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SUMMARY: Australia 151 for 8 (Grace Harris 40, Tahila McGrath 32, Ellyse Perry 32, Renuka Singh 2-24; Deepti Sharma 2-28) beat India 142 for 9 (Harmanpreet Kaur 54*, Deepti Sharma 29; Annabel Sutherland 2-22, Sophie Molineux 2-32) by nine runs

Australia secured its place in the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals with a nine-run win over India, which faced a nervous wait to see if it would join the final four.

The defending champions are certain of topping Group A after winning all four games, but second-placed India need New Zealand to lose to Pakistan on Monday and stay ahead of both sides on net run-rate (NRR) to progress.

Needing 152 to win and backed by a large and raucous crowd in Sharjah, India batted aggressively and gamely kept up with the rate.

They needed 14 to win off the final over thanks to an excellent 54 from 47 balls from captain Harmanpreet Kaur.

But Australia seamer Annabel Sutherland held her nerve, with her over costing just four runs for the loss of three wickets to seal the win.

Australia, who were without injured captain Alyssa Healy, earlier recovered from the loss of two early wickets to post 151-8 – their highest score of the tournament.

Opener Grace Harris top-scored with 40 from 41 balls, while Ellyse Perry and stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath each added 32. (BBC)

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General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, on Sunday delivered the feature address at a large gathering of over 3,000 young people at Tain Campus, Region Six, during a Youth Conference organised by the Party.

This conference is the latest in a series of similar events held as part of the Party’s countrywide drive to recruit a new generation of young members to its youth arm, the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO).

In his address at Tain, General Secretary Jagdeo outlined the history of the PPP and the PYO, highlighting their founding by the early leadership of the Party.

He shared the instrumental role played by the PYO and its members in key aspects of the PPP’s political activism over the years, particularly in the struggle against the PNC dictatorship and the fight for democracy during the 1970s and 1980s, which culminated in the restoration of democracy in 1992.

The General Secretary also noted that the PYO has historically served as the Party’s leadership incubator, providing a path through which many of the Party’s current leaders entered political life.

He cited examples such as President Irfaan Ali and himself, both of whom began their political careers in the PYO and have since gone on to hold the highest offices in the country.

A participant of the Youth Conference makes a point

Dr. Jagdeo emphasized to the young audience the importance of discipline and commitment to the ideals and objectives of the Party, which have been key to the sustained strength of both the PYO and the PPP over the years.

He also elaborated on the Government’s plans to transform Region Six, including the aggressive expansion of infrastructure essential for productive activities and quality of life, such as the construction of new Hope-like canals, a four-lane highway, community roads, and the creation of opportunities for personal advancement through training programs at the Guyana Technical Training College in Port Mourant.

A young lady takes the floor during the interactive session

Following the General Secretary’s address, an interactive session was held, allowing participants to pose questions to Dr. Jagdeo.

The youths later engaged in break-out sessions to discuss issues they felt needed priority attention from the Party and the Government.

This youth conference in Region Six follows several others held in various regions, with more scheduled as the Party intensifies its recruitment of the next generation of members nationwide.

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Essequibo triumphed over Berbice in a thrilling encounter at the Pomona Cricket Ground on Sunday, marking the venue’s first-ever Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Inter-County match.

The memorable clash saw Ricardo Adams produce a match-winning performance with both bat and ball, leading Essequibo to a dramatic victory.

The experienced Adams picked up a five-wicket haul and then muscled a quickfire fifty as Essequibo made light work of a target of 204.

Berbice, batting first, struggled against a disciplined Essequibo bowling attack, being dismissed for 203 in 45.1 overs.

Test player Kevin Sinclair top-scored with 39 off 42 (4x4s, 2x6s), while opener and national Under-19 player Rampertab Ramnauth contributed 38 off 53 (4x4s, 1×6).

Skipper Veerasammy Permaul added 30 off 53 (1×4, 1×6) and Tomani Caesar scored 20 off 35 (2x4s) to guide Berbice to a 200+ total.

Adams was the destroyer-in-chief, claiming 5-25 from his 10-over spell. Ronsford Beaton also played his part with two wickets, while Garfield Phillips, Malcolm Hubbard and Antony Adams chipped in with a wicket each.

Essequibo (yellow) started the competition with a statement of intent by defeating Berbice (Photo: Guyana Cricket Board)

In reply, Essequibo found themselves in trouble early, losing four wickets for just 32 runs, with Clinton Pestano dismantling the top order, eventually finishing with figures of 3-29 from five overs.

At this critical juncture, captain Antony Adams and Guyana Harpy Eagles player Kemol Savory steadied the ship with a 66-run partnership, with Savory scoring 34 before being dismissed.

Ricardo Adams then joined his captain at the crease, and together they turned the match in Essequibo’s favour.

Their 94-run stand took Essequibo to the brink of victory, with Ricardo smashing five sixes and two fours in his 60 off 47 balls. He was dismissed with Essequibo 12 runs away from the win.

Antony Adams ensured there were no further setbacks, remaining unbeaten on 60 off 87 (8x4s, 1×6) to guide Essequibo to a historic success.

Junior Sinclair and Kevin Sinclair each took a wicket for Berbice, but the combined efforts of the Adams duo proved too much for the visitors.

Captains Antony Adams (right) of Essequibo and Veerasammy Permaul of Berbice at the toss (Photo: Guyana Cricket Board)

In the other first round game on Sunday, defending champions Demerara defeated the GCB Select XI by 105 runs at the GCC ground, Bourda.

SUMMARY: Demerara 258-9 from 50 overs (Tagenarine Chanderpaul 102*, Akshaya Persaud 80, Tevin Imlach 29; Carlos La Rose 4-41, Jonathan Van Lange 2-51) vs GCB Select XI 153 all out from 43 overs (Kwesi Mickle 51, Ushardeva Balgobin 27, Jonathon Rampersaud 26, Brandon Jaikarran 25; Devon Lord 3-21, Richie Looknauth 2-19, Steven Sankar 2-41)

Round Two of the Inter-County competition will be played on Tuesday (October 15) with Berbice versus Demerara at the GCC Ground, Bourda, and Essequibo against the GCB Select XI at the Lusignan ground, East Coast Demerara.

Both matches will bowl off at 09:30h.

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Last week, October 10, Sydney Amaliya Fraser took her oath as an attorney which she said unbelievably marked the end of a rigorous academic journey and the beginning of what is a promising legal career.

Her admission to the bar was not just a personal achievement but a significant milestone for her family who has been involved in the legal profession for 100 years.

In a candid interview with the News Room on Sunday, Sydney, the daughter of Senior Counsel Stephen Fraser, acknowledges that proud history but says her achievements are not without hard work as she now looks to carve out a legacy of her own.

“I learned on the day of my admission that it had been 100 years of Frasers at the bar.

“I always knew that my family had a legacy in law, but I think it was only then, when I heard that number, that I realised how integral this profession is to us. It means so much to carry on their legacy, and I hope to carve out one of my own,” she shared.

Sydney’s story is one of determination, passion, and the will to serve.

“I’m not just here as a placeholder from the Fraser family.

“I’m here as someone who intends to do something with the opportunities I’ve been given,” she said.

Sydney is keenly aware of the privileges she has enjoyed but wants people to also know of the challenges and responsibilities she has personally taken on in accomplishing this feat.

“Yes, I recognise the privileges I’ve had, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t have to put in the work,” she said.

Sydney’s academic accomplishments are impressive. Graduating with first-class honours from the University of the West Indies, she stood out in subjects close to her heart—international human rights and general law.

“I was fortunate to be the top student in several subjects I’m passionate about,” she said.

Sydney’s legal journey placed her on the Principal’s Honor Roll, a testament to her resilience and determination.

Her legal education took her beyond the classroom, as she participated in prestigious moot court competitions, including one at Harvard in Boston.

Beyond her academic success, Sydney has always been driven by a passion for human rights, particularly in advocating for vulnerable communities.

Her commitment to human rights is not just academic; it is personal.

“The law can be a powerful tool for change,” she explained.

“I want to use my legal knowledge and skills to give back to society, especially those who may not have a voice,” she said.

Sydney Fraser is admitted to the Bar in Guyana

While Sydney’s achievements are impressive, her journey was not without challenges. Reflecting on moments of doubt, she spoke about the struggles she faced, particularly during her final year of undergraduate studies.

“The hardest part was probably that third year, during the COVID pandemic,” she recalled.

“It completely threw everything into chaos. I wasn’t enjoying everything I was doing, and I had to ask myself, ‘Is it just this moment, or is it something I never wanted to do?’”

Despite these moments of uncertainty, Sydney pushed through.

“It wasn’t easy, but I realised those struggles were part of the process. They helped me grow and become the person I am today.”

Looking ahead, Sydney’s goals remain firmly rooted in making a positive impact. Her future plans also include a continued commitment to human rights advocacy.

As a new attorney, she is driven by the values of compassion, service, and justice.

Sydney Fraser is admitted to the Bar in Guyana

“I care about people,” she said. “I hope to make a change, and I believe that change is possible.”

Throughout her journey, Sydney’s faith has been a cornerstone of her strength.

“Faith is very important to me,” she said.

“There were times when I felt alone, when everything seemed to be going wrong, but I always knew that God would carry me through. You can do all the work in the world, but without faith, it’s nothing.”

As she steps into this new chapter, Sydney is not just a lawyer. She’s a young woman with a deep sense of purpose, committed to making a lasting impact on her community and beyond.

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Brandon King and Evin Lewis crashed 107 off 55 balls at the top of the order, to set West Indies beautifully on course to their target of 180, in the first T20I against Sri Lanka.

Although the hosts’ middle-overs bowlers slowed West Indies’ progress, they were never in serious trouble.

They had plenty of batting to see the chase through, and Sherfane Rutherford finished it off with a four off the first ball of the final over.

Shamar Joseph was the most economical of West Indies’ bowlers, conceding only 27 from his four overs.

Though King and Lewis later outshone them, Sri Lanka had two half-centurions too, in Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka, whose 82-run stand was the most substantial of the innings.

Brandon King was aggressive in the Powerplay (Photo: AP)

King, Lewis blast the Powerplay

Lewis struck the first boundaries, launching Chamindu Wickramasinghe for a six and four at the end of the first over, but it was King who made the greatest impression while the fielding restrictions were in play.

King’s standard move was to run at the bowlers and blast them down the ground.

So good was his hand-eye coordination, that he did it twice against seamer Asitha Fernando in the second over, before taking aim at the spin of Maheesh Theekshana in the third over.

By the end of the Powerplay, King had eight fours (some of them edged, to be fair), and 39 runs off 20 balls.

Lewis, who had blasted boundaries off Wickramasinghe almost exclusively, had 31 off 16 balls. And West Indies had 74 off the first six.

They kept swinging, and by the end, Lewis made 50 off 28, and King 63 off 33. The requirement was fairly simple after their onslaught.

Romario Shepherd picked up the first wicket of the match (Photo: AP)

WI quicks strike early

By contrast, Sri Lanka’s top order had failed to prosper on a helpful surface, thanks in part to sharp bowling from West Indies’ quicks.

Romario Shepherd caught the edge of Pathum Nissanka’s bat three times, conceded fours behind the wicket and then had him caught by the keeper on the third occasion, to make West Indies’ first breakthrough.

Kusal Perera was then bowled by Shamar Joseph early in the following over.

When Kusal Mendis was also bowled by an excellent quicker delivery from Gudakesh Motie, leaving Sri Lanka at 58-3, it felt as if West Indies were about to carve open the game.

Kamindu may be good at cricket

But then perhaps it’s time to admit that Kamindu appears to know what he is doing on a cricket field.

Having recently become the fastest batter since 1950 to 1,000 Test runs, he produced 50 off 41 here in the shortest format, outdone in his team only by Asalanka who clubbed 59 off 35, Kamindu would also bowl two overs for 14, switching arms when necessary.

He took the wicket of the opposition’s top scorer, King, with his left-arm spin, and collected figures of 1-14. (ESPNcricinfo)

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Yuni Zamora Castro, 25, a Venezuelan national, was fatally stabbed on Saturday afternoon by her reputed husband, 60-year-old El Tio, at their home in Station Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

The incident occurred around 17:30 hrs at their residence, where the couple lived together in a two-storey concrete house alongside other Venezuelan nationals.

Initial investigations have revealed that the two were believed to be reputed husband and wife, though their relationship had reportedly been troubled by El Tio’s jealousy.

Anislaidy Diaz Leblanch, a 42-year-old cleaner and cook who was close to the victim, explained that Castro had recently informed El Tio she no longer wanted to continue their relationship due to his possessive behaviour.

On Saturday, after returning home from work together, the pair were sitting on the verandah when El Tio approached Castro, handing her $1000 to settle a small debt. Castro informed him that she did not have change but would repay him later.

The situation quickly escalated when, moments later, El Tio approached Castro in the lower flat of their home, armed with a knife.

He then launched a violent attack, stabbing her multiple times. Diaz, who witnessed the assault, fled in fear, escaping the house unharmed.

El Tio then took his own life.

The post UPDATE: Jealousy behind fatal stabbing of Venezuelan woman appeared first on News Room Guyana.

A tragic workplace accident at Top Mix Cement has claimed the life of serviceman Patrick Picket, who was injured by the rear wheels of a 14-tonne ready-mix cement truck on Saturday.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:45 hrs at the company’s Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara site.

Picket was servicing the vehicle, checking the oil beneath it, when the truck, operated by Sham Singh, began moving towards the batching plant for loading.

It is believed the rear right wheels of the truck struck Picket as it passed, resulting in fatal injuries.

Colleagues, including Batch Supervisor Harry Mahase, quickly responded, finding Picket on the ground. He was promptly transported to the Diamond Regional Hospital, but was pronounced dead.

The Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

OSH Officer Neza King has already conducted an initial site visit to gather information, though key witnesses were unavailable as they were providing statements to the police.

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton expressed his sorrow at the incident, offering condolences to Picket’s family, friends, and colleagues.

He also stressed the need for strict adherence to workplace safety standards to prevent such tragedies from recurring.

 

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Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) announces the successful entry of the Savannah milk products into the Barbados market. Savannah milk products are produced by the TOPCO Plant.

The entry of Savannah milk to Barbados is a result of concerted efforts by DDL, the Guyana Office for Investment, and the Barbados Special Envoy to Guyana and Suriname, Althea Wiggins, and comes at a time when there is a shortage of milk in the Barbados Market.

Speaking in Guyana after the announcement at a Media Conference in Barbados, DDL Chairman, Komal Samaroo, said that “as DDL continues to diversify its portfolio of products, the company remains focused on the commitment of Heads of Government of CARICOM to work together towards food security in the region, and the ambitious but necessary reduction in the regional food importation bill by 25% by the year 2025. As such we are very satisfied that we are able to begin our supply of milk products to Barbados at this critical time.

The Chairman added that “the authorities in Barbados and the regimes that are in place made it as easy as it should be for a CARICOM company to enter and operate in that market. As we continue to seek to supply other CARICOM markets, we hope that Barbados would serve as a model.”

At the Media Conference in Barbados last week to launch the Savannah milk products, Wiggins, the Special Envoy said, “In terms of a separate bilateral arrangement that was signed with Guyana, we are now introducing Savannah milk, imported from Demerara Distillers to Barbados through local distributor Grady Marketing.”

A Barbadian customer sampling Savannah Milk at a local supermarket.

Speaking at the same Media Briefing, Managing Director of Grady Marketing, Roger Bannister, said that “the entire first shipment has been sold to supermarkets across the island, a testament to the demand for high-quality milk among Barbadians.”

Chief Investment Officer, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, commenting on the new market for Guyana’s milk said, “We are proud to be part of this partnership, which demonstrates the value of working together as a region to support each other’s economies.” Dr. Ramsaroop added, “This initiative not only brings a high-quality product to the Barbadian market but also strengthens ties between Guyana and Barbados, a relationship that has been significantly enhanced through the St. Barnabas Accord.”

The St. Barnabas Accord, signed by His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, and the Honourable Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, has been instrumental in deepening the trade relationship between Guyana and Barbados, fostering greater economic cooperation, and facilitating initiatives like this one that benefits both countries. This agreement has paved the way for increased trade of goods and services, ensuring that essential commodities such as milk can be readily available to the Barbadian market.

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UNICEF Guyana, in collaboration with the First Lady of Guyana, Arya Ali, the Ministry of Health, and the Pan American Health Organization/World Health organization (PAHO/WHO), on Thursday, October 10, 2024, launched the “Hear Me Out” mental health anti-stigma campaign. The campaign’s goal is to foster open discussions about mental health and highlight the importance of seeking treatment among young people. 

At the launch event held at the Port Mourant Community Centre Ground in Region 6, First Lady, Her Excellency Arya Ali  in her remarks at the opening said “This is an area of health which we continue to mobilise support around and one which is continually evolving, thus making it a more complex issue. In our fast-paced world, we often overlook Mental Health in favour of other goals and pursuits of life. But it is very important that we deploy stress management techniques. and find what works for us best.”

She continued, “But beyond ourselves, we also have a responsibility around us, our family and friends. Their mental health also matters. We must begin by destigmatizing mental health. In a society like ours, that can be challenging, but an allyship like ours will ensure we overcome this challenge, we have the power to stabilize, and we must never forget. That is why today’s activity is so important.”

UNICEF Country Representative Nicolas Pron underlined the importance of mental health in overall well-being. “Mental health is as important as our physical health,” he continued, “By encouraging conversations and practices to protect mental health among young people, we can create a society where no one feels ashamed to ask for help.”

Director of the Ministry of Health – Mental Health Unit, Dr. Timothy Morgan in his remarks stated “The Ministry of Health, through the Mental Health Unit, has been actively collaborating with our partners to improve the mental health of our Guyanese children and adolescents. We will continue to partner with PAHO/WHO, UNICEF and other like-minded organisations and government agencies to holistically improve the mental health of our Guyanese children and adolescents and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.”

The “Hear Me Out” campaign will include a variety of activities, such as school-based programs, television and radio broadcasts, and social media initiatives. UNICEF encourages everyone, from students and parents to teachers and community members, to take part and contribute to the campaign. According to WHO’s global statistics on suicide rates, Guyana is among the countries in the world with significantly high suicide rates.

Globally, one in four people are affected by poor mental health with approximately 280 million people in the world living with depression. Reports have revealed that more than 700,000 people die due to suicide every year, with suicide being the fourth leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds.

UNICEF remains committed to ensuring good mental health and well-being for every child, everywhere. Through the “Hear Me Out” campaign, UNICEF aims to empower young people to prioritize their mental health and seek the support they need.

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Farmers and residents from areas within the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary Agriculture Development Authority (MMA-ADA) Scheme, West Coast Berbice as well as those residing in Black Bush Polder, Talorgie, and other surrounding communities on the Corentyne Coast will now benefit from further improvements to their drainage systems following the addition of approximately $127 million worth of heavy-duty machinery.

Through the Ministry of Agriculture’s Agriculture Sector Development Unit’s (ASDU) Flood Risk Management Project (FRMP), seven excavators; six mini excavators, and one long boom excavator; were procured through funding from the World Bank and added to the MMA’s and Region Six’s fleet of machinery.

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha while offering remarks at the handing over exercise at the MMA’s Onverwagt office said the two additional excavators being added to MMA’s fleet will be used to carry out the desilting of internal drainage systems in the MMA scheme.

“Today, we’ll be handing over two brand new mini excavators to the MMA to further assist with improving drainage in the scheme. These machines will be used to desilt internal and interlocking drains within the housing areas,” the minister explained.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha while handing over the keys to the two mini excavators to the Black Bush Polder Chairperson

Furthermore, Minister Mustapha disclosed that two young females who benefited from skills training offered by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) were hired by the MMA to operate the excavators.

“Here we have two young women who benefited from the BIT training and are now operators. They were hired and will be the ones operating these machines. As a government, we believe in empowering young people. These young women took the opportunity and are now certified excavator operators. More young people should take up these opportunities. Get enrolled in these courses being offered by the Board of Industrial Training so that you too can be gainfully employed,” Minister Mustapha added.

Venita Chatergoon, 27, who resides at Number Five Village, West Boast Berbice said she was previously employed as a security officer. She said when she heard about the BIT programme, she enrolled and was able to benefit from the much-needed skills training. Meanwhile, Divya Ragbir, 22 said she was elated to be gainfully employed after recently becoming a certified excavator operator and thanked the government for creating avenues for young people to receive critical skills training.

Two of the mini excavators that were handed over on Saturday

As is the case with the Agriculture Innovative Entrepreneurial Programme (AIEP), the BIT is a government initiative offering specialized courses to empower young people through skills training thus enabling them to be gainfully employed while also promoting entrepreneurship.

Meanwhile, at Black Bush Polder, while handing over two mini excavators to the Neighborhood Democratic Council (NDC), Minister Mustapha said that the new equipment will be permanently stationed in the polders to carry out drainage works in the residential areas. He also said that oftentimes machinery is sent to do work following commitments made by officials. Those works, he added, are sometimes incomplete, and the machines are sent to other areas to carry out other works. He also told those in attendance that each excavator would service two polders.

During a meeting at Talorgie, Minister Mustapha while handing over two mini excavators and a long boom excavator said that the two mini excavators will be used to carry out critical drainage works in the residential areas. In contrast, the long boom excavator will be used to clear canals and carry out other drainage works in the cultivation areas. He also said that a work programme will be developed to guide the works and that critical works will be prioritized.

Desilting and other drainage works are expected to commence in the coming week.

Minister Mustapha also encouraged the regional officials to engage the Ministry of Labour so that more young female operators who benefited from skills training offered by BIT could be hired.

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