The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, May 9 – 02:55h-04:25h and Saturday, May 10 –03:25h-04:55h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, May 9 – 14:30h-16:00h and Saturday, May 10 –03:25h-04:55h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Thundery showers are expected during the day and at night, with sunny conditions in the late afternoon. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly to South-Easterly between 1.79 metres and 3.58 metres.
High Tide: 14:07h reaching a maximum height of 2.32 metres.
Low Tide: 07:42h and 19:59h reaching minimum heights of 0.91 metre and 0.87 metre.
“No clear signs of overheating” – IMF’s country report on Guyana …says economic outlook remains highly favourable
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that Guyana’s economic transformation is advancing strongly and broadening in scale, setting up the country for a highly-favourable economic outlook with no signs of overheating.
The IMF Executive Board recently concluded the 2025 Article IV Consultation with Guyana, lauding the country’s economic progress to attain high-income status that was supported by its rapidly-expanding oil production and robust non-oil growth.
“They noted that Guyana’s economic outlook remains highly favourable with balanced risks, strong fundamentals, and a strong external position supported by substantial accumulation of oil revenue in the Natural Resource Fund. They commended the authorities’ commitment to balancing development needs with prudent policies to entrench macroeconomic and fiscal stability,” a release from the IMF on Wednesday detailed.
Only in March, a staff team from the IMF completed their 2025 Article IV Consultation with Guyana. The consultation, held both virtually and in-person in Georgetown from February 24 to March 7, 2025, involved discussions with high-level Government officials as well as stakeholders from the Private Sector, labour unions, and banks.
In the Staff Report, it was noted that ramped-up oil production coupled with strong non-oil growth and largescale infrastructure investment, is supporting Guyana’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate – the highest in the world at a recorded average of 47 per cent between 2022 and 2024.
“The Government is making significant investments, funded by oil revenue, to promote inclusive and sustainable development while striving for resilient growth. Fundamentals remain strong, with no clear signs of overheating, amid substantial accumulation of the oil revenue windfall in the Natural Resource Fund (NRF),” the Staff Report detailed.
It went on to note that oil production will continue expanding rapidly and non-oil real GDP growth will remain strong, largely supported by the government’s efforts to invest in infrastructure – including for climate change adaptation, promote economic diversification, and improve welfare.
Moreover, the Staff Report stated too that risks to the economic outlook are broadly balanced. It said further oil discoveries and productivity-enhancing investment would improve Guyana’s long-term economic prospects, while expanding construction activity may support higher short-term non-oil GDP growth.
On the downside, how-
ever, it cautioned that overheating pressures, if not contained, would lead to higher inflation and real exchange rate appreciation beyond the level consistent with a balanced expansion of the economy, negatively impacting medium-term growth. In addition, commodity price volatility in a highly- uncertain global environment and climate shocks could adversely affect food inflation and alter the macroeconomic outlook.
effects commonly associated with “Dutch Disease”,” the Staff Report detailed.
Eliminate fiscal deficit
On the other hand, the IMF Executives welcomed the Guyana Government’s commitment to eliminate the overall fiscal deficit over the medium term and further narrow the non-oil primary deficit to levels consistent with ensuring intergenerational equity and preserving
“Maintaining macroeconomic stability remains the overarching policy priority given the sheer size of the expected oil revenue inflows and fiscal spending. Enhancing the monitoring of macro-financial developments and proactively responding through tighter fiscal, monetary, and macroprudential policies, as needed, will be essential to ensure that the economy avoids overheating and the adverse
fiscal and macroeconomic sustainability. They highlighted the need for a comprehensive medium-term fiscal framework with an explicit anchor and an operational target, along with regular assessments of expenditure related to reaching development objectives. They also positively noted the continued efforts to strengthen public financial management as well as the low risk of debt distress given low public debt.
The Executive Directors considered the monetary policy stance as appropriately tight to help contain inflation, while noting the need for further tightening if inflation risks escalate. They saw merit in enhancing the monetary policy toolkit and deepening financial markets to help strengthen the effectiveness of monetary policy transmission. They also emphasised the need for maintaining consistent policies to support the stabilised exchange rate arrangement, which remains appropriate, and saw merit in assessing whether transitioning to a more flexible exchange rate regime over the medium term could be beneficial as Guyana’s economy continues to transform.
“Directors welcomed the [Guyanese] authorities’ commitment to maintain financial stability and continue enhancing financial supervision, including monitoring sectoral lending exposures and related-party lending. They supported the authorities’ efforts to further strengthen risk monitoring, strengthen the macroprudential framework, broaden regulatory coverage, and enhance statistics on balance sheets and real estate prices,” the report detailed.
According to the IMF, the next Article IV consultation with Guyana will be held on the standard 12-month cycle.
In its April 2025 Outlook, the IMF projected that Guyana’s real GDP will expand by some 10.3 per cent this year with non-oil GDP projected to increase by about 13 per cent – the highest for the region. Similarly, it also predicted a whopping 23 per cent GDP growth next year.
In a country as richly diverse and proudly pluralistic as Guyana, where people of all religions and cultures have long lived side by side in relative harmony, it is deeply troubling when artistic expression crosses the line into vulgarity, blasphemy, and disrespect. The recent release of a song by local artiste “Baby Skello” has sparked outrage and condemnation over the offensive and obscene content that disparages one of Hinduism’s most revered deities, Maha Lakshmi.
We stand firmly with the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) and everyone in condemning the actions of “Baby Skello”. This is not a matter of stifling creativity or silencing artistic voices. It is a matter of upholding the values that form the very foundation of our nation: respect, tolerance, and decency.
Guyana is proudly one of the most multicultural and multireligious countries in the world. Here, Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Indigenous faith practitioners, Bahá?ís, Rastafarians, and many others live together, celebrate each other’s festivals, and often stand shoulder to shoulder during moments of national joy or tragedy. Our Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, yes, but it also guarantees freedom of religion and the right of all citizens to practise their faith without insult, mockery, or degradation.
The song released by “Baby Skello” does not merely push the boundaries of taste or edgy humour, but rather it recklessly assaults the religious sentiments of thousands of Hindu citizens. Maha Lakshmi is worshipped as the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and well-being by Hindus across the globe. To drag such a sacred figure into the realm of vulgarity and sexualised entertainment is not only profoundly disrespectful but also socially irresponsible.
The GHDS is right to demand accountability. “Baby Skello” must be held responsible for his actions, not just through the removal of the offensive material and the issuing of a public apology, but also through meaningful reflection on the harm caused. Artistic freedom is never a blank cheque to trample on the beliefs or identities of others. Rights come with responsibilities, and in a multicultural democracy, those responsibilities include respecting the boundaries that safeguard our social harmony.
We applaud the Ethnic Relations Commission for stepping in swiftly to address this issue, and we urge the Commission to follow through decisively. The ERC’s plans to engage artistes, producers, and media platforms to raise awareness about religious respect are timely and necessary. Education is a powerful tool in ensuring that future creative works inspire, provoke thought, and even challenge norms – without crossing into the dangerous territory of religious insult and cultural desecration.
The GHDS has also raised a broader concern that deserves national reflection: the troubling trend of disrespect towards women in some forms of entertainment. Songs, videos, and media that glamorise violence, objectification, or vulgarity towards women do not exist in a vacuum; they feed into wider social patterns that normalise harassment, disrespect, and even violence against women and girls. As a nation, we must push back against this trend, recognising that our art, our media, and our public discourse shape the values we pass on to the next generation.
A clear, collective message must be sent that attacks on any faith will not be tolerated, that artistic expression must never become a weapon of division, and that the dignity and rights of every person of every religion in Guyana must be steadfastly defended.
We call on “Baby Skello” to act responsibly and honour the calls from the Hindu community and the ERC to withdraw the offensive content, apologise sincerely, and engage in dialogue to better understand the impact of his actions. We also call on artistes and entertainment platforms to reflect carefully on the power they hold in shaping public values and perceptions. Freedom of expression is a precious right, but it flourishes best when coupled with integrity, accountability, and respect.
Guyana’s greatest strength is its people: a mosaic of cultures, religions, and identities that together form a vibrant, peaceful society. Let us not allow this reckless act to erode that strength.
President Dr Irfaan Ali received several pieces of art from the Bihar Museum, a state-owned institution in Patna, India. The pieces were presented by the High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr Amit Telang; the Deputy Director of the Museum, Dr Sunil Kumar Jha; and the Museum’s Curator, Dr Ravi Gupta, during a courtesy visit on Wednesday. The pieces featured a replica of a terracotta figurine of a smiling girl from the 3rd century BC; a framed photo of a Mithila (Madhubani) painting — a traditional Indian art form originating in the Mithila region of Bihar and Nepal; a silk shawl with a Madhubani design; and a jute flower bouquet made by craftsmen from Bihar (Office of the President photo)
GMSA elects new Board of Directors for 2025/2026
Dear Editor,
The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) is delighted to announce the successful election of its new Board of Directors for the term 2025/2026.
The association's Annual General Meeting (AGM), conducted in two parts, saw the election of the President and the appointment of key leadership positions within the organization. On April 4, 2025, thirteen board directors were elected through an electronic voting process by members who attended in-person. On May 7, 2025, the President, three Vice-Presidents and Treasurer were elected. The remaining members were elected to form the Board of Directors, inclusive of Chairpersons of the various Sub-Sectors.
Rafeek Khan, Managing Director of Durable Wood Products, was elected as President of the Association. He will be supported by Ramsay Ali, CEO of Sterling Products Inc. Vasudeo Singh, Group Finance Director & Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Demerara Distillers Ltd, is Second Vice President and Treasurer; and Roseann Bulkan, Manager of Bulkan Timber Works Inc, is Third Vice President.
This diverse team, and the expertise of the newly elected directors, promise a vibrant and inclusive governance framework for the upcoming year.
Rafeek Khan is the founder and managing director of Durable Wood Products Inc, and DuraVilla Homes. He is a business developer with over 20 years’ experience in the timber industry, involving sawmilling and manufacturing of building products used primarily for industrial residential construction.
Being an advocate for industry development in Guyana, Rafeek has been collaborating with Government and key stakeholders to support further growth and advancement of manufacturing in various sectors of the economy. Rafeek served as the President of the GMSA in 2022/2023, Vice-President of the GMSA from 2023/2024, and is ViceChairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC).
The 2025/2026 Board Members are as follows: -
1. Durable Wood Products – Rafeek Khan, President of GMSA
2. Sterling Products Ltd – Ramsay Ali, First VicePresident, Chairperson of the Agro-Processing SubSector
3. Demerara Distillers
Limited – Vasudeo Singh, Second Vice-President & Treasurer
4. Bulkan Timber Works Inc. – Roseann Bulkan – Third Vice President & Chairperson of the Extractive Industries SubSector
5. Corriea & Corriea Ltd - Dr. Marie Correia, Chairperson of the Construction & Engineering Sub-Sector
6. Keen360 Inc. – Mr. Zahid Khan, Chairman of the Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) SubSector
7. EICCIO Advisers – Theon Alleyne, Chairperson of Services Sub-Sector
8. Comfort Sleep Inc – Dennis Charran, Chairperson of the Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals SubSector
10. Rid-O-Pes - Timothy Tucker, Chairman of the Trade, Investment& Legal Committee, Board Member
11. Banks DIH Limited – David Carto, Board Member
12. Brass Aluminum & Cast Iron Foundry (B.A.C.I.F) – Peter Pompey, Board Member
13. Environmental Management Consultants – Malisa Nokta, Board Member
14. Edward B. Beharry & Company Limited –Raymond Ramsaroop, Board Member
15. UMAMI Inc – Chris Persaud, Board Member 16. Barama Company Limited – Mohindra Chand, Board Member
17. Vista Holdings Inc – Orson Ferguson, Board Member
18. Amaya Milk Company Guyana Inc –Omkaar Sharma, Board Member
19. New GPC Inc –Keshwar Singh, Board Member
20. Kanoo (Guyana) Inc – Chet Bowling, Board Member
21. National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO) – Vishal Lalbachan, Board Member
The new Board of Directors is poised to build upon past achievements and set a strategic direction for continued excellence in serving the interests of Guyana's manufacturing and services sectors.
Sincerely, Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA)
“Outraged and deeply offended” – GHDS on Baby Skello’s blasphemous song
…ERC actively exploring legal redress
The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) has condemned the recent release of a song and music video by local performer Baby Skello, and has denounced the work as vulgar, offensive, and an attack on Hindu religious beliefs.
In a statement, the GHDS expressed that the Hindu community is “outraged and deeply offended” by the obscene lyrics and imagery contained in the ar-
tiste’s new video, which they say gravely disparages Maha Lakshmi, a revered and worshipped goddess for Hindus around the world.
The GHDS has called on both the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) and the Guyana Police Force to take “condign action” against Baby Skello, stressing that the artiste should be held accountable, issue a public apology, and withdraw the song from circulation.
“While the Hindu community is peaceful and respects all faiths and people across our country, the attacks on our religion and practice have not gone unnoticed,” the Sabha stated. “We
strongly reject this distasteful and completely unwarranted narrative.”
The GHDS further raised concerns about the broader trend of disrespect towards women depicted in some forms of music and entertainment, noting that such portrayals contribute to the harassment and violence faced by women and girls.
The organization has called on all Guyanese to stand in solidarity and condemn the artiste and his “disgusting song and video.”
Condemnation
Meanwhile, the Ethnic Relations Commission has also issued a condemnation,
describing the song as “vulgar, sexually explicit, and blasphemous.”
The ERC has emphasized that the song constitutes a deeply offensive act that strikes at the heart of the Hindu community’s religious beliefs; and has stressed that freedom of expression carries a responsibility to respect the religious and cultural traditions of all groups in Guyana.
“Any content that mocks, insults, or degrades sacred religious figures undermines social harmony and offends the values of decency and tolerance that Guyanese society upholds,” the ERC said.
As part of its response, the Commission has formally requested that Baby Skello remove the song from all digital platforms, and halt all public dissemination of the material. The ERC is also actively exploring legal avenues under Guyanese law, and is in discussions with relevant authorities to determine appropriate action to ensure accountability.
The ERC has announced that it would ramp up efforts to engage artistes, producers, and media platforms to promote awareness of the importance of religious re-
spect. Educational campaigns targeting younger audiences and content creators are planned as part of these efforts.
controversy has sparked widespread public debate about the boundaries of artistic expression, religious sensitivity, and respect
“The ERC remains steadfast in its mandate to protect the rights, dignity, and beliefs of all Guyanese, and to ensure that acts of religious disrespect are met with decisive and lawful responses,” the Commission has said.
Baby Skello
The
in Guyana’s multicultural society.
Baby Skello has since claimed that he was not referring to the Hindu Goddess Mother Lakshmi, but rather his pronunciation was misinterpreted.
Adrianna Younge’s drowning
“We want to find the truth; whether it was negligence or foul play”
…as Canadian
An expert investigator of suspicious deaths, now a retired member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), has been hired to assist local detectives with the ongoing probe into 11-yearold Adrianna Younge’s death.
Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has said this demonstrates the Guyana Government’s commitment to getting to the bottom of this tragedy, which has sparked widespread public outrage.
“We all were concerned about it as a country; every one of us… We hope that we would find the truth, whether it was through negligence that this child died or foul play. That’s all we’re looking for…so that we can bring this matter to closure and do justice for the child and her parents,” Jagdeo contended at his weekly press conference on Thursday. According to Vice President Jagdeo, this commitment is reflected in the measures that Government has taken to accommodate transparency in the ongoing investigation into the child’s death.
The young girl’s body was found in a pool at the now gutted Double Day Hotel at
“The
expert in suspicious death joins investigation
Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) on April 24 – less than 24 hours after she had gone missing. The child had gone with relatives to the hotel’s poolside, but disappeared shortly after. Her body was found in the hotel’s pool the following day.
A forensic autopsy was conducted by three international pathologists; two were brought in by the Government: Barbadian expert Dr Shubhakar Karra Paul and Dr Glenn A. Rudner of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York; while the third was the Chief Medical Examiner of the State of Delaware, Dr Gary L. Collins, who was selected by the Younge family.
Following a near fivehour-long procedure done on April 28, which included a CT scan and x-ray, the three international experts gave the cause of death as drowning. However, they could not determine where the drowning occurred, nor were they able to establish the exact time of death, because of the decomposition of the body.
Suspicions were raised surrounding the girl’s death after marks were observed on her body after it had been re-
trieved from the pool. Her relatives had reportedly searched the pool, but had seen no sign of her. However, the findings of the expert pathologists during the forensic autopsy were that the marks were consistent with water damage, and that there was no sign of sexual assault or violence on the young girl’s body.
In addition to being witnessed by family members, their lawyer and family-doctor, the entire post mortem examination was also video-recorded for added transparency.
“No other child or any other death has been investigated at this manner… from the autopsy perspective, ever in the history of our country, because we wanted to get to the truth,” Jagdeo pointed out during Thursday’s press conference. Moreover, as part of the ongoing investigation by the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF’s) Major Crimes Unit, samples of the pool water as well as DNA samples from the girl’s body were sent overseas for independent forensic analysis. However, there are reports that family members are dissatisfied with the results, and are seeking a second autopsy.
machinery of the future, quietly unfolding” – VP
…as US$500M transmission line set to revolutionise energy delivery across regions
While much national attention has been drawn to high-profile developments in Guyana’s rapidly transforming economy, one of the most consequential infrastructure projects in the country’s history is quietly unfolding behind the villages of the East Coast Demerara corridor: a massive US$500 million steel tower transmission line linking Georgetown to Berbice.
According to Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, the project, which forms a critical component of the Gas-to-Energy (GtE) initiative, is well underway with little to no public fanfare, but its impacts — both present and future — would be profound.
The transmission project involves the construction of a 46-kilometre crusher run access road, currently under development by 12 contractors at a cost of G$5.5 billion, to facilitate the erection of giant steel towers. These towers would carry 230 kilovolt (kV) high-voltage lines from the planned power generation site at Wales, West Bank Demerara to Berbice, replacing the outdated wooden pole infrastructure currently used along the railway embankment.
“It runs on; we move
power from Georgetown to Berbice on these wooden poles on the railway embankment, which have to be removed. But this would allow us to take large volumes of power all the way to Berbice to industrialise the East Coast, Region 5, Region 6. And because along the way there’ll be substations, so we can reduce the power, take them off the high-powered transmission lines, and then distribute the power to these communities,” Jagdeo shared.
The high-capacity transmission system is expected to revolutionise energy delivery, providing cheaper, more stable power to Regions Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), unlocking industrial potential in rural and coastal areas.
“Cheaper power, more reliable power, with better infrastructure. Critical for the future. But if you drive, you don’t see that happening. This is the machinery of the future being worked on without much fanfare,” the Vice President said.
The transmission project is just one of several major construction efforts currently converging along the East Coast, including the rollout of 18,737 house lots,
15,933 of which are still in infrastructural development.
Government has allocated G$52 billion to prepare these lands with proper roads, drainage, water and electricity, and nearly 40 contractors are working simultaneously to meet housing targets.
However, this development surge has brought disruption to local communities, particularly due to heavy truck traffic transporting construction materials through residential areas.
In response, Jagdeo recently convened a meeting with all contractors to review and revise logistics in order to ensure safer, more respectful movement through established communities.
Expert, experienced investigator
President Dr Irfaan Ali had previously committed to the 11-year-old girl’s family that there would be a thorough investigation into her death. However, family members have already expressed their lack of trust in the Police Force, and have called for an independent international investigation.
In keeping with the Head of State’s commitment, the Home Affairs Ministry announced on Thursday that Government has secured the services of a distinguished retired Staff Sgt. of the RCMP, Leonard McCoshen, a trained and qualified homicide and suspicious death investigator, to assist with the probe.
McCoshen has over 30 years of experience as an investigator of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. He had spent 20 of those years attached to the Serious Crimes Branch (SCB) of the Major Crimes Unit (MCU), with the mandate to investigate serious, complex and sensitive matters, mainly homicides and deaths wherein foul play was suspected.
He has also successfully supervised and coordinated over 200 homicides, kidnappings, and other serious and complex investigations.
According to the Home Affairs Ministry, “Mr McCoshen brings a wealth of training, qualifications and experience to the ongoing investigation into the death of Adrianna Younge.”
Moreover, based on Canadian reports, McCoshen has been used as an expert wit-
– Jagdeo
ness by Canadian prosecutors during several trials, for his work as a use-of-force expert and homicide investigator.
As recently as on Wednesday, Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken and two Deputy Commissioners met with the family’s newly retained attorneys, Dexter Todd and Eusi Anderson.
In a statement following that high-level, confidential meeting, the GPF said the engagement was held in good faith, and was aimed at reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death.
The Force has said the attorneys have been assured that the investigation remains open and active, with all leads being pursued; senior oversight is being maintained to ensure impartiality; water samples have been sent abroad for testing as part of a comprehensive forensic probe; additional forensic testing —including toxicology,
histopathology, and DNA analysis, has been arranged with facilities in the United States.
In an interview with media operatives following the meeting, legal representatives Dexter Todd and Eusi Anderson said the meeting yielded “no substantive answers” to a series of critical questions surrounding the investigation. They were asked to submit their questions in a formal letter to the Police Commissioner and Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum. Meanwhile, the child’s funeral – which was slated for May 5 – has been postponed. The announcement was made by family members on the day of the funeral itself.
Days after the discovery of the girl’s body in the hotel’s pool, Commander of Regional Division #3, Assistant Commissioner Khalid Mandall, was went on administrative leave, and two police ranks from the division have been fired for negligence in their handling of the young girl’s case.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
The late eleven-year-old Adrianna Younge
Ex-soldier to spend life in prison for murder of common-law wife
Michael London, a 44-year-old former member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), was on Thursday sentenced to life imprisonment, with the possibility of parole after serving 18 years, for the brutal murder of his common-law wife Shaneka Elliot, in a horrific act of domestic violence that stunned the Linden community in 2017.
The sentence was handed down by Justice Simone Morris at the High Court, following London’s earlier guilty plea to the capital offence of murder.
The case stemmed from a vicious attack that occurred on May 19, 2017, when London stabbed 38-year-old Elliot approximately 15 times at their Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden residence, as she was reportedly preparing to leave what relatives described as a longstanding abusive relationship.
Severely injured, Elliot was rushed to the Mackenzie Hospital Complex, but was pronounced dead on arrival. A post-mortem examination later confirmed that her death was due to multiple incised wounds.
The case was further aggravated by the presence of at least one child at, or shortly after, the moment of the attack, adding to the trauma and shock felt by the family and the wider community.
London’s fleeing the scene following the brutal killing had sparked an intensive manhunt. By the end of the day, police had tracked him to a jungle area in Moblissa, along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. During his arrest, London had reportedly attacked the officers, forcing them to open fire on him. He was shot in the leg before being subdued and taken into custody.
During Thursday’s sentencing hearing, State Prosecutors Marissa Edwards, Muntaz Ali and Darin Chan presented several pieces of evidence and testimony aimed at highlighting the gravity of London’s actions. This included a psychiatric report from Dr. Meenawattie Rajkumar and a probation report compiled by Ms. Gillis and presented by Probation Officer Mahesha Granville.
The court heard that while London’s behaviour in prison was generally reported as favourable, he had been involved in two physical altercations. However, prison officials could not recall the specific circumstances of the fights, and as such, no negative inference was drawn.
The most emotional moments of the hearing came when June Allicock, the mother of the deceased, and Akelo Elliot, her brother, each delivered powerful victim Impact Statements
to the court. Both recounted the pain and lasting trauma caused by Elliot’s death, emphasizing the void left in the lives of her children and family members.
According to the mother of the deceased, her family is still mourning, her death is not easy to live with, and she needs justice for her daughter.
And according to her brother Akelo, he has had to adopt his niece, and he’s afraid that if London comes out, he’ll want to come for his daughter (the niece).
London himself addressed the court, expressing remorse for his actions while begging the judge for mercy and leniency. Defence Counsel Clevaun Humphrey submitted a plea in mitigation, citing his client’s lack of prior convictions, a generally positive character reference from his community, and a psychiatric evaluation suggesting prospects for rehabilitation.
Nevertheless, Justice Morris found that the aggravating factors significantly outweighed any mitigating circumstances. These included the savage nature of the attack, the use of a
deadly weapon, the breach of trust within a domestic setting, the historical pattern of domestic abuse, the presence of a child at the crime scene, and the societal need for strong judicial deterrence against such offences.
The court determined that a life sentence was appropriate, with a starting point of 27 years before parole eligibility. However, a one-third reduction was granted for London’s early guilty plea, amounting to nine years. Further consideration of his remorse, lack of previous convictions, and positive reports resulted in an additional one-year reduction. An upward adjustment of one year was also made due to the aggravating presence of a child during the attack.
Ultimately, Justice Morris ordered that London serve a minimum of 18 years before being eligible for parole. She also mandated his participation in anger management and family reconciliation programmes while incarcerated. The time already served on remand, which is eight years, would be deducted from his sentence as required by law.
Why… …police info delay?
The GPF’s handling of the Adrianna drowning is really testing your Eyewitness’s patience. With the Government getting the flak for any and all of their shortcomings – and not only by the opposition - you’d think elements within police ranks are going out of their way to deep six the PPP! Let’s not even go back to that initial FALSE report that Adrianna was spirited away from the hotel in a Raum – leading to the arrest of the driver!! The police soon recanted, but permanently damaged the public’s confidence in their CAPACITY to be impartial.
We just gotta consider how they’ve dealt with conveying information to the public – not to mention the family - in this case that’s grabbed worldwide attention. With all the drama around getting a pathologist to conduct the autopsy – and the Government going out of their way to bring in THREE foreign pathologists, shouldn’t they’ve gotten SOME kudos for going way beyond Standard Operating Procedures?? But Noooo!!
Why?? Those in charge of communicating the preliminary results of the autopsy to John Public – and the family, who should’ve taken precedence – just plain stonewalled everybody!!! ‘No comment’ was the response!! As late as EIGHT DAYS LATER, the family’s two new attorneys were told by the top COP himself that no info was available!! Was he stonewalled? This stonewalling led to renewed anger.
Then, LO AND BEHOLD – at the stroke of MIDNIGHTthe quite comprehensive preliminary autopsy report below, which answered most of the questions on folks’ minds, was issued!!
“There was no evidence of sexual assault (her external genitalia were examined and found unremarkable with her hymen intact); Her soft tissues as well as skeletal structure were free of traumatic injury; There was a residual cone of foam identified within her nostrils and oral cavity, which is often observed in cases of drowning (this finding dispels any contention that there was cotton wool in her nose); The skin changes observed were from prolonged immersion with ‘washerwoman’ changes noted on bilateral hands and soles (washerwoman changes are also consistent in cases of drowning)
“The skin was found to be intact and free from antemortem injuries; (Meaning that she did not receive any injuries to her body prior to her death); The sphenoid sinus was found to have approximately 1ml of liquid (this is the air space located in the brain consistent with drowning) Liquid also found in the lungs of the deceased, which is consistent with drowning.
Additionally, as stated above, a comprehensive toxicological study of the blood and gastric contents is being conducted by the National Medical Services (NMS) Laboratories in the US. Also, tissue specimens are undergoing histological analysis by Mount Sinai’s boardcertified forensic and diagnostic pathologists in the US.”
What gives??
…cleave to US
As should be clear by now to all you dear readers, your Eyewitness is unapologetically in favour of us being in the US camp in this developing new Cold War between China and them. Why?? Well, if for nothing else, with us being a minnow and the US still the largest economy, with now a very jingoistic president, we don’t want to repeat Cheddi’s 1960s gamble, do we??
But in addition to that geopolitical realism, there’s the fact that the greatest threat to our survival as a nation state is Venezuela under Mad Maduro - and the US is that madman’s greatest enemy!! The enemy of our enemy is our friend, innit?? But we really have no choice, since China already has the highest “all weather relationship” with Venezuela – and Russia has just tightened theirs to match – going way beyond their arming them to the teeth with billions and billions of dollars’ worth of advanced weaponry!!
Our choice has already been made!! Let’s not equivocate!!
…new Pontif
Well, the white smoke finally issued from the Vatican chimney - signalling that a new Pope has been elected. He’s American-born Leo XIV, originally from Chicago. So, is he gonna outrank Trump, since his constituency’s 1.4 billion?
Michael London Shaneka Elliot
Justice Simone Morris
Govt plans to rehabilitate Durban Park
General Secretary of the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP), Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has revealed that the administration has intentions to rehabilitate Durban Park – the controversial project that was undertaken by the previous APNU/AFC administration.
The Durban Park project, construction of which had cost more than $1B, was shrouded in significant controversy. One controversy was the fact that a government minister, then Education Minister
Dr Rupert Roopnarine, was one of the Directors of the special purpose company Homestretch Development Incorporated (HDI) – an entity that collected money from secret donors to finance the construction of the park.
Another controversy is the fact that, for years, the Audit Office of Guyana has been unable to audit the project properly, owing to missing documents.
A special audit by the Audit Office was conducted into the Durban Park Project since 2018, finding that $1.1 billion was spent on the project. Even then,
payment vouchers to account for how millions were spent were not provided to the auditors.
There is also the matter of the $500 million paid by the former APNU/AFC Government to the special purpose company. This money was supposed to allow the company to clear its debts. According to the Audit Office, however, there was a stark lack of transparency in how this money was used.
Today, Durban Park is an almost dilapidated structure with aging wooden beams supporting wooden stands. As a matter of fact, the facility has for years been used by vagrants as a nightly refuge.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo said, “I want to say to the people who made the suggestion that we clean it up and fix it up in the next term: yes, that’s going to be done.”
The current state of Durban Park
Chinese businesses in Guyana must uphold laws – new ambassador
Cresentatives from Chinese companies attended. According to a statement from the Chinese Embassy, Ambassador Yang noted that Chinese enterprises are playing an increasingly important role in Guyana’s economic and social development. Moreover, she emphasised the importance of operating in accordance with Guyanese laws
and regulations, upholding the bottom line of security, and actively fulfilling corporate social responsibilities.
Chinese entrepreneurs in Guyana expressed their commitment to further increasing investment in Guyana and contributing to the deepening of practical cooperation between China and Guyana, the embassy’s statement noted.
hinese Ambassador to Guyana, Yang Yang, on Wednesday convened a seminar with Chinese enterprises in Guyana. Counselor Li Hanqing and over 20 rep-
China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Yang Yang, meeting with representatives of Chinese companies in Guyana
Canada’s Air Transat to fly Guyana route
Air Transat out of Canada will be expanding its operation to Guyana, offering two weekly non-stop flights from Toronto to Georgetown.
Voted as the 2024 World’s Best Leisure Airline by Skytrax, Air Transat said it is enhancing its win-
a comfortable and pleasant flight experience. It is also equipped with Club Class seats, so passengers can enjoy a premium experience as they travel to their destination.
Founded in Montreal 37 years ago, Air Transat is a leading travel brand voted
ter programme with the new non-stop route between the Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO).
This new service will operate twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Fridays, from December 16, 2025, to April 24, 2026.
“With this new route, we are expanding our presence in South America while optimizing the use of our aircraft,” said Sebastian Ponce, Transat’s Chief Revenue Officer. “This addition meets a strong demand from the Guyanese diaspora in Canada, while also tapping into a growing market and a leisure clientele curious to discover new destinations.”
According to the Canadian airline, the flights, launched in consultation with the Guyanese and Canadian authorities, and subject to regulatory approvals, will be available for booking within the next few days.
Air Transat will operate the new route with the A321LR, an aircraft renowned for its efficiency. Featuring ergonomic cabins and an advanced inflight entertainment system, the A321LR offers passengers
2024 World’s Best Leisure Airline by passengers at the Skytrax World Airline Awards. Its programme offers access to international destinations, mainly in Europe, the Caribbean, the East Coast of the United States, South America and North Africa.
Air Transat is recognized for its excellent customer service. Its fleet includes some of the most energy-efficient aircraft in their category. Based in Montreal with major hubs in YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport and Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ), it has 5,000 employees who work with a common purpose to bring people closer together.
The Air Transat-operated flights to Georgetown come on the heels of several other airlines also expanding their services to include the Guyana route.
Back in December 2024, Air Canada had announced plans to launch direct flights between Guyana and Canada this year.
The airline had said that, as part of its growth plan, fuelled by the addition of four aircraft models to its fleet – Airbus A220, Boeing 787-
10, Boeing 737 MAX, and especially the A321neo XLR, Latin America is a key focus within the expansion strategy with eight new destinations.
Among its priorities are Lima, Peru and Guyana, with non-stop flights between Toronto and Georgetown/Cheddi Jagan International Airport aiming to capitalize on the region’s economic boom.
Also in December, Jet Global Airways (Guyana) Inc. – a Guyanese startup airline – in partnership with Bulgarian airline GullivAir, revealed plans to operate chartered international flights that would connect Guyana to Europe, South America and North America from July 2025.
Using GullivAir’s Airbus A330-200 aircraft, the service would operate from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport with direct flights to Toronto, London, and Rio de Janeiro twice weekly, and to New York.
Air Transat’s Chief Revenue Officer, Sebastian Ponce
American Cardinal Robert Prevost named new Pope
Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States has been selected as the next pope, the first American pontiff in history. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV.
Pope Leo appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, Thursday May 8, after white smoke had billowed from a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, signifying that the 133 cardinal electors had chosen a new leader for the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church.
In his first remarks as pope from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he called for peace, and paid tribute to the late Pope Francis.
Leo thanked Francis in his speech, and repeated his predecessor's call for a Church that is engaged with the modern world and "is always looking for peace, char-
ity and being close to people, especially those who are suffering".
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, 69, born September 14, 1955, Prefect
of the Vatican Dicastery for Bishops, served as leader of the Vatican office for bishop appointments, assessing candidates and making recommendations to the pope.
Born in Chicago, he is a member of the Augustinian religious order, of which he went on to lead as global superior, and spent many years working in Peru.
$2.2B water treatment plant to be built at Adventure …to serve 5,000 people
The Government will invest $2.2 billion to construct a brand-new water treatment plant at Adventure in Region Six.
According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) report, construction works on the treatment facility are scheduled to be completed in 2026. It will benefit approximately 5,000 people from Tain to Number 50 Villages when it is completed.
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, made the announcement during a recent housing drive in the region.
The Adventure plant is one of five treatment plants funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).
Residents have been reassured that Government is making targeted investments totalling about $3 billion in the region’s water sector in order to improve water access and quality.
“This is to ensure that everyone eventually must get 24hour water, and treated water coming through your taps,” he stated, before noting, “That’s the commitment we have given for the coastland.”
Rehabilitation and expansion works have been carried out on the Port Mourant and New Amsterdam Treatment Plants, resulting in improved
service delivery and water supply to residents.
The plant in New Amsterdam is earmarked for completion in June 2025. It would supply treated water to 5,000 more customers in Vryheid, Stanleytown, Smythfield, and Tucber Park.
Government is also updating and enhancing the transmission networks to provide greater access to a reliable supply of clean water.
Minister Croal disclosed that $50 million more will be invested to upgrade the in-line filters at Chesney, Edinburgh, Number 69 Village, Johanna, Crabwood Creek and Mibicuri by the end of June. This will benefit hundreds of residents.
The minister further dis-
closed, “We received the no-objection for the awarding of a contract for the drilling of a new well at Yakusari/Johanna that will address every complaint for water in Black Bush [Polder].
Another $300 million [will be invested] there…We want to ensure that the level of service is at a certain level for everyone.”
A new well is being constructed in the community of Mara, and six smaller treatment plants are under construction in the region. They are expected to be completed by mid-2025.
All these initiatives are part of the administration’s broader goal to provide treated water to 90 per cent of residents in Region Six.
He was appointed Bishop of Chicalayo, Peru, in 2015, promoted to archbishop in January, 2023 and chosen by Francis to lead the Vatican’s bishop office. Pope Francis created Prevost Cardinal in the Consistory of September 30, 2024.
Prevost presided over the Rosary for Pope Francis’s health in Saint Peter’s Square on March 3.
He becomes the 267th Catholic pope after the death last month of Pope Francis, who was the first Latin American pope and had led the Church for 12 years. Prevost becomes the second pope from the Americas af-
ter Pope Francis. US President, Donald Trump, swiftly congratulated Prevost on becoming the first U.S. pope. "What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!" Trump wrote on Truth Social shortly after the pope appeared on the Vatican balcony in Rome on Thursday.
The last pope to take the name Leo, led the Church from 1878-1903, and was known for his devoted focus on social justice issues, and is often credited with laying the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching. (Sources: Vatican News, CNN, BBC News, The Guardian, Reuters)
Nearly 90 percent access to secondary education for hinterland regions achieved – Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett
Almost 90 per cent of the hinterland population now has access to a good-quality secondary education.
This is according to Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, on Tuesday. At the time, she was responding to questions and recommendations raised at the 49th Session of the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva, Switzerland.
In response to several questions raised about the accessibility of education in Guyana, Rodrigues-Birkett posited that the construction of schools and the training of more teachers have significantly expanded the country’s education programme.
“I come from an indigenous community that, just 30 years ago, had no secondary school. Today…we are constructing a number of secondary schools, and some of them would include dormitories as well,” she explained.
In 2024, a sum of $74.4 billion was allocated to the Ministry of Education for expansionary programmes. Through prudent management, 94 percent of the allotted sum was expended.
This year, the ministry has been allocated $100 billion.
“The access to education in the indigenous communities has improved tremendously, [with] close to 90 percent of access [being achieved],” the ambassador stated.
To further complement access to education in the hinterland, Government has aggressively pursued projects that aim to bridge the digital divide between coastal and rural communities.
“Already, we have had a tremendous increase in digital connectivity to our rural areas, because they were the ones who were suffering all along; and we continue to engage with several providers for additional connectivity…We realise that if the digital divide continues, we cannot speak
of development in a fulsome way,” Ambassador RodriguesBirkett has highlighted.
Guyana is among 14 nations that are earmarked to have their human rights record reviewed. This is Guyana’s fourth review, with its most recent occurrence happening in January 2020.
The UPR Working Group will adopt the recommendations made to Guyana on Friday, May 9, 2025. Guyana’s delegation is being led by Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, and includes Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Guyana to UNOG, Dr Leslie Ramsammy; Senior Research Officer in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, and other technical officials.
'May peace be with all of you,' Prevost tells crowds in his first speech as Pope Leo XIV
The moment the new Pope walked out to cheering crowds
Crowds cheer in St. Peter's Square after the election of the 267th Pope
Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, addressing residents at the Region Six housing drive
2 children die from dengue in Region 6
…as region recorded 332 dengue cases last month
Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne)
Chairman David Armogan on Thursday addressed the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) in Region Six during its monthly meeting, and revealed that two young children have died recently from dengue-related complications.
The two children – a sixyear-old who died Saturday, May 3 and an 11-year-old who died Wednesday, May 7 – are among the hundreds of cases of dengue recorded in Region Six. Some 332 dengue cases have been recorded in the region for April alone.
Addressing the deaths, Armogan stated that all four children from one household were infected with the virus, and one passed away. The Regional Chairman said he spoke with the mother of the 11-year-old on Wednesday, and she said that all four of her children were confirmed to have dengue.
“They went to the Skeldon Hospital and the hospital treated all four of them, and eventually one was transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he succumbed. The [other child] – the case was transferred from the New Amsterdam Hospital to the Georgetown Hospital, and that particular child died at the Georgetown Hospital,” Armogan relayed.
Meanwhile, Jessica Rohit, an aunt of 11-yearold Lokesh Ibrahim, also known as Jayden, said when his mother took him to the Skeldon Hospital, he was given Panadol and sent away.
“On Saturday night, after 7:00 pm, my cousin rushed both of her children – Jayden and his 6-yearold sister – to the Skeldon Hospital. Jayden was crying out in pain all over his body, and his sister was suffering from a high fever,” she said in a social media post.
“The doctor on duty gave Jayden just one Panadol, claimed he had no fever, and sent him home. No tests. No further examination. Only his sister was treated. The doctor also
said she needed to run blood tests on the little girl but didn’t have the proper form, so they would need to return on Tuesday. Still concerned for Jayden’s health, my cousin brought him back to Skeldon Hospital on Tuesday morning at 9:00 am,” she recounted.
According to the aunt, a blood test was carried out on Tuesday, and it was confirmed that Jayden had dengue. He was admitted at the institution and subsequently transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital.
“Jayden’s condition worsened. He stopped responding and began to shiver. A nurse was called, and she said, “The fever got to his head.” Two more doctors came and tried to treat
him – from his arms to his feet. After 10:00 pm, the hospital decided to transfer Jayden to New Amsterdam Hospital. He arrived there around 12:00 midnight. The doctors there did their best, and told my cousin that Jayden came in a critical state. They said he was not breathing on his own and they needed to do more.”
Within three hours, according to Rohit, the child passed away.
“He died from a brain oedema [swelling in the brain], blood in his lungs, and kidney failure – complications of severe dengue that might have been prevented had he been taken seriously when he first arrived at the hospital four days earlier,” she claimed.
Dengue fever is primarily spread through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Mosquitoes become infected when they bite an infected person, and can transmit
the virus to other people through subsequent bites.
Armogan believes that more spraying to control the breeding of mosquitoes is required; a view Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Vineshri Khirodhar, however, does not share.
“I want everyone to know we can't fog every day. The fogging is done in rotation and if you fog a community every day, we will be causing intoxication for residents. We fog as the need arises. There is a schedule every 28 days where we are fogging, but what we are focusing on is the larviciding [the process of controlling mosquitoes by targeting their larval stage in breeding habitats]. It is more effective. You want to kill these mosquitoes before they hatch them, and the larviciding is very effective. This is done. It is very safe and done in a very safe manner. The chemical which we use to do the larviciding is not harmful to humans, and this method is more effective. I know the community is calling for fogging, but I just want to say we cannot fog the areas every single day. We fog as the need arises,” the RHO explained to the RDC.
She is imploring parents to take their children to the hospital if the child displays symptoms of fever or even a sensation that they are having joint pains.
She pointed out than many parents would start treating their children with medications that are contraindicated in dengue.
“The mother was medicating the child with ibuprofen, that is contraindicated with dengue disease.
This would have sped up the bleeding also, and would have caused internal bleeding, apart from the dengue itself. There are many types and different forms of dengue, but the one right now that is very severe, and it weakens the child’s immune system very quickly, is the NS1 dengue. When you have these cases, and you would not know, because you are home-treating the child with ibuprofen and pills, but you don't know which form you're dealing with. The child can come from school, and they are okay, and in a minute or half an hour to an hour, the child gets very ill, vomits and collapses. In many of these cases, these kids, we didn't have a lot of time with them. When they come into the emergency, they are very ill-looking.”
Meanwhile, the health department has scheduled fortnightly television programmes to sensitize the public on the issue. Additionally, fliers acquired from the Ministry of Health is being distributed in communities, the RHO told the RDC.
Armogan said that there was a need to have Government 10-day parttime workers assist in distributing whatever printed material there is. He also called on the health department to work with the education department, so that information can get to homes through the school system.
According to the Regional Chairman, the spread of dengue is across the region and not confined to any particular section of the region.
Corentyne Pandit on station bail for alleged rape of 13-year-old rearrested for posting sex video of victim
ACorentyne Pandit, who is being investigated for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl, has been rearrested for allegedly posting videos of the teenager performing sex acts with him.
Police rearrested the religious leader after the girl’s 31-year-old mother told investigators about the videos being circulated on social media.
The Pandit who is already on $100,000 station bill for the alleged March 17 incident was released on $20,000 station bail on
Wednesday. According to the Government’s part-time, 10-day worker, it was four days after the incident that her daughter told her what allegedly happened when the Pandit invited her to his birthday party.
The woman said she was told that her daughter was given beer to drink and when she became intoxicated, she was taken into a room and sexually assaulted. However, the teenager only spoke out after her mother confronted her.
According to the moth-
er, when she confronted her daughter with the information she received from a friend, the young lady went into the yard and ingested a poisonous substance. It was after this that she revealed to her mother what transpired on March 17.
According to the mother of the teenager, following the attempted suicide, Child Care intervened and promised to provide counselling for the teenager.
“Up to today, I have not gotten back any call from them,” the woman said.
Expand your interests, friendships and haunts. Getting out and discovering what's available in your community will give you the boost you need to make something happen.
Say no to temptation, overspending and taking on responsibilities that don't belong to you. Promote and market yourself instead of being someone else's minion.
Declutter your life. Eliminate what tires you out and stands in your way. It's time to enjoy life and let go of whatever stands between you and your happiness.
Refuse to let uncertainty stop you from chasing your dreams. Stand up, be counted and take responsibility for your success. Do your due diligence and handle your affairs personally.
Listen, learn and gather information that might come in handy later. Expect someone to interfere or try to pressure you into making changes that are better for them than for you.
Dig deep, connect the dots and ask experts. Following your heart and putting your ideas in motion will give you the wherewithal to complete your mission. Learn everything you can.
Stay tight-lipped until you have verified the facts and organized your thoughts. Keep your life simple; be direct, and do not allow anyone to talk you into something that might encroach on your well-being.
Don't let anger eat your energy. Get out, network and join forces with people who offer stability and loyalty, and push your way forward. A personal gain will require hands-on help.
Trust your instincts and abilities, and bypass anyone trying to stand in your way. Worry less about who follows and more about doing things for yourself and reaping the rewards.
Be honest regarding monetary situations. Don't spend what you don't have or get involved with people who encourage you do so. Focus on home, family and the changes necessary to make life easier.
Get out and promote your cause. Update your skills and use them to fill an in-demand niche. An innovative approach to business, lifestyle and the things that make you happy will pay off.
Look for the positive in everyone. Align yourself with people already on the same page as you. Do your own thing and protect your assets, ideas and valuable connections.
ARCHIE
Hobart Hurricanes bring Aussie flair to ExxonMobil Guyana GSL T20
Following the excitement of the Big Bash League (BBL|14) earlier this year, reigning champions the Hobart Hurricanes will compete in the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) T20 this July, a missive from the organizing body indicated on Wednesday evening. As such, four of the five competing teams in this year’s tournament have already been unveiled.
The ExxonMobil GSL shared, “From July 10 to 18,
2025 in Guyana, the Hobart Hurricanes will compete in this T20 tournament against four other teams from around the globe, aiming to become the champions of the second iteration of the GSL.
“The timing of the tournament in the Caribbean allows the Hurricanes to send a strong team to the GSL, as it is being played during the Australian domestic offseason and starts after the Major League Cricket T20 competition in the United States.
“Hobart will become the second Australian team to play in this tournament, after Cricket Victoria finished second in last year’s competition, losing to Bangladeshi side the Rangpur Riders.
“Cricket Tasmania High Performance General Manager Salliann Beams is pleased to see the Hobart Hurricanes competing in this newly developed competition.
“The Guyana Global Super League provides our male playing group with another competition with real
stakes to help prepare themselves for the rigours of the Australian domestic summer while continuing to develop their white-ball skills.
“With the international cricket calendar becoming increasingly more competitive, to be able to send a team to an overseas tournament in different conditions, against different opposition, will give our athletes a chance to test themselves further.
“Our squad, while not
Women’s T20 Blaze…
public yet, will have a good blend of top-end talent and provide playing opportunities to players who we view as important aspects of our organisation in the coming years,” said Beams.
“The announcement of the Hobart Hurricanes squad for the GSL in Guyana will be shared later this month.”
The Hobart Hurricanes join defending champions Rangpur Riders, New Zealand’s Super smash
Champions Central Stags and hosts Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) in this year’s ExxonMobil Guyana GSL T20.
The fifth competing team is expected to be unveiled soon.
The teams in this year’s tournament will be competing for a US$1M prize pool, and the action will take place at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
Guyana rout Trinidad cheaply for 4th consecutive win
The lowest score thus far in the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Women’s T20 Blaze tournament was recorded on Wednesday evening when Guyana’s bowlers again showed up, and showed out with the ball in hand to rout Trinidad and Tobago for just 35 runs.
Not only did the Guyanese Women ensure wickets fell at regular intervals, but their bowling was sufficiently precise to stop the flow of runs at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Trinidad had 12 runs on the board by the second over, before Plaffiana Millington recorded the first strike by removing Shunelle Sawh for 8 runs off 9 balls. That figure went on to become the highest on the Trinidadian scorecard.
A few quiet overs went by before Millington found another wicket-taking delivery, this time sending the other opener, Britney Cooper, back to the dugout for 4. Shenetta Grimmond joined the party in
the next over, and following a double- wicket rotation in her second over, Trinidad were reeling at 23-5.
Guyana kept up the pressure and, as such, their opponents did not have the chance to recover, being bowled out for 35 in 14.2 overs. Notably, 9 of their 35 runs came by way of extras.
Grimmond snared 3-5 from 3 overs, while Millington and Ashmini Munisar each claimed 2 scalps.
In reply, Guyana lost two early wickets in Realeanna Grimmond and Mandy Mangru, for 3 and 6 runs respectively. However, Shabika Gajnabi and Captain Shemaine Campbelle combined to take their team over the line.
Gajnabi hit 3 fours in an unbeaten 14 off 13 balls, while Campbelle found the boundary thrice for 13 off 11, as Guyana got to 37-2 in 6.3 overs.
Anisa Mohamed and Steffie Soogrim were among the wickets.
Guyana’s Women are comfortable at the top of the points table with 33 points, defending champions Jamaica are second with 23 points, while Leeward Islands Women close off the top three with 21 points.
In fourth position is Trinidad and Tobago with 20 points, Windwards Islands follow with 19 points, and Barbados Women, who are yet
to win a game in the competition, have just 4 points.
The Guyanese team will play their final League game against defending Champions Jamaica today: Friday, May 9th at 14:30hrs.
The CWI Women’s T20 Blaze final is scheduled for Sunday, May 11th, at 14:30hrs and will feature the top two teams from the League phase which concludes today.
