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The Tapas, Rum & Wine culinary experience, launched on Monday, will provide a platform for local chefs and mixologists to showcase their talent and culinary creativities.

Persons can expect expertly- crafted dishes fused with local ingredients and paired with exceptional wines and rums. The event is set to take place on October 27, 2024, at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.

Executive Member of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, Malcom Rhodius during remarks said the event is more than a culinary experience.

“It is a reflection of our commitment to showcasing Guyana’s vibrant food and beverage as well as a strategic effort of our local tourism and hospitality industry,” Rhodius said.

He added that the local chefs and mixologists will also get the opportunity to network and build new partnerships with corporate businesses.

“This event is also designed to attract corporate entities giving them a chance to connect with the culinary talent that could potentially shape their events in the future.

“We are creating a platform where innovation meets tradition and where the best of Guyana’s flavours are celebrated,” Rhodius highlighted.

He hopes the event will play an integral role in further promoting Guyana as a world-class tourism destination in the culinary sector.

Rhodius is also confident that the event will leave a lasting impression on attendees.

A total of six local will showcase their skills at Tapas, Rum & Wine.

Selina Yhun, the sous chef at P.F. Chang’s Guyana who specialises in sushi said she will be using local ingredients in her dishes.

“I will be using local ingredients with a twist, I will also be using fruits on my sushi and in my sushi and it is all local,” Yhun said at the launch on Monday.

Another sushi chef, Dustin Dalgetty, the owner of Le Chef Catering, shared his excitement about the upcoming event.

“Being a part of this event, it’s something that I have been looking forward to and it is going to be something excited making it a landmark for the first time,” Dalgetty said.

Other chefs include, Chef Yax, owner of Taste of Africa and Chef de Partie at Nikkei Guyana; Head Chef at Bistro Café & Bar, Laquinda Jordan; Ruritanya Bhudu, Owner of Romeo Bravo Logistics and its catering entity, Gateau GY, and Jon Madhar, head chef at Ambrosia Restaurant located at the Leisure Inn Hotel in Berbice.

 

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To address overcrowding and provide a comfortable environment for learning, a new secondary-level facility will be built at Tabatinga in Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo).

On Sunday, President Dr Irfaan Ali turned the sod to mark the beginning of the construction of the facility during a visit to the region.

The school, which will be constructed to the tune of $182 million is expected to be completed within the next eighteen months.

It will feature modern amenities which will integrate technology to make learning easier.

Upon completion, it will house 800 students, significantly easing the current overcrowding at the St. Ignatius Secondary School.

During his address, President Ali outlined that the government has been investing heavily to develop all of the sectors so that citizens can benefit from a future they only dreamed of.

To do this, he said focus is placed on ensuring that the development is linked to the economic transformation of the country.

“Development is multifaceted.

“If the healthcare system is not strong, you can’t support healthy children in the school system. If we don’t have healthy children in the school system, we can’t support students who will come out of the system to function in the healthcare system and others in the economy,” Dr Ali said.

Currently, numerous schools are being built across the country. This, Education Minister Priya Manickchand said has seen 2,500 students being accommodated in Region Nine alone.

“It means that before this 2500 students went without access to secondary school…and that is why five secondary schools are going up here in Region Nine. Those secondary schools will give us universal access to education here in Region Nine,” Manickchand said.

Equally important, she said efforts are being placed to ensure that there are trained teachers in every classroom.

To this end, Manickchand said between 2022 and 2024, 540 teachers graduated from Region 9.

“Our dream that is going to be realised before the end of next year is to ensure that every single teacher that stands in front of your children is either trained or being trained.

“Whatever your children deserve we will give it to them…whether it’s the highest valley or the lowest,” Manickchand said.

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In an effort to advance the level of health care provided, the sod was on Sunday turned to begin construction of a modern $6.5 billion Lethem Regional Hospital.

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony along with other officials participated in the ceremonial activity.

The project forms part of the US$97 million Inter-Development Bank (IDB) loan, aimed at strengthening the country’s health care system.

The state-of-the-art structure will be situated in the compound of the existing Lethem hospital.

It will feature 75 beds, a CT scan machine, two fully-operational operating theaters, a digital health control room, specialised outpatient clinics, two dialysis chairs, and an emergency room, among other amenities.

In his address to those gathered the ceremony, President Ali said the development of the hospital will not only benefit residents of the region but also the neighbouring countries, specifically Brazil from which persons already travel here for medical attention.

“It is quality of life and making meaningful changes for every single citizen.

“We are already thinking of Guyana 2030 and beyond. How we are going to make the right investment today to ensure that we live in one of the most beautiful, well-developed, advanced economy in the world,” Dr Ali said.

Since 2020, President Ali said the government has invested over $7 billion to develop health care in the region.

This, he said has resulted in a reduction in patient referral rates in both Georgetown and Boa Vista from more than 20 percent to below 2 percent in the region.

“In many developed countries in the world, they would never invest this quantum of resources for 33,000 people.

“We are already thinking…of Guyana 2030 and beyond…We have to think about the country that must win and win every day in a very competitive global environment,” Dr Ali said.

The vision, he said is for the Lethem Regional Hospital to be a teaching hospital, equipped to not only train local medical professionals but also persons across the region.

Upon completion, Dr Anthony said no resident will be required to travel to Georgetown because the medical care they need is unavailable in the region.

“A district hospital should function like a district hospital….one of the investments we have made is to ensure that we are equipped all these district hospitals.

“These things have been helping us to change how people see the quality of care in this region,” Dr Anthony said.

Reflecting on the strides made in advancing health care in the region, Dr Anthony noted that at the end of 2023 alone, more than 1,000 surgeries were conducted at the Lethem regional hospital. There has also been a decline in maternal mortality, a major issue in the region.

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Dominic Gaskin, former Alliance for Change (AFC) executive member and son-in-law of ex-President David Granger, has suggested the opposition parties would be unable to beat the PPP at next year’s general elections, particular because of their actions the last time around in trying to rig the 2020 elections.

“That’s my view, and it’s not with any malice. I don’t think they can recover from what happened in 2020,” Gaskin stated during an interview on the Freddie Kissoon television show.

Several high-ranking electoral officials, along with politicians in the former APNU government, are currently facing legal proceedings over their roles in attempting to alter the 2020 election outcome.

During that time, Gaskin, who served as Minister of Business, was one of the few members of the government who publicly denounced the actions of his own coalition, calling for the party to accept its defeat.

On the Freddie Kisson show, Gaskin delivered a scathing assessment of the opposition’s failure to accept the results of the 2020 elections, which saw the return of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to power after a tense, protracted election process.

Gaskin expressed the belief that the opposition’s unwillingness to accept the will of the electorate in 2020 has already cost them the 2025 race.

“I think they lost the 2025 elections in advance.”

Gaskin, who is well known for his frank political observations, made clear his view that the opposition’s actions during the 2020 elections have weakened their standing with the public.

He argued that the party’s failure to respect the democratic process has eroded public trust, and as a result, the PPP is now in a commanding position to win the next election.

“The PPP will win the 2025 election simply because of what occurred in 2020,” Gaskin declared.

“They (the opposition) need to demonstrate to the public that they are prepared to recognise the will of the people at the next election. I am hoping that the current opposition is prepared to recognise it as the legitimate will of the people,” he added.

When questioned about the leadership of the AFC, Gaskin deflected the query, instead emphasising the broader question of the opposition’s readiness to engage in a fair electoral process.

“You can’t participate in that process and discredit it because you didn’t win.”

Nonetheless, Gaskin expressed confidence that the AFC could regain its former parliamentary strength, which it had prior to joining forces with the APNU in 2011 and forming a coalition government in 2015.

However, he predicted that the party’s future electoral gains would come at the expense of the APNU, rather than the PPP’s traditional base.

“Nigel [Hughes] will take more votes from APNU rather than from the PPP,” Gaskin added, referring to Nigel Hughes, leader of the AFC.

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Sri Lanka defeated the West Indies by five wickets via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method in the first ODI at Pallekele on Sunday, marking their third consecutive victory after winning the last two T20 Internationals to clinch the series 2-1.

Chasing a DLS-adjusted target of 232 in 37 overs, Sri Lanka’s pursuit was powered by a crucial 137-run partnership between Nishan Madushka and Charith Asalanka.

The pair’s half-centuries laid the foundation for Sri Lanka’s victory, which came with 31 balls to spare. Their century stand came in just 88 balls, as they took full advantage of the wayward West Indies bowling.

Madushka and Asalanka were ruthless in their approach, capitalizing on poor deliveries, with only Gudakesh Motie providing any resistance. Motie was the pick of the West Indies bowlers with 3-47, while Alzarri Joseph chipped in with 2-39.

However, their efforts were not enough to stifle Sri Lanka’s charge, as they raced to 200 in just 27.3 overs, making victory inevitable.

After Asalanka’s departure, Janith Liyanage and Kamindu Mendis put on an unbroken 47-run partnership to secure the win. Liyanage remained unbeaten on 18, while Mendis finished on 30 not out.

Sherfane Rutherford played his shots when he got the chance•Oct 20, 2024•Associated Press

Earlier in the day, the West Indies had been frustrated by rain, which halted their innings at 185 for 4 after 38.3 overs. Sherfane Rutherford had mounted a counter-attack, scoring an unbeaten 74, while Roston Chase contributed 33 not out in an 85-run fifth-wicket stand.

Their partnership came off 78 deliveries and provided a much-needed boost after Sri Lanka’s spinners had dominated the early proceedings.

Wanindu Hasaranga was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka, taking 2-18, while Jeffrey Vandersay and Charith Asalanka claimed a wicket apiece.

Despite the interruption caused by rain, Sri Lanka’s spinners laid the groundwork for a comfortable chase, leaving the West Indies unable to capitalize on the toss and their decision to bat first.

With this five-wicket win, Sri Lanka takes an early lead in the three-match ODI series, continuing their momentum from the T20s. (SportsMax)

 

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New Zealand were crowned surprise champions of the Women’s T20 World Cup with a comprehensive 32-run win over South Africa in Dubai.

The White Ferns had lost 10 successive matches coming into the tournament, and this is their first T20 title, after losing successive finals in 2009 and 2010.

They were on top at the halfway point, but the Proteas started strongly in pursuit of 159 for victory, reaching 51-0 inside seven overs before slipping to 77-5 and then stuttering to 126-9.

Leg-spinner Melie Kerr finished with 3-24, becoming the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, and seamer Rosemary Mair took 3-25 in an emotional occasion for a team with so little expectation of triumph.

Kerr also added a vital contribution with the bat, scoring 43 from 38 balls in a crucial partnership of 57 with Brooke Halliday to set up the White Ferns’ imposing 158-5.

In a fluctuating innings, New Zealand dominated the powerplay with 43-1 before South Africa fought back in the middle overs which included a spell of 48 balls without a boundary.

But Halliday’s 38 from 28 balls, alongside Maddy Green’s six-ball 12, ensured New Zealand struck 48 from the final five overs to punish an ultimately wasteful bowling performance from South Africa, who gifted 10 wides and three no-balls.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt scored a fluent 33 at the top of the order as South Africa also capitalised on the first six overs, reaching 47-0, before New Zealand’s spin trio turned the screw, including the prized wicket of all-rounder Marizanne Kapp for just eight.

The rest of the batting order then succumbed to the growing run-rate pressure as opener Tazmin Brits’ 17 was the second-highest score, with batters Anneke Bosch, Nadine de Klerk and Sune Luus all falling in single figures alongside Kapp.

It is the second year running that South Africa have lost the final as New Zealand put in a complete performance when it mattered the most which resulted in tears of joy for two of the sport’s most experienced campaigners in Suzie Bates and captain Sophie Devine.

In the first year that the International Cricket Council (ICC) introduced equal prize money for it’s men’s and women’s tournaments, New Zealand will take home $2.34 million (£1.75m) with South Africa taking $1.7m (£878,000). (BBC)

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The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has released the Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) 14-man squad for the Cricket West Indies Super50 tournament, which will commence on Tuesday, October 29, in Trinidad and Tobago.

Guyana Harpy Eagles Squad: Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Matthew Nandu, Tevin Imlach (captain), Kevlon Anderson, Kemol Savory, Kevin Sinclair, Keemo Paul (vice-captain), Ronaldo Aimohamed, Veerasammy Permaul, Isai Thorne, Ashmead Nedd, Ronsford Beaton, Sylus Tyndall, Rampertab Ramnauth.

Standbys: Devon Lord, Antony Adams, Junior Sinclair, Richie Looknauth, Sachin Singh, Kanhaiya Ramkarran

Dashing opener 18-year-old Rampertab Ramnauth is the new face in the squad, while pacers Ronsford Beaton and Sylus Tyndall are back in the mix.

In an invited comment, Ramnauth told News Room Sport on Sunday that he has been through a lot, noting, “I have prayed for this moment a lot, and I will cherish it.”

“When I saw myself in the squad, tears of joy came from my eyes,” the Berbican added.

More so, Beaton, who was reported for suspect action during the West Indies Four-Day Championship in May, had his action cleared a couple of months later.

Tyndall, who was called to the Four-Day squad earlier in the year but didn’t play, gets an opportunity in the limited-overs format.

Other fresh faces to the GHE Super50 squad are Ashmead Nedd and Isai Thorne.

Still, both would have played List A cricket already, featuring for the West Indies Emerging team and the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC), respectively.

Ashmead Nedd (left) and Isai Thorne

On the other hand, 29-year-old left-arm spinner Devon Lord could count himself unlucky not to be in the squad after being the leading wicket-taker in the recently concluded Inter-County 50-Over tournament.

The former national youth player took 11 wickets at an average of 10.73 and an economy rate of 3.39.

Additionally, News Room Sport understands that Akshaya Persaud will likely feature for CCC, a team he previously represented in the Super50.

Devon Lord

The entire selection panel—Ramnaresh Sarwan (Chairman), Peter Persaud (Demerara), Leslie Solomon (Berbice), and Norwayne Fedricks (Essequibo)—and Head Coach Ryan Hercules were present at the Georgetown Cricket Club, Bourda, for the Inter-County final on Saturday.

Harpy Eagles’ first match, a day/night match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, will be against Windward Volcanoes on October 29.

They are chasing their first Super50 title since 2005; last year, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force knocked them out at the semi-final stage.

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Police are currently investigating a hit-and-run incident that resulted in a fatality early Sunday morning on the Tuschen Public Road. The accident involved two motor vehicles and an unidentified pedestrian.

At approximately 02:45 hrs, a pedestrian, believed to be a male Guyanese of Amerindian descent, was attempting to cross the road from the southern side when he was struck by a vehicle traveling west along the center of the roadway at a high speed.

The pedestrian had been standing with a group of people before he crossed into the path of the approaching vehicle.

The vehicle, identified as motorcar #PSS 8190, collided with the pedestrian, sending him airborne and causing him to land on the rear left side of another parked car, motorcar #PRR 7218.

This car, owned by a 33-year-old self-employed resident of Meten-Meer-Zorg, was parked on the southern parapet of the road, facing east at the time of the collision.

Following the impact, the driver of motorcar #PSS 8190 briefly stopped a distance away from the scene, before turning around and returning to the location. A group of witnesses reportedly approached the vehicle, but the driver then fled eastward, leaving the scene before authorities arrived.

The unconscious pedestrian was immediately attended to by police officers at the scene, who transported him to the Leonora Cottage Hospital. Despite efforts by medical staff, the victim was pronounced dead on arrival.

At this stage, police efforts to locate the driver of motorcar #PSS 8190 have proven unsuccessful. Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to identify the individual responsible for the hit-and-run and gather further details about the incident.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest police station to assist in the investigation.

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New Zealand captain Tom Latham said it was a “proud moment” after his side claimed their first Test victory in India for 36 years – and only their third ever.

Latham had to watch from the dressing room after being removed for a duck by Jasprit Bumrah as the visitors chased 107 to win.

But Will Young and Rachin Ravindra settled the nerves, guiding New Zealand from a precarious 35-2 through to an eight-wicket win on the final day of the Test in Bengaluru.

It gives New Zealand a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.

New Zealand’s previous Test victories in India came in 1969 at Nagpur and at Mumbai in 1988.

Latham’s side set up the victory by bowling India out for 46 – their lowest Test total on home soil – on the first day.

“There have been a lot of teams that have come here over that long period of time, so obviously it’s a special feeling,” Latham said.

“The work we did in that first and second innings with the ball and with the bat set up the game for us.”

It was a resounding first win as full-time captain for the 32-year-old, who replaced Tim Southee earlier this month.

India skipper Rohit Sharma took positives from the way his side battled back in the second innings, as they attempted to become the first team to win a Test after conceding a first-innings lead of more than 350.

“We didn’t think we’d be 46 all out but due credit to New Zealand – it set us back and games like this will happen,” he said.

Sarfaraz Khan’s 150 and 99 from wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant helped India to 462 in their second innings to give the home bowlers a small total to defend on a final-day pitch that had to be covered overnight due to rain.

And Bumrah gave India a glimmer of hope when he removed Latham lbw with the second ball of the day.

He then trapped Devon Conway lbw after a successful review, but that was India’s last breakthrough.

First-innings centurion Ravindra hit six fours in his unbeaten 39 and was named player of the match, while Young hit the winning runs with his seventh four as he finished on 48.

“We have got to take the good things forward,” added Rohit, with the second Test scheduled to begin in Pune on Thursday.

“We’ve been here before, conceding home losses, these things happen. We know what it takes and will give it all in the next two Tests.”

India have history on their side, having won 18 consecutive Test series on home soil, stretching back to 2012. (BBC)

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The excitement is palpable as the Mainstay Drag Race event unfolds today in Cinderella County, where anticipation has reached a fever pitch among competitors and fans alike.

More than 50 racers have traveled a nearly six-hour journey to participate in what promises to be a thrilling day of high-speed competition.

This year’s event is particularly noteworthy, with participant numbers nearly doubling compared to last year’s inaugural drag race, highlighting the growing enthusiasm for motorsport in the area.

Last evening, the atmosphere was electric as enthusiastic fans flocked to the Anna Regina Tarmac for a meet and greet, igniting even more excitement for the races ahead.

It was a night filled with camaraderie and shared passion for motorsport, setting the stage for the intense competition that will take place today.

As the sun rises on race day, the energy in the county is infectious, with spectators eager to witness the adrenaline-pumping action.

Scheduled to kick off at 11 AM, the event will feature a diverse range of classes, including 1500cc, 1600cc, 1800cc, 2000cc, 2500cc, 3000cc, Unlimited, and a dedicated female class.

This variety not only showcases the skills of drivers across different levels but also allows fans to see a wide array of vehicles in action.

In addition to the competitive races, attendees can look forward to an exhilarating drift exhibition, promising to add another layer of excitement to the day’s events.

Shairaz Roshandin, Vice President of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMRSC), expressed confidence in the event’s organization.

He confirmed that all necessary preparations have been finalized, including some last-minute enhancements to the track.

“We had to apply some special quick-drying cement to certain spots on the track early yesterday morning for some small corrective measures. It’s nothing that competitors or fans should be worried about because it dries in a few hours, so it’s definitely set for today,” he stated, reassuring everyone that safety and performance are top priorities.

In a bid to further entertain fans, Roshandin hinted at some surprises in store, teasing the appearance of at least one of the newest high-powered cars in the sport.

While he remained tight-lipped about the specifics, he encouraged spectators to attend, promising that they would not want to miss this special reveal. The anticipation for this mystery vehicle adds an element of intrigue to the event, ensuring that fans will be on the edge of their seats.

As the day unfolds, the county is set to experience a thrilling showcase of skill, speed, and sportsmanship.

While there will inevitably be winners and losers by the end of the day, the real victory lies in the celebration of motorsport and community spirit.

The Mainstay Drag Race event not only serves as a platform for competition but also as a celebration of the growing motorsport culture in Cinderella County, bringing together fans, families, and racers for a day filled with excitement and unforgettable memories.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early and soak in the atmosphere, as today promises to be a landmark event for the region’s motorsport scene.

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