the bullyism, the uncalled for assault and the abuses at the park, report it to the police so that can be dealt with.

“…In fact as early as Monday morning we will have something in place and approach the issue right away,” Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh disclosed on Saturday.

Speaking on a radio programme, Singh noted that the abuse and harassment of persons who seek to use public transportation is a continuous occurrence.

So, to tackle the issue, he encourages persons to report these instances so that they can be investigated and necessary actions can be taken.

“The solicitation at the park where you find for persons who seek to use public transportation and you find that they are continuously harassed, pulling and tugging and so on, these things ought to be reported”

“The assault of the person, the abuse of the person, there is the common threat of the person all these things should be looked at,” Singh explained.

According to Singh, a multi-agency approach can also help to reduce the presence of touts at the minibus parks so that persons utilising public transportation can have an improved experience.

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To meet the social and economic needs of youth from Strathavon on the East of Coast Demerara and surrounding communities, a new centre was opened on Wednesday.

The youth-friendly space offers a variety of resources and activities for children, including professional counselling services for trauma, grief, and family reconciliation.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud addresses the attendees

Strathavon’s centre is the second to be opened in Guyana with financial support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

It gives children access to computers for internet research and various books to encourage reading. It also offers a selection of board games and sports equipment to improve their skills.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, expressed satisfaction with the project and announced plans to open 10 more similar centres countrywide with continued support from UNFPA.

Minister Persaud highlighted the importance of safe spaces for children after school hours where they can complete homework and address other social concerns.

“It is our hope and our vision that our young people will be nurtured, encouraged, motivated and can develop to be the best version of themselves,” Minister Persaud stated.

The centre will be opened daily and accessible to all children in the area.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud engages pupils

The initiative is a joint effort between the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and the Family Enhancement Services Section (FESS).

The first youth-friendly centre was commissioned in 2024 in Linden, Region Ten. [DPI]

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The government has exceeded its commitment by awarding 29,758 scholarships to Guyanese citizens through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) initiative since it took office.

The amount surpasses the initial pledge of 20,000 scholarships outlined in the PPP/C’s manifesto within its first five years in office.

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand addresses reporters at a press briefing on Friday

The Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, revealed this significant achievement during the ministry’s year-end press briefing on Friday, at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) in Georgetown.

The GOAL programme has enabled Guyanese to pursue a wide range of academic courses at foreign universities at no cost, including degrees, master’s degrees, doctoral studies, and postgraduate diplomas.

“We are not people who find reasons why things can’t happen. We try to make sure that we give opportunities and of course, people have to avail themselves of those opportunities,” Minister Manickchand stated.

Number of scholarships granted by regions

A total of 21,436 of the scholarship awardees are women while 8,322 were granted to males.

Number of scholarships awarded by programme-level

The GOAL programme is a collaborative effort between the Ministries of Education and Public Service.

Apart from the GOAL initiative, the Get Ready for Opportunities to Grow (GROW) is another impactful programme of the government.

GROW has empowered 6,914 young people to date.

Minister Manickchand explained that “these are people who were unable to finish high school for whatever reason or weren’t successful at high school. The programme was introduced for you to get high school level qualifications.”

Participants who attained Level 6 Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) or the General Educational Development (GED) diplomas can apply at a tertiary institution to advance their skills.

The education minister revealed that 80 per cent of the individuals who finished this programme are now pursuing a degree programme at foreign universities.

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