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Police are investigating an alleged robbery and abduction at Marudi, Deep South Rupununi, Region Nine and it is believed that the six masked suspects were Brazilian nationals.

In a statement released on Saturday, Police said the alleged robbery and abduction was carried out by unidentifiable men, all wearing masks and carrying firearms. Four Guyanese and six Brazilians were said to be the victims.

The incident occurred at about 11:00 hrs at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Bush Mouth substation in Marudi.

In a subsequent release Saturday night, Police said five Guyanese and four Brazilians were the victims.

Police probing robbery, abduction of Guyanese & Brazilians in Marudi 

Those victims are: Victor Adams, a 34-year-old Natural Resources Officer of Pattersen Drive, Georgetown; Romain Simon, a 39-year-old Natural Resource Officer of Zeelugt; Christopher Charles, a 17-year-old Barber of Lethem Central, Rupununi; Curtis Charles, a 35-year-old Lieutenant of the Guyana Defence Force and resident of the Diamond Housing Scheme; Karl Antone, a 30-year-old Community Mines Ranger of Aishalton Village, South Rupununi; Benedict John, a 28-year-old Caretaker of Karaudanau Village, South Rupununi; Dionei Farias De Brito, a 29 years General Manager of Boa Vista, Brazil; and Eduardo Moreira Freitas, a 22-year-old operator of Boa Vista Brazil.

“… six masked males who appeared to be Brazilian nationals judging by their Portuguese accent, armed with rifles, ambushed the victims from strategic points at the GGMC checkpoint, located at Bush Mouth Marudi,” Police said.

The victims were heading to Marudi Backdam but stopped at the GGMC gate to check-in.

A quantity of raw gold, two Glock pistols and a Mavodo watch worth $140,000 were taken.

Police said members of the Joint Services are on the ground combing the area for the suspects as investigations continue.

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In sizzling heat on Saturday, the Caribbean Elite/Under-23 Cycling Championship pedalled off in Georgetown, signalling the start of intense rivalry among approximately 100 riders from 19 countries affiliated to the Caribbean Cycling Union and the Pan American Cycling Confederation.

Though no Guyanese managed a podium spot at the Individual Time Trial around the Mandela/Eccles/Heroes Highway, it was a success for Guyana as a cycling nation, playing host to the prestigious event for the first time.

Click here to view photos 

Copping gold in the Individual Time Trial were Conor White of Bermuda in the Elite Men’s category; Berenice Paul of Guadeloupe in the Elite Women; Christopher Morales of Puerto Rico in the Men’s Under-23; and Daimelyn Quezada of Cuba in the Women’s Under-23.

From left: Guyanese Briton John, Denise Jeffrey and Aaron Newton competed in the Time Trial (Photos: News Room/Avenash Ramzan/November 2, 2024)

Guyanese Briton John and Denise Jeffrey finished fifth in the Elite Men and Elite Women respectively, while compatriot Aaron Newton did not finish the Men’s Under-23 event.

Click here to view full Time Trial results

Below are the summarized results

The championship will wrap up with the Elite and Under-23 Men and Women Road Race on Sunday.

Click here to see full list of starters for each category 

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A spectacular maiden one-day international century from stand-in captain Liam Livingstone helped England defeat West Indies by five wickets and take the three-match series to a decider.

Chasing a formidable 329 to win in Antigua, Livingstone’s 124 from 85 balls saw the tourists home with 15 balls to spare.

Phil Salt and Jacob Bethell had hit half-centuries before the captain and Sam Curran’s resilient fifth-wicket partnership left England needing 100 runs from the last 10 overs.

Livingstone brought up his fifty in 60 balls before accelerating to bring up three figures just 17 balls later.

Earlier, Windies captain Shai Hope had scored 117 from 127 balls to help the hosts rebuild after losing both openers early.

Hope was ably supported by Keacy Carty (71) and Sherfane Rutherford (54).

It means the series will be decided in the third and final ODI in Barbados on Wednesday.

Sam Curran played a crucial hand in a match-winning partnership (Photo: Getty Images)

England skipper leads from the front

Questions would have been asked of Livingstone if England had lost a second game in a row under his captaincy.

The stand-in skipper used nine bowlers in the West Indies innings without managing to stem the flow of runs and, perhaps surprisingly, failed to use the full 10 overs from his most experienced fast bowler, Jofra Archer.

But he more than made up for it with the bat as his unbeaten 124 from 85 balls guided England to an improbable win.

Livingstone joined Bethell in the middle with his side 107-3 in the 21st over. When his young batting partner departed for 55, the Lancashire all-rounder took full control.

Soon after reaching his half-century, he hit three consecutive sixes off Gudakesh Motie.

Livingstone only need 17 balls more to complete his century, with Curran fitting nicely into his slipstream with a run-a-ball 52.

After Curran departed in the 46th over, the 31-year-old hit debutant Shamar Joseph for three sixes and a four in the following over to ease any nerves in a young side which had lost 12 of their previous 18 matches in this format.

Sherfane Rutherford made his fourth consecutive ODI fifty (Photo: Getty Images)

Hope’s dazzling century not enough

It was a masterful captain’s innings from Hope that put the Windies in a commanding position at the halfway stage, despite losing the toss.

Coming in after John Turner sent back the West Indies openers, the Barbadian oversaw a rebuilding job with Carty which swung the momentum firmly back in the host’s favour.

Despite a wicket offering movement for the bowlers and a slow outfield, Hope made a blistering start, hitting Turner and Adil Rashid for sixes early on before exercising restraint to keep the scoreboard ticking.

While Carty was dropped twice, Hope offered just one chance for England on 60 when he nicked Bethell, only for wicketkeeper Salt to drop it.

After the early fireworks, he next took the aerial route in the 23rd over to bring up his half-century from 66 balls and his team’s 100, sending Bethell over the mid-wicket boundary.

The 30-year-old targeted the England spinners and brought up his 17th ODI ton in 118 balls while Rutherford added a rapid 54 from 36 balls to build on his captain’s innings.

But Livingstone eclipsed Hope’s effort to lead England to a victory that sets up an intriguing decider. (BBC)

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The Guyana Police Force on Saturday afternoon said it is investigating an alleged robbery under arms and abduction of a group of Guyanese and Brazilians at Marudi, Deep South Rupununi, Region Nine.

According to a Police statement, the alleged robbery and abduction was carried out by unidentifiable men, all wearing masks and carrying firearms. Four Guyanese and six Brazilians were said to be the victims.

The incident occurred at about 11:00 hrs at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Bush Mouth substation in Marudi.

“A Joint Services team on the ground pursued the suspects who abandoned their vehicle with the persons abducted, all of whom were rescued unharmed,” the statement noted.

Police said additional details will be provided in a subsequent report.

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A total of 365 women have been awarded contracts to date, as part of the government’s nationwide road development project.

The Ministry of Public Works outlined that in Region Four alone, where a whopping $11.5 billion was allocated for road improvements, women make up 216 of the 673 small contractors.

Region Five saw 29 females awarded contracts as part of the $2.7 billion investment to rehabilitate 191 roads, while in Region Six, another 120 women have joined the sector.

Female contractors at the recent contract signing held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre

Expressing optimism about the initiative, Shevon Parks believes the initiative will have a meaningful impact on the lives of female small contractors.

“It is an excellent initiative that the government is doing targeting small contractors, especially women because often small contractors are deemed inexperienced. Now that we are gaining experience, it will elevate us,”Parks told the Department of Public Information (DPI).

Female contractor signing contract at recent contract signing held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre

Another female contractor and mother of two, Leanna Yearwood said “It is giving women the opportunity to flourish in a male-dominated field. This initiative will help me build my business and provide for my children.”

Sharing similar sentiments, Alison Mohamed highlighted that the initiative is empowering women of all ages.

 “You know there was a time when women were not open to this field of construction and now, we are given an opportunity to grow more. So, I am excited to be a part of this venture,” she stated.

Female contractors at the recent contract signing held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre

The road development project is part of a broader strategy by the government to expand its contractor base.

Since the return of the PPP/C Government to office in August 2020, nearly 2,000 new contractors have joined the industry, adding to the growing network of local expertise.

Contracts under the initiative are expected to be completed by December.

Although some roads will be worked on in sections to maintain access for residents, the ministry assures the public of full completion.

Female contractors at the recent contract signing held in Region Six

Contractors are also required to conduct strength tests on concrete, which must meet a standard of 4,500 pounds per square inch (PSI) for durability.

Failure to meet these standards will result in contract cancellation without compensation.

To ensure transparency and community involvement, contractors and engineers will work closely with residents, who will be invited to monitor the progress.

This approach aims to foster a sense of ownership and pride within the communities benefitting from the infrastructure upgrades (Republished from the Department of Public Information) 

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The ENet Caribbean Clash of Champions is set to deliver an adrenaline-fueled showdown in the Superbike category on November 10, with a thrilling line-up of riders competing across the Super Stock A, Super Stock B and Street Bike classes at the South Dakota Circuit.

In the Super Stock A championship, all eyes will be on the intense rivalry between Matthew Vieira and Kevin Persaud as they battle for the top spot.

Adrian Mohar (Photo: Ackeem Thomas)

Adding to the excitement, British Superbike rider Dan Linfoot has confirmed to compete at the local circuit, along with Guyana’s own Stephen Vieira, who is making the final preparations.

Together, they promise fans a fierce and dynamic competition.

Nicholas Boodram is defending his title in the Super Stock B.

He is currently leading the championship, but faces intense competition from Alain Hopkinson, who is determined to take the top step on race day.

Allain Hopkinson (Photo: Ackeem Thomas)

Dowayne Caesar, Shem Chattersingh and Leroy Cort are joining the group, aiming for a strong finish and a chance to shake up the leaderboard.

Meanwhile, in the Street Bike class, championship leader Adrian Mohar will feel the heat from contenders like Jermaine Chattersingh, Fitzpatrick Augustus, Elwin Chase and Ray Cappell.

These riders are prepared to make Mohar’s path to victory a challenging one.

Heeranand ‘Nicholas’ Boodhram with the chequered flag at the ENet Caribbean Clash of Champions (Photo: News Room/Shaconeil Burnette/November 5, 2023)

Fresh talent will also join the fray as new riders line up for their first taste of competition- a sign of the sport’s continuous growth and commitment to bringing new talent into the arena.

The ENet Caribbean Clash of Champions promises high-speed action, intense rivalries, and the spirit of fierce competition as these skilled riders aim for the podium.

Fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere and a day packed with riveting Superbike action!

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Barbados Pride and defending champions Trinidad and Tobago Red Force pulled off contrasting wins on Friday when action in the CG United Super50 Cup continued in Trinidad.

While Pride closed off a high-intensity run-chase with just two balls remaining against Leeward Islands Hurricanes, Red Force coasted to victory over Windward Islands Volcanoes.

Among the standout performers were Hurricanes opener Justin Greaves scoring 112, his second century in as many innings this tournament; young Kevin Wickham hitting a superb 118 to set up the Pride victory; and opener Tion Webster getting a magnificent 95 not out in the Red Force victory.

On the bowling side, left-arm spinner Jomes Warrican was the highlight with a four-wicket haul for Pride.

At Queen’s Park Oval: Barbados Pride defeated Leeward Islands Hurricanes by three wickets

SUMMARY: Leeward Islands Hurricanes 284-5 from 50 overs (Justin Greaves 112, Mikyle Louis 55, Chesney Hughes 52, Kofi James 34*; Jomel Warrican 4-43) lost to Barbados Pride 285-7 from 49.4 overs (Kevin Wickham 118, Kyle Mayers 58; Oshane Thomas 2-35, Jeremiah Louis 2-57) by three wickets

At Brian Lara Cricket Academy: Trinidad and Tobago Red Force defeated Windward Islands Volcanoes by seven wickets

SUMMARY: Windward Islands Volcanoes 182 all out from 45 overs (Jeremy Solozano 47, Sunil Ambris 47, Dillon Douglas 24; Joshua James 2-15, Anderson Phillip 2-21, Yannic Cariah 2-35) lost to Trinidad and Tobago Red Force 186-3 from 38 overs (Tion Webster 95*, Amir Jangoo 31, Joshua DaSilva 21*) by seven wickets.

Super50 action continues on Saturday (November 2) with West Indies Academy against Jamaica Scorpions from 09:00h at UWI SPEC.

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Khemraj Ramjattan, the former Minister of National Security, Friday claimed that Russian nationals deported were speaking to Dr. Bharat Jagdeo in their language (Russian) during the March 2020 elections saga.

Dr. Jagdeo, Guyana’s current Vice President and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, was serving as Opposition Leader in 2020.

Jagdeo and the PPP led the charge to ensure that the 2020 elections were not derailed by the then APNU+ AFC administration. At that time, however, there were allegations raised by the AFC that Russians were meddling in the elections. Those allegations have never been proven.

Ramjattan, who was also the APNU+AFC coalition candidate for Prime Minister, said Friday that there were four Russians speaking to Jagdeo in 2020.

The AFC member, reflecting on what he said were engagements with Jagdeo and four unidentified Russians claimed that the discussions centered on “certain things rather suspect that had to do with elections.” He said Jagdeo and the Russians were not speaking in English but in Russian.

AFC leader Nigel Hughes was questioned about this situation at an AFC presser on Friday. He, however, deferred to Ramjattan who was also at the presser.

He insinuated that members of the Guyana Police Force were able to understand the Russian language that was allegedly being spoken.

Furthermore, Ramjattan opined that those discussions may have involved national security issues and the elections. So the top brass of the Guyana Police Force took an interest in those apparent discussions. Since these beliefs may have been hard to prove, Ramjattan said that he suggested those nationals be deported.

“… I said deport them if they are illegally in Guyana and so they were deported,” he said at a party press conference.

Ramjattan also that the names of these nationals are in a report presented to Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn. He indicated that he would try to find the report compiled, as he may still have some information in his possession.

Onlookers are still puzzled about accusations of election interference and hacking since Guyana’s elections are conducted via pencil and paper; it is not a computerised process. And each party gets their own Statements of Poll (SOPs) to tabulate their results.

Still, Ramjattan said, “Don’t give the impression that we mek up story” which is believed to be the case by many.

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Leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC), Nigel Hughes on Friday distanced himself from questions about the Statements of Poll (SOPs) that would purportedly show that the APNU+ AFC coalition won the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

“At the last election, I was not in the business of examining SOPs,” Hughes said in response to questions posed to him at a party press conference.

As lawyer defending some of the accused persons, Hughes may have already seen the SOPs. He, however, implied if that was the case, he would not be obligated to disclosed information as part of attorney/ client privileges.

For the past four  years, the APNU+AFC has not produced their SoPs which they insist show that they won the 2020 elections.

The People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) had released their SoPs days after the March 02, 2020 elections which showed a victory for Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C.

A recount of the votes several weeks later also confirmed that the PPP/C had won the elections.

Years later, members of the parties are challenging the recount which was accepted by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and all international observer missions in Guyana at the time. The APNU+ AFC coalition has been accused of attempting to derail the elections by members of the international community, including the ABC EU countries.

Hughes, however, did not want to speak further on the matter as he is representing several of the persons accused of electoral fraud.

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