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A Police Constable of Brickdam Police Station, attached to the Criminal Investigations Department, was attacked and stabbed by four men Saturday night who appeared to be Venezuelan nationals.

The incident occurred at about 23:45 hours on Cornhill Street as the Constable was performing foot patrol duties along the Stabroek market area in plain clothes. He was at the time armed with a .38 revolver and 6 rounds of ammunition.

According to a Police release, while on Cornhill Street, he observed a Spanish-speaking female armed with a broken bottle involved in an argument with another female. He approached her, identified himself as an officer, and asked her to drop the broken bottle.

“While doing so, the four suspects – one of whom was armed with a knife, approached the cop from behind and dealt him several stabs about his body, causing him to receive injuries,” the release noted.

The cop drew his firearm, discharged four rounds in the air and the suspects ran away.

Meanwhile, an alarm was raised and the officer was escorted by an Impact Patrol to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he is presently receiving medical attention for the stab wounds he received.

The four suspects, along with the two women, were arrested. Two of the suspects were escorted to the GPHC where they are currently being treated for minor injuries under police guard.

The scene was processed and photographed by crime scene technicians and the area was canvassed for CCTV cameras.

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The Government of Guyana has noted how an effective partnership with neighbouring Suriname can help to address transnational crime in narcotics, human trafficking and contraband, and help to deter fugitives from finding a safe refuge in the two nations.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira made the observation on Saturday night at an event to commemorate Suriname’s 49 years of Independence and of diplomatic relations with Guyana.

“By strengthening collaboration, including intelligence sharing, our two nations can dismantle these illicit operations,” she told an audience at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown.

“Criminal networks can exploit poorly managed borders, threatening our security,” she added, as she called attention to the benefits of the new river bridge that will further assist in curbing the issues.

The event sought to highlight the embassy’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cultural, economic, and diplomatic relations between the two nations.

By pursuing joint initiatives in conservation and eco-tourism, Teixeira noted how climate adaptation and mitigation efforts can be enhanced, and how partnerships in the oil and gas sector can be forged.

“Beyond petroleum, there is immense potential to work together on renewable energy projects and energy training to ensure cleaner, more affordable energy solutions,” she observed.

Suriname’s Ambassador to Guyana Liselle Blankendal noted how the potential for partnership between the two nations is enormous, and the tangible benefits from such that can already be seen.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd and Chairman of the Suriname Guyana Chamber of Commerce Vishnu Doerga were also in attendance.

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A landmark initiative saw 325 small contractors from Linden sign contracts worth $4.2 billion to upgrade community roads.

The signing ceremony, held at the Watooka Guest House on Saturday, follows the completion of a pre-qualification process last week and is part of the government’s nationwide community road improvement initiative.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips hailed the occasion as historic, noting its potential to transform Linden and enhance the lives of thousands of residents.

The PM explained that though the initiative is part of the PPP/C government’s current-day transformative efforts, it also dates back to the administration’s term in 1992.

“We won the elections and we are delivering the goods and services promised to the people and we will continue to bring development to you the people of Linden and the people of every region in this country,” he stated reiterating the government’s longstanding commitment.

The Prime Minister urged contractors to deliver quality work, emphasising that improved roads will enhance Linden’s appeal as a tourism destination.

Moreover, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, described the initiative as a game-changer for small contractors, offering them opportunities to grow within the industry.
The newly introduced rating system enables contractors to secure projects without competitive bidding, ensuring equitable access.

“You are in the pot. So, this phase we will start with 325 and then we will do an analysis, maybe within a matter of days or a week we may sign on some more,” the minister pointed out.

In addition to the $4.2 billion allocated for community roads, Minister Edghill highlighted that $8.8 billion was invested in Region Ten for road works.

This does not include transformative projects such as the Linden/Soesdyke Highway rehabilitation project or the construction of the new US$35 million Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge.

The minister disclosed that earlier this year 26 major projects valued at $1.2 billion were awarded through competitive bidding in Linden, with several already completed or nearing completion.

Bids were also launched for the construction of an asphaltic concrete road in Noitgedacht, with work expected to commence soon.

Meanwhile, the minister outlined strict rules for contractors, including mandatory testing of roads to ensure they meet the required 4500 PSI strength.

PSI, or Pounds Per Square Inch, measures the strength of concrete after it has cured, specifically indicating its compressive strength.

Contractors whose work fails to meet these standards are required to redo the project or risk having their contract canceled without pay.

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A state-of-the-art secondary school will soon be constructed in the community of Marurunau in Region Nine, providing the students with a conducive learning environment.

The undertaking demonstrates the government’s goal in ensuring that children in the hinterland regions also have better access to educational opportunities.

During a simple sod-turning ceremony on Friday, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand underlined that the school will cater to the educational needs of students from the communities of Awarewaunau, Marurunau and Shea, upon completion.

The education minister said, “It is a secondary school that will cater for about 400 children. There will be dorms for the children from Awarewaunau and Shea…This project should finish by next June [2025] …I understand that the students from Arupanau now want to come here instead of going to Sand Creek.”

She mentioned that three contractors will be executing this project, ensuring a timely completion.

The ministry is also making sure that the schools have trained teachers to deliver high-quality education.

She went on to say, “I am very pleased to say that we are currently training the most teachers that have ever been trained right here in Region Nine. So, by next year, we will have 100 per cent of our teachers in Region Nine trained or in training.”

Numerous schools are under construction in the region including twelve nurseries, seven primary and seven secondary schools.

Meanwhile, Minister Manickchand also commissioned Quiko Primary and a new library at Nappi Primary.

She also conducted a site visit to evaluate the progression of works on the new Nappi Secondary. When completed, this school will have the capacity to accommodate 350 students.

Works are underway on a modern secondary school in Yupukari village. Upon completion, this school will also serve students from Fly Hill and Quatata villages.

The contract for Marurunau Secondary valued $175,525,300 was awarded to Sheriff Construction Inc.

The government’s commitment to bridging the educational gap between the coastland and the hinterland regions areas is demonstrated by the construction of these schools (Republished from the Department of Public Information)

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Thirty- two businesses received awards for their milestone achievements as the Small Business Bureau (SBB) hosted its prestige awards ceremony Friday evening at Pegasus Suits Corporate Center, in Kingston Georgetown.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond restated the government’s commitment to supporting innovative and sustainable business concepts.

“The government will continue their drive to fund entrepreneurs to bring business concepts to reality in order to fulfil President Ali’s vision to put our country on the global market while helping innovation and sustainability, this in return will address the environmental, social and economic challenges”, the minister noted.

Further, she highlighted that the government has already supported over four thousand businesses with funding adding up to one billion dollars thus far.

The awardees expressed heartfelt gratitude for the assistance they received from the Small Business Bureau (SBB) in developing their businesses and the recognition of their achievements.

One recipient underscored that his business was at rock bottom, to the point he felt like giving up but SBB stepped in and assist him in getting back on his feet.

He said that he never regretted because now his business has achieved significant milestones because of this single move.

Some businesses received one million funding grants at the event to assist in growing their businesses.

Some of the awards were received by Innovation Building Solutions, Greenacres Construction, Landscaping & Maintenance, Essence of Herbs Manufacturing and Boss Chips Enterprises (Republished from the Department of Public Information)

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Mitchell Benn, a 34-year-old man whose body was discovered near a canal at Babu Jaan, East Berbice-Corentyne, had reportedly gone to check on his fishing boat shortly before his death.

On Saturday afternoon, Benn’s body and the pickup truck he was driving were pulled from the canal as a large crowd gathered at the scene.

Police disclosed that Benn was driving pickup truck GRR 9936 along the access dam at Babu Jaan allegedly at a fast rate when he lost control of the vehicle and ended up in the canal.

Meanwhile, Trudy Sinclair, Benn’s cousin, told the News Room that Benn had lunch with his wife, Karel Woodroof, at their Babu Jaan home on Saturday.

Afterward, Woodroof left for work.

Man found dead at Babu Jaan

Benn mentioned his intention to check on his fishing boat, located not far from where his body was later found. Benn had purchased the boat about a month ago and regularly checked on it for security reasons.

Normally, he would visit the location with a workman, but yesterday, unable to locate the workman, he decided to go alone, assuming it would be a routine check.

Around noon, Woodroof received a call informing her that a vehicle had been spotted in the canal. She went to the location and discovered her husband’s pickup truck submerged and his body nearby. Alarmed, she alerted residents, who gathered at the scene and contacted the police. Authorities arrived shortly after that to begin investigations.

Benn was described as a hardworking individual involved in several business ventures, including selling honey, packaged fish, and vegetables. He had recently acquired a fishing boat to expand his operations and a pickup truck to support his growing businesses.

He leaves to mourn his wife and three daughters, ages 14, 7, and 3. His body is presently at the Ramoo’s Funeral Home awaiting a Post- Mortem Examination (PME).

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It was a runs-filled second match day in the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) T10 Tapeball Harmony League, which was contested at five grounds nationwide.

Among the standout performers were Antony Adams (101*) and Imtyaz Ghani (105*), who smashed hundreds, while Christopher Barnwell (94*) also came within touching distance of a ton.

Numerous other players, such as Andy Lall (87), Rudolf Singh (83*), and Marcus Watkins (82*), also scored big for their respective teams.

The performances saw formidable sides such as The Guards, Village Rams, Eccles All-Stars, Downtown Mavericks, Pure Entertainment, Movements Family (Mahdia), and Renegades progress from the twenty matches on Saturday.

Antony Adams of Village Rams cracked a fine century

People are encouraged to visit the FL Sport app or website for detailed scores for each match.

The tournament continues today (Sunday) at the Transport Sports Club, Lusignan Sports Club, and Tuschen Sports Club from 09:00h as twelve more teams will be eliminated.

With November 30 marked as the penultimate match day, the grand finale is scheduled for December 8, 2024, at the Everest Cricket Ground from 09:00h.

Designed to foster community engagement, the ERC Harmony T10 Tapeball League offers free entry for both teams and spectators.

The tournament boasts exciting rewards, including a $500,000 prize for the champions, $250,000 for the runners-up, and $100,000 for each of the two semi-finalists.

Individual accolades of $60,000 each will be awarded for the Man of the Final, Most Runs, and Most Wickets, with trophies generously sponsored by Trophy Stall.

Through this initiative, the ERC aims to build lasting connections among participants, promote mutual respect, and strengthen community ties across Guyana.

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Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won his fourth consecutive World Drivers’ Championship with fifth place in the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

The race was won by Mercedes’ George Russell, who held off a charge by team-mate Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time champion taking second place from 10th on the grid.

Verstappen’s position behind the Ferraris of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc was more than enough for the Dutchman.

His title rival Lando Norris could manage only sixth for McLaren, his deficit to the Dutchman now 63 points with a maximum of 60 available.

Verstappen joins Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel as a four-time champion, with only Hamilton, Michael Schumacher and Juan Manuel Fangio ahead of him in that list.

“What a season,” Verstappen said to his team over the radio. “It was a little more difficult than last season, but we pulled through.”

He added: “It has been a long season and we started amazing, almost like cruising, and then we had a tough run but we kept it together as a team, kept working on improvements and pulled it over the line.

“To stand here as a four-time world champion is something I never thought possible so standing here relieved in a way but also proud.”

Third and fourth places for the Ferraris of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc reduced their deficit to McLaren in the constructors’ championship to 24 points with two races to go.

Norris stopped for fresh tyres to take fastest lap in the closing stages to give McLaren an extra point. (BBC)

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Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli hit imperious centuries before Jasprit Bumrah took two late wickets as India put themselves in a dominant position against Australia at stumps on day three of the first Test.

Opener Jaiswal’s sublime 161 set the tone for India as he and KL Rahul compiled a record first-wicket stand of 201 for India in Australia.

That was followed by Kohli’s zen-like unbeaten knock of exactly 100 at Perth’s Optus Stadium as India declared their second innings on 487-6.

Set 534 for victory, a weary Australia were left with an awkward 24 minutes to negotiate before the close.

Rested and refreshed India stand-skipper Bumrah ran in with menace and trapped Nathan McSweeney lbw with the fourth ball of Australia’s response.

Australia captain Pat Cummins then came out as nightwatchman and edged Mohammed Siraj to Kohli at second slip.

A fired-up Bumrah struck again in his third over as he had Marnus Labuschagne out lbw, with referal backing up the on-field decision.

Nathan McSweeney fell in the first over against Jasprit Bumrah•Nov 24, 2024•Getty Images and Cricket Australia

With two days left to play there is still time for Australia to either bat out for a draw or chase down a record total to win the match.

The current highest successful fourth-innings total to win a match is the 418-7 made by West Indies against Australia at St John’s in May 2003.

Australia’s highest fourth-innings chase to win a Test was the 404-3 they made at Headingley against England in July 1948.

However, with movement and uneven bounce on the pitch India look well positioned to win the opening match of the five-Test series. (BBC) 

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A maiden Test century for Justin Greaves headlined a dominant day for West Indies against Bangladesh on day two of the Antigua Test.

After his 115 helped West Indies post 450 for 9, West Indies bookended the day with two Bangladesh wickets, leaving the visitors 410 behind with eight wickets in hand.

It was a fine recovery after slipping to 261 for 7 despite an overnight score of 250 for 5. Greaves shared a 140-run eighth wicket stand with Kemar Roach, who batted for more than four hours for 47, his highest Test score in his 15-year career.

Greaves’ unbeaten 115 justified his Super50 form, where he struck three consecutive centuries earlier this month. He made a patient effort, striking just four boundaries in his 206-ball stay.

It was the perfect follow-up to the nineties that Alick Athanaze and Mikyle Louis had scored on day one to lay the foundation.

Bangladesh continued to give away strong positions with the ball, toiling for 144.1 overs, but unable to bowl out the home side.

Hasan Mahmud took three wickets, all of them on the second day. Taskin Ahmed toiled hard and even found the edge of Greaves’ bat once but nobody appealed.

The spinners, stand-in captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam, shared three wickets from their combined 73.1 overs.

West Indies declared with Bangladesh needing to bat out a maximum time of an hour and 45 minutes.

But there was no respite for them against the four-man West Indian pace attack. Zakir Hasan fell for 15 after he under-edged a Jayden Seales delivery onto his stumps.

The left-hander struck three fours in his short stay, all off Seales, but was slightly unlucky with the ball shaving the leg-stump. Mahmudul Hasan Joy edged Alzarri Joseph for 5, shortly after he was dropped on the same score.

It was a long way from the start of the day for the visitors, having started the day in the best possible way by taking two early wickets.

Mahmud removed Joshua Da Silva with the fifth ball of the morning session, trapped lbw with a delivery that darted into his front pad.

This was Mahmud’s first wicket in the game despite bowling well on the first day.

It was also his 24th wicket this year, making him the highest wicket-taker in a calendar year among Bangladesh’s pace bowlers.

That number became 25 when Alzarri fell in Mahmud’s next over. Zakir took a superb two-handed catch at gully, reminiscent of how he opened the Pakistan tour with Abdullah Shafique’s catch at gully in August.

If Bangladesh sensed they had their opening to bowl out West Indies for under 300 runs, that was blunted by Roach.

He was the right type of foil for Greaves, who was willing to grind out the Bangladesh attack.

Greaves handed the strike to Roach from time to time, as the pair didn’t allow any more wickets in the first session.

There were only two boundaries in those 26 overs too, but that hardly bothered the home side who needed a recovery.

Greaves started the second session with his third boundary when he pulled Taskin through midwicket.

He, however, survived a caught-behind chance on 77 with neither Taskin nor wicketkeeper Jaker Ali (who was deputizing for Litton Das after the first session) hearing a faint nick.

It was only a replay on the big screen that showed what Bangladesh missed out on.

Shortly afterwards, a Roach single brought up the team’s maiden century partnership for the eighth wicket against Bangladesh.

It was followed by a rain break of seven minutes, after which Roach slammed Mehidy over his head for his first boundary.

Mahmud finally removed Roach with a fine angling delivery, clipping the top of his middle-stump. Their 140-run stand was West Indies’ third-highest for the eighth wicket.

Greaves soon reached his century with his fourth boundary shot, driving Taijul through the covers. It was potentially his best shot of the innings and the landmark was only his second first-class ton.

West Indies declared in the 145th over of their innings, after their tail-enders Seales and Shamar Joseph struck some meaty blows. That left enough time for the bowlers to have a crack, which they successfully did. (ESPNcricinfo)

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