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Prem Thakkur, the team owner of Galle Marvels in Lanka T10, has been arrested on match-fixing charges.

Thakkur was arrested on Thursday, a day after the tournament began, and was produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court on Friday; he has since been remanded till December 16.

Sri Lanka Police told ESPNcricinfo that Thakkur, an Indian national, had been arrested by the Sri Lanka Sports Police Unit under the 2019 Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports Act.

He was arrested at a hotel in Kandy, where the Lanka T10 tournament is underway.

It is understood that a foreign player had flagged a fixing approach made by Thakkur.

Like in the LPL earlier this year, a representative of the ICC anti-corruption unit is also in Sri Lanka to oversee the tournament at the request of Sri Lanka Cricket.

While SLC is yet to speak on the matter, Lanka T10 tournament director Samantha Dodanwela confirmed that the tournament “will go ahead as scheduled”.

This is the second franchise tournament in Sri Lanka this year in which a team owner has been arrested under the country’s sports anti-corruption ordinance after LPL franchise Dambulla Thunders’ co-owner Tamim Rahman was arrested in May on allegations of match-fixing.

In 2019, Sri Lanka became the first nation in South Asia to criminalise match-fixing, with offences related to corruption in sports carrying various fines and a prison term of up to ten years.

The Lanka T10 is Sri Lanka’s first foray into hosting a T10 franchise league, with the event rights for the tournament managed and operated by a consortium consisting of the Innovative Production Group, T Ten Sports Management and T Ten Global Sports, which also operates several other T10 franchise leagues across the world. (ESPNcricinfo)

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Farmers across Guyana will benefit from a significant injection of $2 billion, as part of efforts by the government to absorb rising costs, improve their livelihoods, and expand agriculture production.

Under this initiative, hundreds of cash crop and rice farmers will receive support in the form of subsidies to offset the cost of fertilisers.

This investment signifies the government’s consistent support for farmers, as the subsidy has been doubled to $2 billion from $1 billion, signalling a 100 per cent increase.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali made the important announcement as he held an engagement with farmers and residents of Anna Regina in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

“This is a government that understands the importance of investing in communities, investing in productivity, and investing in the holistic development and improvement in the lives of people,” he underscored following his announcement on Thursday.

Last year, under the $1 billion programme, $900 million was expended to procurement fertiliser for the rice industry, while the remaining $100 million was granted to cash crop farmers.

Meanwhile, President Ali recalled the previous APNU/AFC Administration’s policies of increased rental fees and no public support, which ultimately led to the destruction of the industry which had severe impacts on economies, including in Region Two.

Furthermore, little to no investment expended to improve research and development capabilities, an essential component in farming activities.

Notwithstanding that, the government has been able to achieve inroads, thanks to direct policy interventions that have been implemented over the years in Region Two and across the nation.

“…Since we came back to office, the investments we have made has brought tremendous improvements in the various sectors. For rice, our productivity has increased from about 5.5 tons to 6.1 tons per hectare. We must compliment the farmers too.

These accomplishments are not accidental, they are as a result of direct policy intervention to support the global expansion of the economy here in Region Two,” he further underscored.

The head of state also outlined initiatives geared towards improving the region’s drainage and irrigation structures, as well as farm-to-market roads, that were undertaken following a massive outreach held some years ago.

Financial resources are being set aside to offset the cost of around 12.5 kilometres of farm-to-market access roads, benefitting hundreds of farmers across the region.

“The engineers have already got the costing for all of these roads. We’re not sitting back, because we want to invest in assets that will enhance productivity … we want farmers to make use of the land and increase producity,” the head of state emphasised.

Another significant initiative that has significant impacts on the region’s farming industry, includes the creation of a farm-to-market road that opened up some 12,000 acres of agriculture land in Onderneeming.

Monies are also being procured to purchase mobile pumps for the region, for farmers to guard against instances of flooding. And, according to President Ali, the tenders for expression of interests will be out soon, allowing the commitment to be fulfilled by the first quarter in 2025.

The head of state is currently in the region, accompanied by government ministers and technical officers from various service agencies. Persons with issues can have them resolved during the outreach, spearheaded by President Ali (Republished from the Department of Public Information)

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The Cinderella County of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) is slated for significant economic expansion, as the government will soon sign a contract to develop a massive, modern port facility in Charity, Essequibo Coast.

According to President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, this massive investments forms part of a broader initiative to position the region as an international hub for export processing, serving as a vital link between local and regional markets.

It will also tie in to the many investments being poured to advance and expand the tourism and hospitality sector of the Cinderella County.

Speaking during an outreach event in Charity on Thursday, he said, “We have awarded the contract for the construction of a modern port facility and wharf here in Charity, for almost $1 billion.”

President Ali underscored the project’s importance, which he said will complement the region’s expanding agriculture sector and provide a gateway for these products to reach the international markets.

The competitiveness of the region will also be boosted, aligning the productivity of the region with international markets.

Elaborating further on the project, the head of state revealed that the port will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed to handle modern shipping and logistics demands. These include the construction of a wharf, which will facilitate docking and loading of cargo.

He further explained, “It’s not only about this port and wharf facility, it’s about a facility of international standard, that would bring with it, other aspects of development, including a world-class packaging and storage facility.”

The Ministry of Agriculture is working to develop this processing facility that will help process, package, and store products to ensure they meet international export requirements.

Local farmers will benefit significantly from this undertaking, as they can store and process their products safely and efficiently.

“The Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce will tell you that the Bureau of Standards will establish a footprint here to ensure that all we are producing is within international and regional certification, so our products will not be hassled into getting into other markets,” the president explained.

Another critical element of the project, includes the job creation as it is anticipated that persons will be needed in the fields of shipping, logistics, agriculture and related sectors. This will in turn stimulate local businesses involved in the supply chain.

This massive facility will complement the changing landscape of Region Two, as new hotels and stadiums are currently being constructed. Notably, a state-of-the-art hospital in Lima is being developed to serve the expanding economy.

These are among the many initiatives being rolled out to diversify the region’s economy and transform it into a prosperous economic powerhouse (Republished from the Department of Public Information)

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Over 5,000 police ranks and officers were recognised and awarded for their outstanding performance in crime fighting this year. The ranks received incentives totaling $173 million, an increase from last year’s $150 million.

“We recognise your work today, your work have not gone unnoticed,” Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ravindradat Budhram said at the Force’s annual awards ceremony on Thursday.

Among the thousands of ranks awarded, six ranks were rewarded for cracking the multi-million dollar robbery of Toucan Industries Limited.

On July 3, 2024 two men disguised themselves as police ranks and robbed a 65-year-old manager of a Toucan of $10 million at a local bank in Georgetown.

The ranks were able to arrest one of the suspects and recover some $1.5 million.

Several ranks were also recognised and awarded for a major drug bust involving two Guyana Defence Force (GDF) in July. Edward McCalmont, a 40-year-old Corporal who was stationed at Camp Ayanganna and John Johnson, a 24-year-old Lance Corporal from Base Camp Stephenson were found with 316 pounds of narcotics during an intelligence-led operation by the Special Branch and other police units.

Additionally, ranks involved in the July 24 seizure of firearms and ammunition on Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, Georgetown were also rewarded.

On July 24, Eon Fagundes was arrested after ranks searched his premises and found over 26 high-powered rifles and handguns along with over 1,600 rounds of ammunition of different calibres.

The inventory included various firearms such as Sig Sauer, Ruger, FN-45, Smith and Wesson, Berretta, Spring Field, Canik, and Glock models, each accompanied by corresponding magazines and ammunition rounds.

Several departments and units were also recognised and awarded such as the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) for investigations in money laundering, extortion and larceny by public servants.

Meanwhile, the Best Cop for 2024 is Cadet Officer Prince of the Criminal Investigations Department. Cadet Officer Prince is stationed at Narcotics Unit.

He received $250,000 from Queensway Security and $500,000 on behalf of Secure Innovation and Concepts along with other prizes.

“As I accept this honour I am reminded of the profound importance of our duties as police officers, to serve and protect the citizens of Guyana,” the top cop said during remarks.

He highlighted that their duty is not theirs alone to fulfill and added: “It demands strong partnerships with our communities, cooperation with national and international agencies and the unwavering support of all stakeholders.”

Cadet Officer Prince was also recognised as the Best Criminal Investigations Department Cop for 2024.

“This recognition is not merely a testament to my individual efforts but rather a reflection of the unwavering support, collaboration and dedication of the many individuals I have had the privilege of working in CID and across the various divisions,” he said.

Speaking directly to his fellow ranks and officers, Cadet Officer Prince said, “Every challenge you face is an opportunity to learn, to grow and to contribute to the greater good. Stay committed and your efforts will make a difference.”

Detective Inspector Seetaram of Regional Division Eight was announced as the runner up best cop for 2024.

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For the next eight weeks, the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown has arranged for four constituencies to receive two garbage collections per week to facilitate the increase in garbage generated in these communities.

Constituency Eight takes in Wortmanville, Werk-en-Rust and Stabroek); 10, Albouystown and Charlestown; 11, East and West La Penitence; and 13, East and West Ruimveldt.

“These constituencies generate a lot more garbage generally than the other constituencies, more particularly around the Christmas season,” Head of Solid Waste Management Walter Narine said on Thursday.

He was speaking at a press conference with Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore and Councillor Clayton Hinds.

“All constituencies receive one collection per week; we have increased this to two collections per week for these four constituencies. This initiative started on November 27 and will conclude on January 25 which is eight weeks,” Narine explained.

This initiative is reportedly costing the Council $8M more on top of the $21M that it spends on garbage collection per month.

Other constituencies are known for producing bulkier waste around this season such as Constituencies One (Kingston/Cummingsburg, Queenstown), Three (Bel Air Gardens, Bel Air Springs, Prashad Nagar, East and North Campbellville), Four (Lamaha Gardens, Newtown, Campbellville), Nine (Lodge, Meadow Brook Gardens) and 12 (Tucville, North Ruimveldt).

Not only will these communities benefit from household collection during the eight weeks, but will also have their bulky and parapet waste removed. If such is not picked up on the designated day of collection, it will be collected on the Friday of the same week, Narine explained.

Meanwhile, the M&CC said the real culprits behind the practice of homeless people dumping garbage on city streets and parapets are residents themselves who pay such ones and give them their garbage to remove.

Those found guilty are being charged in court, but both Mayor Alfred Mentore and Head of Solid Waste Management Walter Narine said there is more need for education on the littering laws in place so that a much-needed culture shift can happen.

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As he championed First Lady Mrs. Arya Ali’s focus on supporting vulnerable groups, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo slammed those who criticised her recent charity ball.

The Vice President lamented that several individuals, including politicians from the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), mischaracterised the ball and sought to disparage the First Lady and those who attended.

He labeled those critics as “narrow-minded” folks and said their statements were both “disgusting” and “reprehensible.”

First Lady Arya Ali (centre) and representatives of the 9 orphanages which were ‘adopted’ by sponsors (Photo: Office of the First Lady/July 25, 2024)

The ball was a fundraising venture and will support much of the work the First Lady does.

The Vice President reminded reporters at his weekly press conference that Mrs. Ali is supporting teenage girls through her menstrual hygiene initiative, while also supporting orphanages, persons with disabilities and vulnerable women. He also noted that the First Lady is also an integral part of the National Beautification project which has heralded in a transformation of many of Guyana’s open spaces.

The Office of the First Lady’s Menstrual Hygiene Initiative supplies over 32,000 school girls with menstrual hygiene products. (Photo: News Room/ February 26, 2024)

Cognisant of her ventures, the Vice President took much umbrage to those who were critical of the ball.

“Not a cent of taxpayer’s money went to fund the ball and they sought to disparage not just the First Lady but the President and all of the people who attended.

“I hope that the people who went there, spent their own money to go there, for a cause, that is to raise money for charity, see what APNU says,” the Vice President said.

The new play area was commissioned on Friday by First Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali (Photo: DPI/ October 25, 2024)

Additionally, Jagdeo said individuals should not be critised for how they choose to spend their money- more so if they spend their hard-earned cash on charitable ventures.

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Many critics are seeking to undermine the government’s $100,000 cash grant initiative, according to Guyanese Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

Despite those criticisms, the Vice President said the government firmly believes that the venture will support citizens and vowed that transparent registration and distribution processes will unfold.

“This fear of the payout, the panic over the payout, is triggering a whole range of public commentary coming from their (the opposition’s) quarters now trying to undermine the initiative.

“It is that ‘oh, oil money is not transparently spent.’ That is the way they can seek to undermine this cash grant initiative,” Jagdeo lamented at his weekly press conference on Thursday.

Persons who miss cash grant registration, distribution will get $100,000 subsequently – Jagdeo

Among the criticisms, he said, is that the payout will worsen inflation. Jagdeo also related that there are some of believe this transfer of funds shows a “failure of leadership” and poor management of the country’s oil wealth.

Jagdeo knocked each of those concerns.

“It’s leadership that’s responsive to the needs of the people of this country. It is going to result in the people of this country getting over $60 billion more,” the Vice President emphasised.

Responding to criticisms of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF), the fund in which Guyana’s oil wealth is saved, Dr. Jagdeo posited that there are much better legal checks and balances in place now to guarantee transparency in the management of the nation’s wealth.

He also stressed that a rigorous registration and verification exercise is ongoing so that no one can label the process as “flawed.”

It was also explained previously that the government is confident that the distribution will not heighten inflation as the economy can easily absorb the funds.

As he continued to defend the cash grant venture, Jagdeo contended that good governance is about responding to the needs of people and not just attempting to match international benchmarks or ratios.

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