Gold miner nabbed with cannabis at Itaballi checkpoint
A 24-year-old gold miner from Albouystown, Georgetown, Pitamber Singh, was arrested on Sunday, May 2, 2025, after police at the Itaballi Checkpoint discovered 12 grams of suspected cannabis in his possession.
According to reports from Regional Division #7, the man was the lone passenger in a motorcar that was stopped and searched during a routine check at the Itaballi crossing.
During the search, police found a transparent plastic bag containing a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis on his person.
The suspect was immediately cautioned and arrested, while the narcotics were later weighed and amounted to 12 grams.
The gold miner is currently in police custody, and is expected to be charged as investigations continue.
Minister Mustapha tours state-of-the-art hydroponic farm at Fort Wellington
AGRICULTURE
Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Monday visited the stateof-the-art Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP)’s hydroponic farm located at Fort Wellington on the West Coast of Berbice, where he hailed the facility as a symbol of Guyana’s advancing agricultural transformation.
The AIEP hydroponic project, officially launched during the 2023 Agri-Investment Forum and Expo, aims to promote hi-tech, sustainable agriculture while encouraging youth involvement in agribusiness. The facility represents a critical component of the government’s broader push to modernise the agriculture sector and ensure food security through innovation.
During his visit, Minister Mustapha inspected ongoing preparatory works, including testing for Dutch buck—a leafy vegetable crop selected
for the first phase of cultivation. The official plant transfer into the hydroponic system is set for Wednesday, which will also mark the start of system testing.
Minister Mustapha commended the project’s progress, describing it as a forward-thinking initiative that
highlights the value of technology and public-private collaboration in agriculture.
“This project demonstrates what’s possible when we combine technology, investment, and young talent to create a resilient agricultural sector,” he stated.
The AIEP hydroponic
farm is poised to become a model for modern agriculture not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean. It will also serve as a training hub for emerging agri-entrepreneurs, and contribute significantly to national and regional food security efforts.
Two dead, one injured in Angoy’s Avenue stabbing incident –– police investigate suspected murder attempt
A SUNDAY night confrontation in Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, has left two men dead and a woman nursing stab wounds as Regional Division #6 detectives probe what they are treating as a murder/ attempted murder case.
The incident occurred around 22:30hrs on Sunday May 4, 2025, and claimed the lives of 52-year-old Leon Fordyce and Shawn LeFleur, both residents of Angoy’s Avenue. A third person, 44-yearold Angelisha Newyear, was injured during the violent encounter, and is currently hospitalised in stable condition at the New Amsterdam Hospital.
Preliminary investigations indicate that LeFleur, along with Neon DeJonge and another identifiable male known only as ‘Thunder’ or ‘Bristol’, became involved in a heated argument with Newyear. The confrontation reportedly stemmed from threats allegedly made to
Newyear’s 26-year-old son, Gregory De Jonge.
During the altercation, Newyear sustained a stab wound to her abdomen, while Fordyce was reportedly struck in the head. Fordyce was rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. LeFleur, who was also stabbed, was initially admitted to the same hospital but succumbed to his injuries on Monday, May 5, while being transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital. Police have since arrested Gregory De Jonge, who remains in custody as investigations continue. Authorities have not yet confirmed the specific roles of each person involved in the fracas, and efforts are ongoing to locate the man known as ‘Thunder’ or ‘Bristol’.
Regional Division #6 detectives are appealing to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Monday visited the state-of-the-art AIEP hydroponic farm at Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice
Pitamber Singh
OP-ED Science and Innovation to Feed Humanity
By Cynthia Rosenzweig and Manuel Otero
WE are experiencing a time of significant upheaval, with far-reaching effects on agriculture, food production, and people.
However, this is not a new challenge—since the dawn of humanity, concerns about food availability and access have persisted, with famines resulting from natural disasters and human-made crises, such as wars.
Malthusian concerns about food production failing to keep pace with population growth have resurfaced time and time again. As recently as the 1960s, some predicted the inevitability of widespread famines.
However, since then, although the global population has grown from about three billion to more than eight billion people, the world now produces 30% more protein and calories per capita with relatively modest increases
in agricultural land (less than 9% since the 1960s).
Meanwhile, inflation-adjusted commodity prices are lower than they were in the 1970s.
A key reason for these achievements has been what an influential 2001 study called the “slow magic” of science and technology applied to agrifood production.
Persistent investment in agricultural research led to the Green Revolution and a significant increase in food availability, with positive effects on nutrition, economic productivity, social stability, and peace.
The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) has been an inseparable part of these efforts. Created in 1942, based on ideas presented at the First Agricultural Conference of the Americas in 1930 and resolutions from the Eighth Scientific Congress of the Americas in 1940, IICA has since focused on supporting and spreading advances in agricultural sci-
plays a crucial role in the global water and oxygen cycles and as a carbon sink, making our countries anchors of global food security and environmental sustainability. Integrating both functions requires a deep understanding of the vital planetary processes that sustain life.
a variety of ecosystems.
The good news is that science is proving to have the information, ideas, and methodologies to offer alternative pathways to address these challenges.
Our organizations have complementary strengths to carry out this work.
ence and technology.
In the 1960s, the key problem was generating enough calories, and the response focused on a few crops and a limited set of technologies. Energy prices were low, and climate variability was not yet perceived as an issue.
Now, we face more complex challenges, such as the need to operate within natural resource constraints and changing climate conditions.
The region of the Americas is the world’s leading net exporter of food, and
This is where AgMIP comes in. Founded in 2010, the Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project (AgMIP) is a global research initiative that enhances the modeling of agricultural and food systems to optimise predictions, inform policies, and support resilient agriculture and resource management.
Current nutrition and resilience challenges demand diversified agricultural production and diets, in the context of higher energy prices and greater concerns about natural resources and biodiversity.
Therefore, the multiple scientific technologies and innovations that are necessary must be tailored to
As a multinational governmental organization, IICA has over 80 years of political and technical support experience across all the countries of the Americas, engaging with governments, farmers, universities, and the people of the continent.
AgMIP, for its part, has developed widely used tools and protocols to conduct harmonized analyses of agricultural systems using the best available models. It has also advanced new methods to integrate stakeholder-informed scenarios into global and regional assessments of current and future agricultural and food system outlooks, considering climate change and other impacts.
Both organizations
have partnered to develop the best scientific and technological solutions to the challenges facing food and agricultural production. Today’s challenges require greater efforts in human and financial resources than what allowed the planet to achieve current levels of food security. And since “the magic of science and technology” works slowly, we must concertedly increase the necessary investments in agricultural research.
Greater support will help develop a new narrative about the crucial role agriculture plays in the functioning of human society and the planet. By working together, our organizations can help develop the technological and policy solutions needed to address the challenge of feeding a growing population with healthy diets, within climate and ecosystem constraints, while generating income and employment, especially for those who need it most.
Sanctions, Candidacies & Reality: Nikhil ...
“gross misinterpretation of OFAC guidelines”, and suggesting that I “peruse the OFAC guidelines in full or consult with a qualified legal expert”.
This is either willful obfuscation, or an alarmingly underdeveloped understanding of the U.S. Sanctions. This is the financial equivalent of downplaying skin-to-skin contact with a leper. Akin to a parasite-these sanctions intend to exterminate the very environment upon which they thrive. The reality of these risks became clear when, shortly after the announcement, Stabroek News reported the immediate closure of all personal and business bank accounts held by Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed.
One source told the Sunday Stabroek that “all of the entities in the financial sector that were doing business with the Mohameds have stopped doing so”. Doing otherwise in today’s ecosystem is tantamount to pure financial suicide. Notably, the OFAC release doesn’t just clamp down on transactions with financial institutions, but also on “other persons” who engage in “activities with the sanctioned entities”, and will “expose themselves to sanc-
tions or be subject to an enforcement action”. Further, the release defines these activities as “any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person”. Need I elaborate further? Additionally, Ms. Mohamed claims no precedent exists of sanctions affecting media access. Precedent abounds: Consider the case of Margarita Simonyan of Russia Today, and Rossiya Segondnya (RT’s parent) who were sanctioned and their social media platforms demonetised for in-kind contributions on behalf of the Kremlin.
Ms. Mohamed then claims that I invented the notion of Team Mohamed’s being blocked from social media and newspaper ads.
Her reasoning? They never needed ads-citing grassroot mobilization. Congrats on the achievement—but that evades my point. Moreover, in the interest of integrity and transparency, I invite Mr. Mohamed to directly take out an advertisement in an independent paper like the Stabroek News. The remainder of Ms. Mohamed’s letter is devoted
to gratuitous accounts of how they provided security for polling stations, President Ali, and VP Jagdeo in 2020—linking this to defending Guyanese democracy. She then accuses me of “conveniently” omitting this, and labels me as “dishonest”. What does any of this have to do with my letter? This is textbook straw man fallacy. Finally, after Hadiyyah published her letter, it was subsequently posted to her and her sister Hana’s Facebook page. Team Mohamed’s own page followed suit, branding me a “PPP troll” and attaching a picture of myself and Minister Vindhya Persaud. Ms. Hana then labelled me a “handpicked stooge” of the PPP in a subsequent Facebook tantrum. In light of this coordinated Online response, several relatives have reached out over personal safety concerns, given the allegations made against Azruddin Mohamed by Sergeant Dion Bascom. I’ve since had to disabuse these notions. With Mr. Mohamed now having publicly confirmed his political ambitions—according to Stabroek News on April 30—I have full confidence that he will answer the following questions with clarity and coherence: 1) In what capacity is Ms. Hadiyyah Mohamed
writing—personally, on behalf of her brother or as spokesperson of a political entity? 2) Can Team Mohamed’s confirm or deny the U.S. Treasury’s OFAC allegation that, between 2019 and 2023, Mohamed’s Enterprise omitted more than 10,000 kilograms of gold from import and export declarations and, in doing so, evaded over US$50 million in duty taxes owed to the Government of Guyana?
3) Did Ms. Hana Mohamed’s acquisition of a 2020 Ferrari 488 comply with the terms of her tax-exempt status? 4) Did Team Mohamed understate the value of three imported vehicles –including a Lamborghini – by $300m? 5) U.S. Government officials warned Exxon about conducting business with the Mohameds due to drug trafficking allegations suggested by intelligence reports seen by Reuters-can Team Mohamed confirm or deny these allegations?
6) Why did the Mohameds subsequently withdraw from the consortium hired to build a lucrative US $300 M shorebase for Exxon Mobil?
Yours faithfully, Nikhil Sankar
Cynthia Rosenzweig (Climatologist – AgMIP and Columbia University)
Second post-mortem request valid only if…
IN all the countries of the world, there would have been comments about the deportment of the parents of Adriana Younge.
But either people are deferring to them because they lost a child or people are afraid to make pointed remarks which are justified, based on the things these parents have said so far.
I will compose another column on this topic with my opinion on how Adriana Younge died, which I believe
was by drowning. I support an investigation from the CARICOM countries about all the circumstances surrounding the child’s demise.
For now, I will look at the mother’s request for a second autopsy, even though that at the time of writing I have read nothing about her insistence on it. I saw Nigel Hughes on camera rejecting President Ali’s opinion on no forced drowning with the angry rebuttal that the President is not a pathologist.
I read where the lawyer for the Younge family, Darren Wade, got irritated with the Minister of Health on the legal implications of having a second autopsy. He said the minister is not a lawyer and he should leave such matters to lawyers. Mr Hughes and Mr Wade are not pathologists. It is obligatory for both of them to tell us who the pathologist or forensic scientist is who found fault with the original post-mortem that necessitates another examination.
Now we are entering the realm of commonsense. A cousin, an uncle or the parents of the dead girl cannot request a second examination without offering the government of Guyana the medical or scientific reason for wanting the second post-mortem.
Mrs Younge, as a grieving parent, has the right to express herself about a second post-mortem, but she has an obligation to all Guyanese to inform us why the first examination has faults. Before we go on, let us link the post-mortem controversy to a court case. When an appeal against a court case is made, a technical person argues that the original decision is wrong.
That technical person is a specialist who belongs to the category of attorney-at-law. The attorney, using technical arguments about the laws and constitution, argues that the original decision was bad in law. It is the exact thing with a post-mortem. A specialist has to find errors in the results.
Now an untrained mind can call for the exhumation of a body based on suspicion, which must have some credible basis. Here is a hypothetical example. Husband died from a heart attack according to the autopsy. But the daughter who lives with her parents told the police her mother brought in a drug that she administered to her father.
She shows the police the drug. Police investigation revealed it is a drug that can induce heart collapse. Here is
a sound reason for a police exhumation. At the time of writing, I haven’t seen anything from Mrs Younge that she provided to show that the post-mortem of her child had serious weaknesses. I have read that she said she is not satisfied with the original findings and wants a Trinidadian doctor to do a second examination.
But wasn’t it going too far to call for another autopsy simply because Mrs Young was not comfortable with the first? Surely, the state is entitled to an explanation as to why there is a need for a second post-mortem. And there is no other space to manoeuvre but to offer the state the medical grounds for wanting another examination. It is logical to assume that the parents were offered reasons why the state cannot pursue a second post-mortem and they decided to accept the state’s explanation and will be burying their daughter.
But there are political dimensions to the tragedy that the analysts will easily find on doing the research. Was it possible that politically motivated person close to the family insisted that there be a second post-mortem so as to keep the political flames burning?
Two questions need to be asked. Was the first pathologist that the family requested personally known to them, or was that name placed on the family and they accepted? If the name was suggested to them, who came up with that particular pathologist? Was it someone known in political circles and opposed to the government?
The second question is the same as above.
Does the family personally know the Trinidadian doctor (who is not a renowned doctor and also has a controversial past) or was his name offered to the family by political players? Analysts have refrained from putting these questions in the public domain, but they are bitingly valid curiosities.
28 Years Strong: GEPAC praised for uplifting lives in Guyana, Canada
By Frederick Halley
THE Guyana Ex-Police Association of Canada (GEPAC) celebrated its 28th year of existence with a grand dinner and dance at the Peter and Paul Banquet Hall, Scarborough, Toronto, Canada last Saturday night with Guyana’s Honorary Consul in Toronto, Mani Singh and the association’s president Floyd Blyden hailing the achievements over the years.
Singh, who delivered a message on behalf of His Excellency, President, Dr Irfaan Ali and the Government and people of Guyana, congratulated the members of GEPAC for their many years of service to Guyana and their continued commitment to their birth land, more so in contributing to the annual bursary to schoolchildren in Guyana writing the “Common Entrance Exam.”
The Honorary Consul also recognised the presence of the several diasporaric organisations, who were present, for their contributions to the Guyanese-Canadian community.
Singh took the opportunity to bring the audience up to date on the Guyana-Venezuela controversy, referring to Venezuela’s continued illegal claims
to two-thirds of Guyana’s land and maritime territories and the aggressive and outlandish rhetoric and behaviours by the Bolivarian Republic.
He pointed out that Guyana welcomes the recent Provisional ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), prohibiting Venezuela from conducting any election or referendum in the Essequibo area and warned not to disturb the status quo until its final judicial decision, expected sometime between the ending of 2026 and early 2027.
Touching on the recent internal turmoil in Guyana, Singh said, “We saw the unfortunate drowning of a little child and the deliberate throwing of acid on
the bodies of three other little children. Guyana, like all countries of the world, also experienced occasional turmoil. But be assured that the situation is under control, thanks to our law-enforcement personnel.”
GEPAC’s President Floyd Blyden reminded the appreciative audience that one of the aims of the association is to assist local community “in keeping with our mission statement and to maintain a close relationship with the Guyana Police Force. We provide fellowship and camaraderie to former police officers from Guyana. We are known for our social programmes which reach those in need in both Canada and Guyana.”
Blyden disclosed that GEPAC’s efforts are geared towards those who require educational, medical, and social assistance. “We also encourage youth in the ethnic community to pursue careers in law enforcement and other public service. We also make an annual contribution to Beyond 330, an after-school programme for middle-school students
in unserved communities in Toronto.
The GEPAC President pointed out that his association’s commitment to working “with our brothers and sisters locally and internationally, ensures that we will always receive success.”
The occasion was graced by a few members from the Toronto and Peel Police Services. Honorary Consul Singh was accompanied by Robert Bazil, Executive Officer II of the Consulate General of Guyana in Toronto and Corporal Latoya Crawford-Fraser of the Central Immigration and Passport Office in Guyana, who is currently in Canada on an assignment at the Guyana Consulate.
Guyana’s honorary consul in Toronto, Mani Singh, addressing the audience
Members of Toronto and Peel Police Services pose with GEPAC President Floyd Blyden and Honorary Consul Mani Singh
Funeral of Adriana Younge postponed – as family seeks ‘space and clarity’
THE funeral of 11-yearold Adriana Younge, which was scheduled for Monday, Arrival Day, has been postponed as her grieving family continue to process the devastating loss.
Younge’s passing has sparked a wave of condolences across the country, and
mother, Amecia Simon, expressed profound sorrow over the death of her daughter, describing her as “my heartbeat, my everything.”
She announced the family’s difficult decision to postpone the funeral, citing the need for “space and clarity” as they mourn. While no new
internationally, with tributes pouring in on social media from friends, relatives, and strangers alike.
In a heartfelt statement released Monday, Adriana’s
date has yet been announced, she assured the public that Adriana will be honoured “with the peace, love, and the dignity she deserves.”
“As a mother there is no
pain greater than losing your child. My precious Adriana was the light of our lives and in this unbearable moment we are clinging to the love she gave so freely and the memories that will live with us forever,” the mother expressed.
Fighting through grief, Simon extended her gratitude to the many Guyanese who have rallied around her family during this deeply painful time.
“My heart is shattered beyond words,” she wrote. “The support you all have shown us — the messages, prayers, hugs, and tears shared with us — they have held us up when we thought we couldn’t stand. I’ve felt the arms of this nation around me and I am so deeply grateful.”
Younge’s passing has sparked a wave of condolences, with tributes pouring in on social media from friends, relatives, and strangers alike. “My baby girl touched so many hearts. That love — your love — is helping us find strength,” Simon said, expressing heartfelt gratitude to supporters for their outpouring of support.
The family has requested continued prayers and understanding as they navigate this painful chapter. Further funeral details will be shared
when the family feels ready. Adriana’s story has united a nation in grief, and her legacy continues to resonate across the country. She was found dead on April 24, 2025, in the swimming pool of the Double Day Hotel at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE). She had visited the hotel the previous day with family members. Adriana, a student of the Parika Salem Primary School, had recently completed the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), and was eagerly awaiting her results, which are scheduled for release in June. Following the discovery of her body at the hotel, enraged protestors set the building on fire and looted its contents. The home of the hotel’s proprietor was also torched.
Adriana’s death had sparked fiery protests across the country.
Three internationally respected forensic pathologists unanimously concluded that the child died by drowning. The four-hour-long post-mortem was comprehensive, involving full-body scans, internal examinations, and with samples sent for testing at both Mount Sinai Hospital and the National Medical Services Laboratory in the United States of America (USA).
The post-mortem examination of Adriana confirmed that she died from drowning, with no signs of physical violence, broken bones, forced submersion, or sexual assault.
However, due to the body’s advanced state of decomposition, the doctors were unable to determine the exact time or location of the drowning.
Discolouration on Adriana’s skin was attributed to water exposure, and what was initially believed to be cotton wool in her nose was clarified by pathologists to be froth.
Attorney Darren Wade, who represents the family, stressed that although the autopsy confirmed the cause of death as drowning, it did not establish the manner of death—meaning that the possibility of murder (forced
drowning) has not been ruled out.
He reiterated the family’s suspicion of foul play and announced their intention to push for an international investigation, citing distrust of the local police. The family is calling for the case to be handled by external agencies.
A final report from the pathologists is expected soon.
Meanwhile, the investigation into Adriana’s death is ongoing, with authorities assuring the public that no aspect of the case is being neglected.
President, Dr Irfaan Ali has assured the nation that a thorough and impartial investigation will be conducted into Younge’s death, vowing that no stone will be left unturned in the pursuit of justice
Adriana Younge
Adriana’s parents Subrian Younge and Amecia Simon
Gov’t moves to upgrade coastal wharfs
–– dredging at Ogle to begin soon, says Minister Mustapha
MINISTER of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha recently met with fishermen from Grove, Ogle, and Meadowbank to outline the government’s ongoing and planned infrastructural upgrades aimed at enhancing the fishing sector and supporting the livelihoods of fisherfolk along Guyana’s coast.
In a meeting held to foster open dialogue, Minister Mustapha reiterated the government’s strong commitment to improving facilities for the fishing community and ensuring the sector remains sustainable and productive.
One of the major announcements was that dredging works at the Ogle channel are set to begin in the coming days. The initiative—delivered in keeping with a promise made by Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo—is expected to significantly improve
navigability and safety for fishing vessels operating in the area.
Minister Mustapha also revealed that at the Meadowbank Wharf, a contractor has already been mobilized to remove a number of derelict and abandoned boats that currently pose risks to both safety and sanitation. The clean-up effort is de-
signed to facilitate smoother operations and a healthier working environment for all users of the facility. These upgrades form part of the government’s broader strategy to modernize Guyana’s fishing industry and enhance infrastructure that directly supports small- and medium-scale fisherfolk.
Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha with some of the fishermen at the meeting held to foster open dialogue
McLaughlin-Levrone and Bednarek clinch second Grand Slam titles
SYDNEY McLaughlin-Levrone, Kenny Bednarek, and Trey Cunningham secured their second straight Grand Slam Track titles on Sunday as the Miami leg of the series closed in spectacular fashion at the Ansin Sports Complex.
McLaughlin-Levrone delivered another clinical performance in the women’s 400m, winning the final in 49.69s to seal the women's long hurdles title and the US$100,000 prize after also winning in Kingston. Jamaica’s Andrenette Knight placed third in the race with 51.80s but finished second overall in the Slam standings, earning US$50,000, while American Anna Hall ran 51.68s for second in the race and third overall. Jamaica’s Shiann Salmon clocked 52.17s for fourth.
Bednarek closed out the meet in style, storming to victory in the men’s 200m final
with a world-leading 19.84s (+0.2), replicating his win in Kingston to claim the men’s short sprint Slam title and another US$100,000. Jamaica’s Oblique Seville produced a lifetime best of 20.13s to finish third in the race and secure second overall, pocketing US$50,000, while Great Britain’s Zharnel Hughes (2nd in the race) ended third in the Slam for US$30,000.
Andre De Grasse of Canada ran 20.23s for fourth and Akeem Blake of Jamaica was eighth in 21.09s. In the men’s 100m short hurdles, Trey Cunningham was dominant once again.
The American blazed to a personal best 10.17s (+0.7) to win his second straight final and top the Slam standings with 24 points, earning the US$100,000 prize. France’s Sasha Zhoya clocked a personal best 10.36s to place third in the race and take second overall (US$50,000),
while American Jamal Britt was second in the race and finished third overall.
The women’s 800m final was a nail-biter, with Kenya’s Mary Moraa winning in 1:59.51, good enough for third overall in the Slam and a US$30,000 prize. American
ICC asks for details on theft and fraud allegations
THE ICC has pressed Cricket Canada (CC) for further details on the theft and fraud allegations levelled against new board CEO Salman Khan. Khan had been charged by Calgary Police in March over incidents that allegedly occurred when he was president of the Calgary and District Cricket League (CDCL) between 2014 and 2016.
Khan, who was appointed to the CC job in January, has denied these allegations vehemently, but the ICC now wishes to "consider the matter further". The treasurer of the CDCL has also been charged for the same alleged offences.
"The charges relate to the alleged misappropriation of funds by Mr Khan and an accomplice (the league's treasurer) in an amount of around CAD $200,000 over the period 2014-2016," the ICC letter, signed by William Glenwright, their general manager of development, says.
The letter makes four specific requests for infor-
against Cricket Canada
mation:
1. What process did Cricket Canada follow in hiring its new CEO? 2. Was anyone in the board aware of the allegations against Khan during the recruitment process? 3. If not, when did Cricket Canada become aware? 4. What actions, if any, has Cricket Canada taken?
While the ICC is only requesting information at this stage, several sections of the ICC's code of ethics could potentially be in play here, including Section
2.2.3.3: A director must disclose to the ICC Board any matter that may reasonably be construed as impacting or potentially impacting upon decision-making at ICC Board level… so that there is due transparency and its effects are understood.
In March, Khan had posted denials on Facebook, stating: "I see many fake and self-created posts circulating around, and I want to set the record straight. First of all, these are all fake. I have never been arrested, detained, or on any bail. These claims are completely false, and those spreading these rumors will have to answer for it.
"They have nothing to prove against me," he continued. "In 7 years, they were not able to prove anything in the civil case, and certainly not in any criminal case. I have over 21 transcripts, with the complainant even admitting that everything was false.
"I am not worried at all. I'm ready to fight just like I've been doing for the past 8 years." (Cricinfo)
1:59.94, while St. Vincent’s Shafiqua Maloney was sixth in 2:00.96.
In the women’s 3000m, Ethiopia’s Hirut Meshesha clocked a lifetime best 8:22.72 to win the race and finish second overall (US$50,000). Her compatriot Medina Eisa (8:23.08) took second, while Kenya’s Agnes Ngetich was third in the race and claimed the overall title and US$100,000.
seventh respectively. Brazil’s Alison dos Santos continued his winning ways in the men’s long hurdles, capturing the Slam crown with a lifetime best 44.55s in the 400m final. American Chris Robinson followed with 45.86s for second place in both the race and overall standings. Jamaica’s Malik James King ran 46.37s for fifth.
Nikki Hiltz (1:59.75) finished second in the race and overall (US$50,000), while Ethiopia’s Freweyni Hailu, third in the race at 1:59.84, captured the overall title and US$100,000. Ethiopia’s Diribe Welteji was fourth in
Dominican Republic’s Marileidy Paulino completed a sensational double in Miami, winning the women’s 200m in a personal best and national record 22.30s (+1.0) to seal the Slam title and US$100,000. Salwa Eid Naser of Bahrain placed second in the race and overall (US$50,000), and American Isabella Whittaker was third in both categories. Jamaicans Nickisha Pryce (22.77s) and Stacey Ann Williams (22.98s) placed fourth and
American Grant Fisher claimed his second 5000m win of the series, clocking 13:40.32s to top the men’s long-distance standings.
Ireland’s Andrew Coscoran, who finished third in the race with 13:46.30s, placed second in the Slam rankings.
The Grand Slam Track Series now shifts focus to its third stop in Philadelphia later this month, with athletes chasing not just glory—but life-changing paydays.
Curry helps Warriors claim decider against Rockets
Stephen Curry said the Golden State Warriors had to "dig deep" to beat the Houston Rockets 103-89 in the deciding game of their Western Conference firstround play-off series.
The Warriors led the bestof-seven series 3-1 before the Rockets pulled level at 3-3 going into the final game in Houston.
Curry scored 14 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter while team-mate Buddy Hield sank nine three-pointers in his game-high haul of 33 as the pair helped the Warriors set up a Western Conference semi-final against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
"A lot of resilience and everybody stepping up," said Curry when asked what was needed to secure the win.
"Everybody's been talking about our team the last two games in terms of our execution, our energy, all that.
"We blocked it all out and just understood we had 48 minutes to dig deep. Everybody contributed. Buddy Hield was unbelievable."
Jimmy Butler, who joined the Warriors in a trade from Miami Heat in February, con-
tributed 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
"For us to build chemistry on the fly and build trust on the fly and perform like we did in a game seven, it means the world," added Curry.
"So, mission accomplished - step one."
The Rockets were second in the Western Conference regular season compared to the Warriors' seventh-place finish.
Houston's defeat in the decider meant they failed to become the 14th team to come from 3-1 behind to win an NBA play-off series.
Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers won 121-112 at the Cleveland Cavaliers to take a 1-0 lead in their Eastern
Conference semi-final playoff series.
Andrew Nembhard top scored for the Pacers with 23 points while team-mate Tyrese Haliburton added 22.
The Cavaliers, who finished top of the Eastern Conference, were beaten for the first time in this season's playoffs following their 4-0 firstround play-off series victory against Miami.
"We're definitely the heavy underdog, but we're trying to control what we can," said Haliburton. "It gives us a lot of momentum for sure, but this is the best team in our conference. They don't lose much." (BBC Sport)
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone
Cricket Canada CEO Salman Khan
Stephen Curry (left) and Buddy Hield scored 55 points between them as the Warriors beat the Rockets in their decider
Shastri urges India to shake things up with surprise picks for England Test series
FORMER coach Ravi Shastri has called for the inclusion of Sai Sudharsan in India’s squad for the fast-approaching five-match Test series in England.
After the 3-1 series loss in Australia at the start of the year, which put paid to India’s hopes of qualifying for the ICC World Test Championship Final, there were calls for the inclusion of fresh faces in the red-ball set up to reinvigorate the side ahead of the high-profile Test tour of England.
Speaking with host Sanjana Ganesan on the latest episode of The ICC Review, Shastri threw his support behind Sudharsan following the 23-year-old’s standout form in the ongoing IPL 2025.
Already capped in whiteball cricket, Sudharsan is yet to debut in Tests, but Shastri sees him as a future all-format player for India.
“I see this young man, Sai Sudharsan, for all formats of the game,” Shastri told The ICC Review.
“He seems like a class player and my eyes would be on him certainly.”
Sudharsan brings valuable experience in English conditions, having turned out for Surrey in the County Championship in 2023 and 2024. In five matches he scored 281 runs, including a century and a fifty.
In 29 first-class matches overall, he has 1957 runs at an average of 39.93, including a maiden double-century in the format in the 202425 Ranji Trophy season for Tamil Nadu against Delhi in October 2024.
“Being a left-hander in England, knowing English conditions, and just his technique, the way he plays, I think he'll be top of the list for me from the outsiders wanting to get into this side,” added Shastri.
Shastri also wants to see a left-arm pacer in the squad for the seam-friendly conditions expected in England, and pointed out Arshdeep Singh as someone who could
fit the bill and shouldn’t be restricted to white-ball cricket.
“I'll be looking for a left-armer,” he said. “I'll be keeping an eye on which left-armer is in good form, and try and squeeze him in there as the sixth (bowling) option.
“It could be anyone. It could even be a white-ball
Sunrisers out of IPL contention after washout against Delhi
Sunrisers Hyderabad hopes of reaching the Indian Premier League (IPL) play-offs are over after rain washed out their match against Delhi Capitals.
Needing to win their last four matches to have any chance of qualifying, Sunrisers' bowlers did their job by restricting the Capitals to 133-7.
It could have been worse
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
specialist. I don't like this thing when they say someone like Arshdeep Singh is a ‘white-ball specialist’.
“I'll keep a close eye on his red-ball record as well and the number of overs he bowls. If he can bowl 15-20 overs for me, he might very well be in the mix because he's got the mindset. He's a
thinking bowler and I need a left-armer. It's just that.
“You need a left-armer, go and find him, whoever it is and whoever is the best of the lot – pick them. There's Khaleel Ahmed, who again, his rhythm is good, he's bowling well. So, it's important to get that mix.”
Both Arshdeep and Khaleel have previously featured in India’s limited-overs squads, but neither has made their Test debut yet.
Arshdeep has shown promise in red-ball cricket, claiming 66 wickets in 21 first-class matches. His recent stint with Kent in the 2024 County Championship, where he picked up 13 wickets in five games, added valuable exposure to English conditions.
Khaleel, with 52 wickets in 19 first-class matches, has also been on the selectors' radar. He was part of the Australia tour, initially with India A and later as a travelling reserve for the Border-Gavaskar series, though a niggle cut
his time short.
Among the other batting options, Shastri floated the idea of Shreyas Iyer returning to the Test setup, especially after his inclusion in India’s latest central contract list.
Iyer has impressed in sub-continental conditions, scoring 736 runs in 11 Tests across India and Bangladesh at an average of 43.29.
However, opportunities outside Asia have been limited, and he’s yet to make a mark, managing just 75 runs in three matches, with appearances in South Africa and a solitary outing in England.
“He (Shreyas Iyer) can (make a comeback), but it's again going to be a competition,” Shastri noted. “Whiteball, certain. Test cricket, we’ve got to see who the other players are around.”
England will host India for a five-Test series – the first of the next cycle of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 – starting with the first Test in Headingley on June 20.
Rabada eligible to play now having completed 'substance abuse treatment programme'
KAGISO Rabada's recreational drug use occurred during the SA20 competition earlier this year, with the South African pacer officially notified of the offence in April while he was representing Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League.
for the visitors who were 29-5 but Tristan Stubbs hit 41 not out and Ashutosh Sharma
41. Sunrisers captain Pat Cummins took 3-19.
Sunrisers' bid was ruined, however, when the drizzle that arrived late in Delhi's innings turned into torrential rain during the interval.
The players were unable to return to the field.
The point moves Sunrisers - beaten finalists last year - up to eighth but with three matches left they are seven points outside of the top four.
Delhi remain fifth, having missed the chance to move into the top four, but the point is more than looked likely during their batting effort. (BBC Sport)
He subsequently returned to South Africa to undergo a treatment programme, which he completed successfully, making him eligible to resume playing cricket.
According to a statement from the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS), Rabada was tested following the SA20 match between MI Cape Town and Durban Super Giants on January 21. He tested positive for a "Substance of Abuse" and was informed of the result on April 1, following which a provisional suspension was imposed.
"Mr. Rabada tested positive for a Substance of Abuse and was subsequently notified of the allegation of his doping offence on 1 April 2025. A provisional suspension was imposed and Mr.
Rabada returned immediately to South Africa from India," the release stated. While the specific drug was not named in the statement, Article 4.2.3 of the SAIDS Code lists cocaine, heroin, MDMA/ ecstasy, and THC among the substances of abuse.
The statement also referenced Article 10.2.4.1 of the SAIDS Code, which notes: "If the athlete can establish that any ingestion or use occurred out-of-competition
and was unrelated to sport performance, then the period of ineligibility shall be three (3) months. This may be reduced to one (1) month if the athlete satisfactorily completes a substance abuse treatment program approved by SAIDS."
In Rabada's case, he completed the required treatment program, comprising two sessions, after which his provisional suspension was lifted. "The player accepted responsibility for the doping offence and honoured his provisional suspension," the release added.
"As per the South African Anti-Doping Rules specifically pertaining to Substances of Abuse, the player was offered an opportunity to complete a substance abuse treatment program. After Mr. Rabada satisfactorily completed two sessions of his treatment program, his provisional suspension ended. The player has effectively served a one-month period of ineligibility and may now resume participation in sport." (Cricbuzz)
Young India batter Sai Sudharsan
India Left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh
Kagiso Rabada served a one-month suspension
Amazon Warriors, four other teams to compete in Global Super League 2025
The Guyana Amazon Warriors will proudly reprise their role as hosts for the 2025 edition of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL), scheduled to take place from July 10-18 at the iconic Providence Stadium.
The Amazon Warriors, champions of the 2023 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), will join four elite franchises from around the globe as they vie for the prestigious GSL trophy and a share of the US$1 million prize fund.
With international talent converging on Guyana, the stage is set for another exhilarating tournament that showcases world-class T20 cricket alongside the vibrant culture of the host nation.
The Amazon Warriors came heartbreakingly close to reaching the GSL final in 2024, falling short only on Net Run Rate after a spirited campaign.
Nevertheless, they demonstrated their trademark resilience and class, hallmarks that have defined their CPL journey.
One of the most consistent teams in CPL history, the Amazon Warriors have qualified for the playoffs every year, reaching the final on an incredible seven occasions.
They added yet another strong season to their record books by finishing as runners-up in the 2024 CPL.
Looking ahead to another thrilling chapter, Sir Clive Lloyd, Chairman of the ExxonMobil GSL, shared his excitement: “The Guyana Amazon Warriors were brilliant hosts for the tournament in 2024, and I know all the players and visiting teams appreciated the warm welcome they received.
“Beyond the cricket, the Warriors and the people of Guyana helped showcase this incredible country to the
world. This year’s tournament offers another wonderful opportunity for Guyana to shine as a top-tier destination, known for its breathtaking beauty, hospitality, and passion for the game.”
The 2025 ExxonMobil GSL promises to build on the success of the 2024 tournament, bringing thrilling contests and unforgettable moments to the cricket-loving fans of Guyana and beyond.
With the Amazon Warriors set to battle for home glory, and an impressive lineup of global challengers, this summer’s showdown is shaping up to be one of the most exciting events on the international cricket calendar.
Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early and be part of a celebration where sport, culture and Caribbean flair unite under one banner. (Press Release on the Global Super League).
Rangers finally end losing skid, hand Thunder first defeat
TAROUBA, Trinidad, (CMC) – The Guyana Rainforest Rangers grabbed their first win in the West Indies Breakout League with a clinical 52-run victory over the previously undefeated Leeward Islands Thunder here on Sunday.
Losers of their previous three matches, the Rangers produced their best batting display of the tournament on the way to posting a formidable 189 for five from their 20 overs.
In response, the Thunder could only muster 137 for eight off their 20 overs, to suffer their first loss after winning three successive matches.
The Rangers were led to their total by Kevlon Anderson, who scored his second half century of the competition.
Together with Rivaldo Clarke, they gave the Rangers a whirlwind start, blasting 35 runs from three overs, until Michael Palmer dismissed Clarke for 23.
Zeynul Ramsammy only made three before Palmer also accounted for his wicket to leave the Rangers 49 for two at the end of six overs.
Anderson then teamed up with Kevin Sinclair and the pair added 65 runs in seven overs to keep the runs ticking for the Rangers.
Blairmont Cricket Club youths get support from ‘Project Cricket Gear’
BLAIRMONT Cricket Club, a leading producer of youth cricketers in Berbice and beyond, is the latest club to benefit from Project “Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana,” the joint initiative between Anil Beharry of Guyana and Kishan Das of the USA. The youth section of the West Bank Berbice based cricket club was the recipient of one pair of batting pad, one cricket bat, one helmet and cricket balls.
Sinclair was eventually trapped lbw by pacer Elroy Francis for 39 off 24 balls and Anderson was bowled by Nathan Edward after facing 45 balls and striking three fours and one six to make it 140 for four.
But Ronaldo Alimohamed blasted 40 from just 20 balls with three sixes and three fours and Quentin Sampson hit an unbeaten 17 from 10 balls, as the Rangers bludgeoned 49 runs from the last three overs. Palmer ended with 2-19 and Francis took 2-40 for the Thunder.
The Thunder were in a good position at one stage at 50 for one in the seventh over, with Mikyle Louis and Nathan
Edward at the crease.
However, leg spinner Riyad Latiff sparked a collapse that saw them lose six wickets for 48 runs to effectively end the contest.
After Louis was dismissed by left-arm pacer Ashmead Nedd for 24, Latiff accounted for Jewel Andrew for seven, captain Karima Gore for 13, Edward for the top score of 28 and Francis for five, to see the Thunder slump to 98 for seven.
Anderson Mahase scored 24 and Cameron Pennyfeather made an unbeaten 12, but it was never going to be enough to get them over the line.
Latiff ended with 4-25, while Jediah Blades supported with 2-31.
Shabeer Baksh, a long serving player and cricket administrator, was very thankful for the gear which will used to by the junior cricketers of the club.
Total cricket related items received/purchased so far: $610,000 in cash, 13 coloured cricket uniforms, one set of stumps, two trophies, 35 pairs of cricket shoes, 38 pairs of batting pads, 47 cricket bats, 41 pairs of batting gloves, 29 thigh pads, three pairs of wicket-keeping pads, six arm guards, two chest pads, two boxes, 14 gear bags, 13 bat rubbers, eight helmets, one fiber glass bat, one pair of floppy hat, one pair of inners, 16 boxes
and four of white cricket balls, 13 boxes of red cricket balls, one bat cone and 28 footballs
To date, 98 players, male and female, from all three counties of Guyana have benefited directly from cash, eight gear bags, two trophies, four arm guards, 35 bats, four boxes, six helmets, 36 pairs of cricket shoes, 21 pairs of batting pads, 25 thigh pads, one bat grip, 38 pairs of batting gloves, one pair of wicket-keeping pads and four pairs of wicket-keeping gloves with one pair of inners.
Cricket related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify same. Progressive and well managed cricket clubs with a youth program, will also benefit.
Anyone interested to contribute can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.
Amazon Warriors ready to defend home turf at the 2025 edition the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL)
Riyad Latiff of the Guyana Rainforest Rangers ((right) celebrates one of his four wickets against the Leeward Islands Thunder (Photo by Daniel Prentice/CWI)
Blairmont Cricket Club youngsters pose with their gear