Blog

The Caribbean Premier League’s reputation as a launchpad for regional talent is stretching beyond the boundary ropes as  Luis Kumar, the former Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMRSC) marketing executive, has been officially selected for the 2026 CPL/University of the West Indies Marketing Course & Internship Programme, pivoting from the high-octane world of motorsport to the fast-paced business of cricket entertainment.

Run jointly by the CPL and the University of the West Indies (UWI) Faculty of Sport, the highly competitive initiative is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year.

Kumar joins a select group of 21 students from across the region for the July-to-September intake, a period that coincides with the heavy lifting of executing “The Biggest Party in Sport.”

While a transition to cricket brings a fresh dynamic for Kumar, he arrives with a pedigree in sports administration. During his tenure at the GMRSC, Kumar was instrumental in elevating the profile of local and regional motorsport events.

His portfolio includes participation in official FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) media and marketing workshops, giving him a firm grounding in global best practices across sports branding, broadcast logistics, and digital fan engagement.

For Kumar, the move aligns perfectly with a broader economic and cultural shift within his home country.

“This is a major step for me, especially as Guyana establishes itself as a sports tourism destination,” Kumar said. “With CPL’s energy, new events like the Global Super League, and our motorsport scene, our country is making its mark. The experience and skills from this program will help us strengthen local marketing.”

The 2026 edition of the CPL is shaping up to be its most expansive yet, with the tournament footprint spreading across seven Caribbean host nations: Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Saint Lucia, St Kitts & Nevis, Trinidad & Tobago, and a returning Jamaica.

The program offers a unique hybrid structure, combining a fully accredited three-credit Sports Marketing course delivered online by UWI lecturers with real-time, on-the-ground operational roles within the CPL marketing team during the tournament.

Over the past decade, the internship has served as a critical pipeline for the sports industry in the Caribbean, with numerous alumni securing permanent, paid roles within the CPL and wider entertainment sectors.

The post Guyanese Luis Kumar selected for CPL/UWI Sports Marketing Programme appeared first on News Room Guyana.

A buzzer-beater goal by Caleb Yirenkyi ensured Carlos Queiroz’s Ghana secured a hard-fought win over Panama at Toronto Stadium.

Los Canaleros enjoyed the first chance of note, as Amir Murillo’s low cross found Cecilio Waterman in the area, but Lawrence Ati Zigi repelled his first-time effort with a fine diving save.

Panama created the next opening when a poor Ati Zigi punch fell to the feet of Jiovany Ramos, and while the defender had time, he blazed his effort over.

The Ghana goal continued to live a charmed life in the second half, with Cristian Martinez next to come close. The No6 collected a loose ball in the area and deployed a clever shimmy to buy a yard, only to flash his shot into the side netting.

Queiroz, who has now coached at a joint-record five successive World Cups, made a double change just before the hour which very nearly paid instant dividends. Substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante darted down the right and slid the ball across goal for Jordan Ayew, but Ramos got back to produce a goal-saving challenge.

Both sides looked happy to settle for a draw until Thomas-Asante was set free down the left and drove into the area, before squaring for Yirenkyi to tap home his first international goal, winning the game for the Black Stars and denying Panama a first World Cup point in the process. (FIFA) 

The post FIFA WORLD CUP 2026: Yirenkyi nets late winner to break Panama hearts appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Colombia celebrated their return to the FIFA World Cup with a thrilling victory over debutants Uzbekistan, thanks to an inspirational performance by Luis Diaz.

The end-to-end clash, which was sealed by a 99th-minute header from substitute Jaminton Campaz, ensured the first round of group-stage matches in North America ended on a high note.

Diaz was the star attraction after expertly setting up Daniel Munoz’s first-half opener before securing the victory in the second stanza. With Portugal being held to a draw by Congo DR, Colombia have now taken early control of Group K.

There was a moment to remember for Uzbekistan when Abbosbek Fayzullaev levelled the scores for the team’s maiden World Cup goal. But with Diaz pulling the strings, the South Americans proved too strong in the end.

Backed by their boisterous supporters, Colombia had the first meaningful chance in the 17th minute when midfielder Jhon Arias struck the side netting from distance.

The South Americans came even closer in the 32nd minute when the outstanding Diaz guided a left-footed effort past Uzbek goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov and on to the foot of the post.

It seemed just a matter of time before Colombia would break the deadlock. That moment came five minutes before the break when Diaz’s pinpoint pass over the Uzbek backline was expertly flicked on by Munoz with the outside of his boot.

Uzbekistan refused to give up and levelled the scores when Dostonbek Khamdamov’s volleyed effort following Eldor Shomurdov’s left-wing cross struck the post and fell into the path of Fayzullaev, who headed home for a historic goal.

The debutants’ joy was short-lived, however. Colombia immediately fought back and restored the lead after Diaz’s low strike hit the gloves of Yusupov and crossed the line. It was Diaz’s inaugural World Cup goal.

The three points were sealed deep into injury time when Cucho Hernandez brilliantly won the ball on the right wing and crossed to fellow substitute Campaz, who powered home a header. (FIFA) 

The post FIFA WORLD CUP 2026: Dynamic Diaz lifts Colombia past Uzbekistan appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The opening of a new Government of Guyana Service Centre in Port Mourant on Tuesday was about more than improving access to public services. It was also an opportunity for Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh to paint a picture of what he believes Berbice will look like in the years ahead.

Addressing a large gathering of residents from across Region Six, Dr. Singh said the region is on the cusp of a transformation unlike anything seen before, driven by massive investments in infrastructure, industry, healthcare and energy.

“In five to ten years’ time, Region Six will be a completely different region from the Region Six that we knew five or ten years ago,” he told residents.

According to the minister, the changes already underway are laying the foundation for thousands of new jobs and business opportunities for Berbicians.

Among the projects he highlighted was the planned new four-lane bridge across the Berbice River, which he said will be needed to accommodate increased traffic and support future economic expansion.

That bridge, he explained, will form part of a wider transportation network that includes a four-lane highway along the Corentyne Coast, upgraded roads linking communities across the region, a bridge across the Corentyne River and a deep-water port at the mouth of the Berbice River.

But perhaps the biggest development on the horizon, according to Singh, is the arrival of Guyana’s second gas pipeline in Region Six.

The project is expected to support electricity generation and fuel a major industrial complex that could include petrochemical operations, fertilizer production and bauxite processing facilities.

“Imagine Guyana’s second gas pipeline landing right here in Region Six,” he said. “This is a transformation that is full of opportunities for every single citizen and resident of Region Six.”

For residents, the promise of development is closely tied to employment. Singh pointed to the thousands of jobs expected to be created in healthcare, construction, manufacturing, energy, tourism and hospitality.

He noted that the new hospitals at Number 75 Village and New Amsterdam alone are expected to create more than 1,000 jobs for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, drivers, technicians and support staff.

Additional employment opportunities are expected through the development of the Palmyra area, where an international stadium, hotels, commercial facilities and residential developments are planned.

The minister urged residents to take advantage of training programmes currently being offered by the government to ensure they are equipped for the opportunities being created.

“You cannot sit back and ignore the training opportunities and then be upset when others take advantage of those jobs,” he said.

Singh stressed that many of the projects are already underway and are no longer simply plans on paper.

From new roads and hospitals to technical training facilities and industrial investments, he said Region Six is already seeing the early stages of a transformation that could reshape the economic future of Berbice for generations.

The Government of Guyana Service Centre opened at Port Mourant will meanwhile provide residents with easier access to services including immigration, passport and Guyana Revenue Authority transactions, reducing the need for lengthy travel and wait times.

The post ‘Berbice unrecognisable in 10 years’ – Dr. Singh unveils vision for jobs, industry and growth appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Residents of Region Six are being urged to embrace Guyana’s digital transformation as the government expands online services and opens new facilities designed to make everyday transactions faster and more convenient.

Speaking at the opening of a new Government of Guyana Services Centre in Port Mourant, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, said the country’s transformation is not only about building roads, bridges, schools and hospitals but also about making government services easier to access.

The new centre will provide a range of essential services, including Immigration and Passport applications and Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) services, bringing key government agencies closer to thousands of Berbicians.

For residents who previously had to travel long distances or spend hours waiting in lines, the facility represents another step toward a more modern and citizen-friendly public service.

But Dr. Singh said the government’s vision goes even further.

He encouraged citizens to take advantage of the growing number of services now available online through President Irfaan Ali’s digital agenda.

“You know that we came to you less than a year ago with a manifesto, and we promised that we are going to build out digital Guyana,” Dr. Singh told the gathering.

According to the minister, Guyanese can already apply online for passports, cash grants, birth certificates, marriage certificates and even bank accounts, with more services expected to become available digitally.

He acknowledged that some people may still be hesitant to use technology but urged them not to be left behind as the country modernises.

“Don’t be content to say you don’t know how to operate computers, or you don’t know how to download an app, or you don’t know how to use a website,” he said.

Dr. Singh said the goal is to eliminate the frustration many citizens face when accessing public services.

“The choice is between joining a line and waiting for hours or being able to stay at home and access services using your phone or tablet,” he said.

He explained that President Ali’s vision is for citizens to submit applications, make payments, request services and track queries online without having to travel or spend hours waiting at government offices.

As Guyana continues its rapid development, Dr. Singh said digital transformation will play a key role in ensuring citizens benefit from a more efficient and accessible public service.

“We’re going to continue to build out this modernization and this transformation. Come on board and be a part of this remarkably exciting digital agenda to build out a more modern Guyana,” he urged.

The post ‘Embrace digital Guyana and leave long lines behind’ – Ashni Singh to Berbicians appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Thousands of Guyanese workers could soon take home more of their earnings as President Dr. Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed his commitment to raising the income tax threshold to $200,000 before the end of the government’s current term.

Speaking to workers gathered for the annual Enmore Martyrs Day observance on Tuesday, the President said the government’s goal is to continue easing the tax burden on working people while creating opportunities for families to improve their quality of life.

“The new base now is a new threshold, and we said that before the end of this term, that new base will be $200,000 upon which our workers would stand, $200,000 tax-free,” President Ali announced.

For many workers, the promise represents another step in a series of increases that have steadily reduced the amount of income subject to taxation since the PPP/C returned to office in 2020.

At that time, the income tax threshold stood at $65,000. Over the past five years, it has been increased repeatedly through the national budget, rising to $75,000 in 2022, $85,000 in 2023, $100,000 in 2024, $130,000 in 2025 and $140,000 this year.

The government says these increases have put more money directly into the hands of workers. The most recent adjustment alone removed approximately 5,000 people from the income tax net and injected more than $2 billion in additional disposable income into households across the country.

Addressing the crowd, President Ali pointed to the government’s broader record on workers’ welfare, including salary increases and pension improvements.

“Five years ago, the struggle was for a higher threshold. We delivered. The struggle was for higher salaries. We delivered. The struggle was for a better pension. We delivered,” he said.

The President stressed that the administration’s objective goes beyond increasing a single figure on paper. Instead, he said, the aim is to continuously improve the economic standing of workers and their families.

“Our level for the workers is not a hundred thousand. Our level is to move them from one status to the next status, so that their children can enjoy a different level upon which they start their base,” he said.

The announcement was made during the commemoration of the Enmore Martyrs, whose sacrifice remains closely linked to the struggle for better wages, improved working conditions and greater rights for workers in Guyana.

The post President Ali pledges $200,000 tax-free threshold for workers before end of term appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has filed an appeal challenging the decision of High Court Judge Fidela Corbin, who awarded judgment in favour of businessman Charles Ceres in the sum of $15 million, together with costs of $2.15 million, in a libel matter arising from statements made by Jagdeo in 2019 while he was Leader of the Opposition.

According to the Notice of Appeal, filed through Attorney-at-Law Pratesh Satram, Jagdeo is asking the Court of Appeal to set aside Justice Corbin’s ruling. The appeal outlines 31 grounds, including arguments that the trial judge failed to properly consider evidence the appeal characterises as undisputed relating to the receipt or benefit of multiple parcels of State land.

The appeal contends that the trial judge did not give sufficient weight to the wider public context in which the statements were made. It argues that the statements were not isolated personal attacks, but comments on a matter the appeal describes as one of national importance concerning the distribution of public property in circumstances the appeal alleges to have been irregular and non-transparent.

The appeal further argues that the statements gave rise to what it characterises as a legitimate public concern regarding the appearance of favouritism in the allocation of State assets. The appeal also points to evidence that, under cross-examination in the proceedings, Ceres admitted transferring a portion of certain lands, which the appeal argues supported the substance of the original statements.

The Notice of Appeal also challenges the trial judge’s treatment of lands allocated to individuals as distinct from lands allocated to companies in which an interest was held. The appeal argues that such a distinction was artificial and did not address the substance of the concern being raised.

The appeal additionally disputes a finding concerning the timing of certain land allocations relative to the 2018 No-Confidence Motion, arguing that the trial judge failed to properly consider documentary evidence on the issue.
In seeking to overturn the judgment, the appeal relies on several legal defences, including truth or justification, fair comment, and qualified privilege. It argues that the statements were substantially true in their material respects, and that Jagdeo, as then Leader of the Opposition, was entitled to speak publicly on the allocation of public lands.

The appeal also states that the effect of the ruling, if allowed to stand, would be to restrict the ability of elected officials to comment on the allocation of public property, and would undermine public accountability regarding State assets.

Jagdeo is asking the Court of Appeal to reverse or set aside Justice Corbin’s decision.

The post Jagdeo appeals $15M libel judgment in Charles Ceres state land case appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The June Session of the Berbice Criminal Assizes officially opened on Tuesday with 53 indictable matters set to be heard before Justice Simone Morris at the Berbice High Court.

Among the cases listed for trial are 46 murder matters involving male accused, two cases of attempted murder, and five cases of sexual penetration.

Attorney-at-law Marisa Edwards will lead the prosecution on behalf of the State throughout the session.

The Assizes commenced with the traditional ceremonial parade and march from the Central Police Station to the Berbice High Court. Upon arrival, Justice Morris took the salute and inspected a guard of honour formed by ranks of the Guyana Police Force.

Also in attendance were Region Six Commander Assistant Commissioner Shivpersaud Bacchus, other senior police officers, and Deputy Mayor of New Amsterdam, Kirk Fraser.

The post 46 murder cases listed as new session of Berbice Criminal Assizes opens appeared first on News Room Guyana.

A 38-year-old cane harvester was granted $250,000 bail on Tuesday after appearing before the Blairmont Magistrate’s Court on a rape charge.

Lookesh Daljit, called “Willy”, of Lot 14 Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, Region Five, appeared before Magistrate Michelle Matthias.

It is alleged that on June 11, 2026, Daljit engaged in sexual penetration with a 26-year-old woman without her consent while in Region Five.

The indictable charge was read to Daljit, who was not required to enter a plea.

During the hearing, the prosecution did not object to bail and informed the court that investigations had been completed and the matter was ready to proceed.

Magistrate Matthias subsequently granted bail in the sum of $250,000 and ordered Daljit to remain at least 50 feet away from the virtual complainant. He was warned that any breach of the order could result in his bail being revoked and him being remanded to custody until the conclusion of the case.

Daljit stood before the Magistrate, visibly trembling with tears streaming down his face.

The defendant was also instructed to attend all future court hearings.

The matter was adjourned to June 29, 2026, for statements.

Reports suggest that on the day in question, Daljit allegedly went into his sister-in-law’s house and asked her for a birthday present. Within minutes, he shifted the conversation and asked for sex. When she declined, he disregarded her response, took off his clothes, and insisted that she do the same. After allegedly having intercourse with her, he left the scene.

The woman later reported the incident to the police and sought medical help.

Daljit was subsequently arrested and charged.

The post Blairmont cane harvester granted $250,000 bail on rape charge appeared first on News Room Guyana.