A 23-year-old farmer was arrested as Police continue to investigate the killing of a seven-year-old boy from Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo.
In a release, Police Headquarters said the farmer, who also resides in Zeelugt, was arrested on Saturday. The farmer is in Police custody assisting with investigations.
Seven-year-old Adriel Aftab Mohamed was killed during a violent attack early Friday morning. Aftab, a student of Zeelugt Primary School, was at home with his 72-year-old great-grandmother when a lone intruder allegedly entered the house at about 04:45 hrs on Friday.
The elderly woman, who reportedly suffered a stroke and was unwell, was attacked after the suspect allegedly demanded money. She was stabbed twice, including to her neck, and remains hospitalised.
Region Two is on the verge of a historic sporting transformation, as the newly constructed Anna Regina National Stadium is officially scheduled for commissioning on Friday, July 3.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali is expected to officially cut the ribbon to unveil the state-of-the-art facility.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., confirmed the highly anticipated date on Saturday, revealing that the infrastructure is essentially complete, barring a few minor final adjustments ahead of the opening ceremony proceedings.
The project represents a massive leap forward for infrastructure in Cinderella County, “transitioning a traditional community ground into a world-class sporting arena”.
“After it is open, Essequibo will have a fantastic facility that they can be really proud of,” Minister Ramson Jr. said, reflecting on the extensive work required to bring the project to fruition.
The Minister commended the hands-on oversight by Steven Jacobs, Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport as he noted that Jacobs has been doing quite a bit of work on the ground, making regular site visits to ensure the project met rigorous standards and deadline targets.
“To get to this point is a relief,” Ramson Jr. admitted, as work at the facility would have started in late 2022. “When we came here, it was a totally different space from what the old Anna Regina ground was like, and this is a full-fledged stadium.”
A standout feature of the new stadium is its international-standard playing surface, as the Minister described the facility as a genuine “game changer” for the region, specifically highlighting that the outfield and its superior drainage system are built to a standard comparable to that of the Guyana National Stadium at Providence.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., along with support staff, during an inspection on Saturday (PHOTO: News Room/Avidesh Narine/June 6, 2026)
Such advanced drainage ensures minimal play disruption during inclement weather, positioning Anna Regina as a viable venue for high-level domestic and regional assignments.
Beyond the boundary ropes, the stadium is projected to be a major catalyst for macro-economic growth on the Essequibo Coast as the venue will not only serve as a vital hub for talent development but will also inject significant economic value into the region.
This economic push is already evident in the local hospitality sector, with an increase in hotel development underway in the region to accommodate the influx of sports tourism.
While Minister Ramson Jr. remained tight-lipped regarding the exact format and itinerary of the grand opening ceremony, sources close to the development have indicated that cricket fans could be treated to an exhibition match featuring several high-profile players to mark the historic occasion.
The commissioning of the Anna Regina National Stadium forms part of the government’s aggressive, unprecedented national sports infrastructure drive.
The Essequibo facility follows the opening of the Bayroc Stadium in Linden earlier this year. It sets off a sequence of major facility completions projected for the remainder of the year, with the Mackenzie Stadium, the New Amsterdam Track and Field Facility, and the Palmyra Stadium all slated to open their gates before the end of 2026.
West Indies won the toss and put Sri Lanka into bat, but that was the extent of the action from the second ODI at Sabina Park, as persistent rain put an end to proceedings before they had even begun.
The washout means West Indies’ hopes of winning the series are wiped out, but they can still draw level in the final game on Monday. Perhaps more importantly, a win there will give the hosts a much needed rankings boost, with qualification for next year’s World Cup hinging on their final position come March next year.
The toss itself had been delayed by 30 minutes following rain earlier in the day, and it was the possibility of rain intervening later on that had influenced Shai Hope’s decision to field first.
Both teams had also made changes, with Amir Jangoo due to get a game for the injured Matthew Forde, while Eshan Malinga had been drafted in for Asitha Fernando. Shai Hope, playing his 150th ODI for West Indies, received a special jersey before rain came along. (ESPNcricinfo)
Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli pipped Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to pole position in a gripping qualifying session at the Monaco Grand Prix.
The top spot changed hands three times in the final seconds of qualifying as Antonelli became last man standing, edging Verstappen by just 0.043 seconds to take his fourth pole of the year.
Lewis Hamilton was third as the fastest Ferrari, a place ahead of team-mate Charles Leclerc, who had been briefly top with two minutes to go but crashed on his final lap.
And Antonelli’s title rival George Russell in the second Mercedes was only sixth, behind Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris could manage only seventh and eighth places. (BBC Sport)
Recover Guyana, in partnership with Scotiabank Guyana, successfully hosted the ENGAGE 2.0 Green Entrepreneurship Graduation Ceremony at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel, marking another significant milestone in its national youth development and sustainability efforts. The event celebrated the successful programme completion of 110 young people from Regions 2 and 4, bringing ENGAGE’s cumulative impact to 273 young entrepreneurs who are driving innovation, sustainability and community development across Guyana. In addition, GY$2 million in seed funding was awarded to 20 outstanding entrepreneurs whose business ideas demonstrated strong potential for innovation, sustainability and positive community impact.
ENGAGE 2.0 builds on the success of its pilot programme developed by Recover Guyana to equip young people with the skills, confidence and resources needed to create sustainable livelihoods while contributing to a greener and more resilient Guyana. Through training in green entrepreneurship, business development, financial literacy, mentorship and employability preparation, participants were empowered to transform innovative ideas into viable, green enterprises. The 2025 pilot phase graduated 100 young entrepreneurs from Regions 3 and 6 and supported a further 63 participants to complete the programme, reaching a total of 163 young people.
Ms Shellon Garner, Senior Manager (Finance), Scotiabank Guyana, delivers remarks at the ENGAGE 2.0 Graduation Ceremony
As part of its original vision, ENGAGE expanded into Regions 2 and 4 in 2026, further extending its national reach and impact. Participants received training in sustainability, green entrepreneurship, business planning, digital marketing and financial literacy. The programme also introduced a Business Refresher Clinic for participants from the Region 3 cohort, providing mentorship, targeted feedback and strategic guidance to support business sustainability and long-term growth.
ENGAGE 2.0 awarded GYD $2,000,000 in seed funding to 20 participants whose business concepts demonstrated exceptional promise. These were selected through an evaluation of their business models, sustainability plans and entrepreneurial readiness via an in-person pitch as well as submission of a comprehensive business plan. The 2026 awardees are Altavi Boatswain, Altheha Harlequin, Brandisha Fox, David Balkarran, Ismelie Jeune, Keen Alleyne, Maria Pestano-Belle, Mealica Agard, Shemar Beaton, Najuma Williams, Nicketa Hope-Gibson, Patrice Luckie, Savannah Belle, Shania Duncan, Shari Singh, Sherilla Persaud, Sherry Mitchell, Taryana Braithwaite, Tiea Lowe and Wonika Semple.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Dr Dave Lalltoo, President of Recover Guyana, highlighted the programme’s growing national impact explaining “ENGAGE is more than a programme; it is a movement shaping Guyana’s future by equipping young people with the tools, mindset and confidence to lead in environmental sustainability and green entrepreneurship. Together with our partners, we have now reached 273 young people across Guyana, building a growing ecosystem of changemakers who are turning innovative ideas into sustainable enterprises and practical solutions that strengthen their communities and contribute to national development.”
Dr Dave Lalltoo, President of Recover Guyana, delivers remarks at the ENGAGE 2.0 Graduation Ceremony
Scotiabank Guyana played a pivotal role in strengthening participant capacity through financial literacy training and mentorship delivered by its team of volunteer professionals. These sessions focused on budgeting and cash flow management, savings and investment planning, credit and debt management, business finance fundamentals and financial decision-making, ensuring participants were better equipped to establish and sustain successful enterprises.
Reflecting on the partnership, Ms Shellon Garner, Senior Manager (Finance), Scotiabank Guyana Inc., stated “At Scotiabank, we believe that long-term social and economic prosperity depends on empowering the next generation. When young people succeed, families are strengthened, communities grow stronger, and countries become more resilient. That belief continues to drive our partnership with Recover Guyana. At Scotiabank, our commitment to initiatives like ENGAGE is guided by ScotiaRISE – our global social impact strategy focused on removing barriers to economic inclusion and creating more resilient communities. Through ScotiaRISE, we invest in programmes that expand access to education, improve employability, and strengthen financial inclusion because we believe opportunity should be accessible to all. This is not just about funding programmes, it is about unlocking potential.”
The successful completion of ENGAGE 2.0 demonstrates the value of strong partnerships in advancing youth empowerment, environmental sustainability and inclusive economic growth. Through the continued collaboration between Recover Guyana and Scotiabank Guyana, the programme is helping to build a new generation of entrepreneurs whose businesses and innovations will contribute to Guyana’s long-term social, environmental and economic development.
Nicholas Matthews, 33, was remanded to prison on Friday after being formally charged with the assault of an off-duty Police Officer.
Matthews, a contractor residing at Number 77 Housing Scheme, Corriverton, Corentyne, Berbice, appeared at the Whim Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Tuanna Hardy.
It is alleged that on June 1, 2026, while present at Number 79 Village, Corriverton, Corentyne, Matthews unlawfully assaulted 25-year-old Odeal Cort, a Police Lance Corporal.
Matthews pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Matthew’s legal representative, Ryan Crawford, informed the court that Matthews and Cort were involved in a physical altercation, and were subsequently separated by concerned citizens.
While requesting that reasonable bail be granted, Crawford assured the court that his client would attend all required proceedings and posed no flight risk.
Vinay Punwa, representing the victim, disclosed that his client, who was off-duty, had just completed grocery shopping with his wife when Matthews confronted him armed with a baseball bat and began striking him multiple times.
Punwa contended that his client endured humiliation and trauma, both physically and mentally. The lawyer added that since the incident, his client has experienced persistent severe migraines and has scheduled medical examinations.
Police Prosecutor Sergeant Shinel Mathieson stated that Matthews and Cort were known to each other, residing within the same community. It was further disclosed that Cort, a traffic officer, had previously stopped Matthews on several occasions for traffic violations.
Mathieson asserted that evidence indicates Matthews initiated the assault with a baseball bat. The prosecutor stated that a video recording capturing the incident at the supermarket was presented as evidence, and it was noted that Matthews attempted to evade arrest.
The prosecution expressed concerns regarding Cort’s personal safety, noting that he sustained swelling on his left elbow and injuries to his index finger. It was argued that bail should be denied considering the weapon used during the attack and the need to ensure Cort’s safety.
After considering the arguments presented by the lawyers and the prosecution, Magistrate Hardy denied bail, and Matthews was remanded to prison.
The case was adjourned to the Springlands Magistrate’s Court for further proceedings on June 9, 2026.
In the 11th over, KL Rahul edged a cut to the keeper off Ziaur Ahmed when he was on 16. Afghanistan did not review the not-out decision. In the 61st over, Rahul flicked a full ball off his pads, bringing up a gritty century – his 12th in Test cricket.
Afghanistan’s bowling attack had been worn down in the intervening period. They could not cash in on their half-chances aplenty, in their first Test against India since their format debut in 2018.
Instead, Rahul – alongside a regal Shubman Gill – headlined India’s march to 368 for 3 on day one in New Chandigarh.
The city was hosting a men’s Test for the first time. Temperatures soared up to 40 degrees Celsius, and India captain Gill opted to bat first, expecting the pitch to worsen as time wore on in the match.
However, Afghanistan’s new-ball bowlers – Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Saleem – extracted uneven bounce off the pitch right away. They kept bowling back-of-a-length deliveries to Jaiswal and Rahul, moving the ball away from the openers.
Rahul reached for deliveries far from his body early in the day, often mistiming his shots. He ambled away to 16 off 34 by the end of the 10th over. At the other end, Jaiswal pounced on fuller deliveries with more regularity to race to 20 off 26. (ESPNcricinfo)
There may have only been 9.4 overs on day three at Lord’s. But England took meaningful steps towards victory in the first Test of the summer, courtesy of a double-strike from Ollie Robinson that left New Zealand reeling on 55 for 5.
Still 199 shy of their target of 254, and with two full days to go, the game appears all but over. It had been set England’s way at the end of day two when the Black Caps were reduced to 36 for 3.
And it was Robinson who tipped it even further in favour of the hosts with two wickets in the space of four balls, a burst reminiscent of the triple-wicket maiden on day one, his first over in Test cricket since February 2024.
Robinson converted that into figures of 5 for 39 in New Zealand’s first innings, marking a spectacular return to the England side after 24 Tests in the wilderness. And after scoring 29 on day two – the last man out in a second innings of 226 – Robinson prised out both Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell for the second time in the match from the Pavilion End.
After his best innings figures, Robinson, currently 2 for 18 from 9.3 overs in his second go, is currently in possession of a career-best 7 for 57 in the match. With two days still to come, there is plenty of time to convert that to a maiden 10-wicket haul to finish matters.
On a surface criticised for being too favourable to the seamers, and with plenty of cloud cover overhead, the peril was entirely New Zealand’s. The 19 runs they added off 58 deliveries were a torturous grind. Devon Conway remained unbeaten on 19 off 55 deliveries, adding just seven to his overnight score. His attempt to swim against the tide has been admirable, particularly after a blow to the glove from a rearing Josh Tongue delivery.
Overnight rain, and more in the morning, meant a delayed start, with the umpires calling a 12.20pm lunch at midday, at which point the covers were being removed. By the time the official interval came about, both set of players were on the outfield warming-up in bright sunshine. Typically, a blanket of dank clouds had congregated when play got back underway.
An eventful hour ensued, with two wickets punctuated by three further delays. The first 11-ball passage did at least see Ravindra avoid a king pair. Fresh from a golden duck in the first innings and two dropped catches across both England innings, he played out the first delivery, the last of Gus Atkinson’s fourth over, having dismissed nightwatcher Will O’Rourke with the final act of day two.
Ravindra eventually got off a pair outright during the second resumption, driving Tongue down the ground for four towards the pavilion. Another halt to play came at the end of the over, but the 26-year-old would only last six balls after the third restart.
Robinson, who had delivered the first full over from the Pavilion End, swapped back to the Nursery End where he had bowled his previous 15 overs. Coming around the wicket, as has been the case against all left-handers, Robinson angled one up the slope to take out Ravindra’s off stump, initially threatening middle-and-leg before pitching and seaming away.
With an end open, and the skies still relatively clear, England stuck again, removing the dangerous Mitchell for a third-ball duck. With Jamie Smith standing up to the stumps for the first time during Mitchell’s brief stay, Robinson angled one in from wide on the crease to find the front pad in front of middle and leg.
Rod Tucker’s on-field decision of “out” was upheld due to a predicted clipping of leg stump upon the batter’s review. Mitchell’s swish of his bat upon seeing the shade of orange on the big screen characterised New Zealand’s frustration – it was the third time a visiting batter has been on the wrong end of the umpire’s call.
England captain Ben Stokes, looking for more breakthroughs before the next inevitable shower, ramped up the pressure, with two leg slips greeting Tom Blundell. But the wicketkeeper batter, 2 not out, and Conway were able to see out 12 deliveries before the rain return at 2.10pm.
Tea was officially called 90 minutes later. At 5.29pm, the sensible option was belatedly taken to abandon play altogether. (ESPNcricinfo)
Guyana’s elite track and field talent are dreaming of global stages this summer as the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) prepares to host its flagship domestic event of the year.
The National Seniors, Youth, and Juniors Track and Field Championships are locked in for Friday, June 26, to Sunday, June 28, at the National Track and Field Facility in West Coast Demerara.
As the premier event on the local athletics calendar, the three-day spectacular is set to bring together the country’s finest competitors for a thrilling showcase of speed, strength, and endurance.
With stakes higher than ever, this year’s championships serve as the ultimate proving ground for local athletes aiming to hit qualifying standards for major international showpieces.
Chief among the targets is the World Athletics Under-20 Championships, taking place in Eugene, Oregon, from August 5-9.
For the senior contingent, a ticket to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland—scheduled for July 23 to August 2—remains the ultimate prize.
To ensure the competition runs like clockwork, the AAG has established a dedicated Local Organising Committee, which has been working around the clock to ensure world-class systems are in place for the athletes.
The event has already garnered significant backing from heavyweight corporate and governmental figures, with Guyana Beverage Inc, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the National Sports Commission, and the Guyana Olympic Association all throwing their support behind the nation’s track stars.
Fans eager to witness the present and future of Guyanese athletics can look forward to an action-packed schedule.
The action lights up under the blocks on June 26 from 18:00h before returning for back-to-back morning sessions over the weekend from 10:00h.
Admission is set at $1000, while children under 12 are free.
The opening round of the ‘Need for Speed’ Karting Championship has been moved to the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) facility at Thomas Lands following preparation delays at its original West Bank Demerara home.
Routine renovation works at the West Bank circuit mean track preparations could not be completed in time for mandatory safety testing and event readiness.
With the clock ticking, organisers made the swift decision to pivot to the capital’s motorsport hub on Albert Street to ensure the season opener goes ahead as planned.
“The venue will be undergoing routine renovations, and we will not be able to complete the necessary track preparation within the stipulated time for safety testing,” a spokesperson for the organisers explained.
“As such, our management team decided that we needed to look for an alternative venue and we thought of no better place than the home of motorsport, the GMR&SC Thomas Lands facility.”
While work continues behind the scenes to get the West Bank Demerara track up to standard for future rounds, the shift to Thomas Lands guarantees a safe, competitive environment for both drivers and spectators.
The venue change has, however, caused some knock-on disruption to the pre-season schedule.
The planned Meet and Greet event at the West Central Mall has been postponed, with organisers promising a new date will be announced in due course.
The championship is still expected to draw Guyana’s elite karting talent as the grid prepares to battle for top honours in what promises to be a highly competitive season. (Modified Press Release)
