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President Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced that Guyana will formally nominate Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations when the term of current Secretary-General António Guterres ends on December 31, 2026.

In a national address, President Ali said the decision was made after “careful consideration” and consultations with colleagues and comes at a time when Guyana’s international profile has grown significantly on the world stage.

The President said the nomination reflects Guyana’s confidence in its ability to contribute leadership at the highest levels of international diplomacy and is consistent with the country’s longstanding commitment to strengthening the multilateral system.

“This decision comes against the background of Guyana’s rising international profile and is consistent with its longstanding commitment to strengthening the multilateral system at a time when the world faces increasingly complex and interconnected challenges,” President Ali stated.

Ali pointed to Guyana’s recent service on the United Nations Security Council as evidence of the country’s growing influence in international affairs.

Guyana served on the Security Council from 2024 to 2025, a period during which the country advocated for peace, dialogue, respect for international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

According to the President, Guyana’s contributions during its tenure demonstrated that the country is capable of providing leadership within the global system despite its size.

Beyond the Security Council, he noted that Guyana has become an increasingly important voice on issues including climate change, biodiversity conservation, food security, energy security, sustainable development and the interests of developing countries and small states.

“As a country that has demonstrated that economic development and environmental stewardship can advance hand in hand, Guyana has become a respected voice in global discussions on balancing growth, sustainability and equity,” the President said.

President Ali said Rodrigues-Birkett possesses the experience, expertise and diplomatic skills necessary to lead the United Nations at a time of growing global challenges.

She has served as Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations since 2020 and played a central role in Guyana’s work on the Security Council.

The President said her performance at the UN has demonstrated strong leadership, consensus-building abilities and the capacity to engage effectively with a wide range of international stakeholders.

He noted that she has acquired extensive knowledge of the United Nations system, including its principal organs, agencies and programmes, through her current role.

Before becoming Guyana’s Permanent Representative, Rodrigues-Birkett served as Director of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Liaison Office in Geneva from 2017 to 2020, where she worked closely with international agencies on food security, sustainable development and international cooperation.

She also previously served as Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Amerindian Affairs, overseeing the country’s external relations while championing policies aimed at improving the welfare and participation of Indigenous peoples in national development.

Throughout her career, President Ali said, she has consistently advocated for inclusion, gender equality, sustainable development and social advancement.

According to President Ali, Rodrigues-Birkett’s vision for the United Nations centres on strengthening multilateralism, improving the effectiveness of international institutions and promoting more inclusive global governance.

Her priorities include addressing conflict prevention, climate change, food insecurity, sustainable development, humanitarian crises and emerging threats to international peace and security.

“The next Secretary-General must possess not only a thorough understanding of the challenges confronting the international community, but also the ability to build trust among member states, strengthen confidence in multilateral institutions and lead the organisation with vision,” the President said.

President Ali announced that the Government of Guyana will actively engage member states of the United Nations in support of Rodrigues-Birkett’s candidature.

If successful, Rodrigues-Birkett would become the first Guyanese and among the few Caribbean nationals to serve as Secretary-General of the United Nations, one of the most influential diplomatic positions in the world.

The position is appointed by the United Nations General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council and serves as the chief administrative officer and global spokesperson for the 193-member organisation.

The current Secretary-General, António Guterres of Portugal, is due to complete his second term at the end of 2026.

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Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, has pushed back against criticism surrounding the proposed Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, saying the legislation underwent an extensive year-long consultation process involving government agencies, legal experts, civil society groups, faith-based organisations, Indigenous representatives and members of the public.

In a detailed statement issued on Friday, Teixeira said she felt compelled to address what she described as misinformation circulating on social media and elsewhere since the bill was tabled in the National Assembly for its first reading on June 5.

According to the minister, the amendments stem from a broader review of Guyana’s criminal justice system under the Support for the Criminal Justice System Programme, an initiative implemented by the Ministry of Legal Affairs with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

She explained that while Guyana’s Sexual Offences Act brought significant reforms when it was enacted in 2010 and amended in 2013, authorities determined that further updates were necessary to address emerging challenges, strengthen protections for victims and improve access to justice.

One of the most discussed proposals in the amendment bill is the creation of Guyana’s first National Sex Offender Database.

Teixeira said a legal gap analysis identified the need for such a database and examined how similar systems operate internationally.

She noted that while several countries, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom maintain sex offender registries, most restrict access to law enforcement agencies.

The minister said stakeholders consulted during the review process generally supported the establishment of a national database. However, concerns were raised about making the registry publicly accessible.

According to Teixeira, discussions at the stakeholder consultations resulted in recommendations for a closed registry, with information available through an application process rather than unrestricted public access.

She also referenced international studies which have raised concerns that open registries could conflict with privacy and human rights protections.

Teixeira said the review process began with consultations involving criminal justice professionals, including the Director of Public Prosecutions, state counsel, members of the criminal bar and magistrates.

The consultation later expanded to include government ministries whose work intersects with child protection, social services and victim support.

Among those invited to review and comment on the draft legislation were Education Minister Priya Manickchand and Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud.

The minister said the consultation process also included public engagement through traditional and social media platforms.

According to Teixeira, Attorney General Anil Nandlall publicly invited both the parliamentary opposition and members of the public to review the draft amendments and submit recommendations in May 2024.

She noted that no response was received from the then parliamentary opposition.

Several organisations and individuals, including Red Thread, the Indigenous Delegation Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, Danuta Radzik, Vanda Radzik and Vidyaratha Kissoon, submitted comments and recommendations.

A major stakeholder forum was held on July 3, 2024, at Cara Lodge Hotel.

Teixeira said 103 agencies and organisations were invited, with 62 confirming attendance.

Participants included representatives from all ten administrative regions, government ministries, the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force, National Toshaos Council, constitutional commissions, trade unions, professional organisations, faith-based groups, NGOs, Indigenous organisations and representatives of the LGBTQI community.

The consultations also involved the Guyana Bar Association, Guyana Medical Council, Guyana Nurses Association and organisations working directly with victims of abuse and vulnerable groups.

According to the minister, feedback received during these consultations was incorporated into successive drafts of the legislation.

Additional technical consultations were held in November 2024 with police officers, prison officers, probation officers, state counsel and prosecutors.

Further public engagement took place in April 2025 during a symposium at the Umana Yana marking Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Teixeira said once consultations were completed and recommendations incorporated, the draft legislation underwent review by the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Bills before being submitted to Cabinet.

However, the process was interrupted by the approach of General and Regional Elections and the dissolution of Parliament in July 2025.

As a result, the bill was placed on hold until after the elections.

According to Teixeira, the amendment bill seeks to strengthen Guyana’s legal framework for addressing sexual offences through several measures.

These include expanding categories of individuals considered to hold positions of trust, improving evidentiary procedures, strengthening protections for vulnerable adults and children, introducing mandatory reporting requirements for professionals working with vulnerable groups, and establishing the National Sex Offender Database.

The bill also proposes increased oversight and reporting requirements relating to sexual offences.

Teixeira argued that given the scale and breadth of the consultations conducted over more than a year, it would be “grossly incorrect” to suggest that the legislation was not subjected to extensive public and stakeholder scrutiny before being brought to Parliament.

 

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Two men are in police custody after quantities of suspected cannabis were allegedly discovered during a mobile patrol operation at Seventh Avenue, Bartica, on Thursday afternoon.

According to the Guyana Police Force, ranks were conducting patrols between 2:40 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. when they contacted occupants of a wooden passenger speedboat that was docked along the shoreline at Seventh Avenue.

Police said a search was carried out on the belongings of a 33-year-old fisherman from North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, during which a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis was found inside a blue Lays chips container.

A further search was conducted on a 35-year-old miner from Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, during which another quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis was allegedly discovered.

The two men were arrested and escorted to the Bartica Police Station along with the suspected narcotics.

Police said the substances were weighed in the presence of the suspects and amounted to 46 grams and 24 grams respectively before being lodged.

The men remain in custody pending charges as investigations continue.

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Having successfully wrapped up its high-octane Demerara fixtures, the Future Warriors Tapeball Tournament caravan now shifts its focus to outlying regions to unearth additional talent.

The grassroots competition, powered by ExxonMobil Guyana, moves to the ancient county of Berbice this coming weekend, with a full slate of matches scheduled at the Albion Sports Complex.

According to the official schedule, action bowls off on Saturday morning with simultaneous Round One fixtures across four pitches, starting with matchups such as Belvedere Primary vs Cropper Primary and Betsy Ground Primary vs Massiah Primary.

The tournament runs through the weekend, culminating in the grand Berbice Zone final on Sunday afternoon.

From there, the tournament will head to Essequibo the following weekend, taking centre stage at the newly developed Anna Regina National Stadium.

Speaking on the tournament’s progression, FL Sport’s John Ramsingh expressed immense satisfaction with the standard of play witnessed so far.

“The competitive nature of this tournament has been absolutely exceptional,” Ramsingh noted. “We’ve seen an incredible depth of raw talent in Demerara, where matches were fought right down to the wire.

It highlights just how vital grassroots tapeball is for development. We are highly anticipating the same level of fierce rivalry and passion when the Berbice leg gets underway today at Albion.”

Admission remains free for the duration of the Berbice zone fixtures, as the tournament continues its mission to spotlight the next generation of Guyanese cricketing talent.

Teams in Berbice Zone: Belvedere Primary, Cropper Primary, Betsy Ground Primary, Massiah Primary, New Amsterdam Primary, New Market Primary, Sandvoort Primary, Tain Primary, Albion Primary, St. Theresa’s Primary, Fort Ordnance Primary, Latchmansingh Primary, All Saints Primary, Sheet Anchor Primary, Rose Hall Estate Primary and Cumberland Primary

To ensure a level playing field, the tournament organisers have removed all financial barriers. Everything from playing kits and bats to meals and transport is fully funded by the joint venture between ExxonMobil Guyana and FL Sport.

The format is unashamedly modern: a high-octane, eight-overs-a-side knockout competition. In a progressive twist, teams also have the flexibility to field mixed-gender XIs, intentionally integrating boys and girls on the same turf from a foundational level.

Yet, the tournament’s modernising ambitions extend well beyond the boundary rope. While regional winners will take home comprehensive equipment bags for their schools, the top four teams in each zone will also receive tablets.

The goal is distinctly analytical: teaching children the digital mechanics of online match scoring, fusing technology with play to cultivate an early understanding of modern cricket metrics.

To bridge the gap between aspiration and reality, active national cricketers are also being deployed throughout the tournament as team mentors, providing pupils with direct access to elite role models who can guide them through the game’s tactical nuances.

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Guyanese wellness organisation STRIDE592 has officially launched ‘Girls on the Move’, a ground-breaking programme designed to empower young women across the nation through the powerful combination of running, mentorship, and mental health support.

Aimed at girls aged between six and 18, the transformative initiative seeks to build confidence and resilience at a time when young women face increasing societal pressures.

By blending structured physical activity with psychosocial support, the programme addresses critical issues such as low self-esteem, bullying, and a lack of safe recreational spaces.

While athletics is at the heart of the initiative, organisers stress that this is far more than a standard fitness campaign. It represents a holistic, community-driven investment in the future of Guyana’s youth.

Over the coming months, an inaugural cohort of approximately 30 girls will embark on the programme.

They will be guided by a dedicated network of 15 mentors, educators, and wellness advocates. The curriculum is robust, featuring twice-weekly run-and-walk training sessions alongside life-skills education and team-building exercises.

The ultimate athletic benchmark for the participants will come on September 27, 2026, when they will take to the streets to compete in the SOCA Heart 5K. The event will serve as a celebration of their dedication, perseverance, and physical progress.

“Girls on the Move represents far more than physical activity,” a spokesperson for the STRIDE592 Programme Leadership stated.

“Through movement, mentorship and meaningful engagement, we hope to create opportunities that build confidence, foster resilience and encourage girls to recognise their value and potential.”

The ambitious project has garnered significant backing from corporate Guyana and local sporting bodies. Leading the support as the main sponsor is MODEC, alongside endorsements from the Women in Sports Commission and Blossom Inc.

Other key partners ensuring the programme’s delivery include MVP Sports, GBI (Oasis Water), ANSA McAL, and Solomon Shipping Investment Consultants.

STRIDE592 is continuing its drive for community reinforcement, issuing a call for more female leaders, athletes, and health professionals to step forward as mentors and role models. (PRESS RELEASE) 

 

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West Indies survived a spirited Sri Lankan fightback to secure a hard-fought seven-wicket victory in the opening T20 international at Sabina Park.

Chasing a modest target of 148 on a sticky Kingston surface, the hosts looked to be cruising after a blistering start from Brandon King and Shai Hope. However, Sri Lanka’s spinners strangled the middle overs to set up a tense finish, before captain Hope guided his side over the line with an unbeaten 65.

Earlier in the evening, a clinical bowling display led by veteran seamer Jason Holder and the raw pace of Shamar Joseph restricted the visitors to a below-par 147-9, despite a resilient half-century from Kamindu Mendis.

The victory gives West Indies a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, offering the raucous Jamaican crowd plenty to cheer after the previous One-Day Internationals were entirely washed out by rain.

On a surface that did not favor free-flowing strokeplay, a rapid start during the powerplay was always going to be crucial. West Indies openers King and Hope provided exactly that, taking full advantage of the hard ball to race to 66 without loss from the first six overs.

King was the main beneficiary of some early fortune. He was caught off a Dushmantha Chameera no-ball, survived a chaotic run-out opportunity, and successfully overturned an lbw decision before launching his attack. The right-hander eventually fell for a 22-ball 37, deceived by a Wanindu Hasaranga googly.

While King provided the early fireworks, it was Hope who orchestrated the remainder of the chase. Recognizing the slowing nature of the pitch, the skipper anchored the innings beautifully, forging steady partnerships with Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, and Rovman Powell.

Sri Lanka did their best to push the game into the final over. Hasaranga claimed 2-32 and Eshan Malinga bowled with superb control to concede just 26 runs from his four overs. Between the 10th and 19th overs, the boundaries completely dried up for the hosts, who managed just one six and two fours in that period.

With six required off the final over, Powell clinical smashed Dilshan Madushanka over deep midwicket for six to seal the win with four balls to spare.

Sri Lanka’s innings began with plenty of intent as Kusal Mendis smashed a quickfire 36 off 23 balls, helping the tourists briefly threaten a massive total.

However, the introduction of Holder turned the contest firmly in the West Indies’ favour. The experienced all-rounder struck twice in consecutive deliveries during the fifth over, removing Pathum Nissanka before trapping Lasith Croospulle lbw on review.

Joseph then turned up the heat with his extra pace. The young fast bowler dismissed Pavan Rathnayake thanks to a spectacular diving catch from Hetmyer at deep square leg, before unleashing a ferocious 142kph delivery that hurried Kusal into a leading edge to point.

From a promising position, Sri Lanka collapsed to 56-3 at the end of the power play, exposing a lengthened tail due to their team selection.

Kamindu Mendis fought a lone battle to rebuild the innings, compiling a classy 51 off 39 balls alongside Dasun Shanaka. The pair ran excellently between the wickets to keep the scoreboard ticking, but Chase’s disciplined off-spin starved them of boundaries.

Once Shanaka sliced Chase to point, the innings lost all momentum. Joseph returned to remove Hasaranga with a sharp bouncer, and Holder delivered a masterclass in death bowling, conceding just two runs in the penultimate over to finish with exemplary figures of 3-18.

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South Korea came from behind to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 as substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu scored the winning goal in the 80th minute of their World Cup opener.

Son Heung-min and company had dominated the game against the Czechs, who did not have a shot on target until their captain, Ladislav Krejci, rose to head home a long throw from Vladimir Coufal for the opening goal in the 59th minute.

Former Tottenham forward Son, captaining his nation, had five of South Korea’s eight efforts in the first half, and his biggest chance was blocked by goalkeeper Matej Kovar shortly after the interval.

But Feyenoord defensive midfielder Hwang In-beom inspired South Korea’s fightback when he equalised only eight minutes after the Czech opener by defender Krejci, who spent last season on loan at Wolves.

Found inside the box by the lively Lee Kang-in, Hwang deceived Kovar, who had rushed off his line, as he faked to shoot before scooping the ball over the Czech keeper and into an unguarded goal to make it 1-1.

South Korea thought they had been undone by another Czech set-piece in the 78th minute as Tomas Soucek nodded home a free-kick from the left, but Hong Myung-bo’s side were handed a reprieve as the goal was ruled out for offside.

And their supporters at Estadio Guadalajara were soon celebrating as their side took the lead, with Besiktas forward Oh tapping home a cross from Hwang to complete the turnaround.

But the famous win was only sealed courtesy of keeper Kim Seung-gyu, who produced a brilliant low stop to block Adam Hlozek’s close-range effort in the 82nd minute and also denied Michal Sadilek in stoppage time.

It is the first time in four editions of the World Cup that South Korea have made a winning start to their campaign.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino was among the spectators in Guadalajara, where Fifa said the capacity would be 45,664 for the four games it will be hosting.

The attendance was announced as 44,985, although there were rows of empty seats, not just in the most expensive sections on the halfway line but around the stadium. (BBC Sport) 

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Momentum behind the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast shows no signs of slowing down, as S&K Imports GY has officially signed on as a corporate partner for the upcoming tournament.

Located at Lot 6, Saila Park, Crane Public Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, this marks the first time the prominent business has aligned itself with the tournament.

The partnership reinforces the tournament’s skyrocketing commercial value and its deep-rooted cultural impact, setting the stage for an explosive 2026 season scheduled to bowl off on August 8 in Berbice.

“As a business, we are deep lovers of cricket, and we see this as the perfect avenue to drive community development,” a spokesperson for S&K Imports GY stated.

“Tapeball cricket is the heartbeat of grassroots sports in Guyana, and we want to see our local talent thrive on a massive platform. Supporting this tournament is about investing in our youth and our communities.”

Tournament organiser John Ramsingh welcomed the new backing, emphasising that corporate synergy is pivotal to elevating the overall tournament experience this year.

With the tournament rapidly approaching, organisers are issuing an urgent call to teams across the nation to lock in their spots immediately rather than delaying their entry while attempting to perfect their rosters.

Ramsingh emphasised that registration operates on a strict first-come, first-served basis, acknowledging that the fierce, high-stakes nature of the competition often leads captains to overthink and deliberate over their lineups for too long.

To guarantee entry, teams must pay the G$35,000 entry fee now. This allows captains the necessary flexibility to finalize their ultimate 15-man talent pools closer to their respective zonal start dates.

Entry caps are being strictly enforced to effectively manage the intensive schedule. The Berbice, East Bank/West Demerara, and Essequibo zones are rigidly capped at 16 teams each. Meanwhile, the densely populated East Coast Demerara/Georgetown zone will accommodate up to 32 teams.

Registration forms are currently available on the tournament’s official social media channels, or interested teams can register via direct WhatsApp at +592 635-2235.

The high-octane action begins with the Berbice Zone on August 8–9. Sixteen teams will battle across four premier venues, including the Port Mourant Community Centre Ground, No. 69 Ground, and the Welfare Ground in Canje. The regional action will culminate with the zonal finals on Sunday, August 9, at the Albion Sports Complex.

From there, the tournament caravan moves swiftly to the East Bank/West Demerara leg on August 15–16, followed quickly by the Essequibo zone on August 22–23.

In a strategic move designed to maximise fan engagement and support local cricket festivities, the competition will pause during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) window. This thoughtful scheduling allows fans to fully immerse themselves in the professional franchise season without distraction.

Action resumes post-CPL with the highly anticipated Georgetown/East Coast Demerara leg, spanning September 26–27 and October 3–4. This gruelling regional phase leads directly to the historic national grand finale on October 11, 2026.

For the first time in the tournament’s history, the ultimate prize will be contested at the Anna Regina National Stadium in Region Two, bringing elite tapeball action directly to the passionate and cricket-starved fans of the Essequibo coast.

The stakes for the 2026 season have reached an all-time high, courtesy of a revamped financial structure that introduces guaranteed cash prizes for every single team that reaches the quarterfinal stage of their respective zone.

Rewards begin at $25,000 for losing zonal quarterfinalists and scale up significantly, culminating in a hefty $500,000 purse pocketed by the zonal winners before they even advance to the National Finals.

At the national level, the rewards become life-changing for grassroots cricketers. Teams will compete for a massive $2,000,000 grand prize, while the national runner-up will take home $1,000,000.

Beyond the financial windfall, the four national finalists will also earn the prestigious right to represent Guyana at the upcoming International T10 Tapeball Tournament later this October.

Individual brilliance will be celebrated just as handsomely alongside team success. The tournament’s eventual Most Valuable Player (MVP) will walk away with $150,000 and a brand-new motorbike.

Furthermore, specialised awards for the leading run-scorer and the top wicket-taker will see both players receive $100,000 and a new television each, ensuring that historic personal milestones are met with premier rewards.

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