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See below full press release issued by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM):

In light of recent statements made by two leading members of the Alliance for Change (AFC), we find it imperative to address and debunk two significant pieces of disinformation regarding the integrity and operations of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Acting on the foundation that disinformation and misinformation undermine public trust in democratic institution processes, and it is crucial that we clarify these issues with accurate information.

Recently, Mr. Nigel Hughes, Leader of the AFC, in responding to a query from the floor regarding whether his Party had conducted any review of the 2020 General and Regional Elections, claimed that his Party could not conduct such review on the pretext they were awaiting a meeting with GECOM and that the outcome of such meeting would help the Party to better conduct a review. This statement was supported by Mr. David Patterson, Chairman of the AFC, who claimed that GECOM had refused to meet with the AFC.

The truth in this matter is as follows:

The AFC wrote a letter dated September 9, 2024, addressed to Mr. Vishnu Persaud, Chief Election Officer (CEO), requesting a meeting for the new Executive of this Party to be apprised of “GECOM’s preparations for future elections and how it intends to address burning issues about electoral integrity.” The CEO wrote a response dated September 11, 2024, copied to the GECOM Chairman, advising the AFC that he (CEO) does not have the authority to arrange meetings on behalf of the Commission and that the letter should be addressed to the Chairman.

Taking the cue from receipt of the copy of the CEO’s correspondence to the AFC, GECOM Chairman, Justice of Appeal (Ret.d) Claudette Singh proactively wrote the AFC a letter dated September 23, 2024, with reference to their September 9, 2024 letter to the CEO, and requested that the Party indicate whether October 8 or 22, 2024, would be convenient for a delegation to meet with GECOM.

It was not until October 17, 2024 that the Party wrote the GECOM Chairman expressing regrets for the delay in responding and noting that this lapse was due to overseas travel by the Leader and other key executive members.

The Chairman promptly responded by way of a letter dated October 18, 2024, requesting that the AFC, as per the norm for meetings with Political Parties, provide a list of issues and concerns the Party is desirous of addressing and that, upon receipt, a new date would set for the requested meeting. The AFC responded through a letter dated November 11, 2024, in which the following matters were listed for discussion with the Commission: –

• GECOM’s reasons for rejecting the introduction of biometrics as a tool for improving the credibility of all electoral processes;
• GECOM’S willingness to allow party scrutineers to vote on the same date as the Disciplined Forces;
• GECOM’s views on the willingness to support, the purging of the List of Electors of persons who are not ordinarily resident in Guyana, or deceased.

Due to demanding matters that were engaging the attention of the Commission at the time of receipt of the AFC’s last letter, the Chairman responded on November 27, 2024 inviting the AFC to a meeting on the December 3, 2024. To date, no response has been received.

An amateur analysis of the foregoing would reveal beyond any doubt that (i) the three matters listed above as areas of interest to the AFC can help no one, including the AFC, with a review of the 2020 General and Regional Elections, and (ii) GECOM is not responsible for the meeting between GECOM and the AFC not having been held as yet. Further, the allegations made by Mr. Hughes and Mr. Patterson are not supported by factual evidence and serve only to sow discord among Stakeholders regarding the electoral process.

In view of the foregoing, we urge all political leaders to engage in responsible discourse based on verified facts rather than unfounded claims that can mislead voters and erode trust in the Commission. It is essential that the maintenance of confidence in GECOM can rely on accurate information during discussions on critical issues such as the preparations for and conduct of elections.

While operating in line with the relevant statutory provisions and in accordance with its own set policy for engagement, GECOM recognizes that it is subject to oversight from multiple independent local and international organizations, all of which are focused on compliance with standards associated with transparency and accountability in our electoral processes. Accordingly, the Commission, as in this case, will take steps to ensure that all Stakeholders are kept accurately informed about its operations including the conduct of General and Regional Elections in 2025.

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The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and the Suriname Football Association have wrapped up a series of friendly matches to prepare both nations for the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s and Men’s World Cup qualifiers scheduled for February.

Under a bilateral agreement, each team competed in two matches in Suriname and two in Guyana, providing essential exposure and development for their young players.

The series culminated in a decisive 3-0 victory for Guyana’s U-17 girls against Suriname. Veronica Chatta opened the scoring just after half-time with a precise strike in the 47th minute, followed by Erin Peneux, who doubled the lead in the 81st minute.

Allia Henry capped off the performance with a well-executed finish in the 90th minute.

In contrast, Guyana’s U-17 boys fought valiantly to secure a 0-0 draw against Suriname in their final encounter.

The match highlighted their resilience and provided valuable experience as they prepare for their international campaign.

The Under-17 boys also got much-needed match time (PHOTO: News Room/Avidesh Narine/December 15, 2024)

GFF President Wayne Forde expressed pride in the U-17 girls’ performance, stating, “I am extremely proud of our U-17 girls. Congratulations to the coaching staff and our support teams. These matches are vital indicators of our progress as we build towards the 2025 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and reflect the growth of women’s football domestically.”

He added, “I extend a heartfelt thank you to the parents, partners, and stakeholders invested in the women’s game. While we have more work ahead, these positive results suggest we are on the right path.”

Regarding the boys’ performance, Forde noted, “Although the match ended in a draw, their improvement was evident. It was a tough contest that showcased their determination, promising signs as we approach the 2025 qualifiers.”

This bilateral series underscored the commitment of both the GFF and the Suriname Football Association to youth football development. The four matches provided coaches with critical insights into their squads while fostering regional collaboration to advance the sport.

As both associations prepare for the FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifiers, these friendly matches lay a crucial foundation for future growth, team cohesion, and enhanced competitiveness on the international stage. (GFF) 

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The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has announced that the Regional Four-Day tournament would return to Guyana in 2025, giving the defending champions- Guyana Harpy Eagles- to play at home since the 2023 season.

In 2024, none of their matches were held at home, as the tournament ran from February 7 to April 19.

In a release to the media on Monday, the GCB stated, “The first three rounds of the tournament will be hosted in Guyana, providing the defending champions with a home advantage.”

Led by Tevin Imlach, the Eagles won their seventh title in nine seasons and the top prize of US$250,000.

The final points standings were: Guyana Harpy Eagles (103.8 points), Windward Islands Volcanoes (98.2 points), Leeward Islands Hurricanes (94.0 points), Barbados Pride (92.8 points), Trinidad and Tobago Red Force (92.0 points), West Indies Academy (71.6 points), Jamaica Scorpions (59.4 points), and Combined Campuses and Colleges (30.2 points).

The GCB further indicated that the team has already commenced preparation at the National Stadium, Providence, for the new season and has “scheduled trials in early January to finalise squad selection.”

Guyana Harpy Eagles Franchise Contracted players 2024-2025 season: Kevlon Anderson (U-25*), Ronaldo Alimohamed, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Tevin Imlach, Matthew Nandu, Ashmead Nedd, Raymond Perez, Veerasammy Permaul Kemol Savory, Junior Sinclair, Kevin Sinclair, Nial Smith, Isai Thorne (U-25*), Sylus Tyndall and Sachin Singh.

Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie and Shamar Joseph have international retainer contracts, while the West Indies Academy contracted Mavendra Dindyal, who will be based in Antigua.

Though Sherfane Rutheford, Keemo Paul and Shimron Hetmyer do not hold an international or regional retainer, they can still represent both the West Indies and Guyana on a play-for-pay basis.

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With the Round-of-32 dye cast on Monday evening at the National Gymnasium when the final Round-of-64 matches were contested, action in the inaugural Kashif and Shanghai Organisation, M.S, year-end football extravaganza, powered by the Government of Guyana, will intensify from Tuesday night.

Five potentially explosive showdowns are carded with the respective winners stamping their tickets to the quarter-finals of what is shaping up to be an intriguing year-end futsal spectacle.

Sparta Boss, one of two teams that have recorded the most goals in their opening fixtures of this knock-out championship, will headline the first night of this round and no doubt, will be aiming to their second win in as many matches.

They will have to prove that their 12-0 whipping of Melanie was no fluke as they will have to get past Festival City who won via the walkover route from Money Bell.

The likes of Kelsey Benjamin, who has four goals and is third in the list for the top goal scorer accolade (four players are on four) will be teaming up with colleagues, Guyana’s leading all-time highest goal scorer Omari Glasgow, Carl Griffith, Darren Niles, Jermain ‘Panky’ Junor as the players that will see their side to victory.

Festival City will have to bring their A-game to the arena if they are to create the biggest upset of the championship.

The main supporting clash of the night will see Team Unity tackling Stabroek Ballers, both enjoying comfortable wins in their opening clashes against One Love and Mighty Rulers.

Team Family will be banking on their trio that scored for them, Chris Macey, Devon Padmore, and Amos Ramsey while Stabroek Ballers will depend on the form of Dwayne James, Shamar Welch, Dorwin George, Seon Taylor, Jerry Burnette, and Mark Jahlua to see them into the next round.

Bent Street ‘B’ and Alexander Village will go head-to-head in the night’s third match; Bent Street edged Street Vybes by the lone goal of their showdown whilst Alexander Village were pushed into extra time and penalty kicks to get past Real Sport.

Buxton will match skills with North East in the night’s second showdown from 20:15h. Buxton had made light work of Linden All-Stars whom they defeated 5-2, while North East had to dig deep to stave off the challenge of a game Region One side, 8-6.

The opening clash at 19:30h will feature Unstoppable and Albouystown ‘A’; both had scored three goals apiece to get past their opponents in the opening round matches against Z-Tekk and Sophia Ballers, respectively.

Fans are in for a treat as their teams continue to keep their eyes fixed on the top prize of two million dollars, second place one million, third place $500,000 and fourth $200,000.

The MVP, highest goal scorer and best goalkeeper will all ride away with a brand-new motorcycle sponsored by the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain.

Other sponsors on board are Government of Guyana, Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, Ansa McAl Distribution Inc., Forester’s Concrete, Jai Signs and Designs, HJTV, Star Party Rental, Bakewell, Superbet, Dinars Trading Ltd., The Trophy Stall, Tiger Rental, Colors Boutique and Maggie’s Snackette.

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Josh Hazlewood is likely to miss the remainder of the Test series against India after suffering a calf strain during warm-ups on the fourth day in Brisbane meaning Scott Boland will be set to return to the side for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

Hazlewood, who returned in this game after missing Adelaide with a side strain, was late entering the field at the start of play on Tuesday, having spent time talking with head coach Andrew McDonald and physio Nick Jones, then looked laboured when he came into the attack, barely topping 131kph which included a wide long hop first ball that was cut away by KL Rahul.

During the drinks break which followed that over, Hazlewood was part of a lengthy conversation with Pat Cummins, Steven Smith and the physio before he walked off the field.

Cricket Australia initially said he had “calf awareness” and he went for scans which confirmed the severity of the injury.

“He’s pretty despondent,” Daniel Vettori, Australia’s assistant coach, said.

“Felt it this morning in warm-ups, gave it a good crack, it’s just unfortunate for him to come back, put so much effort after another injury with the side strain, then to pick up a calf strain here, particularly in these circumstances is really tough on him.”

Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott have been part of the squad in this series, when they were initially called up as cover in Adelaide after Hazlewood was ruled out, and would likely head the queue of replacements.

Western Australia pair Lance Morris and Jhye Richardson are still early in their comebacks to red ball cricket and the domestic season has now switched into BBL mode.

Australia were trying to force victory between frequent rain delays in Brisbane with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc putting in significant stints in the absence of Hazlewood but India’s last-wicket stand between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep denied them the chance of enforcing the follow on.

Vettori confirmed that despite being a bowler down that option would have been taken and, given the lighter workloads in Adelaide and regular rain breaks, there was confidence that Starc and Cummins would be able to manage the overs.

Hazlewood had returned to the side for this Test after a side strain ruled him out of Adelaide.

His latest injury opens the door for Boland to return to the side at the MCG, the venue where he claimed a remarkable 6-7 on debut against England in 2021-22.

Cummins had flagged the potential for Boland to play a further role in the series when he missed out in Brisbane.

“[We told him] it’s about preparing for the MCG because there’s a good chance we might need you,” he said.

“History suggests there’s always some form of natural attrition throughout a Test series. A good thing [is], he’s probably played a Test earlier in the series than he maybe thought. Showed that his standard’s still super high. [It’s] about trying to set him up for the last two Test matches.”

While selection is not part of Vettori’s remit, he acknowledged the decision would probably be a simple one.

“Fortunately I don’t have to worry about that, but Boland speaks for himself,” he said.

“The way he bowled in Adelaide, the way he’s consistently been the back-up seamer and every single time he’s been asked to step up, particularly in Australia, he’s been outstanding so think that would be the logical thing to conclude.”

Hazlewood previously suffered a mild calf strain earlier in the year which kept him out of the T20Is against Scotland and England.

The Perth Test against India was his 10th consecutive match following a frustrating couple of years where he was hit by a series of injuries while also being left out due to conditions on the subcontinent.

Overall, Hazlewood has missed 18 of Australia’s last 35 Tests dating back to the 2021-22 Ashes.

Hazlewood’s next opportunity to play Tests could come in Sri Lanka from late January although conditions could mean he is surplus to requirements if Australia pack their line-up with spinners.

After that there’s the possibility of the World Test Championship final in early June should Australia qualify ahead of a three-match tour of West Indies that is expected to start later that month. (ESPNcricinfo)

 

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A 63-year-old taxi driver collapsed and subsequently died while in custody at the Alberttown Police station Monday night.

Dead is Bryan Lychcott of Meadow Bank Gardens, Georgetown.

According to a police report, Bryan was arrested at about 18:30hrs while on Durban Street for dangerous driving after he hit two parked cars. Police said he appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. He was taken to the Alberttown Police Station for a breathalyzer test but at about 19:27hrs he collapsed.

“He was sitting on the prisoner’s bench. At 19:27 hrs, Bryan collapsed to the ground in the said Enquiries Office, motionless,” police stated.

Police said no mark of violence was seen and no foul play was suspected.

The CCTV cameras at the Police station were viewed by detectives and they captured when Bryan was taken to the station and also when he collapsed to the ground.

The body was escorted to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, awaiting an autopsy.

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Brazil legend Ronaldo has announced he will run for the presidency of the country’s football association and wants to “recover the prestige” of the national team.

The 48-year-old, who was capped 98 times, will run as a candidate to replace current Confederation of Brazilian Football (CBF) president Ednaldo Rodrigues.

Brazil, record five-time winners of the World Cup, last won the competition in 2002 and have not progressed further than the quarter-final stage since.

“For many decades, Brazilian football has always been the escape route for the Brazilian people when they faced daily problems,” Ronaldo told Globo Esporte., external

“This was the fuel of the Brazilian people and today we see a total lack of interest from the population in the national team.

“Among hundreds of things that motivate me to become a candidate for president of the CBF is to recover this prestige and respect that the national team has always had and that no-one else has today.”

Rodrigues’ term runs until March 2026 and the presidential elections must take place in the 12 months before then.

Ronaldo, a World Cup winner in 1994 and 2002, is second on the competition’s all-time top scorer list behind Germany’s Miroslav Klose with 15 goals in 19 appearances.

The former Real Madrid striker’s international career spanned 17 years and included two Copa America titles and an Olympic bronze medal.

Brazil have won the Copa America once since Ronaldo’s international retirement in 2011 and were knocked out of the 2022 World Cup by Croatia in the quarter-finals.

“We have the best players, we have [Vinicius Jr], Neymar, Rodrygo, Estevao, Endrick… we have a lot of talent, how can we not play well?” said Ronaldo.

“We have to change this dynamic. Brazil has to be a protagonist in the World Cup, in the Copa America, it can’t miss out on the Olympics. It’s unacceptable for the talent we have.”

As part of his bid for presidency, Ronaldo says he will sell his stake in La Liga side Real Valladolid.  (BBC) 

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India battled hard to successfully avoid the follow-on against Australia and leave the third Test in Brisbane looking destined to be drawn.

The tourists were reduced to 213-9 on a rain-affected fourth day, needing 33 more to make Australia bat again.

However, last-wicket pair Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep played superbly and an upper cut for four from the latter took them past the follow-on mark.

That sparked celebrations from the batters as well as in the India changing room, where Virat Kohli was seen high-fiving team-mates and coaches, before captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Gautam Gambhir and Kohli led a standing ovation on the India balcony.

Australia had taken three wickets for 19 runs to set up the follow-on possibility, but the absence of seamer Josh Hazlewood – who is likely to miss the rest of the series with a calf injury – was felt as Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc tired.

KL Rahul, who was dropped from the first ball of the day by Steve Smith, made 84 and Ravindra Jadeja 77.

The five-match series is level at 1-1 after Australia’s 10-wicket win in Adelaide last week.

India must win at least two of the final three Tests to guarantee a place in June’s World Test Championship final at Lord’s.

Defending champions Australia will reach the final if they win two of the remaining Tests. They also have another series against Sri Lanka to achieve qualification. (ESPNcricinfo) 

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The government has categorically refuted claims made by Nigel Hughes and the Alliance for Change (AFC) that a group of Warrau people was invited to Georgetown and subsequently abandoned.

Lieutenant Colonel Earl Edghill, aide-de-camp to President Irfaan Ali, 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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Cricket West Indies (CWI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Dehring as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

A visionary leader with an extraordinary track record in finance, sports management, media, and telecommunications, Dehring is uniquely positioned to steer CWI into a bold new chapter of growth and development.

Selected from a competitive pool of over fifty (50) applicants representing Europe, Australia, Afghanistan, India, and the Caribbean, Dehring’s appointment is the culmination of a meticulous, meritocratic process that included independent experts.

His selection reflects CWI’s steadfast commitment to attracting top-tier talent to lead West Indies cricket.

Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of CWI, praised the appointment, saying,

“Consistent with the priority to recruit exceptional leadership to drive our mission forward, Chris Dehring represents the best of the best—an innovator, strategist, business magnate and passionate advocate for West Indies cricket. His return as an executive at West Indies cricket signals the dawn of an exciting new era as we work to reclaim our position as a dominant force in world cricket.”

Dehring is no stranger to pioneering achievements. As the founder of SportsMax, the Caribbean’s first sports television broadcaster, he revolutionized the region’s media landscape by showcasing global events such as the FIFA World Cup and the NBA.

He also co-founded Jamaica’s first investment bank, Dehring, Bunting & Golding, which grew into a financial powerhouse and was eventually acquired by Scotiabank. His entrepreneurial portfolio further includes ReadyTV, Jamaica’s first digital broadcast television service, and ReadyNET, the country’s first satellite internet provider.

In telecommunications, Dehring’s leadership at Cable & Wireless Communications was transformative. He served as a member of the Senior Executive Global Leadership Team responsible for US$3.5 billion in annual revenues while spearheading innovative digital content delivery and expanded access to advanced telecommunications services across the Caribbean and Latin America. His ability to seamlessly integrate commercial strategy with technological advancement has earned him international respect.

Chris Dehring’s earlier tenure with CWI cemented his legacy as a game-changer for West Indies cricket. As Managing Director and CEO of ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, he delivered one of the most complex and successful multi-nation sporting events in the Caribbean’s history.

His leadership resulted in the construction of ten state-of-the-art stadiums, the introduction of groundbreaking fan experiences such as The Mound party stand at Sabina Park, and the implementation of development programs like the Shell Cricket Academy and Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket. Under his guidance, the tournament achieved record-breaking revenues and global viewership, enhancing the Caribbean’s reputation as a world-class cricketing destination.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, Dehring said, “West Indies cricket has always held a special place in my heart. As a unifying force and a symbol of pride for our region, I am honored to return to an organization that holds great significance to our people. Together with the CWI team and stakeholders, I am committed to driving innovation, fostering talent, and reigniting the passion for West Indies cricket, both at home and globally.”

Chris Dehring will officially begin his tenure on February 1, 2025. He will be based at Cricket West Indies’ headquarters at the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) in Antigua, where he will lead the organization’s strategic vision and operational objectives. (CWI)

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