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Peru’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Elmer Schialer, has announced the historic establishment of Peru’s first embassy in Guyana.

The announcement was made when Schialer met in Washinton D.C. with ambassadors and heads of mission from Caribbean nations accredited to the United States.

The announcement marks a significant step in deepening Peru’s engagement with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Minister Schialer underscored the importance of the new embassy, stating that it will serve as a permanent representation of Peru to CARICOM, aligning with the nation’s goal to strengthen ties with member states. He highlighted Peru’s commitment to advancing trade, investment, and cooperation with Caribbean countries.

“This embassy will be a bridge to foster stronger diplomatic, economic, and cultural exchanges between Peru and Guyana, as well as with the broader CARICOM region,” Schialer said. The announcement was warmly received by the Caribbean representatives in attendance.

Schialer also revealed plans for a high-level visit to the Caribbean in 2025 to further solidify relationships, promoting trade and investment while bolstering regional cooperation. Additionally, he announced the reopening of Peru’s embassy in Jamaica, further extending the nation’s diplomatic presence in the region.

During the meeting, Minister Schialer reaffirmed Peru’s desire to conclude negotiations for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CARICOM to establish a Consultation and Cooperation Mechanism. This effort is part of Peru’s broader strategy to formalize political consultations with individual member states of the bloc.

Guyana established diplomatic relations with Peru on July 17, 1971.

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The government is enhancing its support for persons living with disabilities through several transformative initiatives. President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Tuesday announced that each person registered as living with a disability will receive an additional $35,000 grant from the state.

“Outside of the $100,000 grant that every person 18 years and above is getting, each person on the register that is close to 26000, will get a grant of $35,000 additionally from the state,” President Ali announced during a Christmas celebration held for persons living with disabilities at State House.

This will amount to approximately $875 million dollars.

In a further significant move toward empowerment, President Ali also revealed plans to establish Guyana’s first innovative farm operated entirely by persons with disabilities.

“The farm will be incorporated with supermarkets with a special section selling produce that will come from that farm,” the Head of State said while adding that the farm will also incorporate climate-smart agricultural practices.

Before the end of the year, further consultations will be held to identify new priorities to support persons living with disabilities.

President Ali further revealed that six additional buses will also be purchased in early 2025 to provide improved transportation for organisations and individuals with disabilities.

He further highlighted that upcoming launch of the Guyana Digital School will feature a platform for special needs education.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Vindhya Persaud, during her remarks spoke about initiatives that has transformed the lives of persons living with disabilities.

“Our Support and Aids Programme, where with a simple request, anyone who has a disability can access a wheelchair, a walker, a white cane a hearing aid or even a prosthesis,” she said.

Minister Persaud said for this year alone, over 400 persons living with disabilities were trained in skills such as garment construction.

“…and we continue to expand what we are doing, focusing on education, technical vocation training, ensuring persons living with disabilities have the best quality of life,” the minister said.

She also revealed that for the first time, individuals applying for the permanent disability benefit can now do so entirely online. The shut-in registry further ensures payments or benefits are delivered directly to homes.

To support caregivers, childcare training through the WIIN Programme has been introduced in special needs education and early childhood development.

Meanwhile, Programme Manager at the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities, Ganesh Singh, noted the improvement of education and training opportunities.

‘there are more opportunities for persons with disabilities to do tertiary education through GOAL or the University of Guyana even at the Cyril Potter College of Education,” Singh said as he called these opportunities transformational.

Singh also shared how the increasing involvement of persons with disabilities in education and the workforce has made a significant impact.

“If somebody invites us to send five persons with disabilities to a workshop, it’s a challenge because they are occupied at work or in school – that is success and achievement,” Singh stated.

While celebrating the strides made, Singh emphasised that more progress is needed in improving access to information and building infrastructure. However, he further acknowledged that persons with disabilities are finally being treated as “people”.

 

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President Dr. Irfaan Ali has hailed Qatar’s economic achievements as a model for Guyana’s own development strategy. Speaking at a reception at the Marriott Hotel to celebrate Qatar’s National Day, President Ali highlighted Qatar’s economic successes as an example for formulating, planning, and executing Guyana’s development objectives.

“We see the lessons learned, we see the diversification, we see the successes as examples that we can apply in our own model for Guyana’s development,” the Head of State said.

President highlighted that December 18th not only marks the unification of Qatar in 1878 but also celebrates over 145 years of exceptional progress.

“Qatar has developed into a center of modernity, innovation, and prosperity in the Middle East and beyond,” President Ali stated.

Qatar’s Acting Charge d’Affaires to Guyana, Mohammed Ebrahim Al Rumaihi and President Irfaan Ali

He credited this success to the vision, determination, and resilience of Qatar’s people and successive generations of leadership.

The celebration on Monday night also provided an opportunity for President Ali to reflect on the flourishing friendship and cooperation between Guyana and Qatar.

“Our two nations despite the geographical distance have been steadily nurturing closer ties founded on mutual respect shared interest and a common vision for prosperity and development.

“Our partnership currently encompasses several key areas of mutual interest including energy, healthcare, infrastructure development defence cooperation, technology and education,” the President highlighted.

Building on this cooperation, the two nations recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding political consultations.

This agreement paved the way for the inaugural consultations between Guyana and Qatar, creating a structured platform for continued dialogue and collaboration across various shared priorities.

President Ali further emphasised that Qatar’s renowned expertise in the energy sector, particularly in natural gas, offers valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing and technical cooperation as Guyana develops its emerging oil and gas industry.

Qatar’s Acting Charge d’Affaires to Guyana, Mohammed Ebrahim Al Rumaihi and President Irfaan Ali along with other officials

“As Guyana embarks on its transformative journey in the energy sector, we look to Qatar’s development model as an inspiring example,” he said.

He added, “Our nation’s oil discoveries have opened unprecedented opportunities for sustainable economic growth and inclusive social development.”

Guyana like Qatar recognises the importance of leveraging its energy resources responsibly to promote sustainable development, economic diversification and improve quality of life for all its citizens.

President Ali also expressed admiration for Qatar’s strategic management of its resources and investments in critical areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, finance, tourism, and sports.

“Guyana looks forward to learning how elements of this approach might be adapted to our unique circumstances as we chart our own course towards a prosperous, sustainable, resilient future for all Guyanese,” he said.

President Ali further noted that the Qatari Investment Authority has been mandated to explore every possibility to partner with Guyana’s local private sector, reflecting the growing opportunities for collaboration and shared development.

“I believe that our partnership can serve as a model for international cooperation, driving progress not only for our nations but for the global community as a whole,” he stated.

The President further called for exploring opportunities for collaboration in climate change mitigation and adaptation.

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More bad weather in Brisbane ruined a potentially intriguing finale to the third Test between Australia and India and left the series tied at 1-1.

After gaining a first-innings lead of 185, Australia wickets tumbled as they chased quick runs in their second innings in an attempt to force a result at the Gabba.

They slipped to 33-5, Jasprit Bumrah ripping through the top order again, before captain Pat Cummins slogged 22 from 10 balls and declared on 89-7.

That positive move set India 275 to win from a minimum of 54 overs, but bad light stopped play with the tourists 8-0 in the third over of their chase.

Rain, which decimated much of the Test, arrived shortly after and the players shook hands at 15:30 local time.

The five-match series resumes with the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, for which a crowd close to 90,000 is expected for the opening day.

Blows landed despite Brisbane rain

This result was always likely with only 131.2 overs possible across the first three days – even more so when India’s last-wicket pair of Bumrah and Akash Deep dramatically avoided the follow-on late on day four.

India’s innings was finally ended when Deep was stumped off Travis Head for 31 five overs into the final day, but no play further play was possible before lunch because of rain and the threat of lightning.

There was brief hope of something spectacular when the players returned in sunshine.

Australia’s second innings lasted only 18 overs but it was enough for both sides to leave Queensland with claims to the upper hand in a series that is living up to the hype.

Australia largely dominated the first four days after levelling the series in Adelaide but were not out of danger when Steve Smith was the fifth wicket to fall with the lead only 218.

Earlier, Bumrah bowled Usman Khawaja for eight and had a slashing Marnus Labuschagne caught behind for one.

He is now India’s highest wicket-taker in Australia with 53 in 10 Tests, 21 of which have come in this series.

Labuschagne, meanwhile, has made 18 runs in four innings either side of a 64 in the second Test.

Opener Nathan McSweeney’s tricky start to international cricket continued when he offered an under edge off Deep for four.

The seamer also had Mitchell Marsh, promoted to number four to help boost the scoring rate, caught behind for two.

Smith was caught down the leg side for the second time in the series, but the contribution of Cummins, Alex Carey’s 20 not out and 17 from Travis Head probably put Australia into the ascendancy on a lively pitch, albeit in unconvincing fashion.

More concerning for Australia was the sight of Head, whose first-innings 152 came after 140 in Adelaide, struggling with an apparent groin issue.

He did not field during the 13 balls possible in the India innings but later played down any injury concerns. (BBC)

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India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has retired from international cricket.

The 38-year-old, the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test history, made the announcement after the drawn third Test against Australia in Brisbane.

Ashwin, who did not play in the game, was widely recognised as one of the greats of the modern game during a 14-year India career.

He took 537 wickets at an average of 24 in 106 Tests – second only to Anil Kumble’s 619 among India bowlers.

He also scored six centuries and averaged 25.75 with the bat.

“This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats in the international level,” Ashwin said at a news conference at the Gabba.

“I do feel there’s a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to showcase that in club level cricket.”

Ashwin took 156 wickets at 33.20 apiece in 116 one-day internationals and 72 at an average of 23.22 in 65 T20s.

He was part of the squad that won the 2011 World Cup in India, although he played only two games.

He will be remembered largely for his Test exploits- his tally of 37 five-wicket hauls is second only to Sri Lanka great Muttiah Muralitharan.

Captain Rohit Sharma said Ashwin considered retiring before the Australia tour but he convinced him to continue.

Ashwin was left out of the team for the first Test and took one wicket in the second.

“He was very sure about what he wanted to do and the team has complete backing of his thought process,” Rohit said.

“He’s had so many big moments with the Indian team and he’s been a big match-winner for us.

“He’s allowed to make these decisions, and if it is now, so be it.”

‘One of the all-time greats’

Ashwin’s former captain and current team-mate Virat Kohli said: “I’ve played with you for 14 years and when you told me today you’re retiring, it made me a bit emotional and the flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me.

“I’ve enjoyed every bit of the journey with you Ash. Your skill and match-winning contributions to Indian cricket are second to none and you will always and always be remembered as a legend of Indian cricket.

“Wish you nothing but the best in your life with your family and everything else that it unfolds for you.

“With massive respect and lots of love to you and your close ones. Thanks for everything buddy.”

Australia captain Pat Cummins said Ashwin will “go down as one of the all-time greats”.

“He’s obviously been a fantastic player all around the world,” Cummins said. “There aren’t that many finger spinners that have that kind of longevity.

“There’s a massive respect from our changing room for the career that he’s had.”

India coach Gautam Gambhir, who played alongside Ashwin, wrote on X: “The privilege of seeing you grow from a young bowler to a legend of modern cricket is something that I wouldn’t trade for the world.

“I know that generations of bowlers to come will say that I became a bowler because of Ashwin.” (BBC)

 

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Bangladesh defended their modest score of 129 to clinch the T20I series with a 2-0 lead, beating West Indies by 27 runs in the second game at the Arnos Vale Ground in St. Vincent.

It was Bangladesh’s lowest total winning a game while batting first against West Indies.

It was a combined effort from their quicks and spinners who took advantage of a pitch that offered a lot to the bowlers throughout the game.

Bangladesh were stretched to their total by Shamim Hossain‘s late blast, hitting an unbeaten 35 off 17 balls.

The bowlers responded superbly thereafter, with Taskin Ahmed taking three wickets, while Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain and Tanzim Hasan all taking two each.

Bangladesh’s only concern was Soumya Sarkar suffering a finger injury when he dropped a catch in the slips in the seventh over of the chase.

Otherwise, Bangladesh were all over West Indies, having reduced them to 42-6 in the ninth over.

Taskin, Mahedi make the early strikes

Taskin Ahmed provided the first breakthrough in the third over when he had Brandon King caught behind for 8, with a beautiful delivery outside off.

Four balls later, Taskin had Andre Fletcher caught behind too, for his second consecutive duck in the series. This one was wider but Fletcher got beaten by pace, under-edging to wicketkeeper Litton Das.

Mahedi, who took career-best figures of 4-13 in the first T20I, then got into the act. He trapped Johnson Charles lbw in the fourth over, as the hosts slipped to 28 for 3.

In his next over, Mahedi got Nicholas Pooran caught at slip where Soumya Sarkar didn’t have to move as Pooran’s probe at a length ball took the outer edge went to him softly.

Chase holds fort after Powell but…

Bangladesh might have felt Rovman Powell as a major threat after his exploits in the first match, nearly taking the hosts over the line.

Powell, however, fell cheaply this time, when Mehidy Hasan Miraz took a diving catch in front of point, off Hasan Mamhud.

When Tanzim Hasan had Romario Shepherd glove to slip off a short ball, West Indies were 42-6 and there was almost no coming back from there.

Roston Chase was their only remaining specialist batter after that. He batted conservatively until the 16th over when he slammed Mahmud for consecutive sixes.

Akeal Hosein gave Chase good support at the other end, also hitting Rishad for a straight six, but the asking rate was still nearly 12 an over in the death overs.

The three sixes gave West Indies some hope but Rishad fought back in the same over to remove Chase, who missed a big slog.

The young legspinner removed Gudakesh Motie next ball when the left-hand batter holed out to long-off.

Alzarri Joseph then handed a return catch to Tanzim in the following over before Hosein clipped a slower delivery from Taskin straight to backward point as Bangladesh started their celebrations.

West Indies boss the Powerplay

The assistance for the spinners from the pitch was evident from the start. Hosein removed Litton again early in the Bangladesh innings, this time getting him stumped for three.

Litton’s dismal form continues, while Hosein continued his Powerplay dominance. Chase followed up with Tanzid Hasan’s wicket, hitting his off stump with a ripper of a delivery.

Mehidy and Soumya got Bangladesh out of that mire, batting sensibly till the ninth over. That’s when Soumya was run out when he responded to a Mehidy call for a single to short third.

Mehidy fell in the next over, hitting Joseph to deep square leg, for 26, after striking three fours and a six in his 25-ball stay.

Shamim’s flourish lifts Bangladesh

Motie then got into the Bangladesh middle order, cleaning up both Rishad and Mahedi by the 15th over.

Jaker Ali tried to resurrect the innings somewhat, with his 20-ball 21, but when he fell in the 17th over with the score 88-7, there were chances that the visitors could be bowled out for under 100.

Shamim, however, had the final say in the death overs, hitting a couple of sixes and as many fours.

Both his sixes came off the local boy Obed McCoy, hitting him over fine leg and midwicket.

He ensured Bangladesh finished on a score just above 120, which was considered to be par for the course given the type of pitch. (ESPNcricinfo)

 

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Minister of Public Affairs in the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, has accused opposition party Alliance For Change (AFC) and its leader Nigel Hughes of exploiting vulnerable indigenous Venezuelan migrants for political purposes and then abandoning them.

In a comment to the News Room, McCoy charged that Hughes and the AFC lured the migrants to Georgetown as part of a deceptive scheme to entrap the government, using them as “political pawns in a web of deception.”

He further claimed that the opposition’s actions were motivated by an attempt to gain political mileage, which ultimately failed after the “shenanigans were fully exposed.”

“It is apt to note that having used the group of vulnerable indigenous Venezuelan migrants, luring them to GT as political pawns in a web of deception in hopes of entrapping the government and having had their shenanigans fully exposed, Nigel Hughes and the AFC, have now backpedaled from their public commitment to look after the welfare of the same group of migrants, specifically to provide food and accommodation for them,” McCoy stated.

The group of migrants receiving hampers last Friday evening

According to McCoy, the AFC has abandoned the migrants, leaving them at the doorstep of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs Friday. He described this as a blatant act of neglect once the opposition realised there was no further opportunity for political gain.

“It is abundantly clear from this latest play of cheap politicking… and from the sordid history of lies and deception, that Hughes and the AFC can never be entrusted with public responsibilities. Once there was no opportunity for political mileage, they then resorted to the abandonment of this vulnerable group,” McCoy declared.

The Minister’s strong condemnation underscores the government’s position that the opposition’s actions were opportunistic and harmful to the migrants. Efforts by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs to provide support for the migrants are ongoing.

Lieutenant Colonel Earl Edghill, aide-de-camp to President Irfaan Ali, Monday provided a detailed account to clarify the situation after Mr Hughes showed images of the group of people in Georgetown Monday.

According to Edghill, last Thursday during President Irfaan Ali’s visit to Essequibo, the President engaged with residents, many of whom requested assistance and took photos with him. At no point, however, did the President or anyone associated with him invite individuals to travel to Georgetown.

The following day, Friday, a group of Warrau people unexpectedly turned up at State House, claiming they had been instructed by the President to come to the capital. Lieutenant Colonel Edghill, upon learning of the situation, immediately contacted President Ali, who made it clear that no such instruction was given.

Nevertheless, humanitarian assistance was swiftly provided as directed by the President.

The group, which consisted of approximately 30 adults and 15 children—some as young as newborns and others up to nine years old—was taken to the One Guyana kitchen located opposite State House, where they were provided with meals. In addition to being fed, they received hampers of food and essential supplies, again on the President’s instruction.

Edghill further explained that he coordinated with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to assist in transporting the group back to Essequibo. They were taken to Parika, where they were provided dinner and overnight accommodation. The following morning, the group received breakfast, financial assistance, and transportation back to their home communities in Essequibo.

“It is appalling to now hear and see that the same set of individuals are in town making outlandish claims,” Edghill said, expressing frustration at the situation. “I feel as though our assistance has been wasted and we are being targeted without cause.”
The government’s response highlights its commitment to addressing humanitarian needs while firmly rejecting attempts to politicise the situation.

The misleading claims propagated by Hughes and the AFC are viewed as a coordinated and nasty attack.

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The man who stabbed and killed Toshao Ridley Joseph Monday has surrendered, telling Police he had sought an apology for years of abuse.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed that the suspect, a 26-year-old security guard of Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, is currently in Police custody.

He was questioned and has since confessed to the crime, providing detectives with details of what transpired.

According to information reaching the News Room, Joseph and the suspect were known to each other as Joseph taught him in primary school.

On several occasions, the suspect alleged that Joseph sexually assaulted him. They eventually lost contact and reconnected on December 15, 2024, after they met in a speed boat while crossing the Demerara River.

He said he and Joseph exchanged numbers and they met up and spent time together on the evening of December 15.

After spending hours liming, the two made their way to the Toshao’s hotel room. It was there that the suspect claimed that he asked Joseph to apologise to him but he refused.

So, he told investigators that he used a knife he walked with and dealt Joseph several stab wounds about his body.

He then took possession of Joseph’s phone which he eventually discarded and as well as the knife used to commit the crime.

Thirty-seven-year-old Joseph, the Toshao of Tasserene Village in Region Seven was stabbed 19 times.

The brutal attack occurred sometime between between 00:50 hrs and 07:30 hrs Monday at the Signature Inn Hotel located on Laluni Street, Georgetown. Investigations revealed that he checked into the hotel about 18:23 hrs on Sunday.

Shortly after Joseph checked in he was seen leaving the hotel for an unknown destination and at about at about 00:50 hrs on Monday, he returned to the hotel in the company of a male Amerindian.

They entered the southern door of the hotel, where Joseph purchased one bottle of water, from the receptionist.

Police said the other male was seen with a Rude Boy bottle in his hand. The men then proceeded to Joseph’s room. Police reported that the male left the hotel at about 02:19hrs.

On the floor of the walkway leading to the room, several reddish stains suspected to be blood stains were seen. On the room door, a hole was seen which appeared to have been made by a sharp object.

Through the hole in the door, Joseph was seen lying on his abdomen. The gruesome discovery was made by the hotel’s receptionist.

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On December 15, a five-man team from Guyana showcased their skills at Club Naturaal’s Motocross Meet held at the Club 100 track in Suriname.

The event saw impressive performances from the Guyanese riders, with standout results across various classes.

In the 65cc category, Troquille Sealy secured a commendable third place, while Lishon Lewis claimed second in the competitive 85cc division.

Justin Ten Pow topped the podium with a first-place finish in the 85cc class and third in the Open Class.

Steven Nobrega scored a solid third place in the 250cc category, and Jeremy Ten Pow excelled, taking first in both the 250cc and Open Class.

Jeremy Ten Pow (center) was a standout performer

Highlights of the day included Justin Ten Pow’s holeshot in the 85cc race and Jeremy Ten Pow’s in the 250cc holeshot event.

The riders expressed hopes for a permanent motocross facility in Guyana, which would enhance local competitions and position the country as a key player in a regional series involving competitors from Suriname, French Guiana, and Brazil.

A dedicated track could significantly boost the sport’s profile and attract more riders to the nation.

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During December 8-15, over 4, 176 traffic offences were recorded across the country during enforcement exercises.

Speeding was listed as the majority of the offences with 739 cases made. Tinted front-windshield came in second with 637 cases.

This was followed by failure to wear seat belts, with 204 cases made.

One hundred and fifty eight motor cyclists were ticketed for failing to wear safety helmets and drivers carrying pillion rider without safety helmet.

Twenty-one drivers were charged for driving under the influence of alcohol.

As far as possible and with the deployment of available resources, traffic ranks were out on the roadways seeking to prevent accidents and improve road safety.

Traffic Chief Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh noted that for the same period, 244 speeding tickets were issued along the Heroes Highway.

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