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A 22-year-old Venezuelan national lost his life on Saturday night after an electric cycle he was riding was involved in a collision with a motor car along the Bath Settlement Public Road, West Coast Berbice.

Dead is Manuel Rangel, who had been residing at Bath Settlement.
According to reports, the accident occurred at about 20:00 hours. when motor car PXX 3825, driven by a 31-year-old man, was proceeding east along the northern side of the roadway.

Police said Rangel rode his electric cycle from the southern side of the road into the path of the vehicle, resulting in a collision with the front right side of the car.

The impact threw Rangel onto the roadway, leaving him with serious injuries. He was picked up in an unconscious condition by emergency medical personnel and rushed to the Bath Regional Hospital, where he was admitted. However, he succumbed to his injuries shortly afterwards.

Following the tragedy, a colleague of the deceased called for justice and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The man explained that Rangel had migrated from Venezuela in search of employment opportunities and was supporting family members back home. He added that the deceased’s wife is currently pregnant.

Police investigations into the fatal accident are ongoing.

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Lionel Messi equalled the all-time FIFA World Cup goalscoring record with a hat-trick as Argentina kicked off their title defence with a 3-0 victory over Algeria at Kansas City Stadium.

Messi started the day three adrift of Miroslav Klose’s mark of 16 goals on the global stage, but within 76 minutes of this match he was on level terms with the former Germany international.

Messi and Algeria’s Fares Chaibi both had efforts ruled out for offside in a breathless opening, but Argentina’s captain fantastic soon made his mark. Picking up possession 30 yards from goal, he expertly rolled his marker, surged forward and curled a superb finish beyond the grasp of Luca Zidane.

Algeria largely kept the reigning champions at arm’s length for the rest of the half, with an Alexis Mac Allister header over the crossbar Argentina’s only real chance.

Anis Hadj Moussa carved out one of the Fennec Foxes’ better opening moments earlier, but a deflection took the sting out of his low effort and Emiliano Martinez gathered comfortably.

Messi was once again at the heart of Argentina’s brightest attacking moments after the break. He first flashed a 20-yard effort over the bar before slipping in Lautaro Martinez, whose dangerous cross was cut out by Zidane.

The Argentina talisman’s second goal soon followed, with Zidane unable to hold Mac Allister’s powerful strike, allowing Messi to pounce on the rebound and finish coolly with his right foot.

The 38-year-old completed his hat-trick with a trademark curling finish from the edge of the area, capping his 200th senior international appearance in style.

Having equalled Klose’s record, Messi will have the chance to claim it outright when Argentina face Austria on June 22. Algeria, meanwhile, take on Jordan in their next Group J outing. (FIFA)

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As Guyana’s trade continues to grow, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar is warning that rising shipping costs could place increasing pressure on importers, consumers and the wider economy.

Speaking at the opening of the 31st Caribbean Port State Control Conference on Tuesday, Indar said vessel traffic in Guyana has increased by 42 percent since 2020, while imports have nearly tripled during the same period.

He said containerized imports have risen from approximately 42,000 TEUs annually to close to 150,000 TEUs, reflecting the rapid expansion of economic activity.

However, Indar cautioned that the growth comes at a time when global shipping costs and transportation challenges continue to impact countries like Guyana.

“The shipping cost has now become difficult for importers to bear,”  Indar said, noting that higher shipping expenses and imported inflation ultimately affect businesses, households, and the economy.

He stressed the need for greater attention to imported inflation, especially as global events continue to affect energy prices and supply chains.

“When oil prices sky high, everything goes haywire, people suffer,” Indar said.

Indar also raised concerns about the limited expansion of shipping capacity in the Caribbean, noting that the same shipping lines have operated regional routes for decades while transporting significantly higher volumes using similar assets.

“For decades and decades, we have one set of shipping lines that have been plying the route and not increase the fleets or their assets they use the same assets to transport far more, three times the volume just for Guyana alone,” he said.

Indar further pointed to possible disruptions at major global trade routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, as factors that could create additional challenges for shipping-dependent economies.

With Guyana’s trade volumes continuing to rise, the minister emphasized the need for stronger maritime systems and solutions to manage costs and protect the country’s economic progress.

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Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond on Tuesday underscored the critical role of regional maritime cooperation in combating transnational crime, warning that criminal networks continue to exploit vessels and maritime routes across the Caribbean.

Addressing the opening of the 31st Caribbean Port State Control Conference, Walrond said no country can effectively tackle maritime threats on its own, as criminals routinely operate across multiple jurisdictions.

“Criminal networks do not respect national borders, and the vessels they exploit often move across multiple jurisdictions,” Walrond told the gathering including delegates from across the region.

She said the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Port State Control has become an essential tool in strengthening regional security by facilitating information sharing, intelligence exchange and coordinated action among maritime authorities.

According to Walrond, the sharing of inspection data, intelligence, best practices and risk information enables member states to identify suspicious vessels, detect emerging threats and disrupt activities such as narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, illegal migration and other forms of transnational organized crime.

“In this way, the Caribbean MOU serves not only as a mechanism for maritime safety and compliance but also as an important pillar for collective security in the Caribbean region,” she said.

The Home Affairs Minister noted that the issue carries added significance for Guyana as the country’s economy expands and maritime traffic continues to increase.

“For Guyana, this is particularly significant as our economy expands and maritime traffic increases. The security of our ports and territorial waters becomes inseparable from our national security,” she said.

Walrond further stressed that maritime security should be viewed as a national security priority, noting that every unsafe vessel identified, irregularity detected and piece of intelligence shared contributes to protecting borders, safeguarding legitimate trade and maintaining investor confidence.

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President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has pledged continued support for Guyana’s sugar industry, saying the government is investing heavily in modernisation and technology to secure jobs, strengthen rural communities and ensure the industry’s long-term future.

Speaking at the 78th commemoration of the Enmore Martyrs on Tuesday, President Ali said sugar remains a lifeline for thousands of Guyanese families and communities, making its survival and growth a national priority.

While acknowledging ongoing challenges within the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), the President made it clear that the government expects better performance and greater accountability from the industry.

“I am not pleased with the failure of the corporation to consistently achieve the production target,” he said, adding that he has repeatedly called for improved efficiency and stronger results.

The President stressed, however, that the government’s commitment to the industry remains unwavering. He said significant investments are being made to modernise operations and tackle one of the sector’s biggest challenges — a shortage of labour.

As fewer young people choose cane-cutting as a career, GuySuCo is increasingly turning to machinery and technology to maintain production. According to President Ali, about 44 per cent of the corporation’s lands have already been converted for mechanical harvesting.

“We know there is an acute shortage of labour. We know that many sugar workers do not want their children to engage in the task of cane cutting. That is why mechanisation is no longer optional. It is necessary,” he stated.

Beyond harvesting, the industry is also embracing modern technologies such as drones to monitor crops and assist with the application of fertilisers and chemicals. The government believes these innovations will help improve productivity while lowering costs.

President Ali said efforts are also underway to modernise sugar factories and expand value-added production, creating new opportunities for growth and making the industry more competitive.

Importantly, he noted that the future of sugar affects far more than those employed directly by the estates.

“Sugar does not only support sugar workers. Sugar supports the entire community, the markets, the stores. It supports an entire ecosystem,” the President said.

For generations, sugar has been the economic backbone of many rural communities, supporting businesses, transportation providers, vendors and countless families. The President said protecting the industry therefore means protecting livelihoods across the country.

Looking ahead, the government plans to continue exploring new investments, technologies and production methods aimed at reducing costs while opening up new opportunities within the sector.

“The modernisation of the sugar industry is necessary for its survival, resilience and sustainability,” President Ali declared.

His remarks came as Guyanese gathered to honour the Enmore Martyrs, whose sacrifice remains a powerful symbol of the struggles and contributions of sugar workers throughout the country’s history. DPI

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President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Monday announced plans for the development of a 50-acre industrial hub at Enmore, East Coast Demerara, as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to create jobs, support entrepreneurship and expand economic opportunities for Guyanese.

The announcement was made during the commemoration of the 78th anniversary of the Enmore Martyrs.

The president outlined a vision for transforming the area into a centre for agro-processing and small business development.

According to President Ali, the industrial site will be linked to the new four-lane highway and will provide dedicated space for small and medium-sized enterprises.

It will create opportunities for workers and their families to advance economically.

“A brand new four-lane road that will lead to the Enmore industrial site in which we are going to develop 50 acres of land specifically for small and medium-sized businesses for agro-processing so that our workers can move from one level to another level,” the president stated.

The head of state emphasised that the government’s development agenda is focused on ensuring that workers benefit from sustainable opportunities that improve their quality of life and create a stronger foundation for future generations.

“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 bases,” President Ali said.

He noted that the initiative forms part of a broader programme of investments being implemented across the country to improve infrastructure, healthcare, education and housing while creating new avenues for economic growth.

President Ali highlighted that the industrial hub will support agro-processing activities and encourage the growth of small and medium-sized businesses, helping to diversify economic opportunities along the East Coast corridor.

The president said the government’s objective is to continuously raise the standard of living for Guyanese by creating conditions that allow individuals and families to prosper through employment, entrepreneurship and investment.

The planned Enmore industrial development is expected to complement ongoing infrastructure projects in the region and contribute to the government’s vision of building a more diversified and resilient economy. DPI

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Performers, theatre lovers and cultural groups can look forward to a revitalised National Cultural Centre (NCC), with the government moving ahead with plans for a major restoration and modernisation of the country’s premier performing arts venue.

The long-awaited upgrade is expected to improve the experience for the thousands of people who use the facility each year, from actors, dancers and musicians to students and audience members attending major national events.

Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Steven Jacobs said work is progressing on the project’s design phase, with physical construction expected to begin later this year once procurement is completed.

According to the minister, the restoration reflects the government’s commitment to preserving one of Guyana’s most important cultural institutions while ensuring it meets modern standards.

“We want to ensure that the National Cultural Centre is developed internally and externally into a facility that everyone will be proud of,” Jacobs said.

The project will focus not only on improving the building’s appearance but also on enhancing the spaces used daily by performers and staff. Plans include major upgrades to dressing rooms and washroom facilities, creating a more comfortable and functional environment for those who bring productions to life on stage.

Jacobs noted that President Irfaan Ali has underscored the importance of restoring the Cultural Centre, recognising its role as a national landmark and a hub for the country’s creative industries.

Located on Homestretch Avenue in Georgetown, the National Cultural Centre has hosted countless performances, concerts, school productions and national celebrations over the years. For many Guyanese, it remains a cherished venue where some of the country’s most memorable cultural moments have unfolded.

The upcoming restoration builds on previous investments made in the facility. In 2022, the government completed significant interior improvements, including the installation of 2,002 new theatre seats, upgraded lighting, enhanced acoustics and improved security systems.

Officials believe the latest round of upgrades will further strengthen Guyana’s cultural infrastructure while providing artists and audiences with a modern venue worthy of the country’s growing creative sector. DPI

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Erling Haaland scored twice on his World Cup debut as Norway overcame a spirited Iraq 4-1 in their opening Group I game at Boston Stadium.

The 25-year-old took his tally to 57 goals in 51 appearances for his country as they made their World Cup return after 28 years, though he was denied the 55th hat-trick in tournament history by Jalal Hassan’s fine block late on.

Making their first appearance on the biggest stage in 40 years, Iraq more than held their own in the opening stages but the deadlock was broken just 58 seconds after the first-half hydration break when the overlapping David Moller Wolfe swung in an inviting low cross from the left which Haaland slid home at the far post.

Iraq deservedly levelled on 39 minutes as Amir Al-Ammari’s cross which was met by a powerful downward header inside the upright by Aymen Hussein, who sealed his country’s place at the World Cup with the winner in the intercontinental play-off final against Bolivia in March.

Parity lasted just four minutes as Haaland charged down a clearance from Jalal Hassan – as the veteran keeper dawdled over a back-pass in his own six-yard box – and the ball rebounded into the net.

But Iraq finished the half on top as Ibrahim Bayesh saw a volley deflected wide, Ali Al-Hamadi was crowded out by Kristoffer Ajer in the box and Akam Hashim lashed a spectacular 20-yard volley inches over the bar.

After the interval, Manchester-born Zidan Iqbal, on as an Iraq substitute, become the first player of Pakistani heritage to appear in a men’s World Cup.

Norway substitute Leo Ostigard headed home a Martin Odegaard corner on 76 minutes to give Norway daylight and Haaland’s looping header across goal was deflected into his own net by Hussein deep in stoppage time.

At the fifth attempt, it was the first win by a European side against Asian Football Confederation opposition at this tournament. Iraq’s defeat means their wait for a first-ever World Cup point goes on. (BBC)

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The Government of Guyana is continuing to strengthen measures aimed at protecting senior citizens from abuse while creating more opportunities for them to remain active, engaged and independent, according to Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud.

Speaking at the observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2026 at the Police Officers’ Mess Annex in Eve Leary, Georgetown, the minister underscored the importance of addressing all forms of elder abuse, particularly cases that often remain hidden from public view.

Dr. Persaud noted that many incidents involving elderly persons go unreported and are frequently committed by relatives, caregivers or other individuals whom seniors trust.

Among the growing concerns, she highlighted economic and financial abuse, which occurs when someone improperly controls, exploits or restricts an elderly person’s access to money, property or other financial resources.

“These are issues that are very much on our front burner,” the minister said, noting that ministry teams work daily to educate communities and raise awareness as part of efforts to reduce abuse against older persons.

She also encouraged senior citizens to be cautious when making decisions involving property transactions, legal agreements and financial matters, stressing the importance of seeking proper advice before signing important documents.

Beyond addressing abuse, Dr. Persaud outlined several initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for the country’s elderly population. These include expanding community-based programmes that promote social interaction, lifelong learning, digital literacy and active ageing.

According to the minister, programmes under the ministry’s Golden Generation initiative and community hub network are helping to ensure that senior citizens remain connected to their communities while continuing to contribute their knowledge and experience.

“We want you to engage socially. We want to train you in digital literacy. We also want you to share your talent, your skills and your knowledge,” she told those gathered.

The World Elder Abuse Awareness Day observance served as a reminder of the need to protect the rights, dignity and well-being of older persons while encouraging greater community involvement in supporting and valuing the nation’s senior citizens.

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Police in Region Five are investigating allegations that a 26-year-old woman was sexually assaulted by her brother-in-law during an incident at her Blairmont, West Bank Berbice home on Thursday night after he demanded sex as a birthday gift.

According to information provided to investigators, the woman was at home with her young daughter when the incident allegedly occurred shortly before 10:00 p.m.

The woman reported that she was awakened by unusual sounds and, upon checking, discovered the suspect inside her house. She alleges that the man threatened both her and her daughter, causing her to fear for their safety.

The woman further told investigators that the suspect made demands which she refused, after which he allegedly sexually assaulted her.

Following the incident, the woman sought help from relatives and neighbours, who responded and provided assistance. The matter was subsequently reported to the Blairmont Police Station.

She later received medical attention at the Bath Regional Hospital as part of the investigation process.

Police have since arrested the suspect, who remains in custody and is assisting investigators with their enquiries.

The investigation is ongoing.

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