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SEE STATEMENT FROM THE GUYANA CRICKET BOARD: 

“Fast-bowler Nial Smith is set to replace fellow speedster Ronsford Beaton ahead of the upcoming CWI Regional Super50 Men’s Championships, which bowls off on October 28.

Smith, who recently returned from injury, will replace Beaton, who will miss the tour after failing to turn up to 2 scheduled fitness tests recently organised for the Guyana Harpy Eagles team and other contracted players.

The former West Indies pacer Beaton, who was recently cleared to bowl, added much-needed firepower to the Eagles unit given his experience and success during his brief run on the international stage.

However, Smith’s inclusion is a clean swap as the Berbice quickman has established himself as one of the key bowlers in Guyana’s setup across all formats and will further boost the Eagles’ chances at bringing home the title.”

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, Nial Smith, Sylus Tyndall, Rampertab Ramnauth.

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By Telesha Ramnarine

A mammoth crowd of young people showed up on Sunday for the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) Region Three Youth Conference and they were urged by General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo to choose strategic career paths that would guarantee them good jobs.

He also told them to work on developing certain qualities, such as empathy, that could turn them into good politicians if they choose to get into politics.

Jagdeo, during an interactive session with the youths, was prompted by one young woman to offer advice on what makes a good politician, and he used the opportunity to reflect on his simple upbringing with his industrious parents who were genuinely interested in not just politics, but on preserving their dignity as citizens of the country.

The conference opened at Leonora Track and Field, West Coast Demerara, with hundreds of young people turning up to register with the Progressive Youth Organisation – the youth arm of the party that was set up in 1952.

Before launching into a history of the party, Jagdeo reminded them of his party’s main message and values, assuring them that they would be given an opportunity to speak on what they would like to see the government and party focus on for young people, and how they can replicate and magnify the message and values of the PPP.

Jagdeo reminded that the PPP was the first political party of substance to be formed in Guyana in 1950, two years before the youth arm was formed.

“If you are deciding to join the party, you are joining one that is the oldest and most progressive anywhere in the world, I dare say,” he posited.

Having opened the floor to ideas and suggestions on how to improve policies, Jagdeo encouraged the students to seek proper career guidance and plan their studies well.

“People have to get the skills that are marketable….not just get a computer certificate that may not even be a requirement for a government job,” he noted.

He further urged them to follow what’s going on at the national level so that they can make smarter choices about their careers.

Should they decide to pursue politics, he said it is necessary to develop empathy – to see people’s suffering and have a genuine desire to help them find relief.

“Too many politicians are there in the communities only for the politics and the photo op; they have no interest in solving people’s problems,” Jagdeo pointed out.

He also told them that they have to be comfortable doing grassroots work, and spend as much time as they can listening to people, and not only listen, but allow what they hear to influence the formation of policies down the line.

He advised them to “lead with heart,” reminding them that they do not need to be a big academic to be a good politician.

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Jamie Ghanie, 26, who was wanted for alleged murder and Hansi Jones, 27, who was wanted for three counts of alleged rape were nabbed on Saturday by Police.

Police Headquarters said the men were found at the Kairuni Backdam, along the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway. Ranks went there after they received information on the men’s whereabouts.

Ghanie is wanted for the murder of Coast Guard Lieutenant, Rondel Anthony Douglas. Jones is wanted for the rape of a child.

Two men wanted for murder of Coast Guard Lieutenant

Upon seeing the Police, the men reportedly tried to escape by running but were pursued by the Police. Jones fell to the ground and was captured in the process while Ghanie was also apprehended about 25 meters away.

The narcotics and weapons found

A search was conducted on Jones and one suspected 9MM pistol with serial number filed off along with (3) suspected live rounds of 9MM ammunition and one 9MM spent shell were found.

A quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis sativa were also found on his person.

He was asked if he is the owner of a firearm license to which he replied in the negative. Police took possession of the items and told him of the offense committed and placed him under arrest.

Ghanie was also arrested and they both were escorted to the Mackenzie Police Station, along with the firearm, ammunition, spent shell, and the suspected cannabis.

There, the said suspected firearm, ammunition, and spent shell were marked sealed and lodged.

The suspected cannabis was weighed in Jones’ presence and same amounted to 179 grammes; the same was placed in an evidence bag, marked, sealed, and lodged.

Investigations are underway.

 

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The Global Super League (GSL), a new T20 cricket tournament set to take place in Guyana from November 26 to December 7, has secured ExxonMobil Guyana as its title sponsor.

Sir Clive Lloyd, Chairman of the Global Super League, expressed his gratitude for ExxonMobil Guyana’s continued investment in cricket. “ExxonMobil Guyana has a long history of supporting cricket in Guyana,” he said. “They are an ideal title sponsor.”

The tournament will feature the Guyana Amazon Warriors and four other international teams competing for a US$1 million prize fund.

All matches will be played at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence.

“We are thrilled to deepen our commitment to cricket and the community in Guyana through our partnership with the Global Super League,” said Alistair Routledge, President of ExxonMobil Guyana. “We look forward to an electrifying series of matches and celebrating the spirit of cricket with fans around the world.”

The Global Super League is a significant development for cricket in South America, and its annual staging in Guyana promises to attract top-tier talent and entertain fans worldwide.

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Police are on the hunt for the second bandit involved in the Saturday morning robbery at the Port Mourant Market, Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne).

The News Room reported on Saturday that one of two bandits involved in an attempted robbery at a jewelry store at the market died; the second robber managed to flee.

Additional details on the incident have emerged.

Bandit dies while trying to rob store in Port Mourant Market 

Daniel Dass, 31, operates a jewelry stall in the market. At about 09:15 hrs, the robbers confronted Dass and an assistant. One of the bandits, 18-year-old Parmand Pertab called Mikey, wielded a cutlass and reportedly chopped the assistant.

Meanwhile, the second suspect, armed with a handgun, instructed the businessman and his assistant to lie on the ground. They complied, and the robbers filled a blue string bag with silver and gold jewelry before fleeing on foot.

The businessman later raised an alarm, attracting market patrons who tried to stop the robbers. In response, the armed suspect fired three shots, injuring a bystander in his right leg and left thigh.

That bystander has been identified as Mark Lovell.

The armed bandit managed to flee the scene.

Pertab, still carrying the cutlass and the blue bag with the stolen jewelry, was confronted by several people at the market.

They managed to relieve him of his weapon, retrieve the stolen jewelry, and hand it over to the Police.

All stolen items were recovered and accounted for, Police said. During the confrontation, however, Pertab sustained multiple injuries and collapsed.

Both the injured bystander and Pertab were taken to Port Mourant Public Hospital. Pertab later succumbed to his injuries during treatment while Lovell, was treated and later discharged himself.

A Police examination of Pertab’s body revealed one chop wound on his right hand and two on his upper back. His body was then transported to Ramoo Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.

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As part of its commitment to community development and public welfare, Hand-in-Hand Mutual Fire & Life Insurance Companies Limited recently donated traffic cones and reflective vests to aid the Traffic Department of Regional Division 4 ‘C’.

This contribution is intended to support the Traffic Department in its mission to improve the safety and efficiency of roadways for drivers and pedestrians. The cones and vests will be used to ensure safer traffic flow, mark hazardous zones and protect road maintenance teams during emergencies.

“At Hand in Hand, we understand the importance of supporting initiatives that enhance public safety and well-being. We are honoured to contribute to a cause that will benefit everyone using our roadways,” the company said in a statement.

Hand-in-Hand said it remains dedicated to fulfilling its corporate and social responsibility, as well as community engagement. “We actively support initiatives that align with our values of safety, trust and service. We look forward to continued collaboration with the Traffic Department and other agencies to promote a safer and more efficient Guyana,” the company continued.

Hand-in-Hand is said to be Guyana’s longest established and AM Best rated insurer. “We have been proudly serving our valued policyholders for 159 years with reliable and affordable insurance products and services to safeguard their assets and protect their families. Our commitment to excellence, integrity and innovation has made us one of the most trusted insurers in Guyana,” the statement added.

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Dayna Sukrah has pledged to be guided by integrity and honesty as she takes up her role as an attorney-at-law following the recent acceptance of her petition by Justice Priscilla Chandra Hanif, to practice law in the courts of Guyana.

The 26-year-old, who started her academic journey at the Marian Academy, is the first in her family to become a lawyer.

A former student of the University of Guyana and the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad, she promised to uphold and practice the ethical standards expected of an Officer of the Court, in fulfilling her duty to the Courts, her clients, members of the public and her professional colleagues.

Dayna with some of her closest friends.

Reflecting on her journey to the finish line, Dayna said it was not an easy one.

“I encountered numerous challenges, great sacrifices and overwhelming experiences along the way,” she said.

Initially, she didn’t have a passion to practice Law, but her interest was always in serving others.

“As time progressed, I developed an interest in Law and saw it as an avenue to serve the people of Guyana,” she explained.

It was an arduous and unforgettable journey, she reflected.

“There were many sleepless and tearful nights, days filled with pure studying and no appetite to eat, great financial struggles, feelings of frustration when the course content seemed beyond my comprehension and fears of losing the one opportunity that I had to achieve my goal.”

Dayna is grateful to her family, friends and colleagues for their support. And she vowed to continue making them proud.

“As a competent Attorney-at-Law in Guyana, my conduct will always be guided by integrity and honesty so that it promotes public confidence in the efficiency of the legal system and the legal profession. I aspire to seek justice for those in need and to positively contribute to the legal community,” Dayna said.

 

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Thirty-two girls from the Campbellville Government Secondary School in Georgetown came out on Saturday for an initiative by the Rotary Club of Garden City (Georgetown) called the Girls’ Empowerment Wellness Weekend.

The initiative, the third of its kind so far, sought to empower girls, ages 12 to 17, to be what they can be; to enable them to make changes in their own lives, families, and communities.

Held at the Guyana Olympic Association, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, Rotary president Melissa De Santos told News Room that they decided to reach out to this particular school to offer help in this manner due to some negative reports that are circulating.

‘Human Services Minister’ Vindhya Persaud (right) with President of the Rotary Club of Garden City Georgetown, Melissa De Santos

“We’ve noticed in the press a lot of stories coming out of Campbellville Secondary. There is a lot of bullying happening there, so we decided we would reach out. We’re not going to stop with just the girls; we will have a talk with the boys as well,” De Santos shared.

The two-day session will not just focus on bullying. It will take in a holistic approach to mental health and other concerns. Also, persons from different career backgrounds will interact with the girls.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, who has been instrumental in helping the rotary members pull off this event, commended its 40 members for the good work they are doing with the empowerment of girls.

“I believe it is necessary given what we are seeing across the country in many schools; bullying, instances of violence, teenage pregnancy, all of these are social issues which affect girls. I will always support this because it is necessary for mentorship to happen,” she expressed.

Minister Persaud said she viewed the engagement as wholly beneficial because it engages not just the girls, but their families as well. “It’s a holistic approach to helping young persons find themselves a little, and if this can mature into something that is sustainable, where they have frequent engagements with this group, I will really like to see that.”

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A bandit died on Saturday morning after he was chopped while attempting to rob a jewelry stall at the Port Mourant Market, Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne).

The News Room understands that two perpetrators, both armed with guns, went to rob the store early Saturday morning. During the robbery attempt, the bandits fired gunshots and injured a passerby.

In retaliation, the perpetrators were confronted by individuals in the market who dealt several chops about their (the bandits’) bodies. One of the bandits escaped but the other succumbed to his injuries.

Regional Commander Shivpersaud Bacchus confirmed that Police are on the hunt for the second suspect. The injured passerby is said to be hospitalised.

Additional details will be provided in a subsequent report.

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By Kurt Campbell

In a historic turn of events, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has been appointed as the new Secretary General of the Commonwealth, a decision solidified on the final day of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa on Friday, October 25, 2024.

Her ascent to this prominent role can be traced back to her influential visit to Guyana earlier this year, where she engaged in pivotal discussions with Caribbean leaders.

In May 2024, Botchwey attended the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Summit in Georgetown, Guyana, serving as a special guest.

During her time there, she held a series of bilateral and multilateral talks, successfully rallying support from leaders of independent CARICOM member states for her candidacy.

This engagement not only showcased her commitment to regional collaboration but also highlighted the importance of unity among Caribbean nations.

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey with Mia Mottley, Barbados

The support she garnered in Guyana proved crucial as she navigated the competitive landscape for the Commonwealth Secretary-General position.

Her strong advocacy for reparations for transatlantic slavery and colonialism resonated with many leaders, positioning her as a candidate who could effectively champion these vital discussions on an international stage.

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey with Dickon Mitchell, Grenada

Upon her appointment, Botchwey expressed her gratitude, stating she was “truly humbled” by the trust placed in her and acknowledged the significant work that lies ahead.

The CHOGM summit underscored the pressing need for reparatory justice, a topic she has passionately promoted, further bolstered by the solidarity from her Caribbean counterparts.

Hon. Dr. Terrance Michael Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, with Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s Foreign Minister

In the final communique, heads of government emphasised the necessity for “meaningful, truthful and respectful conversation” about the legacies of slavery, reflecting the growing momentum for reparations that Botchwey aims to harness during her tenure.

Although the UK government has been reluctant to issue an official apology or commit to direct reparations, Botchwey’s leadership offers a renewed opportunity for dialogue and reform within the Commonwealth.

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey with Gaston Browne, Antigua & Barbuda

Botchwey’s journey from Guyana to Samoa epitomises the power of regional support in elevating a candidate to a significant global role.

As she embarks on this new chapter, her focus on equity, reparatory justice, and climate resilience positions her as a transformative leader for the Commonwealth.

Shirley Ayokor Botchwey with Roosevelt Skerrit, Dominica

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