‘We have a duty to the family’
– VP Jagdeo reaffirms a ‘thorough’ investigation into Adrianna Younge’s death
–– condemns the politicisation of it
AS the family of Adrianna Younge continues to seek justice for the death of their child, Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has reaffirmed that the government is committed to a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding it.
Speaking at his weekly press conference on Wednesday, Dr. Jagdeo reminded the nation that President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has already indicated that there will be a review of all events, from the time she was reported missing to the time her body was found. The first step in this inves-
tigation, VP Jagdeo noted, is the autopsy that was conducted by three experts on Monday. Her body was meticulously examined by Dr. Glenn A Rudner of Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, and Dr. Shubhakar Karra Paul of Barbados, who were both appointed by the government.
They were joined by the family-nominated Dr. Gary L. Collins, the Chief Medical Examiner of the State of Delaware, in the United States (U.S).
After five hours of examination, the pathologists determined that Younge died by drowning.
And so, the vice-president affirmed, “Now that we know the cause of death, we need to find out how she died. As I said before, was it by foul play, or while she was there swimming. I believe, more than anything else, that the family needs this truth.”
Dr. Jagdeo also addressed the politicisation of Adrianna’s death by certain elements in the opposition camp, pointing out that the government will never satisfy them with an explanation or actions.
“Their demands will be changing by the minute, because they hope to get a
political outcome from this tragedy,” he pointed out. However, “it is for …the family and those who are genuinely concerned about the death of this child that we have a duty to thoroughly investigate this matter,” he said.
Dr. Jagdeo also acknowledged the emotional toll the incident has taken on Adrianna’s family, recalling the pain present in her dad’s face when her body was found. “That is the pain of a father, I have seen, and so we have a duty to him and the family; they need to know whether it was foul play or not,” he said. He also reiterated that there were several troubling inconsistencies in the Guyana
Police Force’s initial report. According to that report, Adrianna was at the swimming pool of the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, with her grandmother and siblings when she reportedly disappeared around 13:0014:00 hours. The police initially claimed that the hotel’s CCTV system was non-functional; however, footage from external sources reportedly captured Adrianna entering a redand-black Toyota Raum, bearing registration number PSS 4684, which was later seen heading east towards Vreed-en-Hoop.
President Ali has since indicated that a civilian attached to the GPF Command Cen-
tre was responsible for giving the ranks inaccurate information.
And according to Dr. Jagdeo, “We still have to investigate that. And I suspect that in the thorough investigation promised by the president, all of those matters, including police action, will be reviewed and investigated.”
Dr. Jagdeo also condemned the disparaging of the Hindu faith, as individuals closely aligned with the opposition bench continue to falsely accuse the PPP of causing Adrianna’s death.
“It’s vile that they would desecrate the memory of this child by saying someone sacrificed her,” he expressed. (DPI)
Vreed-en-Hoop channel to be dredged before end of today, President Ali
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan
Ali has taken swift and decisive action in response to mounting concerns raised by speedboat operators at the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling.
In an effort to address the pressing needs of the region’s river transport sector, the president announced a series of measures aimed at improving safety, efficiency, and infrastructure along the Demerara River.
A key component of the intervention is the immediate dredging of the Vreeden-Hoop and Stabroek Channels, which have become increasingly difficult to navigate due to sediment buildup during low tide. This has often caused damage to propellers and engines, leading to service disruptions and affecting livelihoods.
President Ali announced that dredging works, along with the removal of obstruc-
tive piles and logs from the river, will commence before the end of the day.
Additional upgrades will include the installation of surveillance cameras and lighting to enhance security, the extension of the Georgetown landing to reduce congestion, and the construction of new walkways to improve the flow of commuters.
Marine officers will also be stationed during peak hours to maintain safety and order.
These measures come amid growing frustration among commuters and op-
erators, and underscore the government’s commitment to strengthening river transport infrastructure.
The urgency of the initiative is evident, with nearly nine million passengers utilising the water taxi service between Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica) in 2024 alone.
“It is justifiable, when
you look at 8.5 million people moving up and down on these two sides, Vreed-enHoop and Stabroek, that we need these improvements,” President Ali stated.
This decisive action signals a renewed focus on addressing the long-standing transportation challenges along the vital Vreed-en-Hoop to Georgetown route. (DPI)
A speedboat manoeuvering through sediment in low tide along the Demerara River
President Ali speaking to speedboat operators
AFC, new partners want ‘scrapes’ to be nurtured, not criminalised
––
believe their ‘ideas, creativity’ could be turned into opportunities despite widespread violence, chaos
IN the wake of national unrest and widespread acts of violence, looting and destruction, the Alliance For Change (AFC) along with several opposition-aligned political groups have issued a joint statement calling for “scrapes”, the perpetrators of these crimes, to be seen not as criminals, but as untapped potential.
The group of politicians, many of whom have been largely inactive or fractured in recent years, despite the chaos and destruction seen in
recent days, said Wednesday that the creativity and ideas of “these young scrapes”, as they call them, should be harnessed as tools for nation-building rather than punished by Law Enforcement.
In that context, the AFC, along with parties like the Assembly for Liberty & Prosperity (ALP), Vigilant For a New Guyana (V-PAC), and The People’s Movement (TPM), have joined with a few parliamentarians from the People’s National Congress (PNC) in calling
The AFC, along with parties like the Assembly for Liberty & Prosperity (ALP), Vigilant For a New Guyana (V-PAC) and The People’s Movement (TPM), has joined with a few parliamentarians from the People’s National Congress (PNC) in calling for changes within the Guyana Police Force and broader national institutions
for changes within the Guyana Police Force and broader national institutions.
Among those present were national figures such as Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes of the AFC; Simona Broomes from ALP; Nigel London from TPM; Maya Obradzina-Ryan, Ubraj Narine and other civic leaders, who, the statement claims, were all moved by “a shared concern for Guyana’s future and a shared outrage over the killing of 11-year-old Adriana Younge”.
However, while the message calls for peace and development, its timing comes
amid efforts by the Joint Services to restore order across the country.
The statement has also failed to directly acknowledge the trauma inflicted on dozens of innocent citizens, business owners and schoolchildren affected by the chaos.
Despite advocating for the perpetrators of these crimes not to be criminalised, the group said: “We condemn the looting and destruction of private and public property, even as we are aware that there were opportunists who infiltrated the peaceful protest.”
“Scrapes” or “Scrape Head”, is a derogatory slang or insult often used to describe people who are involved in criminal activities or viewed by society as troublemakers or delinquents.
According to Online sources, it’s similar to calling someone “foolish” or “ignorant” in English, and most commonly comes from the idea of someone having a “scrapped” or empty head.
“Many of us were once called ‘scrapes’. We know what it’s like to be dismissed, devalued, and used, but we also know what it means to rise. Now is the time to raise Guyana’s youth; not as weapons, but as architects of the nation’s future. We must find ways to help them turn their ideas and creativity into opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society,” the
parties said.
However, the parties made it clear that they “are not calling for an end to protest, but a rise in purpose”.
“Protest must continue, peacefully, powerfully, and with clear, united demands that reach beyond this tragedy. Because unless we change the culture, we will only rotate the faces in power while the system remains broken.
“This is not a political alliance. This is a united stand for national peace, justice, and transformation,” the opposition-aligned politicians said.
Following the illicit acts of persons who exploited a peaceful protest for their own self-interest, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has affirmed
From page 4
AFC, new partners...
that justice will be served, as the perpetrators will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Head of State made this known via a post on his social media page on Tuesday afternoon, when he noted that he had the difficult task of speaking to several persons who were harmed, robbed, and injured by criminal elements on Monday.
“I expressed our collective concern and love as law-abiding citizens. I assured them that those responsible for inflicting pain, harm, injury and damage would be prosecuted according to the law,” he said.
He went on to say that the pain of innocent women and children is the worst and hardest to imagine, and indicated that some of the stories were troubling and horrific.
To this end, Dr. Ali assured those persons and their families support and commitment to ensuring that they, too, receive justice.
The government, in response to widespread violence, looting and destruction of property across the country, has enforced a public safety order to maintain law and order.
This order restricts public meetings, gatherings and processions in all ten administrative regions between 00:30 and 05:00 hours until further notice. This came after several roads across the country were blocked with debris and burned, businesses vandalised, and citizens attacked during the unrest.
The violent demonstrations erupted after it was announced that 11-year-old Adrianna Younge had died as a result of drowning, according to an official forensic autopsy.
The revelation sparked immediate, unlawful acts by groups who used the situation to engage in criminal behaviour.
Among the most disturbing incidents was an acid attack on three pupils and two teachers from the Chateau Margot Primary School on the East Coast Demerara. The victims were doused with a chemical substance, suspected to be acid, by two unidentified men on a motorcycle.
The Guyana Police Force has since launched a full investigation into the matter, and is seeking the public’s help in identifying the suspects.
Additionally, several Chinese-owned supermarkets and major retailers, including Courts and Lucky Dollar, were looted during the unrest. Investigations are ongoing, and the police have pledged to arrest and charge all those found culpable.
On Tuesday, the police issued multiple wanted bulletins for persons who were believed to have incited public terror.
On Wednesday, several men were hauled before the courts and remanded for looting and inciting public terror.
Dividends of Real Progress
AS Guyana marks Labour Day 2025, the nation stands at a crossroad, one that is marked not by empty rhetoric, but by tangible transformation in the lives of its workforce.
Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo’s call for more introspection on the significance of the day is timely and necessary. The data and anecdotes underlying Guyana’s recent labour resurgence are the story; this is not the Guyana of five years ago.
The PPP/C administration, since 2020, has been fulfilling its pledge to create jobs, and uplift the working people. The proof is undeniable.
There are more than 60,000 additional Guyanese employed today compared to the previous government, with females and those in the hinterlands deriving significant gains from the targetted initiatives of the National Pathway Workers Project and the part-time workers’ programme.
These initiatives have not only created jobs but empowered women who now make up 75% of the part-time workforce, and delivered major jobs to communities that were once overlooked.
The government’s approach has been far-reaching, extending beyond job creation to workforce training and social mobility.
The training of thousands of teachers, the expansion of the GOAL scholarship programme, and the prioritisation of Guyanese in the new petroleum sector are setting the foundations for future prosperity.
The PPP/C’s absolute commitment to collective bargaining, reopening negotiations with unions, and reaching multiyear agreements, is in stark contrast to the wage impositions of the past. Public servants have been awarded a total 46% salary increase from 2021 to 2025, with bonuses and allowances reinstated and added.
And the improvements don’t end with
pay. The government has raised income tax allowances, introduced tax-free overtime, and implemented subsidies on essentials like electricity and water.
Pensions have gone up, housing and healthcare have become more affordable, and the National Insurance Scheme has been overhauled to include thousands more contributors and pensioners. These are not one-off gimmicks; they are all part of a coherent policy to raise living standards, and make work pay for all.
Critics will attempt to distract with allegations of discrimination, or point to isolated grievances, but the facts on the ground are undeniable. The PPP/C government’s record is one of delivery, not rhetoric. The infusion of over $105 billion a year in public servants’ salaries and benefits says volumes about the priorities of this administration.
The restoration of the one-month bonus for the Joint Services, which was done away with by the previous govern-
ment, also talks of a new-found respect for the individuals who serve.
As President Irfaan Ali has noted, the living standard of Guyana’s working people is being transformed not just by salary packets, but by people-oriented, holistic policies. From affordability in housing to world-class healthcare, from cash grants at school to upskilling training, the government’s development vision is not just ambitious; it is inclusive.
Labour Day 2025 should, therefore, be more than a commemoration; it should be a celebration of concrete, measurable change. Guyana’s workforce has every reason to stand tall.
The country’s future is certain. With continued investment in its people, Guyana is poised for a future where prosperity is both shared and sustained. The evidence is in the lives improved, the jobs created, and the hope revived.
This is the true significance of Labour Day in a new Guyana.
Guyana’s gas-to-energy project honoured with deal-of-the-year award by U.S. EXIM Bank
GUYANA’S landmark Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project was awarded the prestigious Dealof-the-Year Award by the Export-Import Bank of the United States (US EXIM) at the Bank’s 2025 Annual Conference held in Washington, DC on Wednesday.
The award was received on behalf of Guyana by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, who represented President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who was unable to attend.
The recognition marks a significant achievement for the country as it continues its push towards sustainable energy transformation and greater economic resilience.
Delivering remarks at the ceremony, Dr. Singh conveyed President Ali’s appreciation, stating that both the Government and People of Guyana value and cherish the award. The GtE Project, he noted, is a truly transformative initiative that will double Guyana’s electricity generation capacity upon completion.
Importantly, the project is expected to bring major economic relief to consumers by slashing electricity tariffs by 50 per cent, a move that is projected to benefit both households and industries, particularly those with high energy demands.
The representative also highlighted the significance of the award being tied to Guyana’s first major collaboration with the US EXIM Bank, describing it as “a fitting testimony to the enduring and growing strength of the rela-
tionship between the United States of America and Guyana”.
In addition to celebrating the GtE milestone, the Government signaled its intention to deepen engagements with the Bank, particular-
ly on other strategic initiatives. These include projects aimed at port security, trade enhancement, and food security, all areas identified as critical to national and regional development.
Guyana’s Gas-to-Energy Project forms
part of the Ali administration’s broader vision to modernise infrastructure, improve energy reliability, and position the country as a key player in hemispheric cooperation on energy and food systems.
Senior Minister, Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh with other officials during his remarks at the Bank’s 2025 Annual Conference held in Washington, DC on Wednesday
The politicization and vulgarization of a tragedy
THE incumbent in Trinidad has lost the election.
Now Trinidad has the same ethnic shape like Guyana and the two major parties –UNC and PMN are seen as having a predominant ethnic membership. But UNC won because there was cross-racial voting.
There must be cross-racial voting and that is what happened to make the PMN win two successive elections and for the UNC to win this time. In Guyana, no race group is near 45 percent muchless 51 percent to win power, so there has to be cross-racial balloting for the PNC or the PPP to win.
The UNC won because Africans and Indians thought it was eligible to run Trinidad because it was a credible opposition. We don’t have such a scenario in Guyana. A Huge amount of people is not going to vote for the PNC and the AFC and after their behavior over the tragedy of the 11-year-old girl in Tuschen. Irfaan Ali is going to clinch a Kamala Bissessar victory, meaning he will get formidable cross- over votes. I will leave that for another column, but for now let us look at the politicization of the tragedy of the 11-year-old and the effects it is likely to have on the election results later this year.
From the time the mystery evolved over the missing 11 year then the announcement of her body, the opposition including the AFC began to politicize the issue to the extent that they got into the heads of the parents and influenced them to reject the government-appointed pathologist.
The President visited the family twice with assurances of state re -
ceptivity to their requests whatever and whenever, yet there was never an acknowledgement of this by any of the opposition groups. The narrative was framed and pronounced on especially by PNC parliamentarian Vinceroy Jordan, that the government was not concerned.
The obvious implication of that is political. The obvious implication of that is the use of a tragedy to secure political capital and that has been happening since her death was made public. Nigel Hughes called on people not to loot and destroy people’s property, but there was no mention of an acid attack on school children.
A motley crew issued a statement including Nigel Hughes, David Patterson and a few political parties that no one ever heard about and there was not one word about the acid attack. Then yesterday, the opposition held a press conference at the sight of the child’s death. This was not only a barefaced politicization of the tragedy, but an abuse of a grieving family.
Since Monday’s mayhem, the politicization of the tragedy continues and there is not one word about the acid thrown on school children. The analyst has to find an explanation why this tragedy is being used for political purposes and why desecration of the child’s name is of no concern. I believe two sets of people found the death of Arianna Young a flash point for confronting the government and the girl’s death had no particular importance for them.
The first is the ensemble of opposition groups. The second is insane anti-Indian, anti-PPP civil society organizations. Both of these groups attempted to derail the gov-
ernment a month after it came into being in August 2020. That was the Cotton Tree double homicide, which they blamed on Indian supporters of the PPP.
There is now a continuation of Cotton Tree. These groups see Tuschen as a more useful opportunity that what Cotton Tree presented. We are into an election year. The plan is to milk the girl’s tragedy to weaken the government. I don’t think this is over. They are going to keep fanning the Tuschen flames because they feel it can bring political capital.
Before I go onto the electoral implications of this, I am not convinced that certain elements wanted the post-mortem to be done. Look at the video of the harassment of the White pathologist. The object was to chase him. I think Guyana is going to survive Tuschen as it did in Cotton Tree. The election will reveal that people think these opposition extremists are not fit to govern Guyana.
Kamala Bissessar secured a substantial crossover vote and I think the vulgarization of the Tuschen tragedy will see a repeat in Guyana of what Kamala did in Trinidad. Irfaan Ai is going to secure massive cross-racial voting because just as Trinidadians didn’t think the PMN was eligible to govern, the Guyanese people know that the PNC and AFC are unfit to rule this petro-nation
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.
Labour Day: GS Jagdeo highlights labour force improvements
AHEAD of Labour Day celebrations, General Secretary (GS) of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo highlighted the government’s efforts to improve conditions for working-class citizens.
Dr Jagdeo made these remarks during his weekly press conference at Freedom House on Wednesday.
“Often, these activities are celebrated in a routine, almost perfunctory manner…but this day should be used to celebrate and track progress made in the country in relation to labour,” he argued.
The general secretary, who also performs the duties of vice president, laid bare the government’s achievements in improving the working conditions of employees across the country.
He noted that more than 60,000 people are now employed when compared to the pre-2020 era. Public servants are now earning approximately $105 billion more than they were earning in 2020. He also explained that there are opportunities available for upward mobility with several educational opportunities now being paid for by the Government of Guyana.
In relation to the critical element of collective bargaining agreements, Dr Jagdeo boasted that the government signed multiyear contracts with several labour unions, including the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) and the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU).
Dr Jagdeo lambasted the opposition for not using the
platforms given to them on Labour Day to do a critical analysis of the situation surround labour relations in Guyana.
“You will hear Norton or somebody go there and make a speech ‘Oh, nothing has happened.’ They never do this sort of painstaking but important comparison of how labour relations have improved,” he pointed out.
The general secretary opined that workers are much better off under the PPP/C than they were under the last administration.
“I think labour and working people have made enormous progress in these years…so I hope that tomorrow, as I wish people Happy Labour Day, that we start doing this sort of introspection,” Dr Jagdeo posited.
FPSO Liza Unity: Labour Ministry conducts comprehensive safety, labour inspection
As part of its ongoing efforts to uphold workers’ rights and strengthen occupational safety in the Oil and Gas sector, the Ministry of Labour recently carried out a comprehensive inspection aboard the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel Liza Unity.
The inspection, spearheaded by Occupational Safety and Health Officer Ms. Nazmoon Jafarally Prittipaul and Labour Officer Mr. Martin Murray, focused on evaluating compliance with Guyana’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act, Chapter 99:06, international safety standards, and national labour laws.
ficers met with OIM Mr. David Maciver and department heads, and were guided through the facility by Liza Unity’s Safety Officer Mr. John Burns and SBM Offshore’s Human Resources representative, Mr. Shaun Prince.
During the visit, the of-
The inspection included a thorough review of the vessel’s Health, Safety, Se-
curity, and Environment (HSSE) protocols, emergency response systems, risk assessments, personnel training and competence, waste management practices, and record-keeping.
In addition to safety assessments, the team engaged crew members on key labour-related issues including the National Minimum Wage
Order, working conditions, overtime rules, termination procedures, probation and notice periods, and leave entitlements. Officers also promoted the use of the Labour Advice App, a tool designed to increase access to labour-related information and support.
This direct engagement with both management and staff allowed the Ministry’s representatives to clarify the rights and responsibilities of all employees under Guyana’s labour laws and OSH regulations.
The visit forms part of a broader initiative by the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department within the Ministry of Labour to reinforce safety protocols and protect workers’ welfare in high-risk sectors, particularly the growing Oil and Gas industry.
In a statement, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to sustained collaboration with industry stakeholders, emphasizing its goal to “foster safe, healthy, and compliant workplaces for all employees.”
The Ministry of Labour recently carried out a comprehensive inspection aboard the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel Liza Unity
VP Jagdeo condemns acid attack on Chateau Margot students
VICE President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has strongly condemned Monday’s acid attack on several students and a teacher of the Château Margot Primary School on the East Coast Demerara stating that his belief that it was orchestrated to spread fear.
The incident whereby a corrosive substance, suspected to be acid was thrown on the pupils and teachers by men on a motorcycle, occurred amid unrest across the country on Monday.
Speaking with reporters on Thursday, Dr Jagdeo clarified that this incident was not domestic but a random attack that was designed to spread fear among communities, attempt at spreading fear among families.
“It could be any child; your child walking along with a ground like what happened there. And somebody randomly comes up and throw something on them and it was designed to create fear,” VP Jagdeo expressed.
He told reporters that he
hopes the perpetrators will be arrested and charged with attempted murder and that the “intellectual authors” behind the attack will be identified. This didn’t happen just like that. It was designed to spread fear into parents and this is not just about Indo-Guyanese parents…
But imagine if your parent regardless of where you live, and you have your child, you’re worried now about that. This is part of the campaign of terror that they’re always of wage,” he noted.
Vice president Jagdeo’s statement adds to the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall condemnation on the incident.
“This must be an act that cannot be rationalised at any level,” Minister Nandlall stated during his weekly programme ‘Issues in the News’ on Tuesday evening.
AG Nandlall has since indicated that the perpetrators could face charges of terrorism under the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, one of the
most serious offences in the country’s legal framework.
“What could inspire such dastardly acts?” he had questioned.
While the injuries sustained were not life-threatening, the gravity of the crime could still warrant charges under Section 309E, which outlines penalties for
terrorist acts. Under the law, if a terrorist act results in death, the offender is liable to the death penalty and a fine of $1.5 million. If no death occurs, the offender may still face a minimum fine of $500,000 and imprisonment ranging from 10 to 15 years.
Since the attack, Pres -
–– believes it was orchestrated to spread fear
ident Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali met with the affected students, teachers, and their parents at State House in Georgetown on Tuesday.
Additionally, the Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud, and AG Nand -
lall also offered support to the affected persons at the Betterhope Community Centre.
Meanwhile, a comprehensive framework has been established to provide ongoing specialised medical care for the children to ensure their full physical recovery. (DPI)
‘We want people to own things, not burn things’ – GS Jagdeo
says violence, looting was in part supported by opposition elements
GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C)
Dr Bharrat Jagdeo on Wednesday condemned the horrific acts of violence and looting which occurred on Monday evening, saying that some of the illegalities were supported by people associ-
ated with the opposition.
Dr Jagdeo made these remarks during his weekly press conference held at Freedom House on Robb Street.
The general secretary said that though some of the rioters were fueled by selfish motives, a significant amount of them were
influenced by those affiliated with the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R).
“A lot of people were mobilised to come there and we know they were mobilised because the intelligence is coming out… it goes right back to the political actors,” Dr Jagdeo
said.
He pointed out that in some cases, the individuals were led to engage in riotous activities by those connected to the political opposition.
“They [the rioters] were led by them. The signals were coming from them. They were directing people
how to act,” he revealed.
For those who were directed by the political actors, the main objective was to instill fear and wreak havoc on the country.
“The objective was terror…that was the purpose of this exercise, not justice for Adrianna [Younge],” he explained.
Condemning the violence and looting, Dr Jagdeo said that these activities will in no way bring honour to the name of Adrianna Younge, who expert pathologists confirmed died by drowning last week.
“And yet there are people out there who are defending this on social media…You tell me how fetching away a TV from Courts has anything to do with getting justice for Adrianna Younge,” the general secretary posited.
Rebutting the claim that the PPP/C planted individuals in the riots to stir up violence to later blame it on the PNC/R, Dr Jagdeo said that he hopes the opposition will now support the police’s actions to charge several persons under the Terrorism Act and place them before the courts.
“Now that they’ve all said they don’t support looting and any of this stuff, I hope they support the police when we take condign action against all the perpetrators…the police have free reign to act in a professional manner but in a manner in keeping with the maintenance of law and order,” he opined.
He said that the PPP/C’s position has always been one in favour of ownership and not destruction.
“The PPP works at bringing people together, not harming them. We want people to own things, not to burn things. We want our kids to be educated… we believe in inclusion,” the general secretary highlighted.
In spite of this, Dr Jagdeo said that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) will fulfill their mandate of protecting citizens from these criminal elements.
“We also have a duty, as I said before, to thoroughly investigate this matter, but we also have a duty to protect the people of this country. All of them, when they go about their business,” Dr Jagdeo asserted.
Jagdeo commends youth for forward-thinking mindset at UG forum
GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Vice President of Guyana, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has praised the nation’s youth for their commitment to shaping a progressive future, following a vibrant
interactive session with students of the University of Guyana’s Economics Society.
Speaking during his weekly press conference on Wednesday, Dr. Jagdeo described the forum as a refreshing engagement, not-
St. Sidwell’s Anglican Church kicks off 165th Anniversary with community fitness walk
IN celebration of its 165th anniversary, St. Sidwell’s Anglican Church launched a year-long series of commemorative events with a community fitness walk on Saturday, bringing together parishioners and supporters
by extending the festivities throughout the entire year, allowing for deeper reflection and broader participation in the church’s enduring impact.
As part of the ongoing celebrations, the church recently hosted a special
St. Sidwell’s Anglican Church launched a yearlong series of commemorative events with a community fitness walk on Saturday
from across the Diocese of Guyana.
The early morning walk, which attracted participants from neighbouring parishes, marked one of the church’s first major activities in honour of its rich spiritual and historical legacy.
Addressing those gathered, Parish Priest, The Very Revd Monsell Alves, expressed his appreciation for the strong turnout and cross-parish support.
“We have commenced our 165th anniversary. And I'm very pleased to see persons who are here from other parishes supporting what St. Sidwell’s is doing as we celebrate,” he said. “More importantly, today is one of the major anniversary celebrations commenced.”
Unlike previous anniversaries, this year’s celebration breaks with tradition
ing that the young people in attendance were focused on development and eager to explore their potential role in nation-building.
“We had a really good interaction there and I was really pleased that people are just thinking about the future,” he said, adding that youth were increasingly moving beyond “the nonsense that passes for analysis in so-called social media.”
Highlighting the importance of understanding Guyana’s economic journey, the General Secretary encouraged young people to view progress through a historical lens, emphasising the dramatic transformation
the country has undergone in the last two decades.
“You have to check where we were twenty years ago…bankrupt, insolvent, poorer than Haiti,” Dr. Jagdeo recalled. “Today, we’re the most dynamic economy in this region—and in the world.”
He expressed particular satisfaction at the students’ curiosity about lucrative career paths, their interest in national development, and their concern about digital distractions affecting civic engagement among their peers.
“I was really taken back by it,” he admitted, referring to a young participant’s question about how
to channel serious messages to youths in a digital age.
“That was a really good question. It’s a national project we need to undertake.”
Dr. Jagdeo used the opportunity to urge young people to think critically, avoid being misled by superficial commentary, and take a more structured approach to analysing national issues.
“It is people like you who have to change [this mindset]. Young people like you,” he stated. “That’s why I’m spending time here—talking about analysing things in a bigger framework than what you just hear some man saying
on the road…or on TikTok.”
He reaffirmed the administration’s ongoing efforts to listen to and engage youth voices, noting that the PPP/C government’s community outreach is part of a deeper commitment to inclusive governance.
“The outreaches that we do are because the PPP remains connected to the ground. We do it as a matter of principle,” he stressed.
Since taking office in 2020, the PPP/C government has prioritised engagement with citizens across all regions—particularly young people—as part of its wider development strategy.
unveiling ceremony to honour the bishops and priests who have faithfully served both the parish and the wider Diocese. The event also featured the inauguration of The Galleries, now permanently housed in the Dean Goodridge Parish Hall, showcasing the contributions of past and present clergy.
The anniversary’s grand celebration will culminate with a Thanksgiving Mass on December 2 at 17:00 hours, which the church hopes will unite the community in a shared moment of faith, gratitude, and renewal.
St. Sidwell’s Anglican Church remains one of the country’s cornerstone places of worship, with a legacy steeped in spiritual leadership, service, and community engagement.
‘Tone-deaf
and dangerous’ – Public slams musicians behind ‘chiney’ video
- Chinese Association says timing of video is reckless, could endanger already-traumatised community
TWO local musicians, Richard Singh and Vision Clarke are currently facing backlash after releasing their controversial music video ‘Chiney’ which glorifies discrimination and the promotion of crime, just hours after violent unrest and looting incidents targeting Chinese-owned
businesses across Guyana.
The video, which was released on Tuesday, shows the artistes simulating the robbery of a Chinese supermarket, includes lyrics that many have deemed insensitive and inflammatory. Scenes show them raiding shelves, mocking security and robbing a customer,
while a Chinese store owner fends them off with a cutlass.
The video was reportedly filmed inside an actual Chinese-owned supermarket and includes a Chinese owner as a lead role.
“Chiney don’t know who’s we…. Y’all pick up the cup wah ya want, put it in ya buckta
whatever you got on…. Raid the shelf, stock up ya bag. Clear the shelves, every single thing I want. Brace the wall, nobody don’t bawl…. We ain’t afraid of no security! You feel is joke I making, I serious!” is just some of the lyrics of the song.
The video is now being used as the soundtrack for dozens of TikTok videos showing real-life footage of recent looting incidents and individuals boasting about their stolen goods. The content, according to critics, glamorises criminal behaviour and further inflames ethnic tensions following recent violent looting.
Faced with mounting criticism and backlash, including public figures and journalists, Singh addressed the video.
He clarified that the song was recorded and released in January 2025 and has since been trending on TikTok as defended the work as “artistic expression” rooted in Caribbean satire, claiming it was never meant to incite violence or promote racial discrimination.
“It is not a new project nor is it associated with the wrongdoings that took place days ago,” Singh said in a statement posted to his social media. “
“Chiney is part of a long-standing Caribbean music tradition that uses satire and exaggerated storytelling to capture the realities, struggles, and humour of everyday life. We understand, however, that certain interpretations of the lyrics may have caused concern, and we take that seriously,” the embattled artiste said.
While acknowledging the power of music and media, Singh said that as artistes, they recognise their responsibility and are open to engaging in meaningful conversations about the impact of their work.
“We stand against any form
of discrimination, hate, or real-world criminal behaviour. If the song has been misunderstood or caused unintended offence, we sincerely apologise,” he said.
Singh also pointed out that the Chinese store owner featured in the video is an actor and part of the production, added that there was no intent to target any community.
However, the explanation has done little to quell the backlash.
One social media user, Andy Morgan, questioned Singh’s moral compass: “What if this song affected your family? Would it still be a joke to you?”
Journalist Rawle Toney was also critical of the timing of writing adding that they would have than the loss and move on.
“Artistic expression is important, but it should never be used as an excuse for poor timing and insensitivity. Releasing that music video just a day or two after several Chinese-owned stores in Georgetown and surrounding areas were looted and set on fire was completely inappropriate. The timing couldn’t have been worse.
“While I fully support creative freedom, artistes also have a responsibility to be mindful of the social and cultural climate. Releasing the video for a song glorifying looting, especially under these circumstances, shows a clear lack of awareness and judgement. Ya’ll should take the ‘L’ on this one,” Toney said.
Others have called on the Guyana Police Force and the Ethnic Relations Commission to launch an investigation into the video and its creators.
Citizens argue that the visual content and lyrics cross a dangerous line, especially considering recent real-world
events, including the looting and destruction of several Chinese-owned businesses.
“This video may claim to be fiction, but it mirrors too closely the reality of violent robberies and looting in our communities,” one concerned citizen commented online. “There’s nothing satirical about glorifying crime.”
“You are completely tonedeaf and seem to be desensitised to what is currently happening in our country! Now is NOT the time to promote that garbage and you are presenting yourself as a disgusting person who capitalises off tragedy. Shame on you!” a woman wrote.
The Chinese Association issued a statement on Wednesday expressed its concern for the content and portrayal of the music video and urged artistes to use better discretion in considering the impact of their works, especially if it involves the security of real human lives.
“The Association hopes that future works by any artiste will use better judgement when constructing the content of their work and, in this case, the contextual timing in which they are released.
“At the time of this release, many persons in the Chinese community are attending to injuries and loss, some of which are life-threatening and life-altering for the victims and their families. The Chinese Association is concerned that some interpretations of this music video may lead to further harm,” it said.
The Association also condemned the resultant acts of crime and robberies, which it said was “misguided and misdirected”, resulting in harm to countless innocent persons in not only the Chinese community but also the wider community across Guyana.
A screenshot taken from the ‘Chiney’ music video by local musicians, Richard Singh and Vision Clarke
‘Adrianna Alerts’ launched to help find missing children in wake of tragic drowning
In response to the devastating death of 11-yearold Adrianna Younge, a new nationwide alert system—‘Adrianna Alerts’—has been launched to help rapidly locate missing children across Guyana.
The system, developed by a local tech expert and father, was announced in a heartfelt Facebook post by the developer’s father.
It uses WhatsApp to instantly notify registered users with key details, including the missing child’s photo, last known location, and identifying information. Users near the reported area receive the alert directly, allowing for immediate awareness and public mobilization.
In addition to messag-
ing, the system offers a live map that tracks active missing child cases and allows users to report sightings or file missing child reports.
Organisers hope to reach at least 50,000 participants to ensure broad national coverage and faster response times. “This system is only as strong as the community behind it,” the developer’s father wrote.
Adrianna Younge’s death has sparked both grief and calls for action. She was reported missing on April 23 after going swimming with relatives at the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo. Her body was found the next day in the hotel’s pool, prompting a national
outcry and protests.
Initial speculation of abduction arose after reports emerged of surveillance footage allegedly showing her entering a car. However, inconsistencies and the revelation that the hotel’s cameras were not operational fueled public distrust and criticism of police response. An internal review has since been launched into the police’s early handling of the case.
A forensic autopsy confirmed that Adrianna died from drowning, with no signs of sexual assault or violence.
In Parliament, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips addressed the tragedy by announcing sweeping changes to missing persons protocols.
Gov’t team engages Region One mining, logging stakeholders to address sector concerns
One of the many stakeholder meetings in Region One communities that included Port
A TEAM from the Ministry of Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), recently conducted stakeholder engagement meetings with miners and loggers in Region One communities, including Port Kaituma, Fish Creek, and Eclipse Falls.
The outreach formed part of a wider effort by the Ministry to maintain regular dialogue with stakeholders in the natural resources sector.
The Guyana Police Force has now removed the 24-hour waiting period to respond to missing child reports. Instead, a ‘Red Alert’ will be activated immediately, triggering coordination between police, the Child Care and Protection Agency, hospitals, and other critical institutions.
As Guyana grapples with the aftermath of Adrianna’s death, the launch of Adrianna Alerts stands as a poignant reminder of how communities, driven by loss, can lead transformative change in child protection.
A real-time, community-based child alert system called ‘Adrianna Alerts’ has been developed by a Guyanese father and tech developer; to inform and mobilize citizens in the cases of missing children
This initiative aligns with a commitment by the Minister of Natural Resources to deepen collaboration and improve the governance and productivity of the sector.
The Minister has consistently emphasised the importance of stakeholder feedback in guiding policy interventions and has pledged to ensure that concerns raised are addressed promptly and effectively.
“The Ministry continues to lead with engagement and responsiveness,” a senior official said. “These meetings are part of our ongoing strategy to support the people
The meetings aimed to identify challenges being faced by community members involved in mining and logging activities and to explore viable solutions in partnership with government agencies.
on the ground, modernise the sector, and ensure that our natural resources are sustainably and equitably managed.”
Representatives from the GGMC and GFC provided updates on licensing, regulatory compliance, sustainable practices, and technical support available to miners and loggers. Participants welcomed the opportunity to voice their issues directly to policymakers and technical officers.
The Ministry has pledged to continue these consultations across other hinterland and resource-rich regions as part of its national outreach programme.
Kaituma, Fish Creek, and Eclipse Falls
Guyana seeks unity, facts, and engagement in global indigenous rights debate
GUYANA has reaffirmed its commitment to the rights and development of its Indigenous peoples while defending its record against what it described as false claims made at the 24th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII).
Delivering a statement on Day 7 of the session under Agenda Item 5(f), Dialogue on Indigenous Platforms established within United Nations entities, Principal Regional Development Officer, Anil Roberts, took the floor on behalf of Guyana, highlighting the country’s inclusive approach to Indigenous representation and development.
“It is with pride and a deep sense of responsibility that I address you today on behalf of my country, Guyana—a nation where Indigenous peoples are not only an indispensable part of our cultural tapestry, but represented and prioritised in our national development,” Roberts said.
He underscored the value of Indigenous platforms within UN bodies, noting their critical role in bridging gaps between Indigenous communities and governments, especially in cases where dialogue is lacking. However, he cautioned the Forum to be vigilant against organisations that misrepresent the truth for access to international funding.
Roberts specifically addressed statements made the previous day by the Amerindian Peoples’ Association (APA), an Indigenous rights NGO in Guyana, stating that the group presented “several untruths” about the reality on the ground.
“Claims that the Minister influences mining activities on Village lands is completely untrue,” Roberts asserted. “The law empowers the Village to collectively approve of extractive activities on Village land.”
He also defended the legal process established un-
der the Amerindian Act for the recognition of District Councils, emphasising that it is based on Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). According to Roberts, Indigenous leaders in Guyana have raised concerns that the APA has attempted to circumvent this process.
Further, Roberts highlighted the government’s efforts to preserve and promote Indigenous languages. He pointed to the development of a national language policy, integration of Indigenous languages into school curricula, and the Ministry’s enhanced access to justice programme that provides interpretation services in all nine recognised Indigenous languages.
“We are proud that our Indigenous population is largely bilingual,” he noted, adding that these initiatives are helping to mainstream Indigenous cultures and languages within national development.
Roberts also expressed disappointment that the APA continues to refuse engagement with the Government despite repeated offers for dialogue.
“Advancing Indigenous peoples' rights and development must be underpinned by mutual respect and facts,” he told the Forum. “I urge this Forum and other Indigenous UN platforms to continue to nurture unity and dialogue between Indigenous Peoples and Member States.”
The statement reaffirms Guyana’s broader policy of inclusion, while drawing a clear line against what it describes as misinformation that undermines efforts at meaningful collaboration between Indigenous organisations and the state.
The 24th session of the UNPFII continues this week at UN Headquarters, focusing on a wide range of issues related to Indigenous peoples' rights, development, and participation in international decision-making.
Principal Regional Development Officer, Anil Roberts
Minister Mustapha reaffirms commitment to ASF surveillance
- during courtesy call with IICA-USDA delegation
MINISTER of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, recently met with a joint delegation from the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to discuss the outcomes of a technical session on the African Swine Fever (ASF) Surveillance and Response Capacity Building Project for the Caribbean and Central America.
During the courtesy call, Minister Mustapha emphasised the importance of sustained surveillance efforts, noting that although Guyana has never recorded a case of ASF, continued vigilance is vital. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening its veterinary and disease surveillance systems in accordance with international standards to safeguard the country’s live-
stock sector.
The Minister also provided updates on Guyana’s ongoing investment in its pork industry, highlighting the near completion of a modern swine abattoir. The facility, once commissioned, is expected to significantly enhance biosecurity measures, improve meat quality control, and position Guyana as a regional leader in pork production and exports.
“This abattoir is a strategic investment to modernise our pork industry and ensure that we meet the highest standards in food safety and animal health,” Minister Mustapha stated.
The courtesy visit and discussion come at a time when regional collaboration remains crucial in preventing the spread of transboundary animal diseases and building resilience within the agricultural sector.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, met with the joint delegation from IICA and the USDA to discuss the outcomes of a technical session on the African Swine Fever surveillance and response capacity building for the Caribbean and Central America
Minister Edghill calls for unity, compassion amidst national tragedy, unrest
By Cindy Parkinson-Chowbay
IN the wake of national grief and recent acts of unrest, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, has made an emotional appeal to the people of Guyana: to reject violence, resist division, and instead embody love, unity, and empathy.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Minister Edghill addressed the anguish gripping the nation
aftermath of protests that, in some cases, devolved into acts of arson, looting, and destruction of property.
“Our society is built on diversity and strength — six different races, living together with shared values. We must rise above these moments with grace and responsibility,” the minister urged. “Destroying our infrastructure and endangering lives cannot, and will not, be tolerated.”
Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, along with engineers, members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), and other officials, conducted a site inspection to evaluate the damage inflicted by looters and rioters on the roadways
following the tragic death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge at the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo. While acknowledging the shared sorrow, he cautioned that this moment of collective pain must not spiral into further harm and chaos.
“The passing of this young girl has shaken the conscience of the nation,” Minister Edghill said. “But we must not let our grief be weaponised. Vandalism, violence, and fear-mongering are not the answers. As Guyanese, we are better than this.” His statement came after the government initiated rapid clean-up operations to remove debris from major roadways across Georgetown and several other affected regions. These obstructions were left in the
ing projects to employment initiatives—is all part of creating a better, safer Guyana. “These are being built for you, for your families. Do not let unlawful actions steal that future from you.”
The minister’s voice softened as he spoke personally and emotionally about the tragedy.
“As a husband, father, grandfather, bishop, and minister of government, my heart is with Adrianna’s family. The pain is real. But I must reiterate—violence is not the answer.”
He challenged citizens to
pause and consider the consequences: “Ask yourselves — how do these actions help your family, your friends, your community? Is it worth your freedom or your life?”
Echoing the same sentiments, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday, condemned the acts of lawlessness, assuring victims of violence and theft that justice would be served. He took to social media to share his support for those affected and committed the government to pursuing legal
- encourage leaders to build bridges of unity, not walls of division
action against the perpetrators.
“I assured them,” the President said, “that those responsible for inflicting pain, harm, injury, and damage would be prosecuted according to the law.” He described the trauma faced by innocent women and children as among the most distressing aspects of the unrest.
President Ali also promised ongoing support for those harmed, saying their suffering would not be ignored. “We stand with them. We will en-
sure justice is done.”
As Guyana processes both grief and tension, the messages from Minister Edghill and President Dr. Irfaan Ali stand as a joint call for restraint, peace, and a recommitment to shared national values— especially at a time when the strength of the nation’s unity is being tested.
Will you stand for justice through peace, or allow pain to breed more pain? That is the question facing every Guyanese today.
Minister Edghill made a special plea to the nation’s youth, warning them not to fall prey to those who exploit moments of vulnerability for personal or political gain. “This is the time to wise up. Do not let anyone use your pain to serve their agenda,” he said.
He strongly condemned those seeking to politicise the tragedy, calling out opposition figures for spreading disinformation about President Dr. Irfaan Ali and his administration. “It is disheartening that some see this moment of national mourning as a political opportunity,” he added.
Underscoring the government’s commitment to development, Edghill reminded the nation that the work being done—from highways and hous-
Labour Ministry hosts ground-breaking symposium on AI, Digitalisation in workplace safety
THE Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department, on Monday, hosted a landmark symposium titled “Revolutionising Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalisation at Work,” bringing together nearly 100 participants from public and private sector agencies to explore the future of workplace safety in Guyana.
Held at the Regency Suites Hotel as part of OSH Month and the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, the symposium underscored the Ministry’s commitment to promoting modern, technology-driven approaches to occupational safety and health (OSH).
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, challenged participants to rethink the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools in the workplace. He stressed that real intelligence must precede the use of artificial intelligence if these technologies are to be successfully integrated into workplace practices.
“If you don’t have real
A section of the gathering from public and private sector agencies at the symposium
intelligence, you’re incapable of utilising AI,” Minister Hamilton declared. “Technology alone cannot solve organisational challenges if the human foundation is weak.”
Using real-world examples, including the Ministry’s partnership with Coursera through the Board of Industrial Training, the Minister highlighted gaps in digital literacy, even among those with access to modern devices. He warned against assuming readiness based on access or qualifications,
stating, “Certificate doesn’t equal employability. Certificate doesn’t equal responsibility.”
Hamilton also issued a call to action to managers and business leaders to invest in upskilling and retraining their staff, arguing that without a cultural shift in how safety and competence are approached, technological advancements alone would not be sufficient to prevent workplace hazards.
“We have a notorious culture that believes God
will protect us forever and ever,” he cautioned. “If we fail to change, our only option will be to prepare to play cards and dominoes at wake houses.”
The symposium featured a series of expert presentations and panel discussions on how AI, predictive analytics, and digital monitoring tools can be used to enhance risk management, incident prevention, and the creation of safer working environments.
Notable attendees included Ms. Gillian Bur -
ton-Persaud, Adviser to the Minister; OSH Consultant, Ms. Gweneth King; Mr. Roydon Croal; and Ms. Maxean Bess, Assistant Chief OSH Officer, among other senior officials.
Representatives from over a dozen organisations also participated, including the Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Home Affairs, Massy Guyana, National Data Management Authority (NDMA), National Insurance Scheme (NIS), SEACOR Marine, Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), Linden
Mayor and Town Council, MODEC, Guyana National Shipping Corporation, ChampionX, Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Banks DIH Ltd., Sterling Products Ltd., Farfan and Mendes Ltd., Pritipaul Singh Investment, and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).
The Ministry of Labour reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous learning as Guyana advances toward a more technology-driven economy.
Police Division ‘4C’ hosts successful sports, fun day to strengthen community bonds
IN a vibrant celebration of unity and community engagement, the Regional Police Division 4C (East Coast Demerara), in collaboration with the Bareroot/Bachelor Adventure Community Development Council (CDC) and its executive members, recently hosted a highly successful Sports and Fun Day at the Gun Oil Lawn, Bareroot, East Coast Demerara.
The event, designed to strengthen the relationship between the police and the wider community, attracted a large turnout and enthusiastic participation from residents of all ages. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, camaraderie, and healthy competition.
Divisional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Khali Pareshram hand over trophies to the various winners and teams
A major highlight of the day was a series of competitive 5-a-side football tournaments spanning three categories. Team Scrape clinched victory in the Under-14 division, Team Diamond dominated the Under-18 bracket, and Bare Root Ballers emerged as champions in the open category, dazzling the crowd with their skill and coordination.
Beyond football, a range of novelty games brought laughter and cheer, with participants engaging in bun-eating contests, limeand-spoon races, bag races, and three-legged races. Younger children enjoyed
the thrill of a bouncy castle, while food and drinks were served throughout the day to keep everyone energised.
Adding to the festivities was a spirited Domino Competition for both male and female players, where friendly
rivalry and community spirit were on full display. Winners across all events were awarded trophies, medals, and other prizes as tokens of appreciation for their participation and talent. During the closing cer-
emony, event organiser Ms. N. Calder extended heartfelt thanks to Assistant Commissioner Khali Pareshram, Commander of Regional Division 4C, and his team, acknowledging their instrumental support in making the event a success.
As part of its ongoing efforts to foster community engagement, Regional Division 4C has announced two upcoming events: the Success Day of Sports on May 5, 2025, at the Success Community Centre Ground, and the Commander’s 10/10 Softball Cricket Competition, set for May 17 and 24, 2025, at the Lusignan Community Centre Ground. These initiatives underscore the Division’s commitment to building trust, unity, and positive relationships across communities through sport and recreation.
Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton
CXC exams begin: Education Minister encourages students as thousands sit first written papers
Written Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) exams officially commenced today for students across Guyana, marking the beginning of a critical academic phase for those pursuing the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).
In a press statement issued Wednesday, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand extended heartfelt best wishes to the thousands of candidates
sitting their exams over the coming weeks. She described the occasion as “an important milestone” and emphasized the Ministry’s confidence in the hard work and dedication of students, parents, and educators.
“Your hard work and resilience have brought you to this point and we are confident that you will make yourselves, your families and your schools proud,” Minister Manickchand stated.
One of the most significant exams on the CSEC timetable, English
Paper 2, is scheduled for Monday, May 5, with nearly 10,000 candidates expected to sit the paper. This will be followed by the Mathematics Paper on Friday, May 9, another high-participation exam that will test the preparation and determination of students countrywide.
Minister Manickchand also made a special appeal to parents, guardians, and communities to play an active role during the examination period.
“Ensure that our students are well-rested, properly nourished and
arrive at their examination centres on time and in good spirits. Your support is essential,” she urged.
She concluded her message with words of encouragement: “May every student walk into their exams with confidence and walk out with pride.”
The Ministry of Education has reiterated its full support for students during this crucial time and remains committed to fostering a conducive environment for academic excellence.
Minister of Education Priya Manickchand
Tearful men remanded over violent riots, looting across the country
A HEAVY atmosphere hung over the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday as over two dozen men—most unrepresented and visibly distraught—were hauled before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore.
They were charged with inciting public terror during this week’s violent protests across the capital and other parts of the country.
The unrest erupted following Monday’s autopsy on 11-year-old Adrianna Younge, who was discovered dead last Thursday in the pool of the Double Day Hotel at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) on April 24, 2025.
The post-mortem, conducted by three pathologists—including two from the United States and one from Barbados—confirmed that Adrianna died by drowning.
The child’s death sparked public outrage.
However, the confirmation did little to ease growing tensions, as her family and sections of the public continue to suspect foul play in her untimely death.
The courtroom echoed with loud sobs and the shuffling of bandaged limbs, as several of the accused cried openly, alleging they were beaten by police during arrest.
Many of the men claimed they were innocent bystanders, caught up while “liming” on the streets or walking home from work.
One of the accused tearfully stated, “I was only trying to make peace,” while others insisted, they were not involved in the chaos that gripped parts of Georgetown following the release of a post-mortem report on the Parika Salem Primary School student.
The first group to be arraigned on the joint terrorism charge included nine individuals from various walks of life. They were Kerwyn Baksh, 39, a self-employed vendor; 22-year-old Devon Lewis, a porter; Randy Benjamin, 26,
a taxi driver; Alex Atkinson, 19, who is unemployed; Aidan Cuffy, 21, and Jason Hardy, 25, both construction workers; Tyrese Hassanah, 21, another porter; 25-yearold Jumal Singh, a mechanical engineer; and Faizal Kennedy, 23, a delivery rider.
It is alleged that on April 28, 2025, along Cemetery Road, Georgetown, between Toucan Street and Middle Road, the nine accused carried out a terrorist act with the intent to instill fear among Georgetown residents. They are accused of placing wood and other debris on the roadway and setting them ablaze, in a manner that either caused or was likely to cause damage to property or its destruction.
The nine men also face separate charges of break and enter, accused of unlawfully entering the business place of Jin Bao Lin and stealing groceries, snacks, phone cards, and hardware items valued at $6 million—the properties of Tian Ci Lin.
In addition, three other individuals were jointly charged in connection with
terrorist acts allegedly committed along Sussex and Hill Streets in Albouystown, Georgetown.
The accused are Sherwin Nelson, 20, who is unemployed; Desafio Harvey, 20, a porter; and Qubert Elgin, 53, a vendor.
Another three men were remanded in connection with the unrest that occurred in Durban Backlands, Georgetown. They have been identified as Kevin James, 34, a carpenter; Antonio Lawrence, 19, a construction worker; and Vincent Trim, 28, also a construction worker.
Moreover, two more men were charged in relation to similar offences allegedly committed along Hunter Street, Albouystown, between West Ruimveldt Front Road and Mandela Avenue.
The accused are Emanuel James, 18, a porter, and Jamal Small, 25, a fish vendor.
In addition to the terrorism-related charge, the duo is also accused of breaking into a business place owned by Jin Bao Lin and stealing items valued at $500,000.
Also charged in connec-
- could face the death penalty, fines of up to $1.5 million
tion with the unrest are Hassan Muhammed, Omadath Bridgemohan, Shem Howard, Ron Mitchell, Kevin Rodney, Leon Albert, Samuel October, Arnold Junior, Kemuel Abraham, Leroy Sealey-Yaw, and Shamol Ram.
Abraham, Sealey-Yaw, and Ram are accused of breaking into Ying’s Supermarket on April 29, 2025, at Tucville, Georgetown, where they allegedly stole various items and caused damage to the property.
Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones told the court that the group was caught on surveillance footage placing debris on public roadways, setting fires, destroying infrastructure, and looting businesses. He said they broke into two supermarkets during the unrest, stealing goods.
None of the accused were required to enter pleas during Wednesday’s proceedings.
Prosecutor Jones, arguing for their continued detention, described the group as a threat to national security. The prosecutor noted that their actions had widespread consequences,
including the diversion of international flights, the closure of businesses, and even hospitals being forced to shut their gates.
He emphasised the seriousness of the allegations, stating that swift police response had prevented further destruction and led to the arrests.
Magistrate Azore ordered all 28 men remanded to prison until their next court appearance, set for May 28, 2025.
Notably, several other men appeared before courts in various parts of the country, facing similar charges. They were also ordered to remain in prison pending their next court appearance.
Recognised as one of the most severe offences, Section 309(A) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act provides that a terrorist act resulting in death attracts a $1.5 million fine along with the death penalty.
In instances where no loss of life occurs, offenders face a minimum fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for a period ranging from 10 to 15 years.
Meanwhile, as the men were led out of the George-
town courtroom—some limping, some quietly whispering prayers—family members behaved disorderly outside the courthouse.
One woman shouted to police ranks, “They innocent! Why y’all treating them like criminals?”
Meanwhile, the police have confirmed that another batch of accused protesters is expected to be arraigned later this week as investigations continue.
On Tuesday, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) reported that, with assistance from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), they had successfully restored law and order across the country following recent unrest. Authorities confirmed the arrest of over 100 individuals in connection with various offences, including robbery under-arms.
Additionally, police disclosed that 37 motorcycles believed to have been used in the commission of crimes were seized during the ongoing operations.
Several suspects have been named in wanted bulletins issued by the police.
Family members of the accused protest outside the courthouse, calling for justice and alleging police brutality during the recent arrests linked to the
Desafio Harvey Sherwin Nelson Qubert Elgin
Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore
Jamal Small
Emanuel James
Vincent Trim
Kevin James Antonio Lawrence
Leroy Sealey-Yaw
Arnold Junior
Samuel October
Shamol Ram
Kemuel Abraham
Labour Day Messages
PPP: Today, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) stands proudly with the working people of Guyana in commemorating Labour Day 2025 — a day honouring the courage, resilience, and sacrifices of the working class, whose collective strength continues to build our nation and shape our future
Labour Day is more than a celebration. It is a reminder of the struggles waged, the victories won, and the work still to be done in advancing justice, fair wages, equal opportunities, and improved working conditions.
It is also a time for critical reflection — to assess how far we have come, and to ensure that the rights and dignity of our workers remain central to national development.
When analysing progress on Labour Day, it is important to make the right comparisons—to examine how labour relations, working conditions, and opportunities have improved. By every measure, Guyana’s working people have made enormous
progress over the past four and a half years under the PPP/C Government.
Since its founding, the PPP has walked shoulder to shoulder with Guyana’s workers. From Dr. Cheddi Jagan’s vision to the present, our Party has consistently fought for the empowerment, dignity, and wellbeing of the working class.
That proud legacy continues. Since returning to office in August 2020, your PPP/C Government has remained faithful to its promises, delivering tangible, life-changing benefits to working families across this country:
• Over 60,000 Guyanese who were not employed when we took office in 2020 are working.
• More than 50,000 persons have received government-funded training and scholarships, preparing them for modern, in-demand careers.
• Thousands of teachers have received training through Cyril Potter College and the GOAL Scholarship programme, and an additional 3,000 new teachers have been hired.
• We restored collective bargaining as a principle of good
labour relations, signing multi-year agreements with GPSU, GTU, and GAWU.
• Increased the tax threshold and provided tax relief for overtime work and those who work a second job, directly improving the disposable income of working families.
• Delivered one-off relief payments to thousands of workers previously denied NIS benefits, and to contributors who fell short of the qualifying threshold, correcting decades of neglect. We have complemented these efforts by distributing thousands of house lots, reversing burdensome taxes imposed by the previous administration, and generating thousands of sus-
FITUG: The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) wishes to express its deep concern over the current national atmosphere of tension, fear, and instability that has emerged in the lead-up to Labour Day 2025
This historic occasion, which has long been a time for unity, reflection, and celebration of the contributions of the working class, is now clouded by a disturbing wave of violence, intimidation, and disorder.
FITUG has received numerous reports from workers nationwide who expressed anxiety about participating in this year’s Labour Day march and activities. These fears are not unfound-
ed. Over the past several days, we have witnessed acts of aggression, looting, destruction of property, and public unrest that have left many citizens feeling unsafe and uncertain.
We strongly condemn the actions of opposition-inspired elements who have played a clear role in fueling this unrest. The calculated spread of misinformation, incitement to violence, and deliberate attempts to destabilise
our society are not just irresponsible—they are anti-people in nature.
These actions seek to divide our nation, disrupt peace, and derail the progress we have collectively worked so hard to build.
It is deeply troubling that certain opposition-aligned political actors continue to exploit a tragic incident to further their narrow agendas, manipulating public emotion and stirring cha-
os. These are not the actions of individuals with the working class’s interests or the broader Guyanese public at heart.
FITUG extends our heartfelt sympathies to Adrianna Younge’s family, relatives, and friends. Her passing is a national tragedy that warrants careful investigation, justice, and compassion.
We support the ongoing efforts to ensure full transparency and accountability in the process.
tainable jobs across sectors like construction, health, education, technology, energy, manufacturing, and agriculture.
Labour Day should always be used to celebrate, track progress, and ask critical questions about whether life has improved for our workers and whether the country is moving in the right direction. In today’s Guyana, the answer is a resounding yes.
Labour Day 2025 finds our nation on an upward path—one where working families feel the benefits of our country’s growth, and new opportunities are opening daily. Every new school, every new road, every job created, and every policy implemented is a testament to our commitment to placing the
welfare of our working people at the heart of development.
As we honour the contributions of our workers today, we reaffirm this government’s unwavering commitment to fairness, equity, and dignity in the workplace. The PPP/C will continue to champion policies that ensure the benefits of national development are shared by all Guyanese, with no one left behind.
Let us move forward, united in solidarity and purpose, knowing that together, we will build a nation defined by hope, opportunity, and prosperity for all.
Happy Labour Day to all. Long live the workers of Guyana!
Let us not dishonour her memory through acts of destruction and lawlessness.
As a federation, FITUG is evaluating the genuine concerns raised by workers regarding their safety and participation in Labour Day events. Our first duty is always to the well-being of the working class. We take these concerns seriously and are considering all appropriate measures to ensure
that our actions remain grounded in responsibility, solidarity, and respect for our members. We call on all Guyanese to reject violence and division and to instead embrace peace, calm, and unity. Let Labour Day 2025 serve not as a battleground for political manipulation, but as a reaffirmation of the dignity, strength, and solidarity of the Guyanese working class.
Guyana Public Service Union: Message from the GPSU President/CEO, Mr. Patrick M. Yarde on Labour Day 2025
The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) extends warm and respectful greetings to all our members, Public Servants across the country, and workers in every sector.
This is a day of reflection, remembrance, and renewed resilience. We gather not just to celebrate a holiday, but to reignite the spirit of solidarity that has carried generations through oppression, hardship, and resistance.
Let us not forget, it is we who built the cities, laid the railroads, bridges and roads, plowed the fields, and drove the engines of progress. This beautiful country we live in and its wealth, its infrastructure, its function was shaped by workers’ hands, guided by workers’ minds.
Labour Day in Guyana holds deep significance. It reminds us of the pains, tears, bloodshed and loss of lives of our forefathers who fought relentlessly for justice, security of tenure, decent wages, and dignity at work. Their sacrifices gave rise to rights that are now embedded in our Constitution and enshrined in our Labour Laws. But let it be known: those rights are not to be taken for granted. A generation that forgets the history of organised labour is doomed to repeat the cycles of exploitation and injustice.
As we reflect on the journey of work and workers in Guyana, we must celebrate the crucial role played by Public Servants
in every stage of our Nation’s Development. Whether in health, education, infrastructure, or administration, it is the unwavering commitment, skills, and knowledge of workers that power this nation.
STAKEHOLDERS
IN A BOOMING OIL ECONOMY
Goal One of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030 Agenda is to “end poverty in all its forms everywhere.” Guyana has accepted the responsibility to eradicate poverty based on this agenda. Every government’s desire is to report progress where citizens can live with dignity and provide for their families.
By accepting this goal, the government acknowledges that too many citizens continue to live in poverty and struggle to make ends meet. Each national budget presents optimistic images of economic transformation, often highlighting how billions will improve lives.
Yet there are still areas where workers, especially in the public service, should be paid more, valued, and included in key decision-making processes. Workers are not mere recipients of policy;
they are stakeholders in National Development.
Guyana’s economic transformation, driven by the oil and gas sector, should translate into real improvements in the lives of all citizens. Our voices must be heard in shaping the future of this country. Inclusive governance, transparent dialogue, and a genuine commitment to social justice are not optional, they are imperative.
A THREAT TO DECENT WORK
A disturbing trend has taken hold in Public Service, the widespread use of contract employment in roles that are clearly permanent and pensionable. This practice undermines job security, limits access to union representation, and strips workers of benefits they rightly deserve.
Even more concerning is that contract workers are often misled into believing they cannot join or be represented by a union, and this is a blatant violation of the Constitution of Guyana, which guarantees Freedom of Association and the Right to be Organised.
GPSU has repeatedly intervened to address these injustices and continues to demand that all Public Service Workers be treated with fairness, equity and dignity.
STAKEHOLDERS IN A BOOMING ECONOMY
The people of Guyana are not spectators in the country’s de-
velopment, they are stakeholders. The Public Service has long been the bedrock of good governance and quality service delivery. As the economy grows, so too must investments in human capital. Workers must be prioritised, included in decision-making, and offered a standard of living that reflects the nation's economic gains.
THE ROLE AND RESOLVE OF THE GPSU
As the legally recognised representative of Public Service Workers, the GPSU has worked tirelessly to defend the rights of workers. From resolving cases of harassment and abuse of authority to fighting for permanent appointments and equal treatment, we have remained at the forefront of the labour movement.
Let us be reminded that the GPSU is not a political organisation, but our struggle for justice continues to be impacted by political decisions that violate the very principles of fairness, justice and decency.
CALL TO UNITY AND ACTION
Our strength lies in unity. Too often, free riders benefit from the members' sacrifices and victories without playing an active role in its struggles. Some undermine leadership during critical negotiations, forgetting that the union’s success depends on collective strength and discipline.
Let Labour Day 2025 be a rallying point for action, unity,
and justice. We must:
- Reject the erosion of secure employment and defend the right to stable, pensionable jobs for all workers.
- Stand firmly for the full enforcement of the ILO Core Conventions to protect and promote International Labour Standards across all sectors.
- Demand the fundamental labour rights by upholding the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.
- Press for the urgent ratification of ILO Convention C190 on Violence and Harassment, along with its Recommendation 206, to guarantee dignity, safety, and protection in every workplace.
- Insist on inclusive governance and strict adherence to the Rule of Law, fostering transparency, accountability, and respect for trade union representation.
- Advocate better wages, decent work, and investment in quality public services that reflects the values and contributions of all Public Servants.
- Recognise ourselves as essential stakeholders in Guyana’s progress, not passive observers, but active architects of a just and prosperous future for all.
The GPSU is resolute in its mission. We will continue to champion the rights of workers, push for meaningful reforms, and hold the government accountable to the people it serves. Our weapon is our voice, our organisation,
our refusal to be broken. When We stand together, We achieve, We succeed! We win!
Today, we reject the idea that we were born to serve in systems that exclude and impoverish us. We affirm that the country we built is ours, not to slave in, but to shape, to share, and to rise. It is in our hands that we stand for fair, more humane and just labour practices. A country where every worker is respected and valued, where no one is left behind, and to live a life of dignity is not a privilege, but a right. Let us move forward in solidarity, with clarity of purpose, and with strength drawn from our shared history, values and the sacrifices of those who came before us.
As we sing Solidarity Forever, let us not merely echo a song, let us live its truth. Let it stir us to organize, to stand firm, and to build power, not just for today but for generations in securing the future. Let it remind us that we are the heartbeat, the engine of the nation, and when we stand together we rise together, victoriously.
For the Members make the Union! For the Union makes us strong! And united, we will win!
May God bless our Members and all Workers, May God bless our Union, And may God bless Guyana!
Solidarity Forever!
Boon ends ‘Match Referee’ innings with plenty to cherish
DAVID Boon’s involvement with competitive cricket began as a teenager in the 1978/79 season when he made his playing debut for Tasmania. It didn’t take long for Boon to make his mark in international cricket, where he went on to have a successful career spanning 12 years, scoring 13,386 runs and 26 centuries for Australia.
He signed off from firstclass cricket in 1999 and then took over an administrative role with the Tasmanian Cricket Association in the same year. In 2000, he joined the Australian national team selection panel, where over the next 11 years he oversaw a successful period for the men’s side, during which they won two ICC Men's Cricket World Cups and
two ICC Champions Trophy events.
A massive presence in the background of cricket's grandest stages, David Boon looks back on his journey as ICC match referee with pride.
In 2011, Boon furthered his association with the game by becoming a match referee, a role in which he thrived, featuring in 388 international games and eventually becoming a part of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees.
Speaking ahead of his 389th and final match as match referee where he oversaw the Test match in Chattogram between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, Boon shared warm appreciation for the support he had received during the role.
“A big thank you to world cricket, to the ICC, to everyone who has been involved in this - to all my friends and to my family. Everybody, thank you. It has been a fantastic 14 years,"
Boon said.
When reflecting on what satisfied him most about the role, Boon admitted it was a great way to remain involved in the sport at its highest level and being able to have some influence.
“(I enjoyed) being in a role that helps the nations, the teams, and the venues to run the game in its best form and make sure it’s presented to the world in its best form,” he said.
“And on another note, to help the umpires be at their best in the middle of the park as well.”
ICC Chair, Jay Shah, paid tribute to Boon, who will now take up a position on Cricket Australia’s Board.
“On behalf of the International Cricket Council, I extend my gratitude to David
Cricketing action returns to Faisalabad in Pakistan’s five-T20I series
FAISALABAD will host an international match for the first time in 17 years, as Pakistan prepares for the visit of Bangladesh in a five-match T20I series from May 25 to June.
The series, designed as vital preparation ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026, will feature two matches in Faisalabad and three in Lahore.
The historic Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, having
seen 24 Tests and 16 ODIs between 1978 and 2008, last hosted an international match in April 2008, and will be the venue for the first two T20Is.
Initially scheduled as a three-ODI and three-T20I series under the Future Tours Programme (FTP), the tour has been revised to include five T20Is.
Both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)
agreed to swap the ODIs for additional T20Is in order to better align with their preparations for next year’s marquee ICC event.
The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will host the final three matches of the series.
The Bangladesh team will arrive in Pakistan on 21 May and will be gearing up for action at the Iqbal Stadium from 22 to 24 May.
Series Schedule:
25 May – 1st T20I: Paki-
stan vs Bangladesh, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
27 May – 2nd T20I: Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
30 May – 3rd T20I: Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
1 June – 4th T20I: Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
3 June – 5th T20I: Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (ICC Media)
Barbados Pelicans narrowly edge Infernos in late fixture
AROUBA, Trinidad, (CMC) – THE Barbados Pelicans on the back of a brilliant unbeaten half century from Shian Brathwaite and Kevin Wickham and some miserly death bowling from Niam Young, narrowly defeated the Windward Islands Volcanoes by one run in match six of the West Indies Breakout League here on Tuesday night.
Asked to take the first strike, the Pelicans got off to a precarious start by losing three wickets within four overs with just 33 runs on the board.
two wickets for 28 runs. Brathwaite was left not out on a brilliant 85 from 50 balls, with nine fours and four sixes to propel the Pelicans to 199 for five.
In reply, the Infernos also lost two wickets in the power play at 32 for two, and a steady loss of wickets would follow to leave them in a spot of bother at 84 for five in the 10th over.
Boon for his outstanding service as an ICC match referee,” Shah said.
“Over the years, he has combined his unparalleled experience as a world-class player with a remarkable level of patience and keen attention to detail.”
“Officiating international cricket poses many challenges, yet David’s fair-minded judgements and thoughtful insights consistently earned the respect of players, support staff, and colleagues alike. His professionalism and integrity have set a benchmark for match officials across the sport.
Boon said he had many fond memories from his years as a cricket official, but still had some thoughts on areas of opportunity.
“I’m not sure about the
over rates, whether we’ve got that right. Pace of play can be an issue," Boon said.
“And I’d hope from an administrative point of view we have a massive umbrella over cricket, and every nation looks at themselves as being under that umbrella form rather than their own little pieces of turf.”
Having already spent almost five decades travelling the globe with the game, Boon admitted it was hard to describe his feelings as this chapter of his career ends.
“I think surreal is the best way to describe it,” he said.
“But I’ve been travelling the world for cricket in various roles as a player, an administrator, and a selector since I was 16 so it’s time to go home.” (ICC Media)
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Thursday, May 1, 2025)
83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Ben Stokes (RPS) (2) Sunil Narine (KKR)
Today’s Quiz: (1) Who was voted Man of the Tournament in IPL 2019?
(2) Who won the award in 2020? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
Wickham came to join opener Brathwaite, and the pair rescued the innings with a 99-run fourth wicket stand, before Wickham was bowled in the 16th over
Seamer Keon Gaston was the man who did the early damage, removing opener Kadeem Allyne for 22 and then Shaqkere Parris for one, before Ryan John had snapped up wicket-keeper Leniko Boucher for one.
for a well-played 64 from 46 balls with six fours and three sixes.
Off-spinner Avinash Mahabirsingh, who picked up the wicket of Wickham, also sent back Joshua Bishop for one, to finish with
It took a spirited knock of 61 from 42 balls from Teddy Bishop to keep them in the chase. The fall of Bishop’s wicket in the 18th over almost signalled the end for the Infernos, but a battling 30 from Gaston and 26 from Shadrack Descarte saw them fall just short in the chase at 198 for nine.
Young finished with three wickets for 29 to seal the first win for the Pelicans.
Former Australia Test batter, David Boon
Nyeem Young of Barbados Pelicans (R) celebrates with Leniko Boucher during match 6 of the West Indies Breakout T20 League between Barbados Pelicans and Windward Islands Infernos
Mehidy Hasan fires Bangladesh to series parity with ton and fifer
BANGLADESH won the second Test by an innings and 106 runs against Zimbabwe in Chattogram, thereby levelling the two-match series 1-1. Already in a strong position heading into Day 3 at 291 for 7, Mehidy Hasan Miraz registered his second Test hundred (104) and followed it up with a five-wicket haul (5-32), later in the day as Bangladesh clinched a comprehensive victory. Zimbabwe would have thought they had a sniff after three late wickets on Day 2 but overnight batters Mehidy and Taijul Islam were resolute in bunting out the opposition. Once again, similar to the first two days, the first session favoured
run-scoring and the duo found crucial boundaries off Blessing Muzarabani's first spell which took the hosts beyond the 100-run lead.
Vincent Masekesa picked up his fourth wicket of the innings with the dismissal of Taijul, bringing the 63-run partnership to an end. Mehidy notched his 10th Test half-century as Zimbabwe turned to spin from both ends.
Mehidy and Tanzim Hasan Sakib took on the bowling of Masakesa and plundered two boundaries and a six of the legspinner, bringing an end to the spinner's nine-over spell. Despite not dealing in boundaries, Tanzim made his presence felt as he chipped away with singles
Suryavanshi's toil
TALEGAON, a modest settlement about an hour's drive from Nagpur, can be infernally hot - even outside the scorching summer months.
Temperatures are extreme, often soaring to unforgiving levels, making the climate anything but conducive to cricket. When cricket is played there, it won't be a casual, usual and normal net session; it would be a daunting grind involving enormous physical wear and tear.
Rajasthan Royals have chosen to establish their academy in the oppressive climes of Talegaon, because it is similar to the weather of Jaipur.
It is where cricket is played relentlessly, day in and day out. The franchise's High Performance Centre (HPC) is a sprawling six-acre outdoor facility featuring over a dozen centre pitches and an additional dozen of practice strips, with soil bought from across the country to ensure diverse playing conditions . The setup even includes cement and granite surfaces to further widen the players' exposure.
A certain Yashasvi Jaiswal is a product of the demanding environment, where players - batters and bowlers alike - train for long hours, often twice a day.
and played with the turn. Bangladesh moved to 400 at the stroke of Lunch with the match firmly in their grasp after scoring 113 runs in the first session. Mehidy survived an LBW call through the recourse of DRS in the post-Lunch session while Masakesa was punished for tossing the ball invitingly for the batters with two boundaries through extra-cover.
Mehidy nailed a pull off Muzarabani to get into the 90s as Zimbabwe's hunt for a breakthrough was futile. Tanzim moved into the 40s as well but perished when his reverse-sweep fell into the hands of the fielder. But Mehidy went on to bring up his 100, before Masakesa picked up his fifth wicket
and effort
Regular visitors to the academy include the likes of Sanju Samson, Dhruv Jurel, and Riyan Parag among others. It was here Jurel is reported to have played for over 100 overs before debuting against England in a Test series last year. Jaiswal, it is said, tried about 300 sweeps one day.
The training cycle is intense, with coaches maintaining a laser-sharp focus on analysing each player's strengths and weaknesses. The likes of Rahul Dravid, Vikram Rathour, Zubin Bharucha (Vaibhav Suryavanshi credited all of them for his development), and the latest recruit, Sairaj Bahutule, have all spent time overseeing training at the facility. Even Kumar Sangakkara, the franchise's director, often visits the HPC.
The initial talk about Suryavanshi after he was bought in the auction for Rs 1.1 crore was how many 13-year-old self-made crorepatis one could get to see in life, which is a record in itself. But that's a different story. The franchise believes it has struck gold with Suryavanshi (Vikram Rathour said so in almost as many words), who took the world by storm on Monday (April 28) by smashing a 35-ball century against the Gujarat Titans at the SMS Stadium in Jaipur. Speaking
which ended the all-rounder's marathon knock. With that, the hosts ended on 444.
In reply, Zimbabwe could barely get a foot right in their second innings, with no answers against the Bangladesh spinners. Brian Bennett nicked behind to Shadman Islam for just six before Nick Welch followed two balls later, both falling to wrecker-in-chief in the first innings - Taijul. Post Tea, things got worse for Zimbabwe as Sean Williams was caught by Shadman again, this time at gully off Nayeem Hasan.
Tottering at 22 for 3, the visitors had their only real partnership of note between Ben Curran (46) and Craig Ervine in a 47-run stand.
The two southpaws showed good resolve against the spinners and ground out the runs. But Ervine threw it all away by missing a wild slog that hit the stumps, giving Mehidy his first wicket.
Wesley Madhevere departed a few balls later as Bangladesh were back on top of proceedings. Mehidy pocketed two more wickets before prizing his fifth - of Curran, with a faint edge to the 'keeper. Taijul scalped Richard Ngarava before Masakesa was run-out as Bangladesh sealed the win.
at RR's High-Performance Centre comes to the fore
on Cricbuzz live, Shaun Pollock hailed it as the best individual effort in the history of the IPL.
Suryavanshi trained at the Talegaon facility for three months after the Jeddah IPL auction. Experts and pundits clearly see that efforts were made to expand his batting horizon and acquaint himself with high speed bowling, which is not normally seen
at the age-group level. Those who have seen Suryavanshi on Monday night believe it was clear that he was made to face high-speed bowling by Dravid & Co. He, of course, faces Jofra Archer in the nets. Experts Cricbuzz spoke to believe that Suryavanshi may have developed the ramp shots, upper cuts and inside out hits, normally seen in experienced batters, at the
academy. Some of those shots were seen over the last three matches with the pull over mid-wicket being his favourite shot.
"We have been watching him in the nets. All of us knew we have something special," Rathour, the RR batting coach, said after the match. "We knew what he was capable of and the range of shots he could play. But to do it in front of a crowd like this, in such a high-pressure situation, and against a top-quality bowling attack - it was really special. A lot of credit to him."
Since that sizzling innings, comparisons with Sachin Tendulkar have started. His 11 sixes against top class international bowling attack are drawing parallels between Tendulkar's blistering assault on Abdul Qadir in his maiden international tour, to Pakistan, way back in 1989. "It's too early to say that. It is unfair on the kid to compare him to Sachin Tendulkar. He is the new Vaibhav Suryavanshi," said Rathour, shutting all the talk of comparisons with the maestro.
"He is a special talent. He has got a great downswing (if one were to use technical jargon) that helps him generate this kind of power. Today he showed everybody how good he is. He has a solid head on
his shoulder. He has a long long career ahead of him," the batting coach went on to add.
Tendulkar himself had something to say about the whizkid. "Vaibhav's fearless approach, bat speed, picking the length early, and transferring the energy behind the ball was the recipe behind a fabulous innings. End result: 101 runs off 38 balls. Well played!," the maestro said in a social media post.
The Royals have a record of looking for young talent. Some of their young recruits, over the years, have been Samson, Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, Yusuf Pathan, Parag, Jurel and Ajinkya Rahane among others. When they heard about Suryavanshi, he was invited for the trials at the academy. Under the supervision of Dravid & Co, he trained for about three months.
Once he landed there it was clear among the RR staff that he is a special talent. They have done well with him so far, working on his temperament, ability (to generate power), technique, skill, aptitude (to find placements) and fearlessness. They've also done well to shield him from the prying eyes of the media. But for how long? He's already a global sensation.
(Cricbuzz)
Zimbabwe and Bangladesh share the spoils of the two-Test series
Vaibhav Suryavanshi acknowledges the crowd after a fantastic century
CWI 2025 Women’s T20 Blaze bowls off today in St. Vincent
CRICKET West Indies (CWI) has announced the complete fixtures and squad lists for the CWI 2025 Women’s T20 Blaze, which will take place from May 1-11 in St. Vincent.
The tournament represents the pinnacle of women’s domestic T20 cricket in the Caribbean and will feature the region’s finest talent across 16 matches.
Six regional teams will take part- Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Trinidad and Tobago and hosts Windward Islandscompeting in a round-robin format in the preliminary stage.
Six points will be awarded for a win, three points in the case of a no-result and zero points for a loss. The top two teams after the preliminary stage will advance to the final.
All matches will be broadcast live on the Windies
Cricket YouTube channel, while a live scorecard will be available on the Windies Cricket official website match centre.
FIXTURES:
(All matches will be played at the Arnos Vale Ground. Times listed in AST) Round One – Thursday, May 1
Guyana vs Leeward Islands – 10:00am-12:45pm Barbados vs Trinidad & Tobago – 2:30pm-5:15pm Windward Islands vs Jamaica – 7:00pm-9:45pm
Round Two – Saturday, May 3
Windward Islands vs Guyana – 10:00am-12:45pm Jamaica vs Trinidad & Tobago – 2:30pm-5:15pm Barbados vs Leeward Islands – 7:00pm-9:45pm
Round Three – Monday, May 5
Jamaica vs Leeward Islands – 10:00am-12:45pm
Windward Islands vs Trinidad & Tobago – 2:30pm5:15pm Barbados vs Guyana –7:00pm-9:45pm
Round Four – Wednesday, May 7
Jamaica vs Barbados –10:00am-12:45pm Windward Islands vs Leeward Islands – 2:30pm5:15pm Trinidad & Tobago vs Guyana – 7:00pm-9:45pm
Round Five – Friday, May 9
Trinidad & Tobago vs Leeward Islands – 10:00am12:45pm Jamaica vs Guyana –2:30pm-5:15pm Windward Islands vs Barbados – 7:00pm-9:45pm Finals – Sunday, May 11 Final: 1st place vs 2nd place – 2:30pm-5:15pm
Curran hits his best IPL score...
Champions Trophy.
He had made single-figure scores in his three previous appearances in this year's IPL but on this occasion held together a batting line-up that has struggled throughout the tournament.
The 26-year-old struck nine fours and four sixes against the side that released
him last year, targeting the leg-side boundary. He was caught behind in the 18th over, at the start of a collapse of six wickets in 12 balls including a hat-trick for leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal.
He took four wickets in the penultimate over, MS Dhoni and then Deepak Hoo-
GCB’s 50-over U-19 Inter-County
Khan spins Berbice to four wicket win over Essequibo
By Sean Devers
IN sunny conditions yesterday at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, defending champions Berbice, beat Essequibo by four wickets in the second round of the GCB 50- over U-19 Inter-County cricket tournament.
Berbice lost six wickets while chasing Essequibo’s paltry 113 in 26.4 overs to reach 116-6.
Essequibo’s disappointing total was built around 21 from Ashton Simmons (21), 19 from Terry Wong and 13 from Gowkaran Chulia, while Extras contributed 20 valuable runs.
Salim Khan followed up his 4-18 against the Select X1 by capturing 4-30. He got
Salim Khan bagged his second consecutive 4-for to be named Man-of-the-Match
support from Micah Amsterdam, who took 3-18.
When Berbice began their reply, Rampersaud Ramnauth fell for nine at 19-1 before Alex Algoo and
Ramnauth’s sibling Rampertab saw the fifty posted.
However, with the score on 55, Algoo played a series of scintillating shots on both sides of the wickets, in his shot- filled 34, decorated by three fours and three sixes.
Algoo’s demise in the 10 th over brought Rashaad Gaffor, but Chulai breached Gaffor’s defence to leave the score on 66-3.
Rampertab (13) was removed by Saif Samaroo at 70-4 before Damion Cecil (7) fell to Navindra Sankar at 80-5.
Berbice would lose Afraz Budhoo (17), but an unbeaten 21 from Matthew Pottaya ensured that Berbice remained unbeaten., They now face Demerara to play in the final round.
T&T Legions dominate Titans in convincing six-wicket victory
(From back page)
da, Anshul Kamboj and Noor Ahmad in consecutive deliveries.
Rajasthan Royals meet Mumbai Indians in today’s IPL fixture, meaning 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi will have another chance to impress after his century on Monday. (BBC Sport)
TAROUBA, Trinidad, (CMC )– The Trinidad & Tobago Legions produced a clinical performance to defeat the Jamaica Titans by six wickets in the seventh match of the West Indies Breakout League at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy here on Wednesday.
Sent in to bat, the Jamaica Titans faced early setbacks and never fully recovered, managing only 127 for 8 in their 20 overs.
Openers Zion Brathwaite 37 from 30 balls and Leroy Lugg 30 from 25, provided
some resistance, but the middle order collapsed dramatically, losing three wickets for just six runs in a disastrous passage of play.
The Titans slipped from 55 for 3 to 61 for 6, with McKenny Clarke bagging 2-14, Navin Bidaisee 2-19, and Johann Layne 2-27 leading a disciplined bowling attack for the Legions. Reon Edwards 15 not out, offered late resistance, but the total proved insufficient in the end.
In reply, the Legions lost early wickets but were steadied by a composed 45 from
Kamil Pooran, who anchored the innings. Wicketkeeper-batsman Joshua Da Silva, 31, contributed a valuable knock before Navin Bidaisee, 29, not out, sealed the victory with nine balls to spare.
The Titans’ bowlers struggled for breakthroughs, with only Andrew Rambaran 2-23 making an impact. However, the target was never challenging enough, and the Legions cruised to 130 for 4 in 18.3 overs to continue their unbeaten run in the tournament.
Trinidad and Tobago batting against Guyana in a previous tournament (Photo: CWI Flickr)
Navin Bidaisee of Trinidad & Tobago Legions on the go during match 7 of the West Indies Breakout T20 League between Trinidad & Tobago Legions and Jamaica Titans
MILWAUKEEE Bucks power forward, Giannis Antetokounmpo, criticised Tyrese Haliburton's "disrespectful" father after the pair were involved in a heated exchange following the Indiana Pacers' series-clinching win.
The Pacers booked their spot in the NBA play-off semi-finals with a 119-118 win against the Bucks.
Haliburton hit the goahead lay-up with 1.3 seconds left on the clock as the Pacers sealed a 4-1 series win and following the buzzer supporters entered the court to celebrate.
Antetokounmpo, a twotime NBA most valuable player, was approached by what he thought was a Pacers fan, who taunted him with a towel that had Haliburton's face on it. The fan, it transpired, was Haliburton's father.
"I believe in being humble in victory," said Antetokounmpo.
"At that moment I thought it was a fan, but then I realised it was Tyrese's dad.
"I love Tyrese - he's a great competitor. His dad coming on the floor and showing me a towel with his
[son's] face on it, [saying] 'This is what we do. We do this.' I feel like that's very, very disrespectful."
Haliburton, who says he was unaware of his father's actions at the time, has apologised to Antetokounmpo.
"I had no idea it happened until I got back to the locker room and they showed me the video of my pops," said Haliburton.
"We had a little talk about it. I don't agree with what transpired there.
"Basketball is basketball. Let's keep it on the court. I think he just got excited."
The defeat means the
Gordon the enforcer
1951 IN Barbados, the great Gordon Greenidge is born. When he was 12, his parents moved to Reading, and as a result Greenidge played for Hampshire and qualified for England, but instead of Greenidge and Gooch we had Greenidge and Haynes, the finest opening partnership in West Indies' history and one of the best anywhere.
Greenidge was the enforcer, square-cutting, hooking and driving new-ball bowlers into submission. He was deadly on one leg, as England, battered for 214 not out at Lord's in 1984, would testify.
Menacing and brutal, Greenidge made six of his 19 Test hundreds in England, including 134 (out of 211) and 101 on a spiteful Old Trafford surface in 1976. He also made 93 and 107 on his debut, against India in Bangalore in 1974-75.
And on his 40th birthday, Greenidge played his last Test innings against Australia in Antigua. He was run out for 43, as West In-
Greenidge made
Test runs for West Indies (Getty Images)
dies failed to chase an unlikely target of 455. Greenidge went on the tour of England that followed but injured his knee in the second one-day international, his last appearance for his country. (ESPN Cricinfo)
'Disrespectful' dad criticised as Pacers beat Bucks
Bucks' hopes of a first Championship since 2021 are over.
They held a seven-point lead with 40 seconds remaining in game five but the Pacers forced two crucial turnovers in the final 17 seconds.
Haliburton's winning lay-up was the end of an uninterrupted eight-point run which swung the game in the Pacers' favour.
They will face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the semi-finals.
Defending champions the Boston Celtics sealed a 4-1 series win with a comfortable 120-89 win against the
Orlando Magic.
Jayson Tatum top scored with 35 points, as well as 10 assists and eight rebounds.
The game turned in the third quarter when Magic forward Paolo Banchero was forced to sit out following his fifth foul, when the Magic held a four-point lead.
"It definitely swung the series. It definitely swung the game," Mosley said.
"All I saw is Paolo getting an elbow to the face or back into the face, and he got the foul. That was a game-changer right there.
"Your best player picks up his fifth foul in the third
quarter. It's tough to come back from that moment."
The Celtics will face either the New York Knicks or the Detroit Pistons in the next round.
The Pistons kept their play-off hopes alive with a 106-103 win in game five to trail 3-2 in their best-ofseven series.
Elsewhere, the Denver Nuggets took a 3-2 series lead with a 131-115 win over the LA Clippers in game five.
The winners of the tie will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the next round. (BBCSport)
Curran hits his best IPL score but CSK out of play-offs after loss
CHENNAI Super Kings' chances of reaching the Indian Premier League play-offs are over after they were beaten by Punjab Kings despite Sam Curran's 88.
England all-rounder Curran's highest IPL score was the backbone of CSK's 190 all out but Punjab chased their target with two balls to spare even with a late stutter, winning by four wickets.
(Scores: Chennai Super Kings 190 (19.2 overs): Curran 88 (47); Chahal 4-32
Punjab Kings 194-6 (19.4 overs): Iyer 72 (41), Prabhsimran 54 (36)
Shreyas Iyer hit a majestic 72 and opener Prabhsim-
Iyer was bowled with nine balls to go and Suryansh Shedge followed for one but Marco Jansen inside edged for four to seal victory.
Five-time champions CSK's hopes were already effectively over but their fate is now confirmed after an eighth defeat in 10 matches.
Punjab move from fifth to second and are now a point behind leaders Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
ran Singh 54, leaving only six to get from the last two overs.
The player of the tournament in their 2022 T20 World Cup win, Curran, was dropped from England's white-ball sides at the start of the year meaning he missed the tour of India and the
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The Indiana Pacers have never won an NBA Championship
Gordon
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Sam Curran's previous best score in the IPL was 63 not out