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The fourth match of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) took pace under blue skies and bright sunshine in Providence, Guyana, as the Lahore Qalandars took on the Hampshire Hawks and ran out eventual winners by four runs on Saturday.

Carlos Braithwaite won the coin toss and decided to have first use with the bat, but his side were put under immediate pressure by the English outfit.

Mirza Baig was cleaned up in the second over by the wily left-arm spin of Danny Briggs whilst opening partner Adam Rossington hung around to provide some ballast.

Qalandars couldn’t break the shackles though, when Rossington fell for 30 off 29 deliveries the Pakistani side were struggling at 37-3 off eight overs.

Tom Abell of Lahore Qalandars bats during the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League T20 match between Hampshire Hawks and Lahore Qalandars at Providence Stadium on November 30, 2024 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – GSLT20/Global Super League via Getty Images)

It was the story of their innings, Hampshire bowled tight lines and denied Qalandars opportunities to pick up easy runs or opportunities to find the fence with any regularity.

Some much needed lower-order hitting from Player-of-the-Match Luke Wells (35* off 24) and from Muhammad Akhlaq (23* off 12) would prove crucial though, Akhlaq smiting three sixes off James Fuller’s second over with some lusty blows down the ground and over midwicket.

Hampshire struggled with the bat in response, spluttering to 50 off the first 10 overs, leaving them with a demanding run rate for the rest of the game.

Asif Afridi’s left-arm spin blocked up the scoring, just 16 runs came off his set of four overs and the Hawks joined up a series of dots with the bat to see their required run rate go into double figures.

With three overs to go the Hawks needed 36 from 18 deliveries.

Ashraf pulled off a fantastic catch diving forward low to the turf to get rid of the dangerous looking Howell and then Liam Dawson committed the cardinal blunder of not running his bat in when attempting a quick single a couple of balls later, Carlos Brathwaite and Shamsi combining to run him out at the non-strikers end.

Carlos Brathwaite of Lahore Qalandars celebrates victory during the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League T20 match between Hampshire Hawks and Lahore Qalandars at Providence Stadium on November 30, 2024 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – GSLT20/Global Super League via Getty Images)

Chris Wood hit the final ball of the penultimate over from Ashraf’s over wide long-on for six to leave the Hawks requiring 21 off the final over.

Captain Brathwaite took it upon himself to bowl it for the Qalandars and his opposite number Wood was then run out in a similar manner to Dawson.

There was a sting in the tale and late drama as James Fuller hit two consecutive sixes off Brathwaite to leave Hawks needing a third in a row to steal the win at the last.

Brathwaite held his nerve to deliver a perfect yorker and secure the win for Qalandars. Both sides have now won one and lost one as things tightened up in the GSL table. (GSL)

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Youth and women from the Beterverwagting/Triumph area on the East Coast of Demerara will soon benefit from training in the area of smart agricultural techniques.

This was disclosed by Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha during a community meeting on Saturday, November 30th at the Beterverwagting/Triumph Community Center.

The meeting was a follow-up to a community outreach recently hosted by Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

During the meeting, the Secretary for the Beterverwagting/Triumph Community Development Council (CDC), Jason October told the Minister that there were a number of persons who are farmers and potential farmers who need training in areas such as hydroponics and shadehouse cultivation.

A section of the meeting (Photo: News Room/ November 30, 2024)

“Mr. Minister, I see myself as a potential farmer and envision Beterverwagting becoming a farming hub that contributes to your vision. I can see the young people of Beterverwagting getting involved in agriculture more so in hydroponics and also shadehouse farming. I am one of the beneficiaries of the RAID Project and I must say thank you for that initiative. What we would like is for some new training programmes and workshops to be initiated in the community so that we can build that motivation and get young people to get more involved in farming and agriculture,” he said.

Responding to the request for training, Minister Mustapha said that the ministry through the National Agriculture Research Institute (NAREI) will commence the training immediately.

“We can start that immediately. I am tasking you with organizing the young people in the area. You should also get the women on board. We will work along with the CDC that is already in place. As soon as the group is ready, we can commence the training. This can begin as early as next week and will be done through NAREI. So, we’ll train you in a number of smart agriculture techniques such as hydroponics and shadehouse cultivation,” he explained.

As it relates to maintaining lands that were cleared for cultivation, Minister Mustapha said that the ministry was open to engaging the CDC on this as it usually engages CDCs in other areas to carry out maintenance on critical infrastructure such as dams, and canals.

Furthermore, Minister Mustapha told farmers that the ministry will continue to work with farmers to execute projects aimed at stimulating production in the backlands of the Beterverwagting/Triumph area.

Several youths and single mothers will also benefit from the ministry’s ongoing Black Giant Chicken programme, with an initial 20 individuals set to receive Black Giant Chicks in the new week.

To assist farmers with accessing lands, Minister Mustapha committed to carrying out infrastructural upgrades to the access dam as well as clearing the drainage and irrigation channels in the cultivation area. He told farmers that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has already commenced works to clear critical drainage canals in the area.

A team from the ministry is scheduled to meet with farmers in the new week to develop a comprehensive agricultural programme for the area (Ministry of Agriculture)

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Ethan Bulkan, a budding Guyanese squash talent, made a promising start at the ongoing Barbados Junior Open Tournament.

He is the lone Guyanese competitor at the tournament.

He convincingly won his opening match in the U-15 category 11-4, 11-3, and 11-2 against Zefan Scott and will advance to the semi-finals later on Saturday.

His presence in the U-15 category is more of an added preparation as he soon heads to the US Open Junior Championships.

A main endeavor for the Caribbean U-13 silver medallist will be defending his U-13 title at this tournament.

With injury cutting short a genuine hope for gold at the Caribbean Championships earlier in the year, another title in Barbados could be an appeasement.

Seeded number one in U-13, the Queen’s College Student has drawn a bye to the semi-final against hosts Ethan Cyrus.

He has a pleasant history against Cyrus, having defeated him in straight sets in the team segment at CASA.

A looming task awaits as victories on Saturday will place him in two finals on Sunday.

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A new $239.8 million magistrate court and living quarter was commissioned at Port Kaituma, Region One.

This forms part of the government’s continued effort to support and improve the administration of Justice in Guyana.

The unveiling and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday was led by the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, SC, and Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill.

This landmark facility, the first of its kind in the area, will serve approximately 800 residents of Port Kaituma and a broader population of 18,000 across the region.

It replaces the arrangement where court sessions were held in Matthews Ridge and most recently, the police station.

This development addresses longstanding challenges, including the burden of travel for legal services, which often strained resources, posing barriers for those who needed justice most.

The court serves as a statement that justice should be close to home by ensuring access for all.

Minister Nandlall during his address reiterated the government’s commitment to the rule of law and the constitutional rights of every Guyanese, regardless of their geological location.

Underscoring the importance of this achievement in improving the judicial infrastructure, he noted that years ago, such a facility would have been deemed impossible.

“Today you are here to see it as a reality and that is our commitment as a government to work with every sector of our country and work in every sector of our country to ensure that the highest quality of services is delivered to the people or country where so ever, they are located,” the AG stated.

Further demonstrating the importance of the justice system, the minister said a people without justice will never advance, as he highlighted the clear connection between a functional justice system and the social and economic well-being of a nation.

The building includes modern amenities, a spacious courtroom, and three living quarters for the magistrate, court clerk, and staff.

It will also host services for domestic violence cases, probation, and social work, further demonstrating the judiciary’s responsiveness to public needs.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill noted that the court will reduce bottlenecks in the judicial system, leading to greater efficiency.

“The opening of this Magistrate Court marks a meaningful fulfilment of a promise made to the people within this catchment area. It represents a critical expansion within the Judicial network of Guyana by addressing the growing needs of our citizens,” the minister stated.

Similar facilities are set to be opened in Mabaruma and Mahdia shortly to ensure the judiciary’s mission remains to uphold the rule of law and provide fair, transparent, and efficient access to justice is being executed, while fostering public trust and confidence.

Meanwhile, presentations were made by Vice-Chairperson Anasha Peters, and the Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Hon. Mme. Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards (Republished from the Department of Public Information)

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A new chapter in Kato’s development unfolded as President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali ceremonially turned the sod for a nearly $5.4 billion state-of-the-art hospital, marking the transformation of a remote cottage facility into a modern healthcare institution.

President Ali was joined by Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai, and enthusiastic residents at the groundbreaking ceremony on Friday.

Funded through a partnership between the government and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the hospital will span 57,000 square feet—57 times larger than the existing facility. This significant expansion underscores the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services to hinterland communities.

“I want to assure you, that we are not going to stop until every single citizen, every single community, have equal access and same standard of service. You deserve the same level and the same standard of service, like anyone else across the country,” President Ali underscored in his keynote address.

The project will also include a $200 million staff quarters, to accommodate doctors and nurses, who will man the massive facility.

When completed, residents of Kato and surrounding communities will enjoy essential and reliable services, eliminating the need to travel to central communities.

The facility will boost 75 inpatient beds, private rooms with modern amenities, operating theatres catering to cataract and maternity procedures, diagnostic imaging (CT scans and x-rays), dialysis services and advanced laboratories.

“Historically, you have to wait 8-7 months to have your CT scans done, with this hospital, you will have your CT scans done immediately, right here in Region Eight.

…Each ward will have its own washroom, its own shower, it will have its own support system; 100 per cent first-grade hospital beds, not cots, will be part of this hospital,” the president said as he outlined the project’s significance.

Additionally, a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) will be established within the facility, catering to high-risk babies.

According to the president, construction will take 24 months and is being undertaken by a Chinese company, PCI Sinopharm Consortium.

Healthcare is not the sole focus, but creating employment opportunities is a critical component of the project. Along this vein, President Ali noted that some 60 residents and youths will be permanently employed during the facility’s construction.

“This region is exploding with development and we want all of you to be a part of this,” the head of state urged, noting the village’s immense potential as a hub for ecotourism.

“But for all of this to happen, we have to build an ecosystem that includes proper health, proper education, good infrastructure, a good airstrip and good facilities that will enable development of the sector,” he outlined.

In addition, President Ali pointed out that regional healthcare investment increased from $ 1.7 billion in 2015-2020 under the coalition, to over $10 billion in the past four years.

Ministers Anthony and Sukhai also delivered remarks at the event, emphasising the government’s commitment to Amerindian development, particularly healthcare.

This aligns with the government’s vision of creating a modern healthcare system, where all citizens, even those in far-flung and remote communities, enjoy world-class services.

Sod has already been turned for the construction of a similar facility in Moruca, Region One (Barima-Waini). Kamarang in Region Seven and Lethem, Region Nine will also see a state-of-the-art hospital being constructed (Republished from the Department of Public Information)

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As part of continued efforts to bolster security infrastructure, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday signed 11 contracts totalling $1.1 billion for projects aimed at enhancing operational capacity and improving the living and working conditions for staff and the general public.

The initiatives will benefit the Guyana Fire Service, the Guyana Police Force, and the Guyana Prison Service.

Permanent Secretary, Andre Ally spearheaded the signing ceremony, where he underscored the importance of completing projects within the contractual deadline, ensuring they align with the government’s vision of high-quality infrastructure.

He also emphasised the need for workers to adhere to safety protocols, stressing the need to prioritise workers’ safety.

“This significant investment underscores our focus on enhancing infrastructure to better serve our communities and workforce. Contractors must maintain timelines and adhere to safety standards to ensure the success of these projects,” PS Ally noted.

Some of the projects include the construction of female and male living quarters at the Mazaruni prison, amounting to around $371.6 million. A living quarter will also be constructed at Lusignan Prison, to the tune of $161.1 million.

The Paramakatoi Police Station in Region Eight will be completed with an additional $40.8 million in contract signed.

In addition, the New Amsterdam Prison Power Network in Region Six will be expanded, with provisions totalling $132.4 million.

Meanwhile, construction of a Caged Walkway at Mazaruni Prison will be undertaken to the tune of $76.9 million (Republished from the Department of Public Information)

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In a bold move to foster entrepreneurship and strengthen the economy of Guyana, the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) has launched GBTI GROW, a specialized division aimed at empowering small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

The grand opening event, which took place at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara on Friday, was graced by the distinguished presence of bank executives and Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh.

GBTI GROW is more than just a financial service provider. It is a strategic initiative designed to support Guyana’s entrepreneurs by offering tailored financial solutions that meet the diverse needs of SMBs.

Dr. Singh, GBTI’s Branch Lead and other company executives participates in the ribbon cutting activity

From agricultural ventures to manufacturing and retail, GBTI GROW promises to be a comprehensive resource that nurtures growth, innovation, and sustainability within local businesses.

GBTI GROW will cater to businesses in several key sectors, providing them with the necessary financial tools and advisory support to scale and prosper. The four primary areas of focus include:

1. Retail/Wholesale Trading and Distribution – Supporting businesses involved in the sale and distribution of goods.
2. Agriculture – Offering financing for crop farming, livestock, forestry, shrimp farming, fishing, poultry, and other agricultural activities.
3. Manufacturing – Financing for sectors such as timber and sawmilling, food and beverages, clothing, furniture, art and craft, cottage industries, and more.
4. Commercial Vehicles – Loans for purchasing trucks, lorries, and other commercial vehicles essential for business operations.

In addition to sector-specific financing, GBTI GROW will offer an array of tailored financial products and services, including:

• Specialized Loan Programs: These loans are designed to support the specific needs of SMBs, whether it’s for start-up capital, expansion, or working capital. With flexible terms and affordable rates, GBTI GROW aims to reduce the financial burden often faced by small businesses.
• Strategic Partnerships: GBTI GROW will connect businesses with valuable resources, including guidance on financial management, business planning, and market access. Through partnerships with organizations like the Guyana School of Agriculture, NAREI, and the Ministry of Agriculture, GBTI GROW is poised to create a robust ecosystem that enables businesses to grow sustainably.
• Digital Solutions: Recognizing the need for modern, efficient solutions, GBTI GROW will offer innovative banking products to help businesses manage their finances more effectively and scale operations with ease.

As part of its long-term vision, GBTI plans to expand the Mon Repos location into a fully operational branch that will serve the broader East Coast Demerara region.

Dr. Singh, in his address at the event, highlighted the staggering growth in credit provided to the non-financial private sector between December 2020 and June 2024, a period during which credit expanded by 58% or $150 billion.

While acknowledging this growth, Dr. Singh pointed out that there is a belief that a significant portion of the credit has been directed towards larger businesses.

However, he emphasized that this perception is not entirely accurate, as there has also been notable credit growth for households and SMEs, particularly in sectors like agriculture, services, and manufacturing.

Dr. Singh took the opportunity to commend GBTI for responding to the challenges faced by SMEs in accessing credit.

He called this move “extremely timely and important,” praising the bank for recognizing the need for financial products tailored to the specific needs of SMEs, which are often left underserved.

Addressing the audience, Dr. Singh emphasized that one of the main challenges SMEs face is the cultural barrier to borrowing.

Many small business owners are hesitant to approach banks for loans, particularly because of concerns about pledging collateral, such as their homes or vehicles.

Dr. Singh reflected on the emotional and psychological toll that borrowing can have, especially for those without stable salaries or formal guarantees of income. He urged GBTI to continue pushing for broader access to credit, not just through traditional means like real estate but also by accepting alternative forms of collateral, such as business receivables or contracts.

“People fear the idea of indebtedness,” Dr. Singh remarked.

“We must work together to educate and reassure them that borrowing, when done responsibly, is not something to fear. The idea that SMEs cannot access credit needs to change.”

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The Bar Association of Guyana convened a special meeting on November 28, 2024, to address a request made to the Attorney General concerning the admission of two U.S.-trained attorneys to practice law in Guyana.

The meeting, held in accordance with Rule 6(4) of the Association’s Rules, marked a significant moment in the country’s legal landscape, as it garnered the largest attendance in the history of the Guyana Bar.

The request was made on behalf of two attorneys who have been trained and certified in the United States but do not meet the criteria outlined in Section 4(1)(a) of the Legal Practitioners Act, Cap. 4:01.

This section stipulates that candidates for admission to the Guyana Bar must be nationals of a signatory state under the established legal agreement, which does not include the United States.

The consultation followed a meeting between the Honourable Attorney General and the Bar Council on November 8, 2024, where the Attorney General brought forward the request for an Order under Section 4B of the Legal Practitioners Act to allow these U.S. attorneys to practice in Guyana.

However, Section 4(1)(a) of the Act requires that applicants be nationals of a state that is part of the agreement, and as the U.S. is not a signatory, the two attorneys were deemed ineligible.

During the special meeting, the Bar Association members engaged in thorough and vigorous discussions. After careful consideration, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:

1. No Change to the Law: It was resolved that no changes be made to the current legal framework for admission to practice in Guyana. The law will remain as is, with eligibility for admission strictly limited to those who meet the criteria set out in Section 4(1) of the Legal Practitioners Act.
2. Ineligibility of U.S. Attorneys: It was also unanimously agreed that the two U.S.-trained attorneys in question are legally ineligible for admission to the Guyana Bar under the current provisions of the Act.

The Bar Association expressed its appreciation to the Attorney General for providing an opportunity for consultation on this matter. The Bar Council affirmed its commitment to taking any necessary steps to ensure the resolutions are upheld, should further action be required.

This decision reinforces the Guyana Bar’s commitment to upholding the legal standards and practices set forth in the country’s legal framework, while ensuring that only qualified individuals, as defined by the existing laws, are allowed to practice in the nation’s courts.

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At approximately 13:00 hrs on Friday, the New Amsterdam Fire Station said it received a distress call reporting a fire in Budhan Scheme, Vryheid, West Canje Berbice.

Two fire engines were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters observed flames emanating from the lower floor of the two-storey building.

Thanks to the swift response and effective efforts of the fire service, the blaze was quickly contained to the lower floor, resulting in extensive damage there.

The fire was later determined to be of electrical origin, linked to an issue with a light bulb, according to Divisional Fire Officer Clive McDonald.

Tomika Roach, who lived in the lower flat with her husband and two children, recounted that she had returned home around 13:00 hrs to retrieve an item. After leaving, she was on the road when she received a call from her brother informing her that the house was on fire.

The two-storey residence housed multiple family members; the upper floor was occupied by her mother, nephew, and sister.

Roach praised the fire service for their swift response, which prevented a potentially disastrous outcome. Though shaken by the incident, she expressed immense gratitude that everyone was safe and that the fire was quickly brought under control.

 

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A 72-year-old pensioner from Yakarinta Village, Angelina Mora, was found dead under suspicious circumstances, prompting a police investigation into what is believed to be a case of murder.

Mora, a woman of Amerindian descent, was reportedly killed between 15:00 hrs and 22:00 hrs on November 28 at her home.

The prime suspect, 53-year-old Jeffrey Edwards, a farmer and reputed husband of the victim, was arrested at the scene.

Edwards, who had lived with Mora for over four years in a small house located in an unfenced yard, denied causing the death and claimed that “Kanaima”—a term used to refer to evil spirits in local folklore—was responsible for her demise.

Upon arriving at the scene, police noted that the incident took place in a modest 10×15-foot house with one front door, surrounded by similar dwellings. Initial investigations revealed that Edwards and Mora had been living together as husband and wife.

The investigation gained traction after a key witness, 42-year-old Almalita Marshall, the suspect’s niece, came forward with alarming details. Marshall claimed that on November 28, she saw her uncle physically assaulting Mora under a cashew tree in their yard.

She reported that the assault lasted for several minutes, during which she saw Mora fall to the ground, after which Edwards allegedly dragged her into the house.

Later that evening, another resident of Yakarinta Village, 24-year-old Nekita Benjamin, a Community Health Worker, received a phone call from an anonymous source informing her that Mora had died. Benjamin immediately visited the couple’s home, where she confronted Edwards about the news.

Edwards told her that his wife had been drinking in the village before returning home, going to bed, and later “stopping breathing.”

However, upon examining Mora’s body, which was lying on a bed, Benjamin noticed visible signs of violence, including marks on her face, chest, and breast area. Benjamin questioned Edwards again, prompting him to admit that they had been drinking and had a “little fight.”

The body of the victim was later transported to Lethem Hospital Mortuary, where a doctor confirmed her death. A post-mortem examination is expected to determine the exact cause of death.

Meanwhile, Edwards remains in police custody at Lethem Police Station, where he continues to maintain that evil spirits were responsible for his wife’s injuries.

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