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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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Tassarene’s Toshao Ridley Joseph, 37, was discovered in a pool of blood in his room at the Signature Inn Hotel in Queenstown on Monday morning. A police investigation is underway. Tassarene is located in Region Seven.

Joseph had traveled to Georgetown for the second executive meeting of the National Toshaos Conference (NTC). The meeting was scheduled for Monday with Joseph and 19 other executive members.

Joseph represented the Middle Mazaruni District.

Chairman of the NTC, Derrick John, spoke with reporters at the scene and said Joseph checked into the hotel on Sunday night.

“Toshao [Joseph] was a very dedicated leader, he had a lot of good potential,” John said and added that he was also a good family person.

John said it’s not just a loss for the indigenous communities but a national loss.

Tassarene’s Toshao Ridley Joseph, 37, was discovered in a pool of blood in his room at the Signature Inn Hotel in Queenstown on Monday morning.

In an exclusive interview with the News Room in July, Toshao Joseph spoke about his plans to transform his community through progressive leadership and dynamic development initiatives.

His leadership agenda was comprehensive, encompassing infrastructure enhancement, housing improvements, regulation of mining activities, and the promotion of agricultural, educational, and cultural projects.

A pivotal aspect of his vision was the preservation and revitalization of the Akawaio culture and language.

In his interview, he highlighted the adverse impact of external influences on native language retention, particularly the exclusion of indigenous languages in schools.

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(Trinidad Express)- Member of Parliament for D’Abadie/O’Meara Lisa Morris-Julian has died in a house fire along with two children.

The fire happened before dawn Monday at Farfan Drive, Arima.

Morris-Julian, her son and a daughter were in trapped a section of the house, according to reports.

Her husband and other children were able to make it out.

Morris-Julian was a Minister in the Ministry of Education and the Member of Parliament for D’Abadie/O’Meara.

She was also a former English teacher at the Barataria South Secondary School and a former Mayor at the Arima Borough Corporation.

ember of Parliament for D’Abadie/O’Meara Lisa Morris-Julian (Photo: Trinidad Express)

In a statement, the Peoples National Movement wrote to its members “Our initial reports from Min Beckles Robinson who is on the scene now is that unfortunately our beloved sister Lisa perished in a home fire along with her 6 year old son and daughter.

The actual facts are still being confirmed and in the meanwhile we all lift her beautiful soul and those of her son and sister and wider family in prayer.

She was an absolutely beautiful kind strong compassionate and amazing person.

We are all heartbroken.”

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The fifth edition of the KFC Goodwill International School Football Series kicked off with a bang, as defending champions Clarendon College and Guyana’s Chase Academy secured impressive victories on Sunday.

Clarendon College, led by a hat-trick from Nicholy Forbes, defeated Annai Secondary 6-2.

Forbes’ clinical performance and goals from Dameon Simms, Anthony Reid, and Dusean Belgrave proved too much for the Region Nine unit at the Queen’s College Ground.

Chase Academy also made a strong statement, thrashing Suriname’s Henry Hassankhan Communications School 8-1.

Bryan Wharton’s five-goal haul and contributions from Omar Sam, Tyrell Walcott, and Jaden Christian sealed the victory for the Guyanese team at the Ministry of Education Ground.

Trinidad’s Speyside Secondary (red) made a winning start against Dolphin Secondary (PHOTO: News Room/Avidesh Narine/December 15, 2024)

Trinidadian teams Speyside High School and St. Benedict’s College also won on the opening day, defeating Dolphin Secondary and D.C. Caesar Fox (Waramadong) Secondary, 3-1 and 5-2, respectively.

The tournament continues Tuesday with Dolphin facing Annai from 13:30h at Queen’s College, followed by Suriname’s Henry Hassankhan from 15:30h

The evening matches pit Clarendon against Speyside of Trinidad from 17:00h, and then St. Benedict’s College faces Chase from 19:00h.

The stakes are high for this year’s tournament, as the winners will take home a cash prize of US$5,000 and a beautiful hand-sculpted wooden trophy.

Notably, this trophy will be a lien, meaning a team must win the competition at least three times to claim it permanently.

 

DAY ONE PHOTOS: https://www.facebook.com/newsroomgy/posts/pfbid0xYjreXtrUpr5FtuEW5SgCZjHSgu5rZ44wUjrK3P371kvUX6fRknUduX3PtDvgfqYl

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West Indies star all-rounder Deandra Dottin became the first player to be sold and the second most expensive in the mini-auction for the 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL), as she was purchased by the Gujarat Giants for a staggering INR 1.7 crore (approximately US$200,000) in Bengaluru on Sunday.

The 33-year-old cricketer brings a wealth of experience to the shortest format of the game, having played 132 WT20Is with a tally of 2,817 runs, including two centuries and 12 half-centuries.

Dottin’s acquisition marked the second-highest purchase of the auction, with the Giants also spending INR 1.9 crore (around US$224,000) on uncapped Indian player Simran Shaikh.

Meanwhile, India’s Under-19 wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini was snapped up by the Mumbai Indians for INR 1.6 crore (approximately US $189,000).

Dottin’s sale as the first player under the hammer in the mini-auction is a significant milestone in her illustrious career.

Interestingly, this is not the first time Dottin has been associated with the Gujarat Giants, as she was initially signed by the franchise for INR 60 lakh (approximately US$71,000) before the inaugural WPL season. However, in a controversial move, she was released just days before the tournament began in 2023.

The aggressive right-handed batter has long been a trailblazer in women’s cricket. She was the first woman to score a century in T20 internationals, achieving the feat with a 38-ball hundred against South Africa during the 2010 T20 World Cup—a record that remains the fastest century by a woman in the format.

Her return to the WPL under the Gujarat Giants banner highlights her enduring appeal and status as one of the game’s most dynamic players. (SportsMax)

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Australia’s seamers ensured they stayed in control of the third Test against India, despite rain decimating much of day three in Brisbane.

The hosts added 40 runs, either side of a rain delay, to their overnight 405-7, with Alex Carey the last man out for 70.

India’s reply was delayed by more rain, before they slipped to 22-3.

Yashasvi Jaiswal hit Mitchell Starc for four off the first ball of the innings, but was caught at mid-wicket next ball.

Shubman Gill was superbly caught at gully by Mitchell Marsh, before Virat Kohli feathered Josh Hazlewood behind.

The rain returned as Rishabh Pant was walking to the crease and then much of the afternoon and evening session was wiped out by more precipitation, a wet outfield and bad light.

There were four spells of cricket – with each lasting 11, 23, seven and 17 balls respectively.

Pant was dismissed in the third of those, edging Pat Cummins behind, before KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma guided India to 51-4 at stumps.

While 98 overs can be bowled on each of the remaining days, a result may be difficult to achieve with more rain forecast.

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. (BBC)

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Bangladesh thwarted Rovman Powell’s stunning effort to power West Indies to an improbable win, after Hasan Mahmud defended nine runs in a heroic last over to seal a seven-run victory in the first T20I at the Arnos Vale Ground.

The capacity crowd were presented with a thrilling contest in West Indies’ first international match in St Vincent in 10 years.

While defending 147, Mahedi Hasan’s four-wicket haul reduced West Indies to 38 for 5 before Powell struck four sixes and five fours in his 35-ball 60, but he couldn’t quite get them through to the end after falling in the last over.

Mahmud removed Powell and Alzarri Joseph in the final over which started with West Indies needing ten runs to win. Mahmud had Powell caught behind giving the Bangladesh captain Litton Das his fifth dismissal of the game.

With eight to win off the final two, Mahmud bowled Joseph for Bangladesh’s first T20I win against West Indies in six years; back home in Bangladesh it was a good way to start the country’s Victory Day too.

Powell the nearly man

It was all going pear-shaped for Bangladesh for about four overs, though. West Indies were 61 for 7 in the 12th over when the captain Powell, who had until then struck a four and a six, was joined by Romario Shepherd to resurrect his side.

The pair combined to take 15 off Rishad Hossain in the 14th over, before Powell launched Taskin Ahmed for three sixes in a 23-run over to reduce the asking rate from over 11 an over to eight an over in the space of 12 balls.

Powell carved the first six against Taskin over extra cover, the next one high over point, before finishing the over with a beautiful straight hit.

Tanzim Hasan then went for 12 runs in the 16th over with Powell hitting him for two fours, one of them bringing up his half-century off just 28 balls, to bring the equation to 28 to win from 24 balls.

There was no let up from the other end too, as Shepherd slammed Rishad for his first six although he fell in the next over when Taskin had him caught at deep midwicket, for 22 off 17 balls.

Mahedi skittles WI top order

Bangladesh started spectacularly with the ball when Taskin had Brandon King caught at mid-off with his first ball. Six balls later, Mahedi enticed Nicholas Pooran into a charge, and beat him with a straight delivery to have him stumped for 1.

Mahedi then had Johnson Charles caught at mid-off after he had struck Tanzim for two sixes in a 25-run over.

Mahedi struck twice in the seventh over when he had Andre Fletcher, a last-minute replacement in the squad, caught behind before Roston Chase fell inside-edging a reverse sweep.

By the time Mahedi finished his quota of four overs for 4 for 13, Bangladesh were in control of the game until Powell cut loose.

Hosein’s early strikes

West Indies too had a great powerplay with the ball when Akeal Hosein struck on consecutive balls. By cleaning up Tanzid Hasan for an 11-ball 6, Hosein became West Indies’ highest wicket-taker during powerplays in home T20Is.

He went past Samuel Badree’s 16 wickets in that phase of the innings and also continues to be the leading wicket-taker among spinners in powerplays since his T20I debut in July 2021.

Next ball, Hosein continued Litton Das’ run of poor form from the ODIs, taking his simple return catch.

It was Litton’s second duck in a row on this tour after scoring 4 and 2 in the first two ODIs.

Bangladesh get the elevation

Bangladesh’s batting recovery came via sixes. They struck nine in the innings, the most they have struck against West Indies in T20Is.

The sixes, however, started coming from the eighth over. Jaker Ali lofted Chase down the ground before Soumya Sarkar smashed Shepherd over covers.

He pasted Gudakesh Motie for two more sixes in the 11th over, followed by Jaker mowing Shepherd over square leg.

When Obed McCoy removed Soumya for his 50th T20I wicket, Bangladesh were losing their way with five overs remaining.

Shamim Hossain, playing his first T20I in 12 months, got into the act next. He top edged Alzarri Joseph for his first six, before going straight against McCoy for the same result.

Shamim got one more against Joseph in the 18th over, before Mahedi blasted McCoy for a six over extra cover in the final over to nearly take them to 150. (ESPNcricinfo) 

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West Indies Women will have to play catch up in their three-match T20 International series against India as they fell to a 49-run defeat in the first encounter at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai, on Sunday.

The match, which featured a record aggregate of 341 runs between the two teams, saw the visitors unable to chase down India’s imposing total of 195-4, as they only mustered 146-7 in their 20 overs.

Electing to field after skipper Hayley Matthews won the toss, the West Indies bowlers struggled to contain an in-form Indian batting lineup, which saw Jemimah Rodrigues steal the show with a scintillating 73 off 35 balls, decorated with nine fours and two sixes.

Her commanding innings was supported by Smriti Mandhana, who smashed 54 off 33 deliveries, including seven boundaries and two maximums.

The Mandhana-Rodrigues partnership of 81 runs for the second wicket proved to be the decisive blow, as they dismantled the Caribbean attack. Earlier, Mandhana and opener Uma Chetry (24) laid the foundation with a 50-run opening stand.

Meanwhile, contributions from Richa Ghosh (20) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (13 not out) helped India close the innings on a high, with Kaur and Rodrigues adding a brisk 35 runs in the final overs.

West Indies spinner Karishma Ramharack was the standout bowler for her side, with 2-18 from her four overs in a display of precision amidst the carnage.

Qiana Joseph’s late acceleration lifted her strike rate to 148.48•Dec 15, 2024•BCCI

In reply, the West Indies never really got going, though they were buoyed by Deandra Dottin, who smashed a 28-ball 52 laced with four boundaries and three sixes.

The 33-year-old, who secured a lucrative Women’s Premier League (WPL) contract with the Gujarat Giants ahead of the game, showcased her powerful hitting ability, which not only kept the chase alive briefly but also saw her break the record for most sixes in Women’s T20 Internationals. She surpassed New Zealand’s Sophie Devine (114 sixes) with a tally of 117 sixes.

Qiana Joseph also impressed with an aggressive 49 off 33 balls, including five fours and three sixes.

However, apart from these two performances, the West Indies batting lineup faltered, with Shemaine Campbelle (13) and Shabika Gajnabi (15 not out) the only other players to reach double figures.

The lack of partnerships ultimately cost the visitors, as they failed to sustain momentum against a disciplined Indian bowling attack.

Titas Sadhu led India’s bowling with figures of 3-37, while Deepti Sharma (2-21) and Radha Yadav (2-28) provided excellent support.

With the victory, India secured a 1-0 lead in the series, while the West Indies will need to regroup quickly and address their bowling inconsistencies and batting depth to stay alive in the series. (SportsMax)

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Slingerz Racing Stable’s Olympic Kremlin stole the show at the recent Port Mourant Turf Club’s Showdown of Champions horse race meet.

Coming from ten lengths back, the Slingerz Racing Stable icon showed its full potency in the hands of Jockey A. Gulart by hunting 2023 Horse of the Year, Spankhurst (C. Paria),  and Jagdeo Racing Stables Loyal Company (D. Khelqwan) in daunting fashion to win.

Spankhurst left the blocks like a rocket, pulling out just over 11 lengths to the rest of the field a quarterway through the race.

As Loyal company caught Spankhurst, the duo had a short duel in the J’s supermarket and Jumbo Jet sponsored event.

But true to form, the Slingerz horse sliced through the field, taking down horse after horse in chase of the third win on the trot.

Spankhurst finished second ahead of Jagdeo Racing Stables duo of Loyal Company and Frontline Warrior (N.Patrick).

Meanwhile, in the co-feature event, the Guyana Star Sprint sponsored by SHI OIL, Slingerz Racing Stables Ritorna Vincentori had to dig deep to overturn the challenge of Jagdeo Racing Stables Oy Vey, winning by half a length.

Rounding the final bend neck in neck, the duo dueled down the stretch as the raucous crowd spurred them on, jockey A. Gulart finding a little bit more than his rival D. Khelawan aboard the close second.

The Simply Royal Stables pair of Stormy Victory (V. Ramnarain) and Morning Colors (R. Appadu) finished third and fourth.

In the opening race, the Sandeep Poultry J/K/L Maidens sponsored by Big G Lumber Yard, KP Jagdeo General Contractors and AJM Enterprise, Security Rock (Y.Drepaul) finished just ahead of Enemy Maker (K.Blake), Three D Movie (K. Pierreia) and Perfect Gold (V. Ramnarain).

Race two, the Archway Snackette K&L class sponsored by Laka Ramrich Rice Farmer, Rohan Auto Spares, ARMCO Construction and K. Haniff Construction, saw a blinding effort from Bin Landen and Jockey Blake to come from fourth to win.

Down the home stretch, Blake opened up Bin Laden who blazed past Princess Sasha (Z.Mahsood), Sarkar (Appadu) and late entry Kiss (Kishan).

The Permaul Trading and Distribution 2-year-old Juvenile Stakes saw another come-from-behind win, this time Irish Eyes (K. Razzak) upstaging the field down the final stretch.

Second, third, and fourth, sponsored by Orvin Mangru Construction, Satesh Liquor Restaurant, and Tanna Rice Farmer of Black Bush, were Ruff Time (R. Appadu), Miss Simron (V. Ramnarine), and Secret Traveller (Y. Kissonchand), respectively.

Red Ruby won the G Class and Lower SHI OIL and OBL Lounge sponsored race with Jockey D. Khelawan holding off the challenge of Jagdeo Racing Stables mate Theory of Colors (N. Patrick)

Ruby’s almost flawless ride broke the streak of come-from-behind victories down the homestretch as Stroke Of Luck (K. Paul) and American Traveller (C. Ross).

In the Guy America Construction sponsored H class, Amicable Kate (N. Abrigo) followed suit in the same vein as the earlier runs, getting an average start but storming to victory around the outside of Blinding Lights  (Y.Kissoonchand), Haley (N. Patrick) and Amazing Grace (Y. Drepaul).

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